Aug 6, 2014, 7:07 pm
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
Jan 7, 2022, 3:20 pm
#526
Join Date: Dec 2020
Posts: 40
Hi, recently got Barclay AAdvantage aviator card. I booked a basic economy flight with British airways aviator points and was able to add AAdvantage Number to the British Airways Avios Booking using Royal Jordanian website (more than 7 days ago). However, on the American airlines reservation webpage, there is no mention about a free baggage, even though I see upgraded group 5 booking. Is this usual and do I get the 1st checked baggage free being the Barclay credit card holder?
Many Thanks.
Many Thanks.
Jan 7, 2022, 3:30 pm
#527
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Not here; there!
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
Posts: 29,520
Hi, recently got Barclay AAdvantage aviator card. I booked a basic economy flight with British airways aviator points and was able to add AAdvantage Number to the British Airways Avios Booking using Royal Jordanian website (more than 7 days ago). However, on the American airlines reservation webpage, there is no mention about a free baggage, even though I see upgraded group 5 booking. Is this usual and do I get the 1st checked baggage free being the Barclay credit card holder?
Many Thanks.
Many Thanks.
Jan 7, 2022, 3:52 pm
#529
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Not here; there!
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
Posts: 29,520
Jan 10, 2022, 9:38 pm
#531
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 166
Nov 22, 2022, 8:48 am
#532
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 352
Checked bag to Mexico?
Hi, I have the Aviator Red MasterCard. Does the checked bag benefit apply to flights between the US and Mexico? It looks like the answer is no? So does this mean that if I have no status, I will definitely have to pay for a checked bag no matter what? Thank you!
Jun 3, 2023, 12:13 am
#533
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Homeless
Programs: Hyatt Glob; Hilton Dia; Marriott AMB; Accor Dia; IHG Dia Amb; GHA Tit
Posts: 4,835
Oct 4, 2023, 9:40 pm
#534
Join Date: Feb 2023
Location: YYZ
Posts: 32
I called AA, their answer was that the free domestic checked bag applies to the 50 US states only, so no Canada.
But when I booked YYZ-ORD, the email says 1st bag is free and 2nd bag is $40. I have no status other than AA credit cards.
But when I booked YYZ-ORD, the email says 1st bag is free and 2nd bag is $40. I have no status other than AA credit cards.
Oct 5, 2023, 1:18 am
#535
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 10,904
In general, phone agents are a terrible resource for interpreting rules. They are just reading the website, which you can do yourself. If the website is unclear, they are just going to go with their own interpretation (or guess). You can come here and ask.
But if you have a ticket receipt saying that you get a free checked bag then you get a free checked bag. That is true regardless of any policy.
