Why do airlines partner with credit cards?

On top of that, the issuer often rebates the usual merchant processing fees when the customer makes a purchase from the airline. So co-branded cards carry precious few costs while bringing in easy revenue. Considering that, an airline would almost be foolish not to offer one or several.



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It can provide protection Depending on which type of credit card you have, you might get some valuable travel protections by booking your trip with it. For example, some cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card provide lost luggage reimbursement, travel accident insurance and travel emergency assistance services.

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The main negative aspect of airline credit cards is the lack of redemption options. Since you'll only earn a single frequent flyer currency, you can only redeem miles with that specific airline and its partners.

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Using a credit card to book travel is one of our top tips for booking travel now – and always. It's one of the best ways to protect yourself against the uncertainty of travel.

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The Best Airline Credit Cards
  • JetBlue Plus Card: Best For JetBlue Benefits.
  • Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card: Best Mid-Priced Delta Card.
  • Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card: Best for Southwest Airlines Benefits.
  • Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®: Best For American Airlines.


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The biggest alliance is Star Alliance, which has 28 member airlines such as United, Lufthansa, and Air Canada. The second biggest is SkyTeam, which has 19 members including Delta, KLM, and Air France. The third biggest alliance is Oneworld, which has 13 members including American Airlines, British Airways, and Qantas.

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Airline miles are oftentimes the most valuable award travel currency. While many travel rewards are worth around 1 cent each, airline miles can be worth up to 6 cents each for first-class flights. Despite the potentially high valuations, miles are not always worth earning.

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Timing plays an important part. Specifically, plane tickets usually don't get cheaper closer to the departure date. Instead, flights tend to be the most inexpensive when you book between four months and three weeks before your departure date.

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The 20 Safest Low-Cost Airlines For 2023
  • Southwest.
  • Spicejet.
  • Spirit.
  • Vueling.
  • Vietjet.
  • Volaris.
  • Westjet.
  • Wizz.


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Average domestic airfare price by day
  • Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the cheapest days to fly domestically.
  • Saturday and Monday flights can help you avoid the Sunday rush.
  • Wednesdays and Thursdays are the cheapest day to fly internationally.
  • Book one to three months in advance.
  • Set a price alert.


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Using a debit card to withdraw local currency from an ATM in that country will always get you the best exchange rate possible. For all other aspects of travel – from booking the flight and lodging to planning excursions and tours, use a credit card. Your future traveling self will thank you.

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