Big changes are coming to Air Canada’s Aeroplan program starting January 1, 2026, shifting how frequent flyers earn points and qualify for elite status. For the first time, Aeroplan will reward travelers based on how much they spend, not how far they fly — a move that aligns Canada’s flagship carrier with similar models adopted by U.S. airlines in recent years.
Points for Dollars, Not Miles
Starting in 2026, Aeroplan members will earn at least 1 point per dollar spent on eligible Air Canada flights — calculated from the base fare and carrier surcharges, excluding taxes and third-party fees. Elite status members will earn even more, with 2x to 6x points per dollar depending on their tier.
That means a traveler spending $427 on the base fare and surcharges would earn 427 Aeroplan points — regardless of whether they fly 400 or 4,000 miles.
The shift reflects a growing industry trend: loyalty programs are focusing more on customer value than flight distance, rewarding spenders over distance travelers.
Introducing Status Qualifying Credits (SQC)
Also launching in 2026 is a new system for earning Aeroplan Elite status: Status Qualifying Credits (SQC). Instead of tracking separate metrics like segments and dollars, SQC will create one unified path toward elite status. Travelers can earn SQC through:
Air Canada flight purchases (up to 4 SQC per $1 spent based on fare type)
Aeroplan credit card spending (up to 25,000 SQC)
Engagement with partners, such as hotel stays or car rentals (up to 25,000 SQC)
In total, members can unlock 50,000 SQC per year outside of flight spending — a clear incentive to engage more broadly with the Aeroplan ecosystem.
More Perks and Milestones
With SQC, members can also unlock Milestone Benefits every time they reach a new 10,000-SQC threshold — including bonus SQC, Status Passes, and more. Aeroplan’s existing Core Benefits — such as free checked bags, priority check-in, and upgrades — will remain tied to status level.
And starting in 2027, members with premium Aeroplan credit cards will get a 10% SQC head start based on the previous year’s activity, giving them a boost toward requalifying for elite status.
What’s Not Changing (Yet)
For now, the current system remains in place. Members will still qualify for 2026 status based on 2025 activity using the existing rules. The new spend-based earning model and SQC status path will apply to flights and activity starting January 1, 2026.
A Loyalty Program for the Big Spenders
According to Scott O’Leary, Air Canada’s VP of Loyalty & Product, the new structure aims to “better recognize our most engaged members” — those who not only fly frequently but also book flexible fares, use Aeroplan credit cards, and take advantage of partner offers.
In short: Aeroplan is evolving to reward travelers who spend more and participate deeply in the program, not just those who rack up the most miles.
