Points Miles and Bling (blog) contains referral or affiliate links. The blog receives a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your continued support. Credit Card issuers are not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details, current product information, and Terms and Conditions, click the link included.
Air Canada and Bell have announced a new multi-year partnership that will offer Aeroplan members the benefit of free in-flight messaging. The partnership will also provide added benefits for newcomers and visitors to Canada, ensuring they are connected to Canada’s largest network as soon as they land.
Air Canada and Bell Partnership
Starting May 15th, Air Canada and Bell will offer free messaging to all Aeroplan members worldwide on all Wi-Fi-equipped aircraft across Air Canada’s fleet, including Air Canada Rouge and Air Canada Express flights. This offering will enable customers to send and receive text-based messages via onboard Wi-Fi using popular messaging apps, including Apple’s iMessage, Meta’s WhatsApp and Messenger, Rakuten’s Viber, and Messages by Google. Note that Photos, videos and attachments will not be supported. The free messaging benefit will also be available to strategic partner airline loyalty members, including customers of United MileagePlus, Lufthansa Group Miles & More, and Emirates Skywards when their account numbers are associated with an Air Canada booking.
An industry first, with this new partnership, newcomers and visitors to Canada will receive complimentary mobile SIM cards on select inbound international flights, allowing them to activate in-flight and be connected as soon as they walk off the plane. This benefit is a game-changer for those unfamiliar with the Canadian telecom landscape and who need to stay connected as soon as they arrive.
This partnership will also enable additional areas of collaboration, including the development and offering of Aeroplan promotional rewards in the future. Building upon Air Canada’s in-flight entertainment offering, the expansion of Live T.V. service on flights to the U.S. is expected later this summer.
Customers can purchase Wi-Fi passes in advance or onboard to access full connectivity beyond text messaging, including options to redeem Aeroplan points.
Take Away
Free messaging for Aeroplan members worldwide and complimentary mobile SIM cards for newcomers and visitors to Canada are sure to elevate the customer experience. However, the partnership between Air Canada and Bell falls short of providing complete Wi-Fi services for free, as we have seen with some U.S. airlines. The expansion of Live T.V. service on flights to the U.S. and the development and offering of Aeroplan promotional rewards are firmly on the roadmap and will add even more value to this partnership over time.
Title Image: Air Canada
