Air Canada's New Basic Premium Fares Still Earn Aeroplan Status (Basic Economy Does Not)

"Basic" usually signals stripped down, so a Basic premium fare can look risky. For your Aeroplan account, it is not the same as Basic economy. Air Canada added two new fares on July 28, 2026, Premium Economy Basic and Business Class Basic, and on both of them earning is unchanged from a standard premium ticket.

Here is the part worth knowing. Every cash fare now earns 1 Aeroplan point per dollar, Economy Basic included, so the points you bank are the same across the board. The real split is status. The premium Basic fares still earn 4 Status Qualifying Credits per dollar toward Aeroplan Elite Status, while Economy Basic earns none. So a Basic premium fare keeps building your status, and Basic economy does not.

These fares only appear on some routes: the Caribbean, Mexico, Latin America, South America, and transatlantic joint venture markets. They are not offered on domestic Canadian, US transborder, or transpacific flights.

According to Air Canada's announcement, the trade offs come from booking a cheaper premium seat. eUpgrades are not permitted on either fare. The ticket is non-refundable, changes cost a fee, advance seat selection is paid, and you get one checked bag instead of two. Premium Economy Basic has no lounge access, while Business Class Basic keeps the Maple Leaf Lounge but not the Signature Suite. The seat, the meal, and priority boarding stay.

One thing that trips people up: because the rate is a flat 4 credits per dollar, a cheaper premium fare simply earns fewer total status credits. That is the lower price, not a lower rate. Compare the restrictions before you book the lowest priced premium fare.