Air Canada Revolutionizes Aeroplan Elite Status: Introducing Status Qualifying Credits (SQC) for 2026
Loading article…
Air Canada has unveiled major changes to its Aeroplan loyalty program, set to take effect for the 2026 status year. These changes introduce a new revenue-based earning system, a fresh approach to status qualification, and an innovative milestone benefits structure. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the key updates and how they may impact Aeroplan members.
Aeroplan Elite Status: Before & After Status Qualifying Credits (SQC)
Here’s a summary of all the changes related to the Aeroplan Elite Status. We will cover everything in detail below.
| Feature | Before SQC (Current) | After SQC (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Status Qualification | Status Qualifying Miles (SQM) and Status Qualifying Segments (SQS) + SQD | Status Qualifying Credits (SQC) |
| Earning on Air Canada Flights or tickets issued by Air Canada (014) | Based on distance flown, fare class bonus, and status bonus | Based on spend amount and fare type (Standard fares: 2 SQC per $1, Flex fares and up: 4 SQC per $1) |
| 25K Qualification | 25,000 SQM or 25 SQS + $3,000 SQD | 25,000 SQC |
| 35K Qualification | 35,000 SQM or 35 SQS + $4,000 SQD | 35,000 SQC |
| 50K Qualification | 50,000 SQM or 50 SQS + $6,000 SQD | 50,000 SQC |
| 75K Qualification | 75,000 SQM or 75 SQS + $9,000 SQD | 75,000 SQC |
| Super Elite Qualification | 100,000 SQM or 100 SQS + $20,000 SQD | 125,000 SQC |
| Partner Earning (Star Alliance airlines) | Based on partner’s earn chart (distance, fare class) contributing to SQM | 1 SQC for every 5 Aeroplan points earned (up to 25,000 SQC annually) |
| Select Benefits | Chosen at the beginning of the Elite year | Replaced by Milestone Benefits, unlocked every 10,000 SQC |
| Priority Rewards | Earned based on a spend threshold, each good for 50% off a flight reward | Priority Rewards are now integrated into the Milestone Benefits options |
| eUpgrade Credits | Issued as core benefits, more issued at each Elite Tier. Additional eUpgrade credits available once members met a given SQD or SQM threshold | Less eUpgrade Credits are given as core benefits, but they can be earned via SQC Milestones |
| Aeroplan Premium Credit Card Benefit (Rollover SQM) | Rollover unused SQM to the following year (up to 200,000 SQM) | 10% SQC Head Start based on previous year’s earnings (starting 2027). In 2026 Rollover SQM will be converted to SQC at a rate of 5:1 up to a max of 40,000 SQC |
| Chase Aeroplan Card (US) Benefit | Progressive Status levels and a level up benefit at various spend thresholds | “Level Up” benefit replaced with progressive SQC awards. 25K Aeroplan status remains at USD 15K Spend threshold and 35K Aeroplan status is introduced at USD 75K spend. |
New Elite Status Qualification Thresholds
The elite status tiers remain the same, but qualification thresholds have changed:
| Aeroplan elite status | SQC NEEDED |
|---|---|
| Aeroplan 25K | 25,000 SQC |
| Aeroplan 35K | 35,000 SQC |
| Aeroplan 50K | 50,000 SQC |
| Aeroplan 75K | 75,000 SQC |
| Aeroplan Super Elite | 125,000 SQC |
The Aeroplan Super Elite Status is the most impacted, as it will require earning 125,000 SQC (increased from previous requirements).
