American Airlines is set to implement its first annual fee increase for popular co-branded credit cards in eight years, with the Citi/AAdvantage Platinum Select and Business MasterCards jumping from $99 to $150 starting January 24, 2027. This significant 52% hike aims to be offset by a slate of new perks designed to add value for frequent flyers. Cardholders will now receive a $100 annual statement credit for in-flight purchases, replacing the previous 25% discount and crucially covering items like Wi-Fi, a notable expansion from the old system. Additionally, the cards will offer up to $120 toward Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees every four years, alongside enhanced earning opportunities on everyday spending, including three miles per dollar on eligible AAdvantage Hotels and Cars bookings and two miles per dollar on gas, select streaming services, and rides/rails. While long-standing benefits like preferred boarding, no foreign transaction fees, and a free first checked bag for the cardholder and companions remain, the value proposition hinges on individual travel habits. Experts suggest that travelers who regularly spend on flights or utilize Global Entry/TSA PreCheck may find the new credits sufficiently offset the increased fee, but those who fly infrequently might find the higher annual cost harder to justify, reflecting a broader industry trend of escalating credit card fees coupled with enhanced, lifestyle-oriented benefits.
Adapted from: Travel News Today on Fox News
