In move certain to annoy most members, Aeroplan is changing the way it allocates points. Starting Jan. 1, members will earn their loyalty points on eligible Air Canada flights based on dollars spent rather than the distance they travel. The company says the changes are designed to better recognize Aeroplan members who “spend more and travel more” with Air Canada and who actively engage across the program “while keeping Aeroplan Elite status truly special.”
The changes will also favour more holistic Air Canada customers – ones who “earn with our partners, choose flexible fares, and carry Aeroplan credit cards,” according to Scott O’Leary, VP, Loyalty & Product at Air Canada, who adds, “Our most engaged members do more than just fly with us… These changes help us better recognize their loyalty and keep improving the experience.”
At the same time, Air Canada will introduce Status Qualifying Credits (SQC), a new single path for achieving Aeroplan Elite status, that will change how members qualify for status based on their activities from Jan. 1, 2026, onward.
Members will be able to get SQC through eligible flight purchases, Aeroplan credit card spending, and activity with the program’s travel and everyday partners.
“Aeroplan has grown into one of the most rewarding and widely used travel loyalty programs,” said Scott O’Leary, VP, Loyalty & Product at Air Canada. “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.”
Aeroplan Elite status qualification is unchanged for the remainder of 2025, including how members achieve status for 2026.
What’s changing in 2026
Here’s how members will earn Aeroplan points and qualify for Aeroplan Elite Status as of January 1, 2026:
- Earn points based on spend. Members will earn a minimum of 1 Aeroplan point per $1 spent on an eligible Air Canada flight (base fare and carrier surcharges, excluding applicable taxes, fees, and third-party charges). For example: Spend $427 on base fare and carrier surcharges (excluding applicable taxes, fees and third-party charges), get 427 Aeroplan points.
- Frequent bonus points offers, enabling members to reach rewards faster.
- Aeroplan Elite status Members earn more on Air Canada flights. Depending on their status level at time of travel, Aeroplan Elite status members will earn 2x to 6x Aeroplan points per dollar spent on eligible Air Canada flights.
- Qualify for Elite Status with SQC: Members will get up to 4 SQC per dollar on eligible Air Canada fares (base fare and carrier surcharges, excluding applicable taxes, fees, and third-party charges) based on fare type, plus up to 25,000 SQC through eligible Aeroplan credit card spending and get an additional 25,000 SQC via eligible partner activity.
Along with the new SQC-based qualification path, Aeroplan Elite status members will have more ways to unlock benefits and get more from their status:
- Core Benefits continue to be offered based on status, including complimentary checked bags, priority airport services, and more.
- Milestone Benefits unlocked every 10,000 SQC, offering perks like bonus SQC, Status Passes and more.
- 10% Head Start: Beginning in 2027, primary Aeroplan premium credit cardholders who qualify for Aeroplan Elite status can receive a 10% SQC bonus based on their previous year’s earnings.
For more information about these changes, visit aircanada.com/acearn2026 and aircanada.com/elite2026.
If this article was shared with you by a friend or colleague, you may enjoy receiving your own copy of Travel Industry Today with the latest travel news and reviews each weekday morning. It’s absolutely free – just CLICK HERE.