Revenue-Based Earning: A New Way to Accumulate Points
Base Earning Rate
Starting January 1, 2026, Aeroplan members will earn points based on their spend with Air Canada and partners rather than the distance flown. The new base earning rate is:
- 1 Aeroplan point per $1 CAD spent on base fare and carrier surcharges (excluding taxes and third-party fees)
Elite Status Multipliers
Aeroplan Elite members will enjoy increased earning potential through status multipliers:
| Aeroplan elite status | Base points multiplier |
|---|---|
| Aeroplan 25K | 2x |
| Aeroplan 35K | 3x |
| Aeroplan 50K | 4x |
| Aeroplan 75K | 5x |
| Aeroplan Super Elite | 6x |
Promotional Opportunities
Air Canada plans to offer frequent promotions, allowing members to earn bonus points beyond the base rate. These promotions may include:
- Seasonal offers (e.g., 3x points or more on Europe flights during shoulder season)
- Route-specific bonuses (e.g., 3x points or more on competitive routes like New York)
- Targeted member promotions
Status Qualifying Credits (SQC): The New Path to Elite Status
Earning SQC on Air Canada Flights
Status Qualifying Credits (SQC) will replace the current Status Qualifying Miles (SQM) and Status Qualifying Segments (SQS) system.
Members will earn SQC based on their fare type:
| FARE TYPE | SQC EARNED |
|---|---|
| Flex fares and higher (including Premium Economy and Business Class) | 4 SQC/$1 CAD |
| Standard fares | 2 SQC/$1 CAD |
| eUpgrade add-ons | 2 SQC/$1 CAD |
| Air Canada Vacations packages | 1 SQC/$1 CAD |
| Basic Economy fares | 0 SQC/$1 CAD |
Achieving Elite Status Exclusively Through Air Canada Flights
For those who primarily or exclusively fly with Air Canada, here’s how you could achieve different status levels based solely on Air Canada flight spending:
- Aeroplan 25K (25,000 SQC): – $6,250 spent on Flex fares or higher, or – $12,500 spent on Standard fares
- Aeroplan 35K (35,000 SQC): – $8,750 spent on Flex fares or higher, or – $17,500 spent on Standard fares
- Aeroplan 50K (50,000 SQC): – $12,500 spent on Flex fares or higher, or – $25,000 spent on Standard fares
- Aeroplan 75K (75,000 SQC): – $18,750 spent on Flex fares or higher, or – $37,500 spent on Standard fares
- Aeroplan Super Elite (125,000 SQC): – $31,250 spent on Flex fares or higher, or – $62,500 spent on Standard fares
Remember, you can mix and match fare types. For example, you could reach 50K status by spending $10,000 on Flex fares (40,000 SQC) and $5,000 on Standard fares (10,000 SQC).
Benefits of an Aeroplan Premium Credit Card for Air Canada Travelers
Even if you primarily fly with Air Canada, having an Aeroplan Premium credit card can significantly boost your status earning potential and provide additional benefits:
- Accelerated SQC Earning: Earn 1,000 SQC for every $5,000 spent, up to 25,000 SQC per year. This can help you reach higher status levels with less Air Canada flight spending.
- 10% Head Start Benefit: Starting in 2027, get a 10% SQC bonus based on your previous year’s earnings, giving you a head start on status qualification each year. For your information, the SQC accumulated with the Head Start benefit does not count toward the 25,000 SQC cap.
- Combine with Flight Spending: You can earn up to 25,000 SQC from card spend and still earn unlimited SQC from Air Canada flights, potentially reaching higher status tiers more easily.
- Example: Spend $100,000 on your Premium card (20,000 SQC) and $7,500 on Flex fares (30,000 SQC) to reach 50K status.
- Additional Card Benefits: Many Aeroplan Premium cards offer perks like free checked bags, lounge access, and travel insurance, enhancing your overall travel experience.
By combining Air Canada flight spending with an Aeroplan Premium credit card, you can maximize your SQC earnings and potentially achieve higher status levels with less overall spending. This strategy also provides you with a buffer in case your travel plans change, ensuring you’re still on track for your desired status level.
