by Natasha Lair
Last updated: 7:40 AM ET, Thu August 7, 2025
Air Canada announced changes to how Aeroplan members earn points and qualify for elite status.
Beginning January 1, 2026, members will earn points based on how much they spend, rather than how far they fly, according to a recent press release.
The airline also announced a new system for achieving Aeroplan Elite status, introducing Status Qualifying Credits (SQC) as a single metric that reflects a member’s engagement across flights, Aeroplan credit card use, and participation with program partners.
“Aeroplan has grown into one of the most rewarding and widely used travel loyalty programs,” said Scott O’Leary, Vice President, Loyalty & Product at Air Canada.
“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.”
What’s Changing in 2026:
- Points Based on Spend: Members will earn a minimum of 1 Aeroplan point per $1 spent on eligible Air Canada flights (excluding taxes and third-party fees). For instance, a $427 base fare would earn 427 points.
- Elite Members Earn More: Depending on their elite status level at the time of travel, members can earn between 2x and 6x Aeroplan points per dollar spent.
- New Elite Status Path: Starting in 2026, elite status will be earned through Status Qualifying Credits (SQC). Members can earn:
- Up to 4 SQC per $1 spent on eligible fares (based on fare type).
- Up to 25,000 SQC through Aeroplan credit card spending.
- An additional 25,000 SQC through eligible partner activity.
Elite Status Benefits Will Include:
- Perks like priority airport services and complimentary checked baggage.
- Milestone rewards every 10,000 SQC, such as bonus SQC and Status Passes.
- A 10% SQC bonus starting in 2027 for premium Aeroplan credit cardholders who qualify for elite status.
There are no changes to how members qualify for Aeroplan Elite status in 2025.
Air Canada says the updates are designed to better reward members who fly often, spend more, and actively engage with the loyalty program beyond booking flights.
More information is available at aircanada.com/acearn2026 and aircanada.com/elite2026.
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