AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard overview

The AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard® is a solid choice for American Airlines flyers looking for elitelike perks. The modest $99 annual fee can easily be offset by perks like a first checked bag free and inflight discounts. Card rating*: ⭐⭐⭐½

*Card rating is based on the opinion of TPG’s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.

The AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard has many benefits for travelers. Approved applicants typically have a credit score of at least 670.

For a bit of backstory, American Airlines is rather unusual in that it’s one of the only airlines to have credit cards issued by two different banks: Barclays and Citi. That means the issuers have to compete against each other for a share of the entry-level credit card market. This competition is great for consumers because it often translates into higher welcome bonuses and more lucrative perks.

As of late 2024, Citi and American Airlines strengthened their relationship, making Citi the sole issuer of AA credit cards moving forward.

Here’s what sets the $99-per-year AAdvantage Aviator Red apart from the pack and since there’s a high likely hood this card will be discontinued in 2025, now is a great time to take advantage of the welcome offer.

The information for the AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

AAdvantage Aviator Red pros and cons

Pros Cons
  • Low annual fee
  • Easy bonus miles earning criteria
  • Annual inflight Wi-Fi statement credit
  • Travel protections
  • Limited statement credits
  • No pathway to elite status

AAdvantage Aviator Red welcome offer

New AAdvantage Aviator Red cardholders can earn 60,000 bonus miles after completing a unique spending requirement. As long as they pay the $99 annual fee and make one purchase (even as small as a pack of chewing gum) within the first 90 days of account opening, they’ll earn 60,000 bonus miles.

Note that the welcome offer you see may differ depending on the public landing page that you visit.

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According to TPG’s February 2025 valuations, these bonus miles are worth $990.

THE POINTS GUY

This is a simple and phenomenal way to earn 60,000 bonus miles. When I was approved for the card, I could earn the same number of bonus miles and a companion certificate, which was useful as a frequent AA flyer.

Unfortunately, that offer has not been around for some time, but later on, you will see how you can still earn a companion certificate.

AAdvantage Aviator Red benefits

The AAdvantage Aviator Red has a small list of perks that can nonetheless offer decent value when you fly American:

AMERICAN AIRLINES

Due to Barclay’s loss of partnership with American Airlines, it’s uncertain whether the benefits will remain the same or change once AAdvantage Aviator Red cards are shifted to Citi.

Earning miles on the AAdvantage Aviator Red

This card earns 2 miles per dollar on American Airlines purchases, which is pretty standard across cobranded airline credit cards. Unfortunately, it doesn’t offer bonus-earning opportunities in other categories; you’ll earn one mile per dollar on all other purchases.

Most of the time, transferable rewards cards offer a better return.

ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY

That said, the AAdvantage Aviator Red grants access to more ways to earn bonus miles in addition to American Airlines spending. By taking advantage of offers through SimplyMiles™, cardholders can accumulate additional AAdvantage miles on top of the 1 to 2 miles per dollar they already earn.

Related: The best credit cards for American Airlines flyers

Redeeming miles on the AAdvantage Aviator Red

AAdvantage miles can be redeemed for flights on American Airlines, airlines within Oneworld and partner airlines of the AAdvantage program. Flights within the US and select international regions are subject to dynamic pricing when flying on American Airlines-operated flights.

On the other hand, if you’re looking to redeem miles transatlantic, avoid British Airways due to their high fuel surcharges, especially in premium cabins. Miles can also be used to upgrade to a higher cabin of service on AA-operated flights.

Etihad First Class Apartment AUH-LHREtihad First Class Apartment AUH-LHR
DANYAL AHMED/THE POINTS GUY

I utilize my AAdvantage miles only for partner redemptions, and over the last several years have booked premium cabin space on Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, JAL, Qantas and Royal Jordanian. My favorite redemptions include being able to book Qatar Qsuite or Etihad business-class and first-class.

Related: Best uses of American Airlines AAdvantage miles

Which cards compete with the AAdvantage Aviator Red?

The AAdvantage Aviator Red is one of several cobranded cards that lets you earn AAdvantage miles. There are other options out there, especially for those who already have this card or those looking to diversify their points and miles.

The information for the Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

For additional options, check out our picks for the best airline cards.

Related: Is the Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard worth it?

Is the AAdvantage Aviator Red worth it?

Whether you are a loyal American Airlines customer or just an award traveler looking to diversify your points and miles portfolio, the AAdvantage Aviator Red has something for you. The card offers some nice perks when you fly American, including preferred boarding and your first checked bag free. If you already hold other AA cobranded cards and are looking to boost your miles, applying for this card is an excellent way to do so. With the card being discontinued soon, now would be a good time to apply.

Bottom line

With a low annual fee, the AAdvantage Aviator Red doesn’t have to be your primary spending card to be worth it. For those who fly American often, it offers some nice day-of-travel benefits that should enhance your flight experience.

It’s always advisable to keep a points and miles balance with multiple loyalty programs to take advantage of deals and discounts when they come up, no matter the airline. That said, the AAdvantage Aviator Red offers an easy way to rack up some miles without requiring thousands of dollars in spending upfront.

Related: Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select vs. AAdvantage Aviator Red

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