AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard®

For anyone who flies American Airlines even two or three times a year, the Aviator Red easily justifies its $99 annual fee. The standard checked bag perk applies to the cardholder and up to four companions on the same domestic reservation, which can save a group hundreds of dollars on a single trip. Adding in a $25 annual inflight Wi-Fi credit and preferred boarding makes holding the card a simple value decision for American loyalists. While the card offers 2x miles on American Airlines purchases, its 1x earn rate on everything else is unremarkable. Those seeking maximum rewards on daily spending like groceries or dining will want to pair this with a broader multi-category card, keeping the Aviator Red primarily for flight bookings and airline privileges.