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 Bilt's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 1X | Choose to earn up to 1X points on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee |
| 2X | Earn 2X points + the option to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday purchases |
Pros
- Choice to earn up to 1 Bilt Point per dollar spent on rent and mortgage payments
- Elevated everyday earnings with both Bilt Points and the option to earn Bilt Cash
- $400 Bilt Travel Portal hotel credit per year (up to $200 biannually)
- $200 Bilt Cash annually
- Priority Pass membership
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- Moderate annual fee
- Designed primarily for members seeking a premium, all-in-one card
- Earn points on housing with no transaction fee
- Choose to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday spend. Use Bilt Cash to unlock point earnings on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee, up to 1X.
- 2X points on everyday spend
- $400 Bilt Travel Hotel credit. Applied twice a year, as $200 statement credits, for qualifying Bilt Travel Portal hotel bookings.
- $200 Bilt Cash (awarded annually). At the end of each calendar year, any Bilt Cash balance over $100 will expire.
- Welcome bonus (subject to approval): 50,000 Bilt Points + Gold Status after spending $4,000 on everyday purchases in the first 90 days + $300 of Bilt Cash.
- Priority Pass ($469/year value). See Guide to Benefits.
- Bilt Point redemptions include airlines, hotels, future rent and mortgage payments, Lyft rides, statement credits, student loan balances, a down payment on a home, and more.