Advantage Aviator Red World Elite MasterCard Overview
AAdvantage® The Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard® is a solid choice for American Airlines flyers looking for elitelike benefits and a strong welcome bonus. The modest $99 annual fee is easily offset by perks like the first checked bag free and inflight discounts. Card Rating*: ⭐⭐⭐½
*Card ratings are based on the opinion of TPG’s editors and are not influenced by the card issuer.
The AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard has many benefits for travelers. Approved applicants typically have a credit score of at least 670.
For a bit of backstory, American Airlines is unusual in that it is one of the only airlines to have credit cards issued by two different banks: Barclays and Citi. That means issuers will have to compete against each other for a share of the entry-level credit card market. This competition is great for consumers as it often translates into higher sign-up bonuses and more attractive benefits.
Here’s what sets the $99-per-year AAdvantage Aviator Red apart from the pack.
Information for the AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard has been independently collected by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
AAAdvantage Aviator Red Pros and Cons
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AAAdvantage Aviator Red welcome offer
AAdvantage Aviator Red offers 60,000 bonus miles to new cardholders, with a unique spending requirement. As long as you pay the $99 annual fee and make one purchase (even as small as a pack of chewing gum) within the first 90 days of account opening, you’ll earn 60,000 bonus miles. As of TPG’s July 2024 Valuation, bonus miles cost $930.
New cardholders will also receive 0% introductory APR for 15 months on balance transfers within 45 days of account opening. After that, a variable APR between 21.24% and 29.99% will apply.
This is an easy and extraordinary way to earn 60,000 bonus miles. When I was approved for the card, I could earn the same number of bonus miles and a companion certificate, which was useful for frequent AA flyers. Unfortunately, that offer isn’t for a while, but later, you’ll see how you can still get a companion certificate.
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AAAdvantage Aviator Red benefits
AAdvantage Aviator Red has a small list of benefits that can still provide decent value when you fly American:
- Anniversary Companion Certificate – Each year, you can earn a Companion Certificate ($99 rental plus taxes and fees) after you spend at least $20,000 on your card and keep it open for 45 days after your cardmember anniversary.
- Inflight Wi-Fi Credits – You’ll get up to $25 in annual statement credits for inflight Wi-Fi purchases.
- Inflight Savings – You can get 25% discount on inflight food and beverage purchases as statement credit.
- First checked bag free – You and up to four companions traveling on the same reservation get your first checked bag free on American Airlines travel.
- Preferred Boarding – You and up to four traveling companions on the same reservation will be given preferred boarding on flights operated by American Airlines.
- Travel Security – you will receive Travel accident insurance, an auto rental collision damage waiver, baggage delay insurance and trip cancellation and interruption coverage.
Earn miles on AAAdvantage Aviator Red
The card earns 2 miles per dollar spent on American Airlines purchases, which is pretty standard among cobranded airline credit cards. Unfortunately, it doesn’t offer bonus-earning opportunities in other categories. So most of the time, A transferable points card offers better returns.
AAdvantage Aviator Red offers access to more ways to earn bonus miles beyond the cost of American Airlines. By taking advantage of offers through SimplyMiles™, cardholders can accumulate additional AAdvantage miles on top of the 2 miles per dollar they already earn.
Related: Best Credit Cards for American Airlines Flyers
Redeeming miles on AAdvantage Aviator Red
AAdvantage miles can be redeemed for flights on American Airlines, Oneworld airlines and partner airlines. Advantage Program. Flights within the US and to select international regions are subject to dynamic pricing when flying on flights operated by American Airlines.
On the other hand, if you want to redeem miles transatlantic, avoid British Airways because of their high fuel surcharges, especially in premium cabins. Miles can also be used to upgrade to a higher cabin of service on AA-operated flights.
I use my AAdvantage miles exclusively for partner redemptions and have booked premium cabin space on Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, JAL, Qantas and Royal Jordanian over the years. My favorite redemptions include being able to book Qatar Qsuite or Etihad business-class and first-class.
Related: Maximum Redemption with American Airlines AAdvantage
Which cards compete with AAdvantage Aviator Red?
AAdvantage Aviator Red is one of the few cobranded cards that lets you earn AAdvantage miles. There are other options, especially for those who already have this card or those looking for one Diversify their points and miles.
- If you choose City: The Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® is very similar and earns 2 miles per dollar spent on eligible American Airlines purchases and at restaurants and gas stations. The card also offers a $125 flight discount certificate after you spend $20,000 during your membership year. To learn more, read our full review of the Citi/AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard.
- eyeIf you want more American Airlines benefits: This Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® (see rates and fees) is a great card for true AA loyalists and offers full Admirals Club membership (which covers the annual fee alone when you take full advantage of it), Global Entry/TSA PreCheck application fee credit (up to $100 ) and up to 20,000 bonus loyalty points a year. Despite its $595 annual fee, the card offers several benefits that offset such a high price. To learn more, read our full review of the Citi/AAdvantage Executive.
- If you choose transfer points: This Citi Strata Premier℠ Card* (see rates and fees) is a great choice for those looking to earn points that transfer to various airline partners. The card earns 3 points per dollar spent on airfare, hotels, gas stations, electric vehicle charging stations, supermarkets and restaurants (including takeout). You can transfer your points to 19 partners for maximum value. With a low annual fee of $95, this is a great travel card for beginners or advanced points and miles enthusiasts. To learn more, read our full review of the City Strata Premier.
Information for the Citi/AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard has been independently collected by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
*You can earn 75,000 bonus points by applying directly through Citi.com instead of the 70,000 points available through TPG’s affiliate link. We are committed to making the most bonuses available to our readers.
For additional options, check out our picks for the best airline cards.
Is the AAdvantage Aviator Red worth it?
Whether you’re a loyal American Airlines customer or just an award traveler looking to diversify your points and miles portfolio, AAdvantage Aviator Red has something for you. This card offers some great benefits when you fly American, including: Preferred boarding and your first checked bag free. If you already own another AA cobranded card and are looking to increase your miles, applying for this card is a great way to go.
Bottom line
With a low annual fee, the AAdvantage Aviator Red doesn’t have to be your primary spending card to be valuable. For those who fly American frequently, it offers some nice travel perks that will enhance your flight experience.
It’s always advisable to keep a points and miles balance with multiple loyalty programs to take advantage of deals and discounts when they come, no matter the airline. That said, AAdvantage Aviator Red offers an easy way to rack up some miles without spending thousands of dollars upfront.
related to: City/Advantage Platinum Select vs.Advantage Aviator Red