Did you know about inflight credit cards? There are tons of credit cards out there, but which ones deserve to be in your wallet? With these, you can get extra-valuable offers. In this post, we will discuss everything you need to know about them.
Continue reading below to see some of the pros and cons of applying for a Inflight credit card.
What We Like About Inflight Offers
Co-branded airline cards can give you a great deal, but only for certain people. If you are offered a credit card deal during a flight, consider that:
They might have the better offer. Sometimes, the welcome bonus you get for applying inflight is better.
They’re convenient. It’s easy to apply on the plane, despite the not having Wi-Fi. The form to fill out only takes a couple of minutes.
What We Don’t Like About Inflight Offers
They might not have the best offer. They could have a better offer but they also might not have the best offer. Without WiFi on the flight, you won’t be able to check all the other offers that are publicly available.
If you fly with a certain airline often, and you’re considering applying for their card, research the offer before you get on the plane so you know if there is a better deal. Many airlines will also offer pamphlets with the offer code after landing.
They don’t paint the whole picture. They don’t include things such as blackout dates, odd or inconvenient award routing, fuel surcharges and other fees so watch out for this.
There’s a risk for identity theft. You will need to include personal data like your income and Social Security number when filling out the form.
Best Co-Branded Credit Cards
Check out our guide on the Best Airline Credit Cards for a list of cards we consider best for inflight purchases, discounts, and perks.
The United Explorer Card offers 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. You'll earn: • Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on dining, hotel stays, and United purchases • Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on dining including eligible delivery services Perks of this card include: • Getting up to $100 Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS fee credit • Get your first bag checked for free (up to $160 savings per roundtrip). Terms apply. • Enjoy priority boarding privileges and visit the United Club with 2 one-time passes each year for your anniversary • 25% back as a statement credit on purchases of food, beverages and Wi-Fi on board United-operated flights and on Club premium drinks • Get one-year complimentary DashPass, a membership for both DoorDash and Caviar that provides unlimited deliveries with $0 delivery fees and lower service fees on eligible orders. After that, you are automatically enrolled in DashPass at the current monthly rate. Activate by 12/31/24. There is a $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95. |
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card offers 85,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. In addition, you'll earn 7,500 bonus points after your Cardmember anniversary each year. You'll earn: • Earn 3X points on Southwest purchases. • Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare. • Earn 2X points on internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming. Some perks include $75 Southwest travel credit each year., receiving 4 Upgraded Boardings per year when available, savings of 25% back on in-flight drinks and WiFi, and more! This card carries a $149 annual fee and no transaction fees. |
The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card offers 40,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $2,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees. You'll earn: • 2X Miles on Delta purchases, at U.S. Supermarkets and at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S. • 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases. • $100 Delta Stays Credit: Get up to $100 back per year as a statement credit after using your Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card to book prepaid hotels or vacation rentals through Delta Stays on delta.com. • $200 Delta Flight Credit: After you spend $10,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, you can receive a $200 Delta Flight Credit to use toward future travel. Receive a 20% savings in the form of a statement credit on eligible Delta in-flight purchases after using your Card. Want even more flexibility? Take up to $50 off the cost of your flight for every 5,000 miles you redeem with Pay with Miles when you book on delta.com. You can check your first bag free on Delta flights, saving up to $70 on a round-trip Delta flight per person. For a family of four that's a potential savings of up to $280 per round-trip flight. There is a $150 annual fee ($0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150) and no foreign transaction fees. (See Rates & Fees). Now, you'll get get more savings with your first checked bag for free on Delta flights. Terms Apply. |
Bottom Line
About to open up a new credit card? It’s best to do your research to find out your card options and compare offers. In this post, we discussed some of the pros and cons of applying for an inflight credit card.
If you’re looking for a credit card, you can check out the latest credit card bonuses that you can sign up for and while you’re here on HMB, you can also read through our credit card reviews to see which card fits your needs the most! First time card owner? Read our guide on How credit cards work!