Air Canada Introduces Revenue-Based Points Earning & Elite Status in 2026

Air Canada has announced some sweeping changes to the way that you’ll earn Aeroplan points on Air Canada flights and how you’ll qualify for Aeroplan Elite status, which are set to take effect as of January 1, 2026.

With this announcement, Air Canada is becoming the latest airline to adopt a revenue-based earning model as it moves away from its current distance- and fare-based model.

In this article, we’ll go over all of the changes that are afoot with the upcoming move to revenue-based points earning and Elite status.

Given the size and scope of this announcement, we’ve also written separate analyses of the changes – including how to maximize the new models – which you can find by clicking on the articles in the boxes below.

Air Canada Introduces Revenue-Based Points Earning in 2026

Let’s begin with the changes to how you earn Aeroplan points when you fly with Air Canada.

Currently, when you fly on a paid ticket with Air Canada, you earn Aeroplan points based on the fare type you purchase and the distance you fly.

Beginning in 2026, when you fly with Air Canada, you’ll earn Aeroplan points based on how much you spend, rather than how far you fly.

Going forward, all Air Canada fare types – including Economy (Basic) fares – will earn 1 Aeroplan point per dollar spent on base fares, carrier-imposed surcharges, and eUpgrade add-on fees.

You won’t earn Aeroplan points on government-imposed and third-party taxes and fees, nor will you earn points on baggage fees or seat selection fees.

If you have Aeroplan Elite status, you’ll earn 2–6 Aeroplan points per dollar spent under the new model, as Air Canada is introducing a new Points Multiplier Core Benefit:

• 25K status = 2x Aeroplan points
• 35K status = 3x Aeroplan points
• 50K status = 4x Aeroplan points
• 75K status = 5x Aeroplan points
• Super Elite status = 6x Aeroplan points

When you fly with Star Alliance-member airlines, the amount of points you earn depends on how you booked your ticket and with which airline you’re flying:

• If you’re on a ticket issued by Air Canada and flying with United Airlines, Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, and Copa Airlines, you’ll earn revenue-based points with Elite multipliers.
• If you’re on a ticket issued…