To the point
Want to know how the Air Canada Altitude program works? Find out how to obtain a status and the related benefits.
How to obtain an Altitude status?
The Altitude Qualification Miles (AQM)
The Altitude Qualification Segments (AQS)
Altitude Qualification Dollars (AQD)
An example of accumulation
The period for obtaining an Altitude status
Your Altitude Dashboard
Altitude status levels
Altitude Prestige 25K status
Altitude Elite 35K status
Altitude Elite 50K status
Altitude Elite 75K status
Altitude Super Elite 100K status
How do eUpgrades work?
Earn eRating credits
Use eUpgrades credits
Search for flights offering eUpgrades
Conclusion on the Air Canada Altitude program
The 3D renderings of the Air Canada Altitude maps on this page are the work of Eric Daneau and used with his permission. Do not hesitate to consult his various achievements!
Air Canada Altitude is Air Canada’s frequent flyer program.
This program allows you to obtain different statuses that give you exclusive advantages with Air Canada and its Star Alliance partners.
Find out in this article:
- How to obtain an Altitude status
- The advantages of the different levels of Altitude status
- How eUpgrades work
How to obtain an Altitude status?
The Air Canada Altitude program will assign you a status level based on 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 dollars spent criterion, the ticket must have been issued on Air Canada inventory (ticket numbers beginning with 014).
Therefore, in order to obtain an Air Canada Altitude status, it is necessary to understand the 3 qualification criteria:
| Criteria | Definition |
| Miles of Altitude Qualification(MQA) | Distance flown |
| Altitude Qualification Segments(AQS) | Number of flights performed |
| Altitude Qualification Dollars(AQD) | Dollars spent |
The Altitude Qualification Miles (AQM)
Altitude Qualifying Miles (AMMs) are the distance fl own on Air Canada and Star Alliance member airlines.
However, this criterion will be weighted by two other elements:
- the fare
- the area you are travelling to
In the example below, you can find the percentage of Altitude Qualification Miles accumulated for a flight in Canada.
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 Altitude Qualification Segments (AQS)
Altitude Qualification Segments (AQS) are the number of flights flown on Air Canada or Star Alliance member airlines.
If you are short of AQS in order to reach a higher status, it may be wise to book a connecting flight rather than a direct flight.
- Montreal – Vancouver = 1 SQA
- Montreal – Toronto – Vancouver = 2 SQA
As you can see in the table below, the qualification criteria will be either Altitude Qualification Miles or Altitude Qualification Segments.
However, you will also need to have spent a certain number of Altitude Qualification Dollars.
Altitude Qualification Dollars (AQD)
Altitude Qualification Dollars (AQD) are the dollars spent on your Air Canada or Star Alliance airline flights (booked on Air Canada 014 inventory).
Even if you have reached the level of Altitude Qualification Miles or Altitude Qualification Segments, you will still need to have spent a certain number of Altitude Qualification Dollars to achieve your status.
An example of accumulation
For example, let’s take a flight from Montreal to Vancouver of 2,295 miles.
For this direct flight, it is possible to accumulate 1 Altitude Qualification Segment (AQS).
At the level of the Altitude Qualification Miles (AQM), it will depend on the tariff option chosen:
| Tariff option | Altitude Qualification Miles | Montreal – Vancouver |
| Basic rate | No | No |
| Standard | 25 % | 574 MQA |
| Flex | 100 % | 2,295 MQA |
| Comfort | 115 % | 2,639 MQA |
| Latitude | 125 % | 2,869 MQA |
| Premium Economy | 125 % | 2,869 MQA |
| Business class | 150 % | 4,304 MQA |
The number of Altitude Qualification Dollars (AQD) will be equivalent to the base amount paid for your ticket.
The period for obtaining an Altitude status
To achieve Altitude status, the qualification period is one calendar year, from January 1 to December 31.
Once obtained, the Altitude status is valid:
- For the remainder of the current year
- For the whole following year
- Until the end of February of the following year
Your Altitude Dashboard
On the Air Canada website, or via the mobile application, it is possible to consult information on your progress in the Altitude status at any time via your dashboard.
