airlines

How Understanding Airline Flight Routes Can Score You Better Rewards

Jason Steele — Thu, 15 Feb 2018 09:30:05 +0000

Would you want to earn rewards that can only be used at a store that has no locations near you? Of course not. Likewise, the best airline rewards program for you may depend on where you live, what airlines service your local airport, and where you want to go. (See also: Best Sign-up Bonuses for Airline Miles Credit Cards)

Understanding airline routes

Nearly all airlines today operate with a so-called hub and spoke network. This means almost all of their flights go to or from one or more of their key cities, called hubs. If you live in a hub city, then you'll have access to nonstop flights to dozens of destinations using that airline. But if you live in a city without a hub, you'll only have direct service to some or all of their hub cities. That means that if you want to travel to a destination other than a hub, you'll have to change planes.

Most of the time, having to change planes is the difference between taking a quick morning or evening flight, and having to dedicate an entire day to travel. And that's when everything goes smoothly. Every time you change planes, you increase the chances of missing a flight or having your luggage delayed or lost. (See also: Best Credit Cards That Transfer Points to Airline Miles)

A short list of airline hubs:

American:

Charlotte
Chicago O'Hare
Dallas-Fort Worth
Los Angeles
Miami
New York La Guardia
New York JFK
Philadelphia
Phoenix
Washington National

Delta

Atlanta
Boston
Cincinnati
Detroit
Los Angeles
Minneapolis
New York La Guardia
New York JFK
Salt Lake City
Seattle

United

Chicago O'Hare
Denver
Houston Bush Intercontinental
Los Angeles
Newark
San Francisco
Washington Dulles

In addition to these major airline hubs, there are plenty of smaller airlines that offer service from focus cities. For example, JetBlue offers many flights out of New York JFK, Boston, and Fort Lauderdale, while Alaska Airlines has a large presence in Seattle, Portland, and San Francisco. Also, Frontier is a discount carrier with a hub in Denver.

Finally, Southwest is the only major carrier that doesn't offer a hub and spoke route system. Instead, it operates to numerous destinations from each city it serves. Nevertheless, its largest operations are in secondary airports where it dominates traffic, such as Chicago Midway, Houston Hobby, Baltimore Washington International, and Dallas Love Field. In addition, it has major hub-like operations in airports such as Denver, Atlanta, Las Vegas, Fort Lauderdale, Oakland, Phoenix, and Orlando. (See also: Best Credit Cards With Airline Companion Tickets)

How to find out which airlines best serve your city

You could look up the route maps of every airline and compare them, but that would be impractical. Instead, the best tool for this job is actually Wikipedia. If you go to the Wikipedia page for any airport, it will include a table of airlines and the destinations served nonstop from that airport. For example, if you go to the Wikipedia page for Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, you'll notice that Delta operates a hub that serves over 300 destinations, while American and United only serve less than 10 cities each. However, you might also see that Southwest serves over 30 cities from Atlanta as well.

Wikipedia pages also list the top destinations for flights from that airport. For other destinations, you could determine the number of flights between two cities by doing a search on the airline's website. This is important because you may need to know if a city is just served seasonally, or very infrequently, or if the airline offers multiple flights per day.

By understanding how airline flight routes work, you can choose to participate in the frequent flyer programs that best meet your needs. (See also: How to Maximize Your Airline Mileage Redemptions)

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This article is from Jason Steele of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

21 Unexpected Items You Should Always Pack in Your Carry-On

Carrie Kirby — Wed, 22 Nov 2017 09:00:06 +0000

This is not your first trip down the jetway. You've got your eye mask, your noise-cancelling headphones, your laptop or tablet, your multi-item charger for the airport, your backup power source, and even your actual paper book in case all your technology runs out of battery. But what did you not think to put in your carry-on that could make your flight better? Here are a few I never fly without, and a few more I can't wait to try. (See also: 15 Packing Secrets From a Professional Traveler)

Domestic

Maybe you're only going to be stuck in that hamster cage they call a seat for a few hours, but that doesn't mean you should show up without any provisions for your comfort.

1. A pencil and notebook

Unlike a laptop, which will run out of power, or a pen, which might refuse to write at altitude, this little piece of technology won't let you down when you are bored enough to write poetry or fill in the in-flight magazine's crossword puzzle.

2. A headphone splitter

While it's obvious you'll be bringing headphones, do you really want to sit there, laughing at the movie on your laptop, while your companion sits there and seethes? Share!

3. A medicine bag

Include painkillers, because, ouch: altitude. Antihistamines and decongestants are also good calls. Some of us like to carry something that will make us sleepy or calm our nerves. If you need an inhaler or insulin, it's obviously important to bring plenty for your own safety, but also because if you ever ask a flight attendant if they have a spare inhaler, you'll probably be denied boarding for medical reasons. They don't want to take the risk of anyone having a health emergency in the sky.

4. A change of clothes

Because you never know if or when your checked bag will make it to your destination, and what if the person next to you spills his coffee all over you?

5. A tennis ball

Huh? Travel & Leisure swears you should bring this piece of sports equipment on board, and use it to massage your back, legs, and feet to keep the blood flowing during the flight.

6. Business cards, or a copy of your manuscript

Because you never know when you'll be seated next to the one business contact you always dreamed of meeting.

7. Sanitizing wipes

Because did you know people change their babies' diapers on those tray tables? Wipe it down the moment you take your seat.

8. Another bag, like one of those shopping bags that pack down tiny

Because you might not be able to quickly stuff everything you used on the flight back into your carry-on when it's time to go.

9. A pacifier

Not traveling with a baby? Imagine what a hero you might become to the whole flight if you whip out a new, in-the-package bippy for a family that has lost theirs. Back when I traveled with infants in tow, I once had another mom offer me $10 for a single pacifier. (I gave it to her for free.)

10. Slipper socks

Because if you're like me, you wore slip-on sandals through security, and now your feet are cold.

11. An empty water bottle

Because you can fill it up after you go through security. You don't want to drink the airplane water. (See also: The 5 Best Aluminum and Stainless Steel Water Bottles)

12. A USB or Apple lightning cable

Some planes now have ports in the seat, so you can charge your phone! Make sure you buy the rapid charging kind.

13. Your rights

Print out the US Department of Transportation's rules on delays, bumping passengers, and compensation. Why? Because crews may take advantage of the fact that most people don't know off the top of their heads that they're entitled to 400% of the original fare, up to $1,350, in cash, if they're bumped and arrive at their destination more than two hours late on a domestic flight, or four hours on an international flight. Having these guidelines on hand will allow you to make an informed decision if you're asked to get off the plane, and to ask for what you're owed while you're still at the airport.

14. A comfort item or hypnotherapy recording

Do you get scared, especially during takeoff? Don't be ashamed to bring a stuffy from home that you can squeeze until its eyes bug out. Personally, I like to use self-hypnosis to talk myself down, and if you're new to that type of thing, you could download a recorded hypnosis session to your phone. The side benefit of using hypnosis to fight fear of flying is that it might actually help you fall asleep.

International

On an overseas flight, you will almost certainly try to sleep at some point, making your carry-on arsenal especially important. It's also more important to make friends, since you'll be stuck with everyone you see while boarding for the next 12 hours or more.

15. Treats for the crew

I never would have thought of this myself, but when I read about professional air passenger Ben Schlappig bringing designer chocolates to the flight attendants, I realized how much sense it makes. These are the people who will be responsible for, yes, making sure you make it to the emergency exit in a water landing, but also for whether you get a Jameson refill when you can't sleep with nine hours of flight time to go. Will they accept your goodies? Maybe, maybe not — I can imagine accepting edibles from unknown passengers being considered a security risk — but just the offer will mark you as a super nice passenger who deserves to be treated like one.

16. More than one kind of travel pillow

It may seem like a waste of space, but there are a lot of differently shaped travel pillows on the market now, and if you are trying for a solid six hours (let's not wish for the moon and say eight), you are going to want to change positions. On a recent trip to Australia, I alternated between a Turtl, which is like a scarf with a stiff support to let you sleep with your head leaning to the side, and one with a flat back so that I could recline straight back.

