Hyatt Members Can Now Fast-Track to Aeroplan Elite Status

If you've been waiting for the Aeroplan and World of Hyatt status match to go live, your patience has paid off. The challenge is officially open, and it gives Hyatt elites a running start toward Air Canada's loyalty program. The catch? You've got 90 days to hit a spending-based target, and the earning rates aren't exactly generous. Let's break down what you're signing up for.

Two Hyatt Tiers, One Starting Line

Here's something that might surprise you: Explorist and Globalist members both begin at the same entry point. Hit 8,000 SQC in 90 days and you'll land Aeroplan 25K status either way. From there, the ladder climbs to 35K at 12,000 SQC, 50K at 17,000 SQC, and up to 75K if you can reach 25,000 SQC.

That structure means Explorist members get a genuinely useful on-ramp, while Globalists may find the lower rungs less compelling. If you're already flying Air Canada with any regularity, though, the top tiers are where the real value sits.

The SQC Math Is the Whole Ballgame

Status Qualifying Credits aren't miles—they're tied to how much you spend and what fare class you book. The earning rates are where this challenge gets interesting, and not always in a good way.

Economy Flex or higher earns 4 SQC per dollar. Economy Standard earns just 2 SQC per dollar. And Air Canada Vacations packages earn a single SQC per dollar. That last one stings—you'd need to spend $8,000 on a vacation package just to reach the 25K threshold.

• Economy Flex or higher: 4 SQC per $1
• Economy Standard: 2 SQC per $1
• Air Canada Vacations packages: 1 SQC per $1

What It Actually Takes to Hit Each Tier

Run the numbers before you enroll. At the 4 SQC rate, 25K status requires $2,000 in eligible spending. At the 2 SQC rate, that doubles to $4,000. For 50K status, you're looking at $4,250 on Flex fares or $8,500 on Standard.

The 75K target is the steepest: 25,000 SQC means $6,250 in spending on Flex-or-higher fares. That's a lot of flying in three months, so be honest with yourself about your travel calendar before committing.

Timing and Fine Print Worth Knowing

You can only take the challenge once per year, so don't burn your attempt casually. The 90-day clock starts when you enroll, not when you book your first flight—so if you have a big trip already planned, line up your enrollment to capture it.

Also keep in mind that SQC is earned on eligible Air Canada and partner flights, and fare class matters enormously. A cheap Standard ticket is half as efficient as a Flex ticket for this purpose. If you're close to a threshold, upgrading your fare bucket could be cheaper than adding another round trip.

Bottom Line

• Both Explorist and Globalist members start at the same 8,000 SQC threshold for 25K status.
• Fare class drives your earning rate—Flex or higher earns double the SQC of Standard.
• You get one challenge attempt per year, so time your enrollment around planned travel.
• Run the spend math first; 75K status could require over $6,000 in eligible fares within 90 days.

Common Questions