Aeroplan® Elite Status is a great way for you to get more value out of your travel with Air Canada.
You get perks like priority check-in, free checked bags, lounge access and eUpgrades for better seats. Even if you fly with Air Canada just a few times a year, it’s worth knowing how the levels work so you don’t miss out on these benefits.
In 2026, the program moved from distance based to spend based qualification for Air Canada flights. There is a single way to qualify called Status Qualifying Credits (SQC).
This replaces the old system where you had to track miles, segments, and dollars.
Now, everything you do earns you these credits. This includes how much you are spending on flights, co-branded credit cards, and premium cards in particular, or even shopping with partners like Uber and Starbucks.
Here’s how to qualify for Aeroplan® Elite Status and make the most of the benefits in 2026.
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Aeroplan® Elite Status Core Benefits
Aeroplan® Elite Status elevates your travel experience on Air Canada. You get access to priority services from the moment you get to the airport.
You can skip the main lines by using Priority Check-in, Priority Security Clearance, and Priority Boarding. You also get eUpgrade credits to move to a higher cabin.
Your status level determines your benefits and Elite Points Multiplier.
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Learn everything you need to know to start using credit cards, points, and travel loyalty programs. Make your first redemption with points for nearly free travel.
New to Points? Start Here
From points newbie to booking your first trip
Learn everything you need to know to start using credit cards, points, and travel loyalty programs. Make your first redemption with points for nearly free travel.
Aeroplan® Milestone Benefits
Your status gives you Core Benefits, plus you can unlock extra perks through Milestones. You earn one Milestone reward for every 10,000 SQC you accumulate during the year.
AWP TIP
If you have a premium Aeroplan® credit card, like the TD® Aeroplan® Visa* Infinite Privilege, you get unlimited Maple Leaf Lounge and Air Canada Café access, regardless of your Aeroplan® Elite Status.
Best Aeroplan® Offers
Welcome Points: 85,000
Welcome Value: $3,580
Annual Fee: $599
Welcome Points: 40,000
Welcome Value: $1,719
Annual Fee:$139. 1st Year Rebate
⚠ Disclaimer: The information in this content may become outdated over time. For the most accurate and up-to-date details, please visit the Apply Now link provided.
How to Earn Status Qualifying Credits (SQC)
To reach your status goals in 2026, you earn SQC based on your spending across Air Canada and its partners.
For each status, 25K to 75K, you need as many SQC. For example, you’ll need 25,000 SQC for 25K status.
Super Elite is 125,000 SQC or higher.
AWP TIP
You can earn 25K status through Everyday Status Qualification by earning 100,000 Aeroplan points from all eligible sources in a calendar year, even without flying.
Flights
Your’ll SQC earn rate depends on the fare type you book with Air Canada.
You earn SQC on the base fare and carrier-imposed surcharges. Taxes, airport fees, and third-party charges don’t earn SQC.
Aeroplan® Credit Cards
You’ll earn SQC on your spend with co-branded Aeroplan® cards. You’re earn rate depends on the type of card you have.
With a maximum earning of 25,000 SQC from credit card spending per year.
AWP TIP
You can essentially get 25K status by spending $80,000 on your Premium Aeroplan® Card a year.
Premium Aeroplan® Cards
Welcome Points: 85,000
Welcome Value: $3,580
Annual Fee: $599
Welcome Points: 85,000
Welcome Value: $3,580
Annual Fee: $599
⚠ Disclaimer: The information in this content may become outdated over time. For the most accurate and up-to-date details, please visit the Apply Now link provided.
Award Booking Concierge
Let us find your award seats
You’ve earned your points! Now let me do all the work of finding the best available award seats for your next flight.
Award Booking Concierge
Let us find your award seats
You’ve earned your points! Now let me do all the work of finding the best available award seats for your next flight.
Everyday Partners
You earn 1 SQC for every 5 Aeroplan® points you get from base spending with Aeroplan® Partners like Starbucks®, Uber, LCBO, Chexy, and the Aeroplan® eStore.
You can earn a maximum of 25,000 SQC or a 25 K Status from partner activities per year.
AWP TIP
It is particularly difficult to earn 25K status just from partners.
However, you might as well make sure to earn Aeroplan® points when you use Aeroplan® partners when shopping to help you reach your goal faster.
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The AWP Community
Get more tips & ideas for travelling with points.
Join the AWP community to get guidance, updates, and practical tips on using points for travel.
Bottom Line
Aeroplan® status as of 2026 is based on Status Qualifying Credits (SQC). You earn status by spending with Air Canada and Aeroplan® partners.
If you spend more on your premium card or book more flexible flights, earning status will be easier.
Status benefits have also been streamlined, replacing Select Benefits and Threshold Rewards with a new system of Milestone Benefits unlocked every 10,000 SQC.
