Air Canada today announced a number of enhancements to its Aeroplan Elite Member benefits, including eUpgrades and status passes. An e-mail with all the details will be sent to members at the end of the day.

eUpgrades credits can now be used for you and two travel companions instead of just one.

If your travelling companions are on the same reservation as you, you can request an upgrade in advance, in accordance with the usual procedure. If your companions are on a different reservation, the request can be made at the airport on the day of departure with an Air Canada agent.

Aeroplan Elite 50K, 75K and Super Elite Members earn status passes that allow them to share their premium travel benefits with friends and family. These passes can now be used for any trip in the future, regardless of date, as long as they are applied to a booking before they expire.

Previously, the trip where the status pass had been applied had to take place before the pass expired. This new condition gives members more leeway to offer their status passes before they expire.

As announced a few weeks ago, it is now possible to modify tickets booked with Aeroplan online. The feature is still in beta, and improvements will be made over time. Full details of this new option can be found here.

This year, Air Canada opened brand-new airport lounges in San Francisco (SFO), Toronto Billy Bishop (YTZ) and Newark (EWR). These locations focus on design, quality food and drink, and inspiring spaces to relax and work. Expansion of the Maple Leaf lounge network is planned for the coming years.

Premium Aeroplan credit card holders, business class passengers and Aeroplan Elite Members from 25K have access to the Maple Leaf lounges.