This post was inspired by a conversation I had recently with friends about my points hobby.
We were swapping tips about credit card perks, and someone asked:

“If you already have a premium Aeroplan card like the Amex Aeroplan Reserve or TD Aeroplan Infinite Privilege, what’s the point of chasing Aeroplan Elite Status?”

It’s a fair question — those cards already come loaded with travel perks: Maple Leaf Lounge access in North America, free first checked bag, priority boarding, eUpgrade credits, and more. But the truth is, Aeroplan Elite Status unlocks an entirely different layer of benefits, especially for frequent flyers and international travelers.

What Status Adds Beyond Your Premium Card

Here’s the full breakdown — starting from 25K all the way to Super Elite (100K) — with emphasis on what’s extra compared to what your premium credit card already covers.

Aeroplan Elite Status Overview

25K Status

(Note, this level is automatically granted with most premium Aeroplan cards)

• 2 Maple Leaf Lounge passes per year (you already get unlimited North America lounge access with your card, so this is somewhat redundant, but they do make a nice gift you can give to a friend who may be travelling).
• Priority check-in and boarding.
• 20 eUpgrade credits per year, plus option for 5 additional eUps.
• Star Alliance Silver status — minimal perks (priority waitlist, priority standby).
  Key takeaway: 25K is nice if you don’t have the premium card, but for cardholders, most perks overlap.

35K Status

(Achievable with moderate flying or along with some spend on the premium card)

• Priority baggage handling.
• Star Alliance Gold within North America only.
• Star Alliance Silver status worldwide.
• 20 eUpgrade credits per year, plus option plus option for 15 additional eUps..
• 35% bonus Aeroplan points on flights.
  Key takeaway: Adds some convenience over 25K but doesn’t meaningfully expand global benefits yet for cardholders.

50K Status

(Requires more flying and spend on flights, and some spend on the premium card can help you get there)

• Star Alliance Gold worldwide — global business-class lounge access even when flying economy (your card doesn’t get you this).
• International Maple Leaf Lounge access (Frankfurt, London, etc.).
• Expanded guesting at Air Canada lounges: spouse + up to 5 dependent children + 1 guest at Air Canada Cafés.
• Priority security, standby, and baggage (faster than card-only priority boarding).
• Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status.
• 20 eUpgrade credits per year, plus option for 20 additional eUps or other Select Benefits (Wi-Fi plan, bonus points, Status Passes, gift 35K).
• 50% bonus Aeroplan points on flights.
  Key takeaway: This is the first tier where benefits start to meaningfully outpace what your premium card already gives.

75K Status

(Spend on the premium card can help you get partway there, but requires some serious flying and airline ticket spending to reach the mark)

• All 50K perks.
• Higher upgrade and reward booking priority.
• Priority Rewards — 50% off economy redemptions in North America, Mexico, and the Caribbean.
• 20 eUpgrade credits, plus option for 35 additional eUps or other Select Benefits (same choices as 50K but bigger quantities).
• 75% bonus Aeroplan points on flights.
  Key takeaway: The Priority Rewards alone can save huge amounts of points if you redeem often.

Super Elite (100K)

(For the roadwarriors – or is that airway warriers? Spend on the premium card can help pad the SQMs, but plenty of time flying and spend on airline tickets is needed to achieve SE)

• All lower-tier perks plus:
• Air Canada Concierge — personal airport assistance (rebooking, baggage, connections).
• Heathrow Arrivals Lounge access for you + guest.
• No change or cancellation fees on Aeroplan bookings.
• eUpgrade nominee can use your credits without you.
• Complimentary snack + alcoholic drink in Economy.
• 20 eUpgrade credits, plus option for 50 additional eUps or top-tier Select Benefits (gift 50K, 100% bonus points, more passes).
• Priority Rewards — 50% off business-class redemptions worldwide.
  Key takeaway: True “white glove” service, best upgrade clearance, and global business-class reward discounts make this the most valuable tier for heavy travelers.

Quick Comparison Chart

Bottom line

While a premium Aeroplan card alone delivers strong North American travel perks, pairing it with Aeroplan Elite Status—especially 50K and above—unlocks global benefits that the card can’t match. You’ll gain access to Star Alliance lounges worldwide, higher upgrade priority, Priority Rewards for massive points savings, and elite hotel status, on top of the card’s built-in lounge access, priority services, and free checked bags. For frequent flyers, the combination of status and a premium card ensures you’re covered at every stage of your journey—earning more points, enjoying smoother airport experiences, and unlocking comfort upgrades wherever you fly.

Note: these details are effective for 2025 and not applicable to the new update Aeroplan terms that come into effect in 2026.