Discover the new way to qualify for Aeroplan Elite^® Status and unlock benefits, launching January 1, 2026

Starting in 2026, we're changing how to qualify for Aeroplan Elite Status and unlock additional benefits. We're unifying the tracking process by introducing Status Qualifying Credits (SQC) – this will be the new and single path to reaching Aeroplan Elite Status, enjoying Core Benefits, and unlocking additional perks via Milestone Benefits.

SQC with Air Canada will be accumulated based on how much members spend, and the type of fare purchased. SQC will continue to be accumulated on Standard fares and above only, with Flex and above accumulating twice the SQC. There is no limit to the number of SQC you can accumulate for travel with Air Canada or Air Canada Vacations.

• 4 SQC/$1 spent on base fare and carrier surcharges will be awarded on Flex fares and above
• 2 SQC/$1 spent on base fare and carrier surcharges will be awarded on Standard fares & eUpgrade Add-ons
• 1 SQC/$1 spent will be awarded on Air Canada Vacations packages

We're also introducing new ways to recognize activity across Air Canada and Aeroplan:

• Spending on Aeroplan premium and core credit cards can award up to a combined total of 25,000 SQC per member
• Accumulating Aeroplan points with over 40 partners, including eligible partner airlines and travel & everyday partners, can also contribute up to an additional 25,000 SQC per member
• We're introducing a new perk for Aeroplan premium credit cards: at the start of each benefit year in February, eligible Aeroplan Premium Credit Cardholders who requalify for Aeroplan Elite Status will get a 10% boost toward qualification, based on the SQC they accumulated the year before.

There is no change to how you qualify for 2026 Elite Status: accumulate the required SQM or SQS, and SQD between January 1^st and December 31^st, 2025.

To reach 2027 Elite Status, members will need to accumulate SQC between January 1^st and December 31^st, 2026. Upon meeting the SQC requirements for a Status in 2026, members will unlock Core Benefits for that Status for the remainder of 2026 and for 2027:

• Aeroplan 25K Status = 25,000 SQC
• Aeroplan 35K Status = 35,000 SQC
• Aeroplan 50K Status = 50,000 SQC
• Aeroplan 75K Status = 75,000 SQC
• Aeroplan Super Elite Status = 125,000 SQC

As today, Core Benefits such as Priority Check-in, Priority Boarding and Maple Leaf Lounge access will be awarded upon status qualification, and for the duration of status validity. eUpgrade credits will continue to be awarded as a Core Benefit, however the amount will differ depending on Elite Status.

• Aeroplan 25K: 5 eUpgrade credits
• Aeroplan 35K: 10 eUpgrade credits
• Aeroplan 50K: 15 eUpgrade credits
• Aeroplan 75K: 20 eUpgrade credits
• Aeroplan Super Elite: 30 eUpgrade credits

In 2026, we are introducing Milestone Benefits that will allow Elite Status Members to unlock extra perks throughout the year:

• For every 10,000 SQC up to 200,000 SQC, and for every 20,000 SQC accumulated thereafter, Elite Status Members will unlock additional benefits to complement their Core Benefits.
• All SQC accumulated by the member will count toward those rewards, including those from Aeroplan partners and Aeroplan credit cards.
• Milestone Benefits will either consist of a choice benefit, an auto-issuance of eUpgrade credits, or a combination of both.
• Maple Leaf Lounge one-time guest passes will now allow access to our worldwide network of lounges. However, they will be obtained exclusively via Milestone Benefits for all Aeroplan Elite Status Members.
• These new Milestone Benefits will replace our current Select Benefits, Threshold Gifts, Threshold eUpgrades and Priority Reward benefit structures, creating a unified path for members to track progress and unlock additional perks throughout the year.
• Only Aeroplan Elite Status Members are eligible for Milestone Benefits, from the moment they qualify for Elite Status onwards, as they cross SQC Milestones.

Effective February 1, 2026, Aeroplan 25K members will be entitled to one additional complimentary checked bag on top of the allowance included with the purchased Economy fare, up to a maximum of two checked bags.

