Airline credit cards allow you to earn frequent-flyer program miles every time you use the card. However, some cards also come with valuable perks that can enhance your travel experience just as much as earning miles for flying. These benefits can make your journey more affordable and less stressful, through perks such as free checked bags, a credit for TSA PreCheck, and priority boarding.
In addition to these well-known benefits, there are also lesser-known benefits that can further enhance your travel experience. Here are some unique benefits offered by airline credit cards:
Delta Airlines cards from American Express:
One benefit that we love is discounted award flights. Cards that offer a 15% discount on Delta award flights can be a great way to save money on your travel expenses.
United Airlines cards from Chase:
A benefit that we love is increased award availability. Eligible card members can get an increased 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on United Airlines flights through the United website and the Fly United app. This discount is not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card:
Our favorite benefit from this card is the free in-flight Wi-Fi. Cardholders receive an $8 Wi-Fi credit on Southwest Airlines flights, up to 365 times per year.
Alaska Airlines Visa credit card:
One of the best benefits of this card is the annual companion fare. Cardholders can get a Companion Fare from $122 ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) each account anniversary after spending $6,000 or more on purchases within the prior anniversary year.
JetBlue Plus Card:
A unique benefit of this card is the rebates on award flights. Cardholders can get a 10% points rebate when redeeming rewards for JetBlue flights.
Aeroplan Credit Card:
One benefit that we love is the bonus miles for credit card spending. Cardholders can earn 500 bonus points for every $2,000 spent in a calendar month, up to 1,500 points per month.
SunCountry Credit Card from FNBO:
A benefit we love is the free premium drink. Cardholders can enjoy one free premium drink per flight, making their travel experience even more enjoyable. This benefit, along with other perks like discounted seat selection and baggage fees, can make this card a great option for frequent SunCountry fliers.
Discovering unique benefits and perks from airline credit cards can truly elevate your travel experience beyond just earning mile points. While many cards offer standard benefits like free checked bags and priority boarding, lesser-known benefits can be equally valuable. For instance, Delta Airlines cards from American Express provide discounted award flights, United Airlines cards from Chase offer increased award availability, and Alaska Airlines Visa credit card rewards spending with an annual companion fare. Similarly, JetBlue Plus Card provides rebates on award flights, Aeroplan Credit Card incentivizes bonus miles for credit card spending, and the SunCountry Credit Card from FNBO sweetens the deal with a free premium drink per flight. These distinct benefits showcase how airline credit cards can make journeys more affordable, stress-free, and delightful, so choose wisely for your wanderlust ventures.
In today’s globalized world, air travel has become an essential part of our lives. Whether you’re a frequent business traveler, a jet-setting vacation enthusiast, or simply someone who likes to explore different corners of the world, having the right credit card can make a world of difference when it comes to maximizing your airline benefits. With a plethora of credit cards offering unique perks and rewards tailored to frequent flyers, it can be overwhelming to choose the best one for your needs. In this article, we will explore some of the best credit cards that offer unique airline benefits, ensuring that you can jet set in style while reaping the rewards of your loyalty.
1. Chase Sapphire Reserve
As one of the most popular travel credit cards on the market, the Chase Sapphire Reserve offers a plethora of benefits that are sure to appeal to frequent flyers. With this card, you’ll earn 3X points on travel and dining worldwide, access to over 1,000 airport lounges worldwide through Priority Pass Select, a $300 annual travel credit, and a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit every four years. In addition, the Chase Sapphire Reserve offers excellent travel insurance benefits, including trip cancellation/interruption insurance, baggage delay insurance, and trip delay reimbursement. For those who value both luxury and practicality, the Chase Sapphire Reserve is a top pick for unique airline benefits.
2. Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card
If you’re a loyal Delta Airlines customer, the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card is a must-have for maximizing your airline benefits. With this card, you’ll earn 3X miles on Delta purchases, complimentary Sky Club access, a companion certificate each year upon renewal, priority boarding, and a first checked bag free on Delta flights. Additionally, cardholders can enjoy a variety of travel insurance benefits, including car rental loss and damage insurance, baggage insurance, and trip cancellation/interruption insurance. For Delta enthusiasts, the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card is a fantastic option for unique airline perks and rewards.
3. Citi AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard
For those who prefer to fly with American Airlines, the Citi AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard is a top choice for maximizing airline benefits. With this card, you’ll earn 2X miles on eligible American Airlines purchases, Admirals Club membership for you and up to two guests, priority boarding on American Airlines flights, a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit every five years, and a first checked bag free on domestic American Airlines flights. The Citi AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard also offers travel insurance benefits, including trip delay reimbursement, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, and travel accident insurance. If you’re a frequent American Airlines flyer, this card is a fantastic option for unique airline benefits.
4. United Club Infinite Card
United Airlines fans will love the United Club Infinite Card, which offers a variety of unique airline benefits. With this card, you’ll earn 4X miles on United purchases, United Club membership, two one-time United Club passes per year for guests, Premier Access travel services, and a first and second checked bag free on United flights. Additionally, cardholders can enjoy travel insurance benefits such as trip cancellation/interruption insurance, baggage delay insurance, and trip delay reimbursement. For those who love to fly with United Airlines, the United Club Infinite Card is a fantastic choice for maximizing airline perks and rewards.
5. The Platinum Card from American Express
Last but certainly not least, The Platinum Card from American Express is a premium credit card that offers a wide range of unique airline benefits. With this card, you’ll earn 5X points on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel, access to over 1,200 airport lounges worldwide through the American Express Global Lounge Collection, a $200 annual airline fee credit, a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit every four years, and a $200 Uber Cash credit each year for rides or eats in the U.S. In addition to these perks, The Platinum Card from American Express offers a variety of travel insurance benefits, including trip delay reimbursement, baggage insurance, and car rental loss and damage insurance. For those who value luxury and convenience when it comes to air travel, The Platinum Card from American Express is a standout option for unique airline benefits.
In conclusion, choosing the right credit card with unique airline benefits can make a world of difference when it comes to maximizing your travel experience. Whether you’re a loyalist to a specific airline or enjoy exploring a variety of airlines, there are plenty of credit card options available to suit your needs. By considering your travel habits, preferences, and desired perks, you can select the best credit card for unique airline benefits that will elevate your flying experience and reward your loyalty. With these top picks in mind, you can jet set with confidence knowing that you’re reaping the rewards of your frequent flyer status.
