Aeroplan Elite Status is Air Canada’s elite recognition program for its most frequent flyers. There are many opportunities to earn and benefit from status, which can help to make your travels elevated and more seamless.
Having a thorough understanding of the program will benefit you greatly, whether you’re seeking to earn Aeroplan Elite Status for the first time or maximize it year-after-year.
This article will guide you through the Air Canada’s elite status program (which was revamped in 2026), including how to qualify for Aeroplan Elite Status, the privileges that come with each tier, some tips for finessing your way there, and more.
In This Post
How to Qualify for Aeroplan Elite Status
There are two pathways to qualify for Aeroplan Elite Status: collecting Status Qualifying Credits (SQC), and Everyday Status Qualification.
This article will focus on unlocking status through the accumulation of Status Qualifying Credits. If you’d like to learn more about earning status through Everyday Status Qualification, be sure to read our full guide.
Status Qualifying Credits
For the 2026 qualification year, achieving Aeroplan Elite Status is based on a single factor known as Status Qualifying Credits (SQC).
In other words, Status Qualifying Credits are now the sole metric used to determine your level of Aeroplan Elite Status.
In total, there are seven different ways to come across SQC, which we’ll go over in detail below:
- Paid flying activity (including eUpgrade add-on fees & Flight Pass activity)
- Engaging with Aeroplan partners
- Spending on an eligible Aeroplan credit card
- Head Start benefit on Aeroplan premium credit cards (to take effect in 2027)
- Milestone Benefits
- Air Canada Vacations packages
- SQC awarded to Million Mile members
Collecting SQC through Paid Flying Activity
If you attach your Aeroplan number to a paid flight booking, you’re eligible to get SQC as long as you’re flying with Air Canada or Star Alliance-member airlines.
The amount of SQC you accumulate for your paid flights depends on two factors: which airline issued your ticket, and which airline operated your flight.
Here’s a summary of how many SQC you’ll collect, depending on the aforementioned factors:
- If Air Canada issued your ticket (i.e., your ticket number starts with 014) and Air Canada operated your flight:
- You’ll get 2 SQC per dollar spent on Economy (Standard) fares
- You’ll get 4 SQC per dollar spent on Economy (Flex) fares and above
- If Air Canada issued your ticket (i.e., your ticket number starts with 014) and your flight is operated by a Star Alliance-member airline:
- You’ll get 2 SQC per dollar spent on Economy (Standard) fares
- You’ll get 4 SQC per dollar spent on Economy (Flex) fares and above
- If another airline issued your ticket (i.e., your ticket number doesn’t start with 014) and your flight is operated by Air Canada:
- You’ll get 2 SQC per dollar spent in economy class
- You’ll get 4 SQC per dollar spent in premium economy and business class
- If another airline issued your ticket (i.e., your ticket number doesn’t start with 014) and your flight is operated by a Star Alliance-member airline:
- You’ll get 1 SQC per 5 Aeroplan points earned, which is based on the fare purchased and the distance flown
- Note that you can collect up to 25,000 SQC this way (see Collecting SQC through Engaging with Aeroplan Partners below)
For flights operated by other non-Star Alliance partner airlines, you won’t collect SQC for your flight, no matter who issued your ticket.
Importantly, the portion of your ticket cost that’s eligible to collect SQC includes the base fare and carrier surcharges, but excludes third-party taxes and fees.
If you’re shopping for flights on the Air Canada website, click on “View price breakdown” during the booking process. Everything you see under “Air transportation charges” should be eligible for SQC accrual.
In the above screenshot, the total cost of the ticket is $873.73; however, you’d only be eligible for SQC on $800 (the Air Transportation Charges, which include the base fare and carrier surcharges), since you don’t collect SQC on third-party taxes and fees.
For Flight Pass activity, the amount of SQC you get depends on whether you’ve purchased a limited-credit Flight Pass or an Unlimited Flight Pass.
For limited-credit Flight Passes, you’ll get SQC based on the sum of the base fare and carrier surcharges after you’ve travelled. Note that the exact amount you get will vary based on your origin and destination, since that affects the breakdown of your costs (with third-party taxes and fees that vary by airport and jurisdiction).
For Unlimited Flight Passes, you’ll get a fixed amount of SQC at the time of purchase for each monthly installment you make.
Lastly, if you’re successful with an eUpgrade request and it comes with an add-on fee, you’ll get 2 SQC per dollar spent for the add-on fee. Note that you’ll only get SQC for your own add-on fee, and not for any others on your booking.
Collecting SQC through Engaging with Aeroplan Partners
A second way to collect SQC is through engaging with Aeroplan partners.
The premise is quite simple: for every 5 Aeroplan points you earn with any of the eligible partners, you’ll get 1 SQC, up to a maximum of 25,000 SQC over the course of a calendar year.
As a reminder, Aeroplan has struck partnerships with everyday partners, such as Starbucks, Uber, Uber Eats, Journie Rewards, Bell, the LCBO, and more.
So, if you were to earn, say, 50 Aeroplan points at the LCBO, you’d collect 10 SQC, and so on.
This “bucket” of SQC also includes paid flights on and ticketed by Star Alliance-member airlines that are credited to your Aeroplan account, as well as travel booked with a number of partners (such as Marriott or Avis) that are credited to your Aeroplan account.
A full list of eligible partners can be found on the Air Canada website.
Plus, if you book an eligible hotel stay or car rental through the dedicated Aeroplan member booking platform, the points that you earn for your stay are eligible to count towards the 5:1 SQC accumulation.
