Air Canada to Revamp Aeroplan Program with New Points Earning System in 2026.

Air Canada is changing how Aeroplan members earn points, shifting from a distance-based model to one that rewards dollars spent. Starting January 1, 2026, members will earn 1 point per Canadian dollar spent on base fares and Air Canada-imposed surcharges. Elite status members will earn significantly more points per dollar, with frequent flyers benefiting the most. The new system aims to better reward travelers who spend more, through flights, partnerships, or credit card use.

Air Canada has announced significant changes to its Aeroplan points system, effective January 1, 2026. The new system shifts from a distance-based model to rewarding dollars spent, aiming to better incentivize frequent travelers and high spenders. This change is set to impact all Aeroplan members, with elite status members benefiting the most.

Starting in 2026, Aeroplan members will earn 1 point per Canadian dollar spent on base fares and Air Canada-imposed surcharges, excluding applicable taxes, fees, and third-party charges. This includes flights operated by Air Canada and select partner airlines such as Copa Airlines, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Lufthansa, SWISS, and United Airlines [1].

Elite status members will enjoy an Elite Points Multiplier, with the multiplier ranging from 2X to 6X points per dollar spent, depending on their status at the time of travel. For instance, an Aeroplan 50K member will earn 3X points per dollar spent, while an Aeroplan Super Elite member will earn 6X points per dollar spent [1].

The new system also introduces a tiered points structure based on the operating carrier of the flight and the airline who issued the ticket. For flights operated by Air Canada, regardless of the airline issuing the ticket, members will earn points based on the dollars spent. For flights operated by partner airlines ticketed by Air Canada, points will be calculated similarly. However, for flights operated by partner airlines ticketed by other airlines, points will continue to be based on the distance flown [1].

Air Canada has also confirmed that bonus point promotions will still be offered, with promotions becoming visible during flight searches. The points earned will be deposited into members' accounts after the completion of each flight, with multiple flight segments on a single ticket being proportionally calculated [1].

The new system aims to reward travelers who spend more on flights, partnerships, or credit card use, potentially increasing the value of Aeroplan membership for frequent flyers and high spenders. However, the new system may also impact the points accumulation for travelers who frequently fly with partner airlines or those who purchase their tickets in currencies other than Canadian dollars [1].

References:

[1] Air Canada. (n.d.). Aeroplan Points Changes. Retrieved from https://www.aircanada.com/ca/en/aco/home/aeroplan/acearn.html