Air Canada Updates Aeroplan Elite Status: Introducing Status
Qualifying Credits (SQC) for 2026

Air Canada has unveiled major changes to its Aeroplan loyalty program, effective for the 2026 status year.

These changes introduce a new revenue-based earning system, a new approach to status qualification and an innovative Milestone Benefits structure. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the key updates and their potential impact on Aeroplan members.

Good news! Since the initial announcement in August, Aeroplan and Air Canada have added some improvements and made some updates:

• Earn More Aeroplan Points on Star Alliance Flights: Elite members will be eligible for the Elite Status Multiplier on all flights operated by Star Alliance partner airlines, as long as the ticket is issued by Air Canada (ticket number starting with 014).
• Automatically Extended Status for a Friend: If an Elite member gifts status to a friend in 2025 and requalifies for the same tier or higher in 2026, their friend will keep their status for the entire year of 2026 without any action required.
• Million Mile Status: Elite members who have accumulated at least one million lifetime miles will keep their current privileges and receive new exclusive annual benefits based on their Million Mile status as of January 1 each year, such as:
  • One Million Miles = 2,500 SQC
  • Two Million Miles = 5,000 SQC and the ability to gift Aeroplan 35K Status to a friend
  • Three Million Miles = 10,000 SQC and the ability to gift Aeroplan 50K Status to a friend
  • Four Million Miles = 20,000 SQC and the ability to gift Aeroplan 75K Status to a friend
  • Five Million Miles = 30,000 SQC and the ability to gift Aeroplan Super Elite Status to a friend

Here’s a summary of all the changes related to the Aeroplan Elite status.

We’ll look at each point in detail below.

The elite status tiers remain the same, but qualification thresholds have changed:

The Aeroplan Super Elite Status is the most impacted, as it will require earning 125,000 SQC (increased from previous requirements).

Starting January 1, 2026, Aeroplan members will earn points based on their spend with Air Canada and partners, rather than on distance flown. The new base earning rate is:

• 1 Aeroplan point per $1 spent on base fare and carrier surcharges (excluding taxes and third-party fees)

Aeroplan Elite members will enjoy increased earning potential through status multipliers:

Air Canada plans to offer frequent promotions, allowing members to earn bonus points beyond the base rate. These promotions may include:

• Seasonal offers (e.g. 3x points or more on flights to Europe during shoulder season)
• Route-specific bonuses (e.g., 3x points or more on competitive routes like New York)
• Targeted member promotions

Status Qualifying Credits (SQC) will replace the current system of Status Qualifying Miles (SQM) and Status Qualifying Segments (SQS).

Members will earn SQCs based on their fare type:

For those who primarily or exclusively fly with Air Canada, here’s how you can achieve different status levels based solely on Air Canda flight spending:

• Aeroplan 25K (25,000 SQC): – $6,250 spent on Flex or higher, or – $12,500 spent on Standard fares
• Aeroplan 35K (35,000 SQC): – $8,750 spent on Flex or higher, or – $17,500 spent on Standard fares
• Aeroplan 50K (50,000 SQC): – $12,500 spent on Flex or higher, or – $25,000 spent on Standard fares
• Aeroplan 75K (75,000 SQC): – $18,750 spent on Flex or higher, or – $37,500 spent on Standard fares
• Aeroplan Super Elite (125,000 SQC): – $31,250 spent on Flex or higher, or – $62,500 spent on Standard fares

Remember that ou can mix and match fare types. For example, you could reach 50K status by spending $10,000 on Flex fares (40,000 SQC) and $5,000 on Standard fares (10,000 SQC).

Even if you travel primarily with Air Canada, owning a premium Aeroplan credit card can significantly boost your status earning potential and offer you additional benefits:

• Accelerated SQC Earning: Earn 1,000 SQCs for every $5,000 spent, up to 25,000 SQCs per year. This can help you achieve higher status levels with less spending on Air Canada flights.
• 10% Head Start Benefit: Starting in 2027, earn a 10% SQC bonus based on your previous year’s earnings, giving you a head start on qualifying for status every year. Please note that this bonus does not apply to the 25,000 SQC threshold.
• Combine with Flight Spending: You can earn up to 25,000 SQCs with Card Spending and continue to earn unlimited SQCs on Air Canada flights, making it easier for you to reach higher status levels.
  • Example: Spend $100,000 on your Privilege card (20,000 SQC) and $7,500 on Flex fares (30,000 SQC) to reach 50K status.
• Additional Card Benefits: Premium Aeroplan cards offer benefits such as free checked baggage, lounge access and travel insurance, enhancing your overall travel experience.

By combining spending on Air Canada flights with a premium Aeroplan credit card like the American Express^® Aeroplan^®* Reserve Card, you can maximize your SQC earnings and potentially achieve higher status levels with lower overall spending.

This strategy also gives you room to maneuver should your travel plans change, ensuring you stay on track to achieve your desired status level.

