ALL ABOUT ALTITUDE

Air Canada Altitude is designed to enhance the travel experiences of our most frequent flyers. Open to world travellers, businesspeople, adventurers, dreamers, doers and curious people like you, Altitude is your ticket to an ever-growing world of experiences.

How to qualify for Air Canada Altitude status in 2018

Reach Air Canada Altitude status based on the number of Altitude Qualifying Miles (AQM) or Altitude Qualifying Segments (AQS) and Altitude Qualifying Dollars (AQD) earned on eligible flights operated by Air Canada and the Star Alliance member airlines between January 1 and December 31, 2017.

Earning AQM, AQS & AQD

For every eligible flight operated by Air Canada and the Star Alliance member airlines, you'll earn AQM and AQS that will help you reach a higher Altitude status. Of course, the AQM you earn are also Aeroplan Miles, which can be redeemed for a range of Aeroplan Rewards. To learn more about the number of AQM and AQS you'll earn when flying, visit aeroplan.com.

You'll earn AQD for the base fare and carrier-imposed surcharges on eligible flights operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Express and Air Canada Rouge as well as on eligible flights operated by Star Alliance member airlines ticketed on Air Canada ticket stock (ticket numbers beginning with '014'). You will also earn AQD for eligible Flight Pass purchases and eUpgrade Add-ons, based on the monetary value of the purchase. To learn more about AQD.

Altitude Status Extension for Parental Leave

Introducing a unique privilege for new parents.

We understand that life brings changes, and as a result, your travel patterns change too. That’s why we’re pleased to introduce a unique privilege for new parents: Altitude Status Extension for Parental Leave.

If you are expecting a baby or welcoming a new child into your family and plan on taking a parental leave, you can request an Altitude Status Extension in order to continue enjoying the privileges of your Altitude status for a minimum of 12 months when you return to flying more frequently. Air Canada is proud to be the first airline in North America to offer this privilege, which will take effect with the 2017 Air Canada Altitude benefit year.

To request your Altitude Status Extension, please send an email to altitude.parents@aircanada.ca and include a copy of proof of parental leave from your employer as well as a copy of the certificate of childbirth, adoption or fostering.

Terms & Conditions

Air Canada Altitude members who are on an extended leave of absence from work in order to spend time caring for/preparing for a child to join their family (including adoption and fostering) will be eligible for an Altitude Status Extension. In order to qualify for an Altitude Status Extension, eligible members will need to provide documentation proving their maternity or paternity leave, along with certification of childbirth, adoption or fostering. Following review, documentation provided will be destroyed. Upon commencing more frequent travel following their leave, the Altitude Status Extension will enable the member to enjoy the same status held prior to going on leave for a minimum 12 months. Note that Altitude members who hold Altitude status that was granted as a special offer or as part of the “Altitude status for a friend” Select Privilege are not eligible for Altitude Status Extension. Altitude Status Extension is a discretionary benefit, and Air Canada reserves the right to decline an application for, or to change the offer of, an Altitude Status Extension at any time, at its own discretion.

Early Recognition

Sometimes you arrive sooner than expected.

Qualification Requirement to Reach Altitude Status in 2018

See the chart below for the number of AQM or AQS required to reach Altitude status. Remember, you will also need to meet the AQD requirement as outlined below in order to reach Altitude status.

* Altitude Qualifying Dollars (AQD) represent the monetary value associated to an eligible ticket and, combined with the number of AQM or AQS you fly, will determine your Altitude status. You'll earn AQD for the base fare and carrier-imposed surcharges (Y,YQ and YR) on eligible flights flown operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Express and Air Canada Rouge and on flights operated by Star Alliance member airlines ticketed on Air Canada ticket stock, as well as for eligible Flight Pass purchases and eUpgrade Add-ons. To learn more about AQD.

For non-Canadian residents, the Altitude Qualifying Dollars (AQD) will be 50% lower than the published amounts found in the chart above. Proof of address may be requested in order to apply non-Canadian resident AQD requirements.

Altitude Privileges

As an Altitude member, you'll enjoy exclusive privileges and offers from Air Canada and its partners, including:

Priority reservation and airport services
Complimentary access to the Maple Leaf Lounge
Upgrades to Business Class
Complimentary checked baggage allowance
Star Alliance recognition with over 25 Star Alliance member airlines worldwide
Select Privileges to further personalize your Altitude status
Exclusive Altitude Partner Offers
And much more

See the full list of Privileges available for each Altitude status

... And that's not all!

With Altitude Threshold Rewards, Altitude members earn additional eUpgrade Credits at certain AQM or AQS levels. Additionally, reach certain AQM or AQS thresholds, and you'll be able to choose from a selection of Threshold Gifts, including:

Gift Certificates
Bonus Aeroplan Miles
Stays at exclusive hotel properties
Complimentary Flight Passes
And much more

Altitude Partner Offers

Altitude members enjoy exclusive partner offers – so exclusive, we can't tell you any more than that. With partners including those listed, you could be on your way to more discounts, more bonus miles and even more recognition.

Partners: AVIS, Fairmount Hotels and Resorts