Originally Posted by
SingaporeDon
Only disadvantage I see is 18-month validity - haven't investigated easy way to extend. and inability to get gold status if I dont fly Air Canada which iI am unlikely to. ( may be experts can correct me if I am wrong on this
The 18-month thing is only for inactivity - if you're always crediting something to Aeroplan before the 18-month period ends, then your points are kept alive indefinitely.
For any status you will need qualifying miles (most flights with *A partners will count, but check the Aeroplan site for the specific partner and fare you're using) and qualifying dollars (need either AC metal or 014 AC ticket that earns SQM).