American Airlines Trading Cards Are Coming — But There’s Already a Twist

American Airlines is the latest airline to join the trend of issuing a set of collectible trading cards — but the rollout just got a lot more interesting.

After news earlier this week that the airline’s pilot union would begin distributing its own trading cards, American quickly followed with an official set as part of its 100-year anniversary celebrations.

Let’s take a look at the details of the trading cards and how they fit in with American’s centennial celebrations.

American’s Centennial Trading Cards

Trading cards have been around for decades and have been a much-loved aspect of many a frequent flyer and AvGeek’s travel days. In recent years, social media has elevated the profile of these collectable items, and American Airlines flyers are about to join the fun with the arrival of 7 trading cards.

They’ll feature 4 aircraft that American currently flies: the new Airbus A321neo and Boeing 787-9P, as well as American’s workhorse Boeing 737-800 and 777-300ERs. And to celebrate the aircraft that shaped the course of American’s journey over the years, the DC-3, Boeing 707-123, and MD-80 aircraft will make an appearance on 3 special edition cards.

Facts, figures, diagrams, and even specific aircraft registrations will feature on the back of the cards to add to collectors’ and avgeeks’ enjoyment.

You can request your very own playing cards from the pilots by simply popping your head into the cockpit before takeoff or after landing. The cards will only be available on a first-come, first-served basis and only on American’s mainline flights, so you won’t find them when flying American Eagle, for example.

However, there’s now a twist. While American has confirmed its own official set of 7 centennial trading cards launching in early May, its pilot union has already started circulating a separate, unofficial deck — meaning there could be 2 different sets floating around.

There Are Now 2 Different American Airlines Trading Card Sets

In a surprising twist, American Airlines and its pilot union are rolling out competing trading card sets.

Earlier this week, the Allied Pilots Association (APA) launched its own independently created deck, featuring aircraft such as the Boeing 787, 737, and Airbus A321, often paired with destinations like Paris and Sydney.

Just days later, American followed with its official centennial set — 7 cards covering both current aircraft and classics like the DC-3 and MD-80.

Why both sides moved forward with separate decks isn’t clear. For now, though, travelers may end up collecting 2 different sets depending on which cards pilots have on hand

What Else Has American Done to Celebrate Its Centenary?

Celebrating 100 years of flight has already brought a range of special touches across the airline. American’s so-called “Forever Forward” campaign has included commemorative aircraft liveries, menu items inspired by 1920s dining, limited edition amenity kits and pajamas, and more.

There airline also hosted special at-gate celebrations at airports across the country, including Charlotte (CLT), Chicago (ORD), Dallas Fort Worth (DFW), Los Angeles (LAX), Miami (MIA), New York LaGuardia (LGA), New York Kennedy (JFK), Philadelphia (PHL), Phoenix (PHX), St. Louis (STL), and Washington, D.C. (DCA).

Final Thoughts

American Airlines’ centennial year is proving to be an unexpectedly eventful time to launch trading cards.

With both the airline and its pilots’ union now circulating different decks, travelers may have more opportunities — and more variety — than expected. Either way, if you’re flying American soon, it might be worth asking the pilots what they have on hand.