It’s worth noting that Aeroplan points earned through the following activities aren’t eligible for SQC accumulation unless otherwise noted:
- Aeroplan eStore purchases
- Points converted from external partners (American Express Membership Rewards or Marriott Bonvoy, for example)
- Bonus offers or promotional offers
In order to max out this bucket of SQC, you’d need to earn 125,000 Aeroplan points in a calendar year, which would result in 25,000 SQC.
Collecting SQC through Aeroplan Credit Card Spending
Another way to collect SQC in your everyday life is through spending on an Aeroplan co-branded credit card. In a calendar year, you can collect up to 25,000 SQC through spending on your card.
If you have a core credit card, such as the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card, the CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card, or the American Express Aeroplan Card, you’ll get 1,000 SQC per $20,000 spent.
| Credit Card | Best Offer | Value | |
|---|---|---|---|
Up to 75,000 Aeroplan points†
First Year Free
|
Up to 75,000 Aeroplan points† | $2,415 | Apply Now |
Up to 50,000 Aeroplan points†
First Year Free
|
Up to 50,000 Aeroplan points† | $756 | Apply Now |
Up to 40,000 Aeroplan points†
First Year Free
|
Up to 40,000 Aeroplan points† | $683 | Apply Now |
40,000 Aeroplan points
$120 annual fee
|
40,000 Aeroplan points | $573 | Apply Now |
If you have a premium credit card, such as the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card, the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card, or the CIBC Visa Infinite Privilege Card, you’ll get 1,000 SQC per $5,000 spent.
| Credit Card | Best Offer | Value | |
|---|---|---|---|
Up to 95,000 Aeroplan points
$599 annual fee
|
Up to 95,000 Aeroplan points | $1,147 | Apply Now |
Up to 85,000 Aeroplan points†
$599 annual fee
|
Up to 85,000 Aeroplan points† | $871 | Apply Now |
85,000 Aeroplan points
$599 annual fee
|
85,000 Aeroplan points | $858 | Apply Now |
100,000 Aeroplan points
$599 annual fee
|
100,000 Aeroplan points | $582 | Apply Now |
It’s worth noting that the small business Aeroplan credit cards issued by TD and CIBC count as core credit cards, while the American Express Aeroplan Business Reserve Card counts as a premium card.
In order to max out this bucket of 25,000 SQC, you’d need to spend $500,000 on a core credit card or $125,000 on a premium credit card.
Collecting SQC through the Head Start Benefit
Beginning in 2027, eligible primary cardholders of a premium Aeroplan credit card who requalify for Aeroplan Elite Status can take advantage of the Head Start Benefit.
This new perk bestows you with 10% of the total SQC collected the previous year across all sources to kick start your status journey the following year.
For example, if you were to collect 75,000 SQC in 2026 through paid flying activity, engaging with Aeroplan partners, spending on an Aeroplan credit card, Milestone Benefits, and/or Air Canada Vacations bookings, you’d have 7,500 SQC automatically deposited into your account by the end of March 2027.
There’s no set limit to the amount of SQC you can collect this way.
Importantly, you need to have been approved for a premium Aeroplan credit card by December 15 of the year prior, and you must hold Aeroplan Elite Status for the following year.
Collecting SQC through Milestone Benefits
Starting in 2026, Air Canada has introduced Milestone Benefits that have replaced the Threshold Rewards, Select Benefits, automatically awarded Priority Rewards, and more that you may be used to.
As a reminder, Milestone Benefits are unlocked as you accumulate SQC over the course of a calendar year.
One option that you’ll see at various SQC thresholds is Bonus SQC in amounts of 2,500 SQC or 5,000 SQC (depending on the threshold).
It’s worth noting that these Bonus SQC aren’t automatically awarded, and you’d need to select them over other choices available to you.
However, if you’re close to reaching an SQC threshold to unlock a higher tier of status, it could be worth considering them as an option to help you get across the finish line.
Collecting SQC through Air Canada Vacations
The next way by which you can come across SQC is through travel booked with Air Canada Vacations.
There’s no limit to the amount of SQC you can collect this way, and the accumulation rate is simple:
- Get 1 SQC per dollar spent on the full value of an Air Canada Vacations booking per member (including taxes and fees)
It’s important to note that the amount of SQC you’ll get is limited to your share of the Air Canada Vacations booking.
In other words, if you book an Air Canada Vacations package for a family of four, each family member who attaches their Aeroplan number to the booking will be awarded with 1/4 of the total value of the booking at a rate of 1 SQC per dollar spent.
Collecting SQC through Million Mile Recognition
Lastly, if you enjoy Air Canada Million Mile recognition, you’ll get SQC deposited in your account each year to help unlock Milestone Benefits.
The amount of SQC you are awarded each year depends on your Million Mile recognition level:
- 1 Million Milers get 2,500 SQC
- 2 Million Milers get 5,000 SQC
- 3 Million Milers get 10,000 SQC
- 4 Million Milers get 20,000 SQC
- 5 Million Milers get 30,000 SQC
Aeroplan Elite Status Requirements
Now that you understand the nuances of Status Qualifying Credits and the many ways to come about them, let’s take a look at the SQC requirements for earning Aeroplan Elite Status.
Air Canada has five published Aeroplan Elite Status tiers: 25K, 35K, 50K, 75K, and Super Elite, which have the following SQC thresholds:
- Aeroplan 25K: 25,000 SQC
- Aeroplan 35K: 35,000 SQC
- Aeroplan 50K: 50,000 SQC
- Aeroplan 75K: 75,000 SQC
- Aeroplan Super Elite: 125,000 SQC
To obtain status, you need to fulfill the SQC requirement in a calendar year.
