Aeroplan Elite Status Milestone Benefits: Complete Guide to Benefits in 2026
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Travel in comfort, earn bonus points, and make the most of your status with Aeroplan Elite Status Milestone Benefits. These benefits enhance your experience as you progress through the Aeroplan Elite Status levels.
In this guide, we break down how Milestone Benefits work, highlight their advantages, and most importantly, show how they truly transform the Aeroplan Elite member’s travel experience from booking to arrival.
What is an Air Canada Aeroplan Elite Milestone Benefit?
Aeroplan Elite Status Milestone Benefits are additional rewards offered to members who reach specific Status Qualifying Credit (SQC) thresholds in 2026.
Unlike the Core Benefits of Aeroplan Elite Status, which provide ongoing perks based on your tier (25K, 35K, 50K, etc.), Milestone Benefits let you choose personalized rewards as you reach new activity thresholds.
Milestone Benefits will replace the familiar “selected benefits”, and this revamp will change how members manage their rewards.
How to Earn an Aeroplan Milestone Benefit?
Aeroplan Milestone Benefits are unlocked when you reach a certain number of Status Qualifying Credits (SQC), whether earned through eligible flights with Air Canada and Star Alliance partners or through other qualifying activities. In fact, there are several ways to earn SQC, each with its own earning rates:
- Air Canada Flights
- Partners (travel, hotel, etc.)
- Aeroplan co-branded credit cards
Certain Milestones (for example, 50,000 SQC, 75,000 SQC, or 100,000 SQC) allow you to choose a benefit from a list of exclusive options, while other milestones offer eUpgrade credits.
As an Elite member, you can reach your first milestones faster than you might think. The program starts at 10,000 SQC, meaning a single transatlantic trip in Premium Economy, worth approximately $2,500, is enough to achieve it, a great start to re-qualifying for 25K status.
If you start 2026 without status, you will begin unlocking Milestone Benefits only after achieving Aeroplan 25K Status.
Some Limitations and Important Considerations
Before planning your selections, it’s important to be aware of the rules and restrictions associated with Aeroplan Milestone Benefits:
- You must already be an Aeroplan Elite Status member to access Milestone Benefits; these milestones do not count towards qualifying for status.
- Some benefits are selectable: you must choose your preferred option (points, eUpgrade credits, etc.) in your Aeroplan account and follow the order for each milestone.
- The accumulation of SQC with certain partners (travel, hotels, etc.) is capped.
- Certain benefits may have usage restrictions: limited validity period, point redemption conditions, or restricted eligible flights depending on your status at that time.
These nuances help avoid unpleasant surprises and allow you to better plan your strategy for accumulating and selecting benefits.
What are the Different Aeroplan Milestone Benefits?
Here is the complete list of available Milestone Benefits, along with an explanation of their actual value and usefulness depending on your profile.
eUpgrades Credits
The eUpgrade credits allow you to obtain an upgrade to Premium Economy or Business Class on flights operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Express, or Air Canada Rouge, including flights paid with points. They are valid for 12 months (or 24 months for Aeroplan premium credit card holders) from the moment you select them.
Perfect for business travellers or couples seeking optimal comfort (especially when combined with an Air Canada Worldwide Companion Pass).
Priority Rewards
The Priority Reward offers a 50% discount on the Aeroplan points required for an eligible reward ticket, valid for 12 months. Eligible geographic zones and service classes depend on your Aeroplan Elite status at the time the benefit is chosen.
Ideal for frequent travellers who want to save points or offset the cost of Air Canada’s dynamic pricing.
Maple Leaf Lounge Pass
Each lounge pass grants access to a Maple Leaf Lounge for one guest and one visit, with a confirmed same-day departing ticket on an Air Canada flight. Valid for 12 months from their issuance.
Ideal for those who wish to travel in peace and comfort before their flight without having status or credit cards granting access.
Aeroplan Points
You can choose a direct bonus of 5,000 to 20,000 Aeroplan points to use however you like.
Ideal for members who prioritize flexibility or may be looking for greater value.
Points Discount – Car Rentals and Hotels
This benefit provides a promo code for 30% off the points price of a car rental or hotel booking made through the Aeroplan platform. Valid until December 31 of the year following the achievement of the milestone.
Ideal for families or leisure travellers who have a large balance of Aeroplan points for their trip. Furthermore, this benefit can be combined with the fourth night free offer for Aeroplan credit card holders.
