Air Canada Aeroplan has made an excellent Status Match Campaign available to U.S. based members of various U.S. frequent flyer programs, all the way up to the Aeroplan Super Elite level.
Members are encouraged to submit their credentials (image of the frequent flyer card or photograph of the online account) via the promotional website – the campaign is only available for a limited number of submissions.
It’s very unique that Air Canada not only offers a status match but that it’s also available for the coveted Super Elite tier for those applicants with American Airlines Concierge Key and Delta 360. United Airlines isn’t being matched as they are a Star Alliance carrier.
You can access the campaign website here (the application will be handled by statusMatch.com).
Here are the steps to follow:
1. Select the airline you currently hold status with:
2. Upload verification of your status (membership card, photograph of online account – no screenshot):
It didn’t take very long following the submission that the status match request came back as approved (~ 25 minutes):
Members will have their status matched through December 31, 2021 during which – in order to retain the tier level through December 31, 2022 – the member must book as well as fly one roundtrip with Air Canada that’s eligible for Aeroplan points collection by January 15, 2022 (meaning award flights won’t count).
Keep in mind that if you fly between January 1-15 you will temporarily lose your status and all associated benefits for several days. It would therefore be advisable to get this round trip in while the status is still active.
The website provided this chart to outline what status will be matched to what level:
The Star Alliance Gold status starts at the 50K Level, the 25k & 35k Level come with Silver status which is rather worthless for international travel (no lounge access, no priority services).
In order to differentiate between the different levels, refer to Air Canada Aeroplan’s website here.
The Aeroplan program bestows a number of different awards and perks on their status members which include lounge passes and upgrade credits as well as the opportunity to gift status to a friend. It’s unclear if the matched members will obtain any or all of these, we have to wait and see.
Although this passage in the FAQ makes hope:
You will not receive a physical card, but a digital card is available in the Air Canada app, and your welcome email will contain instructions for how to select and use your Elite benefits.
It suggests that certain benefits are indeed available for selection following a successful match.
Conclusion
Air Canada opened a tier match campaign that offers status for the remainder of 2021, requiring one AC round trip flight (mileage earning eligible) by January 15, 2022 to extend the tier for another year. I’d suggest to apply fast if you’re interested in this as the campaign could be closed at any time considering the “limited availability” language in the terms.
I have applied with my American Airlines Executive Platinum status and will see if I can manage another trip to North America around the Christmas season this year, making use of the status and extending it.
These are the terms & conditions of the match as per the website:
How much does it cost to apply?
It’s free! As a limited-time, exclusive offer, Destination Canada is sponsoring your Air Canada Status Match.
How long do I get elite status for if approved for a Status Match?
Approved customers will receive the matched status at no cost until 31 December 2021.
How do I keep my new elite tier status for 2022?
To keep your Status beyond December 31, 2021, you must book and fly 1 return trip travelling with Air Canada before midnight on the January 15, 2022. You will then have your status extended until December 31, 2022. If you do not complete the return trip before December 31, 2021, you will lose the Elite status for the period between January 1-15 2022, but your status will be returned as soon as the flight is processed. Please allow for 5 business days post flight for change to be processed.
I am an elite tier holder with an airline that is not listed as an eligible airline, can I match?
At this time, the match is only offered to the listed airline status members.
Can I apply for another Status Match with Air Canada in the future?
If your Status Match is successful, you will not be eligible to apply for a Status Match with Air Canada for at least 2 years.
When does the Air Canada Status Match promotion end?
While the campaign will end on December 31, 2021, there are a limited number of complimentary Air Canada Aeroplan Status Matches available. The campaign may end prior to this date if the complimentary Status Match cap is reached.
I am an elite tier with a hotel program – can I match?
No. This Status Match promotion is only offered to the listed airline status members in the provided table.
I live overseas as a US citizen, can I still apply?
You must currently be a US resident and hold the relevant airline status to be eligible for the match.
I live in Canada as a US citizen, can I still apply?
You must currently be a US resident and hold the relevant airline status to be eligible for the match.
I don’t have status with any of the airlines, can I still apply for Status?
No. This promotion is specifically for customers who currently hold elite tier status with and eligible US-based airline.
Elite status means you currently hold, for example: American Airlines AAdvantage Gold Status.I have status with multiple airlines, which should I use for the Status Match?
The elite status of the highest eligible airline will be matched. Be sure to submit the details of the loyalty program that you hold the highest elite status with, to maximize your benefits with Air Canada.
How long does it take before my new Air Canada Aeroplan Elite status is upgraded?
You will be notified within three days of your Status Match application, after which, it may take up to an additional five business days for your elite status to reflect in your Air Canada Aeroplan account. You can track your Status Match application in real-time online via the Status Match Tracker
When can I start using my Air Canada Aeroplan Elite status?
Successful members will receive a confirmation email within 3 days of the application. The new Tier will be effective within 5 business days thereafter providing the member access to the tier benefits. You will receive an email from Aeroplan when your Elite tier has been upgraded.
You will not receive a physical card, but a digital card is available in the Air Canada app, and your welcome email will contain instructions for how to select and use your Elite benefits. Your day-of-travel Elite benefits are all available by simply showing your boarding pass.
What are the benefits of my Air Canada Aeroplan Elite status?
Visit the Air Canada website for full details on elite benefits.
What happens if my application is not successful?
In the event that your application is not successful, you will be notified via email
