Find out where your BMO AIR MILES can send you with our AIR MILES calculator.
AIR MILES is one of the most popular rewards programs in Canada. Over 10 million Canadians use the AIR MILES reward program to collect points while shopping, booking their next vacation, or even purchasing points directly from the program.
So, do you have enough AIR MILES for a flight?
AIR MILES transitioning to Blue Rewards in 2026
The AIR MILES program will transition to Blue Rewards in summer 2026 and will continue to be operated by a subsidiary of BMO. Miles will automatically convert to Blue Rewards once the program launches. Learn more about Blue Rewards at whatisbluerewards.ca.
AIR MILES calculator
How much are AIR MILES worth?
AIR MILES points vary in value depending on how you use them. For example, booking a flight with AIR MILES might require a wildly different number of points depending on when you want to fly (high vs. low season). Similarly, using AIR MILES for gift cards or merchandise will need different amounts of AIR MILES than booking travel.
Nevertheless, working with an average value when tracking your total AIR MILES points can be helpful. On average, BMO AIR MILES has a value of 10 cents per point.
AIR MILES point valuations by award option
As mentioned, the value of AIR MILES varies based on how you choose to redeem them. Here’s a rough breakdown of how much value you’ll get from AIR MILES when redeeming for different awards:
- Cash back or statement credit: 10 cents per point
- Travel (economy class flight): 10.5 cents per point
- Travel (business class flight): 13 cents per point
- Hotels: 9.8 cents per point
- Vacation packages: 11 cents per point
- Merchandise/gift cards: 7 cents per point
How many AIR MILES do I need to get a free flight?
The number of air miles needed for a free flight isn't set in stone—it can vary widely based on a few key factors. Firstly, where are you headed? A short domestic flight might not dent your miles stash too much, but an international jaunt could require a hefty sum. Then, consider when you want to travel. Peak travel times, like holidays and summer months, often demand more miles because, well, everyone wants to get away then.
Typically, you might need anywhere from 1,500 to 3,000 miles for a shorter domestic or international flight. Longer or more exotic destinations could start at around 5,000 miles and go up significantly from there. The best strategy? Keep an eye on the rewards chart provided by your AIR MILES program and plan ahead. Timing your bookings during less busy periods can make your miles stretch further, ensuring you get to your dream destination using fewer miles.
Destination
Departure
AIR MILES needed
Estimated value
Toronto to Vancouver
Toronto
3,000 - 4,000
$600 - $800
Montreal to Calgary
Montreal
2,500 - 3,500
$500 - $700
Toronto to New York
Toronto
1,500 - 2,500
$300 - $500
Vancouver to Los Angeles
Vancouver
2,000 - 3,000
$400 - $600
Toronto to London (UK)
Toronto
6,000 - 8,000
$1,200 - $1,600
Montreal to Paris
Montreal
6,500 - 8,500
$1,300 - $1,700
Read more: AIR MILES rewards guide
What’s the best way to earn AIR MILES points?
You can earn AIR MILES in several ways, including shopping with eligible retail partners, purchasing with a BMO AIR MILES chequing account, or meeting special spending requirements during bonus promotions.
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Cory Santos
Senior Reporter
Cory Santos is a finance writer, editor and credit card expert with nearly a decade of experience in personal finance. Cory joined Wise Publishing from BestCards, with bylines in numerous print and digital publications across North America, including the Miami Herald, BlogTO, Debt.ca, AOL, MSN and Medium as well as financial podcasts like KOFE Talk. He's also the creator and author of the annual Money.ca Credit Card Awards.
Hannah Logan
Money.ca writer
Hannah Logan is a Canadian freelancer writer and blogger who specializes in personal finance and travel. You can follow her adventures on her travel blog EatSleepBreatheTravel.com or find her on Instagram @hannahlogan21.
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