Air Canada Updates Aeroplan Elite Status: Introducing StatusQualifying Credits (SQC) for 2026
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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.
Aeroplan Changes in 2026: Updates
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
Aeroplan Elite Status: Before and After Status Qualifying Credits (SQC)
Here’s a summary of all the changes related to the Aeroplan Elite status.
We’ll look at each point in detail below.
| Feature | Before SQC (Current) | After SQC (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Status Qualification | Status Qualifying Miles (SQM) and Status Qualifying Segments (SQS) + Status Qualifying Dollars (SQD) | Status Qualifying Credits (SQC) |
| Earning on Air Canada Flights and Tickets Issued by Air Canada (014) | Based on distance travelled, fare class bonus, and status bonus | Based on spend amount and fare type (Standard Fares: 2 SQCs per $1; Flex and up: 4 SQCs per $1) |
| 25K Qualification | 25,000 SQM or 25 SQS + $3,000 SQD | 25,000 SQC |
| 35K Qualification | 35,000 SQM or 35 SQS + $4,000 SQD | 35,000 SQC |
| 50K Qualification | 50,000 SQM or 50 SQS + $6,000 SQD | 50,000 SQC |
| 75K Qualification | 75,000 SQM or 75 SQS + $9,000 SQD | 75,000 SQC |
| Super Elite Qualification | 100,000 SQM or 100 SQS + $20,000 SQD | 125,000 SQC |
| Earning with Partner Airlines (Star Alliance) | Based on partner’s earn chart (distance, fare class) contributing to SQM | 1 SQC for every 5 Aeroplan points earned (up to 25,000 SQC annually) |
| Select Benefits | Chosen at the beginning of the Elite year | Replaced by Milestone Benefits, unlocked every 10,000 SQC |
| Priority Rewards | Earned based on a spend threshold, each good for 50% off a flight reward | Priority Rewards now integrated into Milestone Benefits options |
| eUpgrades Credits | Issued as core benefits, plus issued at each Elite level. Additional eUpgrades credits available once a certain threshold of SQDs or SQMs is reached. | Fewer eUpgrades credits are offered as core benefits, but more can be earned through SQC milestones. |
| Aeroplan Premium Credit Card Benefit (Rollover SQM) | Rollover unused SQM to the following year (up to 200,000 SQM) | 10% SQC Head Start based on the previous year’s earnings (starting in 2027) In 2026 Rollover SQM will be converted to SQC at a rate of 5:1 up to a max of 40,000 SQC |
| Chase Aeroplan Card (US) Benefit | Progressive Status levels and a level up benefit at various spend thresholds | “Level Up” benefit replaced with progressive SQC awards. 25K Aeroplan status remains at USD 15K Spend threshold and 35K Aeroplan status is introduced at USD 75K spend. |
Qualifying Credits (SQC) for 2026 – aeroplan elite status 2026″/>
New Elite Status Qualification Thresholds
The elite status tiers remain the same, but qualification thresholds have changed:
| Aeroplan Elite Status | SQC Needed |
|---|---|
| Aeroplan 25K | 25,000 SQC |
| Aeroplan 35K | 35,000 SQC |
| Aeroplan 50K | 50,000 SQC |
| Aeroplan 75K | 75,000 SQC |
| Aeroplan Super Elite | 125,000 SQC |
The Aeroplan Super Elite Status is the most impacted, as it will require earning 125,000 SQC (increased from previous requirements).
Revenue-Based Earning: A New Way to Accumulate Points
Base Earning Rate
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)
Elite Status multipliers
Aeroplan Elite members will enjoy increased earning potential through status multipliers:
| Aeroplan Elite Status | Base Points Multiplier |
|---|---|
| Aeroplan 25K | 2x |
| Aeroplan 35K | 3x |
| Aeroplan 50K | 4x |
| Aeroplan 75K | 5x |
| Aeroplan Super Elite | 6x |
Qualifying Credits (SQC) for 2026 – Screenshot »/>
Promotional Opportunities
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): The New Path to Elite Status
Earning SQC on Air Canada Flights
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:
| FARE TYPE | SQC EARNED |
|---|---|
| Flex fares and higher (including Premium Economy and Business Class) | 4 SQC/$1 CAD |
| Standard fares | 2 SQC/$1 CAD |
| eUpgrades add-ons | 2 SQC/$1 CAD |
| Air Canada Vacation Packages | 1 SQC/$1 CAD |
| Basic Economy fares | 0 SQC/$1 CAD |
Qualifying Credits (SQC) for 2026 – aeroplan sqc air canada »/>
Achieving Elite Status Exclusively Through Air Canada Flights
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).
Benefits of an Aeroplan Premium Credit Card for Air Canada Travellers
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.
