Air Canada today announced changes to its Aeroplan program for 2023.
The changes mainly affect Aeroplan 35K benefits that will see complimentary access to Maple Leaf Lounges discontinued. Aeroplan 50K and higher tier members can now access Virgin Australia lounges when flying on Virgin Australia or Air Canada.
You can access Air Canada’s page for Aeroplan changes here.
Aeroplan 35K Benefits Change:
As of June 1, 2023, Aeroplan 35K members will no longer have unlimited access to our Maple Leaf Lounges as part of their Aeroplan 35K benefits. Please note this change will not affect the two (2) Maple Leaf Lounge guest passes that also come with this status
Starting January 1, 2023, we will be adding the following benefits for Aeroplan 35K members:
Priority baggage handling: Baggage for the member and travel companions will be tagged to be among the first on the carousel when you arrive at your destination when travelling with Air Canada
Additional eUpgrade credits: We’re increasing the number of eUpgrade credits Aeroplan 35K members can choose as a Select Benefit – from 10 to 15
Priority Rewards to include all North America and Sun Destinations: Any Priority Rewards earned as an Aeroplan 35K member next year will be expanded to include bookings to all North America and Sun destinations, including Premium Economy, where offered (identical to what Aeroplan 50K’s receive)
Virgin Australia Lounge Access:
The Virgin Australia lounge access was already rolled out last month (read more here) but is now communicated on the benefits page.
2022 Program Year Reminders:
Updates on 2022 promotion fulfillment timings
A reminder that with our limited time offer to maintain current Elite Status by earning 30,000 points through spending on an Aeroplan credit card, to allow up to 8 weeks after reaching the eligible earn for the Aeroplan Elite Status extension to be processed
With our Doubling of every Priority Reward earned between July 1st and December 31st, 202, these bonus Priority Rewards deposits will commence in November
Elite Status Rollover Benefits: A reminder for Aeroplan premium credit cardholders (Aeroplan Amex Reserve or Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege) that roll-over of eligible Status Qualifying Miles and eUpgrade credits to 2023 will be automatic and will post to accounts by the second week of February. To be eligible for the 2023 rollover benefits, Status members who are not already cardholders must apply and be approved for a new Aeroplan premium credit card no later than December 15, 2022
Using up Elite Status Benefits Before Year-end: A reminder to review and use benefits, such as Priority Rewards or Status Passes, that may be expiring by the end of this year. Members who haven’t already completed their selection of 2022 Select Benefits may continue to do so until December 30, 2022. Members who requalify for Status will receive an invitation to choose 2023 Select Benefits by the end of January
Conclusion
No significant changes, although losing the Maple Leaf Lounge access on June 1, 2023, at 35K level is an unfortunate development, but likely inevitable when the travel has rebounded, and lounges sometimes become uncomfortably packed.
The Virgin Australia lounge access is a nice perk, and I visited their Brisbane lounge when flying from Cairns to Melbourne in September.
