American Airlines and Citi have announced a series of new benefits for the Citi®/AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard, aiming to enhance the travel experience for premium cardmembers.
These improvements offer increased opportunities to earn AAdvantage® miles and Loyalty Points while maintaining access to American’s Admirals Club lounges. The launch of the new card benefits is scheduled for July 23, and enhancements to the Admirals Club lounges will be introduced in the coming months.
Scott Laurence, Senior Vice President of Partnership Strategy at American Airlines, expressed excitement about enhancing the Citi/AAdvantage Executive card, emphasizing the commitment to delivering outstanding experiences and customer service to AAdvantage members and co-brand cardmembers. He acknowledged the partnership with Citi, which has spanned over 35 years, and highlighted how being an AAdvantage member is now even better as a Citi/AAdvantage Executive cardmember.
Pam Habner, CEO of U.S. Branded Cards and Lending at Citi, highlighted the longstanding collaboration between Citi and American Airlines, which has consistently evolved to cater to cardmembers’ changing lifestyles. Habner noted that the refreshed card has been designed to offer elevated travel benefits, enabling cardmembers to reach their next getaway sooner and providing new ways to reward them for their daily indulgences.
The revamped Citi/AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard introduces several enhancements, including:
- Credits for everyday spending and travel:
- Up to $120 back on eligible Avis® or Budget car rentals annually.
- Up to $120 back on eligible Grubhub purchases ($10 statement credit per monthly billing statement).
- Up to $120 in Lyft credits ($10 credit per month after completing three eligible rides).
- Greater mileage earning potential:
- 4X AAdvantage miles on eligible American Airlines purchases. After spending $150,000 in a calendar year, cardmembers can earn a total of 5X AAdvantage miles on eligible American Airlines purchases for the remainder of the year.
- 10X AAdvantage miles on eligible car rentals booked through aa.com/cars and eligible hotels booked through aa.com/hotels.
- Loyalty Point bonuses to expedite AAdvantage status attainment:
- A 10,000 Loyalty Point bonus upon reaching 50,000 Loyalty Points in a status qualification year.
- An additional 10,000 Loyalty Point bonus upon reaching 90,000 Loyalty Points in the same status qualification year.
- Enhanced travel protection:
- Trip Cancellation & Interruption Protection
- Trip Delay Protection
- Lost Baggage Protection
- Worldwide Car Rental Insurance
Beginning July 23, the updated Citi/AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard will have an annual fee of $595 for primary users, with a $175 annual fee for the first three authorized users and $175 for each additional authorized user. Additionally, customers who apply and are approved for the card from July 23 to September 6 will have the opportunity to earn 100,000 AAdvantage bonus miles after spending $10,000 within the first three months of account opening.
Existing benefits for Citi/AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard cardmembers will remain intact, including Admirals Club membership, up to $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® application fee (every four years), first checked bag free on American Airlines domestic flights for the primary cardmember and up to eight companions, and savings of 25% on eligible American Airlines inflight food and beverage purchases when using the card. Cardmembers will also continue to enjoy an enhanced airport experience with priority boarding, check-in, and screening on American Airlines flights for the primary cardmember and up to eight companions. Additionally, a dedicated concierge service will be available.
American Airlines is committed to taking the Admirals Club lounges to the next level by providing customers with enhanced amenities and an improved atmosphere. The upcoming months will see the introduction of an expanded complimentary food menu, featuring hot and cold breakfast and all-day options inspired by regional cuisines. Select lounges will also offer convenient grab-and-go snacks. Complimentary sparkling wine, craft beer, and spirits such as scotch and tequila will be available at all domestic lounges, along with a selection of cocktails like mimosas, Bloody Marys, and signature drinks infused with local flavors.
As part of the ongoing investment in the customer experience, American Airlines will open newly redesigned lounges at Denver International Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport. Additionally, starting from July 23, Admirals Club annual membership rates will be adjusted to $850 or 85,000 miles, and a One Day Pass will cost $79 or 7,900 miles.
The collaboration between American Airlines and Citi aims to provide premium cardmembers with an elevated travel experience, offering enhanced benefits and improved lounge facilities. These updates reflect the commitment to meeting the evolving needs and preferences of travelers.