17. Something cozy to snuggle up and hide in

I like to wear a Chicago Cubs sweatshirt with pockets and hood so large I can pull it down over my eyes, but others swear by scarves or Turkish towels. In all cases, you're packing something you can use as a blanket or as a barrier between you and a questionably clean airline blanket, but it's also something you can put to other uses.

18. Melatonin

Sleep scientist Matthew Walker confirmed during a recent interview that this hormone in pill from can help you adjust to a new time zone. I take it about an hour before I want to fall asleep on a flight.

19. A cord for your glasses

On my last long-haul flight, I dropped my glasses in my sleep. The flight attendants let me crawl on the floor under my seat for an hour without mentioning that someone had turned in a lost pair of glasses.

20. The address of where you're staying, on paper

Before you land, the crew will pass out immigration forms, and you'll be expected to have that info at your fingertips. Don't leave it on an electronic device that might be out of power by now.

21. A truly delicious snack

When I traveled with little kids, I always tried to bring a toy or book they'd never seen before to keep them occupied. You can do this for yourself, too, by skipping your typical snacks and stashing something you love, like a high-end chocolate bar or some gourmet wasabi popcorn, into your bag. If you have the willpower, save it for midflight, when the flight attendants are sick of you and you feel like the journey will never end. Then eat your treat as slowly as possible.

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This article is from Carrie Kirby of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

How Families Can Earn and Use Travel Rewards

Jason Steele — Fri, 15 Sep 2017 08:30:05 +0000

When it comes to travel rewards, families have different needs than single travelers and couples. For example, families are typically less flexible than other travelers, as they need to work their vacations around school schedules. Families also tend to go to popular vacation destinations during peak travel seasons, while others may be more interested in out-of-the-way destinations. And obviously, families tend to travel in larger groups than singles or couples.

So, if you need to earn rewards that you can use toward a family vacation, consider these award travel strategies. (See also: How to Use Miles and Points for a Big Award Trip)

The Southwest plan

Southwest Airlines is an ideal carrier for family travelers. It offers two free checked bags for everyone, and it doesn't impose fees for changing your reservation once you've purchased tickets. It also features early boarding for families with young children, and an open seating policy that makes it easy for families to ensure that they are sitting together.

Southwest also offers the Companion Pass, which lets you book a second extra ticket at no charge (other than taxes), on every flight including award tickets. To receive a Companion Pass, you need to earn 110,000 points within a single calendar year. Fortunately, Southwest offers various credit cards that help you get there. The pass can significantly cut your family's travel costs for the year.

Earn miles that can be redeemed as travel statement credits

The problem that most families have with traditional frequent flyer programs is that awards are seldom available at the lowest mileage levels. This is especially true at peak travel times when families travel, and for groups of three or more.

Therefore, the best way for families to earn award travel is to use a credit card that offers miles that can be redeemed as statement credits toward any travel reservations. These travel rewards credit cards allow you to book your own travel (flights, hotel, car rentals, cruises, tours, and more) on any booking site you prefer, and then use your points toward those purchases. This gives families the most flexibility in terms of being able to use their hard earned travel rewards for an actual trip. (See also: Best Credit Cards With Easy Travel Redemption)

Earn points that can be transferred to different frequent flyer and hotel programs

Another great award travel strategy for families is to earn flexible rewards that can be transferred to numerous travel partners. This gives you the ability to earn points on your credit card without having to commit to a particular airline or hotel chain.

Cards in this category may allow you to rack up points, and then transfer them when you're ready to use one of several popular airline or hotel rewards programs. While travel statement credits are even more flexible, with those programs your points are usually worth about 1 cent a piece. You can often get a better rate when you transfer to, say, an airline program and book an expensive flight. (See also: Which Airline Rewards Program Has the Best Value for Their Miles?)

Be flexible with travel plans and expectations

Redeeming travel rewards for a trip is not for the faint of heart. While going with the flexible redemption option allows you the most freedom to plan a trip according to your precise preferences, being flexible with your plans will give you the most value out of your hard earned rewards. This means that if you want to get the largest discount off your trip, you'll want to identify the destinations and resorts that are available under that travel program. You might not get the exact hotel you want, or even visit the exact city that you want, but if you can be flexible and open minded, even a large family can take advantage of travel rewards and redeem them for an amazing vacation. (See also: 5 Tricks to Making the Most of Your Reward Miles)

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This article is from Jason Steele of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

The Best Airline Rewards Programs for Trips to Europe

Holly Johnson — Sun, 02 Jul 2017 20:24:55 +0000

If you’ve been dreaming of a trip to Europe but can’t stomach the cost of airfare, now is the perfect time to rethink your travel goals. Scoring a round-trip flight to nearly any European city may be easier than you think. The following airline loyalty programs offer great deals on their award seats.

If you’re trying to decide which airline program to join to get to Europe, consider these (and the credit cards that help you accrue points faster with them). (See also: 6 European Destinations Finally Cheap Enough to Visit)

Air France/KLM Flying Blue

With Flying Blue, a round-trip flight to Europe is only 50,000 points from most American cities. And if you’re worried that Air France or KLM don’t fly out of your home airport, don’t despair. You can book Air France and KLM flights with Delta Air Lines, which is part of the SkyTeam Airline Alliance with Air France, KLM, and others.

For this summer, I booked round-trip flights into Munich, Germany and home from Zurich, Switzerland using 50,000 Flying Blue miles for each of my family members. Keep in mind you’ll still need to pay government-mandated airline taxes and fees in addition to your miles. For our summer trip using Flying Blue miles, our taxes worked out to around $93 per person.

British Airways Avios

British Airways flights to Europe can cost varying amounts based on the class of ticket and when you fly. However, you can find off-peak round-trip tickets to most European cities for less than 50,000 BA points, called Avios, plus taxes and fees.

While anything less than 50,000 miles to Europe is a steal, you must keep an eye on those taxes and fees. British Airways is notorious for its larger-than-life fuel surcharges on transatlantic itineraries, and there’s no way around them. Before you transfer points to British Airways, make sure you have a handle on the fees you’ll pay.

Air Canada Aeroplan

You can pick up an economy flight with Air Canada to most western European countries for 60,000 miles round-trip. You’ll also need to pay government-mandated taxes and fees.

Air Canada is also part of Star Alliance, meaning you can use them to book flights on European partners like Lufthansa. The number of miles you’ll need will vary depending on when you travel and the country you’re traveling to.

Delta SkyMiles

The bad news about Delta Air Lines is that they no longer publish an award chart. The good news is, you can occasionally find round-trip flights to Europe for 50,000–60,000 miles. It helps to do some digging, be flexible with dates and times, and be willing to fly into and out of alternate airports.

Since Delta is part of the SkyTeam Alliance, you can use points to book flights on KLM or Air France. Again, the number of points you’ll need will depend on your destination and travel dates.

Etihad

Award availability on Etihad can be extremely limited. If you’re considering this strategy, make sure to start looking early and stay flexible in terms of dates and times. Once you’re able to find a seat, you can fly round-trip to Europe for 60,000 miles plus taxes and fees.

Credit cards that transfer to airline partners

Joining the loyalty program of an airline that will fly to your desired European destination is just the first step. Loading up on miles and points is the next. The credit cards below transfer to the programs mentioned above. Use them for your everyday purchases and start planning your European adventure. Sometimes the bonus alone (after the spending requirement) can be enough for one round trip ticket!

Tips for getting to Europe with points

Before you dive in, there are a few things you should know. Consider these tips:

Start earning points early. Airline miles are notoriously difficult to use due to limited award availability, blackout dates, and the general wonkiness of their online booking portals. The best strategy for anyone planning to use miles is to start earning them early — then book ahead. Booking at least nine months in advance will make finding the flights you want easier.
Check for award availability before you transfer points. Even if an airline promises you can get to a specific destination on miles, that doesn’t mean it offers the award availability. Before you transfer points to an airline, check to make sure the flights you want are available.
Compare taxes and fees with different transfer partners. Some airlines tack ridiculous fees on award bookings, and these fees can make using your miles especially expensive. Make sure to compare fees and availability with different airlines before you settle on an award flight with high fees.

