Quantcast

Evaluating the worth of airline credit cards amidst program changes

Spirit Airlines Explores Bankruptcy Filing
Airlines turn to AI to allocate gates and cut waiting times
American Airlines Passengers Save Woman from Alleged Violent Male Companion on Flight
Here's how Southwest Airlines' new seating and boarding process will work
Delta Adds New Route to Asia
Southwest Airlines will begin selling assigned seats in 2025
United Airlines Pilot Buys Passengers Pizza In Albuquerque After Flight Was Delayed 7 Hours
Czech Airlines to Cease Operations, Ending 23-Year SkyTeam Partnership
An Asian airline hopes launching one of the world's longest narrowbody routes will actually be a comfort upgrade for passengers
Airlines begin canceling flights, offering rebooking ahead of Hurricane Helene
Southwest Airlines to cut service and staffing in Atlanta to slash costs
New heights, new features: Discover Alaska’s enhanced Flight Pass subscription service
Alaska Airlines completes acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, expanding benefits and choice for travelers
American Airlines welcomes JetSMART to the award-winning AAdvantage program
Explore Japan for free? Japan Airlines offers free domestic flights to foreign travelers
Delta named Official Airline Partner of Birmingham City Football Club
American Airlines to Cut These Routes to Las Vegas, Orlando, and More — Here's Why
Alaska Airlines completes acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, expanding benefits and choice for travelers
Southwest wouldn't really start charging for bags — right?
JD Power ranked this Midwest airport as the best among largest airports in North America
Alaska Airlines Chief Plans More Routes After a Deal With Hawaiian
Air Canada could begin suspending flights soon as strike deadline nears
JetBlue's new ticket policy entitles every passenger to a carry-on bag
Why United Airlines’ CEO makes as few decisions as possible
American invests in the future of aviation maintenance with new jobs, additional work
DOT probe seeks to determine if frequent flyer programs are fair to travelers
American Airlines flight diverted after passenger starts vaping
Russian Airline Wants $100 Million From Canada for Seizing Its Giant Cargo Plane
Here's where American Airlines is adding flights to Europe in summer 2025
Major airline grounds Airbus A350 fleet, citing faulty engine component
Evaluating the worth of airline credit cards amidst program changes
Research
Webp 0exxjbnmdqlzt55os847wyroldh0
Augusta Stone Associate credit cards writer | The Points Guy

Airline credit cards have seen significant changes over the decades, with more options and benefits like transferable points now available to consumers. However, the increasing variety and constant changes in terms and benefits can confuse those trying to evaluate their actual worth, especially cards with high annual fees.

Key factors should be considered before deciding on an airline card. When assessing options, evaluating the welcome offers is crucial. For example, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card offers 80,000 bonus points after a $5,000 expenditure in the first three months.

Annual fees are another consideration. While some cards do not charge these fees, most popular cards range from $100 to $150 annually. On the higher end, fees can exceed $500, but cards offering lounge access and earning elite-qualifying points could justify this cost.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

Airline cards now compete with non-airline travel rewards cards by offering bonus miles in categories beyond airline purchases, such as dining and grocery stores. The United Explorer Card, for instance, offers 2 miles per dollar on hotel and dining purchases. Earning categories should align with a cardholder's spending habits.

Travel benefits from airline cards, such as free checked bags and priority boarding, can offer significant savings based on usage. Meanwhile, companion ticket benefits vary, like the Alaska Airlines Visa Business card that offers a companion fare starting from $122.

A crucial drawback is the devaluation of frequent flyer programs, with many eliminating award charts and dynamically pricing tickets. It's advised to assess the long-term value of these programs. Application restrictions by major issuers, like Chase's 5/24 rule, also affect eligibility for new cards and bonuses.

For those interested in broader earning opportunities, cards with transferable points provide flexibility, allowing point transfers to various partners and offering bonus earnings across diverse categories.

In summary, the decision to carry an airline credit card should weigh welcome offers, ongoing travel perks, and the value of transferable points programs.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Delta Air Lines is expanding its flight offerings for the 2025 pro football season, introducing new routes and increasing capacity to accommodate fans traveling to major games.

Jun 6, 2025

National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) President and CEO Ed Bolen addressed the U.S. House Aviation Subcommittee, emphasizing the urgent need to reform the nation's air traffic control (ATC) infrastructure.

Jun 6, 2025

Last month, over 130 volunteers from Delta Air Lines and several partner organizations collaborated to construct a new playground in College Park, Georgia.

Jun 6, 2025

Walking together on Omaha Beach, 19-year-old college student Caleb Walker and 101-year-old WWII veteran Jack Myers reflected on the sacrifices made during the D-Day invasion.

Jun 6, 2025

British Airways is the leading foreign long-haul airline serving the United States.

Jun 5, 2025

United Airlines has completed a deal with the Chicago Department of Aviation to acquire five additional gates at Chicago O'Hare International Airport.

Jun 5, 2025