Introduction
Air Canada’s Aeroplan loyalty program is a household name for Canadian travelers, promising valuable rewards for frequent flyers and point-savvy families alike. In August 2025, Air Canada announced a sweeping overhaul of Aeroplan, set to take effect January 1, 2026. With nine million Canadians signed up, these changes will redefine how points are earned, how elite status is achieved, and how the program works for frequent flyers, casual vacationers, and family travelers.
If you’re planning travel—whether for business or family holidays—understanding the new Aeroplan rules is crucial for maximizing your value and optimizing your travel budget. This in-depth, SEO-friendly guide breaks down all the changes and what you need to know for travel in 2026 and beyond.
Key Aeroplan Changes for 2026
1. Points Earning Is Now Based on Dollars Spent, Not Distance Flown
- Old System: Points were awarded based on mileage; flying farther generally meant more points, with multipliers for higher fare classes.
- New System: Starting January 1, 2026, Aeroplan awards 1 point per $1 spent on the base fare and surcharges for Air Canada flights. Taxes and ancillary fees (checked bags, seat selection) don’t count for point earning.
Example Comparison Chart
| Journey (round-trip) | Points Earned Now | Points Earned From Jan 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Toronto-Ottawa in Economy (Flex) | 450 miles = 450 points | 681 points (based on fare) |
| Montreal-Paris in Business | 6,864 miles × 150% = 10,296 pts | 8,559 (based on, typically high fare) |
| Vancouver-Singapore in Economy (Standard) | 15,934 miles × 50% = 7,967 pts | 1,012 (based on discount fare) |
Result: Short-haul and flexible-fare flyers tend to earn more; long-haul, discount travelers may earn fewer points.
2. Earning Points on Partner Airlines Gets More Complicated
- Flights on select partners—Copa, Lufthansa, SWISS, United, others—ticketed by Air Canada will now earn Aeroplan points based on the dollar value instead of distance.
- Most other partner airline flights remain on the old, distance-based earn model—for now.
3. Achieving Aeroplan Elite Status: Introducing Status Qualifying Credits (SQC)
- Current System: Elite status required a mix of Status Qualifying Miles, Segments, and Dollars—often confusing and difficult to track.
- New System: Replaced with Status Qualifying Credits (SQC). Earn SQC from spending on flights, Aeroplan credit cards, travel/retail partners (e.g. Uber, Starbucks), and Air Canada Vacations.
- Example: 25,000 SQC for Elite 25K; 35,000 SQC for Elite 35K; 50,000 SQC for Elite 50K.
- Credit card spending: $5,000 on a premium Aeroplan card nets 1,000 SQC (up to 25,000/max per year).
4. Big Impact for Different Traveler Types
- Frequent Domestic Flyers: Can rack up Elite status and points faster—especially if booking higher fare classes or using credit card multipliers.
- Business Travelers: Benefit the most, as expensive fares drive higher point earning and status.
- Family Vacationers & Casual Travelers: Points earnings may drop, especially on long-haul budget fares. Redeeming points for flights remains unchanged, but accruing them could take longer.
Winners & Losers Under the New Model
| Traveler Type | Gains | Potential Losses |
|---|---|---|
| Frequent Business | Points multiplier, faster status, better upgrades | Pay more for tickets |
| Domestic Flyer | Higher fare, short-haul = more points | Must use Air Canada specifically |
| Credit Card User | Fast-track to Elite status, bonus earning | Caps on credits from card spending |
| Long-Haul Budget Family | May earn fewer points, slow elite progress | Fewer options for cheaper flights |
Deep Dive: Additional Changes & Benefits
eUpgrade Benefits Expand
- eUpgrade “Shareability” doubled: Elite members can upgrade up to four companions on the same booking, instead of two.
- eUpgrade validity extended (for premium cardholders): Up to 24 months.
Status Milestones Replace Select Benefits
- Select Benefits are out; new Milestone Benefits offer a menu of perks—including global Maple Leaf Lounge access.
Maple Leaf Lounge Access Expands
- Milestone lounge passes go worldwide—no longer just Canada, Los Angeles, and NYC.
What About Award Pricing & Partner Rewards?
Dynamic Pricing on More Partners
- United, Emirates, Etihad, Flydubai, Calm Air, Canadian North, and PAL Airlines join Air Canada under the same dynamic award pricing (March 25, 2025).
- Fixed-price redemptions are vanishing for these airlines, so expect prices to fluctuate with demand.
Why Is Air Canada Making These Changes?
The move follows global airline trends emphasizing revenue-based loyalty over pure mileage. Air Canada says it’s about rewarding those who spend the most—thereby driving more loyalty and higher profit. Elite benefits are more exclusive, and frequent flyers paying premium fares get a bump in status and rewards.
- “Our most engaged members do more than just fly with us—they earn with our partners, choose flexible fares, and carry Aeroplan credit cards. These changes help us better recognize their loyalty and keep improving the experience.” – Scott O’Leary, VP Loyalty & Product, Air Canada.
How Do You Maximize Aeroplan Value in 2026?
1. Opt for Flexible or Higher Fares When Possible
- Premium and flex fares will earn much more—especially if chasing status.
2. Leverage Credit Card & Partner Spending
- Premium Aeroplan cards offer accelerated SQC earning.
- Everyday partners (Uber, Starbucks) can help you build both points and SQC.
3. Family Travel Strategy
- Plan group trips to maximize eUpgrade benefits (up to 4 companions).
- Use new Milestone Benefits to access lounges globally.
4. Budget-Conscious Travelers
- Compare cash fares vs. points—especially on long-hauls.
- Consider alternative rewards cards allowing Aeroplan point transfers with good earning potential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will Basic Economy Flights Count for Status or Points?
A: No—basic economy fares are excluded from earning Status Qualifying Credits (SQC).
Q: Are Points Worth More or Less Now?
A: Point value remains the same for redemption—but many will find it harder to earn large numbers on cheap, long flights.
Q: Can I Still Earn with Partners or Credit Cards?
A: Yes—with new credit card SQC caps, but partner spending is more valuable.
The Bottom Line: Is Aeroplan Still Worth It?
For families and budget travelers, Aeroplan is still Canada’s leading loyalty program—especially for redemptions on Air Canada and partners worldwide. The 2026 overhaul means you’ll need to be a smarter shopper, know your fare types, and maximize partner/credit card opportunities to get the most value. For frequent flyers and those willing to spend, there are more rewards and perks than ever before.
But if you’re a deal-hunter who always books the cheapest long-haul fares, you may need to rethink your strategy or consider supplementing Aeroplan with a credit card that allows flexible point transfers.
Final Takeaways for Canadian Travelers
- Maximize your credit card, partner, and travel spending.
- Compare key routes for points earning before booking.
- Families should target group upgrades and lounge benefits through Milestone awards.
- Monitor Aeroplan for further updates: 2026 is just the start.
Stay tuned for more expert tips and breakdowns as Aeroplan rolls out these changes—and happy travels to you and your family!
