The Ultimate Guide to Aeroplan Elite Status: Maximize Air Canada Most Powerful Travel Perk
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If you are reading this, you are probably tired of missing updates, waiting in endless lines at the airport, and wondering whether your flights or credit card expenses actually count toward elite status.
In this guide, I cut through the confusion and marketing gimmicks to show you exactly how to earn Aeroplan elite status, what real benefits you’ll get at each level, how to avoid common mistakes, and most importantly, how to get the most bang for your buck and every mile. Whether you’re a frequent flyer, an active bonus point user, or just want to enjoy VIP service from time to time, you’ll find practical, step-by-step advice here.
Let’s dive in and make Aeroplan elite status work for you — without wasting time, money, or effort on actions that don’t matter.
Aeroplan Status Explained in Simple Terms
First, let’s briefly review the key terms discussed in this guide before moving on to a more detailed discussion. If you are already familiar with Aeroplan status terminology, you can skip this section.
Aeroplan elite status – Air Canada has a five-tiered elite program for frequent flyers and engaged members, which includes the 25K, 35K, 50K, and 75K and Super Elite that offers perks like upgrades, perks, Lounge Access, Check-in, boarding, etc.
Starting in 2026, a new metric called Status Qualifying Credits (SQCs) will be the sole way to earn status. Your SQC total now includes all the qualifying activities such as flying and partner spending.
Everyday Status Qualification (EQD) are credits that you earn from everyday spend with Aeroplan partners (eStore, Uber, hotels, Starbucks) as well as with Aeroplan credit cards. Earn 100,000 EDQ in a calendar year and you’ll unlock Aeroplan 25K Status.
Miles flown on Air Canada that are counted toward lifetime status (Million Mile program) are specified as LQM. Reaching the 1M, 2M, 3M, or 4M LQM cap unlocks advanced elite tiers permanently.
Aeroplan Elite Status Eligibility Requirements
In 2026, Air Canada will completely change the scheme for obtaining elite statuses from SQM/SQS+SQD, which was still in effect for activity in 2025 on SQC.
- 2025 activity → gave status for 2026 (valid until 01/31/2027) under the old SQM/SQS+SQD scheme.
- 2026 activity → already counted in SQC and affects the status further (conditionally “for the next status year”). On the status page, Air Canada already shows thresholds in SQC, including Super Elite = 125,000 SQC.
Aeroplan Elite Status isn’t just for road warriors anymore. But not every flight, fare, or purchase counts.
| Status Tier | Required SQC | Lifetime Path (LQM) |
|---|---|---|
| 25K | 25,000 SQC or 100,000 EDQ | N/A |
| 35K | 35,000 SQC | N/A |
| 50K | 50,000 SQC | 1,000,000 LQM = lifetime 50K |
| 75K | 75,000 SQC | 2,000,000 LQM = lifetime 75K |
| Super Elite | 125,000 SQC | 3M/4M LQM = lifetime Super Elite |
Only 25K can be earned via EDQ alone.
Status takes effect immediately upon reaching the threshold and is valid for the following “status year” + 1 additional month (until January 31). For example, if you became eligible for 50K in July 2026, you will have 50K until the end of 2026, throughout 2027, and until January 31, 2028.
If you miss the threshold by Dec 31, you keep your previous year’s status perks through Jan 31 (“soft landing”/Extended Status Validity).
If you hit a lifetime threshold (e.g., 1M LQM), you’ll never drop below that tier, no matter your future flying.
All Ways to Earn Aeroplan Elite Status
Aeroplan offers many ways to earn elite status.
1. Flying: The Classic Route
When you book tickets with cash (standard class or above) on Air Canada, Air Canada Express, Air Canada Rouge, or Star Alliance partners with the AC 014 code, you will receive SQC. Here’s how they are calculated.
SQC earnings are mainly based on costs ($) + fare/cabin type. The exception is tickets NOT 014 (issued by another Star Alliance airline), where the calculation is still distance-based, but please note that there are restrictions on SQC earnings in this way.
Typical earning structure (simplified):
| Fare Type | Air Canada flights + Star Alliance (ticketed 014) |
|---|---|
| Economy Basic | 0 SQC (Basic fares don’t accumulate SQC) |
| Economy Standard | 2 SQC per $1 spent |
| Economy Flex | 4 SQC per $1 spent |
| Economy Comfort | 4 SQC per $1 spent |
| Economy Latitude | 4 SQC per $1 spent |
| Premium Economy | 4 SQC per $1 spent |
| Business Class | 4 SQC per $1 spent |
| eUpgrade Add-Ons | 2 SQC per $1 spent |
014 ticket (Air Canada-issued): SQC are spend-based — 2 SQC/$1 (Standard) or 4 SQC/$1 (Flex and above).