An Aeroplan 25K member who holds an Aeroplan Premium or Core credit card—which provides a free first checked bag—can combine the credit card benefit with their Aeroplan Elite Status allowance to check up to two bags for free.

For clarity:

• When traveling on a Basic fare or Aeroplan Standard Reward (which does not include any checked bags):
  • The Aeroplan 25K member is entitled to 1 complimentary checked bag through their Aeroplan Elite status.
  • If the member also holds an eligible Aeroplan credit card, they are entitled to 2 complimentary checked bags—one through their Aeroplan Elite status and one through their credit card benefit.
• When traveling on a Standard fare:
  • Within North America or to Sun destinations (which does not include any checked bags):
    • The Aeroplan 25K member is entitled to 1 complimentary checked bag through their Aeroplan Elite Status.
    • If the member also holds an eligible Aeroplan credit card, they are entitled to 2 complimentary checked bags—one through Aeroplan Elite Status and one through their credit card benefit.
  • To international destinations (which includes 1 checked bag):
    • The Aeroplan 25K member is entitled to 2 complimentary checked bags—one included with the purchased fare and one through their Aeroplan Elite Status.
• When traveling on a Flex or Comfort fare (which includes 1 checked bag):
  • The Aeroplan 25K member is entitled to 2 complimentary checked bags—one included with the purchased fare and one through their Aeroplan Elite status.
• When traveling on a Latitude fare (which includes 2 checked bags):
  • The Aeroplan 25K member is entitled to a maximum of 2 complimentary checked bags.

This will apply to flights operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Express and Air Canada Rouge.

The Complimentary Checked Baggage Allowance remains unchanged for all other Aeroplan Elite Status tiers.

Effective February 1, 2026, Aeroplan 25K and 35K members will be eligible to check one additional bag beyond what is included with their purchased Economy fare when flying with United Airlines and select Lufthansa Group carriers. Eligible members will be able to check up to two bags for free.

This benefit will apply only to flights operated by:

• United Airlines
• Lufthansa
• Brussels Airlines
• SWISS
• Austrian Airlines
• Discover Airlines
• Lufthansa City
• Air Dolomiti

SQC will come into effect on January 1st, 2026. These will count towards qualification for 2027 Elite Status, as well as unlock Milestone Benefits as you cross SQC thresholds in 2026.

These changes do not affect the SQM, SQS and SQD you earn for flights taken in 2025, or how you qualify for 2026 Elite Status.

In 2024 we simplified eUpgrade Validity, now aligned to a standard 12-months from issuance – and an even better 24-month validity for Elite Members who also hold a Aeroplan premium credit card.

We have expanded eUpgrade Shareability by doubling the Travel Companion benefit. This change allows members to share eUpgrades with up to four (4) companions who are booked on their same reservation. The same applies to the day of travel where members are able to use their credits for up to four (4) additional companions travelling on their same flight. This increase is now in effect.

To maintain the flexibility of eUpgrades however, we’ve adjusted Add-on pricing on our lowest eligible fare, Standard. The add-on pricing for flights within North America and to Sun destinations will increase by $100. For International flights the add-on pricing will increase by $150. The new add-on pricing for Standard fares applies for any flight departing onwards from January 1, 2026, even if the request is made earlier.

The number of Lifetime Qualifying Miles (LQM) accumulated will continue to be calculated based on the distance travelled in miles on eligible flights*, with the following cabin bonuses:

• Economy Class (excluding Basic): 100% of the distance flown
• Premium Economy: 125% of the distance flown
• Business Class: 150% of the distance flown

You will also continue to accumulate LQM for each monthly installment made in conjunction with the purchase of an Air Canada Unlimited Flight Pass.

*As today, only eligible flights purchased with cash in Standard fare or higher and operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge, and Air Canada Express will accumulate LQM. Basic fares are not eligible. Flights operated by any other airline (regardless of the ticketing carrier), partner or promotional activities, or any other non-flight earnings are not eligible for Air Canada Million Mile qualification.

In cases where travel occurs in a different cabin than originally purchased, LQM will be awarded based on the original ticketed cabin class and distance, as indicated on the e-ticket.

No--the existing benefits offered when you reach each of the Air Canada Million Mile levels are not changing. Learn more about Air Canada Million Mile benefits.

