With the largest number of partners and the ability to mix and match and create deliberately circuitous routings, it’s just a lot of fun to nerd out on the possibilities.

That’s less because of the specific “deal” I’m getting and more because Air Canada Aeroplan’s frequent flyer program is designed for people who live for complex, exciting award redemptions. In the process, I slipped back down the Air Canada Aeroplan rabbit hole and came out of it with plans that excite me for next year. Then, MSC cancelled our cruise, which sent us scrambling for replacement plans. My wife and I, having participated ourselves in the casino cruise matching shenanigans about which I’ve written volumes, had a free cruise booked for the family next April and our award flights were all set and booked also. It all started when MSC cancelled my free cruise.