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Air Canada now lets you earn elite status without flying

May 06, 2021
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2 min read
Air Canada Boeing 777-300 77W Business Zach Griff - 1
Air Canada now lets you earn elite status without flying
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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.

(Screenshot courtesy of Air Canada)

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.

(Screenshot courtesy of Air Canada)

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.

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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.

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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  • Annual Fee

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  • Recommended Credit

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Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

Pros

  • 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.