Altitude status levels
There are 5 levels in the Air Canada Altitude program:
- Prestige 25K
- Elite 35K
- Elite 50K
- Elite 75K
- Super Elite 100K
For each of these levels, there are:
- core privileges
- select privileges: additional benefits that you choose
You have to choose the select privileges before October 31, each year. All these privileges are mentioned on this Air Canada Altitude page.
Altitude Prestige 25K status
The Altitude Prestige 25K status is the most accessible level. To reach it, you need:
- 25,000 MQA or 25 SQA
- 3,000 DQA
Some promotions allow you to achieve this status, as do a few credit cards affiliated with the Air Canada program (CIBC and TD Visa Infinite Preferred).
Basic privileges of the Altitude Prestige 25K status
The Altitude Prestige 25K status includes the following basic privileges
| Basic privilege | Details |
| Recognition of the Star Alliance network | Star Alliance Silver status |
| Priority access | Air Canada and Aeroplan Call Centres |
| Priority registration on the waiting list | In case of a full flight |
| Priority Seat Selection | In the front of the cabin (fees apply) |
| 50% discount on Places Préférence fees | With Flex rates for any destination |
| Priority Airport Check-In | Access to Air Canada priority counters |
| Priority Airport Standby | For another flight if seats become available |
| Additional checked baggage allowance | 2 pieces of luggage, 23kg each |
| Complimentary Sports Equipment Handling | Bicycles and surfboards for example |
| Priority online check-in | For Air Canada flights |
| eRating Credits | 20 credits |
| Exemption from carrier surcharge |
(YQ only) on airline awards – Canada and USA |
Of these benefits, the one of particular note is the waiver of the carrier surcharge (YQ) on North American air premiums.
In practical terms, this allows you to avoid this surcharge on Air Canada flights in Canada and the United States.
Here is an example of an air premium between Montreal and San Francisco, without status:
Here is the same example, with an Altitude status:
The difference is $56.7.
And you can book multiple tickets for family members or friends while enjoying this benefit. This can quickly become significant if you make several flights during the year!
Selected privileges of the Altitude Prestige 25K status
The Altitude Prestige 25K status allows you to choose from 2 of thefollowing 3 selected privileges :
| Privilege selected | Details |
| Altitude Reward on Air Canada and select airline partners | 25% bonus miles |
| Pass for the Maple Leaf Shows | 2 accesses to North American lounges (excluding international flights) |
| Discount on Maple Leaf Club membership | 35% discount |
And also 1 of the following 2 selected Flight Pass privileges :
| Privilege selected | Details |
| eOvergrade credits for Flight Pass activities | 4 credits |
| Altitude Qualification Miles for activities related to a Flight Pass | 750 miles |
Altitude Elite 35K status
To achieve Altitude Elite 35K status, you must:
- 35,000 MQA or 35 SQA
- 4,000 DQA
Basic privileges of the Altitude Elite 35K status
In addition to the benefits offered by the lower status, the Altitude Elite 35K status offers the following basic privileges
| Basic privilege | Details |
| Additional checked baggage allowance | 3 pieces of luggage, 32kg each |
| Priority security clearance | Access to priority security lanes worldwide |
| Pass for the Maple Leaf Shows | 2 accesses to North American lounges (excluding international flights) for guests |
| Free access to selected Maple Leaf Lounges | North American shows only (excluding international flights) |
| Priority awards | Access to unsold economy seats on Air Canada flights |
These benefits include priority access to Aeroplan air rewards, which can be particularly useful during busy periods. The cost of the airfare will be double the miles, but the choice in number of flights will be far greater.
Access to Maple Leaf Lounges for domestic and transborder flights is attractive, especially in terminals where Priority Pass / LoungeKey lounges are not present.
