Traveling can often be stressful, from the rush to the airport to navigating security checks and locating the correct gate. This anxiety usually peaks as boarding time approaches, compounded by the worry of not finding space for carry-on luggage if you're among the last to board.
Fortunately, many credit card companies understand these challenges and offer a solution. As a benefit for their cardholders, several credit cards provide the advantage of preferred boarding.
Citi/AAdvantage Mastercard
This is included as one excellent traveling credit cards for frequent American Airlines flyers. Users rate the card 3.95 out of 5, indicating high regard. Each dollar spent at gas stations, restaurants, and qualifying American Airlines transactions earns cardholders 2 AAdvantage® miles.
Every dollar spent on non-specified purchases makes 1 mile. The card has a $99 annual fee, waived the first year. The APR ranges from 21.24% to 29.99%. New users can get 50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® miles. Good to excellent credit scores are best for this card.
Bonus categories increase mile earnings on everyday purchases, and American Airlines flights within the country offer a free first-checked bag. A $125 discount on an American Airlines flight requires spending $20,000 a year. American Airlines frequent flyers who want a credit card with a low annual fee will benefit from the card.
The United℠ Explorer Card
With a 4.15 out of 5 rating, the United℠ Explorer Card is ideal for frequent travelers who use United Airlines frequently. The first year is free, then $95. APR varies from 21.99% to 28.99%. Spending on restaurants, hotel stays, and United® purchases earns you 2 miles per dollar, while all other qualifying transactions earn you 1 mile per dollar when you pay with your credit card. You may earn 60,000 miles with the card's initial offer.
The card's benefits include the first-year annual fee waiver, bonus miles on various purchases, and Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credits. It also provides priority boarding and a free checked bag on United flights.
United Explorer Card benefits include a $100 Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck fee credit, a 25% statement credit for in-flight purchases, and two one-time United Club airport lounge passes per year.
Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Card
When you travel with the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature card, you enjoy the convenience of priority boarding. This benefit extends to you and up to six people on the same reservation.
Another significant advantage is waiving the first checked bag fee for you and your six companions. The savings quickly increase because Alaska Airlines charges $30 per bag for each destination. For instance, a family of four checking in four bags can save $240 on a round trip. This makes the card's $95 annual fee, backed by Bank of America, a valuable investment.
Barclays AAdvantage Aviator Red Mastercard
The Barclays AAdvantage Aviator Red Mastercard is a valuable tool for American Airlines travelers. A $99 annual fee offers a range of benefits that make traveling more rewarding and less stressful. This card provides special boarding privileges and a free checked bag, extending these benefits to up to four companions on the same itinerary.
Upon your first purchase and payment of the annual fee within 90 days, you earn a hefty 60,000 AAdvantage® bonus miles. The rewards don't stop there: for every dollar spent, you make one AAdvantage® mile and double that for eligible American Airlines purchases.
Furthermore, you can earn a Companion Certificate for one guest every year at $99 (plus taxes and fees) if you meet the annual spending threshold of $20,000 and keep your account in good standing.
JetBlue Business Credit Card
Barclays' JetBlue Business Card is ideal for frequent JetBlue flyers. The card costs $99 annually and has a variable APR of 20.74% to 29.74% based on credit score. No minimum credit score is required for this card.
The main benefits are a generous sign-up bonus and JetBlue purchase incentives. JetBlue cardholders get a free first checked bag and 50% off food and drinks. Mosaic elite status is available with $50,000 in card spending per year. This Barclays credit card offers tempting rewards. You can earn 50,000 bonus points by spending $4,000 in the first 90 days.
Card Sapphire Reserve
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is a luxury travel credit card. With a 4.4-star rating, this product is best for people with good to excellent credit. The card has a $550 annual fee and a 22.49%–29.49% APR. No introductory APR exists.
Make $4,000 in purchases during the first three months to get a significant sign-up reward of sixty thousand points with the Chase Sapphire Reserve®. Chase Ultimate Rewards® can redeem these points for $900 in travel expenses. The card's $300 travel credit lowers the annual fee.
After $300 spent on travel each year, the card earns five times the points on flights and ten times the points on hotels and car rentals booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
Delta SkyMiles Express Card
Frequent flyers should consider the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card. The card waives the annual fee for the first year, which is $99. This card gives you 1–2 miles per dollar spent. Interest rates are 20.99%–29.99%.
This card offers 40,000 bonus miles as a promotion. People with good to excellent credit can earn mileage rewards when shopping at U.S. supermarkets and restaurants. Delta flights include a free checked bag and priority boarding.
Delta customers benefit from the card, but it lacks travel benefits beyond Delta. If you fly Delta often, consider this credit card. Even occasional Delta flyers can afford the low annual cost. The many benefits can add up, especially for grocery and restaurant purchases.
SW Rapid Rewards
Chase's Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card benefits frequent Southwest flyers. The card has a $149 annual fee and no introductory APR. Its regular APR is 21.49%–28.49%.
This card has the highest annual fee among Southwest consumer credit cards, which may deter some. This card is ideal for frequent Southwest flyers who can maximize its benefits. The benefits and incentives justify the annual fee, making it a competitive travel credit card. Southwest traveling credit cards with lower yearly fees may be better for infrequent flyers.
