canada lifeAir CanadaAeroplan
Which kind of Aeroplan member are you?
Frequent Air Canada flyer — your points earning just changed completely.
Transfer points from Amex/Capital One — this affects how you earn status, not your transfer.
Saving for a business/first redemption to Europe or Asia — you'll want to book before June 1.
Casual traveller — the changes mostly won't affect your day-to-day redemptions.
Aeroplan changed two big things in 2026: how you earn points, and how much partner award flights cost. If you fly Air Canada or hold an Aeroplan credit card, here's exactly what's different.
Change #1: You Now Earn Points Based on Spend, Not Distance
As of January 1, 2026, Aeroplan moved from a distance-and-fare-class model to a revenue-based one — the same shift most major airline programs made years ago.
Old model
Distance flown × fare class multiplier
New model
1 point per $1 CAD base fare
- ▸You earn on thebase fare and carrier surcharges only— taxes, seat selection, and baggage fees don't earn points.
- ▸This applies to Air Canada flights and to Air Canada–ticketed flights (ticket numbers starting 014) operated by Copa, Austrian, Brussels, Lufthansa, SWISS, and United.
- ▸Flights on other partner airlines still earn points based on distance, unchanged.
- ▸If you fly a lot of deeply discounted long-haul fares, you may earn fewer points than under the old distance model — if you fly premium or full fares, you'll likely earn more.
Change #2: Elite Status Now Uses One Metric — SQC
Elite status used to require juggling three separate metrics. As of 2026, they've all been replaced by a single number: Status Qualifying Credits (SQC).
This is an example of SQC status of my aeroplan account.
| Elite tier | SQC required |
|---|
| 25K | 25,000 |
| 35K | 35,000 |
| 50K | 50,000 |
| 75K | 75,000 |
| 125K | 125,000 |
SQC can be earned through Air Canada flights, Aeroplan credit card spending, and everyday partner activity — meaning card spend is now a legitimate fast lane to status, not just a bonus perk. There's a cap of 25,000 SQC per year from non-Air-Canada-ticketed partner flights and everyday activity combined.
Change #3: Partner Award Chart Prices Rise June 1, 2026
This is the one that hits point redeemers hardest. Aeroplan's fixed-price partner award chart (Star Alliance and other partner airlines, not Air Canada itself) got 32 price increases and 9 decreases, effective for any booking made on or after June 1, 2026.
Biggest losersFirst and business class to Europe and Asia — some routes jump 10,000–25,000 points one-way.
Mostly untouchedFlights within North America, to sun destinations, and anywhere touching South America.
Small winsA handful of short-haul economy and ultra-long-haul economy redemptions actually dropped, by up to 5,000 points.
Not affectedAir Canada's own dynamically priced flights aren't part of this fixed-chart change.
Already-issued award tickets keep their original price. Only new bookings made on or after June 1, 2026 use the new chart — so if you have a premium redemption in mind, booking before that date locks in the old, cheaper rate.
Program details, exact point values, and eligibility can change — always confirm current rates and rules on aircanada.com/aeroplan before booking or making financial decisions based on this post. This is general information, not financial or travel advice.
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