Aeroplan Elite Status: Threshold Rewards

In addition to the Core and Select Benefits for Aeroplan Elite Status holders, Air Canada offers threshold rewards to those with Aeroplan 50K status and above. The rewards take various forms, including eUpgrades, Aeroplan points, and even gift cards. 

This guide looks at Air Canada threshold rewards in detail, including how to earn them, what you stand to gain, and some examples of where they may provide particular value.

What Are Threshold Rewards?

Threshold rewards are additional gifts given to Aeroplan Elite Status holders as they cross various Status Qualifying Miles (SQM) and/or Status Qualifying Segment (SQS) thresholds.

Those with Aeroplan 50K status or above are eligible to earn threshold rewards, so if you haven’t yet reached at least 50K status, you won’t be able to earn these gifts.

Threshold rewards fall into two categories: eUpgrades and gifts.

The SQM/SQS thresholds mostly differ from those used to qualify for Aeroplan Elite Status.

For example, threshold eUpgrades are given as you obtain an additional 20,000 SQM / 20 SQS between 60,000 SQM / 60 SQS and 100,000 SQM / 100 SQS. After that, eUpgrade rewards are given in increments of 40,000 SQM / 40 SQS, up to 700,000 SQM / 700 SQS.

Threshold gifts follow a different structure, which is outlined in detail below.

To see how many SQM/SQS you’ve earned, sign in to your Aeroplan account and click on “My Aeroplan” on the dropdown menu. Under the “Status” tab, you’ll be able to see your current SQM, SQS, and SQD values. 

As a reminder, SQM and SQS can be earned by flying with Air Canada and Star Alliance member airlines. 

If you hold a premium co-branded Aeroplan credit card, any unused SQM/SQS can also be rolled over to the next calendar/benefit year.

For example, if you have an American Express Aeroplan Reserve card, hold 50K status, and finished the year with 70,000 SQM and 70 SQS, then 20,000 SQM and 20 SQS will be carried forward to 2022. This will make requalifying for 50K status and earning threshold rewards easier in 2022.

You can also earn SQM and SQS through credit card spending on eligible Aeroplan co-branded credit cards:

• Holders of premium cards receive 1,000 SQM and 1 SQS for every $5,000 of eligible spending
• Holders of core and small business cards receive 1,000 SQM and 1 SQS for every $10,000 of eligible spending.

You’d have to spend $300,000 on a premium credit card to earn 60,000 SQM…