Air Canada’s Aeroplan program: The ultimate guide to earning and redeeming points

Air Canada’s Aeroplan loyalty program is one of the most valuable Star Alliance airline programs — and it’s one worth knowing, even if you don’t travel to Canada.

Aeroplan still uses published award charts for most partner flights, a rarity in a loyalty world increasingly driven by dynamic pricing. Plus, it charges low fees on award tickets and lets you add stopovers to one-way tickets for just 5,000 extra points.

It’s easy to earn Aeroplan points — even if you live in the U.S. — since the program partners with most major transferable points programs, so you can earn Aeroplan points with your everyday spending.

Here is everything you need to know about Air Canada Aeroplan.

Related: Why Air Canada Aeroplan has become my favorite Star Alliance loyalty program

Air Canada Aeroplan partners

Air Canada is part of Star Alliance, the world’s biggest airline alliance. You can earn and redeem Aeroplan points on any Star Alliance airline, making it easy to get just about anywhere in the world.

You’ll find Star Alliance hubs in some of the world’s largest airports, including Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD), Frankfurt Airport (FRA), Istanbul Airport (IST) and Tokyo’s Haneda Airport (HND).

The following airlines are Star Alliance members:

• Aegean Airlines
• Air Canada
• Air China
• Air India
• Air New Zealand
• All Nippon Airways
• Asiana Airlines
• Austrian Airlines
• Avianca
• Brussels Airlines
• Copa Airlines
• Croatia Airlines
• ITA Airways
• Egyptair
• Ethiopian Airlines
• EVA Airways
• LOT Polish Airlines
• Lufthansa
• Shenzhen Airlines
• Singapore Airlines
• South African Airways
• Swiss
• TAP Air Portugal
• Thai Airways
• Turkish Airlines
• United Airlines

Aeroplan also has partnerships with many carriers outside of Star Alliance, including:

• Aer Lingus (codeshare only)
• AirBaltic
• Air Creebec
• Air Dolomiti
• Air Mauritius
• Air Serbia
• Azul Brazilian Airlines
• Bamboo Airways
• Calm Air
• Canadian North
• Cathay Pacific (select routes only)
• Central Mountain Air (codeshare only)
• Discover Airlines
• Edelweiss Air (codeshare only)
• Emirates
• Etihad Airways
• Eurowings
• Flydubai
• Gol Airlines
• Gulf Air
• Juneyao Air (Star Alliance connecting partner)
• Lufthansa City Airlines
• Middle East Airlines (codeshare only)
• Olympic Airlines
• Oman Air
• PAL Airlines
• SriLankan Airlines (codeshare only)
• SunExpress
• Virgin Australia

Be sure to review the information on Air Canada’s airline partner page to understand the full scope of each carrier’s partnership. For example, as noted, some of the airlines listed above only have codeshare partnerships with Air Canada; other partnerships — for example, Cathay Pacific — are limited to specific routes.

Air Canada Aeroplan elite status

Air Canada Aeroplan rewards its frequent flyers with valuable perks like seat upgrade certificates, free checked bags and other benefits across five different status tiers. Likewise, Air Canada elite members receive reciprocal benefits on Star Alliance partner airlines.

Earning Air Canada Aeroplan elite status

Aeroplan recently changed how you qualify for elite status. It used to require earning a combination of either Status Qualifying Miles or Status Qualifying Segments plus Status Qualifying Dollars to earn status. Nowadays, the airline awards elite status solely on the number of Status Qualifying Credits you earn in a single calendar year.

SQCs are earned based on how much you spend on an Air Canada flight or vacation package:

• Economy Flex or higher: 4 SQCs per Canadian dollar
• Economy Standard fares and eUpgrade add-ons: 2 SQCs per Canadian dollar
• Air Canada Vacations packages: 1 SQC per Canadian dollar

You can also earn 1 SQC for every 5 Aeroplan points earned with most partners, including Star Alliance partner airlines, up to 25,000 SQCs per year. For example, earning 10,000 Aeroplan points on a partner flight would also earn 2,000 SQCs. Exclusions apply for Aeroplan eStore earnings, bonus points and points converted from hotel or credit card programs. Additionally, nonalliance partner airlines do not earn SQCs.

