Exciting Updates Coming to Air Canada’s Aeroplan Loyalty Program in 2026
MONTREAL— Air Canada (AC) has unveiled significant changes to its Aeroplan loyalty program, set to take effect for travel beginning January 1, 2026.
Moving forward, Aeroplan members will earn points based on the money spent rather than the distance traveled. Additionally, a new metric called Status Qualifying Credits (SQC) will change the way elite status is obtained.
Air Canada Revamps Aeroplan Loyalty Program
Starting in 2026, members of Aeroplan will earn points and attain elite status primarily based on their spending. For each eligible dollar spent on Air Canada flights, members will earn at least 1 Aeroplan point, excluding taxes and fees.
For instance, if a member pays CAD 427 for the base fare and applicable surcharges, they will accrue 427 Aeroplan points. Those holding elite status will enjoy an increased earning rate, receiving between 2x and 6x points per dollar spent, depending on their status tier—designed to reward loyal and high-spending customers while reflecting industry trends favoring revenue-based loyalty structures.
The current qualification processes will remain intact until the end of 2025, and the revamped system featuring SQC will come into play from January 1, 2026.
Understanding Status Qualifying Credits (SQC)
From 2026, SQC will be the definitive metric for qualifying for Aeroplan Elite status. Members can accumulate SQC in three primary ways:
- Flights: Up to 4 SQC per eligible dollar based on fare class.
- Credit Cards: Up to 25,000 SQC annually through qualifying Aeroplan credit card transactions.
- Partner Activity: An additional 25,000 SQC can be earned by engaging with partners across the Aeroplan network.
This introduction of SQC streamlines the status qualification process, rewarding members who not only fly but also engage with the wider Aeroplan ecosystem.
Benefits for Elite Members
Elite members can expect to receive key travel amenities, including:
- Free checked luggage
- Priority service at airports
- Early boarding access
Moreover, for every 10,000 SQC earned, members will unlock Milestone Benefits, which feature bonus SQC, Status Passes, and additional rewards.
Starting in 2027, cardholders of Aeroplan premium credit cards will benefit from a 10% SQC Head Start Bonus based on the SQC earned in the previous year, facilitating the requalification for elite status.
Aeroplan’s Ongoing Acclaim
Aeroplan has received several awards in 2025, including:
- Program of the Year (Airline)
- Best Elite Program (Airline)
- Best Promotion (Airline) for its 40th Anniversary Campaign
These accolades from the Freddie Awards highlight Aeroplan’s robust standing and commitment to providing enriching experiences for its members.
Earning and Redeeming Points Beyond Air Travel
Aeroplan members can earn and redeem points not just through flights, but also with more than 45 airline partners, including United Airlines (UA) and Lufthansa (LH), tapping into a network of over 1,300 destinations. Points can be used for a variety of purposes:
- One-way flights starting from 6,000 points
- Hotel bookings available through over 9,000 partner properties via Aeroplan HotelSavers
- Retail purchases with brands such as Amazon and Apple through the Aeroplan eStore
With over nine million members enrolled, Aeroplan is continually enhancing everyday earning avenues beyond conventional travel rewards.
About Air Canada
Based in Montreal (YUL), Air Canada (AC) is the largest airline in Canada and a founding member of Star Alliance, serving more than 180 airports across six continents.
Renowned for its commitment to quality, Air Canada holds a Four-Star ranking from Skytrax, while its Aeroplan program with over nine million active participants stands out in the travel loyalty landscape.
Moreover, Air Canada Cargo and Air Canada Vacations broaden their offerings with comprehensive travel packages and freight services. The airline is also targeting net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, reflecting its dedication to sustainable travel.