Points Discount – Gift Cards and Merchandise
A promotional code grants a 30% points discount on gift card purchases and products from the Aeroplan eStore. Valid until December 31 of the year following the achievement of the milestone.
Ideal for members who do not have short-term travel plans.
Bonus SQC
Additional Status Qualifying Credits (SQC) are added to your account to help you reach the next status level faster. Bonus SQC are valid for the current year and must be selected by December 30, one month before the other Milestone Benefits (December 30, 2026 for 2026 Milestones).
Ideal for regular travellers looking to reach a higher tier faster.
Status Passes
Two passes (milestones from 60,000 to 120,000 SQC) or four passes (milestones from 130,000 SQC) that allow you to share select Aeroplan Elite Status benefits, such as priority boarding, free checked bags, lounge access, and more, with a friend or family member and up to eight travel companions on the same reservation. Valid for 12 months from their issuance.
Ideal for sharing your benefits with loved ones.
Air Canada Gift Card
A card valued at $150 to $250, redeemable on any Air Canada flight.
Ideal for those who prefer a simple reward, as long as you allow up to 3 weeks for it to arrive by email.
Aeroplan Elite Status for a Friend
Option to offer Aeroplan 25K, 35K, 50K, or 75K status to the person of your choice. Status is valid immediately until December 31 of the following year.
Ideal for couples, friends, or colleagues.
Banked Super Elite Status
This unique benefit allows you to save one year of Super Elite Status for later, in case of reduced activity. Should your status fall below the Super Elite threshold, an automatic one-year extension would apply.
Ideal for business travellers or frequent flyers during a transition period.
Air Canada’s Aeroplan Milestone Benefit Choices and Tiers
Each Milestone grants access to one or more benefits. To explore the different milestones and benefits offered, consult the Aeroplan Milestone Benefits page.
Beyond the 240,000 SQC milestone, benefits continue to accumulate. For each additional increment of 20,000 SQC, up to a maximum of 1 million SQC, members automatically receive 20 eUpgrade credits and retain the option to choose an additional benefit.
The options available at these levels remain the same as those offered at the 220,000 SQC milestone, allowing you to continue accumulating benefits with each milestone reached.
Deadlines to Select 2026 Milestone Benefits
Most Milestone Benefits must be selected in your Aeroplan account. Only the eUpgrade credits that some milestones grant are added automatically. As of September 2026, Air Canada applies two deadlines to 2026 Milestones:
- Bonus SQC: by December 30, 2026. They count toward your 2026 Milestones.
- All other Milestone Benefits: by January 30, 2027.
Any 2026 Milestone Benefit not selected by its deadline is forfeited.
The Air Canada Gift Card also takes time to arrive. Air Canada sends it by email, to the address in your Aeroplan profile, within 3 weeks of your selection. If you plan to use it for a specific booking, select it well ahead of time rather than at the last minute.
What are the Best Aeroplan Elite Milestone Benefits to Choose?
Every choice counts. Benefits are no longer offered recurrently at each tier: some appear only once, at a specific point in your journey. It therefore becomes essential to plan your strategy according to your travel priorities.
For example, passes for Maple Leaf Lounges are only offered at the 20,000 and 40,000 SQC milestones. Not selecting them at that time means it will no longer be possible to obtain them later. An important detail to consider if you were used to offering them to your loved ones.
Those looking to maximize their eUpgrade credits or Priority Rewards will have to make certain trade-offs, such as foregoing status passes or lounge passes.
Finally, members seeking a final boost to achieve status can also choose to obtain bonus SQC: up to 10,000 towards Super Elite status, 5,000 towards 75K, or 2,500 towards 50K. This choice, however, comes at the expense of other more tangible benefits, such as the valuable Priority Rewards.
From 130,000 SQC, once Super Elite status is obtained, the options become more generous. The bonus SQC offered at these levels allow you to get a head start for the following year, especially if you hold a premium Aeroplan credit card. The number of eUpgrade credits increases significantly: from this stage, you earn 20 credits for every 20,000 SQC, and then for every 10,000 SQC starting at 190,000.
In fact, having a premium Aeroplan credit card is a major strategic advantage. These cards not only let you earn more points and Status Qualifying Credits (SQC) faster, but also allow you to start the following year with a credit equal to 10% of the SQC earned during the year, a benefit that will begin in 2027. By combining milestone benefits with the perks of your credit card, you maximize every dollar spent and accelerate your progress toward higher status levels while continuously earning points.
