Marriott Bonvoy & Air Canada Aeroplan Launch Reciprocal Elite Status Match

Good news for UK travellers and Marriott Bonvoy members: Marriott Bonvoy and Air Canada's Aeroplan programme have announced a new partnership featuring a reciprocal elite status match. This collaboration, launched on 9 October 2024, offers an exciting opportunity for frequent travellers, especially those with Marriott Titanium status.

Key Takeaway for UK Marriott Titanium Members

If you hold Marriott Titanium status, this new partnership presents an effortless way to gain valuable airline status. By simply registering for the programme, you can receive Air Canada Aeroplan 25K status, opening up a range of Star Alliance benefits with minimal effort.

Key Features of the Partnership

1. Reciprocal Status Match:

   • Marriott Bonvoy Titanium and Ambassador Elite members receive complimentary Aeroplan 25K status.

   • Aeroplan 50K, 75K, and Super Elite members are eligible for complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status.

2. Two-Way Points Transfer:

   • Convert Marriott Bonvoy points to Aeroplan points at a 3:1 ratio, with a bonus of 5,000 Aeroplan points when converting 60,000 Bonvoy points.

   • Convert Aeroplan points to Marriott Bonvoy points at a 1:1 ratio (though this is generally not recommended due to the less favourable rate).

Benefits for UK Marriott Titanium Members

By gaining Aeroplan 25K status, UK Marriott Titanium members will enjoy these benefits when flying with Air Canada and other Star Alliance partners:

• Priority airport services (subject to availability)

• Two complimentary checked bags

• eUpgrade credits for more comfortable travel

• Complimentary preferred seats

• Exclusive offers

These perks can significantly enhance your travel experience, especially on long-haul flights between the UK and North America or when connecting to other destinations via Star Alliance partners.

How to Register

For Marriott Bonvoy Titanium and Ambassador Elite members:

1. Visit Marriott's website to register.

2. Sign in with your Marriott Bonvoy account.

3. Connect your account to your Aeroplan account (you may need to create one if you don't have it already).

The status update should be reflected in your accounts within 7-10 business days after successful registration.

Duration of Status Match

The complimentary Aeroplan 25K status is generally valid for a minimum of 12 months. For example, if you register in October 2024, you'll receive Aeroplan 25K status through the end of 2025. After this initial period, you can retain your complimentary status as long as you maintain your Titanium or Ambassador Elite status with Marriott Bonvoy.

Potential for Higher Status

While this partnership provides an easy entry into Aeroplan and Star Alliance benefits, frequent flyers can still achieve higher Aeroplan status levels by meeting Air Canada's standard qualification requirements.

Conclusion

For UK-based Marriott Titanium members, this new partnership offers a valuable opportunity to gain airline status with minimal effort. Whether you're planning trips to Canada or looking to leverage Star Alliance benefits globally, this status match can significantly enhance your travel experience. It's an excellent example of how hotel loyalty can translate into broader travel perks, making your journeys more comfortable and rewarding.

Remember to consider how this fits into your travel patterns, especially if you frequently fly transatlantic routes or connect through Star Alliance hubs. With the right strategy, you can maximise the benefits of both your Marriott Bonvoy and newly acquired Aeroplan statuses.