Flying frequently? Priority boarding can make your trips smoother by letting you board early, secure overhead bin space, and settle in comfortably. Many travel credit cards offer this benefit, often paired with rewards, free checked bags, lounge access, and more. Here’s a quick look at some top options:
- American Airlines AAdvantage Platinum Select Card: $99 annual fee (waived first year), Group 5 boarding.
- Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card: $150 annual fee (waived first year), early boarding on Delta flights.
- United Explorer Card: $150 annual fee (waived first year), priority boarding on United flights.
- Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card: $149 annual fee, early boarding in A1-A15 group.
- JetBlue Plus Card: $99 annual fee, no explicit priority boarding but strong rewards and perks.
Quick Tip: Choose a card that matches your preferred airline and travel habits to maximize benefits. Below is a comparison to help you decide.
Quick Comparison
| Credit Card | Annual Fee | Priority Boarding Details |
|---|---|---|
| American Airlines AAdvantage Platinum | $0 first year, then $99 | Board in Group 5 |
| Delta SkyMiles Gold AmEx | $0 first year, then $150 | Early boarding on Delta flights |
| United Explorer | $0 first year, then $150 | Priority boarding on United flights |
| Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority | $149 | Early boarding in A1-A15 group |
| JetBlue Plus | $99 | No priority boarding, other perks |
Pick the card that aligns with your airline loyalty and travel frequency to make your trips hassle-free.
How Do I Get Priority Boarding With A Credit Card? – Crazy About Credit Cards
1. American Airlines AAdvantage Platinum Select Card
The Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® comes with a $99 annual fee, which is waived for the first 12 months. One of its standout perks is priority boarding, giving you early access to overhead bin space and making your travel experience smoother and less stressful. Specifically, cardholders can board with American Airlines’ Group 5, letting you settle in before the main boarding groups. This feature not only helps you avoid the overhead bin scramble but also adds a layer of convenience that frequent travelers will appreciate.
2. Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card
The Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card offers a $0 annual fee for the first year, followed by a $150 fee annually after that. This introductory period gives you the chance to explore its perks, like priority boarding and travel rewards, before committing to the annual fee.
One standout benefit is priority boarding on Delta flights. This allows you to board earlier, giving you first dibs on overhead bin space and a more relaxed boarding process. The card combines financial flexibility with travel perks, making it a practical choice for frequent Delta flyers who value a smoother pre-flight experience.
3. United Explorer Card
The United Explorer Card is a popular pick among United Airlines travelers, offering perks that make flying more enjoyable. One standout benefit is priority boarding, allowing you to settle in comfortably before the crowd. To sweeten the deal, the card comes with a $0 annual fee for the first year. After that, the annual fee is $150.
4. Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card is a solid pick for those who frequently fly Southwest Airlines. With perks like early boarding and a rewards program tailored to Southwest purchases, it’s designed to enhance your travel experience.
Priority Boarding Benefits
One of the standout features of this card is priority boarding. Cardholders often secure an early boarding position, typically in the sought-after A1-A15 group. This early access not only increases your chances of snagging overhead bin space but also makes the boarding process smoother – especially during busy travel periods.
Annual Fees
The card carries an annual fee of $149. While this fee is higher than some basic options, the added perks, such as priority boarding and travel-specific benefits, can make it well worth the cost for frequent Southwest flyers.
Rewards Structure
This card’s rewards program is built with Southwest enthusiasts in mind. You’ll earn 3 points per dollar on Southwest purchases and 1 point per dollar on everything else. Southwest Rapid Rewards points typically have a value of about 1.3 to 1.5 cents each. Plus, your points won’t expire as long as there’s qualifying activity on your account at least once every 24 months. It’s a simple yet effective way to earn rewards while enjoying your travel perks.
Additional Travel Perks
In addition to priority boarding, cardholders get up to 4 complimentary upgraded boardings each year, allowing for an even earlier boarding position on select flights. Another handy benefit? There are no foreign transaction fees, making this card a smart choice for international travel.
5. JetBlue Plus Card
The JetBlue Plus Card stands out with its impressive rewards and travel benefits, making it a solid choice for frequent JetBlue flyers. While it doesn’t offer explicit priority boarding, its perks more than make up for it. Let’s break down the details.
Annual Fees
This card comes with an annual fee of $99.
Rewards Structure
With the JetBlue Plus Card, you can rack up points quickly:
- 6 points per dollar on JetBlue purchases, including flights, vacation packages, and Paisly® transactions.
- 2 points per dollar on dining and grocery store purchases.
- 1 point per dollar on all other spending.
