Top Airline Credit Cards for 2024: Maximize Your Travel Rewards and Savings

With the travel industry rebounding and more Americans eager to explore new destinations, finding the best airline credit card can significantly enhance your travel experience.

Here, we break down the top airline credit cards for 2024, highlighting their benefits, rewards, and how they can help you save on your next trip.
 

Top Airline Credit Cards for June 2024

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Why We Love It: The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a standout for travelers due to its flexible point system.

Cardholders earn 2x points on travel and dining, and 1x points on all other purchases.

Points can be transferred to numerous airline and hotel partners, offering versatility and high redemption value.

Key Benefits:

• Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
• Annual Fee: $95
• Flexible Points: Points transfer to leading frequent flyer programs at a 1:1 ratio.
• Travel Protections: Includes trip cancellation insurance, baggage delay insurance, and primary car rental insurance.

Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card

Why We Love It: Ideal for Delta flyers, this card provides significant perks and savings on Delta flights, making your travel experience smoother and more rewarding.

Earn 2x miles on Delta purchases, U.S. supermarkets, and at restaurants.

Key Benefits:

• Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 40,000 miles after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months.
• Annual Fee: $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $99.
• Checked Bag Perk: First checked bag free on Delta flights.
• Priority Boarding: Enjoy Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding on Delta flights.

United℠ Explorer Card

Why We Love It: The United℠ Explorer Card is perfect for those who frequently fly United Airlines.

Cardholders enjoy priority boarding, two free United Club passes annually, and up to 2x miles on United purchases, dining, and hotel stays.

Key Benefits:

• Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 60,000 miles after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months.
• Annual Fee: $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
• Lounge Access: Two United Club one-time passes each year.
• Travel Protections: Includes trip cancellation/interruption insurance, baggage delay insurance, and primary car rental insurance.

Government Assistance for Travelers

While airline credit cards offer significant perks, it's essential to be aware of government assistance programs that can help reduce travel costs.

Programs like TSA PreCheck and Global Entry expedite the security screening process, saving you time at the airport.

The Department of Homeland Security offers these programs, and many credit cards, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, provide statement credits for application fees.
 

TSA PreCheck and Global Entry

• TSA PreCheck: Costs $85 for a 5-year membership, allowing expedited security screening at participating airports.
• Global Entry: Costs $100 for a 5-year membership, providing expedited customs screening for international travelers and includes TSA PreCheck benefits.

How to Apply

Visit the official DHS website to apply for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. Many premium travel credit cards cover the application fee, effectively making these services free for cardholders.

Conclusion

Choosing the right airline credit card can transform your travel experience, offering rewards, savings, and convenience.

Whether you're a frequent flyer or planning your next big vacation, these top cards for 2024 provide valuable benefits that make every journey more enjoyable.

Remember to leverage government assistance programs for even more savings and a smoother travel experience.

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