What is an Aeroplan eUpgrade?

What is an eUpgrade and where does it sit in Aeroplan?

Air Canada gives eUpgrade its own link in the Aeroplan navigation, separate from the Earn points and Redeem points links [3] [4] [5]. The Aeroplan Status page refers to eUpgrade Add-Ons when explaining how SQC are earned [4].

Air Canada's Redeem points page separates flight rewards from "extras & upgrades" as things members can use points for [5]. Readers comparing related terms can look at a confirmed upgrade and upgrade awards.

For wider programme context, see the Aeroplan programme guide.

How do eUpgrades interact with Aeroplan Elite Status?

Aeroplan Elite Status is earned with Status Qualifying Credits (SQC) collected within a calendar year, and Air Canada describes the status as unlocking core benefits such as extra checked baggage, priority airport services and Star Alliance recognition [4]. Aeroplan 25K requires 25,000 SQC or qualification from Everyday Status Qualification; the tiers then run through 35,000 SQC for 35K, 50,000 SQC for 50K and 75,000 SQC for 75K to Aeroplan Super Elite at 125,000 SQC, with a Milestone benefit unlocked at every 10,000 SQC up to 200,000 SQC and at every 20,000 SQC after that [4].

For travel on or after 1 January 2026, Air Canada says SQC earning with Air Canada is based on the amount spent on eligible flights and the type of fare purchased [4]. The same page states that eUpgrade Add-Ons earn 2 SQC per $1 spent [4].

For tickets issued by other airlines (numbers that do not begin with 014), Air Canada states that flights it operates earn 2 SQC per $1 spent in Economy Class and 4 SQC per $1 spent in Premium Economy and Business Class, while Star Alliance member airline flights earn SQC on a points basis — 5 Aeroplan points earned equals 1 SQC — with SQC from Aeroplan partners capped at 25,000 per calendar year. Flights operated by another airline partner earn no SQC, even when ticketed by Air Canada [4].

On eligible Air Canada flights, Air Canada says SQC are accumulated on the base fare and carrier-imposed surcharges (Y, YQ and YR), excluding applicable taxes, fees and third-party charges [4]. Flights booked in the Economy Basic fare option do not accumulate any SQC [4].

How is an eUpgrade different from a flight reward?

Air Canada's Redeem points page says every seat on every Air Canada flight can be booked as a flight reward with no restrictions, that there are no cash surcharges on flight rewards with Air Canada, and that members can pay with Points + Cash [5]. Points can also be spent outside flights, including on hotel stays, car rentals, Air Canada Vacations packages, activities, merchandise and gift cards [5].

Air Canada lists "extras & upgrades" as a redemption category for Aeroplan points, and names Air Canada Bid Upgrades and in-flight Wi-Fi within it [5]. Air Canada's Redeem points page presents flight rewards and extras & upgrades as separate topics [5].

Exceptions and limits

• Lowest fare family and eUpgrade Add-Ons. Economy Basic bookings do not accumulate any SQC [4]. Separately, eUpgrade Add-Ons earn 2 SQC per $1 spent [4].
• Reward seats earn no status credit. Flights redeemed with Aeroplan points do not accumulate SQC [4].
• Partner earning is capped, and sometimes nil. Star Alliance member airline flights ticketed by another airline earn SQC on a points basis, at 5 Aeroplan points earned to 1 SQC, capped at 25,000 SQC per calendar year, while flights operated by another airline partner earn no SQC even when ticketed by Air Canada [4]. SQC collected through Aeroplan partners is capped at 25,000 SQC per calendar year, and the conversion excludes Aeroplan eStore points, the Chexy Welcome Offer, bonus points and points converted from other programmes [4].
• Account activity still governs the points balance. Aeroplan points expire if an account is inactive for 18 months, and earning or redeeming at least 1 Aeroplan point within that window keeps them alive [3]. Air Canada has paused points expiry until 30 November 2026, after which the normal policy applies and points will expire if an eligible transaction has not been completed before that date [6].
• Second chances on points. Expired points can be reinstated within six months by buying them back for a fee, by flying with Air Canada within that period, or by getting an Aeroplan credit card [3]. Air Canada says points can be prevented from ever expiring for primary TD, American Express and CIBC Aeroplan cardholders and for members holding Aeroplan Elite Status [3].

Frequently asked questions

Do eUpgrade Add-Ons earn Aeroplan Elite Status credit?

Air Canada's Status page states that eUpgrade Add-Ons earn 2 SQC per $1 spent [4].

Can Aeroplan points be used for an upgrade?

Air Canada lists extras and upgrades among the ways to use Aeroplan points, and names Air Canada Bid Upgrades and in-flight Wi-Fi within that category [5].

How is an eUpgrade different from a flight reward?

Air Canada's Redeem points page presents flight rewards and extras & upgrades as separate topics: flight rewards are booked for Air Canada and partner airline flights, while extras & upgrades cover things such as Air Canada Bid Upgrades and in-flight Wi-Fi [5].

Do Aeroplan points expire?

They expire if the account has been inactive for 18 months, although earning or redeeming at least 1 point keeps it active [3]. Expiry is currently paused until 30 November 2026, when the normal policy returns [6].

Related pages

Programme: Aeroplan. Status: Aeroplan Elite Status. Terms: confirmed upgrade, upgrade awards. Index: all glossary terms.

Sources

Sources checked on 18 October 2026.

1. Keeping your points active – Aeroplan, checked 18 October 2026
2. Aeroplan Elite Status – how to qualify and what SQC earn, checked 18 October 2026
3. Redeem points for great rewards – Aeroplan, checked 18 October 2026
4. Aeroplan points expiry paused until 30 November 2026, checked 18 October 2026