Last edit by: Adam Smith
Here are some common questions and answers.
What are Priority Rewards?
Priority Rewards (sometimes abbreviated as “PRs”) discount the base fare of a flight reward by 50%. (It does not discount taxes, fees, charges and, where applicable, the partner booking fee.)
Who can accumulate Priority Rewards?
Anyone with Aeroplan status.
What do some people refer to Priority Rewards as IKK?
Because of arcane Air Canada history. The new Aeroplan 2020 program was a major revamp to the approach to Priority Rewards.
How do I earn Priority Rewards?
You earn Priority Rewards through accumulating Status Qualifying Dollars (SQD). You will earn a voucher when you cross the 4,000, 7,000, and 10,000 SQD thresholds, and for every 5,000 SQD earned above 10,000 SQD – up to a maximum of 50,000 SQD. (Note: You can also earn Priority Rewards through spending on the US-dollar Chase Aeroplan Card.)
How long are Priority Rewards valid for?
Each Priority Reward you earn will have its own expiry date which will be generally one year from the date you earned the reward.
You must complete a booking by the expiry date. The actual flight dates are somewhat irrelevant as long as it’s a valid booking.
FTers report that a PR appears to expire at 23:59 UTC on your listed expiry day, although some have had difficulty even earlier in the day. Booking a day or two before expiry might be wise.
Do I need one or two Priority Rewards for a return or multi-city trip itinerary?
You need one. Priority Rewards apply to an entire itinerary.
Do I need multiple Priority Rewards for multiple passengers?
Yes, you need one Priority Reward per passenger.
On what flights can I use Priority Rewards?
It depends on your Aeroplan status:
Can I book an itinerary that includes some ineligible segments if I just pay full price for those legs?
No, all legs need to be eligible.
If I achieve a higher Aeroplan status...
What if my status goes down?
Same thing, your PRs stay exactly as they were when you earned them.
If my status has changed and I have different types of PR, can I combine them on one booking as long as they’re eligible?
No. While this might theoretically be feasible, the Aeroplan system is not currently set up to accommodate this. You need to have enough PRs in the same category for all passengers on a booking.
If I cancel my booking, will I get my Priority Reward back?
Yes if that Priority Reward is still valid; no, if that Priority Reward has expired.
If I have applied a Priority Reward to a booking, is there any way to find out its expiry date?
No. You need to track this yourself.
If I cancel my booking, how long will it take to get my Priority Reward back?
It is usually instant.
What happens if I want to make changes to a flight reward with a Priority Reward?
The repricing of the flight should still account for the Priority Reward even if the Priority Reward itself would have expired at the time you make a change (although you should double-check that the 50% discount has correctly been applied). All other change rules/fees apply as normal.
Can I use a Priority Reward to book a flight reward for someone other than myself (or even a family member)?
Yes. You can use PRs for anyone. You do not need to be on the booking.
How do I use a Priority Reward?
Search for a flight reward using the website or app. Look for a “rewards available” or “credits and discounts” overlay at the bottom of the screen and select Priority Rewards.
What are Priority Rewards?
Priority Rewards (sometimes abbreviated as “PRs”) discount the base fare of a flight reward by 50%. (It does not discount taxes, fees, charges and, where applicable, the partner booking fee.)
Who can accumulate Priority Rewards?
Anyone with Aeroplan status.
What do some people refer to Priority Rewards as IKK?
Because of arcane Air Canada history. The new Aeroplan 2020 program was a major revamp to the approach to Priority Rewards.
How do I earn Priority Rewards?
You earn Priority Rewards through accumulating Status Qualifying Dollars (SQD). You will earn a voucher when you cross the 4,000, 7,000, and 10,000 SQD thresholds, and for every 5,000 SQD earned above 10,000 SQD – up to a maximum of 50,000 SQD. (Note: You can also earn Priority Rewards through spending on the US-dollar Chase Aeroplan Card.)
How long are Priority Rewards valid for?
Each Priority Reward you earn will have its own expiry date which will be generally one year from the date you earned the reward.
You must complete a booking by the expiry date. The actual flight dates are somewhat irrelevant as long as it’s a valid booking.
FTers report that a PR appears to expire at 23:59 UTC on your listed expiry day, although some have had difficulty even earlier in the day. Booking a day or two before expiry might be wise.
Do I need one or two Priority Rewards for a return or multi-city trip itinerary?
You need one. Priority Rewards apply to an entire itinerary.
Do I need multiple Priority Rewards for multiple passengers?
Yes, you need one Priority Reward per passenger.
On what flights can I use Priority Rewards?
It depends on your Aeroplan status:
- 25K: economy class bookings within Canada and the US
- 35K* or 50K: economy or premium economy class bookings within North America
- 75K: economy or premium economy class bookings anywhere in the world
- SE: economy, premium economy, or business class bookings anywhere in the world
Can I book an itinerary that includes some ineligible segments if I just pay full price for those legs?
No, all legs need to be eligible.
If I achieve a higher Aeroplan status...
- will my existing Priority Rewards be "upgraded"?
- and qualify for early recognition at the time I also qualify for another PR which type will I receive
What if my status goes down?
Same thing, your PRs stay exactly as they were when you earned them.
If my status has changed and I have different types of PR, can I combine them on one booking as long as they’re eligible?
No. While this might theoretically be feasible, the Aeroplan system is not currently set up to accommodate this. You need to have enough PRs in the same category for all passengers on a booking.
If I cancel my booking, will I get my Priority Reward back?
Yes if that Priority Reward is still valid; no, if that Priority Reward has expired.
If I have applied a Priority Reward to a booking, is there any way to find out its expiry date?
