Best ways to book from the US to Canada on points

Air Canada Aeroplan

Air Canada operates flights to dozens of U.S. cities, including relatively obscure routes like Edmonton (YEG) to San Francisco (SFO), Montreal (YUL) to Pittsburgh (PIT), and Vancouver (YVR) to Nashville (BNA). It also partners with United Airlines, which operates flights from its hubs to major Canadian cities.

You can book these flights with Air Canada Aeroplan. The loyalty program now dynamically prices Air Canada and United awards, meaning the price you’ll pay varies by the day you depart and when you book your ticket. That said, it typically offers the best rates.

For example, this Air Canada flight from New York (LGA) to Montreal (YUL) costs just 9,400 points, plus under $29 in taxes and fees. On other off-peak dates, this flight has been priced as low as 8,000 Aeroplan points.

Likewise, we found this flight from Chicago-O’Hare (ORD) to Toronto (YYZ) via Cleveland (CLE) for just 6,000 points (plus $56.33 in taxes and fees) in economy, which is an absolute steal if you don’t mind a short connection.

West Coast flights also enjoy low award pricing, like this flight from San Francisco (SFO) to Vancouver (YVR) for 9,200 Aeroplan points plus $29 in taxes and fees.

You can also get a good deal on United-operated flights, like this one from Newark (EWR) to Toronto (YYZ) for 10,000 miles plus roughly $56 in taxes and fees.

Earning Aeroplan points is easy, even if you live in the U.S. Points transfer from American Express Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards, Capital One, and Chase Ultimate Rewards to Aeroplan at a 1:1 transfer ratio.

You can also earn with Air Canada’s U.S. cobranded credit card.

Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan

Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan has a distance-based award chart, with economy flights under 700 miles starting at just 4,500 miles one-way on partner airlines and 5,000 miles on Alaska-operated flights. Alaska operates a handful of routes to Canada, while Oneworld partner American Airlines operates an extensive network from its hubs.

You can find American’s shortest routes to Canada — think New York-LaGuardia (LGA) and Chicago-O’Hare (ORD) to Toronto (YYZ) — for 4,500 miles on many dates throughout the year. This is one of the cheapest ways to get to Canada with miles.

Further, you can fly from Portland (PDX) to Vancouver (YVR) on Alaska Airlines for 5,000 on many dates, plus $6 in taxes and fees. We found similar pricing on the airline’s route from Seattle (SEA) to Vancouver (YVR).

You’ll pay more for longer flights, but prices can be reasonable. For example, Seattle (SEA) to Toronto (YYZ) can be booked for as few as 10,000 miles and $6 in fees on many dates.

You can earn Alaska miles with Alaska’s cobranded credit cards or transfer Bilt Rewards points at a 1:1 transfer ratio.

Delta SkyMiles

Delta SkyMiles can be a good way to fly Delta or WestJet to Canada. Delta awards are priced dynamically, but you can find good deals on off-peak dates. For example, New York-LaGuardia (LGA) to Toronto (YYZ) starts at just 6,500 SkyMiles and $5.60 on many dates this year.

Or, you can book Detroit (DTW) to Vancouver (YVR) via Seattle (SEA) for as low as 10,000 SkyMiles and $5.60. The price of both of these awards drop by 15% if you have a Delta cobranded credit card with the TakeOff 15 benefit.

WestJet flights between the U.S. and Canada are priced at a fixed 12,500 SkyMiles plus taxes and fees in economy, regardless of the route you fly. Unfortunately, business class availability is slim to none on most routes.

You can earn Delta SkyMiles with Delta’s suite of cobranded credit cards, some of which offer the TakeOff 15 benefit. This provides a 15% discount on all Delta- and Delta Express-operated award flights. American Express Membership Rewards points also transfer to Delta SkyMiles.

Bottom line

Flying from the U.S. to Canada doesn’t have to be costly. Armed with points and miles, you can fly between the countries for the cost of taxes and fees. Here, we showed you three of the best ways to do this.

FAQs – Flights from the U.S. to Canada Using Points

What are the best points programs for flights between the U.S. and Canada?

Air Canada Aeroplan, Alaska Mileage Plan, and Delta SkyMiles are among the best programs for booking award flights between the U.S. and Canada, offering strong value and availability.

How many Aeroplan points do I need to fly from the U.S. to Canada?

Flights often start at just 6,000 to 10,000 Aeroplan points one-way, depending on distance, route, and demand. Taxes and fees typically range from $30 to $60.

Can I transfer credit card points to Aeroplan?

Yes. You can transfer points from American Express Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Capital One Miles, and Bilt Rewards to Aeroplan at a 1:1 ratio.

Is Alaska Mileage Plan a good option for U.S.-Canada flights?

Absolutely. Alaska Mileage Plan offers flights from just 4,500 miles one-way on American Airlines or 5,000 miles on Alaska-operated routes under 700 miles.

Can I book WestJet flights with Delta SkyMiles?

Yes. WestJet flights are available through Delta SkyMiles for a flat 12,500 miles plus taxes in economy. Business class availability is limited.

Are there credit cards that help you earn these miles?

Yes. Aeroplan, Alaska, and Delta all offer U.S. cobranded credit cards. You can also use cards from Amex, Chase, Capital One, or Bilt to transfer points to these programs.

How can I find the lowest award pricing?

Award availability and pricing vary by date. Use flexible search tools, check off-peak travel windows, and look for sweet spots like short-haul flights under 700 miles with Alaska or Aeroplan.

Can I book flights with multiple programs on the same trip?

Yes, you can book one-way flights using different programs for flexibility. For example, fly to Canada with Aeroplan and return with Delta SkyMiles.

Do I have to pay taxes and fees on award tickets?

Yes. Taxes and fees typically range from $5.60 to $60 depending on the airline and route, even when using miles or points to book.