Crazy Credit Card Escapades

In August, my family was planning travels for next year. We decided to take United Airlines for the first part of our trip. Coming home, American Airlines had cheaper flights, but we would have to pay to check out luggage. I have an American Airlines credit card. However, it is the free card with no benefits. I have been inundated with offers to upgrade my free credit card to a paid premium credit card. With the paid premium card, I would receive one free checked piece of luggage if I (and any companions) flew on American Airlines and used the premium credit card to pay for the flight. Furthermore, since the card is a paid credit card, if I accepted the "limited time" offer, the first year's annual fee of $99 would be waived.

 On August, 15, I requested my American Airlines credit card to be upgraded. But, then came a snag. I wanted to IMMEDIATELY use the card to purchase my flight (and a flight for my relative). However, I did not have the credit card number. Thus, I could not book the flight. I would have to wait until I received the credit card in 10-14 days.

Airfare is a fickle creature. When you find it on sale, you book it because in a few hours, the price of the ticket might increase by $50 or more. It appeared as though both American and United had their flights discounted. If I waited 10-14 days, I did not know if the airfares would still be available at a reduced rate.

As my relative was looking at flights on United Airlines, he was offered a free United credit card. This would allow him (and one companion) to receive one free checked bag on any flights booked with the credit card. If my relative booked his flight and applied for the credit card at the same time, he could use his new credit card to pay for the flight (and thus receive one free checked luggage). My relative applied for the card and was approved. He decided to fly on United Airlines.

I reluctantly added my name to the reservation. I had now applied for the premium American Airlines credit card for nothing. I would not need the new American Airlines credit card because we were now flying on United Airlines.

My new American Airlines credit card arrived in the mail at the end of August. I figured I had a year to use it (and acquire airline miles) before I had to cancel the card or change back to the free version of the credit card.

Earlier this month, I received a notification in the mail that starting in November, I would be billed $99 for my American Airlines credit card. I was confused. Wasn't part of the promotion to have the annual fee paid for for the first year? I called the credit card company.

I explained to the man I applied for the new card on August 15. I was now notified I was going to be billed for the credit card in November. Was this correct? The man said it was. (I know I was calling overseas, but surely even overseas a year means something greater than 2.5 months? But, I guess not.)

I asked the man if I could change my premium credit card back to the free credit card. He said I could. I authorized the change, and voilà, I no longer have to pay the $99 "annual" fee for a credit card I had less than 3 months. Ah, the things we do to get free baggage on an airplane.