Go Back  FlyerTalk Forums > Miles&Points > Airlines and Mileage Programs > American Airlines | AAdvantage
Reload this Page >

Citi & Barclaycard AA Credit Card Free Domestic Checked Bag / Baggage / Luggage

Old Aug 6, 2014, 7:07 pm
FlyerTalk Forums Expert How-Tos and Guides
Last edit by: VFR
AA Credit Card Domestic Baggage Benefit
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)
The following credit cards DO NOT include a waiver of the first bag fee:
  • 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.
Print Wikipost

Citi & Barclaycard AA Credit Card Free Domestic Checked Bag / Baggage / Luggage

Old Jul 20, 2012, 4:05 pm
  #31  
brp
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.
brp is offline  
Old Jul 20, 2012, 4:13 pm
  #32  
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Posts: 207
Did you book the ticket before they added those benefits? I believe it didnt apply to any already made bookings.
capitolm94 is offline  
Old Jul 20, 2012, 4:42 pm
  #33  
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Rolling Lakes Yacht Club
Posts: 4,967
Pay for checked baggage with same, and let the Citi sort it out!
DataPlumber is offline  
Old Jul 20, 2012, 4:58 pm
  #34  
FlyerTalk Evangelist
 
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Pittsburgh
Programs: MR/SPG LT Titanium, AA LT PLT, UA SLV, Avis PreferredPlus
Posts: 30,956
Originally Posted by Denver Enzo
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
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?
CPRich is offline  
Old Jul 20, 2012, 6:01 pm
  #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
Originally Posted by Denver Enzo
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
The verification of your benefits can be found in this document

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
shadesofgrey1x is offline  
Old Jul 20, 2012, 6:02 pm
  #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
Originally Posted by CPRich
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?
See my post
shadesofgrey1x is offline  
Old Jul 20, 2012, 7:12 pm
  #37  
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: OOL
Programs: VA Plat, QF LTS, UA MM, Hilton Diamond, Rydges Black, ,Le-Club Gold
Posts: 3,659
Originally Posted by Denver Enzo
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
Hope you used the same cc to pay the $75 so you can make a chargeback ! Just tell citi to cover it.
harryhv is offline  
Old Jul 20, 2012, 8:10 pm
  #38  
FlyerTalk Evangelist
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Programs: AA
Posts: 14,655
Was this a domestic or international flight? It only applies to domestic.
wrp96 is online now  
Old Jul 20, 2012, 9:49 pm
  #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
Originally Posted by wrp96
Was this a domestic or international flight? It only applies to domestic.
Isn't one bag generally free on most international flights? I don't feel like checking...... since it doesn't apply to me
mvoight is offline  
Old Jul 20, 2012, 9:56 pm
  #40  
FlyerTalk Evangelist
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Programs: AA
Posts: 14,655
Originally Posted by mvoight
Isn't one bag generally free on most international flights? I don't feel like checking...... since it doesn't apply to me
Checking it's basically US and Canada flights that charge for the first bag but the disclaimer is in there .
wrp96 is online now  
Old Jul 20, 2012, 10:19 pm
  #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!
Denver Enzo is offline  
Old Jul 20, 2012, 10:38 pm
  #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!

Last edited by JDiver; Jul 31, 2012 at 5:44 pm Reason: deleted employee name, per FT TOS
Denver Enzo is offline  
Old Jul 20, 2012, 11:16 pm
  #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:

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
That may be something AA could clarify, you know, what the heck does "select" destinations mean.

Food for thought.
aviatorzz is offline  
Old Jul 21, 2012, 8:30 am
  #44  
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: SEA
Programs: AA LT PLT; HH Diamond; AS 75K
Posts: 2,877
Originally Posted by Denver Enzo
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
It seems like you got a deal:

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
tkelvin69 is offline  
Old Jul 21, 2012, 8:31 am
  #45  
brp
FlyerTalk Evangelist
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: SJC
Programs: AA EXP, BA Silver, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton diamond, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 33,511
Originally Posted by Denver Enzo

Thank you for your prompt reply. However, please READ this before sending back another form letter.
I particularly like this part, having used almost the same wording on a number of occasions. I've found that the second letter usually gets a real response. Good luck!

Cheers.
brp is offline  

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

This site is owned, operated, and maintained by MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Designated trademarks are the property of their respective owners.