BIG CHANGES: Citi AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard (Full Review)

[@MarkReese]

💥 *UPDATE 8.03.2024:* At 13:15, the $120 Avis / Budget credit is now valid only for prepaid bookings if you opened your AA Executive Card after 7.15.2024. If you opened your card before then, you can still use the $120 credit on prepaid OR postpaid rentals through the end of 2025. Then, effective Jan. 01, 2026, all cardholders will be subject to "prepaid only" reservations in order to get the credit. ⚠️ *CORRECTION at **4:33**: I meant "DCA."* 💳👇 VIEW CREDIT CARD OFFERS! markscreditcards.com/offers 🛍 RAKUTEN - Earn Cash Back! markscreditcards.com/rakuten 📊 GET FREE STOCKS FROM WEBULL! markscreditcards.com/webull ⬆ (More links in Description below video!)

[@pneulancer]

Thanks!

[@MarkReese]

Sure thing, and thank YOU! 🥇

[@FinNewsInsider]

Thanks for additional detail, such as the pictures of priority lines etc. appreciate that. Sub added

[@MarkReese]

You're welcome! Thank you for subscribing 💯

[@chrisholten460]

Thanks for the great info! Just received my card with a nice cl 👍

[@MarkReese]

Congrats on the new card!

[@chadgibbs9065]

We only keep the card for Admirals Club Membership, we also have the Chase Reserve card which we use.

[@MarkReese]

💯👍

[@Phillipsonfire123]

Do you get increases without using the card ?

[@pneulancer]

Thanks! Once again great info presented in a concise and easy to understand format. I have this card and use it frequently. Even more now that I ditched the Amex Delta Platinum due to their draconian and ill-advised changes. The benefits of this card are far better than the ones for Delta's co-branded equivalent.

[@MarkReese]

Glad you found the video beneficial & thank you for the tip! 🥇

[@von2981]

Funny, I just walked out of Admirals Club here in Boston and the front desk just scanned my boarding pass. I was never asked for anything else, even my ID.

[@GaryNichols]

Once they have your picture on file they'll never ask for ID .. very convenient!

[@von2981]

@@GaryNichols ohhh…that explains it. Thank you!

[@MarkReese]

Nice! Sounds like you had your AA # on your itinerary & they were able to confirm your Admirals Club membership associated with it 👍

[@pneulancer]

The same thing happened to me at DFW; I thought it was just me! 😉

[@MarkReese]

@@pneulancer - Interesting, I have yet to experience that when passing through DFW! Although the last time I was there I did offer my AA Exec card upfront.

[@seanmcdonald8057]

FYI-you referenced a lounge at IAD. There isn’t one there…wish there was! I believe you intended to reference the nice new lounge at DCA. 😊

[@castro1223]

I was going crazy then I saw the pictures and immediately knew that was DCA

[@MarkReese]

Yep I meant DCA 😁👍

[@charleswheat3251]

If I got the regular city American Airlines MasterCard bonus two years ago can I get the executive bonus or do I have to wait 48 months

[@MarkReese]

The way I understand it, you should be fine. There doesn't seem to be a Family Rule anymore. Rather, it's just 48 months per individual card. Here's the the Executive card terms say, "American Airlines AAdvantage bonus miles are not available if you have received a new account bonus for a Citi / AAdvantage Executive account in the past 48 months."

[@kamkarter8821]

I think having American elite status with a combination of the AA platinum card is great. I have thought upgrading to this card but just can’t justify the annual fee cost.

[@MarkReese]

It can be a good combo for some people!

[@pneulancer]

I see your point. I too, had the platinum card with AA previously and upgraded simply because I wanted lounge access. As I recently parted ways with Delta due to their draconian and I feel unwarranted changes; this card made sense.

[@ritacristobal1285]

Do i need to use this credit card to book my flight to access the lounge? Can i use different card to book flight and still have an access the lounge???

[@MarkReese]

No. You can book your flight with a different card and still use use the AA Executive to get into an Admirals Club.

[@kinteeth876]

Can I use the lounge if I’m flying none rev?

[@MarkReese]

I'm not sure. I've only flown "full rev" and on award tickets, so I've always had a confirmed seat. It's my understanding that with non-rev, your seat reservation is usually not guaranteed until you get to the gate & are about to board. I'd ask others who've tried it to see what they say.

