Air Canada has launched Altitude, a revamped programme sitting at the top of its existing Aeroplan scheme and “designed to recognise and reward Air Canada's most frequent flyers”.
The carrier previously split its Aeroplan loyalty scheme into four tiers - Basic, Prestige, Elite, and Super Elite, with the last three being referred to as Top Tier levels.
These have now been reorganised into five Altitude tiers, with qualification starting from 25,000 qualifying miles (or 25 segments flown) for Altitude Prestige 25K, rising to 35,000 or 35 segments for Altitude Elite 35K, 50,000 or 50 segments for Altitude Elite 50K, 75,000 or 75 segments for Altitude Elite 75K, and 100,000 or 100 segments for Altitude Super Elite 100K.
A full list of the benefits available with each tier can be seen here, but examples include:
- priority seat selection and check-in for all Altitude members
- lounge access for Elite 35K members and above
- an increased allowance of three checked bags up to 32kg each for Elite 35K members and above
- 25 per cent Bonus Aeroplan miles for Elite 25K members (rising to 100 per cent for Super Elite 100K members)
- Silver recognition within Star Alliance for Altitude Elite 25K and 35K tiers, and Gold recognition for Altitude Elite 50K, 75K and Super Elite 100K tiers
- Threshold gifts including bonus miles, and hotel and electronics gift certificates for Elite 50K members and above
Air Canada’s vice president, marketing called the changes “the most significant made to the programme since we launched Air Canada Super Elite status over 15 years ago”, and said that the rebranded offering “stands out as one of the leading frequent flyer recognition programmes in the world, re-designed to offer Air Canada customers the privileges that are best aligned with their travel frequency and needs”.
A new dedicated website has been created for Altitude members at altitude.aircanada.com, although elite members can continue to book flight rewards at aeroplan.com.
Report by Mark Caswell