Selected privileges of Altitude Elite 35K status
The Altitude Elite 35K status allows you to choose from 1 of 3 selected privileges :
| Privilege selected | Details |
| Altitude Reward on Air Canada and select airline partners | 35% bonus miles |
| eRating Credits | 10 credits |
| Discount on Maple Leaf Club membership | 50% off |
And also 1 of the following 2 selected Flight Pass privileges :
| Privilege selected | Details |
| eOvergrade credits for Flight Pass activities | 6 credits |
| Altitude Qualification Miles for activities related to a Flight Pass | 1,000 miles |
Altitude Elite 50K status
To achieve Altitude Elite 50K status, you must:
- 50,000 MQA or 50 SQA
- 6,000 DQA
Basic privileges of the Altitude Elite 50K status
In addition to the benefits offered by the lower statuses, the Altitude Elite 50K status offers the following basic privileges
| Basic privilege | Details |
| Recognition of the Star Alliance network | Star Alliance Gold status |
| Free access to Preference Seats |
North American Flex Rates |
| 50% discount on Places Préférence fees |
Flex rates for any international destination |
| Priority Airport Check-In | Star Alliance flights included |
| Priority Baggage Handling | Star Alliance flights included |
| Priority online check-in | Star Alliance flights included |
| Priority security clearance | Access to priority security lanes worldwide |
| Pass for the Maple Leaf Shows | 3 guest accesses to North American lounges (excluding international flights) |
| Complimentary Maple Leaf Lounge Access | All Maple Leaf Salons |
| Complimentary access to Star Alliance Gold Lounges | All over the world |
| Access to the Air Canada Café |
See report here |
| Reward thresholds |
Upon reaching certain MQA or SQA thresholds, a choice of Threshold Rewards gifts and additional eRating credits |
This is the most sought-after status, as it opens the door to the Star Alliance Gold level and all its benefits (lounge access, priority check-in, priority baggage handling, etc.).
Selected privileges of the Altitude Elite 50K status
The Altitude Elite 50K status allows you to choose from 2 of the following 3 selected privileges :
| Privilege selected | Details |
| Altitude Reward on Air Canada and select airline partners | 50% bonus miles |
| eRating Credits | 20 credits |
| Requalification at a reduced eligibility threshold | 45,000 MQA or 45 SQA |
And also 1 of the following 2 selected Flight Pass privileges :
| Privilege selected | Details |
| eOvergrade credits for Flight Pass activities | 8 credits |
| Altitude Qualification Miles for activities related to a Flight Pass | 1,250 miles |
Altitude Elite 75K status
To achieve Altitude Elite 75K status, you must:
- 75,000 MQA or 75 SQA
- 9,000 DQA
Basic privileges of the Altitude Elite 75K status
In addition to the benefits offered by the lower statuses, the Altitude Elite 75K status offers the following basic privileges
| Basic privilege | Details |
| Free access to Preference Seats |
With Flex rates for any destination |
| Guaranteed reservations in economy class | At least six hours prior to flight departure |
| Eligibility eSurclassification | On Air Canada Vacations reservations to sun destinations |
Accessible to the most frequent travelers, this status allows access to any flight, even those that are full.
Selected privileges of Altitude Elite 75K status
The Altitude Elite 75K status allows you to choose from 2 of the following 5 selected privileges :
| Privilege selected | Details |
| Altitude Reward on Air Canada and select airline partners | 75% bonus miles |
| eRating Credits | 35 credits |
| Requalification at a reduced eligibility threshold | 70,000 MQA or 70 SQA |
| Altitude status for a friend |
Elite 35K |
| Altitude Wi-Fi subscription | For 12 months |
And also 1 of the following 2 selected Flight Pass privileges :
| Privilege selected | Details |
| eOvergrade credits for Flight Pass activities | 10 credits |
| Altitude Qualification Miles for activities related to a Flight Pass | 1,500 miles |
Altitude Super Elite 100K status
To achieve Altitude Super Elite 100K status, you must:
- 100,000 MQA or 95 SQA
- 20,000 DQA
Basic privileges of the Altitude Super Elite 100K status
In addition to the benefits offered by the lower statuses, the Altitude Super Elite 100K status offers the following basic privileges
| Basic privilege | Details |
| Free access to Preference Seats |
With all rates for any destination |
| Air Canada Concierge Service | Personalized service at major airports |
| Pass for the Maple Leaf Shows | 4 access to North American lounges (excluding international flights) |
| Access to the London Heathrow arrivals lounge | Terminal 2 |
| Designated eOrder Partner | Share your upgrade privilege |
| Priority awards | Access to unsold Economy Class seats on Air Canada flights and additional Business Class seats on Air Canada flights |
| Exemption from carrier surcharge | (YQ only) on airfare – International |
This is Air Canada’s highest status. In addition to the Concierge Service, the access to priority bonuses is particularly interesting.
