{"id":20153,"date":"2011-12-28T15:00:46","date_gmt":"2011-12-28T21:00:46","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/?p=20153"},"modified":"2018-03-08T11:30:13","modified_gmt":"2018-03-08T17:30:13","slug":"airline-credit-cards-carded-how-to-get-elite-airline-perks-from-credit-cards","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/2011\/12\/airline-credit-cards-carded-how-to-get-elite-airline-perks-from-credit-cards\/","title":{"rendered":"Carded: How to get elite airline perks from credit cards"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Getting carded: elite benefits are available with some — but not all –airline credit cards. Photo: LatinFlyer.com<\/p><\/div>\n

By Mark Chesnut<\/em><\/p>\n

The writing on the wall indicates that it may become harder for many travelers to reach elite level status with their preferred airlines, thanks to new status thresholds and, at some carriers, changes that will base mileage accrual on the fare paid rather than the mileage flown.<\/p>\n

So how do you keep those precious elite perks from slipping away when your frequent flyer account falls short? The answer may lie with an airline-branded credit card, which can offer benefits including priority check-in and boarding, as well as discounted — or free — airline club access. It\u2019s not quite as good as being full-fledged gold or platinum, to be sure, but it\u2019s a lot better than being the last one to board the plane. Here are the cards with the richest perks.<\/p>\n

American Airlines
\n<\/strong>The Citi Executive Aadvantage Card, American Airlines\u2019 newest credit card option, is pricey — with an annual fee of $450 — but it does include free Admirals Club access. You’ll also be able to check the first bag for free, and take part in what the airline calls an \u201cenhanced airport experience,\u201d with dedicated check-in areas, special airport screening lanes (at some airports) and priority boarding.<\/p>\n

Delta Air Lines
\n<\/strong>The Gold Delta SkyMiles card from American Express offers \u201cfirst bag free\u201d privileges, as well as priority boarding and 20 percent savings on in-flight food, beverage and some entertainment purchases. The first year\u2019s annual fee of $95 is waived for new applicants.<\/p>\n

LAN Airlines
\n<\/strong>Most non-U.S. airlines don\u2019t offer much in the way of branded credit cards with elite perks for passengers based in the United States. One of the exceptions is LAN Airlines, the largest carrier in South America. The LANPASS Visa Signature Card rewards cardholders with three one-way upgrade coupons per year. The first year\u2019s fee is waived; after that, the card costs $75 annually.<\/p>\n

United\/Continental
\n<\/strong>The United MileagePlus Explorer Card entitles travelers to check their first bag free, participate in priority boarding, and receive two passes per year for free access to the recently redubbed United Club. The first year\u2019s fee is waived for the card; the regular annual fee is $95. \u00a0The Continental-branded Presidential Plus Card, meanwhile, provides cardholders with full United Club membership, first and second checked bags free, and priority check-in and boarding. The annual fee is $395.<\/p>\n

US Airways
\n<\/strong>The Premier World MasterCard provides first-class check-in privileges, zone 2 boarding on every flight and one free US Airways Club pass per year. The annual fee is $89.<\/p>\n

Related resources<\/strong><\/p>\n