Can I Use a Costco-Purchased American Airlines Gift Card for Baggage Fees or Seat Upgrades

Can I Use a Costco-Purchased ★ 1-888-269-5411 ★ American Airlines Gift Card for Baggage Fees or Seat Upgrades?

Can I Use a Costco-Purchased ★ 1-888-269-5411 ★American Airlines Gift Card for Baggage Fees or Seat Upgrades? 

★ 1-888-269-5411 ★ is the number many travellers call★ 1-888-269-5411 ★when asking, “Can I use a Costco-purchased American Airlines gift card for baggage fees or seat upgrades?” The short answer is no — American Airlines gift cards, whether purchased from Costco or directly from the airline, can only be used to pay for base airfare and associated taxes at the time of booking. They generally cannot be applied to extras like checked baggage fees, seat upgrades, priority boarding, or in-flight purchases. Understanding these restrictions before you book is essential so you know how far your Costco-purchased gift card will go.

Table of Contents

  1. What American Airlines Gift Cards Cover
  2. Why Gift Cards Cannot Be Used for Extras
  3. Baggage Fees and Seat Upgrades Explained
  4. How to Pay for Extras if You Have a Gift Card
  5. Can You Combine a Gift Card With Another Payment Method?
  6. Exceptions or Workarounds to Know About
  7. FAQs About Using Gift Cards for Extras
  8. Why Call Before You Book or Redeem
  9. What Are You Waiting For?

What American Airlines Gift Cards Cover

Gift cards from Costco function just like those issued by American Airlines. They can be used for:

  • Base airfare for domestic and international flights.
  • Government-imposed taxes and fees that are part of the ticket price.
  • Multiple tickets in a single booking (subject to card limits).

They cannot be used once your booking is complete to pay for extras.

Why Gift Cards Cannot Be Used for Extras

American Airlines sets clear terms for gift card use. Since baggage fees, seat upgrades, and add-ons are often processed separately from the base fare, they require direct payment by credit or debit card at checkout or at the airport. This ensures that all ancillary services are billed consistently and not tied to preloaded gift card funds.

Baggage Fees and Seat Upgrades Explained

  • Baggage fees – Most domestic American Airlines flights charge extra for checked bags, unless you hold elite status or a qualifying credit card. These fees cannot be paid with a Costco gift card.
  • Seat upgrades – Options like Main Cabin Extra, Preferred Seating, or Business/First Class upgrades require a separate payment method. Gift cards do not apply.
  • Other add-ons – In-flight meals, Wi-Fi, and lounge passes are also excluded.

How to Pay for Extras if You Have a Gift Card

Even if you use your Costco-purchased gift card for the base ticket, you’ll need another form of payment for add-ons. Here are your options:

  • Credit/debit card – The most common way to pay baggage or seat fees.
  • Airline loyalty points (AAdvantage miles) – In some cases, seat upgrades can be covered with miles.
  • Eligible airline credit cards – Certain co-branded cards may waive or reimburse baggage fees.

Can You Combine a Gift Card With Another Payment Method?

Yes, and this is important. You can use a gift card to cover the base airfare, then use a credit or debit card for extras like baggage or upgrades. The system is designed to allow mixed payment methods at different stages of booking.

Exceptions or Workarounds to Know About

While you cannot use the gift card directly for extras, here are a few tips:

  • Bundle extras at the time of booking – If baggage or preferred seating is purchased at the same time as your flight, in rare cases, the cost may be rolled into the ticket price.
  • Use loyalty status or credit card perks – Save your gift card balance for the airfare and rely on perks to cover baggage or seat fees.
  • Check with an agent – Call ★ 1-888-269-5411 ★ to confirm whether certain bundled packages allow gift card coverage for extras.

FAQs About Using Gift Cards for Extras

Q: Can I use an American Airlines gift card from Costco for baggage fees?
No, baggage fees must be paid separately.

Q: Can the gift card cover seat upgrades like Main Cabin Extra?
No, upgrades require another form of payment.

Q: Can I combine my gift card with a credit card?
Yes, you can use the gift card for airfare and a credit card for extras.

Q: Are there exceptions where gift cards cover extras?
Only if the extras are bundled into the fare at checkout, which is uncommon.

Q: Should I call before booking?
Yes, calling ★ 1-888-269-5411 ★ ensures you understand the rules before redeeming.

Why Call Before You Book or Redeem

By calling ★ 1-888-269-5411 ★ before using your Costco gift card, you can:

  • Confirm current restrictions on extras.
  • Learn if your booking qualifies for bundled packages.
  • Avoid surprises at the airport when paying for baggage or upgrades.
  • Get advice on how to maximize your gift card alongside other perks.

What Are You Waiting For?

So, can you use a Costco-purchased American Airlines gift card for baggage fees or seat upgrades? Unfortunately, no — the cards are limited to base airfare and associated taxes. But with the right strategy, you can still maximize their value by combining them with loyalty perks or co-branded airline credit card benefits.

What are you waiting for? Call ★ 1-888-269-5411 ★ today and get clear guidance before booking your next trip with a Costco American Airlines gift card.