For the same fare, members with Altitude Super Elite 100K status have access to many more airline awards, including business class.
But the biggest benefit is the waiver of the carrier surcharge for all airline awards (Air Canada flights).
Here is an example of an air premium between Montreal and Paris, without status:
Here is the same example, with a 100K Altitude Super Elite status:
The difference is $555!
And you can book multiple tickets for family members or friends while enjoying this benefit. This can quickly become significant if you make several flights during the year!
Selected privileges of the Altitude Super Elite 100K status
The Altitude Elite 100K status allows you to choose from 2 of the following 5 selected privileges :
| Privilege selected | Details |
| Altitude Reward on Air Canada and select airline partners | 100% bonus miles |
| eRating Credits | 50 credits |
| Requalification at a reduced eligibility threshold | 95,000 MQA or 90 SQA |
| Altitude status for a friend |
Elite 50K |
| Altitude Wi-Fi subscription | For 12 months |
And also 1 of the following 2 selected Flight Pass privileges :
| Privilege selected | Details |
| eOvergrade credits for Flight Pass activities | 12 credits |
| Altitude Qualification Miles for activities related to a Flight Pass | 2,500 miles |
How do eUpgrades work?
One of the major benefits of the Air Canada Altitude program is the ability to upgrade to a premium cabin via eUpgrades.
These credits can be used on any Air Canada itinerary or flight segment, as long as the aircraft is in the Business Class or Premium Economy cabin.
An opportunity to get the famous 1A seat:
Earn eRating credits
All members of the Air Canada Altitude program are entitled to 20 eUpgrades credits each year.
It is also possible to earn eRating credits:
- by choosing this benefit from the selected privileges (Elite 35K and above)
- by crossing thresholds eSurclasses
Use eUpgrades credits
The eSurveys credit requirements are calculated according to:
- the cabin in which you wish to be upgraded (Business Class, Premium Red or Premium Economy)
- the distance travelled
- the geographical market
- the purchased rate
- your Air Canada Altitude status
eUpgrade credits must be used online, regardless of where you booked your travel (with Air Canada, a travel agent or elsewhere). They cannot be used at the airport.
To track your credits and requests, you will need to visit this Air Canada eUpgrade page.
The higher your Air Canada Altitude status, the more likely you are to be able to use your eUpgrade credits.
Indeed, as you can see in the table below, the difference will be in a larger booking window.
For example, for a Standard fare to Canada or the United States, an Altitude Prestige 25K member will be able to use their credits 6 days prior to the flight while an Altitude Super Elite 100K member will be able to use them 16 days prior.
This makes a big difference when there are few places available!
Search for flights offering eUpgrades
To search for a flight offering eUpgrades, perform a flight search on the Air Canada website. Then apply the “eRankings” filter.
If your flight is in the next few days, it is possible to use eUpgrade credits directly when booking, as in this example:
For some flights – especially international flights – there will be a monetary surcharge to be added on top of the eUpgrade credits. Again, depending on your Altitude status, the monetary complement will be more or less high.
If your flight is later, you will need to return to your reservation via this page when the eUpgrade reservation period opens (depending on the fare paid and your Altitude status as seen above).
For more advanced members, it is possible to search for flights with eSurclassifications via the expertflyer tool (US$ 99 / year).
The number of seats available for eUpgrades will then be displayed for all flights on the desired route.
eUpgrade credits may be of interest for certain flights in North America. However, for many international flights, the monetary supplement will be significant.
This is especially an attractive option for frequent or business travelers whose flights are funded by their employer.
Conclusion on the Air Canada Altitude program
Air Canada Altitude is a must-have program for Canadian travellers, especially frequent flyers.
By qualifying for one of the statuses, it opens the opportunity for benefits that greatly facilitate travel. While Prestige 25K will be the easiest to obtain for the occasional traveler, the most desired status will be Elite 50K for its recognition at the Star Alliance Gold level.
Beyond that, they are dedicated statuses for very frequent or business travelers, with benefits accordingly. But in many cases, these benefits are also available to business class travelers who know how to use their points and miles correctly! 😉
Cover photo: Eric Daneau
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