[@paulcaskey]

Definitely worth a look since Delta essentially did away with lounge access.

[@beaunoonan510]

Agreed, but it's still possible to get what you need out of Delta Sky Clubs plus Centurion Lounges if you have the AMEX Plat.. I'm AA loyalist but do enjoy a Sky Club from time to time

[@MarkReese]

Definitely worth a look if AA is in your travel forecast ✈

[@pneulancer]

Unless of course you're the one tenth of one percent that can afford the new rules!!!

[@charleswheat3251]

How many people can you get in the admirals club with this card?

[@MarkReese]

See 3:19 in the video

[@charleswheat3251]

@@MarkReese thank you very much. I totally forgot about that section.

[@pneulancer]

So if I understand this correctly; if I book a flight for my wife with my Executive card but am not flying with her she cannot get into the Admirals’ Club?

[@MarkReese]

Correct.

[@pneulancer]

@@MarkReese Thanks for the quick response Mark!

[@atwon86]

I got the bank of the America Elite

[@MarkReese]

Congrats on the approval!

[@Americanomondays]

I almost got this card after being targeted for it via Mail offers multiple times. I had Gold status and I’m not gonna lie, it was nice going through the priority check-in/baggage/boarding but because I started flying more with Delta - and got the Delta business reserve card since I primarily fly for work - I didn’t retain my Gold status. sad face! Don’t know if I could justify the price as well as the updated authorized user fees when we already pay for so many other high end cards. But it does come with some nice travel perks.

[@MarkReese]

If AA isn't in the picture much, then it's going to be hard to justify the card.

[@Leoprieto74]

You scare me Mark 😂,.. I thought there were new additional changes (negatives) on top of the July changes. I love this card, although sad that I will lose soon Admiral Club Lounge acceso when flying Jetblue. Btw, last year I tried to access the Admiral Club at arrival (at MIA) I was told that I can only access at departure airport and not on arrival airport. 😢 ,.. I guess now they allow access on arrival Airport. Good to know!!! Now AA does it like Delta & United,…Never had issues accessing Delta Sky Club or United Club on arrival Airport,.. just Admiral Club had issues on arrival. Still, love 💕 this card.

[@Leoprieto74]

Also, the beautiful new Admiral Club Lounge is in DCA Airport and not in IAD Airport.

[@MarkReese]

@@Leoprieto74 - Thanks for the correction!

[@Leoprieto74]

@@MarkReese IAD is my main home airport and DCA is my 2nd Home airport. They are just 30 miles apart. I have been many times to that new Admiral Club in DCA. It is really amazing!!! Beautiful!!! Happy Friday brother 🍻

[@johnlittle8267]

New DCA location is nice but no real food and had to pay for my drink, so for me this lounge had no value to me without it being irregular operations.

[@MarkReese]

Yep I meant "DCA" 👍

[@kermicgreen3370]

Food options are really poor in AA lounges. I think for almost $600 now, they need to include Priority Pass. No gas, no groceries, no dining credits. If they continue to raise the price of the card, it would be worth it.

[@pneulancer]

Have to agree. Although it's really hit or miss with lounge food options. SFO impressed me with decor and service as well as eats. Was at DFW Admirals Lounge last month and food was above average with free "Buffalo Trace Old Fashions" was a winner for me!@@kermicgreen3370

[@willdrake254]

Does this mean if I fly Alaska via purchase from Alaska, I can get in the lounges?

[@MarkReese]

Yes, per the current rules outlined on the page linked below, the Alaska Lounge offers "Complimentary access for all Citi Executive Primary Cardholders who present current physical card. (Authorized users not included in complimentary access to Alaska Lounges.)" Source: www.alaskaair.com/content/airport-lounge/policies-and-rules

[@charleswheat3251]

I noticed the aviator red car has a promotional code needed from a American Airlines agent to be able to apply for the Card. Do you know anything about that?

[@MarkReese]

That's only needed if you receive a special in-flight promotional offer.

[@charleswheat3251]

@@MarkReese when I click on the link to apply it asks for a six digit code

[@charleswheat3251]

I could send you a screenshot, but I don’t know your social media page

[@MarkReese]

@@charleswheat3251 - I just went through the entire application and didn't see a promo code field. You're using this link? cards.barclaycardus.com/banking/cards/aadvantage-aviator-red-world-elite-mastercard/

[@412foto]

when guests are traveling with for lounge access...meaning they are at the airport at same time as you, on an AA flight, on same flight as you with AA, or booked by you?

