How to Earn eUpgrades and Make Every Air Canada Flight More Luxurious

eUpgrades can elevate your flying experience with Air Canada, as they allow you to upgrade from Economy to Premium Economy or Business Class. Apart from seasoned travelers, members of Aeroplan Elite Status can also reap the benefits of these upgrades alongside newcomers. But how can you actually earn them? That’s what we’ll be covering here.

If you read this guide till the end, you will learn how to earn eUpgrade credits, appreciate the benefits of Elite Status, and maximize the usage of your upgrades. So, considering all of this, let’s dive into this discussion. Shall we?

What Are eUpgrades?

Aeroplan members can make use of Air Canada’s upgrades as their credits that allow requests for seat upgrades on eligible flights. Upgrades can be reached by 25K, 35K, 50K, 75K, and Super Elite tier members of Aeroplan Elite Status. The number of eUpgrade credits required to be used depends on various factors, such as the route, fare class, and cabin.

Ways to Get eUpgrade Credits

1.    Join as an Aeroplan Elite Member

In order to get eUpgrades, you must first become an Aeroplan Elite Status. You can get this status through earning Status Qualifying Miles (SQM) or Status Qualifying Segments (SQS) via Air Canada-operated flights or with partner airlines. Here’s how Elite Status tiers break down:

• 25K: 25,000 SQM OR 25 SQS
• 35K: 35,000 SQM OR 35 SQS
• 50K: 50,000 SQM OR 50 SQS
• 75K: 75,000 SQM OR 75 SQS
• Super Elite: 100,000 SQM OR 100 SQS

Achieving this status will automatically reward you with 20 eUpgrade credits as part of your core benefits every year.

2.    Choose Additional eUpgrade Credits as Select Benefits

When you renew your elite status or qualify at a higher level, you can choose additional eUpgrade credits as part of your Select Benefits. The number of select benefits varies by status level.

• 25K: +5 credits
• 35K: +10 credits
• 50K: +20 credits
• 75K: +35 credits
• Super Elite: +50 credits

For instance, a Super Elite member may accumulate a total of 70 eUpgrade credits every year. (20 Core + 50 Select).

3.    Threshold eUpgrades: Earning Made Easier by Flying More

Those who meet the requirements for elite status but are frequent flyers can earn additional eUpgrade credits through threshold rewards. The system grant these rewards upon achieving certain SQM or SQS thresholds

• 60,000 SQM (or 60 SQS): +10 credits
• 80,000 SQM (or 80 SQS): +15 credits
• 100,000 SQM (or 100 SQS): +20 credits
• Every additional 40,000 SQM: +15 credits

If you travel a lot, this is a fantastic way to acquire extra credits.

4.    Purchase or Use a Flight Pass

Flight passes are another excellent direct source of earning eUpgrades. Eligible flight passes come loaded with additional credits:

• Buy a flight pass with credits of 6, 8, 10, 16, or 20.
• Use 10+ flight credits with a business or large corporations flight pass.
• Hold an unlimited flight pass to earn monthly credits during the qualifying travel period.

These flight passes are great for business customers or anyone traveling often within the continent.

5.    Earn Your Elite Status Through Everyday Qualification

Occassional travelers can also accur Elite Status and eupgrades through everyday Status Qualification. You automatically earn 25K status and its core benefits, including eUpgrades, after you collect 100,000 Aeroplan points in a calendar year, which can be accumulated via credit card usage, shopping at the Aeroplan eStore, or flying.

6.    Charge Aeroplan Premium Credit Cards

The system also grants occasional instant Elite Status and eUpgrade benefits with certain premium credit cards such as the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card or American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card. For example:

• The Chase Aeroplan Card comes with 25K instant status and 20 eUpgrade credit.
• The Infinite Privilege Card includes additional perks such as priority boarding and complimentary checked luggage.

These cards are ideal for gaining eUpgrades without fully qualifying for extensive flying hours.

How to Utilize eUpgrades

1.    Flight Call Sign, Eligible Flights, and Fare Classes

eUpgrades are only applicable to Air Canada-operated flights (no codeshares) and must be linked to an Aeroplan account. The class of fare booked dictates the eUpgrade eligibility:

• Latitude Fares: Immediate upgrades at the time of booking.
• Flex Fares: In advance, occasionally.
• Standard Fares: Closer to the departure date, sometimes.

2.    eUpgrade Clearance Window

The intervals for eUpgrade requests depend on your Elite Status Level:

• Super Elite: 14 days before departure.
• 75K: 7 days prior to departure.
• 50K: 5 days before departure.
• 35K: 3 days prior to departure.
• 25K: 1 day before departure.

Higher-status members enjoy additional perks, including priority access to upgrade space.

3.    Companion Upgrades

Elite members can share eUpgrades with two travel companions booked under the same reservation. Super Elite members are also able to designate an eUpgrade nominee who can use the Super Elite upgrade flights even when not traveling together.

Tips for Maximizing eUpgrades

1.    Book Early

Upgrade space is limited. Therefore, book your flights as soon as possible.

2.    Look for Higher Fare Classes

Latitude and Flex fed are much adable by upgrade.

3.    Check Expiry Dates

eUpgrade credits are valid for 12 months (24 months for premium credit card holders).

4.    Use Threshold Reward

Fly more to earn extra credits.

5.    Leverage Your Credit Card

Premium Aeroplan credit cards speed up earning elite status and eUpgrade.

Conclusion

The process of earning and using eUpgrades is a delightful experience for travelers looking to travel with Air Canada. With Elite Status, Flight Passes, leveraging premium credit cards, and constantly monitoring expiry dates and companion upgrades, travelers can maximize the available eUpgrade credits and enjoy Premium Economy or Business Class. Proper planning is key to getting the most out of useful perks like these.

Frequently Ask Questions

1. When do upgrades expire?

eUpgrade credits are valid for 12 months from their issue date.  Premium credit card holders have an extended validity of 24 months.

2. Are eUpgrades Accepted on Partner Airlines?

No! eUpgrades are not accepted on partner airlines; they are only valid on Air Canada’s operated flights.

3. What’s the minimum required number of eUpgrade credits needed to be used at once?

The amount needed changes depending on the route and the cabin. For example, on North American flights, it usually ranges between20 and 30 credits for Business Class and Economy.

4. Upgrades at the last minute: are they possible or not?

Yes! As long as there is eUpgrade space available, last-minute Upgrades are possible on the day of departure.