When it comes to traveling during the holidays, the long lines, crowded airports and traffic can fill us with a very unhappy holiday dread. Even with the crowds and delays of holiday travel, here's how you can find some relief from an unlikely source: credit cards.
Most of us look forward to the holiday season as a time for overeating and reuniting with the family. But when it comes to traveling during the holidays, the long lines, crowded airports and traffic can fill us with a very unhappy holiday dread. In 2017, 28.5 million passengers will fly on U.S. airlines during the 12-day Thanksgiving holiday travel period, which is a 3 percent increase from 2016, according to Airlines for America, the trade magazine for the airline industry. While we’ve grown to accept the crowds and delays of holiday travel, you can find some relief from one of the unlikeliest sources: credit cards.
Today’s credit card market is one of the most competitive, with issuers offering lucrative rewards to entice consumers to their products. Many cards offer eye-catching sign-up bonuses that card members can use for flights, free hotel nights or cash back for travel expenses. In order to attract more consumers, issuers have started offering benefits that can not only be used for earning travel, but can be used to get you traveling in comfort and style, even during the holidays.
Flight perks. Every major airline, from Southwest to United to Delta, has its own branded credit card. While these airline credit cards usually only earn rewards for that airline and its partners, the trade-off is that they can offer perks on their services that other cards can’t match. No more worrying about baggage fees, as many of these cards offer your first bag free. And just having a card such as the Gold Delta SkyMiles credit card from American Express or the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard will earn you preferred boarding, so you can settle into your seat sooner. Most cards offer discounts on in-flight purchases.
You don’t have to have a branded credit card to take advantage of travel perks. Premium travel cards such as the Platinum Card from American Express and the Chase Sapphire Reserve offer worldwide access to airport lounges where you can relax and unwind while you wait for your connection. Some premium travel cards offer relief from the long security lines at airports. Global Entry or TSA Precheck offer expedited screening at select airports. If you are eligible, some cards will automatically credit your account for the application, which can be up to $100.
[See: 8 Ways to Maximize Your Credit Card Rewards.]
Hotel perks. Not to be outdone, major hotels also have their branded credit cards. These cards allow cardholders to earn rewards for free nights, but membership benefits don’t stop there. Hotel cards offer benefits such as free in-room Wi-Fi and enhanced status in hotel rewards clubs. This elevated status can include perks such as late checkout, room upgrades and free nights. The Marriott Rewards Premier Credit Card will even give you a free night after every anniversary of card membership.
(Getty Images/iStockphoto/BrianAJackson)
Getty Images/iStockphoto/BrianAJackson
Rental car perks. Many credit cards give cardholders instant status upgrades in rental car company loyalty programs. These status upgrades can come with a variety of benefits depending on the card and rental company. Benefits can include discounted rates, guaranteed availability, free car class upgrades and free rentals.
[See: 10 Completely Careless Credit Card Mistakes You’re Making.]
Peace of mind. While most of us know that using your credit card to rent a car will provide you with some level of insurance, many credit cards offer a range of travel protections that can give you peace of mind as you travel. Coverage can include trip cancellation insurance, which will reimburse the cardholder if any fees are incurred because a trip was interrupted or canceled. Baggage delay insurance will cover incidentals up to a set daily amount. Baggage loss insurance will cover up to a set amount if your suitcase is lost by an airline. Many credit cards offer travel accident insurance in case of injury or worse.
(Getty Images/iStockphoto/ShotShare)
Getty Images/iStockphoto/ShotShare
Concierge services. Traveling during the holidays can be stressful enough, you may not have the time or inclination to make plans when you arrive where you’re going. Many credit cards come with concierge services that you can call 24/7 for restaurant recommendations and reservations, tickets to shows and sporting events and gift recommendations. They will even send flowers on your behalf. If the idea of planning your trip is too stressful, some concierge services will help with travel arrangements.
(Wasant)
