Quantcast

Evaluating the worth of airline credit cards amidst program changes

Airline Stocks To Keep An Eye On - April 28th
Report: JetBlue, United Mulling Partnership
New First-Class Suites, Futuristic Aircraft and the Top Air Travel News From April 2025
Southwest Airlines Announces Reimagined Fare Products, New Benefits for Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers and Tier Member Customers
New Alaska Airlines trading cards take flight this World Pilots’ Day - Alaska Airlines News
United CEO calls Trump's tariffs a 'chess game'
Flight tickets from Srinagar remain exorbitantly high despite aviation ministry request
RTX Q1 Earnings & Sales Beat Estimates, Increase Year Over Year
Delta faces federal investigation as it scraps hundreds of flights for fifth straight day
Coalition pledges to remove EV tax break two days after Dutton ruled out scrapping it – as it happened
Adani’s airport unit seeks $750 million loan from global banks
GE Aerospace affirms outlook; CEO met with Trump to discuss tariffs
Flight made emergency landing in Denver after reported animal strike and engine fire
General Dynamics says G800 jet receives FAA, EASA certifications
Archer unveils plans for NYC air-taxi network in partnership with United Airlines
United Airlines doubles down on Chicago roots with new O'Hare billboards
ICAO Proposes ‘Journey Pass’ Biometric ID Boarding
Gatwick airport strikes, Easter 2025: will my flight be cancelled?
Boarding passes and check-in could be scrapped in air travel shake-up
The most in Mexico: American Airlines adds 30th destination as part of a record-breaking schedule
European air traffic warning means summer delays for holidaymakers
The EU rule change that could affect millions of Brits when their flight is delayed or cancelled
Delta Earnings Land Soon. Why They’re Key for Airline Stocks and the Economy.
Avelo Airlines to Operate Deportation Flights, Hiring Flight Attendants
Travel chaos 2025: all the strikes and disruption expected across Europe
Qatar Airways accelerates Starlink wifi implementation
Southwest Airlines extends flight schedule through early April 2025
Cathay Pacific reaches 3,400 pilots this year, with low resignation rate of 2.9%
Qatar Airways Nears Boeing 777 Fleet-Wide Starlink Upgrade
United receives FAA approval for first Starlink-equipped planes
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

Planning a vacation on a private jet involves more than just booking flights and accommodations.

May 30, 2025

Air India has announced an extension of its suspension of flights to and from Tel Aviv until June 19, 2025.

May 29, 2025

Ethiopian Airlines has announced a double bonus miles promotion for flights between Lagos and any of its destinations.

May 29, 2025

Copa Airlines announced it has resumed flights between Panama City and Caracas as of May 27, offering daily service with plans to increase to two daily flights starting June 23, 2025.

May 29, 2025

Hainan Airlines has announced a new direct international route between Jeddah and Haikou, marking its first connection between Saudi Arabia and China.

May 29, 2025

Alaska Airlines announced it is launching Chef’s (tray) Table, a new First Class dining program featuring top West Coast chefs, beginning June 5 on select flights, according to a post on X. Alaska Airlines is introducing Chef’s (tray) Table, a...

May 29, 2025