Aeroplan 35K Status Guide: Benefits, Qualification, and Real Value

In this article, I will help you navigate the maze of the mid-tier Aeroplan 35K elite status. So that you don’t waste your time and money on outdated or fragmented information. Why is this so important? Starting in 2026, the Aeroplan loyalty program has undergone major changes in how you qualify.

So let’s figure out what it really gives you, Aeroplan 35K, how to qualify for it (and avoid the fine print trap), and most importantly, how to get the most out of your status. Below, you’ll find clear, practical strategies, real-life examples, and the latest changes to the program so you can decide whether Aeroplan 35K is worth your effort or whether you’re better off aiming for a higher, lower, or different status.

Ready? Let’s get started.

Key Terms and Concepts: Cutting Through the Jargon

Before we get tactical, here’s what you need to know to make sense of Aeroplan 35K (and avoid the most common traps):

• Aeroplan 35K: Air Canada Aeroplan’s second-tier elite status, above 25K and below 50K. It’s for moderately frequent flyers who want better upgrades, baggage, and priority perks, but it’s not the “sweet spot” for lounge access or Passport Gold treatment.
• Status Qualifying Credits (SQC): As of 2026, SQC is the single metric for earning status. You earn SQC based on flights, fare class, and spend. (Pre-2026 used SQM/SQS/SQD.) To reach 35K status in 2026 or later, you must accumulate 35,000 SQC in a calendar year.
• eUpgrade Credits: Vouchers to upgrade from economy to premium economy or business class on Air Canada flights. 35K members start with 10 eUpgrade credits as a core benefit, and can select up to 15 more credits as a benefit choice (for a total of 25) during their Select Benefits pick. In practice, picking the extra 15 eUpgrades is usually the highest value choice.
• Star Alliance Silver: 35K status gives you entry-level Star Alliance (Silver) recognition on partner airlines, which means priority check-in, priority standby, and priority boarding on Star Alliance flights.

If you want to dig into the official definitions or see the full benefit grid, Air Canada’s Elite Status Core Benefits page is the best source.

Aeroplan 35K: Qualification Requirements (and How They’re Changing)

Let’s get straight to the numbers — because if you don’t hit these, none of the benefits matter.

Year of Qualification	Requirement	How It Works
2025 and earlier	35,000 SQM or 35 SQS plus $4,000 SQD	Must meet the distance/segment and spend thresholds in a calendar year.
2026 onwards	35,000 Status Qualifying Credits (SQC)	Collect 35,000 SQC in a calendar year based on Air Canada flights, credit card spend, and partner activity.

If you qualify in 2026, your 35K status will take effect as soon as you reach this threshold and will remain valid for the entire following year, 2027, and until January 31, 2028.

To maintain your status, you must also requalify. If you are unable to do so in the current year, you will be downgraded to the next level.

As I mentioned earlier, starting with travel on or after January 1, 2026 Aeroplan made significant changes, namely combining SQM/SQS/SQD into a single currency, SQC (Status Qualifying Credits). Now, under this system, Aeroplan 35K elite status requires 35,000 SQC. You can earn SQC for flights (higher fare classes give you more per dollar), Aeroplan credit card spending, and flights with partners (though with a minimum annual spending requirement of 25,000 SQC). 

All the Ways to Earn Aeroplan 35K Status

1. Flying Air Canada and Partners (the Classic Route)

Fly eligible Air Canada, Air Canada Express, or Air Canada Rouge flights on Standard Economy fares or higher. Each flight earns SQC based on your fare class and distance. Standard economy and above earn status credits; Basic Economy earns none.

Booking channel warning: If you book through an Online Travel Agency (OTA) or non-airline third party, make absolutely sure your Aeroplan number is in the reservation and that the fare is eligible. Some OTAs may default you into a Basic fare accidentally or fail to transmit your Aeroplan number.

