For the first year AF waived Aspire, the statement closing date has moved to Dec 6. It's now possible to triple dip the airline credit.1. Use credit in 2019
2. Use credit in 2020
3. Use credit in 2021 before you downgrade
If you're planning on cancelling then you have to do it within 30 days of AF posting (posting on 12/6/20) to get the AF refund. This means you have from 1/1/21 until 1/5/21 to use the credit. You can also change the statement closing date to something later in the month to get more time.
I got the Pop-up so no SUB, but the FYF made it worth a 5/24 slot esp on upcoming trips (points would have been nice but - but have enough MSR to met organically and AmEx has fewer locations that we can use it to meet MSR.
That said - I do think that the Aspire currently has the best AF offset of all Tier 1 Amex Prem. Cards - and can provide great value but of course YMMV. Will probably pay AF next renewal - but might dip a final AL credit if I decide to close at next AF in 2022.
The GC were nice for banking for family domestic travel (I never sold them) but thankfully they can still be used to reduce travel cost - or for UA club passes, mileage boost , or banking on airlines that you can change your tix for free.