If you fly one airline consistently, these cards can be a very good option. They are not for people who carry a balance, because interest rates tend to be quite high. Rates have risen steadily during the past few years.
Many budget travelers believe airline credit cards are a less than attractive option unless you live near an airport dominated by one airline or your company requires a particular carrier. Often it pays to also consider bank-based cards that can offer more reward options.
Please take these recommendations as a starting point for a more personal and in-depth study focused on your individual travel needs. Here are a few selections worth consideration as you begin your research.
British Airways Visa Signature Card
British Airways offers travel options around the world that few others can match. One recent offer was 100,000 BA Miles for existing US British Airways Executive Club members and new card holders approved for the card. Card members received 50,000 BA Miles after their first purchase, and they received another 50,000 miles after they spend at least $2,000 in the first three months. The current offer is 30,000 bonus miles for signing up, and you'll get two BA Miles for every dollar spent on the airline's products. Reward partners such as American Airlines and Alaska Airlines combine with British Airways to offer about 600 destinations to which you can fly. Chase Bank USA is the issuing company. There is a 13.24 percent variable APR for unpaid balances.
The good news: A large choice of domestic and international flights, and an offer of a second, free companion ticket when you pay full price for the first fare. The bad news: Fairly high annual fee of $75, and only U.S. residents are eligible.
JetBlue Card from American Express
This card, for those who fly mostly within U.S. borders, is set up a little differently from most: You need 100 points to earn a free flight. Each $200 charged gives you one "true blue" point. That means $20,000 in purchases gets you a round trip ticket on JetBlue. The airline offers 50 points just for opening the account, so the first ticket could only cost $10,000 in purchases. The variable APR for purchases is high at 15.24 percent. There is an annual fee of $40.
The good news: Short path to the first free ticket; lower annual fee than many other airline cards. The bad news: High APR, and JetBlue only flies in the U.S., Caribbean and Bermuda. Other cards allow for more destination options.
Gold Delta SkyMiles Credit Card from American Express
Delta's extensive network of cities and partners around the world makes anything they offer worth a look. American Express is welcomed in many fine outlets worldwide, but some budget travelers complain it skews upscale--and therefore is not as useful in their daily lives as other cards. Delta adds 20,000 SkyMiles after your first purchase. The annual fee is waived the first year, and $40 thereafter if you have a qualifying American Express Consumer Charge Card. If not, the annual fee is $95. The APR for purchases is 13.24 percent. Miles do not expire as long as you do one of the following every two years: takes a qualifying flight on any Delta service; earns Delta miles through one of its program partners; or redeem miles for any Delta miles award. Not available in Puerto Rico, Saipan and the U.S. Virgin Islands. You can earn double miles for Delta purchases. Beware: Delta also offers an "options" card, with no annual fee, but it takes $2 to earn each mile.
The good news: SkyMiles are also accepted on 13 international carriers, including Air France, Air Jamaica and Singapore Airlines. Delta now awards 2,500 bonus miles when you make $10,000 in eligible purchases in a calendar year. The bad news: There is an earning limit of $60,000 of eligible spending per year; annual fee that can hit $95.
Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Visa Signature Card
New cardholders receive eight Rapid Rewards the first time they use the card (16 required for a free round trip on Southwest). Another eight credits are awarded for balance transfers within the first 90 days. After that, you'll need to charge $1200 on the card to earn a Rapid Reward point. APR is 13.24 percent.
The good news: It's possible to get a free trip very quickly. The bad news: There is a $59 annual fee applied immediately.
Citi Platinum Select American Airlines AAdvantage World MasterCard
There is no annual fee the first year and up to 25,000 bonus miles after $750 in purchases with the card in first four months. This choice combines the resources of a banking empire and one of the North America's largest airlines. APR is 13.24 percent. One of the few MasterCard choices available (Continental is another).
The good news: No blackout dates for reward travel and a chance to earn lots of bonus points. The bad news: Starting with year two, you pay a fairly steep annual fee of $85.
