A LoyaltyLobby reader despatched us a query about Aeroplan elite qualification modifications for 2026, and whether or not it might then make sense to have Marriott stays credited on to Air Canada.
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Reader’s Query:
I believed I’d ship this in as a member query since it could be related for others as properly.
With the brand new Aeroplan SQC guidelines beginning in 2026, I’m questioning if it is sensible to change my Marriott Bonvoy incomes choice to Aeroplan miles. From what I perceive, Marriott stays would earn 2 Aeroplan miles per USD (1 at some manufacturers), and people miles would then convert into SQC on the charge of 1 SQC per 5 Aeroplan miles earned, capped at 25,000 SQC yearly.
For instance, on about $7,000 CAD in Marriott spend, that works out to roughly 10,000 Aeroplan miles and round 2,000 SQC. The one cause I’d contemplate that is for the incremental SQC whereas pushing for Tremendous Elite in 2026 — in any other case I’d simply depart every part as Bonvoy factors.
A few clarifications I hoped you may weigh in on:
I put most of my enterprise spending on the Marriott Bonvoy Amex, so I earn loads of Bonvoy factors that method. My understanding is that bank card factors aren’t impacted by switching lodge earnings to Aeroplan miles — is that right?
I additionally maintain two premium Aeroplan bank cards (Visa and Amex) and can already max out the 25,000 SQC from bank card spend, so I’m coated there. Aspect word: I’m leaning towards dropping the premium Aeroplan Amex as I don’t see a lot incremental worth in it.Do you assume directing Marriott stays to Aeroplan only for the SQC is sensible, or is the contribution too minor to actually transfer the needle on standing?
The reader right here is referring to new methods of incomes Air Canada Aeroplan standing that’s totally primarily based on Standing Qualification Credit (SQCs) subsequent yr:
Air Canada Aeroplan Overhauls Elite Standing & Miles Incomes: Income-Primarily based Mannequin From January 1, 2026
You may earn SQCs in numerous methods, and there may be often a cap, just like the reader factors out, in contrast to with AA, the place you possibly can change into their high tier on Loyalty Factors alone, by no means even stepping inside a aircraft.
You may earn 25K SQCs from cobranded bank card spend and one other 25K SQCs from what Aeroplan calls Journey and On a regular basis Companions, which incorporates Star Alliance companion airways. The SQCs from these companions are primarily based on the miles earned after which divided by 5.
Let’s make a easy calculation right here.
You spend $10K in Marriott spend in a calendar yr at full-service properties that may earn 10 factors per USD or 2 miles per USD.
You’d earn both 100,000 Bonvoy factors, with out contemplating any elite bonus or different promotions, or 20,000 miles.
These miles, if credited to Aeroplan, would additionally change into 4,000 SQCs.
You would additionally convert 60K Bonvoy factors to Aeroplan miles that may change into 25,000 Aeroplan miles with the bonus, however none of those could be SQCs.
Does this make sense?
I believe the reader is right that they should calculate rigorously whether or not this is sensible or not.
It actually can, if it pushes you over a threshold for reaching a standing with Air Canada Aeroplan, but when it doesn’t, you might be mainly handing Air Canada money for nothing.
Whether or not the reader decides to credit score these stays on to Aeroplan, it doesn’t have an effect on the earnings with their cobranded Bonvoy Amex.
Conclusion
I might attempt to discover an alternate method of getting the required SQCs fairly than crediting Marriott stays on to Aeroplan, as I really feel that you’re taking too vital hit on the “worth” this manner, until that is the one method so that you can attain a Tremendous Elite.
It’s considerably disingenuous that the variety of SQS which you could earn from these “on a regular basis” companions and Star Alliance companion airways mixed is capped at a most of 25K SQCs.
Supply
