Dreaming of that amazing flight reward or topping up your Aeroplan balance for an incredible redemption? If you're sitting on a pile of Marriott Bonvoy points, you're in luck! Converting your Marriott points to Aeroplan can unlock a world of travel possibilities, from luxurious flights to exciting vacation packages. But how exactly do you do it, and what should you know to maximize your value?
This comprehensive guide will walk you through every single step of converting your Marriott Bonvoy points to Aeroplan, ensuring a smooth and rewarding experience. Let's dive in!
Step 1: Are You Ready to Take Flight (or Just Explore)?
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let's gauge your readiness. Have you already thought about what you want to redeem your Aeroplan points for? Knowing your redemption goal can significantly impact your transfer strategy. Perhaps you're eyeing a specific Star Alliance flight, a hotel stay booked through Aeroplan, or even a car rental.
Think about it:
What's your travel dream?
Do you have enough points for that dream, or will this transfer get you closer?
Understanding your end goal will help you determine the optimal amount of points to transfer.
How To Convert Marriott Points To Aeroplan |
Understanding the Conversion Rate: The Foundation of Your Transfer
The first crucial piece of information you need is the conversion rate. For most airline partners, including Aeroplan, Marriott Bonvoy points convert at a 3:1 ratio. This means 3 Marriott Bonvoy points equal 1 Aeroplan point.
For example, if you transfer 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points, you'll generally receive 20,000 Aeroplan points.
The Bonus You Can't Miss: Marriott's Sweetener
Here's where it gets even better! Marriott Bonvoy offers a fantastic bonus when you transfer points to airline partners in increments of 60,000. For every 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points you convert in a single transaction, you'll receive an additional 5,000 bonus Aeroplan points.
So, if you transfer 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points, instead of getting just 20,000 Aeroplan points (60,000 / 3), you'll receive a total of 25,000 Aeroplan points (20,000 + 5,000 bonus). This effectively makes the ratio for that 60,000 point chunk 2.4:1! This is a significant boost and often the most strategic way to transfer.
Step 2: Checking Your Balances and Eligibility
Now that you understand the mechanics, it's time for some practical checks.
Sub-heading 2.1: Verify Your Marriott Bonvoy Points Balance
Log in to your Marriott Bonvoy account and confirm you have sufficient points for your desired transfer, especially if you're aiming for the 60,000-point bonus increment.
QuickTip: Scan for summary-style sentences.
Action: Go to the Marriott Bonvoy website and log in to your account. Navigate to your "Activity" or "My Points" section to view your current balance.
Sub-heading 2.2: Ensure Your Aeroplan Account is Ready
If you don't already have an Aeroplan account, you'll need to create one. It's a quick and free process. Make sure your Aeroplan account is active and in good standing.
Action: Visit the Air Canada Aeroplan website (
) and sign up if you haven't already. Jot down your Aeroplan number.aircanada.com/aeroplan
Step 3: Initiating the Transfer Process on Marriott's Website
This is where the magic happens! The transfer process is initiated directly from your Marriott Bonvoy account.
Sub-heading 3.1: Navigate to the "Transfer Points to Miles" Section
Once logged into your Marriott Bonvoy account:
Look for a section related to "Redeem Points" or "Use Points."
Within that section, you should find an option like "Transfer Points to Miles" or "Transfer Points to Airline Partners."
Sub-heading 3.2: Select Aeroplan as Your Preferred Airline Partner
Marriott Bonvoy partners with a multitude of airlines. You'll need to find and select "Air Canada Aeroplan" from the list.
Important Note: Double-check that you select the correct airline to avoid any irreversible mistakes.
Sub-heading 3.3: Enter Your Aeroplan Account Details and Transfer Amount
On the transfer page, you'll be prompted to enter your Aeroplan account number. This is a critical step to ensure the points go to the correct destination.
Next, you'll enter the amount of Marriott Bonvoy points you wish to transfer. Remember the 60,000-point increment for the bonus!
Pro Tip: While you can transfer in increments as low as 3,000 Marriott Bonvoy points, aim for multiples of 60,000 points to maximize the 5,000 bonus Aeroplan points.
Sub-heading 3.4: Review and Confirm Your Transfer
Tip: The middle often holds the main point.
Before finalizing, carefully review all the details of your transfer:
The amount of Marriott Bonvoy points you are transferring.
The estimated Aeroplan points you will receive (including the bonus).
Your Aeroplan account number.
Once you're confident, confirm the transfer. You'll usually receive a confirmation email from Marriott Bonvoy shortly after.