Here’s a look at the requirements for each status tier:

• Aeroplan 25K: 25,000 SQCs
• Aeroplan 35K: 35,000 SQCs
• Aeroplan 50K: 50,000 SQCs
• Aeroplan 75K: 75,000 SQCs
• Aeroplan Super Elite: 125,000 SQCs

You can also earn Aeroplan 25K status by earning 100,000 Everyday Status Qualification points in a single calendar year. You’ll earn 1 ESQ for every 1 eligible Aeroplan point earned with Aeroplan partners. This includes the Aeroplan eStore but excludes bonus miles and point conversions.

Earning status with Aeroplan credit cards

Chase’s Aeroplan® Credit Card (see rates and fees) can be a big help when earning Aeroplan elite status. The card includes Aeroplan 25K elite status for the remainder of the first year you have the card open and the entirety of the following year. You can then keep status by spending $15,000 on your card in a single calendar year. Plus, you can upgrade to Aeroplan 35K status by spending $75,000 on your card in a given calendar year.

Cardmembers can also earn up to 25,000 SQCs per year with the Aeroplan card. It includes 5,000 SQCs as an annual bonus, 10,000 SQCs after spending $25,000 on your card in a calendar year and another 10,000 SQCs after spending $50,000.

Aeroplan elite status requirements

The higher your status, the more benefits you can enjoy when flying with Air Canada and its partner airlines. Below you’ll find an overview of the Core Benefits awarded at each status level. You can also earn additional benefits when you earn Milestone Benefits, which we outline in the next section.

Aeroplan 25K

• Priority airport check-in, when available
• Priority standby
• Priority boarding with Air Canada, United Airlines and Lufthansa
• Ability to earn 2 points per dollar spent on Air Canada-ticketed flights
• Two complimentary checked bags on Air Canada flights
• Complimentary handing of sports equipment
• Preferred seat selection at check-in on eligible Air Canada routes
• Avis Preferred Plus status match
• Five eUpgrade credits
• Star Alliance Silver status

Aeroplan 35K

All Aeroplan 25K benefits, plus:

• Priority baggage handling on Air Canada flights
• Ability to earn 3 points per dollar spent on Air Canada-ticketed flights
• 10 eUpgrade credits

Aeroplan 50K

All Aeroplan 35K benefits, plus:

• Access to Maple Leaf Lounges and Air Canada Cafes
• Access to Virgin Australia lounges when flying Air Canada or Virgin Australia
• Access to Emirates business class lounges in Dubai when flying between Canada and Dubai
• Preferred Seat assignment at booking for Canada and U.S. routes on eligible Air Canada flights
• Preferred Seat assignment at check-in for other routes
• Marriott Gold Elite status match
• Ability to earn 4 points per dollar spent on Air Canada-ticketed flights
• 15 eUpgrade credits
• Star Alliance Gold status, which includes partner lounge access

Aeroplan 75K

All Aeroplan 50K benefits, plus:

• Preferred Seat selection at booking on all eligible Air Canada fares
• Ability to earn 5 points per dollar spent on Air Canada-ticketed flights
• 20 eUpgrade credits

Aeroplan Super Elite

All Aeroplan 75K benefits, plus:

• Access to the Arrivals Lounge in Terminal 2 of London’s Heathrow Airport (LHR)
• Complimentary changes and cancellations on Aeroplan award tickets
• Two status passes to share elite perks with a friend for a single itinerary
• Avis President’s Club status match
• Ability to earn 6 points per dollar spent on Air Canada-ticketed flights
• 30 eUpgrade credits

Milestone Benefits

Milestone Benefits, which are new for 2026, provide another way for Air Canada frequent flyers to earn eUpgrades Certificates (which can be used for flight upgrades) and other perks. Members start unlocking Milestone Benefits after earning 10,000 SQCs. You can pick benefits at some levels, with choices ranging from Maple Leaf lounge passes to bonus points, status passes to share with friends and discounts on award tickets.

How to earn Air Canada Aeroplan points

It’s surprisingly easy to earn Air Canada Aeroplan points, even if you’re not flying Air Canada. Here’s a look at some of the ways to earn them.

