Air Canada Revamps Aeroplan Points in 2026 – Big Changes!

Air Canada is set to transform its Aeroplan loyalty program, introducing a revolutionary spend-based model for earning points and achieving elite status starting January 1, 2026.

This major overhaul shifts the focus from distance flown to dollars spent, aligning with global trends in airline loyalty programs.

Designed to reward high-spending and engaged members, the changes promise enhanced benefits for frequent travelers while keeping Aeroplan elite status exclusive.

In this in-depth guide, we’ll explore the new Aeroplan structure, its impact on travelers from both sides of the border, strategies to maximize points and status, and what it means for your future travel plans.

What’s Changing in the Aeroplan Program?

Starting January 1, 2026, Air Canada’s Aeroplan loyalty program will undergo its most significant transformation since its 2020 relaunch. The key changes include:

• Revenue-based points earning: Members will earn points based on the amount spent (base fare and carrier surcharges, excluding taxes and third-party fees) rather than miles flown.
• Status qualifying credits: A new, unified metric will replace status qualifying miles , status qualifying segments , and status qualifying dollars to determine Aeroplan elite status.
• Enhanced rewards for elite members: Elite members will earn 2x to 6x points per dollar spent, depending on their tier, with frequent bonus offers available to boost earnings.
• Milestone benefits: New perks will be unlocked every 10,000 SQC, including bonus sqc and status passes.
• 10% head start: Starting in 2027, premium Aeroplan credit cardholders who qualify for elite status will receive a 10% SQC bonus based on their previous year’s earnings.

These changes aim to reward members who spend more with Air Canada and engage with its partners, ensuring Aeroplan remains one of the world’s most valuable loyalty programs.

How Points Earning Will Work in 2026

Under the current system, aeroplan members earn points based on the distance flown and fare class, typically ranging from 25% to 200% of miles flown.

Starting January 1, 2026, this shifts to a revenue-based model for operated flights and star alliance or partner flights ticketed by Air Canada (ticket numbers starting with “014”), marking a major change in how points are earned in flagship airline program.

• Base Earning Rate: Members earn at least 1 Aeroplan point per Canadian dollar (CAD) spent on base fare and carrier surcharges (approximately $0.73 USD). For example, a $427 CAD base fare earns 427 points.
• Elite Status Multipliers: Elite status members earn more points based on their tier at the time of travel:
  • Aeroplan 25K: 2x points per CAD
  • Aeroplan 35K: 3x points per CAD
  • Aeroplan 50K: 4x points per CAD
  • Aeroplan 75K: 5x points per CAD
  • Super Elite: 6x points per CAD For instance, an Aeroplan 75K member spending $258 CAD on a New York (LGA) to Montreal (YUL) Economy Flex fare would earn 1,290 points (258 x 5), compared to 324 points under the current distance-based model.
• Frequent Bonus Offers: Air Canada plans to roll out promotional bonuses to help members earn points faster, especially for high spenders.

Points earned through partner airlines or Aeroplan credit card spending remain unchanged for now, maintaining existing earning structures.

For example, United Airlines flights credited to Aeroplan still earn points based on mileage and fare class (25%–150% of miles flown).

To illustrate the impact, here are Air Canada’s provided examples for 2026 earnings compared to the current model:

1. Base Member, Toronto (YYZ) to St. John’s (YYT), Economy Standard: $378 CAD base fare earns 378 points and 756 SQC (vs. 331 points and 331 SQM currently).
2. 75K Member, Toronto (YYZ) to St. John’s (YYT), Economy Flex: $458 CAD base fare earns 2,290 points and 1,832 SQC (vs. 1,323 points and 1,323 SQM currently).
3. Base Member, Montreal (YUL) to New York (LGA), Economy Standard: $203 CAD base fare earns 203 points and 406 SQC (vs. 162 points and 162 SQM currently).
4. 75K Member, Montreal (YUL) to New York (LGA), Economy Flex: $258 CAD base fare earns 1,290 points and 1,032 SQC (vs. 324 points and 324 SQM currently).
5. 75K Member, Vancouver (YVR) to Tokyo (NRT), Economy Flex: $710 CAD base fare earns 3,550 points and 2,840 SQC (vs. 4,660 points and 4,660 SQM currently).
6. Super Elite Member, Vancouver (YVR) to Tokyo (NRT), Business Class: $9,367 CAD base fare earns 56,202 points and 37,468 SQC (vs. 6,990 points and 6,990 SQM currently).

These examples show that short-haul, high-fare flights (e.g., business class or flexible economy) benefit most, while long-haul, low-fare flights may yield fewer points compared to the current model.

