The Travel Group

Air Canada will be sending members alerts this year reminding them that "old" points will begin to expire within 3 years.   All points carry a "date stamp", and have a 7-year lifespan.  This policy was implemented in 2007, so all points earned before 2007 were "grand-fathered" and given a 7-year expiry date - ie. Jan. 1, 2014.  So, the first of your "old" Aeroplan points will disappear on that date, and all other points will start to expire after that.

This is lots of time, of course, to use up old points.  Old points are used up first whenever you book a reward.  This is only a problem for those hoarders who are saving up points for their retirement or some big future trip. 

A related issue, and more time-sensitive, is Aeroplan's policy on closing inactive accounts.  Aeroplan requires that there is some sort of "activity" on your account within 12 months.  Any accounts with more than 12 months inactivity are automatically closed.  If they have a valid email address for you, a warning email will be sent out about 4 months prior.  Activity is any form of "earning" or "burning" of points.  A simple tactic is to swipe your Aeroplan card when you fill up at an Esso station, or show your card when you purchase something at Home Hardware, two ubiquitous Aeroplan partners that many Aeroplan members don't know about!

While you personally may keep your Aeroplan account active; you may wish to look at the accounts of members of your family who might not be quite so active.   If you don't have or have lost an Aeroplan card, you can easily call Aeroplan and re-order one.