[@MarkReese]

1. Guests must be traveling physically with you at the same airport, at the same time, on an AA flight. 2. You do not have to book their flight. They can book their own. 3. I don't know if they need to have the same flight #.

[@412foto]

@@MarkReese much appreciated

[@o0oPRODIGYo0o]

Is it a metal card?

[@TopnotchX4underscore]

Yes

[@MarkReese]

Yes.

[@GoogleDoesEvil]

Looks like this card is also great for people who fly AA with larger families (more than 2 kids.) Unlimited children for the lounge and up to 9 checked bags.

[@MarkReese]

It sure is!

[@ghazanfarali873]

Can your spouse enter the partner lounge with the primary care holder?

[@MarkReese]

As I understand it, yes. However, I haven't tried it so I can't guarantee that.

[@ghazanfarali873]

thanks trying to confirm this, any way you suggest who can be a reliable source. The helpline people don't seem to know about this@@MarkReese

[@saangtoaikaa9211]

Charging $600 Annual Fee & not giving 2 checked bags is purely disgusting by Citi/AA

[@MarkReese]

😬

[@pneulancer]

Not gonna argue with you on that. I always fly First so it’s irrelevant for me but I get it; that should be an automatic for holders of this card!

[@abigailm8772]

I was just upgraded from a business to a first class ticket on Qatar Airways that I originally booked with Miles the card is definitely worth it because I know I would’ve never gotten that upgrade

[@largol33t12]

They can't even discount it to $5 a bag?? Just nauseating. They keep sending me offers for this card and I turn it down every time. $600 annual fee? They can keep it!!

[@matthewJ142]

Well first checked bag for up to 8 people isn't that bad lol

[@traceyreneerivera-fernande6876]

I just got this last week 😮😮😮😮

[@MarkReese]

Awesome, congrats on the approval!

[@merciaguerra9507]

Have this card for almost a year and have a trip to Japan coming soon. Called the admirals club line and they told me I wouldn’t have access to Sakura lounge ( flying on JAL aircraft but ticket bought at AA website) at NRT bc AA don’t have admirals lounge in Tokyo. The website clearly state that card holders DO have access to partners lounge. Anyone had this experience that can share with me how to get access to Sakura lounge using this card? I am flying coach

[@MarkReese]

It's my understanding the card won't get you in. Rather, only the following passengers have access to the Sakura Sky View Lounge: - oneworld international first class and business class customers - oneworld Emerald and Sapphire status members Emerald and first class travelers are allowed one guest. For JAL flyers, JMB Diamond and Sapphire, JGC Premier, and JAL Global Club members have access (plus one guest) when traveling on any JAL flight, though the location of the lounge post passport control makes it nearly impossible to use for domestic flights. Source: liveandletsfly.com/jal-sky-view-lounge-tokyo-haneda-review/#Location_Hours_Access

[@merciaguerra9507]

@@MarkReese thanks for the info. So, will this AA executive card give me access to any lounge in Narita or Haneda? If doesn’t give access to partners lounges internationally it won’t be worth it to have it! Any way I can get lounge access with this card when flying coach? Thanks again!

[@MarkReese]

@@merciaguerra9507 - That's not an answer I have off the top of my head. I'd consider doing some research. Consider getting the LoungeBuddy app (before Amex discontinues it on July 01), adding the Citi AAdvantage Executive Card to the profile, and then searching for airports. The app should show you your access privileges if they apply.

[@maratkarapetyan4400]

Bro nice video but also good idea to mention how much is the limit of the card ? what credit bureau they pulled ? and other data points . thank you

[@MarkReese]

I don't mention those things because they will be different for everyone. Credit limits can vary widely based on credit score, income, debt levels, history, etc. Credit bureaus will vary based on where you live.

[@bluenuts6933]

I got a 5k limit

[@jimmyjames6492]

Everyone is raising their AFs so can't really complain about that I suppose..... Not a fan of the credits at all + would like for them to have added Priority Luggage to the mix of benefits (like on the Chase United Club card). Added travel protections are solid! Thanks for the info + video!

[@MarkReese]

I too wish there were a priority luggage benefit.

[@atwon86]

Would say Bank of America or American airline card is the better card

[@MarkReese]

Different cards for different purposes. I don't see them as a full replacement for each other.

