The Aeroplan Rewards program has evolved significantly in recent years, including major changes to earning and Elite Status for 2026. This guide explains how Aeroplan works today, including updated earning rules, redemption pricing, and status qualification.

What is Aeroplan?

With millions of active members, Air Canada’s Aeroplan is one of Canada’s most popular travel rewards programs.

The Aeroplan program originally launched independently in 1984. Over the years, Aeroplan has evolved to a global loyalty program where members can redeem points on dozens of airline partners and fly to over 1,300 destinations around the world.

Aeroplan went through a major transition in November 2020, when it was acquired by Air Canada. Now, Aeroplan operates as Air Canada's in-house loyalty program, with expanded airline partnerships and updated earning rules.

What happened with Aeroplan and Air Canada?

Aeroplan was initially created by Air Canada as its official loyalty program. In 2002, they began operating as a subsidiary before becoming a separate entity in 2005, which was eventually acquired by Aimia Inc.

Air Canada re-acquired Aeroplan in January 2019, then launched a redesigned program in November 2020. Since then, the program has continued to evolve, with the most recent update as of January 1, 2026, shifting how members earn points and qualify for Elite Status.

How does Aeroplan work?

Aeroplan is Air Canada’s multi-faceted travel rewards program. As a coalition loyalty program, it allows members to earn points through qualifying flights, credit cards, and retail partners. Aeroplan members can redeem points for a variety of travel rewards, including flights, hotels, car rentals, and even gift cards at the new Aeroplan eStore.

Starting in 2026, Aeroplan flight points are primarily earned based on eligible dollars spent rather than strictly on distance flown. For each $1 spent on an eligible flight ticket issued by Air Canada (excluding taxes, fees, and third-party charges), you'll earn 1 Aeroplan point. That means that if you purchase a flight with a base fare of $500, you'll receive 500 Aeroplan points, regardless of how far you travel. Fare class and Elite Status level also influence how many points you can earn. Tickets issued by other airline partners maintain points based on the distance travelled.

Most people think only frequent flyers benefit from Aeroplan rewards, but the majority of members are actually frequent spenders. From hotel chains to car rental companies to online retailers, here are some of the 200+ partners that you can earn Aeroplan points with:

• Apple

• The Body Shop

• Hello Fresh

• LCBO

• Roots

• Sephora

• Starbucks

• Uber

How does the new Aeroplan loyalty rewards program work for travel?

Through travel and retail purchases, Canadians can collect points on their Aeroplan card, which they can then use to redeem for travel and gift cards. Through Air Canada, Aeroplan is connected to a global network of travel partners, giving members many options for redeeming points with an airline. Here's a breakdown of how it works:

When you book a flight using Aeroplan points, the pricing is based on distance and travel zone. Air Canada-operated flights are dynamically priced within published ranges, but partner airlines often have separate rewards pricing models. You can redeem your points for any seat available to purchase in cash with Air Canada, with no blackout date restrictions. Multiple payment options are available, including fares fully covered by points or a combination of points and cash.

What are some of the main features of Air Canada’s new Aeroplan rewards program?

One key factor is that Aeroplan is designed to provide members with the best value when redeeming flights with the airline. Here are some of the other main highlights of the current loyalty rewards program:

• More flexibility with flights: Aeroplan members can use their points to redeem any flight on Air Canada that’s available for purchase.

• Family sharing: Members of the same family/household (up to eight members) can bundle and share their Aeroplan points at no cost.

• No more surcharges: If you buy a flight on Air Canada using your Aeroplan points, you won’t be subject to carrier-imposed fuel surcharges. There will still be third-party fees and taxes to pay when redeeming your points for flights.

• Points prediction: Aeroplan members can use the Points Predictor Tool to estimate how many points are needed to purchase a flight. The Points Finder Tool displays sample one-way pricing to popular destinations.

• Easy upgrades: Members have the flexibility to redeem their points to bid on seat upgrades to higher cabin classes like Premium Economy and Business Class.

• Simple booking: All Aeroplan points can be redeemed using Air Canada’s website or app.

• Extras: Under the current loyalty program, you can redeem Aeroplan points for perks in-flight, like WiFi access and a pass for the Maple Leaf Lounge.

For more information, head to Air Canada’s Aeroplan homepage.