Members can also earn SQCs through partner activity and Aeroplan credit card spending:

Here are a few examples of how you can achieve Aeroplan 25K status:

• You could obtain Aeroplan 25K status by spending $125,000 on an Aeroplan Premium credit card.
• if you use a Core Aeroplan credit card, you would need to spend $500,000 to reach 25K status.
• You can also earn 25K status by accumulating 125,000 Aeroplan points (subject to the 25,000 SQC cap) through travel with Star Alliance or partner airlines.
• You can also reach 25K status by earning 125,000 Aeroplan points (subject to the 25,000 SQC cap) through travel partners and retailers.

To reach Aeroplan 50K status, you’ll need to combine various earning methods, keeping in mind the 25,000 SQC cap on credit card spending and partner activities. Here are some more realistic scenarios:

• Maximize credit card spend: Earn 25,000 SQC by spending $125,000 on a premium Aeroplan credit card, then earn the remaining 25,000 SQC through Air Canada flights (e.g. $6,250 spent on Flex or higher fares).
• Combine credit card and partner activities: Earn 25,000 SQC through credit card spend, then earn 125,000 Aeroplan points through Star Alliance flights or travel and retail partners for an another 25,000 SQC.
• Focus on Air Canada flights: Earn 50,000 SQCs by spending $12,500 on Air Canada Flex or higher fares (at 4 SQCs per dollar spent). This method is not subject to the 25,000 SQC cap.
• Mix of all three: Earn 20,000 SQCs from $100,000 in spending on a premium Aeroplan credit card like the TD^® Aeroplan^® Visa Infinite Privilege* Credit Card, 20,000 SQCs from 100,000 Aeroplan points earned with partners, and the remaining 10,000 SQCs from $2,500 in spending on Air Canada Flex or higher fares.

These scenarios show how members can strategically combine different accumulation methods to reach 50K status, while respecting the 25,000 SQC cap on Aeroplan credit card spending and partner activities.

The key is to leverage Air Canada flight spending, which is not subject to the cap, to bridge any gaps in SQC earnings.

The new Milestone Benefits system replaces existing selectable benefits, threshold rewards and Priority Rewards. Members unlock benefits every 10,000 SQC earned, up to 200,000 SQC, then every 20,000 SQC thereafter, up to 1,000,000 SQC.

10,000 SQC milestone : 10 eUpgrades credits (automatic)

20,000 SQC milestone (choice of benefit) :

• 1 Priority Rewards
• 10 credits eUpgrades
• 30% off a car or hotel redemption
• 30% off an eStore redemption
• 5,000 Aeroplan points
• 2 Lounge Passes

30,000 SQC milestone: 10 eUpgrades credits (automatic)

40,000 SQC milestone (choice of benefit) :

• 1 Priority Rewards
• 10 credits eUpgrades
• 30% off a car or hotel redemption
• 30% off an eStore redemption
• 7,500 Aeroplan points
• 2,500 bonus SQCs
• 4 Lounge Passes

Higher milestones continue to offer more interesting choices, including options such as 50K status for a friend or deferred Super Elite status at the 200,000 SQC milestone.

Here are the main features of Milestone Benefits:

• More frequent recognition throughout the qualification journey
• Combination of automatic and choice benefits
• Replaces selectable benefits, Priority Rewards and eUpgrades/threshold gifts
• Choices include Priority Rewards, bonus points, premium discounts, status passes, etc.
• Members can make selections closer to the time when they need the benefits, rather than choosing everything at once at the beginning of the year.

Air Canada is introducing a redesigned digital experience to support members in their status and benefits progression:

• Intuitive benefit selection experience integrated into member dashboard and Air Canada application
• Features include benefits history for current and previous years
• Easier tracking of progress towards next milestone

This new Milestone Benefits system is designed to offer Aeroplan members greater flexibility and personalization, allowing them to choose the benefits that best suit their travel needs throughout the year. It also encourages continued commitment to the program beyond initial status qualification.

The Everyday Qualification option for Aeroplan 25K status remains unchanged (EDQ). Members can still earn this status by accumulating 100,000 Aeroplan points through eligible sources.

Although members will receive fewer basic eUpgrades with their status, they will be able to accumulate more through Milestone Benefits. There are no major changes to lounge access or core Super Elite benefits.

The Million Mile program remains unchanged, continuing to recognize members based on the actual distance flown on Air Canada metal. However, fare type bonuses will no longer apply to lifetime Qualifying Miles calculations.

Starting in 2027, primary Aeroplan premium credit cardholders who quality for Aeroplan Elite status can receive a 10% SQC bonus based on their previous year’s earnings. This “Head Start benefit replaces the current Rollover SQM benefit.

The Chase Aeroplan card will undergo a number of changes, including:

• Earn up to 25,000 SQC through card spending and the basic cardholder benefit.
• Aeroplan 25K status is granted for annual expenses of USD $15,000 (unchanged).
• Aeroplan 35K status is granted for annual expenses of USD $75,000 (new benefit).

As Air Canada rolls out these significant changes to the Aeroplan program, members should carefully evaluate how the new structure aligns with their travel patterns and spending habits

While the revenue-based model may benefit some travellers who spend more, others may need to adjust their strategies to maximize their earnings and maintain their elite status. Stay tuned for more detailed information and analysis as the 2026 program year approaches.