This is the underlying trend in frequent flyer programmes. Airlines now only reward passengers who pay the highest fares. And Air Canada is no exception to the rule. From 1ᵉʳ January 2026, points on the Aeroplan programme will no longer be accumulated on the basis of distance travelled, but on the basis of amounts spent.. Behind the promises of "frequent promotional offers" lies in reality a tightening of the screws on the part of the Canadian carrier. The new allocation grid will in fact favour full-fare paying passengers.
For example, access to status Super Elite will now cost 37,500 C$ per year (€23,400). Until now, it represented an expense of around 5,000 C$ (€3,120) under the old distance-based system.
A flight from Montreal to Vancouver, which used to earn 4,300 points, will now generate only 200 to 800 points. according to the tariff paid.
Air Canada justifies this change by pointing out that ". the most active members don't just travel: they collect points from our partners and via Aeroplan credit cards ".
The logic is to reward spending capacity rather than geographical loyalty. Business class passengers will therefore receive more points than economy class passengers..
125,000 credits for the Super Elite
Another new feature: the introduction of Qualification credits towards a Status (CQS), which further complicate access to higher status. To achieve Super Elite status, you will now need to accumulate 125,000 CQS. That's 25 % more than today. An equation that would be impossible to achieve without a high level of expenditure on Air Canada. Or with the airline's partners.
This will be done by using an Aeroplan credit card (for Canadian passengers only). As well as flights with Star Alliance partners. Or any other partners in the programme, such as hotels or car rental companies.
For Air Canada, " these changes are designed to better recognise the participation of members who spend more and are more active in the programme ". This commercial optimisation rationale is justified by the cost generated by frequent flyer programmes for airlines.