Fly with Air Canada

You’ll earn Aeroplan points based on how much you spend on your Air Canada flight, with elite members earning bonus points. Members without elite status earn 1 point per dollar spent, and elite members can earn up to 6 points per dollar spent. Note that this is calculated based on your ticket price before taxes, fees and third-party charges.

Earning rates are based on the ticket cost in Canadian dollars. If you pay in a different currency, Air Canada will convert the cost of your ticket to Canadian dollars using an “industry-standard exchange rate” before calculating your earnings.

Fly with Star Alliance and nonalliance partners

Partner flights still earn Aeroplan points based on distance flown and the fare class you book. Every partner airline’s earning rates chart is listed on Air Canada’s airline partner page. Find your partner airline on the list, and click on it.

Here’s how this works. Say you book a one-way United Airlines flight from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD) on United’s website, and your ticket is booked in D-fare domestic first class.

According to Aeroplan’s United earning chart, this ticket earns 150% of the miles flown. This flight clocks in at 719 miles, meaning you’d earn 1,079 Aeroplan points.

Earn points with the Air Canada Aeroplan credit card

Air Canada offers multiple credit cards in Canada and one here in the U.S. New Chase Aeroplan Credit Card applicants can earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

In our February 2026 valuations, TPG values Aeroplan points as worth 1.4 cents each, making this sign-up bonus worth up to $840. Despite such a valuable welcome bonus, the Chase Aeroplan card has an annual fee of just $95.

With triple points in multiple categories, monthly bonus points, statement credits, Aeroplan elite status and discounted award pricing, this card is incredibly valuable, especially if you ever fly Air Canada.

Transfer credit card points to Aeroplan

You can transfer the following credit card rewards to Aeroplan at a 1:1 transfer ratio:

• American Express Membership Rewards points
• Bilt Rewards Points
• Capital One miles
• Chase Ultimate Rewards points

This makes it easy to earn Aeroplan points on your everyday spending, as many transferable points credit cards offer bonus points on everyday purchases and large welcome bonuses.

The following cards all currently offer strong welcome bonuses with points and miles that you can transfer to your Aeroplan account:

• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
• American Express Platinum Card®
• American Express® Gold Card
• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
• Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card (see rates and fees)
• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees)

You’ll sometimes even find limited-time transfer bonuses when transferring points to Aeroplan.

Related: Why transferable points and miles are worth more than other rewards

Earn with retail partners

Air Canada has an online shopping portal that lets you earn Aeroplan points with third-party vendors like Apple and Uber Eats, among other popular merchants. You can click through the merchant’s link on the Air Canada eStore before you make a purchase and earn a set number of points per dollar spent. This can be a great way to earn bonus points on everyday purchases.

However, not all Air Canada retail partners are valid for points-earning purchases in both the U.S. and Canada. Some are Canada-only, so double-check the terms and conditions for your merchant before you use the eStore.

Air Canada for Business

Air Canada has a business rewards program called Air Canada for Business.

Businesses can use this program to earn additional Aeroplan points on every flight and get a 5% discount on Flex fares and higher. Additionally, companies using Air Canada for Business earn 500 SQCs for every $5,000 spent on eligible fares. These SQCs can be allocated to employees, helping them reach a higher tier of elite status.

How to redeem Air Canada Aeroplan points

You can use your Aeroplan points to fly worldwide; Air Canada offers a bevy of routes of its own, but its extensive alliance and nonalliance partner network expands this list even further.

The program uses a standard award chart for most partner flights, pricing flights based on region and distance. However, Air Canada’s own flights and those operated by select partners — including United, Emirates and Etihad — are priced dynamically.

This means you can book many partner award flights at a predictable price. Aeroplan doesn’t add fuel surcharges to award tickets, so you’ll only pay minimal taxes, plus a CA$39 (about $28.70) partner booking fee (if applicable).

Aeroplan’s award chart

As mentioned, Aeroplan employs a hybrid distance- and region-based award chart. You’ll pay based on your flight length, but pricing varies based on the region you fly to and from. Each region is broadly defined.

To find the cost of an award ticket booked by a nondynamic partner, first determine the regions you’re flying from and to. Then, calculate the distance between your origin and destination using a tool like Great Circle Mapper. Next, find the award chart for your region pair in the Air Canada award chart to determine the cost of your flight. You can also search for your flight on Air Canada’s website to view the price, as most partners are bookable online.

