Air Canada Is Overhauling Aeroplan—Frequent Flyers Take Note

(Image credit/Air Canada)

Air Canada is making major changes to how its Aeroplan loyalty program works, shifting from a distance-based system to a spend-based model starting January 1, 2026.

Under the current rules, members earn points based on how far they fly and the fare class, with additional bonuses for elite status. But hat’s about to change said Air Canada on Wednesday. Beginning next year, Aeroplan points will be earned based on the amount of money spent on eligible Air Canada flights, excluding taxes and fees. That means if you spend $427 on your base fare and carrier surcharges, you’ll earn 427 Aeroplan points. Elite status members will earn even more—between two to six times the points depending on their status level.

Air Canada will also roll out a new metric called Status Qualifying Credits, or SQC, replacing the current structure that involves qualifying dollars, miles, and segments. SQCs can be earned through flight purchases, Aeroplan credit card spending, and activity with Air Canada’s travel and retail partners. For example, depending on the fare, members can earn up to four SQCs per dollar spent. An additional 25,000 SQCs can be earned through credit card spending, and another 25,000 through partner activity.

“Aeroplan has grown into one of the most rewarding and widely used travel loyalty programs,” said Scott O’Leary, Vice President, Loyalty & Product at Air Canada in a statement. “Our most engaged members do more than just fly with us—they earn with our partners, choose flexible fares, and carry Aeroplan credit cards. These changes help us better recognize their loyalty and keep improving the experience.”

Other perks, like core and milestone benefits—including priority check-in, free checked bags, and Status Passes—will continue. Starting in 2027, premium Aeroplan credit cardholders who qualify for elite status will also receive a 10% SQC bonus based on their previous year’s earnings.

For now, nothing changes until the end of 2025. But beginning in 2026, Aeroplan will look a lot more like other spend-based airline loyalty programs already used by U.S. carriers (such as Delta SkyMiles and United MileagePlus)—favouring those who spend the most, not just fly the farthest. The changes will likely impact deal and bargain hunters as they won’t get as many Aeroplan points, as they will soon be based on how much you spend.