Non-014 Star Alliance ticket: SQC are conversion-based — 5 Aeroplan base points = 1 SQC, and those points are distance-based per the partner grid, with a 25,000 SQC/year cap.
What Does NOT Earn Status Credit
You will NOT earn SQC for:
- Basic Economy fares
- Aeroplan award tickets
- Points + Cash bookings
- Most non-Star Alliance codeshares
- Some deeply discounted partner fares
Always check the booking class earning chart before buying partner flights — this is one of the biggest hidden traps.
2. Everyday Spend & Partners (EDQ Path)
- Shop through Aeroplan eStore, ride with Uber, stay at partner hotels, or use Starbucks, etc.—but only if you’ve properly linked your Aeroplan account and use the correct channels.
- 1 EDQ per eligible Aeroplan point earned.
- 100,000 EDQ = 25K status (entry-level). Higher tiers still require flight activity.
Warning: Not all partner activity counts — registration and correct booking links are essential.
Realistic EDQ Examples
Example 1 — eStore shopping
- Spend $2,000 during a 5× promo
- Earn 10,000 Aeroplan points
- → 10,000 EDQ
Example 2 — heavy ecosystem user
Annual activity (total 100,000 EDQ → earns 25K status):
- 40,000 points from credit card spend
- 30,000 from eStore
- 20,000 from travel partners
- 10,000 from Uber/Starbucks
3. Aeroplan Credit Card Boost
Currently (in the US market), the only Aeroplan co-branded card with these features is the Chase Aeroplan card.
For US cardholders, the “boost” can come in two different ways:
- Spend-to-status shortcuts (earn/keep Aeroplan 25K or upgrade to 35K purely with annual card spend).
- Spend-to-SQC boosts (earn Status Qualifying Credits directly from card spend — up to 25,000 SQC/year on the Chase Aeroplan Card).
| US Credit Card | Elite status shortcut (spend) | SQC boost from spend | Other “status-adjacent” spend perks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aeroplan Credit Card | New cardmembers: automatic Aeroplan 25K for the rest of the calendar year + the following calendar year. Keep 25K: $15,000 spend in a calendar year. Upgrade to 35K: $75,000 spend in a calendar year (as of Jan 1, 2026). | Up to 25,000 SQC/year: 5,000 SQC (bonus) + 10,000 SQC after $25,000 net purchases + another 10,000 SQC after $50,000 net purchases. | Keeps “big spend” milestones: Priority Rewards at $100K / $250K / $500K / $750K, and Global +1 at $1,000,000 in account spend. |
- 10,000 additional SQCs when cardholders spend $25,000 in a calendar year
- 10,000 additional SQCs when cardholders spend $50,000 in a calendar year
- 35K status when cardholders spend $75,000 in a calendar year
- One Priority Reward each when cardholders reach spending thresholds of $100,000, $250,000, $500,000, $750,000 and $1 million
- Global Elite status plus one Priority Reward after spending $1 million
Caveat: Not all transactions count (e.g., balance transfers, cash advances, fees and interest, refunds, manufactured spend patterns).
4. Air Canada Vacations
Earn 25% of the package price as SQC when booking eligible Air Canada Vacations packages.
Example
Vacation package price: $4,000 = 25% credit → $1,000 qualifying value.
This can be surprisingly useful for:
- Leisure travelers
- Families
- Travelers who don’t fly frequently but book packages
5. Lifetime Status via Million Mile Program
Rack up 1,000,000+ LQM on Air Canada flights for permanent 50K status (and higher for 2M, 3M, 4M).
No status matches, fast-tracks, or status buys are officially recognized as qualification methods as of 2026.
What You Actually Get from Aeroplan Elite Status
What is important to understand about the benefits of status levels is this: Core Benefits are your guaranteed baseline perks for the year, and Select/Milestone Benefits are the “bonus layer” you unlock (and sometimes choose) as you fly more.