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This article is from Holly Johnson of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

How to Save Frequent Flyer Miles That Are About to Expire

Holly Johnson — Fri, 19 May 2017 08:30:09 +0000

For many of us, earning enough airline miles for that free trip can take a while. Sometimes using a co-branded airline credit card can help speed things up. But while we're waiting to collect enough, we might risk losing what we've already earned. While each frequent flyer program has its own set of rules, most will erase your miles if you don't use them or earn new miles for a period of 12–24 months.

Check your airline's loyalty program to see how long you have before your miles disappear. And if your expiration date is looming, consider one of these strategies.

Join an airline dining program

Since you can "reset the clock" on your frequent flyer miles with even a small purchase, airline dining programs offer an easy way keep your miles alive. While each airline's program includes different restaurants, and the number of miles you'll earn will vary, they all work similarly: You sign up for the program, dine at a qualifying restaurant, then earn bonus miles for each dollar you spend. (See related: Best Credit Cards for Dining Out)

Shop through an airline shopping portal

If you don't want to deal with a complicated dining program or dine at specific restaurants, using a rewards shopping portal is another easy way to save your miles. Nearly all major airlines offer an online mall or portal that lets you earn extra bonus miles for each dollar you spend with e-tailers you access through the site. You simply go to the portal, search for the store you want to shop with, and then "click through" the airline portal to the retailer's site to make your purchase. And remember, any purchase will reset the clock on your airline account. You don't need to spend hundreds of dollars. A simple $5 online purchase (or less!) will do the trick.

Cash in miles for a gift card

While earning more miles can keep your stash of airline currency alive, so can redeeming miles. If you don't have any travel planned or are saving up for a big trip, consider cashing in a small number of airline miles for a gift card. Only certain programs offer this option, and you may also need the program's co-branded credit card to be eligible.

While you usually won't get as much bang for your miles by buying a gift card as you would redeeming them for flights, this can still be an effective strategy for keeping your account active.

Donate miles to charity

Various programs let you donate miles to causes you believe in. Check with your frequent flyer program to see if donating your points is an option and which charities are available. If you aren't going to be able to use your miles, anyway, this is a good way to use them rather than letting them expire.

Buy miles

If none of the other options seem appealing for your situation, there's a final solution to consider: buying miles. By buying miles, you can keep your current stash of airline miles alive.

Unfortunately, it is seldom cost efficient to fork over real cash for airline miles. Then again, it could be well worth spending a small amount to keep a large stash of miles alive if you have no other option.

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This article is from Holly Johnson of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

5 Steps to Picking the Best Airline Credit Card for the Most Rewards Value

Holly Johnson — Wed, 17 May 2017 08:30:07 +0000

If you're ready for a change of scenery but have limited travel funds, an airline credit card might be a dream come true. With an airline card, you'll earn valuable frequent flyer miles you can use to book free airfare and seat upgrades. Some of the best co-branded airline credit cards even offer additional perks that make travel cheaper, such as free checked bags, companion ticket deals, and discounted award bookings.

But with so many airline credit cards out there, choosing one can seem overwhelming. Before you can truly benefit from an airline credit card, you need to learn about these cards and weed out the options that won't work for you.

To get a handle on your choices, you should consider several factors including your airline preferences, your travel style, and your spending habits. Follow these steps, and you'll have the ideal airline credit card in no time.

Step 1: Figure out which airlines you can fly

First things first. To pick the right airline credit card, you need to know which frequent flyer miles you can actually use.

To find out which airlines you should consider — and which you should mark off your list — check your local airport's website. You might discover that nearly every major airline flies into your area, or that only a few do. Finding out which airlines fly out of your home airport is the best way to narrow down your options fast.

Step 2: Ask yourself where you want to go

Now that you know which airlines are at your disposal, you can ask yourself where you want to go. Maybe you have family that you fly to visit frequently, or you have a list of dream vacations that you want to tackle. Knowing where you want to fly in the near- to medium-term is key to narrowing down which airline's frequent flyer program you'd like to concentrate on.

Larger and more established carriers such as American Airlines and United Airlines fly almost everywhere. Smaller regional carriers often offer limited travel schedules, but they may be the best option for your home airport or for the airports you'd like to fly into.

Searching airline websites for flight availability is the best way to figure out which local airlines offer fares to destinations you desire.

Don't forget about airline partners. Some airlines are owned by the same parent company, which allows you to use points from one airline program to get award seats on another. In addition, most airlines are part of a larger network, which will also allow you to use points from one airline program for another. (See also: How Airline Partnerships Work and How to Use Them to Get More from Your Rewards Points)

Step 3: Compare credit card rewards earning programs

Once you know which airlines operate nearby and whether or not they fly to your preferred destinations, you can begin comparing airline credit cards in terms of their earnings structures and any bonus points you can earn by signing up for the cards.

Most airlines have several credit cards to choose from. They differ in the amount of rewards and perks each offers, and the more the card offers, the higher the annual fee. If you can take advantage of all those extra benefits, the annual fee will be well worth it. These cards let you earn miles faster, and give you a better travel experience. But if you aren't a frequent flyer and just want to be able to slowly earn points through your usual spending, you'll want to stick to their basic, no fee card.

Step 4: Take a closer look at annual fees and perks

Plenty of other perks are worth considering as you narrow down the list. For example, some cards offer free checked bags for cardholders and a certain number of guests on domestic flights. If you plan to fly within the U.S. often, this perk can save you $50 per round-trip ticket, or more, each time you fly. Some airlines don't charge for checked bags at all. Knowing some of this information ahead of time can help you determine which airline cards offer the best value. Other travel perks credit cards offer discounts on in-flight purchases, priority boarding, free upgrades, and airport lounge access.

Step 5: Choose the airline card that makes the most sense

Tally up the rewards points you'd earn with each card, consider the additional benefits and perks (and the costs), and decide which card will give you the most value. Sometimes it makes sense to pay that higher annual fee, if it'll get you to your vacation sooner, and you'll enjoy the extra benefits. But sometimes you can get the card that gives you fewer rewards, at a lower cost, so that you can save that annual fee for something else. (See also: How to Get a Free Vacation in 9 Months With Credit Card Rewards)

Alternative Option: Consider a flexible travel credit card

If you're still unsure which airline credit card might leave you better off, a flexible travel rewards credit card is worth considering. These credit cards give you more options for redeeming rewards for travel. Some allow you to book travel through any airline or travel site, and you can redeem points as statement credit to pay for it. Others let you transfer your points to a selection of airlines at a favorable ratio. (See also: Airline Credit Card or Flexible Rewards Card: What's the Best Way to Earn a Free Flight?)

See our guide to choosing the best travel rewards credit card if you are unsure which is the best for you.

This article is from Holly Johnson of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Airline Credit Card or Flexible Rewards Card: What's the Best Way to Earn a Free Flight?

Holly Johnson — Thu, 27 Apr 2017 08:30:14 +0000

When it comes to strategizing how to earn free airfare with travel rewards credit cards, there are two main schools of thought. On one hand, you can sign up for your favorite airline's frequent flyer program and get their co-branded credit card to earn miles through regular spending and flying. Or, you can get a credit card that lets you earn flexible travel rewards good for any airline instead.

Both strategies can be advantageous depending on your travel style and goals. Still, earning a free flight becomes easier when you're able to make an informed decision about what type of travel rewards card is right for you.

So, which should you choose? Airline miles or travel credit?

Airline frequent flyer programs

While each airline loyalty program works differently, they all follow a similar format. When you pay for a flight, you earn frequent flyer miles based on the cost of your paid airfare and/or the many miles you fly. You can get more points by using the airline's credit card to pay for it.

