What To Know
- Maintaining Air Canada elite status requires a strategic approach and a commitment to flying with Air Canada and its partners.
- By following the tips outlined in this guide, you can enjoy the exclusive benefits of elite status and elevate your travel experience to new heights.
- Can I use my Air Canada elite status on other Star Alliance airlines.
Maintaining elite status with an airline provides a plethora of benefits that can elevate your travel experience. Air Canada’s loyalty program, Aeroplan, offers a range of elite tiers, each with its own set of exclusive perks. If you’re aiming to retain your Air Canada status, this comprehensive guide will provide you with the strategies and insights you need to succeed.
Understanding Elite Status Tiers
Air Canada’s Aeroplan program features four elite tiers:
- Altitude
- Altitude Elite
- Altitude Elite 50K
- Altitude Elite 75K
Each tier offers different benefits, such as priority boarding, lounge access, bonus points, and complimentary upgrades. To qualify for a higher tier, you must meet specific requirements for flight segments or Status Qualifying Miles (SQMs).
Flight Segments vs. Status Qualifying Miles
Air Canada elite status can be earned through two methods: flight segments or Status Qualifying Miles (SQMs).
- Flight Segments: The number of flights you take on Air Canada or its partner airlines.
- Status Qualifying Miles (SQMs): A measure of the distance flown on eligible Air Canada flights.
Earning Status Qualifying Miles (SQMs)
The following activities contribute to your SQM balance:
- Air Canada flights
- Partner airline flights
- Air Canada Vacations packages
- Air Canada credit card spending
Keeping Your Elite Status
Once you’ve achieved elite status, you must maintain it by meeting the following requirements within the calendar year:
- Altitude: No minimum requirement
- Altitude Elite: 25 flight segments or 25,000 SQMs
- Altitude Elite 50K: 50 flight segments or 50,000 SQMs
- Altitude Elite 75K: 75 flight segments or 75,000 SQMs
Strategies for Maintaining Elite Status
- Fly Frequently: The most straightforward way to earn SQMs is to fly often with Air Canada or its partners.
- Maximize Mileage-Earning Opportunities: Take advantage of Air Canada Vacations packages, use Air Canada credit cards, and transfer points from other loyalty programs to boost your SQM balance.
- Consider Status Match Challenges: Some airlines offer status match challenges that allow you to match your elite status from another airline.
- Use Status Extensions: Air Canada occasionally offers status extensions to members who are close to meeting the requirements.
- Leverage Co-Branded Credit Cards: Air Canada credit cards provide additional opportunities to earn SQMs through spending.
Benefits of Maintaining Elite Status
Retaining Air Canada elite status comes with numerous advantages:
- Priority boarding
- Lounge access
- Bonus points
- Complimentary upgrades
- Dedicated customer service
- Exclusive promotions
Alternative Methods to Enjoy Elite-Like Benefits
If maintaining elite status is not feasible, consider these alternative methods to access some of the perks:
- Air Canada Premium Economy: Offers enhanced comfort and amenities without the full cost of Business Class.
- Star Alliance Gold: Provides access to certain elite benefits when flying with other Star Alliance member airlines.
- Airport Lounge Memberships: Purchase lounge access passes to enjoy a comfortable and convenient airport experience.
In a nutshell: The Sky’s the Limit
Maintaining Air Canada elite status requires a strategic approach and a commitment to flying with Air Canada and its partners. By following the tips outlined in this guide, you can enjoy the exclusive benefits of elite status and elevate your travel experience to new heights. Remember, the sky’s the limit when it comes to keeping your Air Canada status alive.
Common Questions and Answers
Q: How do I check my current Air Canada elite status?
A: You can check your status by logging into your Aeroplan account online or through the Air Canada mobile app.
Q: Can I earn SQMs on partner airlines?
A: Yes, you can earn SQMs on flights operated by Air Canada’s partner airlines. However, the number of SQMs you earn may vary depending on the partner airline and fare class.
Q: What happens if I don’t meet the requirements to maintain my elite status?
A: If you fail to meet the requirements, you will be downgraded to the next lower tier or to Altitude (if you were Altitude Elite).
Q: Can I use my Air Canada elite status on other Star Alliance airlines?
A: Yes, Altitude Elite 50K and Altitude Elite 75K members have Star Alliance Gold status, which provides access to certain elite benefits on other Star Alliance member airlines.
Q: What are the benefits of the Air Canada credit card?
A: Air Canada credit cards offer a range of benefits, including bonus SQMs, priority boarding, and lounge access.