If you want to optimize your Aeroplan strategy, it’s worth comparing the available credit cards. Some provide free access to Maple Leaf Lounges, free checked baggage, or even substantial Aeroplan points welcome bonuses. Consult our selection of the best Aeroplan cards to find the one that best aligns with your travel goals and get the most out of your Aeroplan Milestone Benefits.
- Annual fee
- $599
- Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$2,000Total$2,000Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
- $2,000
- Welcome offerAfter $24,000 in 12 months
- Up to 100,000 points
Apply Now
on TD's website
Featured
- Annual feeNo annual fee the first year
- $0 $139
- Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$1,000Annual fee rebated$139Total$1,139Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
- $1,139
- Welcome offerAfter $12,000 in 12 months
- Up to 50,000 points
Apply Now
on TD's website
- Annual fee
- $599
- Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$1,300Total$1,300Plus $500 of bonus paid after the first year, not counted in this total.Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
- $1,300
- Welcome offerAfter $10,500 in 3 months
- Up to 90,000 points
Apply Now
on American Express's website
Apply with confidenceCheck whether your application will be approved before you submit it, with no impact on your credit score*When you apply for a personal American Express Credit Card, we will tell you whether you are eligible without affecting your credit score. So you can apply with confidence.*Instant decisions are only available for consumer Card applications (also called “personal Cards”).
- Annual fee
- $599
- Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$1,200Total$1,200Plus $500 of bonus paid after the first year, not counted in this total.Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
- $1,200
- Welcome offerAfter $7,500 in 3 months
- Up to 85,000 points
Apply Now
on American Express's website
Apply with confidenceCheck whether your application will be approved before you submit it, with no impact on your credit score*When you apply for a personal American Express Credit Card, we will tell you whether you are eligible without affecting your credit score. So you can apply with confidence.*Instant decisions are only available for consumer Card applications (also called “personal Cards”).
- Annual fee
- $120
- Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$700Total$700Plus $200 of bonus paid after the first year, not counted in this total.Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
- $700
- Welcome offerAfter $7,500 in 6 months
- Up to 45,000 points
Apply Now
on American Express's website
Apply with confidenceCheck whether your application will be approved before you submit it, with no impact on your credit score*When you apply for a personal American Express Credit Card, we will tell you whether you are eligible without affecting your credit score. So you can apply with confidence.*Instant decisions are only available for consumer Card applications (also called “personal Cards”).
How Milestone Benefits Improve Your Air Canada Experience from A to Z
The Aeroplan Milestone Benefits are not limited to symbolic rewards: they truly transform the way you travel, regardless of your profile. Whether you’re an occasional traveller, a family looking to maximize everyday spending, or a frequent business traveller, these benefits enhance every stage of your journey. Here are three concrete examples that show how milestone benefits improve your experience from A to Z.
Example 1 – Occasional Traveller: Catherine
Catherine travels a few times a year, mainly for leisure, and is a regular user of the Air Canada and partner network. In 2025, she achieved Aeroplan 25K status with her usual leisure travels. In 2026, she discovers that it’s now easier to progress toward Aeroplan Elite Status thanks to Status Qualifying Credits (SQC).
Earning Points and Milestones
A $2,500 ticket in Premium Economy earns 4 SQC per dollar spent, totaling 10,000 SQC on the first trip, which unlocks the first milestone and 10 eUpgrade credits. By adding a second trip to São Paulo in Business Class for $3,750, she reaches 25,000 SQC and renews her 25K status, crossing the first two milestones. She is eligible to receive them because she already held status from the previous year.
Before the Flight
Catherine uses her eUpgrade credits and her 25K status to upgrade to Business Class on a flight to Cancun, her third trip of the year. Since her itinerary includes a connection at Toronto Pearson Airport, she enjoys priority standby thanks to her 25K status, allowing her to arrive earlier and take advantage of the Maple Leaf Lounge.
At the Airport
She skips the lines with priority check-in and checks her two bags for free. In the Maple Leaf Lounge, she enjoys a latte and fast Wi-Fi before departure, making for a much more relaxed start to her trip.
In Flight
Air Canada sometimes uses a wide-body aircraft to Cancun: Catherine discovers the Signature cabin thanks to her upgrade and enjoys a full meal at no extra charge.