For example, to reach Aeroplan 35K status, you need to obtain 35,000 SQC in a calendar year between January 1 and December 31 to qualify for status, since Air Canada uses the calendar year for status qualification.
Once you’ve unlocked status, it’s valid through to the end of January of the following year (which is Air Canada’s “benefit year”.
In other words, if you achieve Aeroplan 35K status in July 2026, it’ll be valid for the rest of 2026, all of 2027, and through to January 31, 2028.
Everyday Status Qualification
The Aeroplan Everyday Status Qualification feature allows you to earn Aeroplan 25K status without ever having set foot on a plane.
Simply earn 100,000 Aeroplan points in a calendar year through eligible sources, and you’ll enjoy Aeroplan 25K status.
Eligible sources include the points you earn from spending on a co-branded Aeroplan credit card, flying with Air Canada and partner airlines, and earning through travel and retail partners, such as the Aeroplan eStore.
If you time some of your online purchases with eStore promotions, you can earn up to 10 Aeroplan points per dollar spent (or more), which can help you fast track your way to earning the required 100,000 points in a calendar year.
It’s important to note that credit card welcome bonuses and points transfers from other programs (e.g., American Express Membership Rewards) don’t count towards Everyday Status Qualification, and neither do bonus points earned for eStore purchases as a perk of Aeroplan Elite Status.
Chase Aeroplan Card
The US-issued Chase Aeroplan Card brings an exciting angle to your Aeroplan Elite Status strategy.
Upon signing up for the card, Aeroplan members automatically receive Aeroplan 25K status.
Moreover, after the first year(s) of instant 25K status, cardholders are able to retain 25K status every year by spending $15,000 (USD) on the Chase Aeroplan Card during a single calendar year.
Cardholders can also earn a boost up to Aeroplan 35K status upon spending $75,000 (USD) in the calendar year.
Aeroplan Elite Status: Core Benefits & Milestone Benefits
Now that we’ve explored how to qualify for Aeroplan Elite Status, let’s explore what you get for all of your hard work.
There are two sets of perks that are available to Aeroplan Elite Status members: Core Benefits and Milestone Benefits.
Aeroplan Elite Status Core Benefits
Core Benefits are perks that do not need to be chosen, and you’re automatically afforded a range of perks that depend on the status tier reached.
The full range of Core Benefits can be found on the official Aeroplan Elite Status website, and the main ones will be highlighted in the discussion below.
All Aeroplan Elite Status members receive the following Core Benefits upon qualifying for any tier of status, though their exact application may vary depending on your tier of status:
- An allotment of eUpgrade credits
- Bonus eUpgrades and bonus SQC for eligible Flight Pass activity
- Elite Points Multiplier, which increases the amount of Aeroplan points you earn per dollar spent on eligible flights
- Priority services with Air Canada (check-in, call centre, boarding, etc.)
- 2 extra Aeroplan points per dollar spent at the Aeroplan eStore
- Earning a minimum of 250 Aeroplan points on eligible Air Canada and Star Alliance flights
In order to enjoy status benefits on a flight, be sure to attach your Aeroplan number to your flight.
You can do this during the booking process, or afterwards on the “Manage My Booking” page.
We’ll explore the benefits at each tier in more detail a bit later on in this article.
Aeroplan Elite Status Milestone Benefits
Also new for Aeroplan Elite members in 2026 are Milestone Benefits, which have replaced the previous Threshold Rewards, automatically awarded Priority Rewards, Select Benefits, and more.
All of the SQC you accumulate over the course of the year – through paid flying activity, engaging with Aeroplan partners, Aeroplan credit card spending, the Head Start benefit, Milestone Benefits, Air Canada Vacations purchases, and/or Million Mile recognition – combine into a single pool to unlock Milestone Benefits.
At each threshold of 10,000 SQC (up to 200,000 SQC), and at each threshold of 20,000 SQC (up to 1 million SQC thereafter), you’ll unlock a Milestone Benefit.
In some cases, the benefits are automatically awarded, while in others, you’ll get to make a choice of which perk you’d like to select. Plus, at some thresholds, you get both an automatic and a choice benefit.
The perks available vary by tier, but they include options like eUpgrades, Priority Rewards, bonus Aeroplan points, status gifts for a friend, Maple Leaf Lounge passes, 30% off vouchers for car or hotel redemptions, 30% off vouchers for a gift card or merchandise redemption, bonus SQC, Status Passes, Air Canada gift cards, and the much-beloved Banked Year of Super Elite Status.
For a full, deep-dive guide into Milestone Benefits, check out my dedicated guide.
Aeroplan 25K Status
The first status tier on the Aeroplan Elite ladder, Aeroplan 25K, is reached by collecting 25,000 SQC in a calendar year.
You can also earn Aeroplan 25K status through Everyday Status Qualification, which requires you to earn 100,000 eligible Aeroplan points in a calendar year.
While the range of perks is limited as compared to higher tiers, there’s definitely value to be found with the status, especially since you can reach this tier without flying at all.
In terms of Core Benefits, beginning with this level, you’ll enjoy a number of priority services with Air Canada: front-of-the-line call centre access, a separate check-in area or queue at the airport, and boarding the plane before most people.
25K members can enjoy complimentary Preferred Seats at check-in, subject to availability, on all fares except for Economy (Basic). These include exit-row seats and seats at the front of the economy cabin, which typically come with a fee.
