Starting January 1, 2026, Air Canada’s Aeroplan program will undergo major changes.
What’s Changing, What It Means, and How Travellers Are Reacting
Points on Air Canada flights will be earned based on spend rather than distance, elite status will be determined using a single metric called Status Qualifying Credits (SQC), and a new Milestones system will replace Select Benefits and Threshold Rewards. The program will also adjust upgrade fees, change partner flight rules, expand eUpgrade sharing, and, starting in 2027 will introduce a 10% SQC “Head Start” for eligible credit cardholders..
What’s Changing
Spend-Based Points Earning
- Earn 1 Aeroplan point per CA$1 spent on the base fare and carrier surcharges (excluding taxes and third-party fees).
- Elite members earn 2× to 6× points depending on status.
- Flights operated by Air Canada or partner flights ticketed by Air Canada earn on spend; other partner flights earn on distance.
Status Qualifying Credits (SQC)
- SQC replaces the old SQM, SQS, and SQD system.
- 4 SQC per CA$1 on Flex and higher fares; 2 SQC per CA$1 on Standard and certain upgrade add-ons.
- Earn up to 25,000 SQC per year from Aeroplan credit card spending and another 25,000 SQC from everyday and travel partners such as Uber, Starbucks, LCBO, hotels, and car rentals.
- Partner flights not ticketed by Air Canada earn 1 SQC for every 5 Aeroplan points, capped at 25,000 SQC.
10% SQC Head Start
- Starting in 2027, Aeroplan premium credit cardholders who qualify for elite status will begin the new qualification year with an extra 10% of the total SQC they earned in the previous year.
- No cap on the amount earned through this perk.
- To qualify, you must be the primary cardholder by December 15 of the preceding year.
- This replaces the previous SQM rollover benefit and is calculated directly from total SQC, rather than converting miles.
Milestones
- Perks are unlocked every 10,000 SQC (up to 200,000 SQC), then every 20,000 SQC thereafter.
- Some rewards are automatic; others are chosen by the member.
Upgrades and Lounges
- eUpgrade credit allocations remain, but Standard-fare upgrade add-ons increase by $100 within North America/Sun destinations and $150 for international travel.
- eUpgrades can be shared with up to four companions on the same booking.
- Lounge guest passes are now earned through Milestones rather than as fixed benefits.
Old vs. New Status Earning System
| Feature | 2025 System | 2026 SQC System |
|---|---|---|
| Qualification metrics | SQM (miles) or SQS (segments), and SQD (spend) | One metric: SQC |
| Flight earn | SQM by distance × fare class %, and SQD by base fare + surcharges | SQC per dollar spent: 4 SQC/$ for Flex+, 2 SQC/$ for Standard & some upgrades |
| Partner flights | Earn SQM/SQS/SQD, some by distance | AC-ticketed partners earn on spend; others earn SQC via 1 SQC per 5 points (cap 25k) |
| Credit card contribution | Rollover SQM/SQS, SQM/SQS earn on spending, no direct SQD earning | Up to 25,000 SQC from Aeroplan card spend, 10% headstart SQC with status |
| Everyday partners | Earn points only | Up to 25,000 SQC from partners |
| Threshold benefits | Select Benefits & Priority Rewards at set SQM/SQD levels | Milestones every 10k SQC |
| Upgrade add-on fees | Standard upgrade rates from 2025 | +$100 (North America/ sun destinations) / +$150 (Inernational) |
Pros and Cons of the New Program
Pros
- One simple metric for tracking progress.
- Better rewards for high-spend travellers and premium fares.
- Ecosystem spending can meaningfully boost status.
- Benefits unlocked progressively via Milestones.
- More flexibility with eUpgrade sharing.
- New 10% SQC Head Start rewards loyalty year over year.
Cons
- Discount long-haul tickets earn less status credit.
- Partner flight earning is capped unless ticketed through Air Canada.
- Increased costs for upgrading from Standard fares.
- Lounge guest passes are no longer guaranteed with status.
Recommendations for Travellers Seeking Status
- Choose Flex or higher fares when aiming for status, as these earn double the SQC of Standard fares.
- Maximise Aeroplan ecosystem earning through co-branded credit cards and partners to reach up to 50,000 SQC annually.
- Ticket Star Alliance partner flights through Air Canada when possible to avoid SQC caps.
- Plan high-SQC activities around when you want to unlock Milestone benefits.
- Budget for higher upgrade add-ons if you rely on upgrading from Standard fares.
- Take advantage of the 10% SQC Head Start by holding a premium Aeroplan credit card before December 15 each year
Community Conversations
Leading Canadian travel bloggers are working directly with Aeroplan/Air Canada to help increase understanding of the changes:
- Prince of Travel will host a live virtual chat with Scott O’Leary, Vice-President of Loyalty & Product, on August 15, 2025.
- Points, Miles & Bling ran a discussion stream in their What’s The Point? series on YouTube, and will be hosting Scott O’Leary on August 23, 2025.
Key Dates
- 2025: Last year to qualify under SQM/SQS/SQD model
- Jan. 1, 2026: New earning and SQC rules apply to travel.
- Dec. 15, 2026: Deadline to have premium credit card to earn Headstart perk in first year
- Jan. 1, 2027: 10% Headstart takes effect.
