Owais Crawford
Bonus cards at airports, also known as airport lounge access cards, are credit cards that offer cardholders a range of benefits. These cards are designed for frequent travellers and provide access to airport lounges, which are private spaces that offer a respite from the busy airport environment. Lounge access cards offer benefits such as complimentary meals, comfortable seating, improved Wi-Fi, and even shower and spa facilities. Cardholders may also earn bonus air miles or points when booking tickets using the card, which can be redeemed for special waivers on flight prices or other perks. Some cards also offer additional benefits such as accident cover and insurance for damaged goods. The specific benefits and lounges accessible depend on the card provider, with some cards offering access to a wider range of lounges than others.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Access to airport lounges, earn bonus air miles, and other benefits |
| Access | Access to airport lounges, complimentary meals, improved Wi-Fi, and other premium services |
| Eligibility | Frequent travellers, business travellers |
| Benefits | Bonus air miles, complimentary meals, comfortable seating, improved Wi-Fi, shower and spa facilities, offers and discounts on travel, entertainment, shopping, and dining |
| Examples | The Platinum Card® from American Express, Citi®/AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®, The New United Club℠ Card, Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card |
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What You'll Learn
Bonus points and miles
Credit cards that are affiliated with specific airlines or loyalty programs may also offer sign-up bonuses and other opportunities to earn bonus miles or points. For instance, the Aeroplan Credit Card is known for its generous bonus opportunities, while the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card provides an annual companion certificate and a checked-bag benefit. Additionally, some credit cards may offer bonus miles or points as a welcome offer or for spending a certain amount within a specified timeframe.
It is important to note that the value of bonus miles or points may vary depending on the program and how they are redeemed. In some cases, purchasing miles or points directly from the airline or loyalty program may be an option, especially if you need to top off your account balance for a specific redemption. However, buying miles or points is generally not recommended, as they are often sold at a higher price than their standard redemption value.
To maximize the benefits of bonus points and miles, it is essential to understand the terms and conditions of the specific loyalty program or credit card. This includes knowing the earning and redemption rates, as well as any restrictions or limitations on the use of bonus miles or points. Utilizing tools like AwardWallet's "Balance Watch" feature can help track your balance and ensure you are making the most of your rewards.
By taking advantage of bonus points and miles, travellers can enhance their travel experiences through benefits such as seat upgrades, free hotel stays, and other exclusive perks offered by loyalty programs and credit card companies.
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Lounge access
There are a variety of credit cards that offer lounge access as a benefit, and it is important to note that no single card will grant you access to every lounge at every airport. Therefore, it is advisable to first identify the lounges you wish to gain entry to and then find a card that provides access to those specific lounges.
Some of the best credit cards for lounge access include:
- The Platinum Card® from American Express: This card offers a large number of lounge options and is considered the obvious choice by some if you want access to a wide range of lounges.
- Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: This premium card provides access to Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network, totalling over 1,300 lounges worldwide. It also offers a $300 annual credit, effectively reducing the annual fee.
- The New United Club℠ Card: This card grants unlimited access to United's airport lounges for a lower price than a standalone membership.
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: This card offers flexibility, point transfers, and a large bonus. It provides access to the Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club and Priority Pass Select, although only a few lounges are currently open.
In addition to the above, there are various other cards that offer lounge access, such as the American Express® Green Card, which is ideal for frequent travellers due to its valuable Amex Membership Rewards points and welcome bonus.
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Sign-up bonuses
Airline credit cards are a great way to earn sign-up bonuses, especially if you're planning a trip. These bonuses can be worth at least $100, and some cards even offer sign-up bonuses worth $500 or more. For example, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers 100,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months, with a welcome offer valued at $1,250. Similarly, the Marriott Bonvoy® Credit Card provides 85,000 bonus points with a $95 annual fee and a welcome offer worth $850.
If you're a frequent flyer, consider cards with high earning potential, such as the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, which offers a 75,000-mile sign-up bonus. The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card is another excellent option for business travellers, offering an annual companion certificate and a checked-bag benefit. Additionally, the New United Club℠ Card provides unlimited access to United's airport lounges at a lower annual fee than standalone memberships.
For those seeking flexibility, a general travel card might be a better fit. These cards allow you to transfer rewards to travel partners, providing more flexibility than airline-specific cards. The Platinum Card® from American Express is a good choice if you want access to a wide range of airport lounges.
When choosing an airline credit card, consider the annual fees, interest rates, and the value of the rewards offered. Some cards waive the annual fee for the first year, while others have fees ranging from a few hundred dollars to $595. Additionally, interest rates on airline cards can be high, typically ranging from just above 20% to just below 30%.
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TSA PreCheck
To enrol in TSA PreCheck, you can start by submitting your application online, and then completing your application in person at an enrolment centre. The application process typically takes only a few minutes, and there is no need to schedule an appointment. There are 569 enrolment centres, and some are open 7 days a week with extended hours. The cost for enrolment varies by provider.
Children 17 and under can join an adult with TSA PreCheck when the indicator appears on the child's boarding pass. If you already have Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, or an active TWIC or Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with an HME, you do not need to get TSA PreCheck.
Some credit cards and loyalty programs may cover some or all of the TSA PreCheck application or renewal fee, or allow you to pay with frequent flyer miles/points.
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Airline-specific vs general travel cards
When choosing between an airline-specific and a general travel card, it's important to consider your goals, habits, and preferences. Both options can offer lucrative benefits, but they differ in terms of flexibility, rewards, and perks.
Airline-specific cards are highly specialised and are ideal for those who frequently fly with a particular airline or plan to do so in the near future. They offer great rewards and perks related specifically to the affiliated airline, such as priority boarding, waived baggage fees, elite status, and access to airport lounges. However, the miles earned can be difficult to redeem and may require significant planning. Additionally, they tie you to a specific loyalty program, limiting your flexibility.
On the other hand, general travel cards offer enhanced flexibility. They allow you to earn and redeem rewards on broader categories, including various airlines and hotels, enabling you to choose the best deals. You can transfer rewards to travel partners, increasing the value of your rewards. While general travel cards may not offer the same airline-specific perks, they often provide benefits such as travel insurance and access to larger networks of airport lounges.
If you frequently fly with a specific airline and are interested in achieving elite status, an airline-specific card can be advantageous. However, if flexibility and a wider range of redemption options are important to you, a general travel card may be the better choice. It's worth noting that the specific benefits and features can vary even within the same type of card, so it's essential to compare the details of the individual cards you're considering.
Ultimately, the decision between an airline-specific and a general travel card depends on your personal travel habits and preferences. Consider whether you prefer the specialised perks and rewards of an airline-specific card or the flexibility and broader redemption options of a general travel card. By evaluating your priorities, you can choose the option that best aligns with your travel needs and goals.
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Frequently asked questions
An airport bonus card is a credit card that provides cardholders with benefits such as complimentary access to airport lounges, bonus air miles, and exclusive offers and discounts on travel, entertainment, shopping, and dining.
The benefits of an airport bonus card include complimentary access to airport lounges, which offer a respite from the busy airport environment with comfortable seating, complimentary meals, improved Wi-Fi, and sometimes even shower and spa facilities. Cardholders may also earn bonus air miles, which can be used to avail special waivers on flight prices, as well as receive exclusive offers and discounts.
To get an airport bonus card, you will need to apply for one through a bank or credit card company. The specific requirements and documents needed may vary depending on the bank or credit card company, but commonly include ID proof, bank salary slips, and bank statements.