Eligible vs. Excluded Fare Classes: Aeroplan status credits on Air Canada flights are only earned on economy fares that are Standard or better (and on premium cabins). The table below summarizes which fare buckets qualify:

Fare Class	Status Credits?	Notes
Economy (Basic)	No (0 SQC)	Basic Economy fares earn zero SQC
Economy (Standard)	Yes (2 SQC/$)	Includes fares like Latitude, Flex (Standard) – 2 SQC per \$
Premium Economy (Prestige/Premium)	Yes (4 SQC/$)	All Premium Economy fares – 4 SQC per \$
Business Class (Lowest and Flex fares)	Yes (4 SQC/$)	All Business Class fares – 4 SQC per \$
Air Canada Vacation Package	Yes (1 SQC/$)	1 SQC per \$ on eligible AC Vacations bookings

If it’s not listed above—e.g. Ultra-bargain Basic economy codes (O,X,Q etc.)—it either earns little/no SQC or isn’t eligible for upgrades. Always check the fare class code and earnings chart.

When booking Star Alliance partner flights, make sure the ticket is issued by Air Canada (ticket number starts with “014”). If you book, say, a Lufthansa or United flight on a Lufthansa/U.S. carrier ticket, you may not earn any SQC at all. Always double-check the ticketing airline and that your fare class is eligible.

2. Credit Card

Credit cards can give you a significant boost in qualifying for elite status. The main difference is in the cards themselves and the country where you obtained them. Let’s consider co-branded credit cards issued in Canada with a credit card issued in the United States.

The Basic Mechanism for Earning SQC From Spending

Air Canada’s official rules regarding SQC for Aeroplan cards:

• Aeroplan Premium Credit Cards: 1,000 SQC for every $5,000 in eligible spending
• Primary (core) Aeroplan credit cards: 1,000 SQC for every $20,000 in eligible spending
• Annual limit: up to 25,000 SQC per member per calendar year, across all Aeroplan cards and issuers.

What this means for reaching 35K? Even if you reach the maximum limit of 25,000 SQC on your credit card, you still need an additional 10,000 SQC from Air Canada flights and/or eligible partner activities to reach 35,000 SQC for Aeroplan 35K.

Head Start Program for Premium Cards

Starting in 2027, eligible premium card holders who re-qualify for Elite status will receive a 10% SQC Head Start, equal to 10% of the SQC earned in the previous calendar year, credited by the end of March.

Now let’s take a look at how credit cards differ depending on the country in which they are issued.

Aeroplan Сredit Сards Issued In Canada

Canada has three “families” of Aeroplan cards: American Express, TD, and CIBC (personal + business options). 

Air Canada also labels these cards by tier, such as Entry / Core / Premium (for example, the Aeroplan line from TD is shown this way).

American Express (Canada)

Common Amex cards under the Aeroplan brand include:

• American Express Aeroplan Card (core tier)
• American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card (premium tier)
• American Express Aeroplan Business Reserve Card (premium tier)

TD (Canada)

The official Aeroplan TD portfolio is classified as:

• TD Aeroplan Visa Platinum (entry level)
• TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite (basic)
• TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege (premium)

CIBC (Canada)

CIBC offers several tiers of Aeroplan Visa cards (e.g., Aeroplan Visa, Aeroplan Visa Infinite, Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege), as well as business versions.

Role of elite status all emitents credit cards:

• Earn SQC from spending according to the Air Canada rules above (premium vs. core earning rates and annual limit).
• Premium cardholders can take advantage of 10% SQC Head Start (starting in 2027)
• Premium cardholders receive 24-month eUpgrade validity (if you already have elite status).

Canadian Aeroplan cards generally help you earn status faster, but they do not provide 35,000 points in the same direct “spend-to-status” manner as the Chase card in the US.

Aeroplan credit cards issued in the US

This is a big difference for US readers, as Chase Aeroplan Credit Card (US) clearly offers status tied to spending (not just SQC acceleration).

What the Chase Aeroplan card can do for Elite status:

1. Automatic 25,000 Aeroplan for new cardholders. You get 25,000 Aeroplan for the rest of the current year plus the following calendar year.
2. Retain 25,000 by spending $15,000 (annually). Chase states that you can retain 25,000 by spending $15,000 on purchases during the calendar year.
3. As of January 1, 2026, you can also earn Aeroplan 35K status with $75,000 in card spending during the calendar year.

3. Partner Activity and Promotions

Air Canada and Aeroplan partners occasionally run promos that earn status credits. For example, certain Air Canada Vacations packages credit 1 SQC per dollar spent. Participating car rental companies, hotels, and retail partners may also contribute SQC during bonus campaigns.

