If you’re in the market for a travel rewards credit card, you may have come across the AAdvantage Aviator Credit Card. As someone who has had the chance to explore various options over time, I’ve taken a close look at what this card offers. American Airlines, known for its frequent flyer program AAdvantage, has partnered with Barclaycard to offer this card. It promises a blend of benefits, particularly for those who are loyal to American Airlines, but does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive into the details of the AAdvantage Aviator Credit Card and assess whether it’s the right choice for you.
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What Is the AAdvantage Aviator Credit Card?
The AAdvantage Aviator Credit Card is a co-branded credit card that provides travel benefits primarily for American Airlines flyers. Whether you are a frequent traveler or someone who flies once in a while, this card promises perks that can make your journey more rewarding. The most attractive feature for many is its ability to earn AAdvantage miles, which can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, and other travel-related benefits.
There are two variants of the card: the standard AAdvantage Aviator Mastercard and the AAdvantage Aviator Red Mastercard. Both cards are designed to provide rewards, but the Red version typically comes with slightly higher earning rates.
How Does the AAdvantage Aviator Card Work?
The AAdvantage Aviator Credit Card is built around the AAdvantage frequent flyer program, which allows cardholders to earn miles for purchases. These miles accumulate over time, and they can be used for a wide range of benefits, such as booking flights, upgrading to premium cabins, and accessing exclusive lounge areas. In terms of day-to-day usage, the card offers miles for every dollar spent, with bonus miles for specific categories like American Airlines purchases.
Cardholders can earn miles in the following ways:
- General Spending: Earn 1 mile for every dollar spent on most purchases.
- American Airlines Purchases: Earn 2 miles per dollar spent on American Airlines flights, car rentals, and hotel bookings made through American Airlines.
- Bonus Miles for Sign-Up: New cardholders can earn a significant bonus of miles after meeting a minimum spend requirement within the first few months.
While the exact bonuses and terms may vary from year to year, these are typical benefits associated with the card.
Key Benefits of the AAdvantage Aviator Credit Card
Several benefits make the AAdvantage Aviator Credit Card an attractive option for American Airlines travelers. Here’s a breakdown of the key benefits:
1. Sign-Up Bonus
For new cardholders, one of the most appealing features is the sign-up bonus. After meeting a specified spending requirement within the first few months, you can earn a substantial number of AAdvantage miles. This bonus is enough for a one-way ticket to many domestic destinations or an upgrade to the next class.
2. Earn Miles on American Airlines Purchases
With this card, you can earn extra miles when you book flights, hotels, and rental cars through American Airlines. This is a huge plus if you frequently fly with them. For example, if you book a $500 flight with American Airlines, you could earn up to 1,000 miles from that purchase alone.
3. Priority Boarding and First Checked Bag Free
One of the perks I value the most is the ability to board the plane early. Priority boarding means I can settle into my seat before the rest of the passengers board. If you’re traveling with a checked bag, you can also check your first bag for free, which saves you money on every trip.
4. Companion Certificate
Each year upon renewal, cardholders receive a companion certificate that allows them to bring a companion with them for just the cost of taxes and fees. This is one of the most rewarding benefits for frequent travelers, especially when traveling internationally, where flight costs can be high.
5. No Foreign Transaction Fees
If you travel abroad, this benefit is essential. You can use your card without worrying about foreign transaction fees, which typically range from 1% to 3% on other cards.
Comparing the AAdvantage Aviator Credit Card with Other Travel Cards
To determine whether the AAdvantage Aviator Credit Card is the best fit for you, let’s compare it with a few other popular travel rewards cards.
| Feature | AAdvantage Aviator | Chase Sapphire Preferred | Capital One Venture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sign-Up Bonus | 50,000 miles | 60,000 points | 75,000 miles |
| Earning Rate on General Spending | 1 mile per dollar | 2 points per dollar | 2 miles per dollar |
| Earning Rate on Travel Purchases | 2 miles per dollar | 2 points per dollar | 2 miles per dollar |
| Annual Fee | $95 | $95 | $95 |
| Free Checked Bags | 1 per passenger | None | None |
| Lounge Access | None | 1,000 points towards Priority Pass | None |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | None | None | None |
As you can see from the table, the AAdvantage Aviator offers a sign-up bonus that is generous but doesn’t quite match up to the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Capital One Venture cards. However, the AAdvantage Aviator shines when it comes to American Airlines purchases, free checked bags, and priority boarding. If you’re loyal to American Airlines, this is where it stands out.
Earning and Redeeming AAdvantage Miles
One of the most critical aspects of the AAdvantage Aviator Credit Card is how you earn and redeem miles. For example, you can redeem AAdvantage miles for:
- Flights: Redeem miles for award tickets on American Airlines or its partners. A domestic round-trip ticket can cost anywhere from 12,000 to 25,000 miles, depending on the route.
- Upgrades: If you’re a frequent flyer, you may be able to use your miles for flight upgrades, particularly for international travel.
- Hotel Stays and Car Rentals: You can also use miles for booking hotels and car rentals, but it’s not always the best value compared to flights.
Example of How to Earn and Redeem Miles
Let’s say you make a $1,000 purchase on your card and spend it on American Airlines flights, earning 2 miles per dollar. That would give you 2,000 miles. If you then use those miles for a domestic flight, say from New York to Miami, you could book a one-way ticket for as little as 12,000 miles, depending on availability.
It’s essential to keep in mind that the value of AAdvantage miles fluctuates based on factors such as the time of year and the demand for flights. In general, I’ve found that the best value is often found when redeeming miles for long-haul international flights, especially in business class.
The Pros and Cons of the AAdvantage Aviator Credit Card
Pros
- Significant Miles Earning Potential: With the ability to earn extra miles on American Airlines purchases, this card is ideal for those who frequently fly with American Airlines.
- Free Checked Bags: This perk alone can save you quite a bit of money if you’re someone who checks luggage regularly.
- Companion Certificate: The annual companion certificate is a fantastic benefit, especially for those who often travel with a partner or family member.
Cons
- High Interest Rates: Like most travel rewards cards, the AAdvantage Aviator comes with high interest rates, so carrying a balance could be costly.
- Limited Lounge Access: Unlike some other premium travel cards, the AAdvantage Aviator doesn’t offer lounge access unless you hold elite status with American Airlines.
Is the AAdvantage Aviator Credit Card Right for You?
After assessing the various features and benefits, I’d say the AAdvantage Aviator Credit Card is best suited for frequent American Airlines travelers. If you’re someone who regularly flies with American Airlines and takes advantage of the airline’s partner network, the benefits will likely outweigh the costs.
For occasional travelers or those who don’t fly with American Airlines, other general travel cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Capital One Venture might offer better rewards and flexibility.
Ultimately, the AAdvantage Aviator Credit Card offers a solid set of features for those who prioritize American Airlines flights and want to maximize their AAdvantage miles. Whether it’s the free checked bags, priority boarding, or the companion certificate, the card provides ample value for the right traveler.
Before applying, be sure to evaluate your travel habits and how often you’ll be using the card. If you’re someone who books flights with American Airlines regularly, the AAdvantage Aviator could be a great addition to your wallet.
