Unlock United Club access and more with easy Air Canada status match offer
If you currently hold airline elite status, listen up.
Air Canada has just launched a unique new status match offer for U.S. residents with elite status on eligible major U.S. airlines. If your match is approved, you'll get full Aeroplan elite status through the end of the year, but you can extend the status through the 2022 program year by flying just one round-trip journey.
What makes this promotion stand out from Air Canada's previous status match opportunities is that it's sponsored by Destination Canada, a national tourism organization. The group says that this is the first time a tourism organization has used status-matching to entice visitors to travel to their destination.
“We know that Americans are traveling in their own country at 2019 levels—we will reach these frequent flyers who have adapted to the realities of travel today," Gloria Loree, Senior Vice President, Marketing Strategy & Chief Marketing Officer of Destination Canada, said in a statement. "We believe the benefits of this program provides a great incentive to them to choose Canada for their next trip. We can’t wait to welcome our American friends back and will lean in on our iconic landscapes and equally diverse communities in doing so."
Here's everything you need to know about the offer -- and how it can be leveraged for United Club access.
Air Canada Aeroplan status match offer
Participation in this promotion is surprisingly simple.
All you have to do is create an Air Canada Aeroplan account if you don't already have one and submit proof of existing elite status with a qualifying airline. Most major U.S. carriers are eligible for the match, except for its partner United and the ultra-low-cost carriers like Spirit and Frontier. Also, keep in mind that you must be a U.S. resident in order to be eligible — U.S. citizens living in Canada are not eligible. There is no fee to participate.
Those who are approved for the offer will have their status matched through Dec. 31, 2021. That's regardless of when you register so the sooner you register, the longer you have your status. Also, the terms state there are a limited number of status matches available so it's possible that registration may end prior to that date.
To retain the status through 2022, you must book and fly one paid round-trip with Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge or Air Canada Express by Jan. 15, 2022. Even better, Canada doesn't need to be your final destination — you can fly Air Canada to Europe, for example, and still fulfill the requirements. Just note that if you take your flight between Jan. 1-15, 2022, you will briefly lose your status but will regain it within five business days of meeting the requirements.
Related: Canada reopens to Americans — my experience crossing the border
Eligible airlines you can match your status from include American Airlines, Delta, Alaska, JetBlue, Southwest and Hawaiian. Even better, Air Canada is matching status all the way up to its top-tier, Super Elite. Here’s the breakdown:
| Aeroplan Elite | American AAdvantage | Delta SkyMiles | Alaska Mileage Plan | JetBlue TrueBlue | Southwest Rapid Rewards | Hawaiian |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
25K | Gold | Silver | MVP | Mosaic | A-List | Gold/Platinum |
35K | Platinum | Gold | MVP Gold | - | A-List Preferred | - |
50K | Platinum Pro | Platinum | MVP Gold 75K | - | Companion Pass | - |
75K | Executive Platinum | Diamond | - | - | - | - |
Super Elite | Concierge Key | Delta 360 | - | - | - | - |
The status match is not a once-in-a-lifetime offer, but if your request is approved, you won't be able to apply for another status match for two years.
How to request a status match
To request a status match, simply head to this page, fill out your full name, email address and Aeroplan number.
You'll then be asked which U.S. airline you currently hold status with, your existing status tier and for your membership number.
The final step will be to submit a photo that verifies your elite status. It must show your name, loyalty number and status level. It will then be electronically verified by the company StatusMatch, which is managing the promotion.
Air Canada says that you'll be notified within three days if your status match has been approved, but based on our experiences, you may be approved in a matter of minutes. Once approved, it can take five days for your new status to be reflected on Air Canada's site.
Related: Airline status match opportunities
Benefits of Air Canada elite status
Even if you don't fly Air Canada often, having Aeroplan's elite status can be incredibly valuable for U.S.-based travelers.
For starters, 25K and 35K elites get Star Alliance Silver status while all other elite levels get Star Alliance Gold status. While Silver status doesn't get you much when flying on partners, Star Alliance Gold status grants you priority boarding and an extra baggage allowance on all Star Alliance flights, as well as access to Star Alliance business class lounges regardless of your class of service. This even includes United Club access when flying on Star Alliance domestically.
Of course, the benefits are even better when flying Air Canada.
Entry-level 25K elites get perks like priority check-in, security and boarding, two Maple Leaf Lounge one-time passes and 20 eUpgrade credits. Meanwhile, higher-tier elites can access to even more benefits, including the ability to gift elite status to others and share "status passes." Top-tier Super Elites even get access to exclusive airport concierge agents who can help personalize your travel experience and make it as seamless as possible.
All elites can also unlock significant discounts on award redemption through the Priority Rewards program. Keep in mind, you can top off your Aeroplan mileage balance by transferring points from American Express Membership Rewards (1:1 ratio), Chase Ultimate Rewards (1:1), Capital One miles (2:1.5) or Marriott Bonvoy (3:1).
Related: The best ways to maximize Air Canada’s Aeroplan program
Bottom line
Air Canada is offering a generous status match opportunity, up to its highest tier of status.
There's no fee to participate and you only need to fly one roundtrip with Air Canada to keep your status through 2022. Just be sure to register right away as there are a limited number of status matches available and your trial status will be valid through Dec. 31, 2021, regardless of when you sign up. Although this promotion is intended to spur travel to Canada, it doesn't need to be your final destination in order to meet the offer's requirements and there are some very real perks you can put to use even when flying United here within the U.S.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | 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. |
| 4X | 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. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
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.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | 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. |
| 4X | 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. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
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.