The upside of earning airline miles is obvious; through regular flying, credit card spending, or a combination of the two, you can earn miles and redeem them for flights around the globe. With the American AAdvantage program, a round-trip domestic flight costs as little as 25,000 miles while a round-trip flight to Europe can run as little as 45,000 miles. Since the average domestic flight costs around $400 and the average flight to Europe can cost $1,000 or more, you can score an exceptionally good value for your miles with this program (points are worth 1.6 cents and 2 cents respectively). (See also: Which Airline Loyalty Program Has the Best Value for Their Miles?)

Keep in mind that, on top of your miles, you'll need to pay government-mandated taxes and fees. These fees are usually $5.60 per leg for domestic flights, but can range in the hundreds of dollars for flights abroad. The fees also differ with airlines. Do your research before you settle on the airline program to pursue miles with. Other factors include where they fly and their partner airlines that you'd be able to get use miles for. Also, blackout dates and award seat availability are factors, too.

How to choose a frequent flyer program

These are the things you should look for when considering a frequent flyer program to join.

No blackout dates or seat limitations

The best programs allow you to redeem your miles for any seat on any flight as long as they haven't been sold. Some programs designate a specific number of award seats per flight (or on select flights), or they impose blackout dates when you can't use miles at all. Unless you are a solo traveler with very flexible plans on when and even where to go, you'll end up very frustrated at your options and may see a lot of your points go unused due to the lack of availability. (See also: 10 Ways to Get Free — or Almost Free — Flights)

Multiple ways to earn miles

Being able to earn miles through other ways than flying with that airline makes racking up miles easier and faster, which means free flights faster. Airline credit cards will often give points for all spending, and maybe even bonus points for additional categories.

Travel perks

Nothing is better than getting priority boarding, airport lounge access, and top notch service when traveling through the airport. Additionally, the best credit cards will include free checked bags, and a variety of travel insurance and protections. Some will include elite status (or give you a head start on getting there) so that you can enjoy the most luxurious perks like free seat upgrades. (See also: Travel Perks You Didn't Know Your Credit Card Includes)

Travel partners

Most airlines are part of a network that includes travel partners. This means you may be able to use your miles to get a free flight on their partner airline, or even a hotel stay and car rental. This provides more options for your travel plans. The ease of getting award seats and stays for partners differ between programs. Some make it very difficult and you have to call someone to inquire about availability. Others will let you book on your own through their portal. (See also: The Secret to Redeeming Travel Rewards With Airline Partners)

Flexible travel programs

If you don't want to be tied down to a particular airline or deal with restrictions and limitations on using your miles, there are travel rewards credit cards that allow you to accrue points through spending, which you redeem via a statement credit toward your travel purchases. For example, if you have 40,000 points, you can book a flight through any airline or booking service on your credit card, and then apply the 40,000 points (which comes out to $400) to pay for it. It will appear as a statement credit on your account. There are many benefits to this.

Benefits of flexible travel programs

What are those benefits? Let's have a look.

No restrictions

Book any type of travel reservation you want. You don't need to go through the program's portal website. You aren't limited by airline or award availability. You can choose to book through a travel site like Orbitz or Airbnb. If you have specific travel plans you'd like to stick with, as well as companions, this type of travel program will be the best way for you to use your rewards for travel.

Pay the difference

While there are some programs that allow you to pay for additional miles if you don't have quite enough, or pay the difference in cash, most frequent flyer programs do not allow this. This means that if you only have enough for one flight, but you have two travelers, you'd have to pay for one ticket with miles, and then do a separate transaction for the second ticket. That's only when you're able to split up a purchase like that. Maybe you are just shy of 100 miles for that flight to Europe. Or that all inclusive vacation package. Some programs simply won't allow you to book. But with a flexible travel program, you can make a $450 travel reservation, use 40,000 points for a $400 credit, and then pay for the $50 balance.

Works for non-frequent flyers

For those who don't often travel, it's hard to build up a balance of miles through a frequent flyer program. Credit cards that offer statement credits on travel purchases allow you to earn points through regular spending, even offering bonus points for everyday categories like dining and groceries. This is the best way for non-frequent flyers to be on their way to travel redemption faster.

The inbetween option

There is an option that stands between the two. These are travel rewards cards that have their own rewards program. For example, Chase cardholders earn Ultimate Rewards Points. American Express users earn Membership Rewards Points. Each program has its own set of travel partners and includes a travel portal that allows you to book flights, hotel stays, car rentals, and vacation packages with points. Additionally, you may be able to transfer your points to airline or hotel loyalty programs, many times at a 1:1 ratio so you don't lose a single point of value.

Using these credit cards can be a strategic option for those who want a little more flexibility in their travel options but also want to optimize the value of each point. When you use points for a statement credit, they are always worth one cent per point. But if you can use miles or points in a loyalty program, those points are often worth more than one cent (as shown above with the American Airlines example). Furthermore, these exclusive travel portals offer discounts and deals that are not available to the public. (See also: 7 Ways Anyone Can Travel for Free)

What's right for you?

The best way to decide which program and credit card is right for you is to determine your travel goals and preferences. Are you dedicated to one particular airline? Are you traveling in a large group? Do you have flexibility in your travel dates and destinations? Do you enjoy special travel perks and benefits? These questions will help you choose the best travel rewards card for you.

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This article is from Holly Johnson of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Fly Out of These Airports and Save Big on Airfare

Amanda Gokee — Wed, 26 Apr 2017 08:30:15 +0000

Some long-haul flights can be unnecessarily expensive. However, the good news for consumers is that there are some very straightforward ways to instantly lower the cost of overpriced airfare. For instance, did you know there are some "hub" cities that can drastically reduce the overall cost of your trip when you book your flight?

In fact, sometimes just by scheduling one strategic layover, you can save hundreds of dollars on a one-way ticket. This means more money for you to enjoy during your vacation. Check out these five routing options to trim your airfare costs. (See also: 10 Ways to Get Free (or Almost Free) Airline Tickets)

The Caribbean via Florida

The Caribbean is a common destination for people living in North America. It's close enough to be convenient and far enough away to feel like a different world. With a balmy, tropical climate, the region boasts numerous island destinations that attract millions of tourists every year.

Flying there directly can be expensive. But you can often save a few hundred dollars by flying through Florida (Ft. Lauderdale or Miami, especially). Airfare to Florida is usually reasonable, and from there it's easy to book a cheap flight to your destination in the Caribbean.

This is especially useful if you're traveling to Aruba, but also check prices for St. Thomas, Antigua, and the Cayman Islands.

Australia via Singapore

Flights to Australia are notoriously expensive. It's not unusual to see prices of $1,000 each way for a ticket from U.S. cities. However, you can drastically reduce the cost of your airfare by flying through the international hub of Singapore.

Singapore is a strategic place because there are lots of outbound flights to Australia, and if you happen to be coming from Europe, you'll find lots of flights on those routes, too.

Flying from Singapore to Australia can cost as little as $77 one way. Flying to Singapore can be cheap as well, with deals from the U.S. West Coast starting at around $250. A trip to Australia for less than $350 each way is a huge savings when compared to paying more than $1,000 for a one-way ticket.

Hawaii via California

Many airlines have great sales and competitive prices on short-haul flights to Hawaii from California. You can increase your search criteria to include other cities on the West Coast as well.

Cities to watch are San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Seattle. If you're interested in this destination, you can also subscribe to alerts from airlines that fly there, such as Alaska Airlines, to keep an eye on special sale fares.

Bangkok as a gateway to Southeast Asia

Bangkok is a major hub in Southeast Asia and many budget airlines fly from there to other places in the region for low prices. The Thai capital is interesting in itself, so you may want to consider spending a few days there to explore the city and recover from jet lag before heading on to your final destination in Southeast Asia.

