In this current economy air travel and especially travel for pleasure has decreased dramatically. Everyone is watching their wallets and counting their pennies to ensure that they have enough money for the future. However, the economy doesn't have to put a complete stop on your air travel especially with the Airmiles points programs. This article will discuss the main two Airmiles programs in Canada. There are airline points programs in the USA and UK, however, this article does not discuss these options.

The main two airmiles programs in Canada are Airmiles and Aeroplan. The Bay or HBC also has a rewards program but it will not be discussed as it is typically used to purchase merchandise and not flights. The two airline points programs have been around for over 15 years with Aeroplan celebrating their 25th year this year. These programs award millions of points and thousands of flights every year and are a great way to continue to travel through this tough economy.

The Airmiles program is owned and operated by LoyaltyOne formerly Alliance Data Loyalty Services. The Airmiles program is actually the largest points or rewards program in Canada with over 10 million collectors. The program features over 100 merchants including some very large names such as the Bank of Montreal, Safeway, Shell, American Express, Boston Pizza and others. The best place to collect Airmiles quickly is Safeway as they release plenty of Airmiles specials weekly. A typical Airmiles accumulates at 1 for every $20 spent, however, this varies from merchant to merchant.

The Aeroplan program is owned and operated by Groupe Aeroplan Inc. it was originally introduced in 1984 by Air Canada to reward their frequency flyers. Since this time is has been updated and has actually evolved into a loyalty marketing program much as the Airmiles program. Aeroplan has over 5 million members and many merchants to collect points which includes Esso, Home hardware, Air Canada, Sobeys and more. The best place to collect Aeroplan points are typically on Air Canada flights. You typically acquire Aeroplan points at the rate of 1 for every $1 or $2 spent. Aeroplan points expire if you do not use your Aeroplan account once throughout the calendar year.

The question now become how do you choose between Airmiles or Aeroplan? The answer is actually quite simple: choose both! The programs are competing programs and are trying to capture your purchasing dollar, however, they have different merchants. It is in your best interest to get both an Airmiles and Aeroplan card. Most people choose to shop at one main location for groceries (Sobeys, Safeway, etc..), however, occasional shop at another place. In these cases you need to have the competing points programs card. You may not accumulate a flight quickly but eventually you will.

Airline and loyalty programs are a great way to collect Airmiles quickly. However, choosing only one program and sticking to it will limit the number of points and eventually flights that you can redeem. It is best to remain loyal to one program but have access to the other for a few occasions.