Don't Miss This One! Why I Think the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select In-Flight Offer is a Game-Changer
Hey friends, what's up? Phillip here from Points of Phillip! I recently took a flight, and if you're like me, you've probably noticed those credit card ads they often hand out. While most are forgettable, every once in a while, an in-flight offer comes along that's genuinely good enough to consider. And that's exactly what happened to me with the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select card!
Before we dive into the details, if you find this information helpful, please hit that like button and subscribe! It truly helps me reach more people who can benefit from these insights. Thanks so much for your support!
Now, let's talk about why the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select in-flight offer might be exactly what you've been looking for.
The Standard vs. The "In-Flight" Offer: A Massive Difference
I just flew to Charlotte and picked up one of these pamphlets. The standard offer for the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select card typically gives you 50,000 American Airlines miles after spending $2,500 in the first three months. It's... okay.
But the in-flight offer? It's on another level:
80,000 American Airlines Miles! That's a significant boost over the standard.
Only $1,000 in Spending required in the first three months! That's a huge difference from the standard $2,500 for a lower bonus. This makes it incredibly accessible.
0% APR on Balance Transfers for 15 Months! This is a huge, unexpected bonus. If you're currently carrying a balance and paying high interest, this could be a lifesaver. You could take that money you're spending on interest and put it directly towards your principal, potentially paying off a significant chunk (or all) of your debt over 15 months.
So, this in-flight offer isn't just better in points and easier to achieve; it also offers a valuable balance transfer option. This is truly a massive offer!
Oh, and if you're traveling with a partner, the flight attendant helpfully stressed that you and your significant other can both apply and each earn 80,000 points! That's 160,000 American Airlines miles you could be sitting on, which can unlock some seriously good travel.
Quick Interruption: A Word from Your Sponsor (Me!)
Before we go too deep, I want to quickly tell you about a couple of things that might help you on your points and miles journey:
My Newsletter: I send out a newsletter every Friday morning, keeping you updated on the latest credit card news, points and miles strategies, and bank offers that are truly worth considering from Amex, Chase, and Capital One. You can sign up via the link in the description below!
Credit Card Consultations: If you're looking for personalized guidance on your credit card strategy, or need help making big travel bookings with your points and miles, I offer consultations tailored to your goals. Find more details in the description below.
Thanks for letting me share that! Now, back to the card.
Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select: Key Card Benefits
Beyond that incredible sign-up bonus, the card itself has some solid perks:
Annual Fee: $99, but it's waived for the first year.
Earning Rates:
2x miles on purchases made directly with American Airlines.
2x miles at gas stations.
2x miles at restaurants.
1x mile on all other purchases. This isn't typical for an airline card and gives you decent multipliers on everyday spending.
First Checked Bag Free: For you and up to four other people on the same domestic American Airlines reservation. This alone can save you a lot, especially for family travel.
No Foreign Transaction Fees: Great for international travel.
Turo Offer: Currently, you can get $30 in statement credits for each eligible Turo trip completed through October 18, 2026, up to $180. That's a nice little perk!
Loyalty Points: You earn one Loyalty Point for every dollar you spend on the card, helping you work towards American Airlines elite status.
$125 American Airlines Flight Discount: This one requires $20,000 in spending in a year, so it might not be worth chasing for everyone, but it's there.
How It Stacks Up: Other Airline Cards
It's always good to compare offers. Here's a look at similar cards from Delta and United:
Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card:
Bonus: Typically 50,000 bonus miles after spending $2,000 in six months.
Annual Fee: $150, waived for the first year.
Earning: 2x on Delta, dining, and groceries (shifts from gas on the Citi card).
Perks: Free checked bag, $200 Delta flight credit (after $10k spend), 15% off award bookings, $100 Delta Stays credit, 20% back on in-flight purchases.
United Explorer Card (Chase):
Bonus: Usually 60,000 United miles after spending $3,000 in three months, plus 10,000 for adding an authorized user.
Annual Fee: $95, waived for the first year.
Earning: 7x on United purchases (2x card + 5x member), 2x on hotels (booked direct) & dining.
Perks: Free checked bag, priority boarding, and a host of annual partner credits: $100 United travel credit (after $10k spend), $100 United Hotels credit, $60 rideshare credit, and a $50 United Travel credit annually.
The Verdict: This In-Flight Offer is Hard to Beat
When evaluating an in-flight offer, the first question should always be: "Is this better than what I can get elsewhere?" In the case of the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select, the answer is a resounding yes! The combination of 80,000 miles for just $1,000 spend, plus the 0% balance transfer APR, makes this an exceptionally strong offer.
So, the next time you're flying American Airlines, keep an eye out for that pamphlet. This one is definitely worth a second look!
What are your thoughts on this in-flight offer? Is it something you'd consider? Let me know in the comments below! I can't wait to hear from you.
Thanks for being here, and until next time, have a great day!