Furthermore, if a flight is full, you’ll have priority standby over others without status if you have purchased an eligible fare.
You’ll also enjoy complimentary handling of your sports equipment. So, for your winter ski trips or your summer cycling or surfing trips, you won’t have to shell out extra money to bring your gear with you.
When it comes to baggage, you’ll get one additional complimentary checked bag beyond what’s included in your fare (or with your credit card), up to a total of 2 complimentary checked bags at 23kg each.
5 eUpgrades are automatically be deposited into your account as a Core Benefit, which you can use to upgrade to a higher class of service on a booking.
We’ve written extensively about eUpgrades here at Prince of Travel, and I encourage you to review the information to maximize the value you can get from them.
For the Elite Points Multiplier benefit, you’ll get an additional 1 Aeroplan point per dollar spent on eligible Air Canada flight expenses, which means that you’ll earn 2x points.
If you earn a Priority Reward as a 25K member through Milestone Benefits, it’ll be valid for use on economy class bookings in Canada and the United States. As a reminder, Priority Rewards knock 50% off the cost of an Aeroplan redemption, which can be very valuable.
You’ll also get Star Alliance Silver recognition, which extends your priority reservations waitlist and priority airport standby benefits to flying with other Star Alliance partners in any class of service, but doesn’t really offer much else of substance.
Lastly, when you fly with United Airlines and select Lufthansa Group airlines (Lufthansa, Brussels Airlines, SWISS, Discover Airlines, Lufthansa City, and Air Dolomiti), you’ll get an additional complimentary checked bag beyond what’s included in your fare (up to two complimentary checked bags).
Aeroplan 35K Status
Aeroplan 35K is reached when you collect 35,000 SQC in a calendar year.
In addition to the aforementioned Core Benefits for 25K, there are a few additional perks that come with 35K.
At this level, members enjoy priority security clearance via dedicated lanes in many airports worldwide.
While this can also be obtained with a business class ticket or by holding a premium Aeroplan co-branded credit card, it can be a very useful perk when flying in economy during peak travel season or in providing a more streamlined travel experience.
You’ll start the year with 10 eUpgrade credits in your account as a Core Benefit.
For the Elite Points Multiplier benefit, you’ll get an additional 2 Aeroplan points per dollar spent on eligible Air Canada flight expenses, which means that you’ll earn 3x points.
Your complimentary baggage allowance also increases to three checked bags at 32kg each, and they’ll be marked with priority tags. This can be a big money saver if you tend to fly with a lot of luggage, or even if you’re moving across the country or overseas.
As with 25K members, 35K members may select Preferred Seats at no cost at the time of check-in for all flights and all fares except for Economy (Basic) fares.
Priority Rewards earned by Aeroplan 35K members are valid for 50% off Aeroplan redemptions in economy and premium economy across North America, including Sun destinations.
Aeroplan 50K Status
Aeroplan 50K is reached when you get 50,000 SQC in a calendar year. If you’re a member of the Air Canada Million Mile program, you’ll also enjoy (at least) this status for the rest of your life, no matter how little or how much you fly.
In addition to the aforementioned Core Benefits for 25K and 35K members, 50K gives you Star Alliance Gold recognition.
This extends many of your elite privileges when you’re flying with other Star Alliance airlines, including priority airport check-in, baggage handling, boarding, and access to all Star Alliance lounges worldwide for yourself and one guest.
For the Elite Points Multiplier benefit, you’ll get an additional 3 Aeroplan points per dollar spent on eligible Air Canada flight expenses, which means that you’ll earn 4x points.
At 50K, you can also enjoy unlimited complimentary access to Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges and Air Canada Cafés. You may also invite immediate family members (your spouse plus up to five dependent children) and one guest with you at no charge.
50K and higher members also enjoy complimentary access to Virgin Australia lounges when travelling on an Air Canada or Virgin Australia flight (plus one guest), as well as Emirates Business Class Lounges when travelling on an Air Canada or Emirates flight out of Dubai (DXB).
Aeroplan 50K members may select Preferred Seats at no cost at any time for flights within North America, and at the time of check-in for all other flights, on all fares except for Economy (Basic) fares. This affords you a bit of extra legroom and access to the front of the economy cabin without any extra charges.
If you earn a Priority Reward as a 50K member, it’s valid for 50% off Aeroplan redemptions in economy class or premium economy within North America and to Sun destinations. Note that this is the same as the benefit offered to Aeroplan 35K members.
Aeroplan 75K Status
The second-highest tier in the Aeroplan Elite Status world, Aeroplan 75K, is reached when you collect 75,000 SQC in a calendar year.
While the benefits for 75K largely mirror those of 50K members, there are a few additional perks in which some people may find extra value.
As a 75K member, you’ll start the year with 20 eUpgrade credits as part of your Core Benefits.
Aeroplan 75K members can choose Preferred Seats at no cost at any time for all flights and all fares, excluding Economy (Basic) fares.
At this level, Priority Rewards are valid for 50% off an Aeroplan redemption in economy class and premium economy worldwide.
For the Elite Points Multiplier benefit, you’ll get an additional 4 Aeroplan points per dollar spent on eligible Air Canada flight expenses, which means that you’ll earn 5x points.
Aeroplan Super Elite Status
Air Canada’s highest status (that can be earned) is Aeroplan Super Elite.
This status level is obtained by collecting 125,000 SQC in a calendar year.
