US Edition‘Disproportionate benefits’: Changes coming to the way Canada’s 9 million Aeroplan members can earn points
CANADA, AUG 6 – Aeroplan will award points and elite status based on spending, with elite members earning up to six times points per dollar, aligning with major U.S. airline loyalty programs.
- Air Canada announced on January 1, 2026, its Aeroplan loyalty program will shift from distance-based to spend-based points earning and elite status qualification.
- This change follows a background trend among major U.S. carriers like American and Delta moving toward revenue-based loyalty structures to better reward high spenders.
- Under the updated program, members receive one Aeroplan point for every Canadian dollar spent on their base ticket price and airline-imposed surcharges, while those with elite status accumulate points at increased rates ranging from two to six times per dollar, based on their specific tier; this replaces the previous system based on miles flown and flight segments.
- Barry Choi, a loyalty expert, called this "a big game changer," noting it better rewards those paying premium fares while limiting benefits for bargain travelers.
- The shift implies a greater focus on revenue rather than flight distance, potentially impacting nonelite members negatively but simplifying elite qualification and aligning Aeroplan with other spend-based programs.
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Effective January 1, 2026, Air Canada will change the way Aeroplan points are accumulated and the Elite status is achieved by relying on travel expenses rather than distances travelled.
·Montreal, Canada
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Air Canada Aeroplan moves to spend-based points earning and elite status model - The Points Guy
Air Canada is overhauling how travelers earn points and qualify for elite status in its Aeroplan loyalty program — and for U.S.-based flyers, this change may feel familiar.Starting Jan. 1, 2026, Aeroplan members will no longer earn elite status based on miles flown or flight segments. Instead, status will be awarded based solely on how much you spend with Air Canada and its partners via an all-new metric.How you earn Aeroplan points will also mo…
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Leaning Left6Leaning Right0Center4Last UpdatedBias Distribution60% Left
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C 40%
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