Air Canada Modifies Aeroplan Elite Baggage Allowances Starting February 2026
Loading article…
Air Canada has announced changes to its baggage allowance policy for Aeroplan Elite members, effective February 1, 2026. The update, which primarily affects 25K and 35K status holders, was communicated via email.
Short answer: as of September 2026, this change is in effect. Air Canada’s checked baggage page lists the Aeroplan 25K allowance as the fare’s allowance plus 1 additional bag, for a maximum of 2 checked bags. On fares with no included bag, 25K members now get 1 free bag instead of 2, unless they also hold an eligible Aeroplan credit card.
The primary changes involve reducing the checked baggage allowance for 25K members on Air Canada flights while adding benefits when flying with select Star Alliance partners.
Key Changes for Aeroplan 25K Members
Since February 1, 2026, Aeroplan 25K members have had a reduced checked baggage allowance on Air Canada flights. They are now 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 was a downgrade from the previous policy, which gave 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. Since February 1, 2026, both Aeroplan 25K and 35K members (equivalent to Star Alliance Silver status) 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:
- United Airlines
- Lufthansa
- Brussels Airlines
- SWISS
- Austrian Airlines
This enhancement allows 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:
- 25K and 35K members who frequently fly United and Lufthansa Group airlines: They’ll now enjoy an additional checked bag on these carriers
- Aeroplan credit card holders with 25K status: They can still maintain two free checked bags on most fares by combining benefits
- Higher-tier Elite members (50K+): Their benefits remain unchanged
Losers:
- 25K members without Aeroplan credit cards: They lose their second free checked bag on Basic Economy, Standard Economy within North America, and sun destination fares
- 25K members who primarily fly Air Canada: The reduction in baggage allowance directly impacts their most frequent travel
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.
- Annual fee
- $195
- Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$1,610Total$1,610Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
- $1,610
- Welcome offerAfter $4,000 in 3 months
- Up to 115,000 points
Apply Now
on Chase's website
Frequently Asked Questions
When do these Aeroplan baggage allowance changes take effect?
The changes to Aeroplan Elite baggage allowances took effect on February 1, 2026, and they apply today. Air Canada’s checked baggage page lists the Aeroplan 25K allowance as the fare’s allowance plus 1 additional bag, up to a maximum of 2 bags. If you hold 25K status, an eligible Aeroplan credit card is the simplest way to keep two free checked bags on fares with no included bag.
Which Aeroplan Elite status levels are affected by these changes?
The baggage allowance changes primarily affect Aeroplan 25K members, who saw a reduction in their checked baggage allowance on Air Canada flights. Additionally, both Aeroplan 25K and 35K members gained new baggage benefits when flying on select Star Alliance partner airlines (United Airlines, Lufthansa, Brussels Airlines, SWISS, and Austrian Airlines). Baggage allowances for higher Elite status tiers (50K, 75K, and Super Elite 100K) remain unchanged.
How can Aeroplan 25K members still get two free checked bags?
After February 1, 2026, Aeroplan 25K members can still get two free checked bags in several ways:
1. By holding an eligible Aeroplan Premium or Core credit card when traveling on Basic Economy or Standard Economy fares within North America (one bag from status + one bag from credit card)
2. When traveling on Standard Economy fares to international destinations (one bag included with fare + one bag from status)
3. When traveling on Flex or Comfort fares (one bag included with fare + one bag from status)
4. When traveling on Latitude fares (two bags included with fare)
5. When flying with United Airlines or Lufthansa Group carriers on fares that include one checked bag (one bag from fare + one bag from status)
Which Star Alliance partners are included in the new baggage benefit?
The new Star Alliance partner baggage benefit for Aeroplan 25K and 35K members applies to five specific airlines:
• United Airlines
• Lufthansa
• Brussels Airlines
• SWISS
• Austrian Airlines
When traveling on these carriers, 25K and 35K members will be entitled to one additional checked bag beyond what’s included with their economy ticket, allowing eligible members to check up to two bags free of charge. However, this benefit does not apply to Lufthansa Group airlines’ “light” fares that include no checked baggage allowance.
Do these changes affect Premium Economy or Business Class baggage allowances?
No, the announced changes specifically apply to economy class tickets. Baggage allowances for Premium Economy, Business Class, and First Class remain unchanged across all Aeroplan Elite status tiers. These premium cabins typically include more generous baggage allowances as part of the fare:
• Premium Economy: Typically 2 checked bags included
• Business Class: Typically 2 checked bags included
• First Class: Typically 3 checked bags included
Elite status benefits would still apply on top of these included allowances for higher-tier members according to their specific status privileges.
How does this change compare to baggage allowances with other Star Alliance programs?
The updated Aeroplan Elite baggage allowance for 25K members (one additional bag beyond fare allowance) now aligns more closely with other Star Alliance Silver status benefits. Here’s how it compares to other major Star Alliance programs:
• United MileagePlus Premier Silver: One additional free checked bag (50 lb/23 kg)
• Lufthansa Miles & More Frequent Traveller: One additional free checked bag (50 lb/23 kg)
• Singapore KrisFlyer Elite Silver: Additional 10 kg for weight concept airlines, no additional pieces for piece concept airlines
The new Star Alliance partner baggage benefit for 25K and 35K members is actually an enhancement compared to typical Star Alliance Silver benefits, as many partner airlines previously didn’t offer additional baggage allowances to Silver members from other programs. This reciprocal arrangement between Air Canada, United, and Lufthansa Group appears to be a new development in Star Alliance partner benefits.
