Air Canada (TSX: AC) announced a major overhaul of its Canadian Aeroplan co-branded credit card portfolio on September 29, 2026, introducing a suite of new travel benefits effective January 12, 2027. The centrepiece is a 15% reduction on Aeroplan points required for Air Canada flight rewards, available as a promotional offer until January 11, 2027 before becoming a permanent standard card benefit. The changes span all Aeroplan credit card tiers and include enhanced airport privileges for prestige cardholders, positioning the program to deepen loyalty engagement across its more than 10 million active members.

Key Points

  • Air Canada (TSX: AC) — Canada's largest airline and operator of the Aeroplan loyalty program
  • Aeroplan credit card portfolio to receive new standard benefits effective January 12, 2027, including a permanent 15% flight reward discount
  • Prestige cardholders gain worldwide Maple Leaf Lounge access for a guest and priority security screening for up to eight travel companions
  • Investors may watch whether enhanced card benefits drive Aeroplan member engagement and partner revenue contributions

Aeroplan's 15% Flight Reward Discount and New AC Wallet Credits

Beginning January 12, 2027, primary Aeroplan credit cardholders will save 15% of the points required when redeeming for Air Canada flight rewards, making each point go further on every booking. Cardholders will also receive Air Canada flight credits deposited twice yearly into their AC Wallet. Prestige cardholders will receive up to $100 annually in two instalments of $50, while primary cardholders will receive up to $50 annually in two instalments of $25. The release states the first credit instalment will be issued on January 15, 2027.

Free Car Rental Day and Hotel Night Become Standard Aeroplan Perks

Aeroplan is converting two previously promotional redemption bonuses into permanent standard card benefits. A fourth hotel night free on eligible points redemptions, formerly offered on a limited-time basis, becomes a standard benefit on January 12, 2027. A fourth car rental day free on eligible Aeroplan points redemptions is also being introduced as a new standard benefit. The release states these additions complement existing benefits such as a first checked bag free and priority boarding, which remain unchanged across eligible Aeroplan credit cards.

Prestige Cardholders Gain Global Lounge Access and Priority Security

Holders of the Aeroplan prestige credit card will see their Maple Leaf Lounge access extended from North America to worldwide locations, covering a travel companion. Prestige cardholders and up to eight persons on the same booking will also receive priority security screening at select airports globally. These enhancements supplement existing prestige privileges including priority check-in, priority baggage handling, a 10% points earning bonus, and up to 25,000 Status Qualification Credits annually, all of which the announcement confirms will continue unchanged.

Aeroplan Recognised Again at 2026 Freddie Awards

Separately, the release highlights that Aeroplan was recognised at the 2026 Freddie Awards for a fourth consecutive year, winning in the Americas region categories of Program of the Year, Best Redemption Ability, and Best Promotion. The Freddie Awards are determined by the votes of more than 10 million frequent travellers globally and are described by the release as the most respected recognition in travel loyalty. The immediate share price impact of the card portfolio announcement was not clear from available public information.