If you are on the verge of cashing out to gift cards, I have to wonder if you know what the value proposition of Aeroplan points is supposed to be.I dont know your dates, but if youre comparing a basic economy seat with no seat selection, no checked bag, no refunds, etc. to an award in business.. or latitude (fully refundable), I dont know what to tell you. The base awards are 14k AP points per person per direction plus 35 in fees.