Air Canada's loyalty program, Aeroplan, offers valuable rewards, but like many programs, its points are subject to expiration. Understanding the rules is key to protecting your balance.

Air Canada Aeroplan Standard Expiration Policy

Under the standard Aeroplan terms and conditions, Aeroplan points expire if there has been no qualifying activity on your account for 18 consecutive months. Qualifying activity includes earning, redeeming, donating, or transferring points.

If 18 months pass without any such activity, your entire points balance will expire.

Important Update: Expiration Paused Until November 30, 2025

Air Canada has implemented a temporary pause on the expiration of Aeroplan points. Currently, points will not expire due to inactivity until November 30, 2025. This gives members extra time without needing to worry about maintaining account activity.

However, it's crucial to remember that this is a temporary measure. Starting December 1, 2025, the standard 18-month inactivity rule is expected to resume. Any account that has been inactive for 18 months or more at that point could see its points expire.

How to Keep Your Aeroplan Points Active (After Nov 30, 2025)

Once the pause ends, you'll need to ensure you have at least one qualifying transaction every 18 months. Here are common ways to keep your Aeroplan points from expiring:

  • Earn Points:
    • Fly with Air Canada or its Star Alliance partners.
    • Use an Aeroplan co-branded credit card (like those issued by Chase in the US).
    • Transfer points from partners like American Express Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Capital One Miles, or Bilt Rewards.
    • Earn points through the Aeroplan eStore shopping portal, hotel stays, or car rentals with partners.
  • Redeem Points:
    • Book reward flights with Air Canada or partner airlines.
    • Redeem points for upgrades, hotel stays, car rentals, or merchandise through the Aeroplan portal.
  • Donate Points:
    • Donate points to participating charities through Aeroplan.

A single qualifying activity resets the 18-month expiration clock.

Exceptions to the Aeroplan Mileage Expiration Policy

Aeroplan miles normally expire after 18 months of account inactivity. However, there are exceptions where the expiration policy is waived:

  • Elite Status Members
    • Applies to Aeroplan Elite 25K and above.
  • Aeroplan Credit Cardholders
    • Primary cardmembers of Aeroplan-affiliated credit cards are exempt from mileage expiration.

Eligible Credit Cards

  • Canada
    • TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite
    • TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege Card
    • TD® Aeroplan® Visa Platinum
    • TD® Aeroplan® Visa Business
  • United States
    • Aeroplan® Credit Card

Reinstating Expired Aeroplan Points

If your Aeroplan points have already expired, there are two ways to reinstate them:

  1. Within Six Months of Expiration
    • You can reinstate your full balance at no cost by either:
      • Taking an Air Canada flight, or
      • Opening a new Aeroplan credit card.
  2. After Six Months
    • Points can still be reinstated by paying 1 cent per mile plus a $30 administrative fee.
    • To process reinstatements, contact the Aeroplan Contact Center at 1-800-361-5373.

Air Canada Aeroplan Elite Status

Air Canada’s Aeroplan program rewards frequent flyers with a range of elite status tiers, each offering progressively valuable benefits. Elite status is earned through a combination of flight activity and spending on Air Canada tickets.

How to Qualify for Aeroplan Elite Status

To reach status, members must earn a set number of Status Qualifying Miles (SQMs) or Status Qualifying Segments (SQSs) along with a minimum level of Status Qualifying Dollars (SQDs), which are calculated in Canadian dollars.

  • Aeroplan 25K: 25,000 SQMs or 25 SQSs + 3,000 SQDs
  • Aeroplan 35K: 35,000 SQMs or 35 SQSs + 4,000 SQDs
  • Aeroplan 50K: 50,000 SQMs or 50 SQSs + 6,000 SQDs
  • Aeroplan 75K: 75,000 SQMs or 75 SQSs + 9,000 SQDs
  • Aeroplan Super Elite: 100,000 SQMs or 100 SQSs + 20,000 SQDs

Benefits by Status Tier

Each tier builds on the previous one, adding more privileges for frequent travelers with Air Canada and its Star Alliance partners.

Aeroplan 25K

  • Two free checked bags
  • Complimentary preferred seats at check-in with Standard or Flex fares
  • Priority boarding and standby
  • Two one-time Maple Leaf Lounge guest passes
  • 5 additional eUpgrade credits
  • Avis Preferred Plus status
  • Star Alliance Silver status
  • Bonus Aeroplan points on hotel bookings, car rentals, and eStore purchases

Aeroplan 35K

  • All 25K benefits
  • Three free checked bags
  • Priority security screening and baggage handling
  • 15 eUpgrade credits

Aeroplan 50K

  • All 35K benefits
  • Complimentary seat selection
  • Preferred seats at booking for Canada and U.S. flights (Standard or Flex fares)
  • Full Maple Leaf Lounge access
  • Air Canada Café access
  • Star Alliance Gold status (including lounge access worldwide)
  • One additional Maple Leaf Lounge guest pass
  • 20 eUpgrade credits
  • 5,000 bonus SQMs and 5 bonus SQSs

Aeroplan 75K

  • All 50K benefits
  • Preferred seats at booking for all itineraries
  • 35 eUpgrade credits
  • Ability to gift Aeroplan 35K status to a friend
  • Avis President’s Club status

Aeroplan Super Elite

  • All 75K benefits
  • Complimentary preferred seats on every booking
  • Concierge services
  • Heathrow Arrivals Lounge access (LHR)
  • 50 eUpgrade credits
  • Ability to share eUpgrade benefits with a nominee
  • Ability to gift Aeroplan 50K status to a friend
  • Complimentary changes and cancellations for Aeroplan flight rewards

Official Policy & Updates

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, refer to the official Air Canada Aeroplan resources:

Summary

Aeroplan offers some flexibility with mileage expiration, especially for elite members and credit cardholders. Even if your points expire, you can restore them — either for free within six months by generating qualifying activity, or later by paying a fee. Staying active with a flight, credit card, or partner transaction ensures your Aeroplan balance remains protected.

Disclaimer: Always use credit responsibly. Program terms and conditions, including temporary policies, can change. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Verify details directly with Air Canada.