Step 4: Waiting for Your Aeroplan Points to Post
Transfers aren't always instant. It takes some time for the points to move from your Marriott Bonvoy account to your Aeroplan account.
Sub-heading 4.1: Understanding Transfer Times
Marriott Bonvoy to Aeroplan transfers typically take around 4 days.
However, it's important to note that transfer times can vary. Some sources indicate it could take anywhere from a few days to potentially a few weeks (though 4 days is a good average expectation). Be prepared for this potential delay.
Sub-heading 4.2: Monitoring Your Aeroplan Account
Regularly check your Aeroplan account activity to see when your transferred points have posted.
Action: Log in to your Aeroplan account on the Air Canada website and check your points balance and transaction history.
What to do if there's a delay? If your points haven't posted after the typical timeframe, first check both your Marriott Bonvoy and Aeroplan transaction histories. If you still don't see them, it's best to contact Marriott Bonvoy customer service, as they initiated the transfer.
Step 5: Redeeming Your Newly Acquired Aeroplan Points!
Once your Aeroplan points are safely in your account, the real fun begins!
Sub-heading 5.1: Explore Aeroplan's Redemption Options
Aeroplan is known for its extensive redemption options, particularly for flights.
Flight Rewards: This is often the most valuable use of Aeroplan points. You can redeem for flights on Air Canada and its numerous Star Alliance partners (like United, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, and more!), as well as other non-alliance partners (such as Etihad and Emirates). You can book flights directly on the Air Canada website.
Hotels and Car Rentals: Aeroplan also allows you to redeem points for hotel stays (through HotelSavers, sometimes offering discounts) and car rentals.
Vacation Packages: You can use points to book entire vacation packages with Air Canada Vacations.
Merchandise and Gift Cards: While generally offering lower value, these are also options if you prefer non-travel redemptions.
Sub-heading 5.2: Maximizing Your Redemption Value
QuickTip: Don’t just consume — reflect.
To get the most out of your Aeroplan points:
Target Premium Cabins: Redeeming for Business Class or First Class flights often yields the highest per-point value.
Utilize Partner Airlines: Explore flights on Star Alliance partners, as they can sometimes offer better redemption rates or routes than Air Canada directly.
Watch for Promotions: Keep an eye out for Aeroplan promotions on specific routes or partners.
Consider Points + Cash: For some redemptions, a combination of points and cash can be a good option.
Congratulations!
You've successfully navigated the process of converting your Marriott Bonvoy points to Aeroplan. Enjoy the fruits of your points-earning labor and embark on your next adventure!
Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 frequently asked questions about converting Marriott Bonvoy points to Aeroplan, with quick answers:
How to check my Marriott Bonvoy points balance?
You can check your Marriott Bonvoy points balance by logging into your account on the Marriott Bonvoy website and navigating to your "My Account" or "Activity" section.
How to create an Aeroplan account?
To create an Aeroplan account, visit the Air Canada Aeroplan website (
How to find the "Transfer Points to Miles" option on Marriott's website?
Once logged into your Marriott Bonvoy account, look under "Redeem Points" or "Use Points," and you should find a link or button labeled "Transfer Points to Miles" or "Transfer Points to Airline Partners."
How to ensure I get the 5,000 bonus Aeroplan points?
Tip: Don’t skim — absorb.
To receive the 5,000 bonus Aeroplan points, you must transfer Marriott Bonvoy points in increments of 60,000 points in a single transaction.
How to confirm my Aeroplan account number?
Your Aeroplan account number can be found by logging into your Aeroplan account on the Air Canada website, usually on your dashboard or profile page.
How to track the status of my Marriott to Aeroplan transfer?
While Marriott doesn't offer real-time tracking, you can monitor your Aeroplan account activity. The points should typically post within 4 business days.
How to contact Marriott Bonvoy customer service if points don't appear?
If your transferred points don't appear in your Aeroplan account after the expected timeframe, contact Marriott Bonvoy customer service directly through their website or phone line, providing your transfer confirmation details.
How to redeem Aeroplan points for flights?
You can redeem Aeroplan points for flights directly on the Air Canada website (aircanada.com) by searching for award flights and selecting the "Pay with points" option.
How to find Star Alliance partner flights with Aeroplan points?
When searching for flights on the Air Canada website, Aeroplan will automatically show you availability on Star Alliance partner airlines and other non-alliance partners.
How to maximize the value of Aeroplan points after transfer?
To maximize value, aim for redemptions in premium cabins (Business or First Class), utilize Aeroplan's extensive partner airline network, and look for any active Aeroplan promotions or sweet spots in their award chart.