Qualifying Credits (SQC) for 2026 – Air Canada 777 YUL ZRH-05″/>
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.
Accumulation with partners and credit cards
Members can also earn SQCs through partner activity and Aeroplan credit card spending:
| Activity | SQC Earned | Annual Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Star Alliance flights | 1 SQC for every 5 Aeroplan points earned | Up to 25,000 SQC per year |
| Travel and retail partners | 1 SQC for every 5 Aeroplan points earned | |
| Aeroplan Premium Credit Cards | 1,000 SQC for every $5,000 spent | Up to 25,000 SQC per year |
| Regular Aeroplan credit cards | 1,000 SQC for every $20,000 spent | |
| Chase Aeroplan Credit Card | Up to 25,000 SQC depending on expenses |
Qualifying Credits (SQC) for 2026 – aeroplan sqc partners »/>
Examples of how to achieve Aeroplan 25K status (25,000 SQC)
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.
Achieving Aeroplan 50K Status (50,000 SQC)
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.
Qualifying Credits (SQC) for 2026 – TD Salon AC-40″/>
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.
Milestone Benefits: a new approach to Elite Benefits
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.
Qualifying Credits (SQC) for 2026 – aeroplan milestone benefits »/>
Example of Milestone Benefits
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.
Key features of Milestone Benefits
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.
Digital Experience
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.
Qualifying Credits (SQC) for 2026 – Screenshot »/>
Other Important Changes a n d Considerations
Everyday 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.
eUpgrades and Core Benefits
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.
Million Mile Program
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.
Aeroplan Premium Credit Cards
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.
Chase Aeroplan Card (United States)
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).
- The Level Up benefit will be discontinued, replaced with progressive SQC awards
Bottom Line
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.
FAQs on Aeroplan Status Qualifying Credits (SQC)
SQC is the new metric for earning Aeroplan Elite Status, replacing Status Qualifying Miles (SQM) and Status Qualifying Segments (SQS). SQC are earned primarily based on how much you spend with Air Canada and partners, rather than distance flown.
SQC requirements are as follows: 25K (25,000 SQC), 35K (35,000 SQC), 50K (50,000 SQC), 75K (75,000 SQC) and Super Elite (125,000 SQC).
You earn SQCs according to the type of fare purchased: 2 SQCs for every CAD$1 spent on Standard fares and 4 SQCs for every CAD$1 spent on Flex and higher fares (including Economy Privilege and Business class).
Yes, you earn 1 SQC for every 5 Aeroplan points earned on eligible Star Alliance and other partner airline flights, up to a maximum of 25,000 SQC per year.
With a premium Aeroplan credit card, you earn 1,000 SQCs for every $5,000 spent. Regular Aeroplan cards earn 1,000 SQCs for every $20,000 spent. Both are subject to a maximum of 25,000 SQCs earned per year.
Yes, there is an annual limit of 25,000 SQC for Aeroplan credit card spending and partner activity (flights, business partners, etc.). However, there is no limit on SQCs earned directly on Air Canada flights.
No, Basic Economy fares do not allow you to earn SQCs.
eUpgrade add-ons earn 2 SQC per SI CAD spent. Air Canada Vacations packages earn 1 SQC per $I CAD spent.
You begin earning SQC for flights taken on or after January 1, 2026, which count towards the 2026 status year. Credit card and partner earning also begins on January l, 2026 for the 2026 status year.
How are SQC calculated on a ticket?
SQC are calculated on the base fare and carrier surcharges, excluding taxes, fees and third-party charges. The total price you paid is therefore not the basis for the calculation. For example, a Flex ticket with $500 in base fare and surcharges earns 2,000 SQC, even if the total with taxes is higher. The same amount on a Standard fare earns 1,000 SQC. As of September 2026, these rules are listed on the official Aeroplan status page.
Why do I have 25K status with fewer than 25,000 SQC?
Aeroplan 25K status can be earned in two separate ways. The first requires 25,000 SQC. The second, Everyday Status Qualification (EDQ), grants 25K status once you earn 100,000 EDQ in a calendar year. Each eligible Aeroplan point earned with Aeroplan partners counts as 1 EDQ. The two counters progress separately, so you can reach 25K through EDQ with a lower SQC balance. However, EDQ stops at 25K. Only SQC lead to higher tiers and Milestone Benefits.
What should I do if SQC are missing after a flight?
First, check that your fare is eligible: a Basic Economy fare earns no SQC. If the Aeroplan points for the flight are also missing, wait at least 14 days after your entire trip is completed, then submit a missing points request to Air Canada. If the points posted but the SQC did not, call Aeroplan at 1-800-361-5373. Keep your boarding passes for up to 6 months after travel.
