Air Canada now lets you earn elite status without flying
Major North American frequent flyer programs make it possible to give your elite qualification a boost without additional travel, including American AAdvantage, Delta SkyMiles and United MileagePlus. But earning airline status without any need to step foot on a plane? Among alliance members in North America, that's an Air Canada exclusive.
As a new component of Air Canada's relaunched Aeroplan program, the carrier is adding an option called "Everyday Status," similar to the airline's limited-time offering from 2020. After meeting the requirements, members will earn entry-level Aeroplan 25K status, including priority check-in, security and boarding, two Maple Leaf Lounge passes, eUpgrade credits, Star Alliance Silver benefits and more.
Generally, 25K status requires 25,000 Status Qualifying Miles or 25 Status Qualifying Segments, plus $3,000 (CAD) in Status Qualifying Dollars. With Everyday Status, members will earn 25K after accruing 100,000 Aeroplan points from any eligible transactions, including base and some bonus points earned from travel, credit card spending and other partnerships, like online shopping portals.
While many transactions are eligible, there are a few that won't count. They include credit card welcome bonuses, point transfers from other programs (such as American Express Membership Rewards and Marriott Bonvoy) and point purchases or transfers directly through Aeroplan.
It's also worth noting that members can earn 25K either through Everyday Status or regular accrual. You can't combine 13 segments and $1,500 (CAD) in spending with 50,000 eligible Aeroplan points and walk away with status, unfortunately — it's one or the other (or both, I suppose).
Although Aeroplan's only just beginning to let you track your progress, transactions dating back to Jan. 1, 2021 can help you qualify this year, so you may notice that you've already made some progress once those transactions are added to your account by the end of May.
Air Canada recently rolled out another program that lets you earn elite perks without the usual flying requirements. Status Pass, which is available for Aeroplan 50K, 75K and Super Elite members, lets you share your perks with another flyer, even when you aren't traveling together.
TPG featured card
at Capital One's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 5X miles | Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel |
| 2X miles | Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day |
Pros
- Stellar welcome offer of 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, a $250 Capital One Travel credit to use in your first cardholder year upon account opening.
- You'll earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, which means you won't have to worry about memorizing bonus categories
- Rewards are versatile and can be redeemed for a statement credit or transferred to Capital One’s transfer partners
Cons
- Highest bonus-earning categories only on travel booked via Capital One Travel
- LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening - that’s equal to $1,000 in travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
- Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
- Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
- Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Top rated mobile app