The card also offers a generous welcome bonus: earn up to 80,000 points – 60,000 points after spending $1,000 and paying the annual fee within the first 90 days, and an extra 20,000 points after spending $6,000 within the first year. Based on current valuations, this bonus is worth about $810.
Points never expire, and the Points Pooling feature allows you to combine and share points with family or friends. Plus, there are no blackout dates when redeeming points for JetBlue-operated flights.
Additional Travel Perks
The JetBlue Plus Card goes beyond rewards with several travel-friendly benefits:
- Free first checked bag for you and up to three companions.
- 5,000 bonus TrueBlue points every year on your account anniversary.
- 50% off eligible in-flight food and drink purchases.
- 10% points back after every redemption.
- A $100 statement credit when you purchase a JetBlue Vacations package of $100 or more.
- No foreign transaction fees, making it ideal for international travel.
- Earn progress toward Mosaic status, JetBlue’s elite membership tier.
This combination of rewards and perks makes the JetBlue Plus Card a compelling option for loyal JetBlue travelers.
Credit Card Comparison Chart
Here’s a quick breakdown of annual fees for popular travel credit cards, based on the latest information from issuers:
| Credit Card | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| American Airlines AAdvantage Platinum Select Card | $0 for the first year, then $99 |
| Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card | $0 for the first year, then $150 |
| United Explorer Card | $0 for the first year, then $150 |
| Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card | $149 |
| JetBlue Plus Card | $99 |
Annual Fee Insights:
If you’re looking for cards with the lowest ongoing costs, the American Airlines AAdvantage Platinum Select Card and the JetBlue Plus Card both charge $99 annually after the first year. The Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card and United Explorer Card start with a $0 fee for the first year but increase to $150 afterward. The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card falls in the middle with a steady $149 annual fee. This comparison highlights the long-term costs tied to each option, helping you find the best fit for your travel budget.
Conclusion
Priority boarding credit cards can be a great option for frequent travelers looking to make their boarding experience smoother. These cards help ease the stress of boarding and ensure you have space for your carry-on in the overhead bins.
Each card – whether from American Airlines, Delta, United, Southwest, or JetBlue – caters to specific types of travelers. The key is to match the card to your travel habits. If you’re loyal to a particular airline or tend to spend in specific bonus categories, picking a card that aligns with those patterns can help you maximize rewards and offset the annual fee.
Consider how often you travel and where you spend the most. For those who fly regularly, the perks like priority boarding and extra rewards can easily justify the cost of the annual fee. But if you only take a couple of trips each year, the fees might outweigh the benefits.
When planning your next trip, think about pairing your credit card perks with deals from services like Flight Booking 247 to get the most out of your travel experience. Just remember, these benefits only pay off if you actually use them!
FAQs
What are priority boarding perks with credit cards, and are there any restrictions?
Priority boarding perks offered by certain credit cards allow you to board earlier, often among the first few groups. This early access not only gives you a better chance at snagging overhead bin space but also makes for a calmer boarding process. Usually, these perks come into play when you use the card to book your ticket, though some cards might charge an extra fee for upgraded boarding privileges.
That said, the details can vary depending on the card and airline. For instance, priority boarding might only apply to specific fare classes or certain types of flights. In other cases, you could be required to meet extra qualifications or pay additional fees to enjoy the benefit. Be sure to review your card’s terms and the airline’s policies to make the most of this perk.
What extra benefits do these credit cards offer that make them great for frequent travelers?
When it comes to travel, many credit cards go beyond just offering priority boarding. They come packed with perks that can make your journey smoother and more enjoyable. Think complimentary airport lounge access, free checked bags, travel insurance, and even statement credits for programs like TSA PreCheck or Global Entry.
These benefits aren’t just about luxury – they’re practical, too. They can save frequent travelers a good chunk of money while adding comfort and convenience. Whether it’s breezing through security or unwinding in a quiet lounge before takeoff, these extras can make a big difference for anyone who spends a lot of time in the air.
How can I choose the best credit card for priority boarding based on my travel preferences?
Choosing the right credit card for priority boarding comes down to your travel habits and which airlines you prefer. If you’re loyal to one airline and fly with them often, a co-branded airline card could be a great choice. These cards typically offer perks like priority boarding, free checked bags, and discounts on in-flight purchases – perfect for frequent flyers who want benefits specific to their favorite airline.
On the other hand, if you prefer flexibility, a general travel rewards card might suit you better. These cards usually let you earn points or miles that can be used with various airlines and often come with extras like travel insurance or access to airport lounges. Take a close look at how often you travel, your airline preferences, and your spending habits to pick a card that aligns with your lifestyle and helps you get the most out of your rewards.
