Starting January 1, 2026, Aeroplan is changing the way customers qualify for elite status and other benefits in the program. Aeroplan will replace the previous qualification method, which used Status Qualifying Miles (SQM), Status Qualifying Segments (SQS) and Status Qualifying Dollars (SQD), with a single path, Status Qualifying Credits (SQC).
The new SQC system simplifies how members qualify for status. Instead of tracking three separate requirements, Aeroplan will focus on one flexible measure: the dollars spent and the fare type purchased. Premium fares earn credits faster, while lower fares earn fewer, making the system more revenue-driven.
Members can earn SQC across the Air Canada network through Air Canada flights, Air Canada Vacations packages, eligible Aeroplan credit card spend, and with partners including Star Alliance airlines, hotels, car rentals, and everyday brands like Uber, Bell, LCBO, and Starbucks.
Ways to Earn SQC
1. Air Canada and Air Canada Vacation Packages:
- 1 SQC per $1 spent on Air Canada Vacation packages.
- 2 SQC per $1 spent on Economy Standard fares and eUpgrade Add-Ons.
- 4 SQC per $1 spent on Economy Flex, Comfort or Latitude, Premium Economy and Business Class fares.
- Basic Economy fares will not earn any SQC.
This shift rewards passengers who purchase higher fare classes rather than those simply flying longer distances. For example, someone buying a $1,000 Business Class ticket will now earn 4,000 SQC; making it much easier to climb tiers if you regularly book premium cabins.
2. Aeroplan Credit Cards:
Aeroplan credit cards continue to play a major role in qualification:
- Premium Credit Cards: Earn 1,000 SQC for every $5,000 spent, up to 25,000 SQC per calendar year.
- Core Credit Cards: Earn 1,000 SQC for every $20,000 spent, also capped at 25,000 SQC per year.
Cardholders with both a premium and a core card should note that the caps are cumulative, meaning a maximum of 25,000 SQC total per year across all Aeroplan credit cards.
3. Aeroplan partners:
Aeroplan has also integrated everyday partners into the qualification model. You’ll earn 1 SQC for every 5 Aeroplan base points collected through:
- Travel partners like Star Alliance airlines, hotel brands, and car rental agencies.
- Everyday partners such as Uber, Starbucks, LCBO, and Bell.
There is a yearly cap of 25,000 SQC from partners, but it still creates opportunities for casual travelers and credit card users to build towards status without relying solely on flights.
Benefits and Milestones
Aeroplan is also reshaping how members unlock extra perks. Instead of juggling separate programs like Select Benefits, Priority Rewards, and eUpgrade thresholds, everything is now rolled into a single milestone path based on the total SQC you earn in a calendar year.
Milestones are achieved every 10,000 SQC, and rewards can include:
- Bonus SQC.
- eUpgrades for cabin upgrades.
- Status Passes.
- Priority Rewards.
This structure gives members more flexibility and choice, allowing them to customize benefits based on their travel style. For a detailed breakdown of milestone rewards, see Air Canada’s official milestone guide.
Transition Rules & Head Start Bonuses
Air Canada has also introduced a “Head Start” bonus beginning in 2027. Eligible Aeroplan Premium Credit Card holders who requalify for status will automatically get a 10% SQC boost based on their prior year’s total, deposited each March.
For 2026 only, rollover SQM from 2025 will also be converted into SQC at a 5:1 ratio (up to 40,000 SQC) to help smooth the transition.
Status Qualification Levels (Effective 2026)
| Tier | Current Equivalent (2025) | New SQC Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Aeroplan 25K | 25,000 SQM or 25 SQS + $3,000 SQD | 25,000 SQC |
| Aeroplan 35K | 35,000 SQM or 35 SQS + $4,000 SQD | 35,000 SQC |
| Aeroplan 50K | 50,000 SQM or 50 SQS + $6,000 SQD | 50,000 SQC |
| Aeroplan 75K | 75,000 SQM or 75 SQS + $9,000 SQD | 75,000 SQC |
| Super Elite | 100,000 SQM or 100 SQS + $20,000 SQD | 125,000SQC |
The new system increases the threshold for Super Elite, but it also rewards higher spenders, meaning fewer flights may be required if you’re booking premium fares.
Pros and Cons of the New SQC System
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Simplified qualification: Only one metric to track instead of juggling SQM, SQS, and SQD. | Harder for budget travelers: Those who relied on long-haul, discounted economy flights will earn fewer credits, as the new system focuses on spend rather than distance. |
| More everyday earning options: Credit card spending, Starbucks runs, Uber rides, and even LCBO purchases now contribute toward status. | Higher thresholds for top status: Super Elite now requires 125,000 SQC (up from 100,000 SQM), raising the bar for Air Canada’s most exclusive tier. |
| Rewards higher spenders: Travelers booking premium fares (Business, Premium Economy, Comfort, etc.) will reach elite tiers faster thanks to the 4:1 SQC ratio. | Basic economy excluded: Travelers on the cheapest fares won’t earn any SQC at all, making status qualification out of reach unless you move up to at least Standard fares. |
| Milestone Flexibility: Rewards like eUpgrades and Priority Rewards are easier to understand and unlock regularly as you progress. | Partner and credit card caps: While everyday spend helps, the 25,000 yearly SQC cap means you can’t rely on partners or credit cards alone to reach higher tiers. |
| Head start bonus for credit card holders: Frequent flyers with Aeroplan Premium cards gain an annual 10% cushion, which makes it easier to requalify. | Less rewarding for mileage runners: Members who used to chase distance-based flying to reach status will find the new system less friendly. |
Final Thoughts
In my opinion, these changes make it more challenging for budget-conscious flyers who relied on distance flown to earn status. It shifts the program firmly toward rewarding spend over mileage, which aligns Aeroplan with other major North American loyalty programs like Delta SkyMiles and United MileagePlus.
On the flip side, frequent business travelers or premium fare flyers will likely find it easier to climb tiers quickly, as high-value tickets will generate a significant number of SQC in just a few trips. Everyday earn opportunities through partners and credit cards also soften the blow for more casual members, although the partner caps limit how far that can take you.
For more details and official updates, check the Air Canada Aeroplan Elite Status page.
Leave a Reply