[@atwon86]

@@MarkReese I may upgrade to Bank of America

[@atwon86]

I just got approved for the bank of america elite... I flight a lot international

[@MarkReese]

@@atwon86 - Awesome, enjoy it! 💯

[@atwon86]

@@MarkReese I was going back n forth between Aa black card or boa elite 🤔

[@CryptoXmen]

Just got approved for this credit card with a monster balance and I’m so happy because I plan to fly internationally with American Airlines and their partners very often 🎉

[@MarkReese]

Congrats on the approval! 🏆

[@avillareal1]

Congrats on the Approval. This card does not include free checked bags on international flights?

[@CryptoXmen]

@@avillareal1 Thank you and sadly no it does not

[@rogernegrete2274]

Appreciate your review would have liked if you had also mentioned partner lounge access. Maybe feature reviews

[@MarkReese]

💯👍

[@notapplicable3450]

Is this card worth it if I already have the Amex plat?

[@MarkReese]

Only you can determine that for you! 🤙

[@JohnnyRamirez11]

Do you think it would be worth product changing from the platinum select to this card ? I also already have AA Platinum and be getting pro in about 1 month

[@MarkReese]

Only you can determine that for you! At that level - and as I see it - it'd only be worth it if you value Admirals Club access and/or if one or both of the 10K Loyalty Point boosts will help you obtain EXP (of course, assuming you value that status level). Other than that, all the other worthwhile benefits you already have via status. Also, if you want to earn Loyalty Points via everyday spend, then your current Platinum Select card already earns at the same rate as the Executive. Lastly, be aware that a product change means no welcome offer. Instead, you could apply directly and get the offer if approved (currently 70K miles after spending $7K in 3 mo.)

[@huoymeas-4737]

Do you have this card? I thought you were denied in a previous video.

[@MarkReese]

Yes / no. I initially product changed after the denial, kept it for ~ a month, and decided to downgrade again.

[@huoymeas-4737]

@@MarkReese was the annual fee for the upgrade refundable after a month?

[@MarkReese]

@@huoymeas-4737 - Yes, but it didn't hit right away. That's because when I product changed, I had roughly a month before the new terms went into effect. If I canceled the upgrade request prior to the deadline, no fee would be charged.

[@lewis20002000]

That Lyft credit is kind of like the Amex Equinox credit, I call credits like this a "JUNK credit". What's a "JUNK credit you asked?, it's a credit only of bragging rights, and it can only be utilized by spending more money that it makes sense to. Getting $10/3= $3.33 per Lyft ride is a more honest credit, if t hey didn't want this to be a JUNK credit. Well done Mark.

[@MarkReese]

Not a fan of junk credits 😬

[@aaront936]

Does immediate family mean I can bring my spouse and 2 kids or still a total of two guest?

[@GaryNichols]

Two guests.

[@MarkReese]

Per the terms, 'immediate family' does not have a specified limit, so there's no issue with you + spouse + 2 kids. The "2 guests" language is for non-family. I just double confirmed this with a Citi agent over the phone.

[@MarkReese]

@@GaryNichols - Incorrect. See my reply above to @aaront936.

[@GaryNichols]

​@@MarkReeseHis question is worded poorly. Yes it's either or, and if the guests are not immediate family the limit is two. The AC is my second home weekly, all too familiar with those rules. Citi's guidance on credentials needed to gain access are not followed by AC. You need a departing boarding pass linked to your AAD number which they will scan. You will be asked for ID if your picture isn't in their system - if it's not they will snap your picture after seeing your ID to speed up your next visit. The Citi card is only required if you're visiting a partner lounge like Alaska. Hope this helps someone!

[@aaront936]

@@MarkReese you are amazing mark

[@avillareal1]

Too bad this card doesn’t include free checked bag on international flights. I’m flying to London in December and I would like to avoid $150 baggage fee round trip.

[@MarkReese]

I hear ya. Domestic itineraries only, mentioned at 5:07 in the video.

[@advantalaw4907]

I am getting confused. I thought you were denied for this card. Did you apply again? if yes, and how long did you wait.

[@MarkReese]

I product changed my AA MileUp Card to the AA Executive, then canceled the downgrade before the new terms went into effect (roughly a 30-day period).

