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.
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