Why is the Amex AeroplanPlus Platinum recommended over the Reserve for business travelers?

The AeroplanPlus Platinum hits a sweet spot for business travelers who need consistent earning across all categories rather than concentrated bonus categories. The 1.25 to 1.5 Aeroplan miles per dollar earn rate applies to every purchase including hotels, taxis, dining and supplies, simplifying expense tracking. Combined with unlimited Maple Leaf Lounge access on Air Canada flights and the Annual Partner Ticket benefit (15,000 miles for a short-haul roundtrip plus a companion seat), it delivers business-trip value without forcing you to optimize spending categories.

How does the Annual Partner Ticket benefit work in practice?

Each year, cardholders can redeem just 15,000 Aeroplan miles for a short-haul economy roundtrip (typically routes within Canada or to nearby US destinations), and Air Canada throws in a companion ticket on the same itinerary. That effectively turns a 15,000-mile redemption into two seats, doubling the per-mile value. For business travelers extending a work trip into a weekend with a partner, this benefit alone covers a meaningful portion of the annual fee and can deliver $400 to $800 in cash-equivalent value depending on the route.

Is the welcome bonus realistic to unlock for a business traveler?

Yes. The 40,000-mile welcome bonus requires $3,000 in spending over the first three months, which most business travelers cover with one to two weeks of typical expenses (flights, hotels, client dinners). Combined with the regular earning at 1.25 miles per dollar across all spending, frequent business travelers commonly hit 50,000 to 60,000 miles in the first year alone, enough for a roundtrip economy flight to Europe or Asia, or a domestic business class ticket on Air Canada.

What's the difference between unlimited Maple Leaf Lounge access and Priority Pass?

The Amex AeroplanPlus Platinum includes unlimited free Maple Leaf Lounge access when flying Air Canada or Star Alliance same-day, with no per-visit fee. It also enrolls you in Priority Pass for non-Air Canada lounges, but Priority Pass entries are charged at $27 USD per visit. For business travelers who fly Air Canada most weeks, Maple Leaf access alone replaces a $529 annual Priority Pass Prestige membership and pays for the card outright.