After the Flight
Her travels not only allow her to renew her status once more, but also to accumulate more Aeroplan points. With the Priority Reward earned and selected at 20,000 SQC, her next reward flight to Vancouver costs 50% fewer points, giving her direct savings.
Tangible Value of Aeroplan Milestone Benefits
- An upgrade: between $500 and $1,000 depending on the itinerary
- Lounge access: approximately $50 per visit
- Free baggage: $40 to $50 per direction
- Priority Rewards: savings of approximately 12,500 points, or about $250 according to Milesopedia’s valuation
Example 2 – Family: Marc, Sophie, and Their Teenagers
Marc and Sophie just bought a house and plan $200,000 in renovations in 2025 and 2026, split equally. With their $100,000 in expenses in 2025, Marc managed to achieve 25K status through daily status qualifying spending. Few trips planned due to their significant upcoming expenses. They decide to take advantage of this to subscribe to a premium Aeroplan credit card to maximize their returns.
Earning Points and Milestones
By spending $100,000 on their card in 2026, they unlock a welcome bonus of approximately 100,000 Aeroplan points, accumulate approximately 150,000 additional points thanks to the card’s base accumulation rate, and obtain 20,000 SQC (1,000 SQC per $5,000 spent). Without even flying, they once again achieve 25K status in 2026 and the first two milestone benefits.
Before the Flight
Thanks to their points, they finally treat themselves to a vacation this year. They book a family trip to the Canadian West with points without dipping into their savings. With their eUpgrades credits, they upgrade to Premium Economy and enjoy free preferred seats for their children.
At the Airport
Their status offers them priority check-in and free baggage. Their premium card provides access to the Maple Leaf lounge for two people. So that the whole family can enjoy it, they use their second milestone benefit to get two additional passes. This way, the whole family can relax before departure.
In Flight
Priority boarding helps them avoid the stress of overhead compartments being full. The children enjoy their entertainment without hassle, and Marc can relax while enjoying a drink during the flight.
After the Flight
Thanks to his premium card, Marc receives a 10% SQC head start bonus for the following year. And since their home renovation expenses continue, possibly even adding a pool, he is already considering how to maintain his Elite Status while enjoying an upcoming trip paid with points.
Tangible Value of Aeroplan Milestone Benefits
- Upgrades for the couple: $200 to $700 per person
- Lounge access for four: approximately $200
- Free baggage: $160 to $200 for four travellers
- Reward flights: saved by earning points
Example 3 – Business Traveller
John is a consultant and has been splitting his time between Toronto and Vancouver for years. He regularly flies to meet his clients and often has to change his bookings according to his meetings. He therefore chooses Economy Flex fares, which are more expensive but offer greater flexibility, allowing him to adapt to unexpected work commitments. John regularly maintains Aeroplan Elite Status, year after year, with this lifestyle.
Earning Points and Milestones
In 2026, over four round trips between Toronto and Vancouver, for a total of approximately $6,250 in Flex fares, John reaches 25,000 SQC. He therefore earns 25K status and reaches the first two milestones. At the first milestone (10,000 SQC), he automatically receives 10 eUpgrades credits. At the second milestone (20,000 SQC), he chooses to obtain 10 additional eUpgrades credits because he prefers to maximize his in-flight comfort for his frequent travels.
Before the Flight
Thanks to his 20 eUpgrades credits, John plans his next trips between Toronto and Vancouver by using them to upgrade to business class. He enjoys priority boarding, access to the Maple Leaf Lounge when available through his ticket or credit card, and most importantly, a quieter environment to work in before takeoff.
At the Airport
His 25K status entitles him to priority check-in and one free checked bag. In case of a last-minute schedule change, he also benefits from priority standby, a practical advantage for business travellers whose agenda often changes.
In Flight
Seated in business class, John has all the necessary space to work comfortably on his laptop. He enjoys a full meal and more attentive service, which allows him to arrive at his destination rested and ready for his meetings. The eUpgrades credits allow him to access this comfort without paying the full ticket price.
After the Flight
His business trips now earn him more Aeroplan points thanks to the multiplier linked to his Elite status. Each flight also allows him to accumulate new SQC, bringing him closer to 35K status and a third milestone. This way, he maximizes the value of his business expenses while making his trips more enjoyable and productive.