[@SolidLiquidFox]

As much as I appreciate the review, I feel like I'm in bizarro world where people are flocking to AA for elite benefits after Delta devaluations. Their elite program may be the easiest to manage at this point, but the complaints of AA performance and timeliness can't be denied. It's like mass amnesia. Nobody was raving about paths to AA elite in the community. It wasn't a thing. 😂

[@MarkReese]

At least those people have a choice! For many, there is no choice if they want direct flight options and live near a major hub predominantly captive to 1 major carrier. And to my eyes, there 0 question: AA's loyalty program is (currently) way better than Delta's.

[@SolidLiquidFox]

@@MarkReese I don't disagree, but you gotta love the irony.

[@pneulancer]

My experience with AA has been overwhelmingly positive for the last decade. I routinely fly business or first domestic and found AA flights better overall. And conventional wisdom and anecdotal evidence from others notwithstanding; I’ve always been satisfied with the Admirals Club as well as customer service with them.

[@rudra1087]

Can you make a video on fastest and cheapest way to get american airline status?

[@MarkReese]

No plans for that right now, but thanks for the suggestion!

[@faithful360]

Mark, always awesome coverage, I have always liked flying American and United over Delta, just had better experiences both in the air and in the lounge, that being said, these changes are interesting but ultimately I'd rather have the 450 fee with just the admirals club membership and the ability to add AU's for no cost - but I also understand that times are changing so I hope this "lands" well and helps AA take away more market share from Delta as this card definitely knocks the Amex Delta Reserve out of the water.

[@MarkReese]

I'm also pleased to see that the card now earns 4X on AA flights. The previous 2X was a massive joke 😂

[@pneulancer]

Absolutely agree with you. I'm so disappointed with Delta recently; with whom I flew quite frequently...I've not only eliminated my Delta Amex card but dumped my stock in DAL as well. Neither action on my part will make a bit of difference to them but it's sure gratifying!! Lol!!

[@DC_Consulting_DC]

Huge! CDW is primary outside the US.

[@MarkReese]

Yep!

[@abigailm8772]

One world perks are definitely worth it

[@MarkReese]

✈🌟

[@joehunterphiladelphia-mg6kk]

does this mean i wouldn't have to purchase insurance on my flights? for example- i flew into miami from colombia and coudn't catch my flight back home to philly because customs was wayyyy backed up. i went to a hotel and booked a flight for the morning. both the flight and hotel were covered because i paid for allianz insurance. if i had the card then, would i have not needed to purchase that insurance?

[@MarkReese]

Potentially 👍 It's still worthwhile to read the fine print for both coverages to see: (a) any overlap (b) what may be different and (c) if one covers delays or cancellations up to a different amount or time period. Also read over the eligible reasons. I'm not sure if a long customs line would be valid.

[@kermicgreen3370]

The AA lounges are always too crowded. We don’t fly a ton, and wish there were not so many people in them!

[@MarkReese]

Likely do to location, season of the year, time of entry, etc. Most of the time that hasn't been my experience with AA clubs, but on occasion it has.

[@kermicgreen3370]

@@MarkReese yes Mark, my home airport is LAX. But I do wish they would make some limits on availability. One reason I really keep it, is because of the very high credit limit; much higher than my Chase cards.

[@pneulancer]

Fortunately I’ve yet to come across that. I live in LA but I guess I’ve been lucky!

[@MyLifeInDallas]

You welcome! I subscribed. 😂

[@MarkReese]

Thank you! 🥇

[@RoshanGiri009]

Awesome Mark Reese Watching Credit card related video from last 2 weeks and i'm really intrested in this. By any chance potential collab for video editing or thumbnails?

[@MarkReese]

Glad you enjoyed it! Not looking for editing or thumbnail services right now.

[@rickycampos4770]

Nice card

[@MarkReese]

💯👍

[@pauljiang5378]

this is perfect for AA employees flying nonrev frequently lol

[@MarkReese]

💯👍

[@TopnotchX4underscore]

A bit late on these updates…

[@MarkReese]

Yep. Was waiting til I got the card myself to try the benefits (e.g. Grubhub) to demonstrate how they work & confirm whether activation / enrollment, etc. is required.

[@pneulancer]

I think that's only because it takes time to evaluate and quantify a service after a reasonable period of time. Being first or quick doesn't always equal best!

[@tttsss2203]

Why no longer make your videos in your beautiful kitchen?

[@MarkReese]

I wanted a permanent setup. It was not efficient to set up & tear down for every video in the kitchen.