In addition to all aforementioned benefits, Super Elites are afforded several additional perks for being the airline’s most loyal customers, including (but not limited to) the following:
- 30 eUpgrade credits are deposited in your account at the beginning of the year as a Core Benefit
- 5 additional Aeroplan points per dollar spent on eligible Air Canada flights, bringing the Elite Points Multiplier benefit to 6x points.
- Super Elites get complimentary Preferred Seats on all fares anywhere Air Canada flies.
- Super Elites and one guest can also access the Arrivals Lounge at London Heathrow.
- Free cancellation and free changes to all Aeroplan bookings.
- Super Elites receive a free beverage (including alcohol) and a free snack when travelling in economy class on Air Canada flights.
- An eUpgrade nominee, who may use the Super Elite’s eUpgrades when travelling separately
- 2 Status Passes, which can be gifted to anyone of their choosing
Further, Super Elite Priority Rewards are valid towards 50% off a redemption in business class on Air Canada and any partner airline worldwide. We’ve outlined how to maximize this perk in detail, and it can indeed be a very powerful and valuable benefit.
Perhaps the most intriguing benefit for Super Elites is access to the Air Canada Concierge service.
These employees offer a personalized, bespoke service to Super Elites, which includes handling special requests, proactively monitoring flight cancellations and connections, and ensuring your travel experience is as comfortable as possible.
I’ve heard from many Super Elites who have remarked at the lengths to which the Concierge has gone to assist. This includes digging through the bowels of airports to locate missing luggage, meeting you at a gate with a buggy for a tight connection, and developing a personalized experience unavailable to most travellers.
Indeed, if you’re able to unlock this tier of status, you can expect to be rewarded handsomely for your efforts and loyalty.
Conclusion
The Aeroplan Elite Status program rewards Air Canada’s most frequent travellers with a variety of perks and privileges.
Core Benefits offer a range of priority services and enhanced travel options, while Milestone Benefits cater to individual preferences.
No matter how you prefer to engage with Air Canada and Aeroplan, having status can help you get more out of the program.
I’ve got an odd question – does AC send you a customized physical aeroplan card that shows your status level?
Yes they do but I’ve never used it and never carried it, they know who you are when you book, check in, and on the flight. I think they are discontinuing the welcome package (card and luggage tags) for below below 50K.
Hi T.J.,
Thank you very much for this new updated article.
My comment is not directly with the AP Elite statuses (incidentally, I am now 50K thanks to being a million miler). It is about how Aeroplan calculates miles when granting SQMs. Indeed, I was happy to see that the distance YVR-YYZ is 2085 miles (both from the Great Circle Mapper web site and from the Sky Guide), in your article section on Status Qualifying miles. However, the AP miles you do get for that distance have been 2081, then 2078 (I cannot give you the dates when the changes occurred), and more recently 2076, as I exasperatingly discovered when checking my last travel YQB-YYZ-YVR-HNL on November 1, 2023! Nevertheless, Air Canada does count 2085 miles when computing that same YYZ-YVR distance for a reward travel or for buying a RTW travel. Similar glitches exist for other direct distances (examples available on request). Is there a way to have Air Canada stop such unfair discrepancies, once and for all? Maybe Prince of Travel has more power than me for that matter?! Thank you very much in advance for your reply.
Hi TJ
Thanks as always for your insights and valuable answers.
I see no discussion in the thread of “early recognition “ benefits. Based on our earlier discussions- it looks like I will achieve 35k status in December 2023 for 2024. And then in July I will slide over to 50k status.
My two questions are:
1. Will I get 35k early recognition because I achieve it in December? Seems too good to be true?
2. For my 50k early recognition bonuses which I should be offered next August approximately- is it simply the select benefit reduced choices that are offered? Or do I also get the core benefits in 2024 and then again in 2025? Again – this seems too good to be true… 🧐
Unrelated – with the movement of the Bundle 2 choice on flight passes to a core benefit – does that mean there is no longer a second bundle? I am going to benefit greatly from this movement either way.
Thanks again – I hope these questions can help others navigate. I find as I enter new status levels my learning expands – but so do the questions!
Hi again,
I now understand much better the early recognition benefits – thanks.
I am still unclear on the Bundle 2 question. By making it a core benefit- has Aeroplan simply dispensed with Bundle 2, leaving only Bundle 1?
As of 2024, there will only be Select Benefits from Bundle 1, since all of the Flight Pass-related benefits from Bundle 2 will become Core Benefits.
Thanks TJ. This is first time I have had it confirmed so clearly. Helpful as always.
And I am about to land 35k status early this year because of your advice. Thanks!
Good updated article – thanks for posting again.
A question about SQM when flying on a flight pass. I have one with Latitude tickets to Europe. I will obviously use latitude attitude as I can be very flexible in my bookings. For those flights – will my SQM be calculated on my latitude (125%) or on my e up ticket to business at 150%?
You’ll earn SQM based on the original class of service, so 125% for Economy (Latitude).
Hello, great article. Question on the SQD. I have an Aeroplan Status, but not my wife. If I buy two fligh tickets on the same reservation (one for myself, one for my wife), are the SQD that I will receive is only for my ticket, or for the two tickets? Thanks
You’ll only receive SQD for your personal flights (not for anyone else’s).
What is a Status Qualification Boost? I get these most months in connection with my Visa Infinite card but don’t know what they are used for.
The Status Qualification Boost is extra SQM/SQS earned through credit card spending. It helps you get to the next status level tier without having to fly to earn the SQM/SQS.
