Traveling can be an expensive endeavor if you are callous in your approach. Over the years, travelers have searched for ways to tick off their bucket lists without breaking the bank. In the same spirit, airline companies have come up with innovative ways to reward their loyal clients and entice prospects to pick them over their rivals. One smart approach that has been an instant hit is airline credit card miles.
Airline credit cards are a powerful tool for frequent travelers and even occasional jet-setters. These credit cards offer numerous benefits, including access to airport lounges, priority boarding, and, perhaps most enticing of all, the ability to earn airline miles with every purchase. However, accumulating miles is just the first step; the true joy comes from redeeming them for unforgettable travel experiences.
In this article, we are going to look at airline credit card miles, what to consider when looking for one and our top picks;
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What to consider when choosing an airline credit card
Before reaping the rewards and saving big on your escapades, you must decide which airline credit card you will utilize. There are countless airline credit cards on the market, and picking one can be daunting, especially for new travel enthusiasts. Here are some factors to help you make your decision;
Evaluate your travel goals
When contemplating your travel aspirations in regards to points and miles, consider what you want to achieve. Do you want to embark on multiple trips to far-flung, exotic destinations each year, reveling in the luxury of first-class flights funded by your miles while points cover your hotel stay?
Perhaps you are more interested in using your miles to visit friends and family, and the class of your seat isn’t the primary concern. Or maybe your curiosity about travel rewards has just begun to blossom, and you’re eager to learn the ropes. Regardless of your specific travel goals, having a solid grasp of the fundamentals of these reward currencies can bring your dreams to fruition.
Leveraging points and miles for your escapades can lead to substantial savings. As you delve into this hobby, you will realize that various travel opportunities are well within your financial reach.
Setting clear travel objectives can also help streamline your focus and research efforts. If your dream destination is Indonesia, you can narrow your attention to the relevant airlines and hotel loyalty programs while temporarily disregarding others. This can prevent you from feeling overwhelmed by choices and the dreaded paradox of choice, making your travel journey smoother and more enjoyable.
Look at different points and miles programs
Think of points and miles as a unique currency in the world of travel. Much like stocks, crypto, or bonds, these travel rewards provide an alternative means to cover your travel expenses and invest in your travel aspirations without breaking the bank.
Airline miles are inherently tied to the specific airline that issues them. The number of miles acquired from a flight is contingent on various factors, including the class of your seat, the distance covered, and the ticket’s cost. Similarly, the number of miles you accumulate with a co-branded credit card hinges on the type of expenditure.
Many credit cards provide you with at least 1X mile or point for each dollar spent, enabling you to accumulate rewards every time you use your card for purchases. Additionally, certain tiered rewards cards offer an increased earning rate for specific purchases.
Subsequently, you can exchange your amassed miles for award tickets on the specific airline or its partner carriers. Please note that airline miles generally cannot be transferred from one airline to another, as each program operates independently.
What can you do with the points and miles?
Accumulating points and miles, coupled with a dash of knowledge, can unlock a world of travel opportunities you might have only dreamt of. For some, this means embarking on a world tour, sipping Champagne on your way to an idyllic overwater villa on a remote island.
But the perks of points and miles extend far beyond enjoying bubbly at 30,000 feet above ground. With your rewards, you can explore destinations like Disney World, explore charming castles of Europe, jet off to tropical Hawaii, stroll the bustling streets of New York City, and stay in lodging near pristine national parks, creating cherished family vacation memories.
Also, points and miles aren’t limited to travel perks; they can be incredibly versatile. You can utilize your rewards to offset the cost of gift cards, exchange them for statement credits or cash back on credit cards, or even indulge in fine dining experiences or retail therapy.
The value you derive from your points hinges on how you use them. Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to maximizing your rewards – what truly matters is that your points and miles help unlock the experiences you desire.
Our top 5 picks for Airline credit cards
1. United Club℠ Infinite Card
If you’re a dedicated United Airlines traveler seeking a reprieve from the hustle and bustle of busy airport terminals, the United Club℠ Infinite Card offers exclusive access to the airline’s serene lounges.
Beyond the serene lounge experience, this card offers accelerated rewards for United purchases and an array of enticing perks. However, this elevated experience comes with an annual price tag of $525.
Packed with many features and benefits, the crux of the decision hinges on your desire for unrestricted access to United Club lounges, a unique offering not matched by any other credit card. With the United Club℠ Infinite Card, members can enjoy the following benefits;
- Get 80,000 bonus miles once you complete $5,000 in purchases during the initial 3 months after opening your account
- Accumulate 4 miles for every dollar spent on United purchases
- Get 2 miles per dollar spent on other travel
- Get 2 miles per dollar on dining
- Get 1 mile per dollar on other expenses
Pros
- No foreign transaction fee levied
- Membership is worth more than the annual fee
- Pay for flights with the card and get first and second checked bag
Cons
- High annual fee
- Rewards are not very flexible
2. American Airlines AAdvantage
Established in 1930, American Airlines is one of the US’ three prestigious carriers and is one of the aviation industry’s most recognizable brands. The airline consistently operates an impressive average of 6,700 flights daily, facilitating travel to 350 destinations across 50 countries. The airline’s loyalty program, AAdvantage, has garnered traction in the past few years.
Start reaping rewards today by enrolling for the free American Airlines AAdvantage program. To commence your journey towards earning miles with American Airlines, you must first register for an AAdvantage frequent flyer account.
