In 2022, the best airline credit cards for travelers are those that offer a combination of generous rewards on airline spending, travel perks, and flexible redemption options, with top contenders including the Chase Sapphire Preferred, American Express Gold Card, and co-branded airline cards like the Delta SkyMiles American Express Card and the Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card. Choosing the right card depends on your travel habits, preferred airlines, and whether you prioritize earning miles, gaining lounge access, or enjoying travel protections.
Understanding Airline Credit Cards and Their Benefits
Airline credit cards are designed to reward frequent flyers with miles or points that can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, or other travel-related perks. Many are co-branded, meaning they are issued in partnership with a specific airline, offering exclusive benefits like priority boarding, free checked bags, and access to airport lounges. Others are general travel credit cards that earn flexible points redeemable across multiple airlines and travel partners.
Key benefits common to top airline credit cards include:
- Bonus miles or points after meeting initial spending thresholds, often within the first few months.
- Earn rates that reward airline purchases, typically 2-3 miles per dollar spent or equivalent.
- Complimentary checked bags and priority boarding privileges.
- Access to airport lounges, including domestic and international lounges.
- Travel protections such as trip cancellation/interruption insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, and rental car insurance.
- Discounted or free companion tickets for loyal customers.
However, each card varies in terms of annual fees, redemption flexibility, and specific airline alliances covered. When selecting the best airline credit card in 2022, consider your airline preferences, travel frequency, and whether you value perks over costs.
Top Airline Credit Cards of 2022
Here are some of the most recommended airline credit cards in 2022, categorized by their primary benefits and target users:
1. Delta SkyMiles American Express Card
- Best for Delta Flyers: This co-branded card offers 20,000 bonus miles after your first purchase, with additional miles earned per dollar spent on Delta flights (2x) and everyday purchases (1x).
- Perks: First checked bag free for the cardholder and up to 8 companions, priority boarding, and discounted Delta Sky Club access (with the Reserve card).
- Annual Fee: Ranges from $0 for the basic Blue SkyMiles card to $550 for the Reserve.
- Best suited for: Regular Delta travelers seeking rewards and travel benefits without paying high annual fees.
2. Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card
- Best for Southwest Airlines Fans: Offers a sign-up bonus of 40,000 points after first purchase, with ongoing earning rates of 2 points per dollar on Southwest purchases and 1 point elsewhere.
- Perks: No foreign transaction fees, a free checked bag for the cardholder and companions, and priority boarding.
- Annual Fee: Varies from $0 to $99 depending on the card version.
- Additional benefits: Companion pass opportunities after earning a set number of points, making it highly valuable for frequent Southwest flyers.
3. United Explorer Card
- Best for United Airlines Travelers: Welcome bonus of 50,000 miles after spending $3,000 in three months, plus 2 miles per dollar on United purchases.
- Perks: Two free checked bags, priority boarding, United Club lounge access (with the Explorer card), and 25% back on in-flight purchases.
- Annual Fee: $0 introductory for the first year, then $95.
- Additional benefits: MileagePlus upgrades and exclusive event access.
4. Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
- Best for Flexible Travel Rewards: Not airline-specific but offers 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in three months, which can be transferred to numerous airline partners including United, Southwest, and British Airways.
- Perks: 2x points on travel and dining, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, and no foreign transaction fees.
- Annual Fee: $95.
- Why it’s popular: Its flexible points system and transferability make it ideal for travelers who want to choose among multiple airlines or use points for hotel bookings as well.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Airline Credit Card
Selecting the best airline credit card involves evaluating several key factors:
- Airline Loyalty: If you primarily fly one airline, a co-branded card with that airline offers the most benefits, such as free checked bags and priority boarding.
- Travel Frequency: Frequent travelers benefit from cards that offer lounge access, free checked bags, and travel protections.
- Annual Fees: Weigh the card’s benefits against its annual fee. Some premium cards charge higher fees but provide more valuable perks.
- Redemption Flexibility: Cards like Chase Sapphire Preferred allow points to be transferred to multiple airlines, offering more options than single airline cards.
- Additional Perks: Consider travel insurance, purchase protections, and special access to events or upgrades.
Common misconceptions include the idea that only high annual fees provide value; however, many lower-cost cards still offer significant benefits for occasional travelers or those new to earning miles.
Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice in 2022
The best airline credit card for you in 2022 depends on your specific travel habits and preferences. If you’re loyal to a particular airline like Delta or Southwest, their co-branded cards provide tailored benefits that can significantly enhance your travel experience. Conversely, if you prefer flexibility or fly multiple airlines, general travel cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred or American Express Gold are excellent options, offering versatile points and extensive travel protections.
Ultimately, the key to maximizing value is to choose a card that aligns with your travel patterns, carefully consider the annual fee versus benefits, and leverage introductory bonuses to jump-start your rewards. By doing so, you can enjoy a more comfortable, cost-effective, and rewarding travel experience throughout 2022 and beyond.