As seen on the FlyerTalk forums, Air Canada Aeroplan is changing benefits for those in the Aeroplan 35K and Aeroplan 50K tiers, ranging from Priority Rewards to lounge access.
Aeroplan 35K Lose Maple Leaf Lounge Access, While Aeroplan 50K Gains New Lounge Access
The biggest changes are coming for those at the second lowest level of the loyalty program, Aeroplan 35K. As of June 1, 2023, those the tier will lose complimentary access to Air Canada’s Maple Leaf Lounges. Instead, they will get two Maple Leaf Lounge one-time guest passes after earning the status. Those flying on a Business Class fare or hold an eligible Aeroplan credit card will still get access to the lounges.
In exchange, new benefits will come online on January 1, 2023. those at the mid-level status will be able to select more eUpgrade credits as a select benefit, increasing from 10 to 15. In addition, any Priority Rewards earned in 2023 can be used to include flight reward redemptions to all North America and Sun destinations in either economy or Premium Economy. Finally, Aeroplan 35K elites will also receive priority baggage handling.
Higher elites in the Aeroplan 50K, Aeroplan 75K, or Super Elite Status tiers and one guest immediately gain access to Virgin Australia lounges. To enter, flyers must be departing an airport with a lounge aboard a Virgin Australia or Air Canada flight.
Those who want to receive elite status rollover benefits from a credit card have a very limited time to be approved in order to keep that benefit. Current status members who don’t currently hold a Aeroplan Amex Reserve card or Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege card must apply and be approved no later than December 15, 2022 to get the rollover Status Qualifying Miles and eUpgrade credits applied to cardholder status.
Air Canada Shifts Marks Latest Changes to Loyalty Programs
The move marks the latest change in what has already been a busy airline loyalty season. Earlier in October 2022, British Airways announced they would revert to pre-pandemic requirements for elite status qualification in 2023.
Share your thoughts about the changes on the FlyerTalk Air Canada forum
Source: frugal travel guy