Aeroplan's New Revenue-Based System: What It Means for You Next Year

Major Changes Coming to Air Canada’s Aeroplan Program in 2026

Air Canada is set to make significant changes to its Aeroplan loyalty program starting on January 1, 2026. These updates will shift the way members earn points and achieve elite status, aligning the program with broader trends in the airline industry.

Revenue-Based Points Earning System

One of the most notable changes is the transition to a revenue-based earning system. This means that instead of earning points based on the distance traveled, members will now receive points based on how much they paid for their Air Canada flights.

Under this new system, members will earn one Aeroplan point for every Canadian dollar spent on an Air Canada flight. At the time of publishing, this equates to roughly 73 cents in U.S. dollars. It's important to note that only the base fare and carrier surcharges will count toward point accumulation, while taxes, fees, and third-party charges will not be eligible.

Additionally, the earning rate will increase depending on the member's elite status. Members can expect to earn between 2x and 6x points per Canadian dollar spent, although Air Canada has not yet provided a detailed breakdown of how this tiered system will function. This change could mean that travelers who purchase expensive last-minute tickets will earn more points compared to those who book in advance and get a better deal.

New Status Qualifying Credits (SQC)

Alongside the revenue-based points system, Air Canada will introduce Status Qualifying Credits (SQC) as the sole method for achieving and maintaining elite status. This replaces the previous metrics such as Status Qualifying Miles, Status Qualifying Segments, and Status Qualifying Dollars. The SQC system is similar to other programs like Delta’s Medallion Qualification Dollars and American Airlines’ Loyalty Points, which use a single metric to determine status eligibility.

Members will earn up to 4 SQCs for every Canadian dollar spent on Air Canada flights. Again, taxes, fees, and third-party charges will not contribute to SQC accumulation. In addition, members can earn up to 25,000 SQCs through eligible spending on Aeroplan credit cards and another 25,000 SQCs via eligible partner activities.

For every 10,000 SQCs earned, members will unlock Milestone Benefits, including bonus SQCs, status passes, and other perks. Starting in 2027, primary account holders of Aeroplan’s premium credit cards will also receive a 10% SQC bonus based on their previous year’s earnings when qualifying for elite status.

Impact on Aeroplan Members

These changes mark a significant shift in how Air Canada rewards its frequent flyers. While some may view this as a move toward a more customer-centric approach, others may see it as a devaluation of the program. The success of these changes will depend on how well members adapt and whether the new system continues to offer value.

Aeroplan has long been popular among points and miles enthusiasts due to the excellent redemption options available. However, with the new system in place, it remains to be seen if the program will maintain its reputation or if members will seek alternatives.

Final Thoughts

As Air Canada transitions to a revenue-based model and introduces the SQC system, the future of the Aeroplan program is uncertain. While the changes aim to simplify the process of earning elite status, they also raise questions about the overall value of the program. Only time will tell if these updates will keep Aeroplan at the top of the loyalty program rankings or if they will prompt members to switch their loyalty to other programs.