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.

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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:

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.