Let’s move beyond the sales pitch and look at what status delivers in the real world. Benefits scale up with each tier, but even 25K unlocks meaningful perks if you know how to use them.
| Benefits | 25K | 35K | 50K | 75K | Super Elite |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Star Alliance Status | Silver | Silver | Gold | Gold | Gold |
| Free Checked Bags (AC flights) | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Priority Check-in & Boarding | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Maple Leaf Lounge Access (AC flights) | Select passes | Included | Included | Included | Included + more |
| eUpgrade Credits (core) | 5 | 10 | 15 | 20 | 30 |
| Priority Rewards (award discounts) | Limited | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Best availability |
| Preferred Seats (AC) | At check-in | Earlier | Earlier | Earlier | Earliest |
| Same-day standby priority | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bonus Aeroplan points on flights | ~25% | ~35% | ~50% | ~75% | ~100%+ |
| Priority baggage handling | — | — | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dedicated phone line | — | — | — | ✓ | Concierge |
| Extra Star Alliance baggage | — | — | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Priority Airport Check-in
No more waiting in the general line. With any Aeroplan Elite Status, you can access dedicated check-in counters on Air Canada and eligible Star Alliance flights.
All elite tiers receive this benefit (25K–Super Elite) have Priority Check-in on Air Canada flights.
50K / 75K / Super Elite members can also check in at Star Alliance Gold counters when flying with any Star Alliance airline; and there is a special nuance: 50K/75K/SE members can use Air Canada Business Class Check-in at Toronto Pearson (YYZ) on any AC flight.
Priority Boarding & Standby
You’ll board ahead of most other passengers — usually Group 2 or similar. If you’re on standby, your status bumps you up the list for open seats. This is especially valuable on oversold flights or tight connections.
Complimentary Checked Baggage
This perk gives you real savings on baggage on Air Canada flights.
- 25K: 2 free bags weighing up to 23 kg each (and there is a note on the page saying “changes in February 2026”).
- 35K and above: 3 free bags weighing up to 32 kg each on Air Canada flights
With bag fees often $30–$50 per bag, this can easily save you $100+ on a round-trip for two.
Note: Basic Economy fares don’t get this perk unless you hold status; Lufthansa Light fares are excluded as of Feb 2026.
Complimentary Preferred Seats
Select extra legroom or forward cabin seats for free at booking or check-in. This benefit applies to you and your companions on the same reservation.
- 25K / 35K: Free Preferred Seat at check-in
- 50K: Preferred Seat during booking for Canada/US, and at check-in for other routes
- 75K: Preferred Seat during booking
- Super Elite: Preferred Seat during booking on any fare, including reward bookings (specified as “any fare (revenue and redemption bookings)”)
On a transcon, this can mean a seat worth $50–$100 more than standard economy.
eUpgrade Credits
Use these credits to move from economy to premium cabins. 25K members get 5 per year, while top-tier Super Elites get 30. The value can be significant — think $500+ per long-haul upgrade, though availability and eligibility vary.
- Aeroplan 25K: 5 eUpgrade credits
- Aeroplan 35K: 10 eUpgrade credits
- Aeroplan 50K: 15 eUpgrade credits
- Aeroplan 75K: 20 eUpgrade credits
- Aeroplan Super Elite: 30 eUpgrade credits
The number of eUpgrade Credits required depends on the fare, zone, distance, and desired upgrade cabin. On short flights in North America, an upgrade from Latitude/Flex may cost as little as 1–2 credits one way, while on Standard, the same upgrade often requires more credits + a cash add-on. For international routes, the amounts can be significantly higher, and on connecting routes, Air Canada may recalculate credits after the trip depending on which segments the upgrade actually took place on.
The Standard tariff often has an add-on (additional payment).
Example (YVR–YYZ–LHR):
- Business for the entire route: 18 credits + $900
- Premium Economy for the entire route: 11 credits + $400
- Business only YVR–YYZ: 11 credits + $250
- Business only YYZ–LHR: 18 credits + $900.
Lounge Access Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges and Air Canada Cafés worldwide
Starting at 50K, you’ll get complimentary access to Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges and Air Canada Cafés worldwide (plus a guest, in most cases). Super Elite unlocks Star Alliance Gold lounge access globally. This is a huge value for frequent travelers, especially on long layovers.
Complimentary access to Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges and Air Canada Cafés is provided for:
- Aeroplan 50K
- Aeroplan 75K
- Aeroplan Super Elite
Star Alliance Recognition
25K–75K status maps to Star Alliance Silver (priority standby/waitlist), while Super Elite grants Star Alliance Gold (lounge access, extra baggage, and more) on all alliance partners.
