Updates to the Aeroplan Elite Status program
As we look towards the next year of Aeroplan Elite Status, we wanted to remind you of what you can expect over the coming months, as well as share the details of the changes we’re making to the program for 2023.
Use your Elite benefits before the end of the year
Some benefits, if unused, may be expiring at the end of this year. We therefore invite Aeroplan Elite members to log in to their account to review and use their benefits, such as Priority Rewards or Status Passes. As a reminder, Priority Rewards discount the base fare in points of flight rewards by 50% on Air Canada and partner flights. They are valid for 12 months from the date of issuance and those issued in 2020 or 2021 had been extended until the end of this year.
Also, if you haven’t done so already, please take a moment to choose your 2022 Select Benefits by December 30. If you requalify for Status in 2023, you will receive an invitation to choose your 2023 Select Benefits by the end of January.
An update on 2022 promotions
If you are taking advantage of our limited-time offer to maintain your current Elite Status by earning 30,000 points through spending on an Aeroplan credit card, please allow up to 8 weeks after reaching the eligible earn for your Aeroplan Elite Status extension to be processed.
Additionally, a reminder that to recognize Status members who have been flying this year, we’re doubling every Priority Reward earned between July 1st and December 31st, 2022. You will start to see these bonus Priority Rewards being added to your account in November.
Changes to Aeroplan 35K benefits
We’re making some changes to Aeroplan 35K member benefits. As a result, some benefits will be discontinued, and others will be added or improved, as follows:
As of June 1, 2023, Aeroplan 35K members will no longer have complimentary access to Maple Leaf Lounges™ as part of their Aeroplan 35K benefits. As of that date, they can continue to access Maple Leaf Lounges with one of the two (2) Maple Leaf Lounge One-Time Guest Passes that also come with this status, the purchase of a Business Class fare, or with an eligible Aeroplan credit card.
Starting January 1, 2023, Aeroplan 35K members will enjoy new and expanded access to the following benefits:
Additional eUpgrade credits as a Select Benefit
We’re increasing the number of eUpgrade credits Aeroplan 35K members can choose as a Select Benefit – from 10 to 15. During the Early Recognition period, Aeroplan 35K Members will still be awarded 5 eUpgrade credits when choosing this Select Benefit.
Priority baggage handling
Baggage for the member and travel companions will be tagged to be among the first on the carousel when they arrive at destination with any Air Canada flight.
Expanded Priority Rewards
Any Priority Rewards earned as an Aeroplan 35K member in 2023 will be expanded to include flight reward redemptions to all North America and Sun destinations, in the Economy or Premium Economy cabin (where available)
New Virgin Australia lounge access for Aeroplan 50K and above
Members with Aeroplan 50K, 75K and Super Elite Status, plus one additional guest, can now enjoy access to Virgin Australia lounges when departing on a Virgin Australia or Air Canada flight from that airport.
Elite Status rollover benefits
If you’re the Primary Cardholder of an Aeroplan premium credit card (Aeroplan Amex Reserve or Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege), we will automatically roll over your eligible Status Qualifying Miles and eUpgrade credits to 2023. Any rollover Status Qualifying Miles or eUpgrade Credits that apply to your cardholder status will be posted to your account separately by the second week of February.
To be eligible for the rollover benefits, Status Members who are not already cardholders must apply and be approved for a new Aeroplan premium credit card no later than December 15, 2022.
2023 membership kits
New 2023 membership kits complete with a membership card and luggage tags have been sent to Aeroplan 35K, 50K, 75K and Super Elite members who have reached a higher Status this year. For members who still have a 2021 or 2022 membership card at the beginning of next year, new kits will be mailed out early 2023. In the meantime, you can always access your updated membership card via the Air Canada mobile app.
Download now on the App Store.
Get it on Google Play.
I have Aeroplan 35K and received a Priority Reward for meeting an SQD Threshold in December 2022. Why is it not applicable to all North American (including Sun) destinations?
This change applies to Priority Rewards earned beginning January 1, 2023. Any Priority Rewards earned in 2022 will continue to apply toward Canada & US destinations, up to Economy.
I flew at the end of December and earned a Priority Reward. I received another through the Bonus Priority Reward promotion, which was credited in January, but I still earned a Canada & US (Economy) voucher. Why?
The type of Bonus Priority Reward awarded through this promotion is equivalent to the type of Priority Reward you originally earned. Learn more about this promotion.
Why is Air Canada changing their lounge access policy for 35K members?
Air Canada is faced with the decision to ensure our overall lounge capacity is managed appropriately, while also offering benefits that compare favourably to other frequent flyer programs.
Our 35K member offering has remained mostly unchanged for several years. Even with these changes, Aeroplan 35K status remains very competitive amongst its peers, offering a vast array of Priority Travel Services and eUpgrades.
Aeroplan 35K members will continue to receive two (2) complimentary One-Time Space-Available Maple Leaf Lounge Passes for lounges located in the domestic and transborder terminals. Members can also access Maple Leaf Lounges with the purchase of Business Class fares, or with an Aeroplan Premium credit card. Learn more.
Q: I will be travelling this winter. Will I still be able to access Maple Leaf Lounges as a 35K member?
The change in Maple Leaf Lounge access for Aeroplan 35K members will come into effect on June 1, 2023. Until May 31, 2023, Aeroplan 35K members can continue to access Maple Leaf Lounges located in the domestic and U.S. zones of Canadian airports, along with those in Los Angeles and New York (LaGuardia and Newark) when travelling on a same-day flight operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Express, Air Canada Rouge or any Star Alliance member airline.
For added clarity, if you hold 35K status in 2023, and you are travelling Calgary (YYC) - Montreal (YUL) - New York (LGA):
- And both your outbound and return flights are prior to June 1st, 2023: you will be able to access the Maple Leaf Lounge located in the domestic and transborder departure zones on your entire journey
- And your outbound flight is in May and your return flight in June: you will be able to access the Domestic Calgary (YYC) lounge, and the Transborder Montreal (YUL) lounge on your departure in May, but will not be able to access any Maple Leaf Lounge upon your return in June, unless you use a Maple Leaf Lounge One-Time Guest Pass, have purchased a Business Class fare or hold an Aeroplan Premium credit card.
- And both your outbound and return flights are after June 1st, 2023: you will not be able to access any Maple Leaf Lounge during your trip, unless you use a Maple Leaf Lounge One-Time Guest Pass, have purchased a Business Class fare or hold an Aeroplan Premium credit card.