Do you find yourself dreading the moment you have to fork over money for checked bags when flying American Airlines? What if I told you there's a simple, yet incredibly effective way to eliminate those pesky baggage fees and potentially save hundreds of dollars a year? Yes, you read that right – free checked bags! And it's all thanks to a little secret weapon: certain American Airlines co-branded credit cards.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from identifying the right card to ensuring you successfully claim your free checked bag every time you fly. Let's get started on making your next American Airlines trip a little lighter on your wallet!
The Smart Traveler's Secret: Unlocking Free Checked Bags with American Airlines Credit Cards
For many travelers, baggage fees are an unwelcome expense that can quickly add up, especially for families or those on longer trips. American Airlines, like most major carriers, charges for checked bags on many domestic itineraries. However, by strategically utilizing an American Airlines co-branded credit card, you can bypass these fees entirely. This isn't just about saving money; it's about making your travel experience smoother and more cost-effective.
Step 1: Are You Ready to Save? Identifying the Right American Airlines Credit Card
The first and most crucial step is to understand which American Airlines credit cards offer the coveted free checked bag benefit. Not all AAdvantage cards are created equal in this regard, so it's essential to pick the one that aligns with your travel habits and financial goals.
Sub-heading: Key Cards Offering Free Checked Bags
Here are the primary American Airlines co-branded credit cards that typically offer a free checked bag benefit, along with a brief overview:
Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®: This is one of the most popular choices. It generally offers the first checked bag free on domestic American Airlines itineraries for the primary cardmember and up to four companions traveling on the same reservation. It usually comes with an annual fee, sometimes waived for the first year.
AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard®: Issued by Barclays, this card also provides the first checked bag free on domestic American Airlines itineraries for the primary cardmember and up to four companions on the same reservation. It has an annual fee.
Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®: This is a premium card with a higher annual fee, but it offers enhanced benefits, including the first checked bag free for the primary cardmember and up to eight companions on the same domestic American Airlines itinerary. It also includes Admirals Club® lounge access.
AAdvantage® Aviator® World Elite Silver Mastercard®: While not available for new applications, if you have this card (often obtained via an upgrade from the Red), it offers the first checked bag free for the primary cardmember and up to eight companions on the same domestic itinerary.
CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard® (for business owners): This business card also typically provides the first checked bag free for the primary cardmember and up to four companions on domestic American Airlines itineraries.
Sub-heading: Cards That Don't Offer Free Checked Bags
It's equally important to know which cards won't give you this benefit. The American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® Card, for instance, is a no-annual-fee option that earns miles but does not include a free checked bag perk. Don't get caught off guard!
Step 2: Ready, Set, Apply! Applying for Your Chosen Card
Once you've identified the American Airlines credit card that best suits your needs, the next step is to apply for it. This process is similar to applying for any other credit card.
Sub-heading: Credit Score Considerations
Most American Airlines co-branded credit cards that offer free checked bags require good to excellent credit. Before applying, it's wise to check your credit score. A score generally above 670 (on the FICO scale) is considered good, while scores above 740 are excellent. If your credit score is lower, consider taking steps to improve it before applying to increase your chances of approval.
Sub-heading: The Application Process
You can typically apply for these cards online through the American Airlines website (AA.com), Citi's website, or Barclays' website, depending on the issuer of the card you've chosen.
Visit the Issuer's Website: Navigate to the credit card section of American Airlines' website, which will redirect you to either Citi or Barclays, or go directly to the respective bank's website.
Locate the Card: Find the specific AAdvantage credit card you wish to apply for.
Complete the Application: Fill out the online application form accurately. This will include personal information, financial details, and your American Airlines AAdvantage number.
Submit and Await Decision: Once submitted, you'll usually receive an instant decision. If approved, your new card will be mailed to you within a few business days.
Pro Tip: Some card offers provide an introductory bonus of AAdvantage miles after meeting a certain spending threshold within a specific timeframe. This can be a great way to kickstart your miles earning!
Step 3: Link It Up! Ensuring Your AAdvantage Number is Connected
This step is absolutely critical for the free checked bag benefit to work seamlessly. Your American Airlines AAdvantage number must be associated with your credit card account and your flight reservation.
Sub-heading: Automatic Linking (Usually)
When you apply for an American Airlines credit card, especially if you provide your AAdvantage number during the application, the card is typically automatically linked to your AAdvantage account. However, it's always a good idea to confirm this.
Sub-heading: Verifying the Link
Log in to Your AAdvantage Account: Go to AA.com and log in to your AAdvantage account.
Check Card Details: Look for a section that displays your associated credit cards or benefits. You should see your new American Airlines credit card listed.
Contact Customer Service (If Needed): If you don't see the card linked, or if you're unsure, contact the credit card issuer's customer service (Citi or Barclays) or American Airlines AAdvantage customer service to ensure your card and AAdvantage number are properly connected.
