AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite is offering 70,000 points after spending $1 in 3 months with a $99 annual fee.. That's up 10,000 points over their standard offer of 60,000 after spending $1 in 3 months.
American Airlines AAvantage Aviator Credit Card Review
Key Takeaways
This card is ideal for casual American Airlines flyers, offering a generous 60,000-mile sign-up bonus with minimal effort. You can earn this welcome offer by making just one purchase and paying the $99 annual fee within your first 90 days. This provides an excellent foundation of points to begin your travel rewards journey.
The card's most valuable ongoing benefit is the free first checked bag for you and up to four companions. At $80 per person round-trip, this perk can offset the annual fee with just one flight if you're traveling with others. The card includes several other worthwhile benefits, though one advertised perk offers less value than it initially appears.
Why This Card Could Be Right For You
The quick 60,000-mile sign-up bonus is remarkably easy to earn — simply make one purchase of any amount and pay the $99 annual fee. With redemptions starting at 7,500 miles one-way, this bonus could provide up to four free round-trip flights.
If you regularly check bags when flying American Airlines, especially with companions, the free first checked bag benefit provides substantial value. This perk extends to you and up to four companions on your reservation, saving $80 per person round-trip.
Additional benefits include:
- Preferred boarding for you and up to four companions
- 25% statement credit on in-flight food and beverage purchases
- $25 annual in-flight WiFi credit
One perk that appears attractive but offers questionable value is the companion certificate. Available for $99 plus taxes for one guest after your card anniversary, this benefit requires spending $20,000 on the card to qualify. We recommend focusing on other cards with valuable sign-up bonuses instead of meeting this high spending threshold. While this limitation doesn't detract from the card's overall value, it's not a benefit worth pursuing.
When The Usual Advice Doesn't Apply
This card might not be right for you if:
- You typically fly solo on American Airlines and travel light, reducing the value of the free checked bag benefit
What to Know About American Airlines Miles
American Airlines is a great utility point system.
- Points are relatively easy to collect, though we don’t love the bank partners or transfer options as much.
- We love direct flights, and American can be a good option for finding those with points.
- Rewards flights start at 7500 miles each way.
- You can use AA miles to travel with eligible Oneworld partner airlines worldwide.
How The American Airlines AAvantage Aviator Credit Card Fits In The American Airlines Miles Ecosystem
American Airlines has unique partnerships with both Barclays and Citibank, creating a diverse ecosystem of co-branded credit cards. The AAdvantage Aviator Red stands out as the only remaining Barclays card accepting new applications, while Citibank maintains three personal card options.
If you're considering alternatives, here's how the options compare:
- Citi American Airlines AAdvantage Platinum ($99 annual fee, waived first year)
- Offers 50,000 miles welcome bonus (requires $2,500 spending)
- Earns 2x miles on groceries, restaurants, gas stations, and AA purchases
- Includes free first checked bag and preferred boarding benefits
- Lacks the $25 WiFi credit found on the Aviator Red
For frequent American Airlines travelers, the Citi American Airlines AAdvantage Executive might be worth considering despite its $595 annual fee. This premium option includes Admirals Club membership for you plus immediate family or two guests, along with several statement credits that help offset the substantial annual fee.
At the entry level, Citi offers the American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp card with no annual fee. However, we don't recommend this option because:
- It features a minimal sign-up bonus
- It offers few meaningful ongoing benefits
- Better value can be found with other cards in the ecosystem
The Aviator Red occupies a sweet spot in this lineup, offering an easy-to-earn welcome bonus with a reasonable annual fee and practical benefits for occasional American Airlines travelers.
Card Information
| Bonus Points | Minimum Spend | Point Value | Annual Value | Annual Fee |
1st Year Value
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60,000 | $1 | 1.4 ¢ | $0 | $99 |
$741
|
| Best Value | Differentiating Perks | Rules |
|---|---|---|
| AA Travel | Only 1 purchase needed to receive sign up bonus, checked bag free, preferred boarding | No 5/24 , Barclay 0/6 |
Spend Categories
Airfare - »
2X points
2.8¢ Per Dollar Spent
All Other - »
1X points
1.4¢ Per Dollar Spent
Card Benefits
Travel Credits »
Get up to $25 statement credit annually on in-flight WiFi purchases.
Get up to $25 statement credit annually on in-flight WiFi purchases.
Companion Pass »
Get a $99 companion pass for round trip domestic flight. But you must spend $20,000 to qualify.
Get a $99 companion pass for round trip domestic flight. But you must spend $20,000 to qualify.
Preferred Boarding »
Get priority boarding on American Airlines flights for you and up to 4 travelers listed on the same reservation.
Get priority boarding on American Airlines flights for you and up to 4 travelers listed on the same reservation.
Airline Incidentals »
25% savings on American Airlines inflight food, beverage and Wi-Fi. Plus anniversary credit on WiFi purchases up to $25 annually
25% savings on American Airlines inflight food, beverage and Wi-Fi. Plus anniversary credit on WiFi purchases up to $25 annually
No Foreign Transaction Fees »
You will pay no foreign transaction fees when you use your card for purchases made outside the United States.
You will pay no foreign transaction fees when you use your card for purchases made outside the United States.
Free Checked Bag »
Your first checked bag is free on domestic American Airlines flights for you and up to 4 travel companions on the same reservation.
Your first checked bag is free on domestic American Airlines flights for you and up to 4 travel companions on the same reservation.
Point Transfer Options
Transfer To Spouse/Partner Yes - $$
Transfer To Friends Yes - $$
Travel Partner Transfers
Outside Point System American Airlines Miles
Transfers In From
IHG Rewards
5:1 47% value retained
Marriott Bonvoy
3:1 67% value retained
World of Hyatt
5:2.5 44% value retained
American Airlines AAvantage Aviator Application Rules
Card approval not subject to 5-personal-cards-in-24-months rule
You're more likely to be declined on a Barclay application if you currently have a Barclay card that has not been used in the past 6 months
Ranking of Cards Offering American Airlines Miles
Best for Series
Below is a snapshot of where this card performs best compared to the other cards in our database:
Breaking Points
October 27, 2024
AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite
October 3, 2022
New Sign Up offer with Barclays AAdvantage Card
AAdvantage Aviator World Elite Business Mastercard has a new limited time offer. Earn 80,000 miles after spending $2000 in 3 months, $95 Annual fee.
June 7, 2022
Barclays - American Airlines Aviator Limited Offer
Barclays has a limited time offer on it's Aviator AA Mastercard. Sign up now for 60,000 points earned after making just ONE purchase and paying the $99/annual fee.