Air Canada's Aeroplan program-heretofore celebrated for its flexible rewards and liberal redemption options-underwent a massive transformation effective January 1, 2026. The loyalty program moved to a revenue-based points system and updated how members gain elite status. It drew the program closer into alignment with similar policies at other major airline loyalty programs. To frequent flyers and points enthusiasts, these changes will be significant and are in need of much thought. Here is a breakdown of what is new and how it could affect your travel rewards.

A New Era of Revenue-Based Points

Historically, Aeroplan awarded points based on distance flown and fare class. In the new regime, points will be directly related to how much you pay for your ticket-an increasing trend among airline loyalty programs.

How It Works

• Base earning: Members earn 1 Aeroplan point for each CA$1 spent on eligible Air Canada flights, which at the time of writing works out to approximately 73 cents in USD.
• Eligible spend: Points are awarded on base fare and carrier-imposed surcharges, but excludes taxes, airport fees, and third-party charges.

That simply means that passengers buying more expensive tickets-at the last minute-get far more points than those securing an advance discounted fare.

Elite Status Multipliers

Aeroplan also changed the point accrual rate according to membership tier so that loyal flyers were able to gain points more quickly:

• Aeroplan 25K: 2x points
• Aeroplan 35K: 3x points
• Aeroplan 50K: 4x points
• Aeroplan 75K: 5x points
• Aeroplan Super Elite: 6x points

In effect, this is a reward for frequent travelers or higher-tier members who spend more on tickets, probably for flights that are shorter or fewer in number.

Pro Tip: Aeroplan continues to offer phenomenal redemption opportunities, making the points incredibly valuable in the context of long-haul flights, premium cabins, and partner redemptions.

Status Qualifying Credits: A Simplified Approach

Along with the revenue-based points accumulation system, Aeroplan also rolled out Status Qualifying Credits to replace the old metrics to earn elite status, which earlier included Status Qualifying Miles, Status Qualifying Segments, and Status Qualifying Dollars.

That puts Aeroplan in line with programs like Delta Medallion Qualification Dollars and American Airlines Loyalty Points, which use a singular metric to determine elite status.

How members earn SQC

Accrual of SQC depends on fare-type and spending:

• Economy Flex and Business Class: 4x SQC per CA$1
• Economy Standard and eUpgrade Add-ons: 2x SQC / CA$1
• Air Canada Vacation Packages: 1x SQC per CA$1

Aeroplan Partners: 1 SQC per 5 Aeroplan base points earned - excluding points transfers, bonuses and eStore purchases

Members can earn up to 25,000 SQC from partner activity annually.

Credit Card Spending

Aeroplan also rewards its premium credit-card users:

• Eligible purchases using an Aeroplan credit card can result in earning up to 25,000 SQCs in one year.
• Starting in 2027, all primary cardholders of Aeroplan's premium credit cards get a 10% SQC bonus on their prior year's spending after qualification of elite status.

These changes are making it easier for travelers to reach elite tiers without necessarily flying as much, thereby emphasizing spending over distance.

Milestone Rewards: High Earners Can Get Extra Rewards

Aeroplan has continued to maintain and grow its Milestone Benefits program, which rewards members for attaining certain thresholds in SQC. For each increment of 10,000 SQC earned, members receive benefits that include:

• Bonus SQCs
• Status passes for friends or family
• Other elite privileges

This multi-tiered reward system helps ensure that high-spending flyers continue to use the services offered by Aeroplan and makes elite status more reachable for those who often book premium tickets or use partner services.

What It Means for Travelers

The largest change is the shift to revenue-based award tickets. This has its positives and negatives depending on how you travel.

Benefits:

• Higher fares mean more points: Frequent fliers buying flexible or last-minute tickets will get more points.
• Simplified status tracking: SQC provides a simple, single metric representing elite qualification.
• Credit card synergy: Premium Aeroplan cardholders obtain additional SQC bonuses on top of their rewards for everyday spending.

Drawbacks:

• Discounted tickets earn fewer points. The point accumulation could be slower for the budget-conscious traveler.
• Perceived devaluation: Those used to mileage-based rewards may perceive this as devaluation over the long term.
• Complexity for the casual flyer: It takes more attention to understand how spend translates into points and SQC than a straightforward distance-based calculation system.

Comparison with Other Airlines

Aeroplan's move is part of an industry-wide shift toward revenue-based loyalty programs, as most major carriers-Hawaiian Airlines, excepted-move away from distance-based rewards. Delta and American Airlines have made similar moves.

• Delta: MQD is the primary status metric: Medallion Qualification Dollars.
• American Airlines: This airline uses Loyalty Points to determine elite tiers.

These reflect the changing landscape of airlines seeking to reward revenue, rather than simply miles flown, thus making high-paying travelers more valuable to the program.

Maximising Your Rewards Using Aeroplan

Whether you fly every week or just now and then, know how the new system works to help you get the most out of Aeroplan.

• Book only the higher fare classes strategically Flex or business fares maximize both points and SQC.
• Use Aeroplan-affiliated credit cards Earn more SQC and accelerate to elite status.
• Utilize partner activities-make sure to choose your partners well in order to maximize the 25,000 annual SQC cap.
• Plan your redemptions wisely, since Aeroplan points remain especially valuable for their premium cabin and long-haul flights.

Monitor milestone thresholds; unlocking bonus SQCs and status perks adds extra value.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Aeroplan

Revenue-based loyalty programs are extremely divisive among travelers. To some, the changes are a devaluation; to others, it could be far fairer: reward those bringing in more revenue, not just flying longer distances. The focus of the new system for Aeroplan rests on flexibility and credit card integrations, thus rewarding spending. It might also be more interesting for business travelers and high-spending customers.

It remains to be seen whether this transition will make Aeroplan more desirable, or if some members will think twice about their loyalty. What is evident, however, is that grasping the new points and SQC scheme is central to those trying to maximize their travel rewards in 2026 and beyond. 

Final Thoughts

The pivot of Aeroplan to a revenue-based points system and Status Qualifying Credits, meanwhile, is a bold evolution for Air Canada's loyalty program. Spending is rewarded, elite qualification has been simplified, and new opportunities are created for premium flyers to earn more quickly.

However, for those on whom discounted tickets apply, or to whom miles have long been accrued based on distance flown, the changes may feel less in their favor. To this end, savvy travelers will need to consider how they book and maximize new benefits from their credit cards under this different Aeroplan construct.

The overhauled program for frequent flyers, business travelers, and points enthusiasts alike remains a force-if you know how to navigate the revenue-based points-earning system and the SQC milestones that come with this change.