Air Canada, the largest airline and flag carrier of Canada, has long been a significant player in the global aviation industry. With a robust network and a commitment to customer service, Air Canada also offers the Aeroplan program, a comprehensive loyalty scheme that provides a multitude of benefits to its members. This article delves into the history and benefits of the Aeroplan program, the status credit requirements for tier advancement, and details about Air Canada’s partners.
Status Tiers and Credits
Aeroplan offers several status tiers, each with increasing benefits. Members can move up through the tiers by accumulating Status Qualifying Miles (SQM), Status Qualifying Segments (SQS), and Status Qualifying Dollars (SQD). Here’s a breakdown of the requirements for each tier:
- Aeroplan Basic: Entry-level membership with access to basic rewards and earning potential.
- Aeroplan 25K:
- 25,000 SQM or 25 SQS or $3,000 SQD
- Aeroplan 35K:
- 35,000 SQM or 35 SQS or $4,000 SQD
- Aeroplan 50K:
- 50,000 SQM or 50 SQS or $6,000 SQD
- Aeroplan 75K:
- 75,000 SQM or 75 SQS or $9,000 SQD
- Aeroplan Super Elite:
- 100,000 SQM or 100 SQS or $20,000 SQD
Benefits of Aeroplan Program
| Benefits | Aeroplan 25K | Aeroplan 35K | Aeroplan 50K | Aeroplan 75K | Aeroplan Super Elite |
| Priority Contacts | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Priority Reservation Waitlist | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Complimentary Standard Seat selection | X | X | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Complimentary Preferred Seats | at check-in with the purchase of a Standard or Flex fare (all itineraries) | at check-in with the purchase of a Standard or Flex fare (all itineraries) | at time of booking with a Standard or Flex fare for travel within Canada or between Canada and the U.S, and at check-in for all other itineraries | at time of booking with the purchase of a Standard or Flex fare (all itineraries) | at time of booking with the purchase of any fare (all itineraries) |
| Priority Airport Check-In | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Priority Airport Standby | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Complimentary Checked Baggage Allowance | 2 bags, 23 kg each | 3 bags, 32 kg each | 3 bags, 32 kg each | 3 bags, 32 kg each | 3 bags, 32 kg each |
| Priority Baggage Handling | X | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Priority Boarding | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Air Canada Concierge Service | X | X | X | X | Yes |
| Complimentary access to Maple Leaf Lounges | X | X | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Maple Leaf Lounge One-Time Guest Passes | 2 passes* | 2 passes | 3 passes | 3 passes | 4 passes |
| Complimentary access to Star Alliance Gold Lounges | X | X | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Aeroplan 50K Status for a friend | X | X | X | X | Yes |
| Aeroplan 35K Status for a friend | X | X | X | Yes | X |
| Complimentary changes and cancellations with Aeroplan flight rewards | X | X | X | X | Yes |
Calculating Aeroplan Tier Points for Domestic and International Flights
Air Canada awards tier points (Status Qualifying Miles (SQM), Status Qualifying Segments (SQS), and Status Qualifying Dollars (SQD)) based on the distance flown, the fare class, and the ticket price. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how these points are calculated for different cabin classes on both domestic and international flights:
Status Qualifying Miles (SQM)
Domestic Flights:
- Economy Class: 100% of the miles flown.
- Premium Economy: 110% of the miles flown.
- Business Class: 125% of the miles flown.
International Flights:
- Economy Class: 100% of the miles flown.
- Premium Economy: 110% of the miles flown.
- Business Class: 125% of the miles flown.
- First Class: 150% of the miles flown (Note: Air Canada does not offer First Class, but partners may).
Status Qualifying Segments (SQS)
Each flight segment you fly earns you 1 SQS regardless of the distance or class of service.
Status Qualifying Dollars (SQD)
SQD are based on the money spent on Air Canada flights and are earned at the rate of 1 SQD per Canadian dollar spent on the base fare and carrier-imposed surcharges (excluding taxes and fees).
Example Calculations
Domestic Flight: Toronto (YYZ) to Vancouver (YVR)
- Economy Class:
- SQM: 2,100 miles × 100% = 2,100 SQM
- SQS: 1 segment
- SQD: Depends on the ticket price (e.g., $300 CAD ticket = 300 SQD)
- Premium Economy:
- SQM: 2,100 miles × 110% = 2,310 SQM
- SQS: 1 segment
- SQD: Depends on the ticket price (e.g., $500 CAD ticket = 500 SQD)
- Business Class:
- SQM: 2,100 miles × 125% = 2,625 SQM
- SQS: 1 segment
- SQD: Depends on the ticket price (e.g., $1,000 CAD ticket = 1,000 SQD)
International Flight: Toronto (YYZ) to London (LHR)
This route is approximately 3,540 miles one-way.
- Economy Class:
- SQM: 3,540 miles × 100% = 3,540 SQM
- SQS: 1 segment
- SQD: Depends on the ticket price (e.g., $800 CAD ticket = 800 SQD)
- Premium Economy:
- SQM: 3,540 miles × 110% = 3,894 SQM
- SQS: 1 segment
- SQD: Depends on the ticket price (e.g., $1,200 CAD ticket = 1,200 SQD)
- Business Class:
- SQM: 3,540 miles × 125% = 4,425 SQM
- SQS: 1 segment
- SQD: Depends on the ticket price (e.g., $4,000 CAD ticket = 4,000 SQD)
- First Class (On Partner Airlines):
- SQM: 3,540 miles × 150% = 5,310 SQM
- SQS: 1 segment
- SQD: Depends on the ticket price (e.g., $5,000 CAD ticket = 5,000 SQD)
The exact tier points you will earn depend on the distance flown, the class of service, and the ticket price. The above examples provide a clear method for calculating SQM, SQS, and SQD for different flight scenarios within the Aeroplan program. Keep in mind that promotional bonuses or airline-specific multipliers can also affect the final tally of tier points earned.
The Aeroplan program, with its various tiers and broad network of partners, offers a rewarding experience for frequent flyers. Whether you’re embarking on a domestic trip or an international journey, Air Canada and its Aeroplan program provide the tools to make your travel experience more rewarding and enjoyable.
Source: https://www.aircanada.com/ca/en/aco/home/aeroplan/status/benefits.html#/