Points Multipliers
Earn 2x–6x base Aeroplan points on Air Canada flights, scaling up with your status tier. This dramatically accelerates your points balance, especially if you fly long-haul or premium fares.
Other Perks
- Priority security screening at select airports
- Priority baggage handling
- Priority phone support
- Flight Pass perks (extra eUpgrades and SQC)
- Complimentary sports equipment handling
As discussed earlier, the value of these perks depends on how often you fly, your routes, and your travel style.
Select or Milestone Benefits Aeroplan Elite Status
Upon reaching certain thresholds SQC, the Aeroplan program rewards members with certain benefits, which can be either automatic or optional. Levels are unlocked every 10,000 SQC up to 200,000, and then every 20,000 SQC, and are available only to members who already have Aeroplan Elite status (SQC earned before achieving Elite status are not counted toward determining levels).
| Milestone (SQC) | Automatic (auto-issued) | Choose 1 (selectable options at that Milestone) |
|---|---|---|
| 10K | 10 eUpgrade credits | — |
| 20K | — | 1 Priority Reward; 2 Maple Leaf Lounge One-Time Guest Passes; 10 eUpgrade credits; 5,000 Aeroplan points; 30% off Car & Hotel redemption; 30% off gift card & merchandise redemption (only Canadian residence address) |
| 30K | 10 eUpgrade credits | — |
| 40K | — | 1 Priority Reward; 4 Maple Leaf Lounge One-Time Guest Passes; 10 eUpgrade credits; 7,500 Aeroplan points; 2,500 bonus SQC; 30% off Car & Hotel redemption; 30% off gift card & merchandise redemption (Canadian residence address) |
| 50K | 10 eUpgrade credits | — |
| 60K | — | 1 Priority Reward; 2 Status Passes; 7,500 Aeroplan points; 2,500 bonus SQC; 30% off Car & Hotel redemption; 30% off gift card & merchandise redemption (Canadian residence address) |
| 70K | 10 eUpgrade credits | 2 Status Passes; 5,000 Aeroplan points; $150 Air Canada Gift Card; Gift Aeroplan 25K Status for a friend |
| 80K | — | 1 Priority Reward; 2 Status Passes; 7,500 Aeroplan points; 2,500 bonus SQC; 30% off Car & Hotel redemption; 30% off gift card & merchandise redemption (Canadian residence address) |
| 90K | 10 eUpgrade credits | 2 Status Passes; 5,000 Aeroplan points; $150 Air Canada Gift Card; Gift Aeroplan 35K Status for a friend |
| 100K | — | 1 Priority Reward; 2 Status Passes; 7,500 Aeroplan points; 2,500 bonus SQC; 30% off Car & Hotel redemption; 30% off gift card & merchandise redemption (Canadian residence address) |
| 110K | 10 eUpgrade credits | 2 Status Passes; 5,000 Aeroplan points; $150 Air Canada Gift Card |
| 120K | — | 1 Priority Reward; 2 Status Passes; 7,500 Aeroplan points; 2,500 bonus SQC; 30% off Car & Hotel redemption; 30% off gift card & merchandise redemption (Canadian residence address) |
| 130K | 20 eUpgrade credits | 4 Status Passes; 10,000 Aeroplan points; 5,000 bonus SQC; Gift Aeroplan 50K Status for a friend |
| 140K | — | 1 Priority Reward; 4 Status Passes; 15,000 Aeroplan points; 5,000 bonus SQC; 30% off Car & Hotel redemption; 30% off gift card & merchandise redemption (Canadian residence address) |
| 150K | 20 eUpgrade credits | 4 Status Passes; 10,000 Aeroplan points; $250 Air Canada Gift Card |
| 160K | — | 1 Priority Reward; 4 Status Passes; 15,000 Aeroplan points; 5,000 bonus SQC; 30% off Car & Hotel redemption; 30% off gift card & merchandise redemption (Canadian residence address) |
| 170K | 20 eUpgrade credits | 4 Status Passes; 10,000 Aeroplan points; $250 Air Canada Gift Card |
| 180K | — | 1 Priority Reward; 4 Status Passes; 15,000 Aeroplan points; 5,000 bonus SQC; 30% off Car & Hotel redemption; 30% off gift card & merchandise redemption (Canadian residence address) |
| 190K | 20 eUpgrade credits | 4 Status Passes; 10,000 Aeroplan points; $250 Air Canada Gift Card |
| 200K | 20 eUpgrade credits | 1 Priority Reward; 20,000 Aeroplan points; Banked Aeroplan Super Elite Status; 30% off Car & Hotel redemption; 30% off gift card & merchandise redemption (Canadian residence address) |
| 220K | 20 eUpgrade credits | 1 Priority Reward; 4 Status Passes; 15,000 Aeroplan points; 30% off Car & Hotel redemption; 30% off gift card & merchandise redemption (Canadian residence address); Gift Aeroplan 75K Status for a friend |
| 240K and every +20K up to 1M | 20 eUpgrade credits | The same options as on the 220K |
Priority Rewards is a voucher that gives you −50% off the base fare in points on eligible flight rewards (taxes/fees are not reduced).