Here is the chart for travel from North America to the Atlantic region, which includes flights from the U.S. to Europe.

Flights on Brussels Airlines are priced based on the “All other partners” rates above, meaning they’re based on the standard award chart. As such, a flight from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Brussels Airport (BRU) is 3,650 miles long, meaning it’d cost 60,000 points plus taxes and fees in business class.

Things get trickier with Air Canada flights and those operated by the “select partners” that Aeroplan prices dynamically. This includes flights operated by United, Emirates, Flydubai, Etihad, Canadian North, Calm Air, Bearskin Airlines and Provincial Airlines. In these instances, the figures listed on the award chart operate as a floor; you’ll have to search Air Canada’s website to find award costs for these airlines, and pricing can be radically different day to day, especially on Air Canada flights.

The best ways to redeem Air Canada Aeroplan points

The Aeroplan award chart is full of interesting sweet spots and great deals. Here are some of the best ways to maximize the award chart and the program’s interesting features, such as stopovers on one-way award tickets.

Book Air Canada flights on off-peak dates

Aeroplan’s system for dynamically pricing Air Canada-operated flights is unpredictable, but it can still lead to good deals on off-peak dates. This is especially true for short-haul cross-border and Canadian domestic flights, which are frequently priced at under 10,000 points one-way. Just note that fees can be high on cross-border flights, so make sure to compare the cost of an award ticket to buying a ticket outright.

Meanwhile, on peak dates, the prices are often unreasonably high and not a great redemption option. This is especially true for flights from North America to Europe and Asia.

However, if you are willing to travel on off-peak dates, you might be able to find a good deal on longer flights. Try booking seasonal flights in the first and last month of the season (you can use Air Canada’s Wikipedia page to check which destinations are seasonal) for attractive pricing on low-demand dates.

Related: A review of Air Canada business class on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner from Montreal to London

Book a mini round-the-world trip with stopovers

You can add one stopover to one-way tickets or two stopovers to round-trip tickets for 5,000 points apiece. These stopovers can be anywhere in the world, and Aeroplan lets you get creative with your routing.

The only major restriction to know is that your connecting flight cannot cost more than twice the mileage of a nonstop flight to your final destination. Additionally, you cannot add stopovers within North America, and you can stay up to 45 days in your stopover city.

You can make some interesting itineraries with Aeroplan’s flexible routing rules. For example, you can book a mini round-the-world trip that takes advantage of two stopovers and multiple 24-hour layovers.

You can book stopover tickets online, but you may need to call in to book more complex itineraries with additional layovers. If you choose to book a complicated itinerary with long layovers, make sure to find award space on Air Canada’s website before you call to book.

Related: The complete guide to Aeroplan’s stopover and routing rules

Fly partner airlines from the East Coast to Europe

Many flights from the East Coast to Western Europe fall into the 0 to 4,000 miles tier on the North America-to-Atlantic award chart, and there are plenty of partner airlines flying across the Atlantic who regularly release seats to Aeroplan. This includes popular airlines like Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Lufthansa, LOT Polish Airlines, Swiss and TAP Air Portugal.

These flights cost just 60,000 points in business class and 90,000 points in first class, so they’re a great way to cross the Atlantic in style. If you’re eyeing a longer flight to Europe, business-class flights cost 70,000 points for itineraries up to 6,000 miles. These options are cheaper than what other Star Alliance programs, such as Avianca LifeMiles and United MileagePlus, charge for the same flights.

Fly business class to India for 90,000 points

You can book Star Alliance partners like United, Air India and Turkish Airlines between the U.S. and India for just 90,000 points each way in business class or 55,000 points each way in economy class.

Bottom line

Air Canada’s Aeroplan loyalty program is great. Solid redemption rates, flexible stopovers and no fuel surcharges mean you can get some excellent deals on award tickets. The program also partners with many of the largest transferable points programs, so it’s easy to rack up Aeroplan points through your everyday spending.

Even if you aren’t planning to visit Canada or fly on Air Canada, you should consider the program for your next points transfer or major redemption.