Starting in 2026, and every year thereafter, Million Mile members will receive additional perks, which vary based on their Air Canada Million Mile status as of January 1.

• One Million Miles: 2,500 SQC
• Two Million Miles: 5,000 SQC and Aeroplan 35K Status for a friend*
• Three Million Miles: 10,000 SQC and Aeroplan 50K Status for a friend*
• Four Million Miles: 20,000 SQC and Aeroplan 75K Status for a friend*
• Five Million Miles: 30,000 SQC and Aeroplan Super Elite Status for a friend*

For example, a Three Million Mile member will receive 10,000 SQC and one Aeroplan 50K Status for a friend at the beginning of every year. Upon reaching Four Million Mile status, they'll continue to enjoy the benefits of Super Elite Status, and the status of their previously nominated friend will always be at least Aeroplan 75K. Additionally, they will also receive 20,000 SQC and one Aeroplan 75K Status for a friend annually.

These annual perks will be deposited by the end of February for all eligible Million Mile members.

*The nomination must be completed by December 30th of the year in which the benefit was awarded. Once nominated, the recipient’s status will remain valid through the remainder of that benefit year.

The way you progress toward Aeroplan Elite Status when flying with Air Canada or a Star Alliance member airline will depend on your travel date:

• Flights taken and departing in 2025, until December 31, 2025, will continue to accumulate SQM, SQS and SQD. 
• Flights taken and departing on or after January 1, 2026, will accumulate SQC.

No, they are not the same.

While both can be accumulated with Air Canada, Aeroplan credit cards and everyday partners like Uber, LCBO, Starbucks and others, they are separate: 

Aeroplan points can be exchanged for rewards such as flights, hotel stays, and more. 

Status Qualifying Credits (SQC) are accumulated within a calendar year and enable Aeroplan Elite Status qualification and Core Benefits such as Complimentary Checked Bags, Priority Boarding, and lounge access when you travel. They also unlock Milestone Benefits for Elite Status Members. SQC are not redeemable or exchangeable. 

Yes – for travel on or after January 1, 2026:

*The amount spent includes base fare and airline surcharges but excludes applicable taxes, fees and third-party charges on eligible Air Canada flights.

** Aeroplan Elite Status Member will earn bonus Aeroplan points with the Elite Points Multiplier Core Benefit when the flights are ticketed/issued by Air Canada (014 ticket stock) and operated by Copa Airlines, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Lufthansa, Swiss and United Airlines.

If you book a ticket using a Limited-Credit Flight Pass, the price of the pass will be distributed equally across all your flight credits, and you will get SQC for each flight individually. However, while the sales taxes are paid upfront at the time of purchase, other fees—such as government-imposed taxes and airport fees—are only calculated when you book a flight using your credits. These fees vary depending on the specific flight and route you choose, which means the exact dollar value attributed to the base fare and carrier-surcharges will be determined at the time of booking. As a result, the exact number of SQC you get will also depend on the flight(s) you select.

If you travel in 2025, your accumulation will be based on the distance you fly; if you travel in 2026, your SQC will be based on how much you spend on the Limited-Credit Flight Pass. The SQC will be deposited into your account after the completion of the flight.

For an Unlimited Flight Pass, you'll earn Aeroplan points based on the pre-tax amount of your monthly installment. The SQC will be deposited into your account at that time.

Please note there are no additional Aeroplan Base points, Status Qualifying Credits (SQC), Lifetime Qualifying Miles (LQM) or Every Day Qualification points (EDQ) credited for individual flight activities booked with an Unlimited Flight Pass.

Yes, you will accumulate SQC based on the total cost of the Air Canada Vacations package per member, including taxes and fees. Each Aeroplan Member will be awarded 1 SQC per $1 dollar spent on their individual portion of the trip. There is no limit to the SQC you accumulate with Air Canada Vacations packages.

SQC will be deposited once the last flight of the entire package is flown, however the activity date associated will be that of the first flight.

For example, for an Air Canada Vacations package with its first departing flight on June 15, 2026, and its last return flight on June 22, 2026, the SQC will be credited on June 22, 2026 with an activity date of June 15, 2026.

