When Will These Aeroplan Baggage Allowance Changes Take Effect?

The Aeroplan Elite baggage allowance changes will take effect on February 1, 2026. Until this date, current baggage policies remain in place for all Elite status levels. This gives affected members several months to prepare for the new policy and potentially adjust their travel strategies or consider applying for an Aeroplan credit card to maintain their current baggage benefits.

Which Aeroplan Elite Status Levels Are Affected by These Changes?

The baggage allowance changes primarily affect Aeroplan 25K members, who will see a reduction in their checked baggage allowance on Air Canada flights. In addition, Aeroplan 25K and 35K members will receive new baggage benefits when traveling on certain Star Alliance partner airlines (United Airlines, Lufthansa, Brussels Airlines, SWISS, and Austrian Airlines). Baggage allowances for higher Elite status levels (50K, 75K, and Super Elite 100K) remain unchanged.

How Can Aeroplan 25K Members Still Get Two Complimentary Checked Bags?

After February 1, 2026, Aeroplan 25K members can still get two complimentary checked bags in several ways:1. By holding an eligible Aeroplan Prestige or Principal credit card when traveling with basic fares or standard Economy fares in North America (one bag from status + one bag from the credit card)2. When traveling with standard Economy fares to international destinations (one bag included in the fare + one bag from status)3. When traveling with Flex or Comfort fares (one bag included in the fare + one bag from status)4. When traveling with Latitude fares (two bags included in the fare)5. When traveling with United Airlines or Lufthansa Group carriers on fares that include one checked bag (one fare bag + one status bag)

Which Star Alliance partners are included in the new baggage benefit?

The new Star Alliance partner baggage benefit for Aeroplan 25K and 35K members applies to five specific airlines:- United Airlines; - Lufthansa; - Brussels Airlines; - SWISS; - Austrian Airlines; When traveling on these carriers, 25K and 35K members will be entitled to one additional checked bag beyond what is included in their economy class ticket, allowing eligible members to check up to two bags for free. However, this benefit does not apply to "light" fares from Lufthansa Group airlines that do not include any checked baggage allowance.

How does this change compare to the baggage allowances of other Star Alliance programs?

The updated Aeroplan Elite baggage allowance for 25K members (one additional bag beyond the fare allowance) now aligns more closely with other Star Alliance Silver status benefits. Here's how it compares to other major Star Alliance programs:- United MileagePlus Premier Silver: One additional free checked bag (23 kg/50 lb); - Lufthansa Miles - Singapore KrisFlyer Elite Silver: 10 kg additional for airlines using the weight concept, no additional pieces for airlines using the piece concept; The new Star Alliance partner baggage benefit for 25K and 35K members actually represents an improvement over typical Star Alliance Silver benefits, as many partner airlines previously did not offer additional baggage allowances to Silver members of other programs. This reciprocal arrangement between Air Canada, United, and the Lufthansa Group appears to be a new evolution in Star Alliance partner benefits.