Changes coming to Air Canada Complimentary Baggage Benefit for Elite Members

Air Canada has shared a change to the complimentary checked baggage benefit for Aeroplan 25K Elite Members, effective February 1, 2026. While higher status tiers remain unaffected, 25K members will see their current benefit reduced and restructured. At the same time, Aeroplan is expanding partner benefits with United Airlines and Lufthansa Group carriers for both 25K and 35K members. Here’s a closer look at what’s changing and how it will work in practice.

Changes to Air Canada Complimentary Baggage Benefit

Until January 31, 2026, Aeroplan 25K members are entitled to two complimentary checked bags on Air Canada flights, regardless of fare type. Beginning February 1, 2026, this allowance will be revised. Instead of automatically receiving two free bags, members will be entitled to one additional complimentary checked bag beyond what their purchased Economy fare includes, up to a maximum of two bags.

In other words, 25K status will still add value, but no longer in the blanket form of two free bags across the board. The new structure ties the benefit more directly to the fare purchased and Aeroplan’s co-branded credit card (if any).

Here’s how it applies across the different scenarios:

• Basic Fare or Aeroplan Standard Reward Tickets
  These fares do not include any checked bags. Under the new policy, a 25K member will be entitled to one free checked bag thanks to their status. If the member also holds an Aeroplan Premium or Core credit card, which provides the first checked bag free, they can combine the two benefits for a total of two complimentary bags.

• Standard Fare (North America and Sun Destinations)
  These Standard fares also do not include a checked bag. With a 25K status, the member gains one complimentary checked bag. If paired with an eligible Aeroplan credit card, the allowance increases to two.

• Standard Fare (International Destinations)
  International Standard fares typically include one checked bag. A 25K member would then receive one more complimentary bag via their status, for a total of two.

• Flex or Comfort Fare
  Both fare types already include one checked bag. A 25K member adds one more through their status, bringing the total to two complimentary bags.

• Latitude Fare
  Latitude fares already include two checked bags. Since the benefit caps at two, a 25K member will not receive any additional allowance here.

Across all cases, the maximum benefit is capped at two free checked bags, with the interaction between fare type, elite status, and eligible credit card determining how a member reaches that number.

For many 25K members, carrying one of these cards will be the difference between checking one or two bags at no cost. The free first checked bag benefit applies to Primary and linked Secondary cardholders of the following Aeroplan credit cards:

• TD^® Aeroplan^® Visa Infinite^* Card
• TD^® Aeroplan^® Visa Infinite Privilege^* Card
• TD^® Aeroplan^® Visa^* Business Card
• American Express^®* Aeroplan^® Card
• American Express^®* Aeroplan^® Reserve Card
• American Express^®* Aeroplan^® Business Reserve Card
• American Express^®* Aeroplan^® Corporate Card
• American Express^®* Aeroplan^® Corporate Reserve Card
• CIBC Aeroplan^® Visa Infinite^* Card
• CIBC Aeroplan^® Visa Infinite Privilege^* Card
• CIBC Aeroplan^® Visa^* Business Card
• CIBC Aeroplan^® Visa^* Business Plus Card
• Chase Aeroplan^® Card

Expanded Partner Benefits with United and Lufthansa Group

The February 2026 changes are not limited to Air Canada flights. Aeroplan has also announced an expansion of baggage benefits with select Star Alliance partners. Aeroplan 25K and 35K members will be entitled to check one additional complimentary bag beyond what is included with their purchased Economy fare when flying with United Airlines or Lufthansa Group carriers. This enhancement applies to flights operated by:

• United Airlines

• Lufthansa

• SWISS

• Austrian Airlines

• Brussels Airlines

This partner benefit also caps at two free checked bags. The only exception is that it does not apply to “Light” fares offered by Lufthansa Group carriers, which remain excluded from free checked baggage.

For members travelling frequently to Europe or within North America on partner airlines, this addition strengthens the overall value proposition of Aeroplan 25K and 35K status.

Final Thoughts

This update aligns Air Canada’s complimentary baggage benefits more closely with fare type and emphasizes the value of Aeroplan credit cards in tandem with elite status. For 25K members, the shift means planning baggage allowances with greater care, particularly on lower Economy fares. Carrying an eligible Aeroplan credit card becomes more important than ever to maximize the two-bag allowance across all fare types.

On the other hand, the extension of baggage benefits to partner flights with United and Lufthansa Group carriers is a positive for both 25K and 35K members. For those flying internationally, this represents a meaningful expansion of travel flexibility and cost savings.

Featured Image Credit: Air Canada