No. You need to track this yourself.
If I cancel my booking, how long will it take to get my Priority Reward back?
It is usually instant.
What happens if I want to make changes to a flight reward with a Priority Reward?
The repricing of the flight should still account for the Priority Reward even if the Priority Reward itself would have expired at the time you make a change (although you should double-check that the 50% discount has correctly been applied). All other change rules/fees apply as normal.
Can I use a Priority Reward to book a flight reward for someone other than myself (or even a family member)?
Yes. You can use PRs for anyone. You do not need to be on the booking.
How do I use a Priority Reward?
Search for a flight reward using the website or app. Look for a “rewards available” or “credits and discounts” overlay at the bottom of the screen and select Priority Rewards.
Priority Rewards (Aeroplan 2.0) - information & experiences
#226
Moderator, Air Canada; FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: YYC
Programs: AC SE MM, FB Plat, WS Plat, BA Silver, DL GM, Marriott Plat, Hilton Gold, Accor Silver
Posts: 16,774
I don't think they're going to back-date this for something that was promo-based. There's nothing clear in the rules one way or the other, but it just doesn't seem like the kind of thing where they'd extend that courtesy. Only way to find out for sure is to write in.
#227
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: YYC
Programs: AC*SE, SPG Plat, National Exec Elite
Posts: 570
Has anybody tried applying a priority reward to an already existing booking? I had to cancel a trip which was booked using priority rewards later in the year and would like to apply one of the rewards to an existing booking to avoid it expiring on Dec 31. I'm concerned that if I cancel and rebook the award space may no longer be available.
#228
Moderator, Air Canada; FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: YYC
Programs: AC SE MM, FB Plat, WS Plat, BA Silver, DL GM, Marriott Plat, Hilton Gold, Accor Silver
Posts: 16,774
#231
Join Date: May 2022
Location: YVR
Programs: AC SE100K, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 272
Feel like I'm telling on myself here, but whatever.
My SQD this year is 6600 at the moment. I'm a 35K (soon to be 50).
I've already "earned" and used 2 priority rewards. And now have another in my account somehow (and I've verified that it is usable...)
Is there an explanation for this? Far as I can tell, I was only ever entitled to 1, not 3.
My SQD this year is 6600 at the moment. I'm a 35K (soon to be 50).
I've already "earned" and used 2 priority rewards. And now have another in my account somehow (and I've verified that it is usable...)
Is there an explanation for this? Far as I can tell, I was only ever entitled to 1, not 3.
#232
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: YVR
Programs: AC E50K :: SPG Platinum :: NEXUS
Posts: 8
Thanks in advance to anyone who can answer this:
Regarding Priority Rewards upon achieving SE100K.
I received a Worldwide Premium Economy Cabin Priority Reward at $15,000 SQD. Upon hitting $20,000 SQD, and simultaneously hitting my SE100K requirement I got another Worldwide Premium Economy Cabin Priority Reward.
My question is:
Will both of these Rewards switch to Business Class Cabin, as stated on Aeroplan's SE100K benefits chart, or do I only receive the Business Class Cabin Priority Rewards at $25,000 SQD, $30,000 SQD, etc?
I only just achieved the status so I'm not sure if the system just takes a few days to update? Most other SE100K benefits reflected instantly as soon as I chose my select benefits except the eUpgrades. Still waiting for those to show up.
Cheers.
Regarding Priority Rewards upon achieving SE100K.
I received a Worldwide Premium Economy Cabin Priority Reward at $15,000 SQD. Upon hitting $20,000 SQD, and simultaneously hitting my SE100K requirement I got another Worldwide Premium Economy Cabin Priority Reward.
My question is:
Will both of these Rewards switch to Business Class Cabin, as stated on Aeroplan's SE100K benefits chart, or do I only receive the Business Class Cabin Priority Rewards at $25,000 SQD, $30,000 SQD, etc?
I only just achieved the status so I'm not sure if the system just takes a few days to update? Most other SE100K benefits reflected instantly as soon as I chose my select benefits except the eUpgrades. Still waiting for those to show up.
Cheers.
#233
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: SFO
Programs: AC SE MM, BA Gold, SQ Silver, Bonvoy Tit LTG, Hyatt Glob, HH Diamond
Posts: 44,331
No, they are worldwide PY PRs. PRs do not change as your status changes.
I think you could make a reasonable argument for switching the 20k PRWWPY with a PRWWJ, but the 15k is going to stay a PRWWPY.
I think you could make a reasonable argument for switching the 20k PRWWPY with a PRWWJ, but the 15k is going to stay a PRWWPY.
#234
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: YVR
Programs: AC E50K :: SPG Platinum :: NEXUS
Posts: 8
Would I make that argument with the Aeroplan contact center? I agree the one given at $20K SQD after having 100+ SQS for months should spit out a PRWWJ reward.
PS - Thanks for the acronym lesson lol
#235
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: SFO
Programs: AC SE MM, BA Gold, SQ Silver, Bonvoy Tit LTG, Hyatt Glob, HH Diamond
Posts: 44,331
I think you'd want to use the contact form (https://accc-prod.microsoftcrmportal...da-contact-us/), and choose the "General Request" and "Aeroplan" option.
#239
Join Date: Sep 2015
Posts: 1,188
So you want to reach the SE SQM before the SE SQD requirement otherwise that $20k PR will be while a E75 and only for PY.
#240
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: YVR
Programs: AC E50K :: SPG Platinum :: NEXUS
Posts: 8
I assumed since $20,000 SQD is the SE100K trigger that the associated PR would be for WW Business Class.
But it appears that one comes at $25K SQD