Tangible Value of Aeroplan Milestone Benefits
- 20 upgrade credits used on four round trips: approximately $800 to $1,600 in value
- Free baggage: approximately $40 per direction
- Additional points earned with 25K status: 2X more points on every flight
Bottom Line
The Aeroplan Milestone Benefits are not just symbolic rewards. They are real value levers that transform the way you travel. Upgrades, lounge access, point discounts, or bonus SQC: when well chosen, these benefits can make the difference between an ordinary flight and a premium experience.
Always take the time to evaluate which benefit best suits your travel style and goals. And don’t forget: your credit card plays a key role in this strategy. Some Aeroplan credit cards make it easier to earn more SQC to reach milestones, unlock exclusive privileges, or even start the year with a head start toward earning status.
Before making your choices, take a look at our selection of the best Aeroplan credit cards on Milesopedia. You’ll find the cards that maximize your Milestone Benefits and points, allowing you to travel more often, more comfortably, and at a lower cost.
- Annual fee
- $599
- Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$1,200Total$1,200Plus $500 of bonus paid after the first year, not counted in this total.Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
- $1,200
- Welcome offerAfter $7,500 in 3 months
- Up to 85,000 points
Apply Now
on American Express's website
Apply with confidenceCheck whether your application will be approved before you submit it, with no impact on your credit score*When you apply for a personal American Express Credit Card, we will tell you whether you are eligible without affecting your credit score. So you can apply with confidence.*Instant decisions are only available for consumer Card applications (also called “personal Cards”).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Aeroplan Milestone Benefit and how does it work?
Aeroplan Milestone Benefits are additional advantages offered to members who reach specific thresholds of Status Qualifying Credits (SQC). Unlike the main benefits of Aeroplan Elite status, these benefits allow for the selection of personalized rewards each time a new tier is reached, replacing the old “selected benefits.”
How can I accumulate Status Qualifying Credits (SQC)?
You can accumulate SQC through your spending on Air Canada flights and its Star Alliance partners, as well as through other partners, such as hotels and Air Canada Vacations. Using a co-branded Aeroplan credit card can also accelerate your SQC accumulation.
What types of milestone benefits are available in 2026?
Members can choose from several benefits, including eUpgrades credits, Priority Rewards, passes for Maple Leaf lounges, point discounts on hotels and car rentals, and bonus SQC. Each benefit has a tangible value and can adapt to various travel styles.
What strategies should be maximized for Milestone Benefits?
To optimize your Milestone Benefits, it is good to plan your choices according to your travel needs and habits. Some rewards, such as passes for Maple Leaf lounges, are only available at certain tiers, making the timing of their selection important.
How do milestone benefits enhance the travel experience with Air Canada?
Milestone benefits enhance the travel experience at every stage, from booking to arrival. They offer upgrades, discounts, lounge access, and much more, transforming an ordinary trip into a premium experience while maximizing the value of expenses incurred.
What is the deadline to select 2026 Aeroplan Milestone Benefits?
As of September 2026, Air Canada has set January 30, 2027 as the deadline to select 2026 Milestone Benefits. Bonus SQC must be chosen one month earlier, by December 30, 2026. Any 2026 Milestone Benefit not selected by its deadline is forfeited. The eUpgrade credits that some milestones grant automatically are the exception: they are added to your account when you reach the milestone.
What is banked Aeroplan Super Elite status?
Banked Super Elite status is one of the Aeroplan Milestone Benefits. It lets you set aside one year of Super Elite status for later. If your activity drops and your SQC are no longer enough to requalify for Super Elite, your status is automatically extended by one year. This option suits frequent flyers who expect a quieter year, for example during a leave or a job change.
What do Milestone Benefits offer beyond 125,000 SQC?
Super Elite status is reached at 125,000 SQC, and milestones then continue every 10,000 SQC up to 200,000 SQC. According to Air Canada's Milestone Benefits page (consulted on October 26, 2026): at 130,000 SQC, you automatically receive 20 eUpgrade credits (valid for 12 months, or 24 months if you hold an Aeroplan premium credit card) and you choose between 4 Status Passes, 10,000 Aeroplan points, 5,000 bonus SQC or Aeroplan 50K Status for a friend; at 140,000 SQC, you choose between 1 Priority Reward, 4 Status Passes, 15,000 Aeroplan points, 5,000 bonus SQC, 30% off a car or hotel redemption, or 30% off a gift card or merchandise redemption; at 150,000 SQC, you again receive 20 eUpgrade credits and choose between 4 Status Passes, 10,000 Aeroplan points or a $250 Air Canada Gift Card.