Aeroplan Status Qualifying Credits (SQC)

The New Path to Elite Status Currently, Aeroplan Elite Status is earned through a combination of Status Qualifying Miles (SQM), Status Qualifying Segments (SQS), and Status Qualifying Dollars (SQD).

In 2026, these metrics will be replaced by a single metric: Status Qualifying Credits (SQC). This simplifies qualification and rewards engagement across ecosystem.

• Earning SQC:
  • Air Canada Flights: Up to 4 SQC per CAD spent on eligible fares (base fare and carrier surcharges), depending on fare type. For example, a $427 CAD fare might earn 854–1,708 SQC based on the fare class.
  • Aeroplan Credit Cards: Up to 25,000 SQC annually through eligible credit card spending (e.g., 1 SQC per $15 spent on premium cards, capped at 20,000 SQC in some speculations).
  • Partner Activity: Up to 25,000 SQC through travel and everyday partners, such as Star Alliance airlines, Air Canada Vacations, or retail partners like Starbucks and Uber Eats.
• Status Tiers and Requirements: The existing tiers (25K, 35K, 50K, 75K, Super Elite) remain, but SQC thresholds are:
  • Aeroplan 25K: 25,000 SQC
  • Aeroplan 35K: 35,000 SQC
  • Aeroplan 50K: 50,000 SQC
  • Aeroplan 75K: 75,000 SQC
  • Super Elite: 100,000 SQC These thresholds are speculative, as Air Canada has not fully detailed them, but they align with current SQD requirements adjusted for the new system.
• 10% SQC Head Start: Starting in 2027, primary Aeroplan premium credit cardholders (e.g., TD, CIBC, or American Express) who qualify for elite status will receive a 10% SQC bonus based on the previous year’s earnings, replacing the current SQM rollover (up to 200,000 SQM).
• Everyday Status Qualification (EDQ): Unchanged, allowing 100,000 EDQ from credit card and partner spending to achieve Aeroplan 25K status without SQC.

The SQC system rewards high spenders, frequent flyers, and those using Aeroplan credit cards or partners, making elite status more accessible for non-frequent flyers who engage through spending.

Milestone Benefits and Elite Status Perks The 2026 changes introduce Milestone Benefits, replacing Threshold Rewards and Select Benefits, unlocked every 10,000 SQC. These include:

• Bonus SQC: Additional credits to accelerate status qualification.
• Status Passes: Allow members to share elite benefits with others.
• Priority Rewards: Up to 50% off flight redemptions, reducing points needed.

Core Benefits, such as complimentary checked bags, priority check-in, boarding, and airport services, remain tied to status tiers.

Select Benefits, which allow personalization (e.g., eUpgrade credits), will also continue, enhancing the travel experience.

Elite members enjoy perks across Air Canada and Star Alliance’s 26 member airlines, covering over 1,200 destinations.

Why Is Air Canada Making These Changes?

It shifts to a revenue-based model mirrors trends among major airlines like American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines, which prioritize high-spending customers. The goals include:

• Rewarding Loyalty: Recognizing members who spend more on Air Canada flights, flexible fares, and partner activities.
• Simplifying Qualification: Consolidating SQM, SQS, and SQD into SQC streamlines the elite status process.
• Closing Loopholes: The move eliminates “mileage running” (booking cheap, long-haul flights to earn status), focusing on revenue generation.
• Enhancing Engagement: Encouraging use of Aeroplan credit cards and partners like Starbucks, Uber Eats, and Air Canada Vacations.

Scott O’Leary, Air Canada’s Vice President of Loyalty & Product, stated, “Our most engaged members do more than just fly with us—they earn with our partners, choose flexible fares, and carry Aeroplan credit cards.

These changes help us better recognize their loyalty and keep improving the experience.”

Impact on Canadian and U.S. Travelers Canadian Travelers:

• Short-Haul Benefits: Those flying high-fare, short-haul routes (e.g., Toronto to Montreal) may earn more points due to higher fares relative to distance.
• Long-Haul Challenges: Budget travelers on long-haul routes (e.g., Vancouver to Tokyo) may earn fewer points if fares are low, as seen in Air Canada’s example (3,550 points vs. 4,660 currently).
• Credit Card Advantage: Canadians with Aeroplan premium credit cards (e.g., TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite) can earn up to 25,000 SQC through spending, making elite status more attainable without frequent flying.

U.S. Travelers:

• Star Alliance Integration: U.S.-based frequent flyers, especially United MileagePlus members, can credit Air Canada-ticketed flights to Aeroplan, but the spend-based model may make United’s Premier 1K status easier to achieve for domestic travelers.
• Transborder Flights: Short routes like New York to Montreal benefit from the new model, with higher points and SQC earnings for flexible fares.
• Credit Card Limitations: The U.S.-based Aeroplan® Credit Card offers 3x points on Air Canada purchases, but U.S. travelers may find it harder to earn SQC through credit card spending compared to Canadians.