For added clarity, Air Canada Vacations packages with their first departing flights in 2025 and last return flights in 2026 will accumulate SQD with an activity date of 2025, and any related adjustments to your status will be retroactive and automatic.

Yes, members will accumulate 2 SQC per $1 spent on eUpgrade Add-ons. Like today, SQC will be credited based on the date of travel and be awarded to the person who sponsored the upgrade – i.e., the member whose account the eUpgrade credits were deducted from. The sponsor will receive the SQC for themselves only; they’re not entitled to that of the companion(s) too.

Yes, you will continue to accumulate 1 Everyday Qualifying point (EDQ) for every eligible Aeroplan point you earn. Upon reaching 100,000 EDQ, you will qualify for Aeroplan 25K Status.

However, accumulating SQC is the only path to reaching a higher Aeroplan Elite Status and unlocking Milestone Benefits.

You will accumulate both SQC and EDQ for eligible Aeroplan travel and everyday partner activities, as they track to different qualification paths:

• Accumulate 1 SQC for every 5 base Aeroplan points earned, per transaction, with travel partners such as our member-exclusive booking platform for hotels and car rentals, Marriott Bonvoy and Avis, and with everyday partners such as Uber, Starbucks, LCBO and Bell.  
  
  SQC that may be accumulated in this category is limited to 25,000 SQC annually, per member. These SQC will be added to your total and will help you reach any Elite Status and its associated Core Benefits and will unlock Milestone Benefits. 
  
  Aeroplan points converted from another program or earned through the Aeroplan eStore, through bonus offers or through promotions, are not eligible for SQC unless otherwise specified.

• Accumulate 1 EDQ for every 1 eligible Aeroplan point earned with Aeroplan partners, including the Aeroplan eStore. Once you accumulate 100,000 EDQ in a calendar year, you will reach Aeroplan 25K Status and its associated Core Benefits. However, even as an Aeroplan 25K Member, you will not unlock Milestone Benefits unless you cross an SQC Milestone.

In 2026, you will continue to accumulate Bonus eUpgrades and Bonus SQC (previously Bonus SQM) for eligible Flight Pass activities as a Core Benefit. The number of SQC and eUpgrade credits you receive will continue to be based on your status upon completion of an eligible Flight Pass activity, which includes:

• The purchase of an eligible Flight Pass of 6, 8, 10, 16 or 20 flight credits (excluding Unlimited Flight Passes and Flight Passes for Business and Flight Passes for Large Corporations)
• The usage of every 10 eligible flight credits in conjunction with a Flight Pass for Business or Flight Pass for Large Corporations
• The duration of the travel period when you purchase an eligible Unlimited Flight Pass, on a monthly basis.

• 30% off the price in points of a car or hotel redemption
• 30% off the price in points of a gift card and merchandise redemption
• One-time Maple Leaf Lounge guest passes offered through Milestone Benefits will be valid at all our lounges worldwide
• Bonus SQC
• Bonus Aeroplan points
• Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations Gift Cards

If you requalify for Aeroplan 75K or Super Elite status for 2026, and you nominated a friend for Aeroplan Elite status in 2025, your friend's status will extend automatically through the duration of the 2026 benefit year. This is meant to help the transition to Milestone Benefits in 2026. For example:

• If an Aeroplan Super Elite Status Member selects Aeroplan 50K Status for a Friend as part of their 2025 Select Benefits, and requalifies for their 2026 Super Elite Status, their friend's Aeroplan 50K status will be extended accordingly.
• If an Aeroplan 75K Status Member selects Aeroplan 35K Status for a Friend as part of their 2025 Select Benefits and requalifies for 2026 Aeroplan 75K Status or Super Elite Status, their friend's Aeroplan 35K status will be extended accordingly.
• Friends of Aeroplan Super Elite Status Members who were gifted status through a Chase credit card benefit in 2025 will also have their status extended, provided the gifting member requalifies for their 2026 Super Elite Status.
• The friend’s status will not be extended if a member:
  • Did not choose Status for a Friend in 2025; or
  • Did not share Status for a Friend in 2025; or
  • Does not requalify for their status in 2026.

