This topic was previously highlighted in my weekly recap newsletter here
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Airline credit cards are becoming more important
I try to avoid talking about credit cards. There’s already enough discourse about it. However, one major shift I see happening and not often talked about is an increased focus on “loyalty” – or at least joining an airline’s credit card ecosystem – to get preferential treatment. This extends beyond extra bags and a somewhat better boarding group. None of these links are referral or affiliate links. Ask a friend or your favorite points & miles nerd for a referral if interested.
Maybe this is award travel 201 type stuff, but I think having a co-branded airline card can open up a lot more award options. These cards should serve as a supplement to focusing on the major transferrable currencies (Amex MR, Chase UR, Citi TYP, etc.).
Here is a quick list of co-branded cards that can help open up more award availability when looking to book with points. If you travel on these airlines a lot; live by one of their hubs; or think you can strategically make these benefits work based on your future travel plans, think about them.
List of credit cards that help unlock more award space
1) United cards. This one is a 2-for-1. You get a 10% off United awards operated by United + get access to exclusive saver awards that non-cardholders or United elites can’t book. There is a lot of expanded availability this way. If you’re a United Elite (Silver or higher), you also get expanded award availability and an additional 5% discount. Details from United PR here. Oh, and if you don’t have a UA card, you don’t earn as many points when flying on United anymore ☹ (Frequent Miler article). See below Newark (EWR) to Naples, Italy (NAP). You can book a direct business class award flight on United for as low as 68k points (I have 15% discount from United Elite status + credit card).
2) Qatar Airlines cards. With Qatar limiting who can book award flights using their program (details on my blog here) without crediting a paid flight to Qatar or having their credit card, it could make sense to get a Qatar credit card? Oh, the $499/year card gives you Qatar Gold, which is oneworld Sapphire. With Qatar not allowing free seat selection even on saver business class awards, that card will let you pick seats for free on Qatar Airways and also on British Airways. The $99 annual fee card only saves you 20% on seat selection fees. (Cards from Cardless here). Some food for thought if you are flying BA or QR in the future and don’t have Sapphire or Emerald status on a oneworld airline.
3) Emirates cards. You can’t book Emirates First Class awards directly on Emirates anymore (and generally other partners like Qantas too) without status. You just need the lowest level Silver status with Emirates to be able to book a first class award. The $99 annual fee Emirates card gives you that. (Emirates cards from Mastercard)
Cards that only reduce award costs
1) Delta cards. People with Delta credit cards with annual fees get 15% discounts on Delta award flights operated by Delta. Details on Delta’s site here
2) Avianca card. There are two Avianca Amex cards available in the US. The Avianca LifeMiles Elite card, which has a $249 annual fee, gives you a complimentary Lifemiles+ lite subscription. (Avianca Amex card details here). This subscription provides a 10% discount on awards booked through Avianca, even partner awards. A pretty good perk for Star Alliance award loyalists + people who can manage the pain points the program brings including sporadic changes in partner availability access and poor customer service.
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