Question on Citi AA Advantage

GPMDRL · ‎09-09-2020

I just recently used my chase points to book a vacation next summer and chose an American Airlines flight for my family of 5. When I booked I created an AA advantage number and attached to reservation. I can't remember the last time I didn't fly Southwest so totally forgot about the charge for bags. Also was considering upgrading our seats since it's a long flight and saw you can use AA points for this, which made me look into their card.

I see they have a 50000 point offer and you get a free bag check as well for each traveler. My question is, since I already booked and attached an AA number to reservation, would I be able to get free bag check even though I booked with another card? I'd totally apply, 5 free bag checks each way and the 50k points to put towards upgraded seats would be a no brainer and then I'd just cancel before annual fee hit.
Anyone have any input on this?

sammydavidjr · ‎09-09-2020

I think it should work: your FF number will not change when you get the credit card (you will link the two by listing your number in the card application). Once linked, I believe any reservation for which your frequent flyer number is listed will enjoy the benefits listed for the credit card, even if you did not use the card to pay for the flight.
I haven't put this to the test in a long time, so I could be wrong or thinking about other airlines, but I'm pretty sure your plan would work.

Anonymous · ‎09-09-2020

In addition to any other constraints you find, card needs to have been open at least 7 days before flight and frequent flyer number needs to have been attached to reservation at least 7 days before flight.

If you do get the card I suggest product changing to a Citi no fee card instead of closing the card when the fee hits.

GPMDRL · ‎09-09-2020

Thanks for the replies! Kinda what I figured. I need roof work done this fall and got a quote that covers my spend requirment to get the bonus miles so the 7 days isn't an issue. Between the bags and points for seat upgrades getting the card will save me about $850. Seems like a no brainer so just applied and got approved. Thanks again for the input

Anonymous · ‎09-09-2020

Don't you need to use the AAdvantage to purchase said tickets in order to qualify for the 5 free bags?

Citylights18 · ‎09-10-2020

Yes the reservation would have to be redone after the card comes in.

Anonymous · ‎09-10-2020

@Anonymous wrote:
Don't you need to use the AAdvantage to purchase said tickets in order to qualify for the 5 free bags?

According to a recent article on nerdwallet, no.

"Using the wrong credit card for airfare. Maybe the most notable exception involves airlines such as United, JetBlue and Hawaiian, which require you to pay for the airfare with their co-branded credit card to qualify for the fee waiver. If you’re flying on a “free” award ticket you paid for with miles on United, you must pay the taxes and fees with a MileagePlus card."

It says most other programs just require that you have the card linked with the frequent flier number, and that the card holder, with FFN, is on the reservation. So having the card has the benefit, it doesn't have to be used for purchase, except for those exceptions above.

Anonymous · ‎09-10-2020

Interesting, so you could essentially pay for the ticket with Amex Gold for the travel bonus. And since your AA CC is linked to your AA number, then you would be eligible for any card perks on that AA fight?

Anonymous · ‎09-10-2020

@Anonymous wrote:
Interesting, so you could essentially pay for the ticket with Amex Gold for the travel bonus. And since your AA CC is linked to your AA number, then you would be eligible for any card perks on that AA fight?

Yes, and I did that sort of thing several years ago. Very much the type of benefit just calling out for nerfing, as most would expect you have to buy the ticket with the card anyway.

Anonymous · ‎09-10-2020

Obvious stupid question here, but i assume your AA account linked to the CC when you apply? lol

I only ask because I'm on my second AAdvantage CC.

Also going to assume that this will not work with AA Miles redemtion on flights since you probably need the AA CC to to this?