The new Aeroplan flight rewards chart: travel zones

Aeroplan organizes redemption by travel zones and distance bands. There are four zones: 

• North America (including the Caribbean and Central American countries)

• Atlantic (all of Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, India)

• Pacific (China, Japan, South Korea, Southeast Asia, South Pacific, Australia, New Zealand)

• South America

The Aeroplan points cost program is divided into distance bands within and between these zones, with a separate pricing structure for Emirates. Air Canada-operated flights are dynamically priced within published point ranges, while partner airline flights generally follow fixed pricing within each distance band.

How much do Air Canada flights cost with Aeroplan points? 

Want to know how many Aeroplan points a flight on Air Canada will cost? Check out the Points Predictor Tool to start budgeting for your next trip.

For example, a one-way flight from Toronto Pearson to Tokyo Narita International Airport is about 6,400 miles or 10,300km, so you can expect economy fares to start at 45,000 points for Air Canada and select partners. The same route is 50,000 points with partner airlines.

Remember that, unlike with the old Aeroplan loyalty rewards plan, carrier surcharges aren’t added to the cost of the flight when you book with your Aeroplan rewards. That translates to better value for your points, especially on long-haul flights.

All about Aeroplan’s Elite Status

Aeroplan’s Elite Status rewards Air Canada and Star Alliance frequent flyers with priority reservations, priority airport services, Maple Leaf lounge access, and more. The Elite Status tiers range from 25k to 100k or Super Elite status.

To qualify, members must earn Status Qualifying Miles (SQM) or Status Qualifying Segments (SQS), and meet the required Status Qualifying Dollars (SQD) threshold within the same calendar year. SQD reflects eligible spending on Air Canada flights. In addition to flight-based qualification, Aeroplan offers Everyday Status Qualification (EDQ), which allows members to earn 25K status by accumulating a required number of Aeroplan points through eligible everyday activity such as credit card spending and partner purchases.

Benefits vary by tier and may include priority check-in and boarding, complimentary checked baggage, lounge access, eUpgrade credits, and bonus Aeroplan point earning rates.

See what it takes to earn different tiers of Elite Status:

What is the Aeroplan eStore?

Aeroplan eStore allows members to earn bonus points when shopping online through participating retailers. Points can also be redeemed for merchandise and gift cards.

In the Aeroplan eStore, you can start earning and redeeming points with dozens of global retail and other partners, not to mention airline and travel partners.

Best Aeroplan credit cards

Members can earn extra miles when they pay with these Aeroplan-affiliated cards.

TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite

Designed for frequent Air Canada travellers, this card earns 1.5 Aeroplan points per $1 on eligible grocery, gas, and Air Canada purchases, plus 1 point per $1 everywhere else. It includes a free checked bag for the primary cardholder and up to eight companions on the same reservation, preferred pricing on select Aeroplan flight rewards, a NEXUS fee rebate every 48 months, and travel insurance coverage. The annual fee is about $139, and welcome bonuses often reach up to 40,000 Aeroplan points.

CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite

This card offers the same core earning structure—1.5 points per $1 on eligible grocery, gas, and Air Canada purchases, and 1 point per $1 on other spending. It also provides a free first checked bag for the cardholder and eligible companions, preferred reward pricing, and travel insurance. Periodic promotions may allow cardholders to earn SQDs through spending. The annual fee is about $139, with welcome bonuses up to 40,000 Aeroplan points.

American Express Gold Rewards Card

This card earns Membership Rewards points, which transfer to Aeroplan at a 1:1 ratio. Cardholders earn 2 points per $1 on eligible travel, gas, grocery, and drugstore purchases, and 1 point per $1 elsewhere. It does not include a free checked bag benefit but offers strong travel insurance and access to Amex Offers. The annual fee is about $250, and welcome bonuses generally range from 30,000 to 60,000 points.

Disclaimer: This article is meant for general guidance only, and last updated in February, 2026. To check the latest updates on Air Canada’s Aeroplan loyalty rewards program, head to AirCanada.com.

Start travelling and earning points

Aeroplan continues to offer Canadian travellers flexible ways to earn and redeem points. Whether you earn points through flights, credit cards, or everyday purchases, understanding how redemptions, fees, upgrades, and other rules work helps you maximize the value of your points and get first-class travel experiences at economy costs.