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Air Canada is rolling out some changes to its Aeroplan frequent flyer program. Thankfully, nothing is overwhelmingly negative — just a few minor tweaks and new partner airline benefits for 25K and 35K members. By extension, this means the cardholder benefits for those with the Chase Air Canada Aeroplan® Credit Card are improving.
Here are the details on the Aeroplan program changes for 2024.
An Overview of the Aeroplan Changes
Aeroplan is changing two things: adding partner benefits for 25K and 35K members and removing a rarely used perk reserved for 75K and Super Elites. Plus, the airline announced that the 2024 Select Benefits are now available. These come after a 2023 announcement of changes for 2024, which included improved Flight Passes, improved seating benefits, and rollover benefits.
Improved benefits for Aeroplan 25K and 35K members
On flights with select partner carriers, Elite 25K and 35K status holders can now enjoy extra benefits, provided your Aeroplan number is attached to your itinerary.
When flying United Airlines, you can use the Premier Access line for expedited airport services and board with Group 2. And on flights with Lufthansa Group carriers, 25K and 35K members can utilize the business priority check-in line.
There's a handful of carriers in the Lufthansa Group, including:
- Air Dolomiti
- Austrian Airlines
- Brussels Airlines
- Discover Airlines
- Lufthansa
- SWISS
As an automatic perk of the Aeroplan Card, cardholders can bank Elite 25K status. Or, if you spend $75,000 on the card in a calendar year, you'll upgrade to Elite 35K.
That's important, as the nifty $195-a-year Aeroplan Card will now offer priority benefits on other international airlines.
- Earn up to 115,000 bonus points
- Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. Plus, 40,000 bonus points after you spend $20,000 in the first 12 months.
- $195 Annual Fee
- Enjoy automatic 25K Aeroplan Status with benefits such as Priority Check-In, Priority Boarding (Zone 2), Additional Baggage Allowance, Star Alliance Recognition and eUpgrade Credits.
- Earn up to 5X total points for each dollar spent on Air Canada. Earn 3X points on travel purchases.
- Earn 2X points for each dollar spent at grocery stores, on dining at restaurants, and at gas stations. Earn 1X point for each dollar spent on all other purchases.
- Up to $100 in Air Canada statement credits (delivered as up to two $50 credits semi-annually).
- Save 15% on eligible Air Canada flight redemptions as a cardmember.
- Member FDIC
- Up to 5x points directly with Air Canada*
- 3x points on travel purchases
- 2x points on dining, including takeout and eligible delivery services
- 2x points at grocery stores
- 2x points at gas stations
- 1x point on all other purchases
Related: Aeroplan Card Review: Quality Perks, Valuable Points, and a Modest Annual Fee
Discontinuation of the Guaranteed Reservations benefit
Through the Guaranteed Reservations benefit, Air Canada guarantees its Elite 75K and Super Elite members an economy seat—even on an overbooked flight. However, in 2024, this benefit is going away. The airline states that, while few elites use this perk, it also unfairly impacts other Air Canada customers.
You can now choose your Select Benefits
Once per year, after earning Aeroplan elite status, you can choose
- Aeroplan 25K — choose two
- 25% bonus Aeroplan points on eligible flights
- 5 eUpgrade credits
- 2 one-time guest passes to Maple Leaf Lounges
- Aeroplan 35K — choose one
- 35% bonus Aeroplan points on eligible flights
- 15 eUpgrade credits
- Aeroplan 50K — choose two
- 50% bonus Aeroplan points on eligible flights
- 20 eUpgrade credits
- 5,000 SQMs and 5 SQSs
- 2 status passes (to treat someone to elite status for a trip)
- Aeroplan 75K — choose two
- 75% bonus Aeroplan points on eligible flights
- 35 eUpgrade credits
- 5,000 SQMs and 5 SQSs
- Aeroplan 35K status for a friend
- 12-month Aeroplan elite Wi-Fi plan
- 3 status passes
- Aeroplan Super Elite — choose two
- 100% bonus Aeroplan points on eligible flights
- 50 eUpgrade credits
- 5,000 SQMs and 5 SQSs
- Aeroplan 50K for a friend
- 12-month Aeroplan elite Wi-Fi plan
- 4 status passes
Final Thoughts
After this announcement, virtually everything in the Aeroplan program will remain the same. Honestly, that's welcome news. The program is making some tweaks here and there, plus giving its Elite 25K and 35K status holders an extra priority benefit. And if anything, Air Canada is making the Aeroplan Card a bit more valuable.
For rates and fees of the cards mentioned in this post, please visit the following links: Chase Air Canada Aeroplan® Credit Card (Rates & Fees)