Step 4: Book Your Trip! Making Your Reservation
Now for the fun part – booking your American Airlines flight! The free checked bag benefit applies to specific types of itineraries.
Sub-heading: Domestic Itineraries Only
It's crucial to remember that the free checked bag benefit from these credit cards generally applies only to domestic American Airlines itineraries. This includes flights within the U.S., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. It typically does not apply to international flights. Always double-check the specific terms and conditions of your card for exact details.
Sub-heading: Including Your AAdvantage Number in the Reservation
When booking your flight, ensure that the primary cardmember's American Airlines AAdvantage number is included in the reservation. This is how the system recognizes your eligibility for the free checked bag. If you're booking for others who are also eligible (companions), make sure their names are on the same reservation as the primary cardmember.
Online Booking: When booking on AA.com, make sure you're logged into your AAdvantage account, or input your AAdvantage number for each passenger when prompted.
Phone Booking: If booking over the phone, explicitly provide your AAdvantage number to the agent.
Step 5: Travel Day! Checking Your Bag at the Airport
On the day of your flight, the process of getting your free checked bag should be seamless.
Sub-heading: The Benefit Application
Check-in Online or at a Kiosk: When you check in online or at an airport kiosk, the system should automatically recognize your eligibility for the free checked bag based on your linked AAdvantage account and the card.
Bag Drop: Proceed to the bag drop counter. The agent will confirm your eligibility. You typically do not need to pay with your American Airlines credit card for the checked bag benefit to apply, as long as your AAdvantage number is on the reservation and linked to an eligible card. However, it's a good practice to have the card with you just in case.
Companion Benefits: If you have companions traveling with you on the same reservation, their first checked bag should also be free, up to the limit specified by your card (e.g., 4 or 8 companions).
Sub-heading: Important Reminders
Account Must Be Open: Your American Airlines credit card account must be open and in good standing at least 7 days prior to your air travel for the benefit to apply.
Domestic Itineraries: Reiterate that the benefit is for domestic flights.
Weight and Size Limits Still Apply: The free checked bag benefit waives the fee for the first standard checked bag. It does not exempt you from overweight or oversized bag fees. Always adhere to American Airlines' baggage weight (typically 50 lbs / 23 kgs for economy) and size restrictions to avoid additional charges.
No Stacking Benefits: If you also have AAdvantage elite status that grants free checked bags, you cannot "stack" these benefits to get an additional free bag. You'll receive the best available benefit.
By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to enjoying the financial freedom of free checked bags on your American Airlines domestic flights!
Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 frequently asked questions about getting free checked bags with an American Airlines credit card, with quick answers:
How to get a free checked bag with American Airlines?
You can get a free checked bag on domestic American Airlines itineraries by holding an eligible American Airlines co-branded credit card (like the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® or AAdvantage® Aviator® Red) and having your AAdvantage number linked to your reservation.
How to know if my American Airlines credit card offers free checked bags?
Check the benefits guide that came with your card, or visit the official American Airlines credit card page on AA.com, Citi.com, or BarclaysUS.com and look for benefits like "First checked bag free on domestic American Airlines itineraries."
How to link my American Airlines credit card to my AAdvantage account?
Generally, when you apply for the card and provide your AAdvantage number, it's automatically linked. You can verify this by logging into your AAdvantage account on AA.com and checking your linked cards or benefits. If it's not linked, contact customer service for your card issuer (Citi or Barclays).
How to ensure companions get a free checked bag with my American Airlines credit card?
For companions to receive the free checked bag benefit, they must be included on the same reservation as the primary cardmember, and the primary cardmember's AAdvantage number must be on that reservation.
How to avoid overweight or oversized bag fees even with a free checked bag benefit?
Always adhere to American Airlines' standard baggage weight (typically 50 lbs / 23 kgs) and size limits. The free checked bag benefit waives the first bag fee, not fees for bags that are overweight or oversized.
How to use the free checked bag benefit when checking in online?
When checking in online, the system should automatically recognize your eligibility for the free checked bag if your AAdvantage number is on the reservation and linked to an eligible card. You should see a $0 charge for your first checked bag.
How to use the free checked bag benefit when checking in at the airport?
At the airport kiosk or bag drop counter, the agent will confirm your eligibility based on your AAdvantage number on the reservation. You typically won't be charged for your first checked bag.
How to get free checked bags on international American Airlines flights with a credit card?
Most American Airlines co-branded credit cards do not offer free checked bags on international itineraries. The benefit is generally limited to domestic flights. International baggage policies are often based on fare class or elite status.
How to know if my specific American Airlines flight is eligible for the free checked bag benefit?
The free checked bag benefit applies to domestic American Airlines-marketed and operated flights. It does not apply to codeshare flights operated by other airlines, even if booked with an American Airlines flight number.
How to confirm if my American Airlines credit card account is in good standing for the free checked bag benefit?
The benefit requires your credit card account to be open and in good standing. If you're unsure, you can check your account status through your online banking portal with Citi or Barclays, or contact their customer service.
