Air Canada’s popular Aeroplan rewards program becomes even more rewarding the further you fly and the more Aeroplan points you collect. If you are an Aeroplan member or have an Aeroplan credit card, you need to know about Aeroplan Elite Status. 

It is an exclusive level of the Aeroplan program, unlocking benefits like lounge access, priority airport treatment, and flight upgrades. 

If you’re dreaming of unlocking these perks, we’ll help you get there. In this article, we’ll cover how to get Aeroplan Elite Status, plus all the coveted benefits of the rewards program. 

Looking for some more info on Air Canada? Here’s 8 reasons why we love this airline. 

What is Aeroplan Elite Status?

If you are an Aeroplan member or have an Aeroplan credit card, you need to know about Elite Status and how it works. 

Aeroplan is a very beneficial airline loyalty program, allowing you to earn points on purchases and turn them into free flights. Aeroplan Elite Status is a higher level of the Aeroplan rewards program for Air Canada’s most frequent, loyal travellers. 

Aeroplan Elite members earn more points per dollar spent and can access top-tier benefits, such as priority check-in and boarding, flight standby, and preferred seat selection. The fastest way to reach Aeroplan Elite Status is by booking directly with Air Canada and partner airlines and using an Aeroplan credit card. 

Aeroplan Elite Status Benefits 

There are five tiers of Aeroplan Elite Status, each with its own benefits added on top of the previous tier. These benefits apply to flights operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Express, and Air Canada Rouge. 

You’ll notice that you get to pick and choose some select benefits that you’d like. To do so, log into your Aeroplan Account and choose your additional benefits and those already included in your Elite Status. 

Aeroplan 25k Core Benefits

All Aeroplan Elite Status members receive these core benefits, including:

• Front-of-the-line access with Air Canada and Aeroplan call centres

• Priority flight reservation waitlist (you’ll be a priority if a seat becomes available on a full flight) 

• Priority check-in, boarding, and airport standby

• Two complimentary checked bags of up to 23kg each 

• Waived fees for sports equipment handling 

• 20 eUpgrade credits

• Free preferred seat selection 

Select benefits include:

• Two Maple Leaf Lounge passes 

• Five additional eUpgrade credits 

Aeroplan 35k Elite Status Benefits 

35k Status members get all the core 25k benefits, plus:

• Three free checked bags of up to 32kg each 

• Two Maple Leaf Lounge one-time guest passes 

• Priority security clearance for you and up to nine guests on the same reservation 

• Priority baggage handling (it will be among the first on the carousel when you land) 

Select benefits include:

• 15 additional eUpgrade credits 

• Earn 35% bonus Aeroplan points on eligible flights 

Aeroplan 50k Elite Status Benefits 

Along with the core 35k benefits, Aeroplan 50k benefits include:

• Access to the Air Canada Cafe for you, your family, and one guest 

• Complimentary access for you and a guest at any Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge

• Three Maple Leaf Lounge one-time guest passes 

• Free access to Star Alliance Gold Lounges for you and one guest 

• Complimentary access to Virgin Australia lounges and the Emirates Business Class Lounge at Dubai International Airport

• Earn 8 eUpgrade credits for every eligible Flight Pass activity 

• Star Alliance priority airport standby, reservation waitlist, airport check-in, boarding, and baggage handling 

Select Aeroplan 50k benefits include:

• 20 additional eUpgrade credits 

• Earn 50% bonus Aeroplan points on eligible flights 

• A one-time bonus of 5,000 Status Qualifying Miles (SQM) and 5 Status Qualifying Segments (SQS)

• Get two free Air Canada Status Passes to give to anyone you want, so they can enjoy the same benefits as you 

Aeroplan 75k Elite Status Benefits

Aeroplan 75k Elite Status members get these benefits, along with the 50k benefits:

• Earn 10 eUpgrade credits for every eligible Flight Pass activity 

Select benefits include:

• 20 additional eUpgrade credits 

• Aeroplan Elite Wi-Fi plan 

• Earn 75% bonus Aeroplan points on eligible flights 

• Gift Aeroplan 35k Status to a friend 

• Get three free Air Canada Status Passes to give to anyone you want, so they can enjoy the same benefits as you 

Aeroplan Super Elite Status Benefits 

Super Elite is the highest tier, with the most benefits. As usual, this tier includes all the benefits from 25k to 75k, plus the following:

• Four Maple Leaf Lounge one-time guest passes 

• Access to the London Heathrow Arrivals Lounge for you and a guest 

• Air Canada concierge service 

• One free snack and alcoholic beverage when travelling in economy class

• Earn 12 eUpgrade credits for every eligible Flight Pass activity 

• Designate one eUpgrade nominee per year, even when you’re not travelling with them 

Select benefits include:

• 50 additional eUpgrade credits 

• Earn 100% bonus Aeroplan points on eligible flights 

• Gift Aeroplan 50k Status to a friend 

• Get four additional status passes to gift to friends or family 

See all benefits for all the tiers of Aeroplan Elite Status. 

