Airline credit card rewards are only beneficial if you know how to take advantage of them. If you’re interested in trying airline-specific credit cards for their travel benefits, you might be wondering if it pays to invest in airline credit cards. The following guide discusses the potential perks of various airline cards:
Are Airline Credit Cards Worth It?
Airline credit cards work well for anyone that regularly travels with a specific airline. While many airlines do charge their cardholders an annual fee, the perks that flyers take advantage of are worth it. With every use of your card, you’ll earn frequent flyer miles that you can later redeem for discounted or free flights.
While these cards may be subjected to restrictions on destinations or blackout dates, the fact is that travelers can use airline cards to take advantage of flights they’d otherwise pay for out-of-pocket. Despite any potential restrictions, cardholders can also look forward to priority boarding and free checked bags.
Perks for Travelers with Checked Bags
If you fly regularly, it can be incredibly frustrating to learn that you have to pay an additional fare for checked bags. While some airlines charge up to $30 for the first checked bag, many airlines charge passengers another fee for every additional bag. Alamo Associates explains that an airline credit card that allows you a checked bag for free can save you $60 or more for each round trip.
If you travel frequently with checked bags, your annual airline credit card fee will eventually pay for itself. Cards like the United Explorer Card and the Gold Delta SkyMiles card offer the first checked bag for free.
Cards for Frequent Flyers
If you’re a fan of a particular airline, you stand to save a lot by using an airline credit card. By purchasing tickets with your card, you’ll be able to save on spending as you rack up the rewards. If you’re considering getting an airline credit card, do so when you plan to make some major purchases.
Airlines like United, Delta, Southwest, British Airways, and Alaska Airlines all offer their frequent flyers access to incredible bonuses. For most cards, flyers have to spend a few thousand dollars in the first three months after opening the account to rack up several thousand points. With these points, you can earn free or discounted tickets in addition to other perks.
Cards for the Economic Traveler
We all hope to save more when traveling. If you’re a frequent flyer that always prefers to travel as economically as possible, Alamo Associates recommends considering cards that offer carrier-specific perks you can’t find with other general travel cards. Though these will vary by card, oftentimes these perks include in-flight refreshments, waivers for certain restrictions on low-cost fares, seat upgrades, and priority boarding. Many airline cards even offer cardholders access to a premium airport lounge.
If you’re a frequent flyer, it’s a good idea to look into various airline credit card offers and decide whether or not to invest in a general travel card or an airline-specific card. Keep this guide in mind as you research which will work best for you