Once you have become a member, you’ll accumulate miles whenever you travel with American Airlines, oneworld® member airlines, and over 1,000 partners. With the accumulated points, members can enjoy these perks;
- Flights to 1,100 destinations across the globe
- Flight upgrades
- Vacations, hotels and car rentals
- 5 miles for $1 spent for basic members
- 7 miles for $1 spent for Gold members
- 8 miles for $1 for platinum
- 9 miles for $1 for platinum pro
- 11 miles for $1 for executive platinum
Please note: The mileage accrual for your flight is contingent on how much you spend on your ticket. In the case of AAdvantage elite status, you are entitled to bonus miles for your journey, as illustrated above. Also, miles are exclusively earned on airfare and airline-related fees; government-mandated taxes and additional charges do not contribute to your mileage balance.
Pros
- Fly to American Airlines’ hubs across the US, such as Charlotte, Chicago-O’Hare, Dallas-Fort Worth, Los Angeles, Miami, etc
- Redeem rewards with as little as 7,500 miles for domestic tickets
- Use rewards for shopping thanks to AAdvantage eShopping mall with select retailers
- Redeem miles through partner airlines such as Oneworld alliance
- Earn additional perks when you reach elite status
Cons
- Miles earned are based on ticket price and not distance flown
- You can’t use your miles to book free stopovers
- Miles expire after 2 years of inactivity
3. Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express
Delta Air Lines, one of the world’s largest carriers, operates primary hubs at eight major U.S. airports. Delta has also established itself as a global player with key hubs in Amsterdam, Mexico City, Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Seoul-Incheon, and Tokyo.
As part of the SkyTeam alliance, Delta collaborates with renowned airlines, like Aeromexico, Air France-KLM, China Eastern, Korean Air, and Virgin Atlantic. Beyond this alliance, Delta has cultivated partnerships with international carriers like LATAM and WestJet. This web of associations allows travelers to accrue and utilize Delta SkyMiles and access elite status benefits on various airlines besides Delta.
Interestingly, you don’t have to reside in a city dominated by Delta or be a frequent Delta passenger to derive value from their flyer program, Delta SkyMiles. Signing up for SkyMiles is free and a smart move if you plan to fly with Delta in the near future.
Delta’s extensive network of partnerships, which includes renowned companies such as Lyft and Starbucks, offers numerous avenues for accumulating Delta miles. This means that even if you are not a globe-trotting traveler, you can still make steady progress toward earning a complimentary flight. Members of Delta SkyMiles can reap these benefits;
- Fly with partner airlines and still earn miles
- Earn 2 SkyMiles whenever you spend $1 with Delta
- Earn SkyMiles when you spend on hotels, Airbnb, auto rental partners, Lyft and shopping at partner stores
- Purchase additional SkyMiles at 3.5 cents each
Pros
- The card earns elevated rewards on daily expenses
- Stand a chance to win a $100 Delta flight credit every year and a free first checked bag
Cons
- It is harder to earn Medallion Status with this card
4. Air Canada Aeroplan
For quite some time, Air Canada‘s Aeroplan has held a special place in the hearts of Canadian frequent flyers. This affection is primarily attributed to its well-regarded award chart, esteemed Star Alliance network membership, and collaboration with American Express and Capital One as transfer partners.
But on September 1, 2022, changes were made to award pricing on specific routes and introduced a new award chart distance bands between certain award regions. These changes decreased Aeroplan award pricing on select North American routes by 33%. Nevertheless, the Aeroplan loyalty program still offers its members substantial value. Here are some benefits to enjoy with Aeroplan;
- Earn Aeroplan points with Starbucks
- Priority baggage handling
- Priority security clearance
- Priority boarding
- Free checked baggage allowance
Pros
- The program has no blackout dates
- Covers cash surcharges
- You can pay with cash and points
- Enables family sharing
Cons
- Members incur charges when they book with partner airlines
5. JetBlue Plus Card
For avid JetBlue enthusiasts who find themselves in the skies often, the JetBlue Plus Card is an incredible value proposition. Beyond its attractive rewards rates and enticing introductory bonus, cardholders can enjoy benefits such as an annual point deposit that can offset a significant part of the card’s $99 annual fee. The card also allows you to attain elite status through spending, a rarity among many airline credit cards.
Even for more occasional JetBlue travelers, the Barclays-issued JetBlue Plus Card still packs a punch in terms of value. For instance, a single annual trip could easily justify the card’s cost if your family typically checks bags.
However, while a fantastic airline, JetBlue may not have as extensive coverage as some of the larger carriers on our list. Therefore, the utility of this card largely hinges on your location and travel preferences. Cardholders can enjoy these benefits;
- Get 6 TrueBlue points for $1 spent with JetBlue
- Get 2 points for $1 on dining and grocery purchases
- 5000 bonus points on your account anniversary
- Get your first checked bag free
- Earn $100 statement credit when you purchase a JetBlue Vacations package of $100 or more
Pros
- Get extra points on more than travel
- The annual bonus can help offset the annual fee
- Offset charges with points
Cons
- Annual fee not waived for the first year
- Smaller footprint compared to other airlines on our list
Airline credit card miles are a valuable asset that can enhance your travel experiences, whether a frequent flyer or an occasional traveler. By understanding your miles, planning, and staying flexible, you can unlock the full potential of your rewards. Make the most of your travel adventures by mastering the art of redeeming airline credit card miles, and you will be well on your way to exploring the world with ease and excitement.