Air Canada to Extend Elite Altitude Status Through 2021

Signature Class on an Air Canada Dreamliner

Air Canada announced it plans to extend the current elite status of members of its MileagePlus frequent-flyer program through the end of next year, citing the severe decline in travel amidst the current coronavirus pandemic.

The move follows similar announcements from Delta Air Lines and United Airlines over the weekend.

In addition to maintaining status through December 31, 2021, members who have already meet the program requirements for next year or who do so before the end of 2020 will be able to gift status to a friend or family member.

It is also pausing the expiration of Aeroplan miles until May 20, 2020.

Finally, the airline will give members one Altitude Qualifying Mile for every five Aeroplan miles donated to a charity that is engaged in fighting the novel coronavirus, with a limit of 25,000 AQMs.

“Loyalty is a two-way street,” said the airline’s vice president of loyalty, Mark Nasr, in explaining the move, adding that airline employes are “looking forward to welcoming all customers back in the skies when the time is right.”

(Photo: Accura Media Group)