If I’m about to pass into Super Elite status with a flight, and I’ll also get my next priority reward at the same time, will it be a priority reward as if I was Super Elite, or will it be treated as if I was 75k status?
Example here: I’m at 80k SQM. Going to do a trip that will bump me over 100k SQM on the return leg of my flight. The return leg will also bump me over 30k SQD, triggering a priority reward. Would you expect the priority reward to be counted under 75k status or Super Elite Status?
Thanks!
I believe it will be a 75K Priority Reward when you hit the threshold, but if it’s a Super Elite one, that will just be a bonus.
Question for you TJ. If I hit threshold gift levels that include roll over SQM, do they stack? for example there is a threshold gift of 2,500 roll over SQM and then at another level there is a roll over of 5,000 SQM. If I hit both of these thresholds do I get 7,500 SQM next year or is it just the higher of the 2 values?
Howdy Brett! Those should stack and rollover.
Thanks TJ. That makes the decision easier
Will status qualifying miles be earned with Air Canada if the flight is booked with a star alliance partner?
For SQD is it earned 100% of the base fare for any class of travel?
Also, if in a calender year jan to dec lets say you earn 2000 sqd and are 1000 short from reaching the silver status, would those sqd carry over into the next year or be reset?
Hi Raman. The SQD earned depends on the fare you buy, and the base fare and carrier-imposed surcharges, but not government-imposed taxes, will count towards your SQD. Your SQD don’t rollover.
Can I earn status by just spending on aeroplan card or do I need flights as well – I often travel with aeroplan points so not much chance of paying for flights
You can earn 25K status by earning 100,000 Aeroplan points over the course of the year (Everyday Status Qualification).
Hi, love all of your Aeroplan articles. I’m currently on track to hit 75K later this year and contemplating which Select Benefits would be most advantageous in the latter part of the Early Recognition Period (i.e. hitting 75K in December 2022). I understand that some Select Benefits like Status Passes are only valid until the end of that benefit year so it wouldn’t be very useful to select this in December. Any experience with choosing the “12-month wi-fi plan” or “35K for a Friend” benefits this late in the calendar year? If I chose these in December 2022, would they continue into 2023 or are they only valid for 2022?
Hi, thanks for the great info! I have a 9 and 5 year old. If I’m flying YYJ to YEG, do I earn SQM/SQS on their portion of the ticket as well as mine? Or should they have their own aeroplan membership and add them into the family group? Thanks!
You’ll only earn for yourself, so it would be a great idea to get them set up with Aeroplan memberships and add them to the family group.
If I just get status 25k say today May 4, 2022. Is that status only good until Dec 31, 2022. Like say I get up to 35k status in November 2022 is it only gold until December 31, 2022 then you start from scratch again January 1, 2023?
After earning status, you’ll keep it through the next calendar year.
I have 35k status. Do people who travel me receive free luggage as well (same reservation)?
Does one earn SQM on paid flights only or can we earn them on reward bookings as well? Thanks
You only earn SQM, SQS, and SQD on paid flights.
Hello. I currently have 25K Status (carry over, and exp 2022) and three core Aeroplan credit cards (TD, CIBC, AMEX) . I having trouble sorting out how much EQD do I need to stay at 25K status. Do I need only $25,000 in spend to get 25 SQS and of course the $3,000 SQD? And second question, confused on how much EQD/SQS I need to move up to 35K? Is it $100,000 spend to get 10 SQS to add to the 25 sqs for the 25k level I already have, to make 35SQS. Plus the $4000 sqd which is only $1000 more than the 25k level.
Is it best for the spend to be on same credit card type to take the best advantage of the every $10k is 1 SQS? Or is it cumulative with credit cards and the EQD that are posted on the Aeroplan activity list? ( am busy studying the Accelerate blog but still a bit confused…THANK YOU )
You can remain at 25K by earning 100,000 Aeroplan points over the course of the year, without any SQD requirements. For Core credit cards, you earn 1,000 SQM and 1 SQS for every $10,000 spent on the card. To earn SQD, you have to fly with Air Canada on paid flights, and it’s $3,000 for 25K or $4,000 for 35K. You will earn 1,000 SQM for each $10,000 Core card, and you’re able to earn per card.
Hello, Thank you very much for your time in replying. This helps alot. Thanks again.. 🙂
I finally received 35k status in late Jan 2022, based on the prior year’s 10k spend on premium cards promo.
I’ve read mixed things online but want to confirm two things:
1. does my 35k status good until the end of 2023 (basically the “if u earn it in year you get it immediately, but it lasts until the year after”? or am I wrong and it’s only good until 2022?
2. Assuming answer to above is end of 2023… then is there no value in me earning SQD nor SQM throughout 2022 (assuming I wouldn’t make it to 50k)
thank you!
Your status will be valid until the end of 2022, unless Air Canada extends it for another year (I think that’s doubtful).
Any word Amex will run this promo again? I’d like to keep my 35k status but primarily fly with reward tickets.
Currently, I have no elite status but I have flights booked for April that will earn me 35k status miles (double status promo). I’ll be zero to 35k after I complete my roundtrip flight. Do I earn both the 25k elite benefits and 35k elite benefits at the same time?
By my calculations, each way will earn me 17600 status miles. So I won’t have a brief pause on hitting the 25k status and immediately hit 35k status upon completing my return flight.
Hmm, good question. I think you’ll jump straight to 35K. Please keep us posted!
