[Confirmed] Barclays To Improve Aviator Benefits

Update 2/20/19: Reddit user utb040713 was told it’s not currently possible to downgrade to the no AF version, but that a new no AF version would be launched in mid-March. If that’s correct then that is likely when we see other changes. Obviously customer service reps are often wrong, but still interesting given the other information we know.

Update 10/27/18: This has now been confirmed. When sending out letters regarding the loss of the EQD earning opportunity being removed (more on this tomorrow) they specifically reference enhancements coming in 2019. See picture below. hat tip to reader Jun Y

Reader Kasey C recently called Barclays to see if they would give them a retention offer (something everybody should be doing). They were able to get the annual fee waived and a statement credit of $100 if $1,000 was spent per month for the next three months. What’s really interesting is that the representative stated that Barclays is currently reviewing the benefits of the card and are expecting to improve the benefits come next spring. They weren’t able to provide specifics, but it would focus on making the card more rewarding for every day spend.

I have no idea how likely this rumor is to be true, it comes from a customer service representative and they often don’t have the best intel. Although retention reps are usually higher up that offer customer facing reps and are given more information/ability to resolve issues with points/offers than other reps. Currently the Aviator earns at the following rates:

• 2x miles on American Airlines purchases
• 1x miles on all other purchases

I can see them changing that to:

• 3x miles on American Airlines purchases
• 1.5x miles on all other purchases

Personally I still wouldn’t use the card for every day spend, but I suspect it would be useful for some cardholders.