In July 2026, World of Hyatt and Air Canada Aeroplan launched a partnership. The idea is that members of the two loyalty programs can receive reciprocal perks. While some benefits went “live” at launch, we were told that an Air Canada Aeroplan status challenge for World of Hyatt elite members would launch later in the year. The wait is now over, and we have all the details.
Aeroplan status challenge for World of Hyatt elites
World of Hyatt Explorist and Globalist members are now eligible for an elite status challenge with Air Canada Aeroplan. The idea is that members with their accounts linked can register for a challenge, and then have a 90-day period in which to qualify for status, based on how many Status Qualifying Credits (SQCs) they rack up.
World of Hyatt Explorist members are simply eligible for an Aeroplan 25K status challenge, which they can unlock after earning 8,000 SQCs. Meanwhile World of Hyatt Globalist members have a lot more options, and can earn:
- Aeroplan 25K status for earning 8,000 SQCs
- Aeroplan 35K status for earning 12,000 SQCs
- Aeroplan 50K status for earning 17,000 SQCs
- Aeroplan 75K status for earning 25,000 SQCs
Aeroplan members ordinarily earn 2x SQCs per dollar spent on economy standard fares, and 4x SQCs per dollar spent on economy flex fares or higher.
Status earned through this challenge is valid through January 31 of the second calendar year following the one during which you registered for the promotion. So there’s a big incentive to wait until January 2027 to register for this promotion, as your status would then be valid through January 2029 (rather than through January 2028).
For what it’s worth, Aeroplan 50K status is the minimum that earns you Star Alliance Gold, which is the most valuable when it comes to lounge access across Star Alliance carriers.
Is this Aeroplan status challenge worth it?
For context on this status challenge, you essentially have one-quarter of the year to complete roughly one-third of the typical elite requirements to earn status, with no option of earning Super Elite through this status challenge.
If you’re someone who is seriously considering switching business to Air Canada, then this could be a great opportunity, especially since Aeroplan isn’t exactly the most generous program for status matches or challenges. However, if you’re simply looking for an easy pathway to Star Alliance status, the requirements here are still substantial.
The Aeroplan 50K status challenge essentially requires the equivalent of $4,250-8,500 of airfare spending over 90 days, while the Aeroplan 75K status challenge requires the equivalent of $6,250-12,500 of airfare spending over 90 days. That’s quite a bit to spend, unless you have some long haul paid business class travel that you could direct to Air Canada.
If you’re looking for easier opportunity to earn Aeroplan 25K status, keep in mind that Marriott Bonvoy Ambassador and Titanium members can receive a status match to that with no activity requirement.
Bottom line
Air Canada Aeroplan has opened its status challenge for World of Hyatt elite members. World of Hyatt Globalist members can earn up to Aeroplan 75K status with a challenge. If you want to switch business to Air Canada, this could be a good deal. However, the requirements here are steep, so this isn’t something people will just want to casually get engaged in, especially since you don’t receive the status upfront.
Do any OMAAT readers plan on taking advantage of this Aeroplan status challenge?
The fact you don’t receive the status match upfront is kinda lame… and, Explorist to 25K isn’t worth it, especially since the revamped Chase Aeroplan card now includes 25K.