Hi T.J. If one books a flight with a connection and the total length is 1,000 miles, but one leg is 150 and the other 850, does that count as 1 or 2 SQS? Does this change if it is 400 and 600?
You’ll get one segment per flight, no matter how short or long it is.
I have 35K this year and am on track to earning 50K for next year.
If I get 50K for next year, do I need to earn 75K for the following year? Or can I just meet the 50K requirements and maintain it/requalify for it?
You can maintain/requalify for any level, so no need to keep moving up the tiers.
How do you use the priority security lines if you have 35k status? Show them your aeroplan card when you walk up ?
Priority Security will be indicated on your boarding pass.
I have Visa Infinite Privilege card which promises some rollovers. I currently have 25K status which from 2020 wasn’t earned organically but through points sum promotion and extended to 2021 and 2022 subsequently.
I have only 24500 SQM and 1100 SQD – will these be rolled over according to the Infinite Privilege card benefit or I have to beef it up to 25K SQM and 3500 SQD to be able to use Jumpstart 2022 promotion?
You’d have to have fulfilled all the requirements for earning 25K status organically for it to rollover to next year (jumpstarting for 2022’s qualifying).
I will have about 92000 of 100000 edq posted by December and on another card the last 8000 will be earned but not posted until January 17. Do you know if this will work or is the calendar over Dec 31 and only posted edq points count.
Thanks
As long as the qualifying activity happened on or before December 31st, it should count (but may take a while to be recognized as such). Josh covered it in an article: https://princeoftravel.com/blog/aeroplan-everyday-status-qualification/
If I haven’t selected my Select Privileges yet in 2021 and have only a few more weeks to do so, and I haven’t flown at all in 2021, is there any value in making the selection now? In other words, will any selection I make now have lasting effect for 2022? For example, if I select to give someone 12 months of Elite status, will they get it for a full 12 months going forward, or just for the balance of 2021? If I select 50 E- Upgrade points now, and if I’ve already got more than I can rollover to next year, do these points last longer by selecting them now?
Your thoughts on how to maximize value for Select Benefits so late in the year would be appreciated.
“Note that the SQD requirement is halved for those residing outside of Canada.”
I think this is no longer the case starting from 2022? Ricky wrote this on Oct 18 in his article.
Yes – we have updated the article accordingly.
Hi TJ, I was approved for the Chase Aeroplan card and have the 20+5 eUps in my account now. Will these expire in early 2022, and therefore will have to be used soon, or will they rollover into next year?
They should be valid through the next benefit year. You can find out when they expire by logging into your Aeroplan account and navigating to the eUpgrade page on the dropdown list.
Good morning
Will all my aeroplan infinite priviledge credit card sqm and segments obtained only by spending will they be erased in 2022 or will it be rolled over.
Thanks
The SQM and SQS only rollover if you’ve organically earned status by completing the SQM, SQS, and SQD requirements.
Is there still en eStore bonus for elite members? I tend to recall reading something about this would be announced later, but never really saw anything. I know for 2021 the existing bonus structure had been respected.
Buried in the FAQ on the eStore page, it states: “Aeroplan Elite Status members will earn an extra 2 points per dollar spent on the Aeroplane eStore.”
Great article! Just wondering – if I was qualified for 25K status in September of this year and I was given 25 e-upgrades that I haven’t used. If I have the black Amex Aeroplan card, do those 25 e-upgrades rollover and I will get 25 new upgrades for next year, so I will have 50 in total for 2022? Thank you!
Yes – once the eUpgrades roll over (which should happen some time early in 2022), you’ll have 50 at your disposal for 2022.
Hey there, I’m currently on my way to 25k status but have found if I don’t book the trip myself I don’t receive the sqs/sqm even if I add the existing booking. Can you confirm if there is a way to add the sqs/sqm if I didn’t book the fare myself?
You can send a request for missing SQD, which will then also adjust the SQM, SQS, and Aeroplan points accumulation, too. https://www.aircanada.com/aeroplan/member/claim?lang=en-CA
Hello! For the credit card SQS earning, is that $5000 in one billing cycle or just cumulatively every $5000?
It should be cumulatively every $5,000.
What does this mean and how can we ensure getting SQD on, let’s say, United flights within US?
“You can also earn SQD on Star Alliance airlines ticketed on Air Canada 014 stock”
The 014 refers to Air Canada ticket stock. This means that the ticket was purchased, for example, directly with Air Canada. You’ll earn SQD for eligible flights this way.
Hi T.J.! Does the flight has to be booked directly with Air Canada for the benefits to apply? If the flight has been booked with United Airlines (YUL-DEN-ANC), but the first leg is operated by Air Canada, does the benefits of the 25K Elite Status (including baggage allowance) will apply?
For baggage allowance, it’s the first carrier on the booking that applies. So, if you fly YUL-DEN-ANC, you’ll get the 25K baggage allowance for the entire booking.
If I haven’t selected my Select Privileges yet in 2021 and have only a few more weeks to do so, and I haven’t flown at all in 2021, is there any value in making the selection now? In other words, will any selection I make now have lasting effect for 2022? For example, if I select to give someone 12 months of Elite status, will they get it for a full 12 months going forward, or just for the balance of 2021? If I select 50 E- Upgrade points now, and if I’ve already got more than I can rollover to next year, do these points last longer by selecting them now?
Your thoughts on how to maximize value for Select Benefits do late in the year would be appreciated.
Thanks for the answer. What I was not sure is: if the booking has been made with United (not Air Canada), so the ticket is issued by United, does the Air Canada 25K benefit will apply on check-in (considering that the first leg is operated by Air Canada)?
