Quantcast

Evaluating the worth of airline credit cards amidst program changes

Tycoon unveils £25 billion rival Heathrow expansion plan
Proposals for commercial planes to operate with one pilot shelved after critical EU report
Air Travel Fatalities Up 300% in 2024, According to Shocking Global Report
Boeing Halts Strike Talks Amid $36 Billion Deal & Union Dispute
FAA’s Broader Runway Safety Push Builds on EMAS Legacy
Ryanair CEO says aviation sustainability targets are 'dying a death'
US FAA funds system to prevent accidents involving runaway airplanes
Exclusive: Korean Air makes airline's biggest-ever Boeing jet order amid Trump-Lee summit
Boeing Stock Jumps on Massive Korean Air Order
FAA EMAS: Proven Safety Wins Since 1996
Air Canada flight attendants try to build on US gains on unpaid work
Cathay Pacific warns of declining fares and cargo uncertainty, shares fall
Clear intentions, cloudy path: aviation's ongoing ESG challenge
Turkish Airlines is preparing binding offer for Spain's Air Europa, executive says
Air Canada flight attendants approve strike mandate
US criticizes use of AI to personalize airline ticket prices, would investigate
Ethiopian Airlines' annual revenue rises as it draws more passengers, adds routes
Major strike action to hit 12 Spanish airports that have Ryanair flights
JetBlue, United partnership gets go-ahead from U.S. Transportation Department
United-JetBlue partnership gets US DOT approval
Air India Warned Over Crew Fatigue and Training Failures Following Fatal Crash
Heathrow Chief Defends £50–60 billion Third Runway Amid Rising Costs Debate
New UK airline with cheap US fares is ‘parked’ after just TWO flights – with people fearing it’s been scrapped for good
US carriers shamed in surprising new list of the world’s ‘cleanest’ airlines
Air Force Pilot Wasn't Alerted to Collision Course with Passenger Jet Before Scary Near Miss, Says Official
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy may deny flights from Mexico over broken aviation agreement
Plane Makes Emergency Landing After ‘Unruly’ Passenger Attempts to Open Exit Door Mid-Flight
American Airlines Launches Ultra‑Long‑Haul DFW–Manila Flights
Thousands of flights canceled or delayed across America's busiest airports
Summer flight delays to be 'worst ever' this year - what to do if affected
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

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced that its Wings of Change Europe (WOCE) event will take place at the Steigenberger Icon Wiltcher's Hotel in Brussels.

Oct 23, 2025

Delta Air Lines has announced a new partnership with Crunchyroll, the global anime streaming platform, to bring a curated selection of anime content to its flights.

Oct 23, 2025

Delta Air Lines has been recognized as one of the 2025 Fortune Best Workplaces for Women, marking its return to the list since 2019.

Oct 23, 2025

Delta Air Lines marked its 100th anniversary by serving as the official airline of the 60th Head of the Charles Regatta (HOCR) in Boston.

Oct 23, 2025

American Airlines has announced that it will upgrade its Boeing 777-200ER aircraft with new Flagship Suites, the airline's latest business-class product.

Oct 23, 2025

Delta Air Lines will introduce a new in-flight dining partnership with Chef José Andrés, bringing Spanish-inspired cuisine to select cabins starting November 4.

Oct 23, 2025