Partner Earnings and Credit Cards
Members can also earn SQC through partner activity and Aeroplan credit card spend:
| Activity | SQC EARNED | Annual limit |
|---|---|---|
| Star Alliance flights | 1 SQC for every 5 Aeroplan points earned | up to 25,000 SQC per year |
| Travel and retail partners | 1 SQC for every 5 Aeroplan points earned | |
| Aeroplan Premium credit cards | 1,000 SQC for every $5,000 spent | up to 25,000 SQC per year |
| Aeroplan core credit cards | 1,000 SQC for every $20,000 spent | |
| Chase Aeroplan credit card (US) | Up to 25,000 SQC based on spend |
Examples of Achieving Aeroplan 25K Status (25,000 SQC)
- You could obtain Aeroplan 25K status by spending $125,000 on an Aeroplan Premium credit card.
- If you use a Core Aeroplan credit card, you would need to spend $500,000 to reach 25K status.
- You could also achieve 25K status by earning 125,000 Aeroplan points through travel with Star Alliance flights and other travel and everyday partners
Achieving Aeroplan 50K Status (50,000 SQC)
To reach Aeroplan 50K status, you would need to combine various earning methods, keeping in mind the 25,000 SQC cap for credit card spend and partner activities. Here are some more realistic scenarios:
- Maximize credit card spend: Earn 25,000 SQC by spending $125,000 on an Aeroplan Premium credit card, then earn the remaining 25,000 SQC through Air Canada flights (e.g., $6,250 spent on Flex fares or higher).
- Combine credit card and partner activities: Earn 25,000 SQC from credit card spend, then accumulate 125,000 Aeroplan points through Star Alliance flights or travel and retail partners for another 25,000 SQC.
- Focus on Air Canada flights: Earn 50,000 SQC by spending $12,500 on Air Canada Flex fares or higher (at 4 SQC per $1 spent). This method is not subject to the 25,000 SQC cap.
- Mix all three: Earn 20,000 SQC from $100,000 spend on an Aeroplan Premium credit card, 20,000 SQC from 100,000 Aeroplan points earned through partners, and the remaining 10,000 SQC from $2,500 spent on Air Canada Flex fares or higher.
These scenarios demonstrate how members can strategically combine different earning methods to achieve 50K status while respecting the 25,000 SQC cap on credit card spend and partner activities. The key is to leverage Air Canada flight spending, which is not subject to the cap, to bridge any gaps in SQC earnings.
Milestone Benefits: A New Approach to Elite Perks
The new milestone benefits system replaces the current selectable benefits, threshold rewards, and Priority Rewards. Members unlock benefits every 10,000 SQC earned, up to 200,000 SQC, and then every 20,000 SQC thereafter, up to 1,000,000 SQC.
Example Milestone Benefits
10,000 SQC Milestone: 10 eUpgrade Credits (automatic)
20,000 SQC Milestone (choice of one):
- 1 Priority Reward
- 10 eUpgrade Credits
- 30% off a car or hotel redemption
- 30% off an eStore redemption
- 5,000 Aeroplan Points
- 2 Lounge Passes
30,000 SQC Milestone: 10 eUpgrade Credits (automatic)
40,000 SQC Milestone (choice of one):
- 1 Priority Reward
- 10 eUpgrade Credits
- 30% off a car or hotel redemption
- 30% off an eStore redemption
- 7,500 Aeroplan Points
- 2,500 Bonus SQC
- 4 Lounge Passes
Higher milestones continue to offer more valuable choices, including options like 50K for a friend or Banked Super Elite status at the 200,000 SQC milestone.
Key Features of Milestone Benefits
- More frequent recognition throughout the qualification journey
- Mix of automatic benefits and choice benefits
- Replaces Select Benefits, Priority Rewards, and Threshold eUpgrades/Gifts
- Choices include Priority Rewards, bonus points, redemption discounts, Status Passes, and more
- Members can make selections closer to when they need the benefits, rather than all at once at the beginning of the year
Digital Experience
Air Canada is introducing a redesigned digital experience to support members in their status and benefits progression:
- Intuitive Milestone selection experience built into the Member dashboard and Air Canada app
- Features include Milestone history for current and past years
- Easier tracking of progress towards the next Milestone
This new Milestone Benefits system aims to provide more flexibility and personalization for Aeroplan members, allowing them to choose benefits that best suit their travel needs throughout the year. It also encourages continued engagement with the program beyond initial status qualification.
