A year ago American Express ran a targeted 20% transfer bonus from Membership Rewards to Aeroplan. It was the first time I could recall seeing a bonus on transfers to this Star Alliance loyalty program.

mia reports that there is currently a 10% transfer bonus available. It does not appear in my account so may be targeted.

He further says that this bonus may only appear to you one time, so don’t go looking for it unless you’re prepared to take advantage of the offer if you see it.

Based on similar offer from Cathay Pacific (CX) Asia Miles earlier this year you may have only one opportunity to view this offer and transfer, and the offer will likely disappear entirely over the weekend. Do not check to see if it is available, and plan to come back later.

I find though that I use Aeroplan quite frequently (at least as a Membership Rewards transfer partner) for 55,000 mile business class one-way awards between the US and nearer Europe. Points transfer instantly, and with Aeroplan you can even have a stopover (visit a city along the way to or from your destination) on a roundtrip award and an open jaw (either come back from a different city than the one you arrive in, or return to a different city than the one you started in).

Aeroplan does add fuel surcharges to award tickets on some of airlines. However you can book award tickets on Star Alliance partners without fuel surcharges if you stick to travel on specific airlines like Air China, Air New Zealand, Brussels Airlines, EgyptAir, EVA Airways, Scandinavian, Singapore, Swiss, Turkish or United.

Copyright: ronniechua / 123RF Stock Photo

Fuel surcharges are whatever would be charged on a similar, paid itinerary. LOT fuel surcharges are low, so booking an Aeroplan award on LOT Polish isn’t very costly.

Aeroplan doesn’t put awards on hold. So you can’t lock in an award with available space now, and then make the transfer. But you can call, set up an award, and make the transfer while you’re on the phone.