Photo by John McArthur on Unsplash

How to Reach Aeroplan Elite Status 

You can reach the different tiers of Aeroplan Elite Status by reaching minimum levels of SQM, SQS, and SQD when booking Air Canada or partner airline flights. You can also earn points towards qualifying when booking Air Canada Rouge or Air Canada Express flights, as well as Air Canada Packages. 

What are SQM, SQS, and SQD?

SQM (Status Qualifying Miles)

Also known as Altitude Qualifying Miles, this is the total distance you fly. It’s measured in miles, and longer flights earn more SQM. The farther you fly, the more SQM you earn. 

For example, a flight from Toronto to Vancouver (around 2,000 miles) will earn you 2,000 SQM. 

SQS (Status Qualifying Segments) 

This refers to the number of flights you take, or “segments.” One takeoff and one landing = one segment. 

For example, a direct flight would be one segment (one SQS), while a return trip would be two segments (earning you two SQS), no matter the distance. 

SQD (Status Qualifying Dollars)

This refers to how much money you spend on eligible flights with Air Canada and partner airlines. The more you spend on flights, the more SQD you accumulate.

For example, if you spend $500 in base fares and carrier-imposed surcharges, you’ll earn 500 SQD. 

In other words:

SQM = how far you fly

SQS = how many flights you take

SQD = how much you spend

Here’s the percentage of SQM and SQS you can earn for each fare:

These are the qualification requirements for reaching each level of Elite Status, from 25k to Super Elite:

These thresholds must be met within one calendar year to reach the corresponding Elite Status, which will be valid for one calendar year. 

By far, the fastest way to reach Elite Status is by using an Aeroplan credit card, which earns you points on everyday purchases. 

Everyday Status Qualification (EDQ)

Even if you are not a frequent traveller, you can still reach Elite Status with Everyday Status Qualification (EDQ). 

When you link your Aeroplan card and shop at Starbucks, LCBO, and order from Uber Eats, among 200+ other online retailers on the Aeroplan eStore, you’ll earn EDQ. You’ll also earn 1 EDQ for every eligible point you earn with your Aeroplan credit card, plus you'll get special accelerators that earn you even more points and EDQ. 

To reach Aeroplan 25k Status, you’ll need to earn at least 100,000 Aeroplan points in one calendar year through eligible sources. Note that if you have an Aeroplan credit card, the welcome bonus will not apply to the Everyday Status Qualification. 

Read more about eligibility for reaching Aeroplan Elite Status here. 

How to Get Aeroplan Elite Status Faster

To reach Aeroplan Elite Status, you’ll need to either earn enough Everyday Status Qualification (EDQ) by making purchases through the Aeroplan eStore or other partner retailers with a linked Aeroplan card or earn enough SQM or SQS–meaning you need to book flights with Air Canada and travel quite a bit during the year. 

Using an Aeroplan credit card, like the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card and the CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card, is the fastest way to climb the ranks and reach higher levels of Aeroplan Elite Status. Not only will they earn you more points faster, but you’ll also get some amazing benefits without having to reach 50k, 75k, or even Super Elite Status. 

Let’s take a look at the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card. Using this card, you earn up to 3 Aeroplan points for every dollar spent, meaning you’ll quickly earn enough points to reach Elite Status (especially if you travel with Air Canada often!). 

Using this card for everyday purchases, you’ll earn 1.25x the points. If you pay your rent with this credit card using Chexy, you will earn points so much faster and be well on your way to reaching higher levels of Elite Status. 

Is Aeroplan Elite Status Worth It?

If you’re a frequent traveller and want to access top-tier benefits, like priority treatment, lounge access, free checked bags, and waived fees, then Aeroplan Elite Status can be worth it. 

Your travel experience will become so much easier, and you’ll breeze through check-in and security with priority check-in, baggage handling, and boarding. 

However, if you travel infrequently, especially for personal travel and on different airlines, the effort to earn and maintain your status may not be worth it–especially as the status resets every year. You’ll need to spend a lot of money and use an Aeroplan credit card to reach Elite Status fast enough. 

Want to reach Aeroplan Elite Status faster? Use an Aeroplan credit card to earn points on everyday purchases, including rent payments with Chexy. Not only will you climb the Aeroplan ranks, but you’ll get access to the Credit Builder, splitting rent payments with roommates, and more. 

Get started with Chexy today. 

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FAQs

Does my Aeroplan Status reset every year?

The qualification period for Aeroplan Elite Status runs for one calendar year. Once you reach Elite Status, it is valid for the remainder of the current year and the entirety of the following year. 

Where can I see my Aeroplan status?

To see your Elite Status, log into your Aeroplan Account here. 

Does Aeroplan 25K get lounge access?

As a 25k Elite Status member, you can select the benefit of getting two Maple Leaf Lounge passes. 

Which Aeroplan credit cards give lounge access?

The following credit cards give you access to Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges:

• TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card

• American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card

• CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card