How Do I Book With United Points On Air Canada?

Hello, fellow travel enthusiasts! In case, you find yourself wondering “How Do I Book With United Points on Air Canada?” and feel like the only one in the dark wondering how to book Air Canada flights using United MileagePlus points, you have the Star Alliance partnership to thank for making it easier than you might think to redeem United points for Air Canada flights, but there are some tricks in doing so to get the most out of your miles. New to points or a seasoned traveler looking for some insider tips, this guide will outline step-by-step exactly how to book.

It is possible to use United MileagePlus points to book flights on Air Canada by going into your account, looking for award flights, choosing Air Canada alternatives, and then completing the booking process on United’s website. Read our guide to discover the entire, step-by-step procedure. Stay tuned to learn more about step-by-step procedures in our comprehensive guide.

Why book Air Canada flights with United Points?

Before getting started, let’s talk about why you want to do this in the first place:

• Extensive network: Air Canada is one of the largest airlines in North America, offering a vast network of domestic and international destinations.
• Star Alliance Perks: United Airlines and Air Canada are Star Alliance members, so the points can be redeemed on either airline.
• Savings Potential: You will sometimes save miles by booking an Air Canada flight with United points instead of booking it directly with the Aeroplan program from Air Canada.
• Flexible Travel Classes: Points can be used to book Economy, Premium Economy, or Business Class, offering choices for every budget and comfort level.

Step-by-Step Guide to Booking Air Canada Flights with United Points

Here’s how to redeem your United MileagePlus points for Air Canada flights:

Step 1: Log in to Your MileagePlus Account

To get started:

• Visit United’s official website.
• Log in using your MileagePlus credentials. If you don’t have an account, signing up is quick and free.

Step 2: Search for Award Flights

• On the homepage, select “Advanced search” to access more filters.
• Check the box labeled “Book with miles.”
• Enter your departure and destination cities, travel dates, and the number of passengers.

Step 3: Narrow Down to Air Canada Flights

Once search results populate:

• Use filters to display Star Alliance partners.
• Look for flights labeled “Operated by Air Canada.”
• Choose flights based on your mileage budget and travel preferences.

Step 4: Review Mileage Requirements and Fees

For each flight, you’ll see:

• The number of miles required for the booking.
• Any additional taxes or fees. Air Canada flights tend to have lower carrier-imposed surcharges than some other international airlines.

Step 5: Complete Your Booking

• Confirm passenger details.
• Finalize the transaction by deducting miles and paying any applicable fees.

Congratulations—you’ve booked your Air Canada flight using United Points!

Tips to Maximize Your MileagePlus Points

1. Book Early: Award seats, especially Saver Awards, are scarce. Book as far ahead as you can (11 months in advance). That will be the best possible availability.
2. Be flexible with your travel dates: The flexibility of being able to choose your dates is crucial. The United website allows for “Flexible dates” so that you can search across different days.
3. Look at Stopovers: Star Alliance airlines, including Air Canada, typically offer stopovers. So, for example, if you are headed to Europe you could add in a stop to Toronto or Montreal without adding to the mileage of your ticket
4. Listen for Sales: Keep an ear out for MileagePlus sales. These periodically put award bookings for specific routes up for sale at certain travel times

Understanding Mileage Plus Award Pricing

United doesn’t publish a fixed award chart anymore, but you can expect typical one-way Saver Award pricing to look something like this:

Route	Economy Class	Business Class
Within North America	12,500 miles	25,000 miles
North America to Europe	30,000 miles	60,000 miles
North America to Asia	35,000 miles	70,000 miles

Using the United MileagePlus Award Calendar

The award calendar is a lifesaver for flexible travelers. Here’s how to use it effectively:

• Select the “Flexible Dates” Option: The calendar will show you the lowest mileage rates available over a month.
• Look for Saver Awards: These are typically the best deals but may have limited availability.
• Check Different Classes: Sometimes, the difference between Economy and Business Class is minimal, making an upgrade worthwhile.

What About Taxes and Fees?

While United points cover the cost of the flight itself, you’ll still need to pay taxes and fees. Here’s what to expect:

• Domestic Flights: Minimal fees, typically under $20.
• International Flights: $50 to $200 in fees, depending on the route.
• Pro Tip: Avoid routes with high carrier-imposed surcharges by shopping around among Star Alliance partners.

Benefits of Booking Air Canada Flights with United Points

• No Dynamic Pricing: MileagePlus awards are more transparent in their pricing compared to Aeroplan, Air Canada’s program.
• Smooth Booking Process: All booking is done through United’s website; no need to jump between platforms.

You’ll also get better value for premium seats since United sometimes requires fewer points than Aeroplan for Business or First Class on the same flights.

What to Do If You Still Can’t Find Availability?

Award space on Air Canada flights is sometimes competitive. Here are a few things you can try:

• Check Back Often: Award space sometimes opens up closer to the departure date.
• Expand Your Search: Consider nearby airports or alternate routes.
• Call United Customer Service: Agents sometimes can find award availability that isn’t available online.

Real-Life Booking Example

Situation:

• You want to travel from New York (JFK) to Paris (CDG) on Air Canada.
  • Economy Saver: 30,000 miles + $50 in taxes
  • Business Saver: 60,000 miles + $100 in taxes
•  You select Business Saver for the extra comfort and value.

 Total Cost: 60,000 miles + $100, which is a great bargain compared to paying cash for a business-class ticket.

Additional Resources

• United’s MileagePlus Program: Learn more about earning and redeeming points on their website.
• Star Alliance Benefits: Discover all the perks of flying with Star Alliance partners.
• Award Booking Services: Consider using professional award booking services if you struggle to find availability.

Conclusion

Booking an Air Canada flight is one of the best ways to redeem your United MileagePlus points. With proper planning and some insider information, you will be unlocking incredible travel experiences without blowing a hole through your pocket. Flexibility and persistence will be your best friends while finding award availability.

So, be it Europe, Asia, or anywhere in between, get those points working for you. Happy travels!

FAQs Regarding Booking Air Canada Flights with United Points