4. Status Match and Parental Leave Extensions

From time to time, Air Canada runs status match promos if you have status with another airline—but these are rare. More commonly, if you qualify for Aeroplan Elite status and are on approved parental leave, you can apply for a one-year extension of your status without requalifying.

What doesn’t work: Everyday Aeroplan point-earning (like points from grocery or gas credit cards) does not count toward SQC for 35K. That only helps with the 25K tier. And deep-discount fares or non-Aeroplan-ticketed partner flights typically earn no status credits at all.

Aeroplan 35K Benefits: What You Actually Get (and What’s Gone)

Here’s where the rubber meets the runway. Aeroplan 35K offers a suite of perks. To keep it simple, here are the headline perks of 35K upfront:

• 2 Free Checked Bags on Air Canada Flights (23 kg each), plus (from Feb 2026) an extra free checked bag on United and Lufthansa Group flights.
• 10 eUpgrade Credits per year (to use toward upgrades from economy to premium/Business), and the ability to select 15 more as your annual choice benefit (for up to 25 total credits).
• Priority Airport Services: Dedicated check-in lanes, priority standby, and Group 2 boarding on Air Canada. So you board shortly after business class, which helps secure overhead bin space.
• Priority Baggage Handling: Your bags are tagged for first-out delivery on arrival, helping you save time on tight connections.
• 3× Points Multiplier: Earn triple Aeroplan points on base fares and surcharges for Air Canada flights (instead of 2× at 25K).

Now let’s break down each benefit in detail:

Priority Airport Check-In

What it is: Access to dedicated check-in counters or lanes at Canadian airports for Air Canada flights.
How it works: Show your boarding pass with 35K status at the Air Canada check-in counter (or use the unused Premier Access line). Works on all Air Canada/Express flights.
Real-world value: You skip the general economy lines, saving a few minutes on each trip—helpful at busy airports like YVR or YYZ. (This benefit may not be separately recognized by partners; on Star Alliance flights you’ll rely on your Star Silver benefits instead.)

Priority Airport Standby/Waitlist

Higher priority if you’re trying to get on an earlier or oversold flight.
Submit a standby or waitlist request; 35K status bumps you above non-elites and 25K elites.

If flights change or you miss connections, you’re likelier to clear to your destination sooner. Not guaranteed, but better odds than lower tiers.

Priority Boarding (Group 2)

Early boarding right after business class/Super Elites on Air Canada.

Your boarding pass will say “Group 2.” On United and some Star Alliance partners, showing your 35K card typically gets you Premier Access or Star Silver boarding.

More time to board and stow luggage without being the very last in line. Good for reducing stress and snagging overhead bin space.

Free Checked Baggage (Two Bags)

Two (2) free checked bags (each up to 23 kg/50 lbs) on Air Canada flights.

When you check in for your flight, your 35K status is automatically recognized and the first two bags have no fees. This applies to Air Canada, Air Canada Express, and Rouge flights.

If a checked bag normally costs $30–$40 each way, that’s $60–$80 per segment, or over $200-$300 round-trip per flight. For a family or multi-trip traveler, 35K can save hundreds annually.

Starting Feb 1, 2026, 35K members also get an extra free checked bag on United and Lufthansa Group flights (Swiss, Austrian, Brussels) – effectively giving you three free bags on those carriers (up to two free plus an extra one for your status).

Priority Baggage Handling

Your checked bags are tagged to come out first on arrival.

At check-in, tell the agent you’re 35K; your bags will be given priority tags.

In busy airports, grabbing your bags first can save 5–15 minutes after landing – important if you have tight connections or are in a rush. This perk was recently added to offset the loss of lounges.

Complimentary Sports Equipment Handling

No extra handling fees for sports gear checked as luggage.

If you check items like skis, bikes, golf clubs as part of your free baggage allowance, you won’t pay any additional handling fees.

Saves $50–$100 per item over the trip, if you travel with heavy gear.

Preferred Seat Selection at Check-In

Free choice of preferred/economy-extra-legroom seats (during online check-in) on Air Canada flights.

When you check in (24 hours before departure), you can select any available Economy Extra or similar seat at no charge. Not available at booking.

