Air Canada will be the first North American airline to offer expecting or new moms or dads who take parental leave from work the opportunity to postpone their elite status with the airline's Altitude program. The Altitude Status Extension will begin in the 2017 elite benefit year and allows you to extend your elite benefits for a minimum of 12 months, although it's not clear whether parents will retain elite benefits during their leave. This program is available to parents who have adopted or taken in a foster child as well.
In order to qualify for the Altitude Status Extension, the new parent must send an email to altitude.parents@aircanada.ca along with proof of parental leave from your employer, along with a birth certificate or proof of adoption or fostering. Air Canada's Status Extension follows a new program from Qantas called Parental Pause which allows elite members to earn a Status Hold for up to 18 months.
Any new or expecting parents going to take advantage of the Altitude Status Extension? Let us know in the comments below.
H/T: Don't Call the Airline