Some major budget airlines you can use in this region are Singapore's Tigerair and Jetstar Asia, Japan's Skymark, and — my personal favorites — Malaysia-headquartered AirAsia for short-haul flights and AirAsia X for long-haul flights.

Iceland as a gateway to Europe

To increase tourism to Iceland and to boost sales, Icelandair has been offering great rates to other parts of Europe. Some flights also give you the option to schedule a layover in Iceland.

Not sure why to visit Iceland? Check out these geothermal pools and the eerie beauty of the Northern Lights.

Take a look at the Icelandair website for the latest deals. At the time of writing, it was offering a great rate from Boston to Amsterdam for about $500 round-trip.

General international booking tips

If the airfare to your final destination seems outrageous, it probably is. Do a bit of research to figure out what the local budget airlines are. Then you can work backward from there to connect the dots that will get you where you want to go.

For instance, if you are traveling in Europe, look for cheap airfare on airlines such as Ryanair and easyJet. If you find a great deal from the U.S. to a European hub, you can then take a local flight on one of these airlines to your final destination and potentially save big.

In the U.S., look to discount carriers such as Spirit Airlines for potential savings. Just be aware that the price of the ticket includes the bare minimum. That means you'll have to pay extra for checking a bag and even for having overhead bin space.

Justifying the inconvenience

Always be aware that booking through multiple airlines can be an extra inconvenience. It may mean you'll need to schedule extra time during your layover so you have time to claim any checked bags and check in again with a different airline. If you've got the flexibility, you may want to make your layover a few days, so you can check out the place you're flying through. It could be a way to get two trips in one!

On the downside, if you have to check your bags twice, you may also have to pay checked-bag fees twice as well. Factor in all prices before you book two flights, so you can be sure it is actually cheaper than flying one airline. If you can, travel with just a carry-on to make the process easier and cheaper.

If you do decide to book yourself two discounted tickets instead of one direct flight, try to consider it an added value that you get to discover two destinations for less than the price of one.

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This article is from Amanda Gokee of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Get the Most From Your Airline Miles in These 5 Overlooked Cities

Nick Wharton — Thu, 27 Oct 2016 10:30:13 +0000

Arguably the best part of joining a frequent flyer program is when you've earned enough to redeem for a free plane ticket. There are ways to get more value out of your miles, though, than just getting a ticket for the first place that comes to mind.

For starters, international destinations are a better value. The value of each point rises with the cost of the ticket. For example, an international flight might cost twice as much as a domestic ticket, but the points required to redeem a free flight are only 1.5 times the points for a domestic ticket. For one flight, you might only get a $0.50 per point, but for another, you might get a few dollars per point!

Also, award miles value are sometimes counted by region. So if you book a domestic flight, you can still get a good value out of your miles by comparing different destinations in the same region. And don't forget seat availability. It's not a good idea to get your heart set on a location only to discover that there are never any award seats available.

If you're counting down the days until you're able to redeem your free flight, here are some often overlooked international destinations that can give you great value for your miles while discovering a new and unique part of the world.

1. Valparaiso, Chile

Valparaiso, referred by those who know and love it as "Valpo," was once the most important port in South America and is full of recently-renovated 19th century architecture. Many boutique hotels have sprouted alongside new and innovative restaurants. There have been promotions in the past for as little as 30,000 miles.

You can fly into Santiago, which is an international hub, and take a 90-minute bus ride to get to Valparaiso from there. Santiago is easily accessible from many hubs in the U.S. such as Los Angeles, Houston, and New York, with plenty of seat availability for those looking to redeem awards.

2. Helsinki, Finland

Finnair releases a fair amount of reward seats, especially in the winter, so you're sure to get an authentic colder-weather experience. You can expect to use 20,000 miles in economy or 50,000 in business class with the American Airlines loyalty program. Flights are nonstop from JFK.

Of course, if you do travel in the winter months, you'll easily be able to reward yourself for braving the colder temperatures with a soak in the traditional Finnish sauna.

3. Copenhagen, Denmark

This beautiful city in Denmark is easily accessible with Scandinavian Airlines, offering nonstop flights from the east coast (Newark and Washington) to the middle of the country (Chicago) and on the west coast as well (San Francisco). Scandinavian Airlines offers plenty of economy seats for reward mile redemption. If you're looking to fly business class, you can easily find a seat with United.

Copenhagen is the capital of Denmark as well as the country's biggest city, with picturesque architecture and many unique, historic sites to visit. It is known for among other things its vibrant design scene and wide offering of innovative dining experiences.

4. Malé, the Maldives

Interested in booking an island getaway? The Maldives are easier to get to than you may think, and you can use your miles to do so. To score the best value use miles from any Oneworld airline. This alliance of 15 airlines includes American Airlines, Japan Airlines, British Airways, and other well regarded carriers. Note that you can also use American Airlines AAdvantage Miles.

Just 70,000 miles will get you there and back in economy.

In the middle of the Indian Ocean, the Maldives are a series of over 1,000 islands. There is excellent diving and snorkeling, not to mention fantastic, nearly untouched beaches. For a more urban experience, you can check out Malé, the bustling capital.

5. Mexico City, Mexico

Getting to Mexico City is an easy flight from anywhere in the U.S. or Canada. You can get a nonstop flight from Montreal, Toronto, multiple airports in New York, Las Vegas, or Los Angeles.

Southwest Airlines is now serving Mexico and the Caribbean, with a great offer of unlimited reward seats, according to their website.

Mexico City is one of Latin America's largest and most vibrant hubs, with a population of over 22 million people and amazing street food (tacos, tlacoyos, tlayudas, and burritos, just to name a few).

Beyond the delicious culinary offerings, Mexico City is a center for art and the museums here are world-renowned. Architecturally, the city is diverse and portrays an interesting and unique history, from the Palacio National that houses some of Diego Rivera's most beautiful murals, to Bellas Artes that permanently feature Jose Orozco artwork plus other displays that change over time.

Bonus Tip: Get an Around the World Ticket to See More

Did I say five cities? Well you can actually enjoy your miles in scores more cities around the world instead!

Using awards to buy an Around the World ticket is actually becoming quite rare, but there are still some options if you want to book multiple destinations. An Around the World ticket can allow you up to 16 different stops, and it can definitely save you money when compared to booking all of the legs of your trip individually.

If you are redeeming with Star Alliance, you can purchase an RTW ticket for 200,000 points.

The best travel rewards credit cards will offer flexibility and award seats to the destination that you want. A card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred will allow you use their travel portal to book with your points as well as transfer points to airline partners to book directly. An airline credit card would limit you to that particular airline and its partners, but if you have a strong preference for a certain airline and its destination selection meets your needs, then you may be able to build up points faster by being a frequent flyer. (See also: Which Airline Loyalty Program Offers the Highest Value?)

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This article is from Nick Wharton of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

5 Airlines With the Best Customer Service

Paul Michael — Mon, 18 Jul 2016 09:30:42 +0000

Flying is not the customer-focused experience it was back in the 60s and 70s. In fact, talk about flying to many people today and a grimace will make its way onto their faces. Some say that a plane has become nothing more than a Greyhound bus with wings, and the airlines seem to charge for every little thing. From fees for both checked and carry-on bags, fees for online check-in, charges for movies and meals, and even paying to rent headsets, you get very little for your money these days.

So, when AirlineQualityRating.com releases the findings of its annual customer service study, everyone who flies should take note. If you are going to be in the air, it may as well be with one of the top five airlines that excel at customer service. Here they are.

1. Virgin America

The airline owned by Sir Richard Branson continues to have an incredibly positive impact on those who fly the Virgin skies. It all starts when you enter the aircraft and are greeted by a sumptuous glow of purple in the main cabin (and when you get to Select and First Class, you're in a completely different world). Seats in the main cabin are soft black leather, and of course, there is the vast array of on-demand entertainment, Wi-Fi, personal outlets, and snacks including jerky sausage and veggie chips.

