Air Canada is running a duo of rich promotions. These aren’t going to move the needle to get most Americans to travel since actually visiting Canada isn’t feasible right now given quarantine requirements and connecting on Air Canada is of limited use given the number of countries that are closed to those carrying U.S. passports.

Nonetheless these are offers to watch, because they underscore what a loyalty program can do to help get members excited and because they’ll be gathering strong data on how much promotions can move the needle right now on travel in places where the virus seems under control. (Southern Europe, despite opening up, isn’t seeing much tourism for instance.)

Registration is required.

Earn Up To 150% Bonus Miles

Book by August 4 for travel on Air Canada through September 30, 2020 and earn a 100% bonus on Economy fares and 150% bonus on premium economy and business class fares.

Eligible fares are Economy Standard, Economy Flex, comfort, Latitude, Premium Economy Lowest, Premium Economy Flexible, Premium Rouge, Business Class Lowest and Business Class Flexible. Eligible flights are those by Air Canada, Rouge and Air Canada Express.

Unfortunately tickets purchased prior to July 21 are ineligible for this bonus (and rebooking while retaining the same confirmation number won’t help either).

Rebate On Award Travel

Book by August 4 for travel on Air Canada through September 30, 2020 and receive:

• 30% rebate on economy redemptions
  
• 35% rebate on premium economy redemptions
  
• 40% rebate on business class redemptions

You do have to have ‘regular’ mileage in your account to make a redemption, this is a rebate not a discount, and miles will then be credited back to your account 3-4 weeks after travel on the itinerary has been completed.

With all of the empty seats right now it just doesn’t cost the airline as much as it usually does to offer award travel. There’s less of a chance of crowding out a paid ticket, and in the rare event that happens it’s likely to be a cheap paid ticket. Lower award prices make sense, and shame on other airlines that aren’t doing it.

Partner award prices don’t fluctuate on a spot market the same way, though, and remain for the most part as costly as in normal times so it makes sense to reduce pricing for own-metal awards only.