You can earn Air Canada elite status from your couch — here's how
Editor's note: This post has been updated with new information about the Air Canada Aeroplan buy-miles promotion launching May 7.
In light of the coronavirus outbreak and the associated drop in demand for travel, we've seen airlines make unprecedented moves. Aside from parking their fleets and cut their route network, all major U.S. carriers have made significant updates to their loyalty programs.
For one, American, Delta and United have all extended elite status through Jan. 31, 2022. But that's not all. Many carriers have introduced interesting and creative offers to get customers to engage with the programs — and spend on their cobranded credit cards.
Related: Complete guide to airline elite status during the coronavirus outbreak
But it's our neighbor up north that's been leading the trend in terms of devising these innovative offers. It all started on April 6, when Air Canada announced sweeping elite status extensions. As part of the offer, Air Canada elites who requalify for elite status in 2020 can share elite status with a friend or family member for free — one of the more unique aspects of these announcements.
The carrier also announced another creative — and generous — promotion for all Aeroplan members. The promotion is broken down by whether you're a current elite member, so let's start by assuming you're not.
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Earn Air Canada Altitude Prestige 25K without flying
If you're currently just a casual flyer or member of Aeroplan, chances are you're not an elite member with the airline. Well, for the first time ever, you can now earn entry-level Altitude Prestige 25K status without doing any flying.
Between April 20 and May 31, all you need to do is earn 50,000 Aeroplan miles from almost any source, and you'll be granted the status for the duration of 2021. This includes miles earned from points transfers from Amex Membership Rewards, Capital One Miles and Marriott Bonvoy, those earned from cobranded credit card spend and sign-up bonuses, and miles earned from the Aeroplan online shopping portal (the Aeroplan eStore).
Note that Aeroplan is offering an incredible sale on purchased miles from May 7 at 10 a.m. Eastern Time through May 13 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. As part of this offer, you have the opportunity to acquire miles at the lowest-ever cost of 1 cent each, but note that only 50% of the Aeroplan Miles you purchase (including any bonus miles earned) will count towards this promotion.
Related: Air Canada will sell Aeroplan miles for just 1 cent apiece
What's Air Canada Altitude Prestige 25K status worth?
In my mind, this is an incredibly generous offer to drive engagement with the program while travelers are stuck at home. Unfortunately, however, the Altitude Prestige 25K status isn't particularly rewarding, especially if you're based in the U.S. and fly with the airline's Star Alliance partner, United.
When flying Air Canada, you get priority reservation support (which I'd love after spending over three hours on the phone with the airline), priority seat selection, priority airport services, two free checked bags, two Maple Leaf Lounge one-time passes, 20 eUpgrade credits and more. Additionally, this status tier confers Star Alliance Silver status, which can be enjoyed when flying on any Star Alliance carrier, including United.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B9FMV7qlBGm/
As mentioned, however, Star Alliance Silver status isn't too rewarding, though it offers priority airport standby and reservations waitlist.
The one real benefit that may be worthwhile for U.S.-based members is the carrier surcharge waiver on award tickets for flights operated by Air Canada for domestic Canadian and transborder flights. If you frequently redeem your Aeroplan miles for such flights, the savings could add up.
Related: Ultimate guide to taxes and fees on Aeroplan award tickets
On this sample one-way flight from Toronto to Fort Lauderdale, you'd save the 34.50 Canadian dollar ($24.43) surcharge.
Even though this isn't the most lucrative promotion, I'm a big fan of the creativity here. If you occasionally fly with Air Canada, this is definitely a worthwhile offer to consider. Perhaps you'd clear some upgrades on domestic Canadian and transborder flights, and the airport priority and free bags can add up.
How to maximize the Air Canada elite status promotion
If you're based in the U.S. and don't really fly with Air Canada, then you may think to skip this offer. However, think twice because there's a really interesting way to maximize it.
If you're making a points transfer anyway (or want to top off your account), then you might as well do it during the promotional window to earn the Altitude Prestige 25K status. For 55,000 Aeroplan miles, you have a one-way business-class award to Europe, as well as Altitude Prestige 25K status.
Plus, if you purchase miles during the carrier's best sale ever, you can get halfway to Altitude 25K status.
And even if you never fly with Air Canada, you can use this status to enroll in a match or challenge with another airline — once you're able to start traveling again.
For example, you could match Prestige 25K to Alaska's MVP status — which would be valid for three months and could be extended by flying 5,000 miles. This Air Canada tier also maps to Delta Silver Medallion status, so this could be a nice shortcut to status for anyone based in a Delta hub.
Related: How to redeem miles with the Delta SkyMiles program
By matching the Air Canada status to other U.S.-based airlines, you can actually get status that's more valuable, plus a business-class ticket to Europe all with just 55,000 miles!
Earn higher Air Canada Altitude status without flying
This promotion only gets more interesting. If you're a current Air Canada elite, Aeroplan has an offer to boost your status.
There are five different thresholds to pass, each with a different bonus. Every Aeroplan mile earned during the promotional period (April 20 to May 31) counts, except for those purchased directly from Aeroplan (in which case only 50% of those miles qualify). And the promo is cumulative, so if you earn 250,000 Aeroplan miles, you get all the gifts outlined above.
Frankly, if you're an Air Canada elite seeking higher status, this is an awesome promo. I'd definitely consider earning at least 250,000 Aeroplan miles since the Elite 75K status level is quite rewarding. It's Air Canada's second-highest elite tier, and includes many more benefits than the lower levels. Plus, it includes Star Alliance Gold status, which affords you access to United Clubs whenever you fly, regardless of destination.
Note, however, that you can't double dip by becoming an Altitude Prestige 25K in the aforementioned offer, and then partake in this status boost offer.
Bottom line
Though flyers around the world are grounded, Air Canada is out with an interesting — and potentially lucrative — offer to engage its loyalty members. If you're not currently an Air Canada elite, you can earn Altitude Prestige 25K status — which includes Star Alliance Silver — simply from a mileage transfer. And if you're already an Air Canada elite, you can boost your status by earning Aeroplan miles.
Even if you don't engage much with the Aeroplan program, hopefully we'll see other airlines match and introduce similar offers from their loyalty programs.
All photos by the author.
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.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.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.