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.
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.
Core & Small Business Aeroplan Credit Cards
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.
Premium Aeroplan Credit Cards
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.