On long flights, getting extra legroom or bulkhead seats is worth $20–$199 each. This means a money-saving perk if you value space.

eUpgrade Credits

eUpgrade Credits are is vouchers to upgrade paid fares to a higher cabin.

Aeroplan deposits 10 eUpgrade credits into your account each year for reaching 35K. You can apply them online to request an upgrade on eligible Air Canada flights (economy → premium economy/business). Upgrading on routes like North America–Europe typically costs 10 credits. Each eUpgrade credit is valid 12 months (or 24 months if you hold a premium Aeroplan credit card). If you chose extra eUpgrades as a benefit pick, you’d have 25 in total.

A one-way economy-to-Business upgrade on a transatlantic flight can easily be worth $800–$1,000. So 10 credits might unlock $800+ in upgraded cabin value (about $80 per credit); 25 credits could cover two such upgrades per year. This can translate into thousands of dollars of premium travel experiences.

Star Alliance Silver Recognition and Partner Perks

35K status gives Star Alliance Silver on partner airlines.

On United, you get Premier Access check-in/boarding; on Lufthansa Group (including SWISS, Austrian, Brussels, etc.) you can use business-class check-in counters.

Priority lines and boarding on partners roughly match what Star Silver or low-tier alliances would give. Also, as mentioned, you get an extra free checked bag on United/Lufthansa flights from Feb 2026 thanks to reciprocal baggage rules.

Automatic Upgrade to Avis Preferred Plus

Link your Aeroplan number to your Avis rental profile. You’ll bypass the counter and often get free car upgrades when available.

Faster pickup and occasional free upgrades on rentals – a nice little perk for travelers who rent cars.

3× Points Multiplier

Earn triple Aeroplan points for every dollar of base fare and carrier surcharges on Air Canada flights.

Your booking logs 3 points per $1 (instead of 1) on AC-operated flights.

Over time, 3× points accelerate your redemption balance. For example, on $1,000 of flight spend, you’d get 3,000 points instead of 1,000 – effectively a 0.9% back rebate if we value points at ~0.3¢ each.

Milestone Benefits and Select Benefits

Additional perks unlocked as you accumulate SQC over the year. Air Canada is transitioning to a Milestones system in 2026, but essentially, for each 10,000 SQC earned you get extra rewards.

Every 10K SQC you earn gives you a benefit choice (e.g. bonus points, more eUpgrades, travel perks). For instance, hitting 30K SQC unlocks a Milestone benefit (used to be “Select Benefits”), where you might choose extra upgrade credits or bonus points.

If you fly enough to hit mid-year thresholds, these can add valuable extras. But don’t forget to claim them – they often require making your selection online.

What’s NOT Included: No Lounge Access

Does 35K status include lounge access? No. As of mid-2023, all complimentary Maple Leaf Lounge passes have been removed for 35K status. This is the single biggest disappointment for many 35K members. If lounge access is essential for you, you’ll need to aim for 50K status or rely on a credit card lounge benefit.

How to Use Aeroplan 35K Benefits in Real Scenarios

Let’s walk through how these perks actually play out in real travel.

Boarding and Check-In: When you arrive at the airport, use any “Priority” or “Aeroplan Elite” check-in lanes for Air Canada (or ask at the counter). At boarding time, listen for Group 2 — board early, grab that overhead bin space, and breathe easy. If flying United or Lufthansa Group, show your Aeroplan card to use Premier Access or Business check-in.

Upgrades: After booking an eligible Air Canada flight, log into your account and request an upgrade using your eUpgrade credits. (Make sure your fare is upgradeable – Basic fares and award tickets usually aren’t.) Popular international routes can fill quickly, so submit upgrades as soon as seats open. When clear, you’ll get a notice and your boarding pass updates to the premium cabin. Remember: 10 credits might only upgrade one long-haul flight, so pick wisely (e.g. a 10-credit Atlantic upgrade is worth ~$800–$1,000).

Partner Airlines: For United flights, present your Aeroplan 35K card at check-in to use the Premier Access line and Group 2 boarding. For Lufthansa Group flights, show your status for business-class check-in. Also remind agents about the free bag (from Feb 2026) if it doesn’t auto-apply. (Keep a copy of your Lufthansa or United confirmation to dispute for the extra bag if needed.)

