Aeroplan Elite members have a reason to celebrate. Air Canada has changed the expiry date for Aeroplan Elite Status from December 31 to January 31 of the following year, effectively extending status validity from 12 months to 13.
That gives members an extra month of status perks before dropping to a lower tier. And for travellers already earning points and status through flights and Aeroplan credit cards, this is a nice bonus perk that requires no extra work. This is a permanent change and will be automatically applied each year.
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How the new Aeroplan status expiry works
Your qualification period isn't changing. Members still earn Aeroplan Elite Status based on qualifying activity from January 1 through December 31 each year. The difference is that the status you earn now remains valid through January 31 of the following year. For example, if you secured your 2026 Elite Status before the end of 2025, that status remains valid until January 31, 2027. Your Core Benefits are still made available by mid-January. The change matters most if you're moving down to a lower status tier. This is great news for anyone expecting an Elite Status downgrade in 2026, because now your status is extended until the end of January. Your new status will take effect on February 1, 2026, with your new Core Benefits becoming available by mid-February.
What Aeroplan status benefits get extended
Your regular Elite Status and its associated airport benefits continue through the end of January. Depending on your level, Aeroplan Elite Status can include perks such as:
- Priority check-in
- Priority boarding
- Priority security clearance
However, eUpgrade credits, Priority Rewards, Maple Leaf Lounge passes, and Status Passes will still expire on the dates shown in your Aeroplan dashboard.
Aeroplan status levels aren't changing
The Aeroplan rewards program continues to offer 5 Elite Status levels:
- Aeroplan 25K
- Aeroplan 35K
- Aeroplan 50K
- Aeroplan 75K
- Aeroplan Super Elite
Aeroplan uses Status Qualifying Credits (SQC) as the path to Elite Status.
Members can earn SQC through Air Canada and Star Alliance flights, select Aeroplan credit cards, and participating travel and everyday partners.
Best Aeroplan credit cards
You might be surprised to learn that the best credit cards to earn Aeroplan points aren't necessarily Aeroplan-branded. That's because you can transfer American Express Membership Rewards points to Aeroplan 1:1.
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FAQ
How long is Aeroplan Elite Status valid?
Aeroplan Elite Status now remains valid through January 31 of the following year, instead of expiring December 31. That effectively gives eligible members 13 months of status benefits before a lower status level, if applicable, takes effect on February 1.
Does the Aeroplan status qualification period now last 13 months?
No. You still need to earn the required Status Qualifying Credits between January 1 and December 31. The change only extends how long your existing Elite Status remains valid. January activity counts toward the new calendar year, rather than the previous qualification period.
Do I need to register for the Aeroplan status extension?
No. Aeroplan applies the extension automatically, so members don't need to register or activate anything. Air Canada says status expiry dates will be extended by early January each year, while Core Benefits continue to follow their usual availability schedule.
Do my Aeroplan eUpgrades also last until January 31?
No. The status extension does not change the expiry dates of eUpgrade credits, Priority Rewards, Maple Leaf Lounge passes, or Status Passes. Those benefits remain valid only until the individual expiry dates displayed in your Aeroplan account.
What happens if my Aeroplan status is dropping next year?
If you qualify for a lower Elite Status level, you keep your existing status through January 31. Your new status takes effect on February 1, giving you one extra month to use the travel benefits attached to your previous tier.
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