However, where Virgin America really steps it up is the customer service, and the overall passenger experience. Virgin recently introduced "Seat-to-Seat delivery + Chat," and it's the kind of innovation that Sir Branson is known to embrace. If you're on a flight and fancy striking up a conversation with someone, be it a friend, a co-worker, or a complete stranger, the on-board touch screen system lets you break the ice by sending a drink or a snack to another seat. You can also mingle in a chat room, or flirt with someone you saw as you were getting on board. Suddenly, the prospect of a long flight can be turned on its head, and you are now entering an experience similar to a bar or club that uses social media. What's more, the flight attendants are known to be some of the most friendly (and funny) flying today.

It was recently reported that Alaska Airlines plans to purchase Virgin America for $2.6 billion. No doubt the continued excellence in customer service, and on board innovation, was a big part of that purchasing decision. Let's hope it doesn't negatively affect the Virgin America experience.

2. JetBlue

The JetBlue experience is certainly different from most carriers these days. Take a quick look at their "Experience JetBlue" page and the first thing you'll see is the word free.

Yes. Free. And this is from a low-cost carrier.

Once you're onboard a JetBlue flight, you are treated to unlimited free brand name snacks and drinks, including Cheez-Its, Craisins, Terra Blues, and an array of cold Coke and Seagrams beverages. Dunkin' Donuts provides the tea and coffee. JetBlue also boasts the most legroom in coach of any airlines, and you can boost that to an Even More Space seat if you feel like treating yourself.

And then, of course, there's the customer service. It's award-winning, ensuring your travel is the very best. To this end, JetBlue introduced the Customer Bill of Rights, and it guarantees that you get the very best flight your money can buy — or, you get your money back.

Want more? Well, if your flight is delayed by between 90 minutes and two hours, you'll get a $25 credit for future JetBlue travel. If that hits six hours or more, you get a $200 credit. If it's an onboard ground delay, you'll get the same $200 after five hours.

What does this mean? Well, if you're JetBlue, you have quite the financial incentive to keep the planes running on time. It's yet another reason JetBlue is nipping at the heels of Virgin America, and may well take the number one spot next year. See also: Earn Award Flights Faster With the JetBlue Card

3. Delta

While not quite matching the performance of the top two on the list, Delta comes in at an impressive third place, beating out two airlines that are renowned for customer care. Perhaps part of that was Delta's on-time percentage for 2015, which was a remarkable 85.9%, with only two bags per 1,000 passengers mishandled.

Delta does free snacks, including Biscoff cookies Starbucks coffee, and the usual array of beverages (although as is usual these days, you have to purchase larger snacks and alcoholic drinks).

If you choose Delta to fly international, you'll get uninterrupted sleep courtesy of a sleep kit featuring eyeshades and earplugs (also handy for those screaming kids that can really put a dent in your good humor). See also: Which Delta SkyMiles Credit Card has the Best Value?

4. Hawaiian

Last year Hawaiian were in the number two spot, so they have dropped a few places. But don't let this convince you that their customer service has dropped, or that they are not making the effort. Rather, other airlines have upped their game based on some of the stories that have been told about Hawaiian.

For a start, Hawaiian flights are more likely to be on time than any other airlines. In 2015, 88.4% of the flights operated by Hawaiian were on time and ready to go, which is a huge achievement.

Hawaiian recently took a leaf out of Priceline.com's "What's it worth to you?" strategy, and introduced the Bud Up system. Basically, you book regular tickets and then enter a bid to upgrade those seats to First Class. If the bid is accepted (presumable based on availability, popularity, and route), you will get your seats bumped to First Class at the price you dictated. Could this be as little as $1 each? Doubtful…but who knows!

Of course, being Hawaiian, the airline prides itself on the more laid-back customer service approach you would expect from the island paradise it is named after. Big smiles, great food, and if you like, you can purchase a Lei Greeting and have a garland of fresh flowers draped over you on your arrival at your destination.

5. Alaska

As mentioned in the top spot, Alaska recently put in a huge bid for Virgin America, so perhaps next year they will take the number one slot. For now, Alaska is sitting pretty in fifth place, and this is largely due to the low number of complaints it received in 2015; just 0.5 complaints for every 100,000 passengers. Or, five complaints for every one million passengers.

When you consider how much people hate flying today, finding only five people in a million who had something negative to say about their trip is mind-boggling. So, what is Alaska doing right?

According to J.D. Power, a lot. They have awarded Alaska "Highest in Customer Satisfaction Among Traditional Carriers in North America" nine years running.

Alaska's Customer Service Commitment plays a big part in this rating. It includes a promise of the lowest available fare, flexibility in the first 24 hours of booking, special treatment during extended delays, a guarantee of a clean and comfortable aircraft, and seamless partnerships with partners including Delta and Peninsula.

And if you're wondering, the next five airlines for 2016 are…

Southwest
SkyWest
United
ExpressJet
American

What's your favorite airline?

This article is from Paul Michael of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

7 Investments That Usually Soar During the Summer

Tim Lemke — Thu, 02 Jun 2016 10:00:08 +0000

It's often said that investors should "sell in May and go away," but that doesn't mean you can't make money in summertime. There are plenty of sectors and industries that do well in the warm months and can generate solid returns.

Let's take a look at the investments that will keep your portfolio growing even while you're basking on the beach.

1. Theme Park Stocks

Gas prices are still low, so that means people will drive places this summer. And they'll head to parks owned by companies like Cedar Fair [NYSE: FUN], Six Flags [NYSE: SIX], and Disney [NYSE: DIS]. All three of these companies hit their 52-week highs between May and August last year, and shares have been creeping up again in recent weeks. A strong summer for these properties could mean good growth for their share prices.

2. Airlines

People travel during the summer, so it's make or break time for most airlines. And there's some evidence suggesting that airline stocks do well between June and September. The Dow Jones U.S. Airlines Index rose 5% last summer, 2% in 2014, and 15% in 2013. The airline industry has gotten through much of the turbulence of years past, and the low cost of fuel now means there are some solid stocks including Southwest [NYSE: LUV] and Delta Airlines [NYSE: DAL].

3. Athletic Apparel

If people are getting outside, they're spending money on workout clothes and shoes. Last year, shares of Under Armour [NYSE: UA] rose nearly 8% during the summer months, while Nike shares rose 20%. Other sportswear companies including Columbia, VF, and Foot Locker had very good summers.

4. Food and Beverage Stocks

The S&P 500 Food and Beverage Select Industry Index has seen gains in three of the last four years. Consider Coca-Cola, which saw shares rise more than 20% between June and September last year. Monster Beverage has had consistent gains during the summer, including a 24% increase in share value during the summer of 2014.

5. Biotechnology

It's one of the market's more volatile sectors, but it has historically done quite well in the summer. The NASDAQ Biotechnology Index rose about 8% between June and September in 2014, a whopping 25% in 2013, and more than 12% in 2012. The index did drop during the summer of 2015, but that was just the third summer decline since 2005. You can invest in a broad array of biotech firms by investing in the SPDR Biotech Select Index ETF [NYSE: XBI] or a healthcare fund such as Vanguard's Health Care Index Fund [NYSE: VHCIX]. Individual stocks worth a look include Gilead Sciences [NASDAQ: GILD] and Amgen [NASDAQ: AMGN].

6. Technology

Plain old technology stocks don't take a break in summer. Facebook [NASDAQ: FB] went up 11% last summer and 15% during the same period in 2014. Amazon [NASDAQ: AMZN] saw shares go up 24% in the summer of 2015. Online auction company eBay has also been a solid summer performer, once outperforming the S&P 500 for five straight years.

7. Real Estate

No one goes house hunting when it's cold outside. But when the weather's nice, the buyers come out. And that's when home prices increase due to increased competition. A chart of median home prices by month almost always looks like a roller coaster, with prices rising in June and then falling back down in the fall and winter. So if you own property now, the summertime is a good time to sell.

Any summer month stock winners we've missed? Let us know in comments!

