Last edit by: VFR
AA Credit Card Domestic Baggage Benefit
All Citi AAdvantage and Barclaycard Aviator cards
All Citi AAdvantage and Barclaycard Aviator cards
Summary
If you have an American Airlines co-branded credit card (including the ones they currently advertise in the airport and onboard the aircraft) you will receive a waiver of your first checked bag fee on domestic (US and Canada) flights for a standard size/weight bag. The following general conditions apply:- Your flight must be marketed and operated by American Airlines.
- The primary cardholder must be a passenger on the reservation, and the primary cardholder's AAdvantage number must be in the reservation at least seven days prior to flight.
- If the account is closed, the benefit will no longer apply.
Which Credit Cards Does This Work For?
The following US credit cards include a waiver of the first bag fee:- Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select card (+ 4 companions on the same reservation)
- Citi / AAdvantage Executive card (+ 8 companions on the same reservation)
- CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard (+ 4 companions on the same reservation)
- Aviator Red MasterCard (+ 4 companions on the same reservation)
- Aviator Silver MasterCard (+ 8 companions on the same reservation)
- Aviator Business MasterCard (+ 4 companions on the same reservation)
- Citi / AAdvantage MileUp℠ card
- Citi / AAdvantage Gold Card (not open to new applicants)
- CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Select Card (not open to new applicants)
- Aviator Blue MasterCard (not open to new applicants)
- Aviator MasterCard (not open to new applicants)
Frequently Asked Questions
They wouldn't allow me to check my bag for free on my domestic reservation. Why could they do that?The most common reason a free bag is denied is the requirement the account must be open 7 days prior to air travel AND, the reservation must include the primary cardmember's American Airlines AAdvantage number 7 days prior to air travel
Can I combine this with another reason that I get free bags to get 2 or more free bags?
No. If you have Gold status, you will still only get one bag for free (though it will include international itineraries).
Do I need to pay with my credit card to get this benefit?
No. The benefit is tied to your AAdvantage number, so you can pay in any way(another credit card, employer, online travel agency, etc.).
If my companions are on another PNR, can they use this benefit?
No. The other (up to four or eight) travelers and you must be on the same reservation.
Will this work on any reservation with AA?
The reservation must be entirely domestic (US & Canada).
If I'm connecting to an international (non-Canada) flight, can I use this benefit?
No.
If I'm connecting to another airline, can I use this benefit?
No.
Citi & Barclaycard AA Credit Card Free Domestic Checked Bag / Baggage / Luggage
#31
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: SJC
Programs: AA EXP, BA Silver, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton diamond, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 33,511
Can you provide the exact wording from the flyer you received so that folks here can better assess the situation?
Cheers.
Cheers.
#34
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Pittsburgh
Programs: MR/SPG LT Titanium, AA LT PLT, UA SLV, Avis PreferredPlus
Posts: 30,956
I look at the Citi Select / AAdvantage American Express card "advertising" and I can't find the word "free", nor do I see the word "bag" other than the lost luggage clause.
The Citi Platinum Select / AAdvantage Visa Signature Credit Card does state that "Your first checked bag is free", but a Visa card is quite different from an AmEx card.
Where does Citi/AA advertise that the AmEx card provides a free bag?
#35
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: FLL
Programs: AA PLT 2.7 MM, DL GLD, UA Prem, BW Diamond, PC PLT, HH Diamond
Posts: 1,285
Despite the advertising, the flyer I was mailed, etc. The AA Citi select American express card does not allow for free bags at check in. Had to pay $75 for 3 bags despite following all the rules, card linked to Advantage #, etc.
Can't seem to get anyone to answer why this is. Email to AA was replied with a form response.
Any ideas who to contact?
Thanks
Can't seem to get anyone to answer why this is. Email to AA was replied with a form response.
Any ideas who to contact?
Thanks
http://creditcards.citicards.com/usc...e/New/benefits
Note the benefits only apply to bookings after 04/02/2012
It does seem to include the citi "select" AMEX as a free bag card
#36
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: FLL
Programs: AA PLT 2.7 MM, DL GLD, UA Prem, BW Diamond, PC PLT, HH Diamond
Posts: 1,285
Can you provide some supporting data?
I look at the Citi Select / AAdvantage American Express card "advertising" and I can't find the word "free", nor do I see the word "bag" other than the lost luggage clause.
The Citi Platinum Select / AAdvantage Visa Signature Credit Card does state that "Your first checked bag is free", but a Visa card is quite different from an AmEx card.
Where does Citi/AA advertise that the AmEx card provides a free bag?
I look at the Citi Select / AAdvantage American Express card "advertising" and I can't find the word "free", nor do I see the word "bag" other than the lost luggage clause.
