I notice that AAdvantage credit card promisses 1st bag free.

We are booking a flight with miles from AAdvantage credit card (Mother-in-laws, she can't use the miles) Will we get the first bag free if the reservation is booked with her card? Or is it only for the card owner?

We are going for a ski trip and need to bring heavy gear (ski boots, clothing, helmets) so we are looking to minimize the costs.

I probably won't bring skiis, I suspect it will be cheaper to rent demo skis in Vail. Can't even imagine how much bringing skiis will cost.