In the past, Air Canada and Aeroplan were two separate entities. Each of these entities had its status:

• Air Canada Altitude Status
• Aeroplan Status

So members of both programs were confused.

From now on, only Aeroplan Elite Status exists.

Here is the part of my video on this topic:

Air Canada’s Aeroplan Elite Status is :

• Easy to understand
• Increase the benefits of each status level
• Offers new ways to obtain or requalify for status

Being an Aeroplan Elite Member entitles you to an exclusive travel experience. The higher the level, the greater the benefits.

Here are some examples:

• Cut the queue when calling Air Canada and Aeroplan Customer Services
• Free Préférence seats for members and up to 8 travel companions on the same booking
• Priority check-in and waiting at the airport
• Free luggage
• Priority security clearance
• Air Canada Concierge Service
• Free access to Maple Leaf, Star Alliance Gold and other lounges
• Credits eUpgrades
• Additional Aeroplan Points for flights and in the Aeroplan eStore
• Complimentary in-flight beverage
• Star Alliance recognition

The Aeroplan program assigns a status level according to this:

• distance travelled OR the number of flights
• AND dollars spent for your trips

This includes both flights on Air Canada, but also with all Star Alliance partners. However, for the spending criteria, the ticket must have been issued on Air Canada stock (ticket numbers beginning with 014).

So, in order to obtain Air Canada Aeroplan status and its highly sought-after privileges, you need to understand the 3 qualification criteria:

The Status Qualifying Miles (SQM) correspond to the distance travelled on Air Canada or Star Alliance member airlines.

However, this criterion will be weighted by two other elements:

• the fare
• the area you are travelling to

With a flight booked at the standard rate, you will earn 25% of the distance travelled, while with a flight in Business class, you will receive 150% of the distance travelled.

You’ll find all Air Canada fare options on this page.

The Status Qualification Segments (SQS) correspond to the number of flights you take on Air Canada or Star Alliance member airlines.

If you need some SQS to reach a higher status, it might be wise to book connecting flights rather than a direct flight.

• Montreal – Vancouver = 1 SQS
• Montreal – Toronto – Vancouver = 2 SQS

Status Qualification Dollars (DQS) correspond to dollars spent for your Air Canada flights or Star Alliance member airlines (ticketed from Air Canada 014 stock).

Even if you have reached the level of Status Qualifying Miles or Status Qualifying Segments, you must have spent a certain number of Status Qualifying Dollars to earn your status.

To earn Aeroplan Status, the qualification period runs for one calendar year, from January 1 to December 31.

Once obtained, Aeroplan Status is valid:

• For the remainder of the current year
• For the whole following year

Around October or November, Aeroplan has in the past targeted certain members to buy a status they could obtain. Or, to encourage them to accumulate a certain number of Aeroplan points by a given date in order to obtain an extension of status for the following year.

This may vary from year to year to stimulate the commitment of Aeroplan members.

Previously, the Air Canada program issued paper coupons for Maple Leaf lounge access.

Now, all benefits are digital and immediately recognized by Air Canada staff upon presentation of the digital membership card.

There are 5 levels of Aeroplan Elite status:

• 25K
• 35K
• 50K
• 75K
• Super Elite

For each of these levels, there are:

• core privileges
• Other privileges: additional benefits that you choose

Selected privileges must be chosen by December 31 each year. You’ll find more about these privileges on this Air Canada webpage .

Air Canada offers Priority Rewards in the Aeroplan program.

These Priority Rewards will provide a 50% discount coupon for certain geographic areas or cabins depending on your status level. Every time you achieve a Status Qualifying Dollars (SQD) milestone, you will get an additional voucher, up to 11 vouchers per year.

You can use a voucher for a flight reward for one passenger. The voucher validity is one year from the date of issuance (but can be used for a later travel date).

Here are the geographical areas and cabins according to your Aeroplan Elite status:

Air Canada has a preferential rate for Rewards on Air Canada for members with Aeroplan status.

On average, it can be between 5% and 10%, and even more in the case of a person with high status and an Aeroplan credit card.

Aeroplan credit cards issued by American Express, CIBC and TD offer advantages for qualifying for or renewing Aeroplan status.

Some Aeroplan credit cards will offer the opportunity to earn after every $10,000 in purchases ($5,000 in purchases for certain Premium cards):

• 1,000 Status Qualifying Miles (SQM)
• 1 Status Qualification Segment (SQS)

What’s more, with an Aeroplan credit card, Aeroplan Members have access to preferential flights rewards.

Aeroplan Members who charge purchases to their Aeroplan credit card earn Aeroplan points much faster. Then, a few days after the monthly statement is issued, the Aeroplan Points earned with the Aeroplan credit card are credited to the member’s Aeroplan account.

The Status Pass allows Aeroplan 50K members and above to offer 50K status to the person of their choice.

This 50K Status entitles the chosen person to the following benefits when traveling on Air Canada (even when traveling without the person who offered this status):

• Priority check-in
• 3 Complimentary Checked Bags
• Priority Baggage Handling
• Priority security clearance
• Complimentary Maple Leaf Lounge Access
• Priority Airport Standby
• Priority online check-in

These benefits are not available for travel on Star Alliance airlines.

Air Canada introduces the ability to qualify more easily for Aeroplan 25K status.

Thus, members who earn 100 000 Aeroplan points from any eligible source will receive Aeroplan 25K Status.

Eligible sources are all base and bonus points earned directly with:

• Air Canada flights
• Aeroplan credit cards spending
• partners (airlines, hotels, eStore , etc.)

For a frequent flyer with Air Canada, Aeroplan Elite Status can make a huge difference!

The aim of an airline loyalty program is to create a kind of game (“gamification”). And it works.

In fact, towards the end of the calendar year, many Aeroplan Elite Members calculate how much they need to reach the next level. They don’t hesitate to make extra trips, because the many privileges of Air Canada’s Aeroplan Elite status make it all worthwhile!