Status Passes are elite “passes” that allow you to give another person (or group in the same booking) almost the same priority benefits that an elite Aeroplan member has — even if you are not flying together.
One Status Pass can cover up to 9 people in a single booking (passenger + companions in the same reservation). And it is valid for 12 months from the date of accrual/selection.
Bonus SQC (2,500 or 5,000) must be selected by December 31 of the year in which the Milestone is achieved; these SQC count toward qualification and Milestone progress in the same year.
You can view the list of Milestone Benefits on the official website.
How to Use Aeroplan Elite Status in Real-World Scenarios
Let’s say you’re flying Toronto to Vancouver on a Standard Economy fare. At check-in, your 25K status lets you breeze through the priority lane, check two bags for free, and select an exit row seat at no extra charge. At the gate, you board in Group 2, ensuring overhead bin space. If you’ve banked enough eUpgrade credits, you can request an upgrade to Premium Economy—sometimes confirmed at booking, sometimes at the gate.
If you’re connecting onward to Frankfurt with Lufthansa (on a non-Light fare), your status gets you business-class check-in and potentially an extra checked bag. Super Elites can access Lufthansa’s Star Alliance Gold lounges, while 50K+ can use Maple Leaf Lounges in Canada.
For partner activities, if you’ve linked your Aeroplan account to Uber and Starbucks, every ride or coffee earns you EDQ — bringing you closer to status even when you’re not flying.
How to Maximize Value from Aeroplan Elite Status
Maximizing Aeroplan Elite Status isn’t about chasing every possible mile or dollar, it’s about smart planning, timing, and knowing where the real value lies.
First, always validate your fare class before booking. Basic Economy and certain promo fares look cheap, but earn you nothing toward status. Stick to Standard or higher if you’re aiming to qualify.
Front-load your status-earning activity early in the year. This gives you a buffer in case plans change, and lets you enjoy the perks for more of the year. Don’t rely on a December sprint, if you fall short, the Extended Status Validity buys you until Jan 31, but it’s a stressful way to live.
If you’re close to a threshold, apply Aeroplan credit card boosts or partner EDQ opportunities. For example, shifting your grocery or utility spend to an Aeroplan Visa can net you extra SQC and help you cross the finish line.
For those with flexibility, consider booking long-haul or premium economy fares during fare sales. The SQC and points multipliers can be substantial, especially at higher tiers.
Finally, use eUpgrade credits and PriorityReward vouchers strategically on long, expensive flights; don’t waste them on short hops where the upgrade value is minimal.
Is It Worth It? Who Should Pursue Aeroplan Elite Status?
Here’s the honest decision flow:
- The truth is, if you fly Air Canada or Star Alliance partners regularly on standard or higher fares, or can generate significant partner/credit card activity, Aeroplan elite status is absolutely worth pursuing.
- By the way, if you only fly a couple of times a year, but can reach 100,000 edq through partner spend, 25k status is within reach and can pay off in baggage, seat, and boarding perks.
- If your travel is mostly on Basic Economy, non-Star partners, or you don’t want to track partner registration, skip status chasing, it’s not worth the effort.
When it’s not worth it: if you’re a pure price shopper, rarely fly Air Canada, or don’t value the perks (e.g., you always travel with family and can’t use upgrades/lounges), don’t go out of your way for status.
Bottom Line
Aeroplan Elite Status, when understood and used strategically, is one of the most valuable airline elite programs for Canadians and North American travelers. The key is knowing which activities count, avoiding hidden exclusions, and timing your qualification and benefit usage for maximum return.
