Reminder: Don't Forget Your Barclays AAdvantage Companion Certificate

If you still have one of the older Barclays AAdvantage® Aviator Red or Aviator Silver cards, take a moment to check your account. You might have an unused companion certificate waiting. With these cards no longer open to new applicants, it's worth using the benefit before it's gone.

What the Companion Certificate Is

The companion certificate lets you add one or two additional travelers on a round-trip domestic flight operated by American Airlines for a fixed rate when you buy a paid fare. It's one of the few airline credit card perks that can still deliver real savings.

Here's what each card offers:

AAdvantage® Aviator Red Mastercard®

• Earn one companion certificate after spending $20,000 each cardmember year.
• The account must stay open for at least 45 days after your anniversary date.

AAdvantage® Aviator Silver Mastercard®

• Earn one certificate after $30,000 in spend, or two certificates after $50,000.

For both cards, each companion can fly for $99 plus taxes and fees on a domestic round-trip.

The certificate must be used for American Airlines operated flights within the 48 contiguous United States.

How to Redeem Your Certificate

Redemptions are handled by phone only, not online. To redeem:

• Call American Airlines Meeting Services at 800-433-1790.
• Provide your STARFile code (listed on your certificate email or letter).
• Book at least 48 hours before departure.
• The primary ticket must be purchased with your Aviator card that earned the certificate.
• You'll pay the full fare for the primary traveler and $99 plus taxes and fees for each companion. All passengers must be booked together in the same reservation.

Looking for your STARFile code? Find it in the rewards section of the American Airlines App:

How Miles and Loyalty Points Are Earned

The AAdvantage earning structure is straightforward:

• The primary traveler earns full miles and Loyalty Points based on the base fare and carrier-imposed fees.
• Each companion traveler earns miles and Loyalty Points based on the $99 fare amount, plus applicable taxes and fees.
• Elite status bonuses apply to both the primary traveler and companions.
• If you're tracking your Loyalty Points toward elite status, the trip still counts — but companion fares will generate fewer points due to the lower base fare.

Use our AAdvantage Calculator to estimate exactly how many miles and Loyalty Points you'll earn on your trip.

How and When the Certificate Is Earned

Certificates are issued after your cardmember anniversary once the spending requirement is met. They typically arrive by email (check your spam folder if you don't see it) or as a mailed letter with a STARFile code.

You can confirm your certificate status by calling AAdvantage Aviator Card Services or checking under the "Promotions" section of your AAdvantage account.

Certificates are valid for one year from the issue date, and travel must be completed before the expiration date.

Key Rules to Remember

• Valid only on American Airlines–operated flights within the contiguous 48 states.
• The primary traveler's ticket must be purchased with the Aviator card.
• No partner airlines, upgrades, or promo fares can be combined.
• Each traveler pays the taxes and fees separately.
• Certificates do not roll over after expiration.

Why You Should Use It Soon

Both Aviator Red and Silver cards are closed to new applicants, and Barclays is gradually aligning its products with Citi's AAdvantage cards. When that transition happens, the companion certificate benefit may change or end entirely.

If you've earned one, don't let it expire unused. Once it's gone, it won't be replaced.

Quick Tips

• Use it on nonstop routes where fares are higher — you'll get more value.
• Remember to call at least 48 hours before departure to redeem.
• Check that the primary fare is eligible (main cabin or higher).
• Save your confirmation email with the STARFile code for future reference.

The Bottom Line

The Barclays AAdvantage companion certificate is a straightforward way to save on domestic travel. Even with limited routes and a phone-only redemption process, it's a benefit that can easily cover your card's annual fee in one trip.

With these legacy cards likely transitioning soon, it's worth taking a few minutes to check your account, find that certificate, and use it while you still can.

For more on earning Loyalty Points toward elite status, see our guide on how many Loyalty Points you need for AAdvantage status in 2026.