Other Important Changes and Considerations
Everyday Qualification
The Everyday Qualification option for Aeroplan 25K status remains unchanged. Members can still earn this status by accumulating 100,000 Aeroplan points through eligible sources.
E-upgrades and Core Benefits
While members will receive fewer core e-upgrades with their status, they can earn more through milestone benefits. There are no major changes to lounge access or core Super Elite benefits.
Million Mile Program
The Million Mile program remains unchanged, continuing to recognize members based on the actual distance flown on Air Canada metal. However, fare type bonuses will no longer apply to Lifetime Qualifying Miles calculations.
Aeroplan Premium Credit Cards
Starting in 2027, primary Aeroplan premium credit cardholders who qualify for Aeroplan Elite status can receive a 10% SQC bonus based on their previous year’s earnings. This “Head Start” benefit replaces the current Rollover SQM benefit.
Chase Aeroplan Card (U.S.)
The Chase Aeroplan card will see some changes, including:
- Earn up to 25,000 SQC :
- 5,000 SQC provided annually to cardmembers
- 10,000 SQC for spending $25,000 USD
- 10,000 SQC for spending $50,000 USD in a calendar year
- Aeroplan 25K Status awarded at $15,000 USD annual spend (unchanged)
- Aeroplan 35K Status awarded at $75,000 USD annual spend (new benefit)
- The “Level Up” benefit will be discontinued, replaced with progressive SQC awards
- 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
Bottom line
As Air Canada rolls out these significant changes to the Aeroplan program, members should carefully evaluate how the new structure aligns with their travel patterns and spending habits.
While the revenue-based model may benefit some high-spending travelers, others may need to adjust their strategies to maximize their earnings and maintain elite status. Stay tuned for more detailed information and analysis as we approach the 2026 program year.
FAQs on Aeroplan Status Qualifying Credits (SQC)
What are Status Qualifying Credits (SQC) and how do they differ from the current system?
SQC is the new metric for earning Aeroplan Elite Status, replacing Status Qualifying Miles (SQM) and Status Qualifying Segments (SQS). SQC are earned primarily based on how much you spend with Air Canada and partners, rather than distance flown.
How many SQC do I need to earn for each status level?
The SQC requirements are: 25K (25,000 SQC), 35K (35,000 SQC), 50K (50,000 SQC), 75K (75,000 SQC), and Super Elite (125,000 SQC).
How do I earn SQC on Air Canada flights?
You earn SQC based on the type of fare purchased: 2 SQC per $1 CAD spent on Standard fares and 4 SQC per $1 CAD on Flex fares and higher (including Premium Economy and Business Class).
Can I earn SQC on partner airlines?
Yes, you earn 1 SQC for every 5 Aeroplan points earned on eligible Star Alliance flights, up to a maximum of 25,000 SQC per year.
What about earning SQC with Aeroplan credit cards?
With an Aeroplan Premium credit card, you earn 1,000 SQC for every $5,000 spent. Regular Aeroplan cards earn 1,000 SQC for every $20,000 spent. Both are subject to a maximum of 25,000 SQC earned per year.
Is there a limit to how many SQC I can earn from partners and credit cards?
Yes, there’s a 25,000 SQC annual limit each for Aeroplan credit card spend and partner activity (flights, retail partners, etc.). However, there’s no limit on SQC earned directly from Air Canada flights.
Do Basic Economy fares earn SQC?
No, Basic Economy fares do not earn SQC.
What about eUpgrades and Air Canada Vacations packages?
eUpgrade add-ons earn 2 SQC per $1 CAD spent. Air Canada Vacations packages earn 1 SQC per $1 CAD spent.
When do I start earning SQC?
You begin earning SQC for flights taken on or after January 1, 2026, which count towards the 2026 status year. Credit card and partner earning also begins on January 1, 2026, for the 2026 status year.