This article is from Tim Lemke of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

8 Unexpected Ways a Credit Card Can Save You Money on Travel

Nick Wharton — Thu, 05 May 2016 10:00:14 +0000

There are plenty of obvious reasons to use a credit card while traveling. For example, it's easier than carrying a lot of cash, and if it gets lost or stolen, you can call your credit card company and you won't be held responsible for fraudulent charges. But did you know that using a credit card actually saves you money on your travels? Here are eight ways that credit cards can save you money on your next trip.

1. Rewards Points

Surely the most obvious way that credit cards can put more funds in your travel piggy bank is earning rewards points. It might seem overwhelming to dive into the world of credit card rewards, but it doesn't have to be.

To start out, simply apply for three of the best travel credit cards for you. Chose two based on a good sign up bonus so that you can get a head start on your points, and one based on a good percentage of cashback return.

Make sure you spend the minimum amount on each card in the first three months to ensure you get your sign-up bonus. Then continue to use the best cards based on their highest earning potential. For example, if one of them offers 3% cash back on groceries, always use that one at the supermarket. If one offers a high percentage on gas, use that at the pump.

If you have a hard time keeping track, you can always put a sticky note on each card. After a while, you won't need the notes anymore.

2. Rental Car Insurance

This is a really easy way to save a few bucks a day on your rental car. All major credit card providers offer good insurance coverage on rentals if you put the full cost of the rental car on your card (obligatory with most rental companies).

Don't pay extra for the damage collision waiver or for extended coverage if your credit card includes it! Many people who don't know about their credit card's coverage buy a ton of extra insurance through the rental company, not knowing that it's already covered on their card.

3. Travel Insurance

This is another place where so many people waste their money because they don't know that their card has them covered. There are dozens of cards that offer complementary travel insurance.

Before paying for expensive third-party insurance, call your credit card provider and ask what kind of travel insurance they include in their policy. You may be surprised to find out that they cover you for more than the expensive third-party insurance you've paid for in the past!

Stop wasting money on extra insurance. Call your credit card provider before your next trip.

4. Rental Car Discounts

Many credit card providers offer discounts if you book your rental car with their partners. If you can't get a direct deal with the rental car agencies, many issuers have their own travel portal sites that allow their cardholders to book travel with exclusive discounts.

5. Lost Luggage Insurance

As someone who has recently been a victim of lost luggage at an airport, I have to say that this is something you may take for granted, but can save you a lot of money.

You may think that when an airline loses your luggage, they'll reimburse you for everything you lost, plus pay you a little extra for your troubles. This simply isn't true with most airlines. While recent laws have been enforced to hold airlines accountable for your belongings, they are still only required to pay you the depreciated value of your used goods.

Credit card lost luggage insurance will help to top up the amount that the airline isn't willing to pay and will even give you a small amount to pay for emergency purchases while the airline tries to retrieve your luggage. That way you can at least pick up some warm clothes, extra underwear, and a toothbrush knowing that your credit card insurance is paying for it.

6. Airline Credits

Some credit cards will actually offer to reimburse a certain amount each year for airline fees and in-flight food and entertainment. At a minimum, most airline credit cards will offer a discount for in-flight purchases.

7. Baggage Fees

These days, pretty much every airline in North America is charging passengers for their first checked bag. Put an end to this by having the right plastic in your wallet.

Again, this is where airline credit cards will come in handy. Most of them will give you a free checked bag, plus for your companions, too. Before you book your flight, make sure you're using the right credit card.

8. Foreign Fees

Most credit cards will charge a 3% foreign transaction fee for using your credit card abroad. This fee cancels out any convenience or advantages of using a credit card abroad. Worse is figuring out whether the exchange rate is going to leave you better off or worse off than the 3% fee.

The good news is that there are credit cards that have no foreign transaction fees. Sign up for one and make sure to use that one on your travels.

The Bottom Line

If you're a disciplined spender, signing up for numerous travel rewards credit cards and putting all your purchases on plastic can save you a lot of money both at home and on the road. Just make sure that you're careful about how many cards you apply for and how you spend.

There's no point in earning points if you are paying 19.99% interest. Be sure to pay off your card each month and abide by the minimum spending for sign-up bonuses and you'll have more money to enjoy (or to save up for your next adventure).

Have you taken advantage of any of these credit card travel savers?

This article is from Nick Wharton of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

The Airline Lost Your Luggage. Now What?

Nick Wharton — Wed, 04 May 2016 09:30:21 +0000

The absolute worst thing that can happen to you when you arrive at the airport after a long trip is waiting at the luggage carousel and watching it stop as you stand there empty-handed. The airline has lost your bags and you're stranded in a foreign country with no toothbrush, no shampoo, and no clothing. I had the misfortune of living through this catastrophe on a recent trip, and it's not fun.

Here's what you can do if it happens to you.

Report Your Loss Right Away

In every airport, there will be a luggage lost and found counter. They are usually located right next the baggage carousels and are typically well-marked. As soon as you realize that you made it to your destination but your luggage did not, head to the lost and found area to make a claim.

Make sure you bring your baggage ticket as they will need to enter it in the system. They will usually go on the radio and contact the luggage handling staff at the airport to see if your bags were accidentally left somewhere.

If you're lucky, your bag is sitting on the tarmac or in the transit area and you'll get it back within an hour or so. If not, you'll have to file a lost luggage claim. The staff will give you a form to fill out with your name, home address, hotel address, passport number, phone number, luggage description, and baggage tag number as well as a brief description of what was in your bag.

They will then photocopy your luggage tag, your passport, and the information you gave them and hand you a piece of paper with a reference number.

At this time you can leave the airport and head to your hotel. The airline will search for your bag and call or text you when it is found. When they find your bag, they should send it to your hotel or wherever you are staying at the time. (See also: What to Do If You Don't Have Your ID at the Airport)

Check the Status

If, after 24 hours or more, you still haven't heard from the airline, go online to the airline's website and click on the "Lost Luggage" section. Enter your reference number and last name and check the status of your claim.

Follow Up

Most airlines will update your status as soon as they find your luggage, but sometimes they can be slow and unreliable. Some people have had to go without their bags for months, while others never saw their precious luggage again.

Go on the airline's website and look for a customer service number. Call them and navigate the automated telephone menu until you get to a luggage lost and found representative. Give them your reference number and tell them your situation. Ask them to do everything they can to find your bag and also tell them how long you'll be at the hotel. Make your situation sound as dire as possible to try to encourage them to actively search for your bag.

Keep the Claim Updated

Make sure that all of the information that you gave is correct and remains valid. If you check out of your hotel and move to a new one, call or go online and change the information on the claim so that the airline can properly contact you when your bag is found. Even if you move to another city or country, they should courier your bag to you as soon as possible.

Go Shopping

The US Department of Transportation has laws in place that help to hold the airline responsible for your lost luggage and the contents of your bag. While the airline is technically required to reimburse you for any losses, the individual airline regulations vary greatly.

You can, however, be certain that you will be covered for your essentials. Contact the airline and ask them how much essential spending you will be covered for. Then go out and buy yourself some new underwear, shampoo, deodorant, and clothing. Keep all the receipts for these purchases because you will be asked to submit them later.

Sometimes the "Maximum Claim Amount" can be found on the back of your luggage ticket. This is the amount that you can spend on essentials and emergencies. For permanently lost luggage, there are different amounts you can be reimbursed.

Negotiate

No airline is going to willingly offer you the full reimbursement for your troubles or for the value of your lost items. You will have to negotiate, complain, and protest. Make sure you talk to a supervisor when making your claims and if you had anything of sentimental value in the bag, make sure you tell them. Also request that they refund you your checked baggage fee. The airline shouldn't be paid $25 for losing your luggage!

You can also ask to be reimbursed in other ways. You may be able to complain your way into a free flight or at least an upgrade into first class on your next scheduled flight with the airline.

Use Social Media

Some airlines don't make the claim process very easy. In this situation, you can take to social media and try a good old fashioned smear campaign. Mention the airline and explain your situation on any social media accounts you have and be sure to @ them so that they will see the posts.