Criticisms and Challenges

The shift has sparked debate among frequent flyers, particularly on platforms like FlyerTalk:

• Reduced Earnings for Budget Travelers: Low-fare, long-haul flyers may earn fewer points, as seen in the Vancouver–Tokyo example.
• High Spending Requirements: Speculation suggests Super Elite status could require $38,000 CAD in spending, comparable to United’s Premier 1K ($28,000 USD), which may deter mid-tier travelers.
• Uncertainty for Partner Flights: It’s unclear how SQC will apply to Star Alliance partners not ticketed by Air Canada, potentially complicating status qualification for U.S.-based flyers.
• Credit Card Dependency: High spenders using Aeroplan credit cards may dominate top tiers, potentially sidelining frequent flyers who don’t rely on credit card spending.

Posts on X reflect mixed sentiment, with some praising the lack of changes to redemption rules but others wary of the spend-based shift.

How to Maximize Aeroplan Points and Status in 2026?

To thrive under the new system, consider these strategies:

1. Book Flexible Fares: Higher fare classes (e.g., Economy Flex, Business Class) earn more points and SQC due to increased spending.
2. Use Aeroplan Credit Cards: Earn up to 3x points on Air Canada purchases and up to 25,000 SQC annually. Canadians can leverage TD, CIBC, or American Express cards; U.S. travelers can use the Chase Aeroplan® Credit Card.
3. Engage with Partners: Earn SQC through Air Canada Vacations, Starbucks, Uber Eats, or the Aeroplan eStore (200+ retailers). For example, 500 points per Avis car rental or 250 points per Best Western stay.
4. Take Advantage of Bonuses: Watch for frequent bonus offers to boost points and SQC earnings.
5. Plan for 2025: The current model applies through 2025 for 2026 status, so maximize SQM, SQS, and SQD now. Consider booking high-mileage flights or using promotion codes strategically.
6. Leverage Star Alliance: Credit Air Canada-ticketed Star Alliance flights (e.g., United, Lufthansa) to Aeroplan for SQC earnings.
7. Monitor Your Dashboard: Use the Air Canada app to track points, SQC, and status progress. Request missing credits promptly to ensure accuracy.

What Stays the Same?

• Redemption Rules: No changes to how points are redeemed for flights, hotels, car rentals, or merchandise. Aeroplan’s award charts for partner flights and lack of fuel surcharges remain a strength.
• Elite Status Tiers: The five tiers (25K, 35K, 50K, 75K, Super Elite) and their core benefits (e.g., free checked bags, priority services) are unchanged.
• Everyday Status Qualification (EDQ): Earn 100,000 EDQ through credit card and partner spending to achieve 25K status without flying.
• Point Expiration: Points don’t expire if you earn or redeem at least once every 18 months, with no expiration until November 30, 2025.

Comparison with Other Airlines The shift to a spend-based model aligns Aeroplan with U.S. carriers like:

• American Airlines Advantage: Elite status is based solely on Loyalty Points earned through spending, with no mileage component.
• Delta SkyMiles: Status is earned via Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs), favoring high spenders.
• United MileagePlus: Requires a combination of Premier Qualifying Points (PQP) and flights, but PQP is spend-based. Aeroplan’s SQC model may be harder for U.S. domestic travelers compared to United’s.

Aeroplan’s advantage lies in its Star Alliance partnerships (26 airlines, 1,200+ destinations) and non-alliance partners like Cathay Pacific, offering versatile redemption options.

Implications for 2026 Travel Planning

• Book Early for 2026: Since the current model applies through 2025, secure high-mileage flights now to earn SQM/SQS for 2026 status. After January 1, prioritize high-fare tickets to maximize points and SQC.
• Credit Card Strategy: Canadians should consider premium Aeroplan cards for the 10% SQC Head Start and up to 25,000 SQC.
• U.S. travelers can use the Chase Aeroplan® Credit Card for 3x points on Air Canada purchases.
• Partner Engagement: Boost SQC through Air Canada Vacations, car rentals (Avis, Budget), or retail partners.

A New Era for Aeroplan Air Canada’s Aeroplan overhaul, effective January 1, 2026, shifts the program to a spend-based model, rewarding high-spending members with more points and a streamlined path to elite status via Status Qualifying Credits.

While budget travelers may face challenges on low-fare, long-haul routes, frequent flyers, credit card users, and partner engagers stand to gain.

With no changes to redemption rules and enhanced benefits like Milestone Rewards, Aeroplan remains a top-tier loyalty program.

Plan strategically in 2025 to maximize your 2026 status, and stay tuned for bonus offers to accelerate earnings.

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