09/14/2020
Another blog collaboration with ConsumersAdvocate.org check it out!
It’s been nearly six months since COVID-19 took our world by storm, crashed our economy, and tanked the travel industry. After half a year of various travel restrictions and quarantining, I’d imagine most of us have the travel bug! Since we are all itching to get out and see the world again, I started wondering how many flight points I had accrued with my American Airlines AAdvantage Elite Mastercard. Have I earned enough points to pay for my flight to my next destination? I signed up for this specific credit card because I travel often and everyone knows the cost of airfare is one of the biggest deterrents when planning a trip. I use my Mastercard for purchases I was going to make anyway, so why not have a credit card with perks that I can really benefit from? Before booking your next trip, have you considered taking a quick survey of your payment options? Do any of the credit cards or debit cards you’re using provide you with free travel rewards, perks, or points? If not, you may want to reconsider!
Booking your next vacation or trip with your travel credit card likely means reward points or bonuses coming your way. While some cards offer bountiful sign-on bonuses, others tout free airport VIP lounge access, TSA Precheck, Global reimbursement, free checked baggage, and more! When you use your card to make the airline purchase, some cards might even allow you to upgrade your travel and receive in-flight discounts on purchases. For example, my AAdvantage Mastercard allows for one free checked bag, and a 50% discount on alcohol purchases made during my flight.
When choosing a travel credit card, you have to consider what perks will work best for you. For me, points towards airfare and free checked-baggage were at the top of my list of wants in credit card perks. Additionally, if you wait until you’re actually on a flight before applying for the credit card, there’s usually a better sign-on incentive. My rewards card came with 30,000 frequent flyer points for signing on during the flight. This is opposed to only 10,000 frequent flyer points if I’d signed up from my computer at home.
It’s important to be aware of a few things, however, once you decide to go with a travel credit card. First, if you are loyal to booking through “budget” sites like Expedia or Orbitz, you’ll have to forego them to redeem your card’s points/perks. Generally speaking, you can only use the booking site of the credit card company you’ve signed up with. Another good thing to know is if you do sign on with a card that offers free checked baggage, it is important to request that your baggage be on the same flight that you’re on. If you don’t, your bags may be on a different flight arriving much later than you do (so definitely tag your bags and keep your copy with the tracking number)!
For more information on the best travel credit card option for you, check out Money Magazine's article here, and start earning towards your next trip!
Photo Credit: Andrea Piacquadio
Collaboration Effort: Emily Doxtator and ConsumersAdvocate.org
