Jan 16, 2024 By Susan Kelly
The most annoying thing to airplane travelers is the cost of checked luggage. The mood is reminiscent of how bank clients felt during the financial crisis when banks started blatantly nickel and diming them with various supplementary fees. The banks took this action in reaction to interest rates falling, which reduced their profit margins.
The airlines took this action because rising oil prices pushed several of them into the red. Nevertheless, the airlines not only levy checked luggage fees but are raising them despite the recent drop in gasoline costs. Here are the top credit cards with free checked luggage for your convenience.
The following are the top credit cards that offer free checked bags:
The JetBlue Plus Card is the finest credit card for complimentary checked baggage. The JetBlue Plus Card stands out among credit cards that let you check one bag for free. This card is perfect for JetBlue fans because it has great benefits that make traveling more enjoyable. Cardholders enjoy the benefit of a free first-checked bag for themselves and three travel partners on the same reservation. It makes the card a valuable tool for people who fly a lot.
In addition, the card lets you earn points faster when you buy things on JetBlue, which speeds up the process of earning benefits. A big welcome bonus increases attraction, the chance to earn money for everyday purchases, and a yearly bonus. The JetBlue Plus Card simplifies travel plans by covering the cost of checked bags and improves the experience with a wide range of perks designed to meet the needs of frequent JetBlue passengers.
A credit card designed for travelers who prefer Hawaiian Airlines and its perks is the Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard from Barclaycard. This card offers benefits that appeal to regular fliers and Hawaii fans, with an annual charge of $99 and a substantial introductory bonus. This card is particularly noteworthy because of its free checked bag bonus, which lets the primary cardholder check the first bag on qualifying Hawaiian Airlines flights for free. This benefit can drastically lower travel costs for people who travel to and from Hawaii regularly.
This perk also covers up to 8 companions on the same reservation, which makes it a great option for travelers who frequently travel in groups with friends or family. Beyond baggage benefits, more alluring benefits are associated with the Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard. With purchases, cardholders accrue miles, and Hawaiian Airlines transactions provide additional points. Moreover, round-trip coach travel between Hawaii and the US mainland is discounted by $100 for a companion each year.
This credit card is designed specifically for Alaska Airlines frequent travelers and is called the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Credit Card. A $75 annual cost usually applies, and it offers several features perfect for frequent travelers. One particularly noteworthy feature is Alaska's Famous Companion FareTM, which entitles cards to a yearly round-trip coach companion flight for $121 ($99 base cost plus taxes and fees at $22). Those who travel with a partner regularly stand to gain greatly from this benefit, which might lead to large savings.
Cardholders accrue Alaska miles with every transaction, with extra miles awarded for qualifying purchases and a substantial sign-up bonus for new applicants who satisfy the program's spending requirements. With Alaska Airlines, the card also provides a free checked bag advantage for the primary cardholder and up to six companions on the same reservation, in addition to several other travel benefits and safeguards. Nonetheless, conditions, advantages, and yearly costs may differ, so it's advised to confirm the most recent information via the issuer's official website or customer support.
The United Explorer Card is a popular travel credit card for frequent United Airlines travelers. This card comes with a $95 yearly cost but includes several features to improve travel. Cardholders receive a free checked bag when traveling with a partner on the same reservation, reducing baggage fees and streamlining travel expenses.
Priority boarding rights make access to overhead bin space possible faster, providing a more seamless boarding experience. Cardholders can accrue miles for regular spending and purchases made at United to work toward future travel incentives. Moreover, additional value is added to the United Explorer Card when new cardholders achieve spending requirements during the promotional period and get bonus miles.
Travelers who often need a credit card can choose the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, a premium travel credit card with many features and advantages. Even while the card has a higher annual fee—roughly $550 on average, though this might vary—the benefits frequently exceed the cost. Enjoying a $300 yearly travel credit that can be applied to various travel-related costs, cardholders may lower their net cost of ownership without sacrificing anything. The card also includes Priority Pass Select membership, which gives access to a vast international network of airport lounges to enhance the pre-flight experience.
The triple points earning scheme is especially attractive to travelers and food lovers since it allows customers to quickly accrue substantial Ultimate Rewards points. With the Chase Ultimate Rewards website, the points may be exchanged for a premium rate on a range of travel-related charges. Additional bonuses include premium travel insurance coverages, a credit against the TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application price, and the freedom to transfer points to airline and lodging partners. For individuals looking for an elite travel card that blends opulent benefits with strong rewards and safeguards, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® is an exceptional option.
In summary, credit cards allowing free checked baggage are useful options for passengers looking to cut costs and improve their traveling experience. Every card offers something different to suit the needs of various travelers, be it expedited points earning, companion fare privileges, or wealthy lounge access. The common thread is the important respite from checked luggage costs despite variations in yearly rates and services. To select the credit card that best suits their needs and optimizes savings, travelers should consider their unique spending patterns and preferences. Those using these credit card benefits should expect efficient and safe journeys.
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