Banked Aeroplan Super Elite Status continues to provide an automatic one-year status extension of Aeroplan Super Elite status the first time your status falls below that level, allowing you to continue enjoying Core Benefits, including Concierge Service and 6x Aeroplan points on Air Canada flights.

When a Banked Super Elite Status earned prior to December 31, 2025, is used to extend your status, you’ll also receive additional perks, deposited by February of that year:

• 20 eUpgrade credits; and
• The ability to nominate a friend to Aeroplan 50K Status*.

However, Banked Aeroplan Super Elite Statuses chosen through Milestone Benefits starting in 2026, will not include these additional perks when used to extend status

For example:

• If your Banked Aeroplan Super Elite Status was granted on or before December 31, 2025, you’ll receive Super Elite Core Benefits, an additional 20 eUpgrade credits and the opportunity to nominate a friend to Aeroplan 50K Status*.
• If your Banked Aeroplan Super Elite Status was chosen through Milestone Benefits on or after January 1, 2026, you’ll receive the Super Elite Core Benefits only.

*The nomination must be completed by December 30th of the year in which the benefit was awarded; once nominated, the recipient’s status will remain valid through the end of that benefit year.

Our teams are working hard to make sure our members can enjoy fast, free Wi-Fi as soon as possible. We plan to expand complimentary Wi-Fi to international routes by the end of 2026.

Aeroplan 75K and Aeroplan Super Elite members who selected the Aeroplan Elite Wi-Fi 12-month plan as part of their 2025 Select Benefits, and who requalify for their status in 2026, will have their Wi-Fi plan automatically extended through 2026.

For example:

• If an Aeroplan Super Elite Status Member selects the Aeroplan Elite Wi-Fi plan as part of their 2025 Select Benefits and requalifies for 2026 Aeroplan 75K Status or Super Elite Status, their plan will be extended.
• If an Aeroplan 75K Status Member selects the Aeroplan Elite Wi-Fi plan as part of their 2025 Select Benefits and requalifies for 2026 Aeroplan 75K Status or Super Elite Status, their plan will be extended.
• The Aeroplan Elite Wi-Fi plan will not be extended if the member:
  • Did not choose Aeroplan Elite Wi-Fi in 2025; or
  • Does not requalify for Aeroplan 75K Status or Super Elite Status in 2026.

Yes – your Aeroplan premium and core credit card spend (and the spend from any secondary Aeroplan Credit Cardholders on your account) will now award you with SQC, up to a combined maximum total of 25,000 SQC per Aeroplan Member per calendar year. This total is cumulative across all Aeroplan credit cards and issuers. This means you can reach Aeroplan Elite Status simply based on everyday spend and can accelerate progress towards unlocking your next Milestone Benefit.

• If you hold a Personal Premium Card, Business Premium Card or a Corporate Premium Card, you will see Credit Card SQC from eligible spend on those cards deposited into your Aeroplan account starting January 2026. Those Credit Card SQC can be unlocked for eligible spend at the rate of 1,000 SQC for every $5,000 of eligible spend on your Personal Premium Cards, Business Premium Cards and Corporate Premium Cards.
• If you hold a Personal Core Card, Business Core Card or a Corporate Core Card, Credit Card SQC deposited after February 1, 2026, will be awarded at the rate of 1,000 SQC for every $20,000 of eligible spend. Credit Card SQC deposited in the month of January 2026 will be awarded at the rate of 1,000 SQC for every $10,000 of eligible spend.

Today, to qualify for Aeroplan Elite Status, in addition to meeting SQM or SQS requirements, you must also meet SQD requirements through eligible Air Canada travel. With SQC being the sole requirement to achieve Elite Status as of 2026, using an eligible Aeroplan credit card will directly contribute to your progress towards reaching Elite Status and unlocking Milestone Benefits. 

Aeroplan premium credit cards are the perfect complement to Aeroplan Elite Status. Starting in 2026, these cards will offer SQC for eligible net purchases made on an Aeroplan premium credit card, at a rate of 1,000 SQC for every $5,000 of eligible spend, up to a maximum total of 25,000 SQC per Aeroplan Member per calendar year, across all Aeroplan credit cards.

