We’re simplifying eUpgrade credit expiry.
As part of Aeroplan’s 40th anniversary, we made a commitment to celebrating this milestone by introducing a series of improvements to the member experience. Today we’re pleased to share one such change that reflects the simplicity and fairness that you value as an Aeroplan Elite member.
Effective July 1, 2024, Air Canada is streamlining the validity of eUpgrade credits to provide:
- Simplified Expiry: eUpgrade credits earned as part of your status benefits will be valid for 12 months from the date they are issued.
- Improved Aeroplan Premium credit card benefit: Primary Aeroplan Premium credit cardholders will enjoy an additional 12 months of validity for all eUpgrades earned as part of their status benefits for a total of 24 months, and there will no longer be a cap at 50 credits. maximum. This will replace the current eUpgrade rollover benefit.
Please note, this adjustment will not apply retroactively to any eUpgrade credits earned before July 1, 2024, which will retain their existing validity.
However, as part of this change, unused eUpgrade credits earned through June 30, 2024, will be rolled over in 2025 (up to 50 credits total) for Aeroplan premium credit cardholders. This one-time rollover will be completed by March 31, 2025, and those credits will be valid until January 15, 2026. As a reminder, you have to be a premium credit cardholder in good standing for these added benefits to be applied.
Have questions on eUpgrade changes? See our FAQ section below for answers.
Why is Air Canada changing its eUpgrade validity period?
We've heard from many of you that our current eUpgrade expiry policy is confusing, so we simplified it.
This change means you won't have to wait for new credits to deposit every year to request an eUpgrade for next year's flights. As long as you keep earning eUpgrade credits, whether by reaching a higher status, by choosing your Select Benefits, by completing eligible Flight Pass activities, or by crossing eUpgrade thresholds, your eUpgrades will be valid for one year from the date of issue.
Why is Air Canada removing the July cutover date?
This policy was initially implemented to ensure that members who earned credits later in the benefit year were not penalized with a shorter validity period.
We have now streamlined our approach and, going forward from July 1, 2024, credits will expire 12-months after issuance, no matter when they are earned.
This change reflects the simplicity and fairness that Aeroplan Elite members value.
Since the new expiry rules apply on credits earned as of July 1st, how can I tell if my credits were earned before or after this date?
It takes approximately 24-48 hours for credits to be deposited once an eligible activity has been completed. This means that:
- Any eUpgrade credits you earn on or before June 30, 2024 will be deposited in your account by July 2, 2024 and will have an expiry date of January 16, 2025.
- Any eUpgrade credits you earn on or after July 1, 2024 will be deposited in your account anytime after July 3, 2024 and will follow the new eUpgrade credit validity rules.
How can I earn eUpgrade credits throughout the year?
As an Elite member, you can earn eUpgrade credits all throughout the benefit year. Even after your Core Benefit eUpgrades are deposited, they can:
- Reach a higher status and earn even more Core Benefit eUpgrade credits
- Choose eUpgrades as a Select Benefit
- Complete an eligible Flight Pass activity
- Cross an eUpgrade threshold
Learn more about earning eUpgrades.
Are the credits I currently have in my account impacted?
No - any eUpgrade credits you currently have will not be impacted and will expire on the date shown in your eUpgrade account.
I have a premium credit card. Does this impact my benefits?
This change improves your benefits! We are no longer capping the maximum eligible rollover amount at 50, and you no longer have to wait until March to receive your rollover eUpgrades.
Instead, your eUpgrade credit validity will be extended from 12 months to 24 months from issuance. This will automatically apply to all the credits you earn as an Elite Status member while holding a primary premium credit card.
Unless otherwise specified, eUpgrade credits issued on a promotional or goodwill basis, as well as those already rolled over from a previous benefit year, are not eligible for this benefit.
The credit card must be linked to your Aeroplan account at the time of eUpgrade credit issuance for the 24-month validity to apply. If your premium credit card is changed to a different product or the account is closed, the expiry date of eUpgrade credits earned going forward will be issued with the standard 12-month eUpgrade validity.
I already have a premium credit card. Will I still get rollover eUpgrades in 2025?
Yes - if you already hold a primary premium credit card, up to 50 eligible unused credits you've earned as an Elite Status member between July 1, 2023 and June 30, 2024 (which expire January 16, 2025) will be rolled over into the 2025 benefit year, provided you hold Elite Status and a primary premium credit card at the start of 2025.
Credits earned on a promotional basis, or those rolled over from a previous year, are not considered eligible to be rolled over. Rollover eUpgrade credits will be deposited by March 31, 2025, and will be valid until January 15, 2026. The credits being rolled over will not have the 24-month expiry.
Any new eUpgrade credits you earn on or after July 1, 2024, will be issued with the new 24-month Extended eUpgrade Validity.
If I get a new Aeroplan premium credit card now, will I still get rollover eUpgrades in 2025?
If you acquire a premium credit card before July 1, 2024, any eligible unused credits you've earned as an Elite Status member between July 1, 2023 and June 30, 2024 (which expire January 16, 2025), will be rolled over into the 2025 benefit year, provided you hold Elite Status in 2025 and your premium credit card is in good standing.
Your eligible unused credits will be deposited by March 31, 2025, and will be valid through January 15, 2026. They will not have the 24-month expiry.
Any new eUpgrade credits you earn on or after July 1, 2024, will be issued with the new 24-month Extended eUpgrade Validity.
If you acquire a premium credit card on or after July 1, 2024, you will not receive rollover eUpgrades in 2025. Any eUpgrade credits earned onwards of when you acquire your premium credit card will be valid for 24-months from issuance.
Will I still get rollover eUpgrades in 2026?
No – the last deposit of rollover eUpgrades will be processed by March 31, 2025. Any new eUpgrade credits you earn as an Aeroplan premium credit cardholder going forward from July 1, 2024, be issued with the new 24-month Extended eUpgrade Validity.
If I cancel my premium Aeroplan credit card, what will happen to my eUpgrade credit validity?
If you cancel your premium credit card, you will no longer be eligible for Extended eUpgrade Validity. Credits you earn from that point forward will be valid for 12-months from date of issuance, following our eUpgrade policy.
Which cards are premium Aeroplan credit cards?
- American Express® Air Canada®* Card
- American Express® Aeroplan®* Business Reserve Card
- American Express® Aeroplan®* Corporate Reserve Card
- American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card
- TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card
- CIBC Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card