AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard review: A solid option for American Airlines fans

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 and a strong welcome bonus. 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.

Here's what sets the $99-per-year AAdvantage Aviator Red apart from the pack.

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

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.

According to TPG's November 2024 valuations, these bonus miles are worth $960.

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 for a frequent AA flyer.

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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:

• Anniversary companion certificate — Each year, you can earn a companion certificate ($99 fare plus taxes and fees) after you spend at least $20,000 on your card and keep it open for 45 days after your cardmember anniversary.
• Inflight Wi-Fi credits — You'll get up to $25 in statement credits annually for inflight Wi-Fi purchases.
• Inflight savings — You can receive a 25% discount for inflight food and beverage purchases as a statement credit.
• First checked bag free — You and up to four companions traveling on the same reservation will get your first checked bags free on American Airlines itineraries.
• Preferred boarding — You and up to four traveling companions on the same reservation will be granted preferred boarding on American Airlines-operated flights.
• Travel protections — You'll receive travel accident insurance, an auto rental collision damage waiver, baggage delay insurance and trip cancellation and interruption coverage.

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 points cards offer a better return.

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 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.

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: Maximizing redemptions with American Airlines AAdvantage

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.

• If you prefer Citi: The Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® earns 2 miles per dollar on eligible American Airlines purchases and at restaurants and gas stations. The card also offers priority boarding and first checked bags free. To learn more, read our full review of the Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard.
• If you want more American Airlines benefits: The Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® (see rates and fees) is a great card for true AA loyalists and offers full Admirals Club membership (which makes up for the annual fee alone when you take full advantage of it), a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck application fee credit (up to $120 every four years) and opportunities to earn extra Loyalty Points. To learn more, read our full review of the Citi / AAdvantage Executive.
• If you prefer transferable points: The Citi Strata Premier℠ Card (see rates and fees) is an excellent choice for those looking to earn points that transfer to various airline partners. The card earns 3 points per dollar on airfare, hotels booked outside of CitiTravel.com, gas stations, electric vehicle charging stations, supermarkets and restaurants (including takeout). You can transfer your points to 21 partners for maximum value. With a low annual fee of $95, this is an excellent travel card for beginners or advanced points and miles enthusiasts. To learn more, read our full review of the Citi Strata Premier.

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.

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