Aeroplan on seaplanes, a CA$30 Air Canada fee & 3 more things this week

Aeroplan is stretching to some very small planes this week, while Air Canada is making it a little pricier to book by phone. Add a returning flight pass and a fresh WestJet partnership, and there's plenty to dig into before the week starts.

Harbour Air is now the first regional airline in B.C. to allow Aeroplan redemption, expanding its existing partnership with Air Canada's loyalty program to include point redemption on eligible Harbour Air seaplane flights.

The news was reported by several outlets this week, including Daily Hive, LoyaltyLobby and TravelPulse Canada. For Aeroplan members based in Vancouver (YVR) and around the coast, it opens up a distinctly West Coast way to spend points.

A seaplane hop is a fun, scenic use of Aeroplan points, and the program keeps adding partners that go beyond traditional airlines. Check the redemption rates before booking, since short flights don't always offer the best value per point.

Air Canada's Explorer Flight Pass is back for a limited time, with 4, 8 or 16 credits to destinations across Canada, North America, Europe, Asia and Australia. The catch, according to Prince of Travel, is that every credit books into a specific fare class, so flexibility is limited.

A flight pass can suit frequent travellers who know their routes, but read the fare-class restrictions carefully before buying. Compare the per-credit cost against what you'd pay for regular tickets or Aeroplan redemptions.

Air Canada has introduced a CA$30 phone booking fee, and coverage this week focused on who pays it and who is exempt. If you're used to calling to book awards or sort out itineraries, it's worth knowing the details before you pick up the phone.

Booking online where you can is the easiest way to sidestep a CA$30 charge. Before you call, check whether your situation falls under one of the exemptions.

Qatar Airways and WestJet have launched a new codeshare between the two airlines. Qatar Airways will add its QR code to WestJet's flights across Canada, according to Economy Class & Beyond.

Codeshares often smooth out connections from Canadian cities to long-haul destinations. WestJet Rewards members should watch for how this partnership might expand their options over time.

In episode 51 of Miles Ahead: The Canadian Points Podcast, Daniel, Jeff and Josh from FrugalFlyer.ca review upcoming changes to Canadian Aeroplan credit cards. If you hold or are eyeing one, it's worth a listen.

Card changes can quietly affect your earn rates and benefits, so it pays to hear the details before your next renewal or application.

• Desjardins offers 3 Visa Business cards; two pay a 1% rebate on purchases above $12,000 a year, and the third settles expenses in US dollars (Milesopedia).

• Air Canada Aeroplan and World of Hyatt have launched a loyalty collaboration.

• Air France-KLM's Flying Blue was named the world's best airline loyalty program for the third consecutive year.

• Air Canada's Montreal–Tenerife flights begin October 31.

That's your week. Have a great Sunday, and may your points go a little further.

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