Complimentary first-class upgrades have become rare enough that they're no longer a reliable perk, so frequent flyers are increasingly judging elite programs on what they actually deliver. One writer at The Points Guy, who holds top-tier status with all three big US carriers — including invite-only United Global Services — makes a surprising case: Air Canada's Aeroplan Super Elite status may be the best elite tier in North America.

The standout benefit is Priority Rewards. Super Elites can use these certificates for 50% off a one-way or round-trip flight in any cabin up to and including business class, including on Air Canada's long list of partner airlines. Given the cost of international business-class award tickets, a single redemption can save 100,000 Aeroplan points or more. Rewards can even be used to book flights for non-family members, as long as you pay with your own points.

Lounge access is another clear win. Delta Diamond, United 1K and American Executive Platinum members get no complimentary lounge access from status alone. Super Elites, by contrast, can bring immediate family plus an extra guest into any Maple Leaf Lounge, use partner lounges from the likes of Emirates and Virgin Australia, and even access an arrivals lounge at London Heathrow. Signature Suite lounges remain off-limits, but the overall package is far more generous.

Then there's the Air Canada Concierge Service — a personalized support line with real power to solve problems. Members report that concierges can rebook them onto other airlines during disruptions, and in major airports the support is local, not a distant call center. Comparable US carrier perks have quietly been scaled back in recent years, which makes this stand out even more.

For US-based travelers, earning Super Elite is the tricky part. Cabotage rules mean Air Canada can't carry you on purely domestic routes, even via a Canadian connection. But if you fly internationally — particularly in premium cabins — Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver are viable gateways to Europe and Asia, even from places like Ohio or Indiana. The Chase Aeroplan credit card helps too: it grants 5,000 Status Qualifying Credits per year plus entry-level 25K status, with up to 20,000 more credits available through spending — roughly 20% of the Super Elite requirement from the card alone.

Why it matters: if you're a frequent international traveler choosing where to direct your loyalty, the math is changing. Three or four business-class trips to Europe can put Super Elite within reach, and the perks — half-price premium cabin redemptions, lounge access for the whole family, proactive concierge help — arguably outclass what American, Delta and United give their top flyers today.

The Points Guy