Atmos Rewards Status vs Air Canada Aeroplan
Atmos (oneworld) and Aeroplan (Star Alliance) are the two strongest loyalty programs for travelers who split time between the U.S. West Coast and Canada. From 2026, Aeroplan qualifies status on Status Qualifying Credits (SQC). Here is how they compare.
- Alliance
- oneworld
- Currency
- Status points
- Top tier
- 135,000 SP · Titanium
- Alliance
- Star Alliance
- Currency
- SQC
- Top tier
- 125,000 SQC · Super Elite
Side-by-side
| Attribute | Atmos Rewards | Air Canada Aeroplan |
|---|---|---|
| Currency | Status points | Status Qualifying Credits (SQC) |
| Entry elite | 20,000 SP — Atmos Silver | 25,000 SQC — Aeroplan 25K (or 100,000 EDQ) |
| Mid tiers | 40,000 / 80,000 SP — Gold / Platinum | 35,000 / 50,000 / 75,000 SQC — 35K / 50K / 75K |
| Top tier | 135,000 SP — Atmos Titanium | 125,000 SQC — Super Elite |
| Earning basis (2026) | Status points from flying and cards | SQC from spend-weighted Air Canada fares, cards, partners |
| Alliance | oneworld | Star Alliance |
Which should you choose?
Choose Atmos Rewards if…
- Alaska/Hawaiian and oneworld partners dominate your itineraries
- You prefer Atmos's published distance-friendly status points model
- Hawaii and Pacific oneworld partners matter more than Star Alliance
Choose Air Canada Aeroplan if…
- Air Canada is your primary carrier or you live near a Canadian hub
- Star Alliance partners (United, Lufthansa, ANA, Singapore) fit better
- You want Aeroplan's award sweet spots and stopover-friendly redemptions
Aeroplan's 2026 SQC model
Air Canada moved Aeroplan elite qualification to SQC for activity from January 1, 2026: 25K / 35K / 50K / 75K / Super Elite at 25,000 / 35,000 / 50,000 / 75,000 / 125,000 SQC. Entry 25K can still be reached via Everyday Status Qualification (100,000 EDQ). Atmos remains a four-tier status-points ladder with Titanium at 135,000 SP.
Awards vs status
Many travelers keep Aeroplan for award bookings (stopovers, dynamic sweet spots) while chasing Atmos status for Alaska/Hawaiian and oneworld flying. The programs are complementary more often than mutually exclusive.
Verdict
Pick Atmos when Alaska/Hawaiian and oneworld status are the goal. Pick Aeroplan when Air Canada flying and Star Alliance awards drive your year — or hold both if your geography spans the border.
Frequently asked questions
Is Aeroplan still distance-based for status?
For 2026 onward, Air Canada qualifies Aeroplan Elite Status primarily with SQC based on eligible spend and fare type, not the older SQM/SQS/SQD mix.
Can I credit Alaska flights to Aeroplan?
Alaska is oneworld, not Star Alliance. Credit Alaska/Hawaiian flights to Atmos (or another oneworld program), not Aeroplan.