Air Canada Modifies Aeroplan Elite Baggage Allowances Starting February 2026

Key Changes for Aeroplan 25K Members

Beginning February 1, 2026, Aeroplan 25K members will see a reduction in their checked baggage allowance on Air Canada flights. They will now be entitled to only one additional free checked bag beyond what’s included with their purchased fare, up to a maximum of two checked bags total.

This represents a downgrade from the current policy, which allows 25K members more generous baggage allowances on certain fare types.

How This Affects Different Fare Types

Basic Economy or Standard Aeroplan Award tickets (no included bags):

• 25K members: One free checked bag (down from two previously)
• 25K members with an eligible Aeroplan credit card: Two free checked bags (one from status, one from credit card)

Standard Economy fares within North America or to sun destinations (no included bags):

• 25K members: One free checked bag (down from two previously)
• 25K members with an eligible Aeroplan credit card: Two free checked bags (one from status, one from credit card)

Standard Economy fares to international destinations (one included bag):

• 25K members: Two free checked bags total (one from fare, one from status)

Flex or Comfort fares (one included bag):

• 25K members: Two free checked bags total (one from fare, one from status)

Latitude fares (two included bags):

• 25K members: Maximum of two free checked bags

This policy applies to flights operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Express, and Air Canada Rouge.

New Star Alliance Partner Benefits

The news isn’t all negative, however. Starting February 1, 2026, both Aeroplan 25K and 35K members (equivalent to Star Alliance Silver status) will receive an additional benefit when flying with select Star Alliance partners.

One additional checked bag beyond what’s included with their economy ticket when traveling on:

This enhancement will allow eligible members to check up to two bags free of charge on these carriers. However, it’s essential to note that this benefit doesn’t apply to Lufthansa Group airlines’ “light” fares, which include no checked baggage allowance.

No Changes for Higher Elite Tiers

Air Canada has confirmed that checked baggage allowances will remain unchanged for all other Aeroplan Elite status tiers (50K, 75K, and Super Elite 100K). These higher-tier members will continue to enjoy their current baggage benefits.

Credit Card Strategy

The timing of these changes appears strategic, as Air Canada is emphasizing how Aeroplan credit cards can help offset the reduced baggage allowance. The airline explicitly notes that 25K members who hold an eligible Aeroplan Premium or Core credit card can combine their credit card benefit (one free checked bag) with their Elite status benefit to still achieve two free checked bags on most fares.

This approach seems designed to encourage more Elite members to sign up for co-branded credit cards, even though these cards often provide limited value for everyday spending beyond the initial welcome bonus.

Analysis: Winners and Losers

Winners:

Losers:

Bottom Line

While these changes aren’t drastic, they represent a meaningful devaluation for Aeroplan 25K members who don’t hold co-branded credit cards. The loss of a second free checked bag on many fare types could result in additional fees for these travelers.

The addition of extra baggage allowances on select Star Alliance partners is a welcome enhancement. Still, it may not fully compensate for the reduction in benefits on Air Canada’s own flights, especially for members who primarily fly within the Air Canada network.

This update continues the airline industry trend of gradually reducing benefits for lower-tier elite members while encouraging credit card sign-ups. For affected travelers, it may be worth evaluating whether an Aeroplan credit card is a suitable option to maintain their current baggage allowances, or if alternative loyalty programs might better suit their needs.

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