Plus, starting in 2027, Primary Credit Cardholders of an Aeroplan premium credit card with Aeroplan Elite Status will receive a 10% Head Start. Please refer to the Get a 10% Head Start with an Aeroplan premium credit card section for more details on the 10% Head Start.

Aeroplan Elite Status Members who hold an Aeroplan premium credit card also enjoy extended eUpgrade Validity of 24 months from the date of issuance and higher priority on the upgrade and standby lists at the airport. 

Aeroplan Elite Status continues to be designed to recognize frequent flyers, and unlimited SQC accumulation is an exclusivity of Air Canada flights and Air Canada Vacation packages. 

The removal of the SQD qualification requirement means that eligible everyday activities will now accumulate SQC up to a cap and help directly unlock Elite Status and Milestone Benefits.

10% Head Start is a new annual benefit that will reward Primary Aeroplan Premium Credit Cardholders who hold Aeroplan Elite Status. Eligible Elite Status Members who hold a Primary Aeroplan premium credit card will receive SQC equivalent to 10% of their total SQC accumulated in the previous calendar year, with no limit on the number of SQC that can be granted under this benefit, by end of March 2027. 

The 10% Head Start is replacing the existing Rollover SQM benefit.

To illustrate the difference between the current Rollover SQM benefit and the new 10% Head Start, consider the following scenario:

• A Primary Aeroplan Premium Credit Cardholder who has requalified for Elite Status in 2025 and is ending the 2024 calendar year with 51,000 SQM and at least $6,000 SQD would have received 1,000 Rollover SQM by end of March 2025.
• In 2027, a Primary Aeroplan Premium Credit Cardholder who has requalified for Elite Status in 2027 and is ending the 2026 calendar year with 51,000 SQC will receive 5,100 SQC by end of March 2027. 

We will consider all the SQC you accumulated in the previous calendar year, and deposit 10% of that into your Aeroplan account in the current calendar year as a Head Start. This calculation includes your total year-end SQC, including previous 10% Head Start activity.

To qualify, you must have been approved for a Primary Aeroplan premium credit card by December 15th of the previous year and hold Aeroplan 25K Status or higher on February 15th of the current Elite year. For greater clarity, to receive the 10% Head Start in 2027, you must have been approved for a Primary Aeroplan premium credit card by December 15, 2026, and hold Elite status on February 15, 2027.

The rollover SQM benefit for Aeroplan Premium Credit Cardholders will be integrated into our new SQC-based qualification requirements and will be deposited by the end of March 2026. As a one-time activity, we will consider any extra SQM you have at the end of 2025, beyond the SQM amount required for your highest qualified status (up to 200,000 SQM), and these will be converted to SQC at a rate of 5 Rollover SQM to 1 SQC. 

Starting in 2027, the rollover SQM benefit will be replaced by the 10% Head Start.

For example:

• If you have 27,000 SQM and $4,500 SQD by the end of 2025, you qualify for Aeroplan 25K Status in the 2026 Elite year and you will receive 400 SQC by the end of March 2026:
  • (27,000 SQM - 25,000 SQM) / 5
• If you have 240,000 SQM and $6,200 SQD by the end of 2025, you qualify for Aeroplan 50K Status in the 2026 Elite year and you will receive 38,000 SQC by the end of March 2026:
  • (240,000 SQM - 50,000 SQM) / 5
• If you end 2025 with 28,000 SQM but do not have sufficient SQD to qualify for Elite status, you will not receive any SQC under this benefit as you are not eligible for the rollover SQM benefit.

For the 10% Head Start Benefit:

If you cancel or downgrade your Aeroplan premium credit card, your 10% Head Start will be removed from your Aeroplan account and any status and/or benefits given as a result of the 10% Head Start may also be rescinded.

For Credit Card SQC:

If your credit card account is not in good standing, if you close your account or if you change to a different product, you will no longer accumulate any SQC or you may accumulate SQC at a different construct depending on the card product you hold. All previously accumulated SQC will remain in your Aeroplan account and will reset at the close of each Elite Year.