Wednesday, August 6, 2025
Author: TTW News Desk
Air Canada’s Aeroplan loyalty program is undergoing a significant transformation, slated to take effect on January 1, 2026. As the aviation industry continues to evolve, Air Canada is embracing a major shift in how travelers accumulate points and qualify for elite status. Rather than rewarding frequent flyers based solely on the distance traveled, the revamped Aeroplan will focus on how much passengers spend on flights and related services. This change mirrors similar moves by U.S. airlines, ensuring that high spenders, not just frequent flyers, are adequately rewarded.
This strategic overhaul includes several key updates designed to make the program more attractive to both new and existing customers. The introduction of a new system called Status Qualifying Credits (SQC) will replace traditional metrics like flight segments and dollars spent, offering a more streamlined approach to achieving elite status. In addition, Aeroplan members will benefit from new milestone perks and a host of other changes that promise to make the program more rewarding.
As competition intensifies in the loyalty program space, Air Canada’s revamped approach aims to better align with current industry trends while enhancing its value proposition for premium travelers. This development not only impacts the frequent flyers but also targets a wider base, rewarding members who engage more with Air Canada’s extensive ecosystem, which includes credit cards, partner offerings, and various travel services.
Key Changes to the Aeroplan Loyalty Program:
1. Earn Points Based on Spend, Not Miles
Starting in 2026, Aeroplan members will accumulate points based on the dollars spent rather than the miles flown. Under the new system:
- Members will earn 1 point per dollar spent on eligible Air Canada flights, including base fare and surcharges, but excluding taxes and third-party fees.
- Elite status members can earn between 2x to 6x points per dollar, depending on their tier.
For example, if a passenger spends $427 on an Air Canada flight, they will earn 427 Aeroplan points — no matter the distance of the flight.
This change reflects a growing trend within the travel industry, as many airlines move away from rewarding distance traveled in favor of rewarding customer spending.
2. Status Qualifying Credits (SQC) for Elite Status
Another major update is the introduction of Status Qualifying Credits (SQC), which will replace the current system of tracking segments and dollars for achieving elite status. SQC will offer a unified approach for earning elite status, allowing members to qualify through a variety of activities, including:
- Air Canada flights: Members will earn up to 4 SQC per $1 spent based on the fare type.
- Aeroplan credit card spending: Members can earn up to 25,000 SQC from purchases made with Aeroplan-affiliated credit cards.
- Partner activities: Additional SQC can be earned through stays at partner hotels, car rentals, and other related activities, providing up to 25,000 SQC in total.
This shift incentivizes members to engage with Air Canada’s broader network of services, not just flight bookings, aligning with the modern traveler’s preference for a more comprehensive loyalty program.
3. Enhanced Milestone Perks and Benefits
With the introduction of SQC, Aeroplan members can unlock new Milestone Benefits each time they reach a 10,000 SQC threshold. These benefits may include:
- Bonus SQC: Members will receive extra credits as they move through SQC milestones.
- Status Passes: For members who achieve high levels of engagement, these passes offer enhanced benefits like upgrades and priority services.
- Core benefits: Existing perks, such as free checked bags, priority check-in, and flight upgrades, remain tied to members’ status level.
These new perks add greater value to elite members and encourage loyalty by rewarding continued spending within the Aeroplan ecosystem.
4. SQC Boost for Premium Credit Card Holders
Beginning in 2027, premium Aeroplan credit cardholders will enjoy a 10% SQC head start based on their activities from the previous year. This boost will give them a leg up in requalifying for elite status, ensuring that their ongoing participation in the program is more rewarding.
5. What Remains the Same?
Despite the major overhaul, certain elements of the current Aeroplan system will remain unchanged for now. Members will still qualify for 2026 status using the existing rules, based on their activity in 2025. The new spend-based point system and SQC path will only apply to flights and activities starting January 1, 2026.
Why These Changes Matter to Travelers:
The revamped Aeroplan loyalty program is designed to prioritize value over distance. For frequent travelers who book higher-value tickets, purchase flexible fares, or engage more broadly with Air Canada’s partner network, the program will be more rewarding. This is a direct response to the increasing importance of customer lifetime value in the modern airline industry.
By aligning points with spending, Air Canada acknowledges the growing trend where higher-spending travelers often fly less frequently but contribute more to the airline’s revenue. The introduction of SQC also reflects a broader shift towards simplifying loyalty programs and making them easier for customers to navigate.
Moreover, the new structure will likely appeal to a wider range of customers beyond traditional frequent flyers. Those who leverage Aeroplan credit cards, book premium services, or participate in partner offers will benefit from a more inclusive program. This change ensures that Air Canada’s most engaged customers are rewarded, regardless of whether they are frequent flyers or not.
Aeroplan’s Evolving Loyalty Strategy
This transformation is also indicative of a larger trend in the travel and loyalty industries, where airlines and travel providers are shifting from traditional, distance-based rewards to spend-based models. Major U.S. airlines have already adopted similar changes, with programs like Delta SkyMiles and American Airlines’ AAdvantage focusing on spending as the key metric for accumulating miles and status.
The new Aeroplan system is designed to align with this broader industry shift while also making the program more flexible for global travelers. It recognizes the need to adjust to a rapidly changing market where loyalty is often tied not only to how far someone flies but also to how much they are willing to spend across multiple service touchpoints.
What’s Next for Aeroplan Members?
Air Canada’s overhaul of the Aeroplan program represents an exciting opportunity for travelers to enjoy increased rewards, enhanced flexibility, and greater recognition for their spending. With the introduction of Status Qualifying Credits (SQC), bonus milestones, and perks tied to customer engagement, the loyalty program is evolving into a more dynamic, customer-centric model.
Travelers who are looking to benefit from the new system should focus on maximizing their spend through eligible flights, credit card purchases, and interactions with Air Canada’s network of partners. By doing so, they will be able to earn more points, unlock elite status more easily, and enjoy additional benefits across their travel experience.
This evolution also sets the stage for a future where airlines continue to innovate and find new ways to reward customers, making loyalty programs more personalized and valuable to a wider range of travelers. With Aeroplan’s exciting new approach, Air Canada is positioned to remain a leader in the loyalty program landscape for years to come.
Conclusion:
Air Canada’s Aeroplan program overhaul offers exciting new opportunities for frequent and occasional travelers alike. With the shift from miles to dollars and the introduction of the Status Qualifying Credits (SQC) system, Aeroplan is evolving to meet the changing demands of modern travelers. This bold move towards a spend-focused loyalty program is set to create a more engaging, rewarding experience for Air Canada’s most loyal customers, encouraging further participation and deeper engagement with the airline’s expanding network.
