Air Canada redefines how members earn Aeroplan points

Beginning January 1, 2026, Aeroplan members will earn points on eligible Air Canada flights based on dollars spent, rather than distance traveled. That same day, the airline will launch Status Qualifying Credits (SQC), a new, unique pathway to Aeroplan Elite status, which will change how members qualify for such status based on their activities.

Members can earn SQC through eligible flight purchases, Aeroplan credit card use, and participation in travel and everyday activities with program partners.

These changes are designed to better recognize those who travel more, spend more with Air Canada, and actively engage with the program, while maintaining Elite status as something truly special.

“Aeroplan has established itself as one of the most rewarding and widely used travel loyalty programs,” said Scott O'Leary, Vice President, Loyalty and Product, Air Canada. “Our most engaged members not only fly with us, they also earn points with our partners, choose flexible fares, and use Aeroplan credit cards. These changes allow us to better recognize their loyalty and continue to improve their experience.”

The qualification process for Aeroplan Elite status will remain unchanged for the remainder of 2025, including the requirements for achieving status in 2026.

What changes in 2026

Starting January 1, 2026, this is how Aeroplan points accumulation and qualification for Aeroplan Elite status will work:

Earn points based on your spending. Members will earn a minimum of 1 Aeroplan point for every $1 CAD spent on eligible Air Canada flights (considering the base fare and carrier surcharges, excluding taxes, fees, and third-party charges). For example, if you spend $427 CAD on base fare and surcharges (excluding additional taxes and fees), you'll earn 427 Aeroplan points.

Frequent bonus points offers, so you can earn your rewards faster.

Aeroplan Elite status members earn more. Depending on their status level at the time of travel, they can earn between 2x and 6x Aeroplan points for every dollar spent on eligible Air Canada flights.

Qualify for Elite status with SQC. You'll earn up to 4 SQCs for every dollar spent on eligible charges (base fare and carrier surcharges, excluding taxes, fees, and third-party charges), depending on the fare type. You can also earn up to 25,000 SQCs with eligible Aeroplan credit cards and another 25,000 SQCs through activity with participating program partners.

With this new SQC-based qualification path, Aeroplan Elite members will have more ways to unlock benefits:

Key benefits continue to be offered based on status, including free checked bags, priority airport services, and more.

Achievement benefits, unlocked every 10,000 SQCs, include rewards such as additional SQCs, status passes, and more.

10% head start. Starting in 2027, Aeroplan Premium Credit Cardholders who qualify for Elite status will be eligible to receive a 10% SQC bonus based on their previous year's earnings.

Although the status level will depend on each member's individual activity, many current Aeroplan Elite members are expected to benefit from these new ways to accumulate SQCs. These changes seek to further recognize and reward those who are loyal and actively involved with Aeroplan.

Aeroplan recognized at the 2025 Freddie Awards

Aeroplan was honored with three major awards at this year's Freddie Awards :

Program of the Year (Airline)

Best Elite Program (Airline)

Best Promotion (Airline) for its 40th anniversary campaign

With more than nine million votes cast by loyalty program members worldwide, Aeroplan is proud to be recognized for delivering exceptional rewards and experiences to its members.

More ways to collect and redeem, every day

Aeroplan members can earn or redeem points on more than 45 airlines to over 1,300 destinations worldwide, with no restrictions or fees.

Source: Air Canada.