Car Rentals: Before renting from Avis, log into your Avis account and enter your Aeroplan number. You should automatically get Avis Preferred Plus perks at the counter. If an upgrade doesn’t come through, politely ask if one is available.

Milestone/Select Benefits: Once you’ve hit 35K (or 40K, 45K, etc.), log into your Aeroplan profile and pick your Milestone benefit. The conventional wisdom is to pick more eUpgrades (especially early thresholds) since they translate to big upgrade value.

Missing Benefits or Credits: If a benefit or status credit doesn’t show up as expected, gather proof: boarding passes, receipts, ticket confirmations. Use the Aeroplan contact form or call customer service to file a missing credit claim.

Six Strategic Tips: How to Get the Most Out of Aeroplan 35K

Now for the good stuff: how to actually get the most out of Aeroplan 35K.

1. Book tickets in standard economy class or above. Basic economy class is a dead end for status. Always check the fare code and upgrade eligibility before purchasing. (If you’re using an OTA, call Air Canada to make sure your Aeroplan number has been entered.) Book tickets in Latitude/Flex/Comfort/etc. whenever possible to earn SQC and become eligible for upgrades.
2. Use your credit card for expenses. To reach your desired spending level faster, increase your use of your Aeroplan credit card. Remember that the new rules allow you to earn up to 25,000 SQC for card spending annually, so transferring your regular expenses to your Aeroplan Visa or Amex card is one of the easiest ways to fill the gap if you don’t have enough flights. For example, spending CAD 10,000 can earn you 1,000 SQC — which basically replaces 500 flight miles.
3. Choose additional eUpgrade credits. Using your annual Select/Milestone benefit of 15 bonus eUpgrades usually gives you the highest ROI. Upgrades to business class can cost hundreds of dollars, while equivalent points often cost less. If you know you’ll actually use the upgrades, download them; otherwise, bonus points may be a better fit for you.
4. Choose your timing for qualification. If possible, focus your qualifying activity in the early months of the year. Reaching 35K earlier means you enjoy the benefits of status longer (sometimes >20 months with early recognition). It also frees up space at the end of the year if something goes wrong.
5. Actively use partner benefits. Don’t assume that airlines will automatically recognize your 35K status. Always carry your Aeroplan 35K card (digital or plastic) with you when flying with partners. Politely remind agents of your Star Silver benefits: “Aeroplan 35K gives me Star Silver and a free extra bag.” A friendly reminder can help, especially if the agent is unfamiliar with the new Aeroplan rules.
6. Keep careful records. Save your boarding passes, receipts, and email confirmations. If SQC or benefits are not reflected, the ability to send proof to Aeroplan is invaluable. It’s tedious, but worth it to recover missing status credits or benefits.

Is Aeroplan 35K Worth It? Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Pursue It

Here’s the decision logic, plain and simple:

It’s worth it if

You fly Air Canada several times a year on eligible fares, value having two extra bags, and think you can actually use the upgrade credits. Especially if credit card spend can get you close to 35K, the incremental perks (upgrades and free bags) make sense.

It’s not worth it if

You fly only a couple of times a year, or mostly on super-cheap Economy, or you don’t care about upgrades. In those cases, the effort and cost to qualify outweigh the perks. Chase 25K or re-think whether a credit-card-based lounge benefit or occasional paid upgrades might give you a better experience.

Need lounge access? Target 50K status (or use a premium lounge card) instead. Lounge access is not a 35K benefit, and missing it is the biggest disadvantage of this tier.

Close but not quite there?

Figure whether the incremental benefits justify pushing a little harder. 35K mainly adds upgrades and baggage over 25K. If those sound valuable to you, it might be worth flexing for the last few thousand SQC; if not, you might stop at 25K and save the hassle.

35K is an upgrade in experience for moderately frequent flyers, but it’s not a magic key to luxury. Play to the perks you’ll actually use.

Bottom Line

Aeroplan 35K status is a good choice if you want some nice perks at the airport, like free checked bags and upgrade chances, without needing to fly a ton or spend a fortune to get it. Just remember, it’s not as amazing as it used to be, since lounge access isn’t included anymore. If you want to get the most out of it, know the rules, watch out for common mistakes, and plan how you travel and use your credit cards to take advantage of the perks you’ll actually use.