Benefits of Airline Rewards Credit Cards for Frequent Travelers
Airline rewards credit cards have become very popular in recent times, especially among frequent travelers. These credit cards are specifically designed to offer travelers exclusive benefits, discounts, and rewards that help save on travel expenses. In this article, we will explore the benefits of airline rewards credit cards for frequent travelers in detail.
Earn Miles and Points for Free Travel
One of the biggest advantages of airline rewards credit cards is the opportunity to earn miles or points that can be redeemed for free travel. Most airline credit cards offer a sign-up bonus that can range from 25,000 to 100,000 miles or more, depending on the card. Also, cardholders earn points/miles for every dollar spent on eligible purchases.
These rewards can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, car rentals, and other travel-related expenses. Furthermore, many airlines have partnerships with other companies, such as hotels, rental car agencies, and retail stores, that allow you to earn miles or points for purchases that aren't strictly related to travel.
Access to Airport Lounges
Another benefit of airline rewards credit cards is access to airport lounges. Airport lounges are great places to relax, work or grab a quick meal before your flight. Some lounges even offer spa services, showers, and conference rooms. Access to these lounges is usually reserved for first-class or business-class travelers or those with elite status in a loyalty program.
However, many airline rewards credit cards offer lounge access as a bonus for being a cardholder. The lounge access may be provided as a complimentary membership to a specific lounge or through a network of lounges affiliated with the airline.
Complimentary Checked Bags
Many airlines charge their passengers for checked bags, which can add significant costs to your travel expenses. However, many airline rewards credit cards offer their members complimentary checked bags. This benefit can save you up to $50 per checked bag per flight, depending on the airline.
You can also receive priority boarding, which allows you to board the plane early and avoid the dreaded scramble for overhead bin space.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is vital for frequent travelers, especially those who travel internationally. Many airline rewards credit cards offer various types of travel insurance benefits. These benefits can include trip cancellation and interruption coverage, baggage delay or lost baggage coverage, and emergency medical coverage.
With these benefits, you can be sure that you are protected while traveling so that you don't have to worry about unexpected events ruining your trip.
No Foreign Transaction Fees
Traveling abroad can be expensive, especially when it comes to foreign transaction fees. If you regularly travel outside the country, it may be worth considering an airline rewards credit card that has no foreign transaction fees. With this feature, you can save up to 3% on every purchase made outside of the US.
In addition to these benefits, many airline rewards credit cards offer other perks, such as exclusive access to special events, discounts on in-flight purchases, and bonus points when you spend a certain amount in a specific time frame.
Conclusion
There are many benefits to using an airline rewards credit card for frequent travelers. From earning miles and points for free travel to gaining access to airport lounges and receiving complimentary checked bags, these credit cards can make travel more affordable and enjoyable. However, it is important to choose the card that best meets your specific needs and to use it responsibly to avoid accruing debt.