6 Ways Your Credit Card Can Help You Travel In Style for Free!

Ever walk onto a plane and wonder how so many people can afford to fly first class? The answer’s in their wallet:

Miles and miles of miles!

There’s no easier way to fly free, in style and luxury, than with the right travel credit card. There are a host of rewards and benefits the savviest frequent travelers take advantage of and now it’s your turn.

Free Flight Welcome Bonuses

Loyalty doesn’t pay folks. Stick with your credit card year after year, and you’re playing right into the hands of your credit card company. The best way to get the most from a credit card is through new credit card welcome bonus offers. Whether you’re in the United States or Canada, most sign-up bonuses will offer a free return ticket to almost anywhere in North America, just for getting a new credit card. Don’t be afraid to churn and burn, getting a few new credit cards every year.

Annual Companion Ticket

Some cards will give you a companion ticket, once a year, for a fee of $120 or so. That means, you buy a ticket to Hawaii, and you can bring your significant other along for the ride at only $120! That’s hundreds of dollars in savings, every year. Here’s the best part, some airlines even match the class of ticket your buying. So if you buy a first class ticket to Hawaii, your companion gets to fly first class with you for only $120. Imagine getting that every year.

Free Airport Lounge Access

We all know what it’s like to have a long layover, a flight delay or missed connection. It’s hours and hours of discomfort, frustration and anxiety: everything you were trying to get away from on your vacation. But there is an alternative. Airport lounges offer travelers comfortable seats, showers, free food, coffee, a business center and a quiet place to relax. Many credit cards will either upgrade your loyalty status so you get free lounge access, or will give you a select number of free lounge passes every year.

Priority Check-in and Boarding

Ever get to the airport and find a check-in line as long and daunting as waiting for bread in the old Soviet Union? Get the right credit card and you’ll be brushing the proletariat aside, getting the VIP treatment.

Don’t underestimate priority boarding either. Nothing’s worse than your chin getting reacquainted with your knees because you had to tuck your carry-on under the seat in front of you. Get priority boarding and you’ll board first, giving you plenty of space to put your bags where they belong – above your head.

Passing Through Security Swiftly

Don’t overlook this one. It’s not unheard of to face a security line with a few hundred people. Murphy’s Law states it will happen at the exact time when you’re late for your flight. Enter that credit card that gives you access to the expedited security line.

Free Room Upgrades

This one is simple, with the right travel, rewards or hotel card, you might be able to get an upgrade to a room with a better view or larger suite. Check to see if your loyalty status automatically upgrades your room, or whether you can use your points to upgrade your room. Either way, it’s a great way to make your stay that much more special.

There are plenty of other perks and benefits your credit card might offer to help you travel further and better. From concierge services, to seat upgrades, to discounts at prestigious hotels and restaurants, your card can pack a luxurious punch. The right credit card can also get you complimentary hotel internet, free checked bags, even a complimentary breakfast. Get familiar with your card’s benefits and start travelling smarter and farther today!

Featured photo credit: Richard Moross, Flickr Creative Commons via flickr.com

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