TORONTO — Transat Distribution Canada has upped the ante in its partnership with AIR MILES, signing a deal that includes extra AIR MILES benefits for customers who book travel with TDC.

“After a relationship of nearly 20 years, we are thrilled to be able to take it to the next level,” says Nathalie Boyer, General Manager, Transat Distribution Canada. “This represents a great opportunity for our travel agencies and travel professionals to showcase the quality of Transat Distribution’s customer service by improving the Collector’s overall redemption experience.”

Effective Aug. 13 AIR MILES Packaged Vacation and Cruise (PVC) bookings will now be completed through Transat Distribution’s travel agency network.

Collectors will be able to use their Miles for more destinations and at more partners than ever before, including Collette, Encore Cruises TravelBrands, AmaWaterways and Tours Chanteclerc.

They’ll also be able to redeem exclusively online for Marlin Travel, Club Voyages, Transat Travel, TripCentral Atlantic Canada, and TravelPlus eVouchers (currently available using Cash Miles) and physical Certificates (available Aug. 13 in $100 denominations using Dream Miles). These can be used towards PVC travel bookings with participating preferred partners through any of Transat Distribution’s 286 participating travel agency locations across Canada or through the TDC call centre.

To make it easier to receive the physical Dream Certificates, AIR MILES will be shipping certificates within 72 business hours from redemption, at no cost to the Collector.

Collectors can also take advantage of more opportunities to earn miles. As of Aug. 13, they will receive 1 Mile for every $20 spent (versus 1 Mile for $35) on any PVC booking with a participating Transat Distribution travel agency. This includes any additional Cash portion spent on the PVC booking, beyond the certificate value.

In 2018, AIR MILES, together with Transat Distribution Canada, will launch a new PVC website, which will allow Collectors to use their Miles immediately for PVC bookings online, 24/7 with participating partners.

“We are always looking for new opportunities to make the Collector experience better, and we are thrilled to be able to deliver on that promise,” said Sharmane Good, SVP, Member Experience, AIR MILES Reward Program. “This expansion provides Collectors with increased booking options and earning potential, providing a better PVC travel booking experience. We are excited to roll out these features as just a few of the many ways we will continue to augment our rewards offering.”