The Citi Platinum Select / AAdvantage Visa Signature Credit Card does state that "Your first checked bag is free", but a Visa card is quite different from an AmEx card.
Where does Citi/AA advertise that the AmEx card provides a free bag?
#37
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: OOL
Programs: VA Plat, QF LTS, UA MM, Hilton Diamond, Rydges Black, ,Le-Club Gold
Posts: 3,659
Despite the advertising, the flyer I was mailed, etc. The AA Citi select American express card does not allow for free bags at check in. Had to pay $75 for 3 bags despite following all the rules, card linked to Advantage #, etc.
Can't seem to get anyone to answer why this is. Email to AA was replied with a form response.
Any ideas who to contact?
Thanks
Can't seem to get anyone to answer why this is. Email to AA was replied with a form response.
Any ideas who to contact?
Thanks
#39
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2004
Location: DFW/DAL
Programs: AA Lifetime PLT, AS MVPG, HH Diamond, NCL Platinum Plus, MSC Diamond
Posts: 21,422
#40
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2010
Programs: AA
Posts: 14,655
#41
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 146
Domestic flight. Ticketed 5/5/12. Fees were charged to same card. And yes the card is definitely "linked" to AAdvantage number because the credit card spend and bonus miles have been correctly awarded.
Thanks shadesofgrey1x for finding that link!
http://creditcards.citicards.com/usc...e/New/benefits
- I have the exact same information printed on a bifold card that I received via snailmail.
Will resubmit with the above documentation and dispute with citi next. Thanks all!
Thanks shadesofgrey1x for finding that link!
http://creditcards.citicards.com/usc...e/New/benefits
- I have the exact same information printed on a bifold card that I received via snailmail.
Will resubmit with the above documentation and dispute with citi next. Thanks all!
#42
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 146
B. M.
Customer Relations
aa# xxxxxxxxxx
Thank you for your prompt reply. However, please READ this before sending back another form letter.
I was charged $75 for 3 bags for PNR: xxxxxx
I understand that that is the normal fee. However, the "ALL NEW TRAVEL BENEFITS" of the AAdvantage Citi family of cards should provide for up to 4 checked bags per reservation.
Please see the following link:
http://creditcards.citicards.com/usc...e/New/benefits
I was also mailed a card with the exact same information and a clear picture of the Citi AA Amex "select" card.
Please credit the $75 charge back to the card ending in xxxx.
Thanks!
Customer Relations
aa# xxxxxxxxxx
Thank you for your prompt reply. However, please READ this before sending back another form letter.
I was charged $75 for 3 bags for PNR: xxxxxx
I understand that that is the normal fee. However, the "ALL NEW TRAVEL BENEFITS" of the AAdvantage Citi family of cards should provide for up to 4 checked bags per reservation.
Please see the following link:
http://creditcards.citicards.com/usc...e/New/benefits
I was also mailed a card with the exact same information and a clear picture of the Citi AA Amex "select" card.
Please credit the $75 charge back to the card ending in xxxx.
Thanks!
Last edited by JDiver; Jul 31, 2012 at 5:44 pm Reason: deleted employee name, per FT TOS
#43
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Planet Earth(most days)
Programs: Hilton Honors, SPG, Marriott
Posts: 1,544
Couple of clarifying points.
1. How many people traveling with you? Remember it is the first bag for up to four people in a single reservation, not up to four checked bags per reservation.
2. Something I found in the small print:
That may be something AA could clarify, you know, what the heck does "select" destinations mean.
Food for thought.
1. How many people traveling with you? Remember it is the first bag for up to four people in a single reservation, not up to four checked bags per reservation.
2. Something I found in the small print:
Eligible Citi / AAdvantage cardmembers may check one bag free of charge when traveling on American Airlines, American Eagle or the AmericanConnection carrier to select domestic destinations
Food for thought.
#44
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: SEA
Programs: AA LT PLT; HH Diamond; AS 75K
Posts: 2,877
Despite the advertising, the flyer I was mailed, etc. The AA Citi select American express card does not allow for free bags at check in. Had to pay $75 for 3 bags despite following all the rules, card linked to Advantage #, etc.
Can't seem to get anyone to answer why this is. Email to AA was replied with a form response.
Any ideas who to contact?
Thanks
Can't seem to get anyone to answer why this is. Email to AA was replied with a form response.
Any ideas who to contact?
Thanks
Flights within the United States, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico
$25 for the first checked bag. Exceptions may apply.
$35 for the second checked bag. Exceptions may apply.
$150 for any additional pieces
Should have been $185 for three bags.
http://www.aa.com/i18n/travelInforma...aggage_charges
#45
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: SJC
Programs: AA EXP, BA Silver, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton diamond, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 33,511
Cheers.