I confirmed with Air Canada that you will enjoy benefits on flights ticketed by other Star Alliance airlines but operated by Air Canada. So, in your case, since it is the first segment, you’ll be good to go.
Great!, thank you!
Hi TJ. Thanks for the helpful article. I find myself in a different situation than some others. I am close to 35K this year through SQM but am going to be short on SQD (lots of domestic US flying, not ticketed by AC). If I’m reading this correctly, flight pass purchases count.
Does anyone know if the SQD for a flight pass posts to account upon purchase of the pass, or upon completion on travel? TIA.
Hi Jared! To the best of my knowledge, your SQD won’t post until after travel.
Hey T.J. – great article. Do you know if we have 25k with everyday status qualification, if we want to fly to get to 35k, do we just need 10k status miles and SQD? Or do we need 35k status miles from flying?
I reached out to Aeroplan, and they confirmed that you’ll have to qualify through the regular criteria for higher statuses. So, you’ll need to hit all of the thresholds for SQM/SQS and SQD. Happy flying!
If I book flights on United Airlines directly. Does it count towards my SQM or SQD?
Yes, although to earn SQD the flight must be ticketed by Air Canada to be eligible. Not all classes are eligible to earn SQM – you can find more details here: https://www.aircanada.com/ca/en/aco/home/aeroplan/partners.html#/airlines
Hi TJ, may I know if any of these benefits (free checked baggage, separate check-in counter) apply if I redeem the points from my account for a friend and I am not flying with him? Thx!
Hi Cecil! Unfortunately the benefits won’t transfer to someone booked from your account but not travelling with you. You’ll be able to snag a free preferred seat for them during the booking process, though 😉
Hello! Wondering if AC still gives out those baggage tags for the statuses. Couldnt find any info anywhere.
Thanks!
Hi Celine!
35K and above will get baggage tags. Unfortunately, 25K doesn’t get the tags.
Hi T.J. – does booking on e-Upgrades and Priority rewards count towards status for SQM/SQS/SQD?
Hi Sam! Aeroplan bookings don’t count toward Elite Status – only eligible paid bookings do.
Ah thanks for getting back to me T.J. If we pay latitude fare and use e-Upgrades to get onto business or premium classes do they not count at all?
For booking with Aeroplan points, no. If there is an add-on fee with your eUpgrade, it counts toward SQD.
For the 25k baggage allowance, how does that work on connecting flights. I’ve got a flight from YOW to YUL on AC, connecting to PTY on CM. So I get the 25k baggage allowance since I’m checking in with Air Canada, or do I not get it because the longest flight is on Copa?
Your baggage allowance is determined by the first carrier on your booking. So, outbound you’d have the 25K allotment. But if you fly with another carrier on the first leg of your return, you’ll be subject to their baggage terms.
Hi T.J.! Does the flight has to be booked directly with Air Canada for the benefits to apply? If the flight has been booked with United Airlines (YUL-DEN-ANC), but the first leg is operated by Air Canada, does the benefits of the 25K Elite Status (including baggage allowance) will apply?
Maybe it is just my flying habits but I am finding the SQMs and/or SQSs to be disproportionally high relative to the SQD. I currently sit at 9200/$2300 or 8/$2300. I will be hitting the SQDs for the various tiers while SQMs/SQSs will be lagging behind.
Do you have an Aeroplan co-branded credit card? If you have a Premium card, you’ll get an extra 1,000 SQM and 1 SQS for every $5,000 spent, which could be of use in your case. But, you’re right, it’s hard to hit 25 SQS while only spending $3,000 SQD.
Hi TJ,
Access to the Air Canada Cafe at Toronto Pearson? Is this a paid service?
For SQD halved requirement, do you need have the Foreign address on file in the beginning of year or year end?
Thanks!
Hi Steven!
Not sure about the SQD thing – I imagine that it would halve the requirement if you move anytime in the year though.
AC Cafe was another area at YYZ for J passengers and some Elites. It served better coffee and had grab and go food. It has been closed since COVID and I imagine it won’t reopen until things pick up again.
Hi TJ,
Great Article. Would buying an AC flight using Aventura or Avion flexible points count as SQD or would the flight have to be booked through aircanada.com?
Hi Jane! Unfortunately, flights booked with Aventura or Avion flexible points aren’t eligible for SQD accrual.
Thanks T.J. 👍🏿
I have a friend at 75k, who is thinking of gifting me 35k status (currently have 25k) do you know if I am gifted the 35k and subsequently upgraded, would I also get a priorty reward that is given to those who earn 35k the regular way?
Hi Amit! You have a very nice friend. I was gifted 35K status this year, and there wasn’t a Priority Reward added to my account. So, you’d have to meet the minimum spending requirement to organically earn a Priority Reward.
I will have about 92000 of 100000 edq posted by December and on another card the last 8000 will be earned but not posted until January 17. Do you know if this will work or is the calendar over Dec 31 and only posted edq points count.
Thanks
T.J.
Thanks for this vital info! I was really hoping to get the 50% off in economy latitude and then subsequently using my e-upgrades, but alas I will dream on to other things.
Wondering, with 25K status, the ability to select seats at the front of the economy cabin – is it for fee or free? When is this option available to use? I have paid flight in economy, but choosing seats on the seat map shows that all seats are for a fee. Thanks.
Hi Helgi! For most fares, these are paid seats. Non-status members have to book a higher (Comfort/Latitude) fare to access these seats.
Thanks T.J.