Aeroplan operates a series of partnerships with leading brands across a variety of different industries in Canada, including Starbucks, Rocky Mountaineer, LCBO, and Uber.
In Fall 2022, Aeroplan and Avis Preferred entered a status-matching agreement, whereby Aeroplan Elite Status members and holders of premium Aeroplan co-branded credit cards could match to Avis Preferred elite status, all the way up to Avis President’s Club.
As of July 21, 2023, status matching has been expanded to include core Aeroplan co-branded credit cards, too, and this article has been updated to reflect the change.
Aeroplan and Avis Status Match
Ever since October 2022, Aeroplan Elite Status members and holders of premium Aeroplan co-branded credit cards have been able to match to two separate tiers of Avis Preferred elite status.
Aeroplan 75K and Super Elite members, as well as primary cardholders of premium Aeroplan credit cards, are able to match to Avis President’s Club status. As a reminder, the following are considered premium Aeroplan cards:
Aeroplan Premium Credit Cards
| Credit Card | Best Offer | Value | |
|---|---|---|---|
115,000 Aeroplan points $599 annual fee |
115,000 Aeroplan points | $2,130 |
Apply Now |
Up to 125,000 Aeroplan points $599 annual fee |
Up to 125,000 Aeroplan points | $1,868 |
Apply Now |
120,000 Aeroplan points $599 annual fee |
120,000 Aeroplan points | $1,711 |
Apply Now |
90,000 Aeroplan points $599 annual fee |
90,000 Aeroplan points | $740 |
Apply Now |
Meanwhile, Aeroplan 25K, 35K, and 50K members, and as of July 21, 2023, anyone with a core Aeroplan co-branded credit card, are eligible to match to Avis Preferred Plus status.
As a reminder, the following are considered to be core Aeroplan co-branded credit cards:
Core Aeroplan Credit Cards
| Credit Card | Best Offer | Value | |
|---|---|---|---|
Up to 50,000 Aeroplan points First Year Free |
Up to 50,000 Aeroplan points | $1,155 |
Apply Now |
55,000 Aeroplan points $120 annual fee |
55,000 Aeroplan points | $1,114 |
Apply Now |
Up to 70,000 Aeroplan points $139 annual fee |
Up to 70,000 Aeroplan points | $1,016 |
Apply Now |
45,000 Aeroplan points First Year Free |
45,000 Aeroplan points | $714 |
Apply Now |
60,000 Aeroplan points First Year Free |
60,000 Aeroplan points | $693 |
Apply Now |
Furthermore, the US-issued Chase Aeroplan Card is also considered to be a core co-branded credit card.
As part of the status match, members agree to set Aeroplan points as the default earning currency on Avis rentals instead of Avis Preferred points. This is something you should already be doing for Avis car rentals, anyway.
The status match to Avis President’s Club is the most compelling and exciting opportunity at hand here, since it’s typically an invitation-only elite tier typically reserved for corporate customers with much more enticing benefits. This invitation-only tier is now, in practice, open to everyone, since all you need to do is either already hold or apply for a new premium Aeroplan credit card to enjoy President’s Club benefits.
To take advantage of this Avis status matching opportunity, first sign up for an Avis Preferred account, then head to the dedicated Air Canada landing page to request the status match.
What Does Avis Preferred Status Get You?
Avis President’s Club comes with quite a few enticing benefits, including the following:
- Guaranteed rental car availability up to full-size cars, for reservations made at least 24 hours in advance
- Complimentary two-class upgrade when available, if originally booked as an intermediate vehicle (class C) or higher
- Dedicated phone line for reservations and customer service
The first one is actually an extremely useful benefit that might not appear as such at first glance. With the recent chip shortage and car rental fleet deficits showing no signs of stopping, it’s more important than ever before to book your rental car weeks in advance, or even as soon as you book the rest of the trip.
Having guaranteed rental car availability will provide more peace of mind that you’ll definitely have a rental car available to you, as long as you book at least 24 hours in advance.
As for complimentary car upgrades, this is available across participating Avis locations in Canada, the US, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. That being said, this benefit is somewhat comparable to “suite-talking” with hotels – just because the car is available and you’re eligible for an upgrade, doesn’t mean you’ll always get it without asking.
Meanwhile, Avis Preferred Plus members receive the following benefits:
- Complimentary one-class upgrade when available, if originally booked as an intermediate vehicle (class C) or higher
- Special Avis Preferred Plus number for reservations and customer service support
- Exclusive monthly email offers
Although less exciting than President’s Club, Avis Preferred Plus still offers upgrades based on availability and a dedicated phone line. If you have a qualifying Aeroplan Elite Status tier, there’s no reason not to go for the Avis status match.
Conclusion
Aeroplan and Avis have deepened their relationship by offering Avis Preferred status as a status match for Aeroplan Elite Status members and primary cardholders of core and premium Aeroplan co-branded credit cards.
Aeroplan 75K, Super Elite, and premium Aeroplan credit cardholders can match to Avis President’s Club status, which comes with a two-class car upgrade, guaranteed car availability, and a dedicated phone line for customer support.
Aeroplan 25K, 35K, and 50K members, as well as core co-branded credit cardholders, are able to match to Avis Preferred Plus status, which comes with a one-class car upgrade and a special phone number for customer support.
This Aeroplan and Avis status-matching opportunity is quite powerful, as President’s Club is an invitation-only status tier that’s otherwise unattainable. Be sure to sign up for an Avis Preferred account and request your status match before your next car rental.
This story originally appeared on princeoftravel
