When Should You Get an Airline Credit Card? A Practical Guide
Airline credit cards can be valuable tools for frequent travelers, but their worth depends on your travel habits and spending patterns. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you decide if one is right for you.
When Airline Cards Make Sense
- You frequently fly with one specific airline
- You regularly check bags (free checked bags can offset annual fees)
- You value priority boarding and airport lounge access
- You can earn enough rewards to justify the annual fee
Key Benefits of Airline Cards
- Miles Earning Structure:
- 1 mile per dollar on regular purchases
- 2-3 miles per dollar on airline purchases
- Additional bonus categories (restaurants, hotels, etc.)
- Sign-up bonuses offering thousands of miles
- Standard Perks:
- Free checked bags
- Priority boarding
- In-flight discounts
- Airport lounge access (premium cards)
- Companion fare certificates
- TSA PreCheck fee credits
Credit card benefits comparison chart
When to Choose General Travel Cards Instead
Consider a general-purpose travel card if you:
- Prefer flexibility in booking across multiple airlines
- Want simpler redemption options
- Are primarily focused on finding the lowest fares
- Don't frequently check bags
- Travel infrequently with any single airline
Making Your Decision
Calculate the value proposition:
- Estimate annual airline spending
- Count expected checked bag usage
- Consider the value of priority boarding
- Factor in lounge access needs
- Compare against the annual fee
For maximum benefit, you might combine an airline card with a general travel card. This strategy provides airline-specific perks while maintaining flexibility for other travel expenses.
Remember: Miles typically value around 1 cent each, but strategic redemption can yield higher returns. Choose a card that aligns with your travel patterns and spending habits to maximize benefits.