No company wants to have the story of your lost luggage go viral on social media. You may be able to speed up the claim process or land yourself some free flights by posting about your situation on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

When to Give Up

According to the DOT's latest Air Travel Consumer Report, 2.9 in 10,000 passengers experience delayed, damaged, or lost baggage. They estimate less than 2% of those passengers actually end up with their luggage permanently lost. If you are one of those unlucky people, it's time to make a lost luggage claim.

Claims for reimbursement will have to be backed up by receipts and proof of payment. When you go out shopping for emergency clothing and essentials, make sure to keep all of your receipts and when you claim the items that were permanently lost in your bag, try to find as many receipts as you can to back up your claims of what was in the luggage.

Before 2009 when DOT tightened restrictions on lost luggage claims, you would have had to kiss your luggage goodbye and never be reimbursed more than the cost of your essential emergency spending. Nowadays, the airlines are held responsible for "all reasonable, actual, and verifiable expenses related to baggage loss, damage, or delay."

Technically, the per passenger maximum for domestic flights in the U.S. is around $3,400, but getting that amount would be like winning the lost luggage lottery. You're more likely to be refunded a small portion of what you lost. For international flights, you may only be reimbursed around $1,600. It is unlikely that you'll ever receive these full amounts unless you can prove that your bag was indeed carrying more than that value.

Even if you can prove that you were carrying $3,400 worth of stuff in your lost baggage, the airline will only pay you a fraction of that amount. They are only required to pay the "depreciated value" of your items, so expect to take a major loss.

Contact Your Insurance and Credit Card Provider

Some travel insurance policies will cover you for lost baggage. This can help to top up the amount the airline agrees to pay. Contact your travel insurance provider and ask about their lost luggage policy. If you paid for the flight with your credit card, contact the card issuer and ask about baggage insurance. Many credit cards will help to cover you for your losses.

Get Your Bag Back

Hopefully you didn't have to go through every step in this article and somewhere in this process you were contacted by the airline and informed that they found your bag. If this is the case, you can either return to the airport to pick up the luggage yourself, or have it delivered to the address that you entered on your claim. Some airlines will try to make your pay for the delivery (believe it or not). If this is the case, negotiate and try your best to have them cover the cost. When your bags are safe and sound back home, it might be wise to invest in a GPS luggage tracker in the event this should ever happen again.

Has the airline ever lost your luggage? Did you get it back?

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This article is from Nick Wharton of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

The Best Co-Branded Airline Credit Cards

Kris Majaski — Wed, 05 Aug 2015 05:22:14 +0000

Would you like to take a free trip? With that question, the credit card industry has been getting millions of customers to apply for their co-branded airline credit cards for decades. If you're wondering which airline credit card can offer you the quickest way to some free airfare, as well as travel perks and benefits, here's our favorite co-branded airline credit cards.

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card

Southwest is another carrier that makes it very easy to book award flights. The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card offers 2x points on all Southwest purchases as well as with their hotel and car rental partners, and 1x on all others. Points are worth about 1.4 cents each toward award flights in their Wanna Get Away fare class, and there are never any change fees or checked baggage fees for your first two bags (although size and weight restrictions apply). You also earn 6,000 points each year on your cardmember anniversary. There is a $99 annual fee for this card.

Bonus Offer: Earn up to 75,000 points. Earn 40,000 points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. Plus, earn 35,000 points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 6 months your account is open.

Info about the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card from Chase has been collected independently by Wise Bread. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.

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This article is from Kris Majaski of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

3 Ways Your Bank Account Can Boost Your Travel Rewards

Jen Jones Donatelli — Thu, 21 May 2015 23:00:09 +0000

The far-reaching airline perks of credit cards are well-documented, but what about those who choose to go the Dave Ramsey route and live credit-free? Good news: it's still possible to rack up rewards the old-fashioned way. Here's how to accumulate the most mileage using your bank account. (See also: Best Sign Up Bonuses for Airline Miles Credit Cards)

Fly High With a Miles-Earning Checking Account

Although the number of debit cards that offer airline miles has dwindled due to the Durbin Amendment, there are still some worthwhile offerings to consider. One such card is the UFB Direct Airline Rewards Checking account, which awards one mile for every two dollars spent in point-of-sale debit transactions made with the card. There's also a one-time bonus of 1,000 miles after making a direct deposit of $1,000. Currently, the only airline affiliated with the program is American Airlines, but UFB Direct says they may be adding more airlines in the future.

BankDirect is another online bank that offers perks with American Airlines. For opening a Mileage Checking with Interest account, you'll receive 1,000 AAdvantage miles; once it's open, you can keep earning miles with recurring direct deposits (six consecutive monthly deposits of $2,000+ must be made to earn 10,000 miles). Pay at least three bills online each month (totaling $500 or more), and you'll score another 5,000 AAdvantage Miles. Plus, you'll also receive up to 100 miles per every $1,000 stored in your account based on the average monthly balance. The caveat? You'll pay a $12 monthly fee, and the "interest" paid is just .01%.

Craving savings the "Mahalo" way? Sign up for the Bankoh Hawaiian Airlines Visa Check Card, available only to Bank of Hawaii checking account holders. You'll earn one mile for every two dollars spent on qualifying purchases; plus, you can get up to 10 more HawaiianMiles for every dollar spent at participating "Cardholder Exclusive" partners (most of which are Hawaii-based businesses, but there are also a few national companies like Hartmann and 1-800-Flowers). FYI: cardholders can only earn a maximum of 1,000 miles every month, and there's also a $3 monthly fee to consider.

Here's an ongoing promotion to keep a hawkeye out for: The Citibank airline bonuses offered about once a year. (Tip: set a Google alert so you don't miss out on the special promotion code!) In the past, this promotion has awarded 30,000 AAdvantage miles for Citigold accounts; 15,000 AAdvantage miles for Citibank accounts; and 5,000 AAdvantage miles for basic banking accounts. Typically, to snag the bonus, one must open one of these accounts and then make a minimum debit card purchase of $125–$750, as well as set up at least one online bill payment for two months in a row.

Earn Airline ROI With a Miles-Earning CD or Money Market Account

Along with the checking account mentioned above, BankDirect also offers American Airlines rewards for those who purchase a Mileage Certificate of Deposit. The longer the term, the better — since the two-year CD awards up to 1,000 AAdvantage miles for every $1,000 invested, while the one-year and six-month CDs offer 500 and 250 miles for each $1,000 invested, respectively. A few things to know: there's a minimum opening balance of $10,000, and the interest rate is .10% on all three offers.

They also offer a Mileage Money Market Account, on which the interest rate is .05% for accounts of more than $500. Account holders can snag 50 AAdvantage miles for every $1,000 of their average daily balance each month; once your account hits $50,000, you'll get 25 AAdvantage miles with the same setup. You'll also get a bonus of 1,000 miles just for opening the account.

Invest Your Way Into the Friendly Skies

Planning on making a somewhat sizable investment? You might want to consider signing up with Fidelity Investments — or simply adding to your existing Fidelity account — to get more bang for your hard-earned bucks. Here's how to earn miles with United MileagePlus, Delta SkyMiles, or American Airlines AAdvantage with a non-retirement brokerage account (either new or existing): add at least $25,000 and you'll get 15,000 miles; $50,000+ and get 25,000 miles; or $100,000+ and get 50,000 miles. Be aware that the money must stay in your account for at least six months, or the mileage bonus may be withdrawn. Also, all money must be deposited within 60 days of signing up for the promotion.

And, as always, it's important to weigh your objectives before signing up for any of these offers. After all, if you'd rather earn ample interest than rack up airline miles, it might be wiser to shop around for snazzier rates with accounts that don't offer flight incentives. But for those already considering one of these bank accounts and/or are trying to milk miles the credit-free way, these options just might be the (round-trip) ticket.

Are you earning airline miles from your checking account?

This article is from Jen Jones Donatelli of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread: