Many travel credit cards get you a Priority Pass Select membership to visit airport lounges, where you can enjoy a snack or two while waiting for your flights. But you can do one better: Priority Pass Restaurants, where you can get a free meal for yourself and a companion. But only a select few cards come with a Priority Pass Membership that gets you those airport restaurant credits.

This sweet perk from Priority Pass gives select members access to free (or nearly free) meals at participating airport restaurants. And even though some of the most popular travel credit cards with Priority Pass have lost this benefit – it was axed from American Express cards and most recently cut from the Capital One Venture X, too – there are still a few that offer this perk.

Read on to see how you can get still get Priority Pass restaurant access.

Read our full guide on Priority Pass Restaurants to see where you can find these eligible dining locations! 

How the Priority Pass Restaurant Credit Works

Over the years, Priority Pass has steadily added a number of airport restaurants in the U.S. (and even abroad) to its portfolio to supplement traditional lounge options. With the right Priority Pass membership, you can visit these restaurants and get a credit toward your meal of up to $28 or $30 … or double that with a guest.

After you enroll in Priority Pass, using it to access restaurants with your lounge membership is extremely simple. You just go to one of the restaurants listed on the Priority Pass app and dine as usual. Your Priority Pass membership – be it a physical card or a digital one in your Priority Pass app – gives you an automatic discount on the final bill.

Before heading inside, we recommend you double-check with the host to make sure Priority Pass is accepted and that's how you intend to pay. There is often a small sign in the front of the restaurant indicating that it is.
 

Just remember: Not any old Priority Pass membership will work. In order to get access to Priority Pass restaurants, you'll a Priority Pass membership from one of the specific travel credit card that includes this benefit.

If you're hoping to get a free airport restaurant meal with your *amex platinum* or *venture x*, you're out of luck. Amex axed this benefit for those with a Priority Pass membership from its cards years ago and Capital One did the same only a year after launching the Venture X.

Priority Pass requires you to “check-in” when paying the bill like you would at an airport lounge so be sure to have access to your departing flight number, as you'll be asked for this info. It's not a big deal but if you're not prepared, it can otherwise catch you off guard.

But remember: Even though your meal may be on the house, you should still tip your servers and bartenders based on the total price – not the Priority Pass-adjusted total. If the credit from Priority Pass covers your entire meal, most restaurants can even charge a small amount to your card in order to allow for a tip.

Cards With Priority Pass Restaurant Access

Although it's a small list, it's good to be in the know. While there are many credit cards that offer Priority Pass memberships, just a handful include these Priority Pass restaurant credits.

Read on learn about which cards with Priority Pass could help you score a free airport meal.

Chase Sapphire Reserve

American Express and Capital One might have ditched it but with the top tier *chase sapphire reserve*, Chase still grants cardholders Priority Pass restaurant access. Not to mention, Chase's top-tier premium travel card comes jammed packed with a host of other benefits that make it worthwhile.
 

Learn more about the *chase sapphire reserve*.

• Welcome Offer: bonus_miles_full
• $300 Annual Travel Credit: Every year, you get a $300 travel credit to use on flights, hotels,  rental cars, and much more!
• Lounge Access: Complimentary access to 1,300-plus lounges in the Priority Pass network and Chase's Sapphire Lounges by The Club in Boston (BOS), New York City-LaGuardia (LGA), New York City (JFK), and Hong Kong (HKG). Cardholders get two free guests, too.
• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck: Up to $100 in statement credits to sign up for either TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. This credit is good once every four years, and membership in both programs lasts five years.
• Earning More Points: Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders will earn 10x miles on hotels and rental cars, 5x miles on flights booked via the Chase Ultimate Rewards travel portal, 3x miles on other travel and dining, and 1x miles on all other purchases with the card.
• Annual Fee: $550

Read our full review of the Chase Sapphire Reserve!

Capital One Venture X Business Card

As of Jan. 1, 2023, Priority Pass memberships issued through Capital One lost this perk, so those with the personal *venture x* are out of luck … but not on the *venture x business*.  With all the other same perks as the personal version of the card, business owners can still treat themselves to a free meal when they fly out of airports with participating restaurants.
 

Learn more about the *venture x business*.

• Welcome Offer: Earn *Venture X Biz Offer*
• $300 Annual Travel Credit: Every year, you get a $300 travel credit to use on any flights, hotels, or rental cars booked through the Capital One Travel portal.
• Lounge Access: Complimentary access to 1,300-plus lounges in the Priority Pass network and Capital One's lounges in Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), Washington, D.C.-Dulles (IAD), and Denver (DEN). Cardholders get two free guests, too.
• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck: Up to $100 in statement credits to sign up for either TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. This credit is good once every four years, and membership in both programs lasts five years.
• Earning More Points: Capital One Venture X Business cardholders will earn 10x miles on hotels and rental cars, 5x miles on flights booked via the Capital One Travel portal, and an unlimited 2x miles on all other purchases with the card.
• 10,000 bonus miles: Every year starting in year two, you'll get 10,000 bonus miles after renewing your Venture X Card.
• Annual Fee: $395

Related reading: Get Premium Perks & A Ton of Miles With the Capital One Venture X Business Card

Ritz-Carlton Card

The Ritz-Carlton Card isn't talked about much these days, but that doesn't mean it isn't worth the discussion.

Let's be clear: You can't go out and apply for this card online anymore. To get this exclusive card, you'll have to first have the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card for at least one year – and with an available credit limit of at least $10,000. After a year, you can call the number on the back of your card or use the chat function on your Chase mobile app to request an upgrade to one of the Marriott chain's best credit card.

Among many other perks like a $300 annual travel credit and automatic Gold Elite status with Marriott, you can still get dining credits at participating Priority Pass restaurants with this card. It's also one of the best cards to get into the growing network of Chase Sapphire Lounges.
 

The Ritz-Carlton Card is no longer open to new applicants but can still be attained through a product change. Read our guide to see how it's done! 

• Annual free night award good for stays up to 85,000 Bonvoy points per night.
• Earn 15 Elite Night credits every calendar year towards Marriott Bonvoy elite status.
• Get automatic Gold elite status, with the ability to earn Platinum elite status with $75,000 in spending per calendar year.
• Three upgrades to the Ritz-Carlton Club each year (valid on eligible paid stays).
• Up to $100 statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck every four years.
• $300 annual travel credit for things like baggage fees, seat assignments, lounge passes, and more.
• Airport lounge access to Chase Sapphire Lounges and Priority Pass lounges for the main cardholder and authorized users (includes unlimited guests).
• Earning more points: The Ritz-Carlton Cardholders will earn 6x points for every dollar spent at Marriott Bonvoy hotels, 3x points for every dollar spent on dining, airfare, and car rentals, and 2x points for every dollar spent on other eligible purchases.
• Annual fee: $450

Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Elite Credit Card

You could also score Priority Pass restaurant credits through Bank of America's top premium travel card, the Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Elite Credit Card. It might not get the same attention as the likes of Chase, Amex, or Capital One, but this card still comes with a ton of perks.
 

Learn more about the Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Elite Credit Card. (for full disclosure: this is not an affiliate link).
 

• Welcome Offer: Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
• $300 Airline Incidental Statement Credit: Receive up to $300 annually to use on any qualifying purchases such as seat upgrades, baggage fees, airline lounge fees and in-flight services.
• $150 Life Convenience Statement Credit: Receive up to $150 annually to use on any qualifying purchases such as video streaming services, food delivery, fitness subscriptions and rideshare services.
• Lounge Access: Enjoy free unlimited access to airport lounges and experiences worldwide with up to four complimentary Priority Pass Select memberships.
• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck: Receive up to $100 in statement credits to sign up for either TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. This credit is good once every four years, and membership in both programs lasts five years.
• Earning More Points: Premium Rewards Elite cardholders will earn 2x points on travel and dining purchases, and an unlimited 1.5x points on all other purchases with the card.
• Annual Fee: $550

UBS Visa Infinite Credit Card

If you're rolling with the Swiss bank and have the UBS Visa Infinite Credit Card, you also get a slew of premium travel card benefits like Priority Pass restaurant credits. Unfortunately, this card doesn't come with a welcome offer.

Learn more about the UBS Visa Infinite Credit Card (for full disclosure, this is not an affiliate link).

• Welcome Offer: None
• $250 Airline Travel Statement Credit: Every year, you get a $250 travel credit to use on any qualifying purchases such as seat upgrades, baggage fees, airline lounge fees and in-flight services.
• $500 Annual Credit: After spending at least $25,000, you may receive a $500 credit that will be no greater than the amount of the restaurant transactions, Amazon Prime membership fees and airport lounge charges posted on your UBS Visa Infinite account.
• Lounge Access: Complimentary access to 1,300-plus lounges in the Priority Pass network.
• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck: Up to $100 in statement credits to sign up for either TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. This credit is good once every four years, and membership in both programs lasts five years.
• Earning More Points: UBS Visa Infinite cardholders will earn 3x points on air travel, 2x points for gas and groceries, and 1x points on all other purchases with the card.
• Annual Fee: $495

Citi Prestige Credit Card

Much like the Ritz-Carlton Card, you can't apply for the Citi Prestige Credit Card anymore, either – Citi stopped accepting application back in 2021. But even if you've got the *Citi Premier*, there's no way to upgrade to the Prestige card – sorry!

But for travelers who have already got it in their wallets, the Citi Prestige Credit Card can get them credits at participating Priority Pass restaurants, too.
 

The Citi Prestige Credit Card is no longer open to new applicants.

• $250 Annual Travel Credit: Every year, you get a $250 travel credit to use on flights, hotels,  rental cars, and more.
• Fourth Hotel Night Free Award: Twice a year, hotel bookings through the Citi ThankYou travel portal up to four nights per reservation will grant you the fourth night free of charge.
• Lounge Access: Complimentary access to 1,300-plus lounges in the Priority Pass network.
• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck: Up to $100 in statement credits to sign up for either TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. This credit is good once every four years, and membership in both programs lasts five years.
• Earning More Points: Citi Prestige cardholders will earn 5x points on dining, airfare, and with travel agencies, 3x points on hotels and cruises, 10x on travel (excluding flight) booked through Citi Travel through June 30, and 1x points on all other purchases with the card.
• Annual Fee: $495

Bottom Line

Looking at this list of cards for the first time, you'll see many of them have similar premium travel benefits – whether that's lounge access or statement credits. But unlike other (arguably more popular) travel credit cards, the Priority Pass restaurant access that comes with that cards make them noteworthy.

If you're looking for a new premium travel credit card with this benefit – or maybe one that you've already got and didn't know it – pick from this list and enjoy a free meal before your next flight.
 

We've seen it again and again over the last two weeks – and so have our Thrifty Traveler Premium subscribers. We've found nationwide sales from airports big and small (nearly all 200-plus airports in the U.S. and Canada we search, in fact) to Europe under $499; nonstops to popular spots like Portugal, Paris, and Rome as low as $417 roundtrip; low fares to off-the-beaten-path destinations like the Baltics or Finland; and even ultra-rare business class award deals like flying Delta One across the pond for just 50,000 points.

Deals this good rarely last long – as spring and then summer draw closer, we're likely to see the cheap rates rise … and rise … and rise. But for now, flight prices don't get much better than this. It's time to start planning your 2024 Eurotrip – and we're here to help.

Let's take a spin across the continent and see just how cheap flights to Europe can get for a trip later this year.
 

Nationwide Deals to Europe

After a record-setting summer when seemingly everyone was heading to Europe, airlines are clearly seeing some empty seats on their planes heading across the Atlantic this spring. And when that happens, they do whatever it takes to fill those seats.

How low can they go? This low.
 

These fares are gone now! Get the next deal in your inbox with Thrifty Traveler Premium!

When the airlines offer you a roundtrip flight to Europe under $500, take it! These fares to Spain are Exhibit A with some fares below $450 roundtrip – including long nonstops from Los Angeles (LAX) and Miami (MIA) for a trip this spring.
 

Let's narrow it down a little bit, though. Is it really cheap everywhere right now? Yeah, kind of. If there's one European destination that we get asked about over and over again, it's Italy.

Yes, we're seeing dropping fares to get there, too. Take a look.

Look at that list of destination cities. There are the usual suspects like Rome (FCO) and Milan (MXP), but you could also get to beloved spots like Florence (FLR) and Venice (VCE) at a steep discount.
 

When we call a deal “nationwide,” this is what we mean: From Evansville, Indiana (EVV) to Scranton, Pennsylvania (AVP) and up to the heavy hitters like Chicago-O'Hare (ORD) and New York City (JFK), this deal touched every corner of the country.

And what, did you think France was just going to let Spain and Italy have all the fun? Of course not! Cheap flights to Paris won't be denied this year, either.
 

Interestingly, this flight included some fares on Icelandair, the budget-friendly carrier that we love for many reasons. But the best part about flying Icelandair is its phenomenal stopover program, allowing you to build in a pitstop in Iceland for three or even to seven days on your way to or from Paris … all for the same price as a regular roundtrip ticket!

What would you do in Iceland for three nights? I'm so glad you asked!

Read next: How to Book an Icelandair Stopover

Finally, the airlines also sprinkled in some love for Deutschland with these fantastic fares to Germany in 2024.
 

We find flight deals from 200+ airports in the U.S. and Canada!

Dropping Prices to Greece, the Baltics, & Beyond

From Spain and France and over to Italy, we've hit all the big hubs in Europe already with dirt-cheap prices. But the savings extend beyond the biggest hotspots: We're finding cheaper fares to further-flung destinations across Europe, too.

How about Athens (ATH)? Whether you want to explore the ruins in the birthplace of democracy or hop out to the Greek isles, we rarely see fares to Athens under $1,000 roundtrip.

How about paying less than half that price?
 

You'd be hard-pressed to find a better deal than that to Greece. And while only travelers flying out of Boston (BOS) benefitted from these cheap fares, you could book a positioning flight to BOS and still save big on a roundtrip ticket.
 

These low fares to Athens got gobbled up fast – get the next alert in your inbox with Thrifty Traveler Premium!

Further north – like, way north – are the Baltic States of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. A trip to one of these beautiful (and cheap!) European countries is for the real travelers out there. This one's for the people who are looking for the hidden gems of the world, leaving the crowds and tourist traps behind.
 

The cities of Riga, Tallinn, and Vilnius are true diamonds in the rough of eastern Europe and are known for being an especially thrifty option for travelers. No tourist prices here!

Plus, with fares like these, it might be cheaper to visit Riga for a week than it is to visit Orlando!
 

One more for the hardcore travelers out there: A Northern Lights adventure in Finland. No, you're not seeing things: You can really get to Finland for under $400 roundtrip if you time it right with a deal like this.
 

This flight deal to Finland happens to feature some of the best months of the year for viewing the elusive Aurora Borealis. If you connect on from Helsinki (HEL) to Finnish Lapland, your chance of seeing the Northern Lights goes up exponentially, too.
 

Business Class Deals & Points Deals

What's better than a cheap flight to Europe? A cheap flight to Europe in the front of the plane – or maybe even a (nearly) free one booked using points and miles.

As flight prices to Europe dropped, we've also seen a serious resurgence in cheap business class flights and premium cabin award space to book those seats with points lately. In just the last few weeks, we've sent Thrifty Traveler Premium members a record number of business class deals across the pond. Like this one:
 

This unreal deal is long gone – get an instant alert for the next deal with Thrifty Traveler Premium!

Nonstop to Frankfurt flying Condor Airlines' sneakily amazing business class seat is one of the coolest new ways to cross the Atlantic. And if you have Alaska Airlines or Emirates miles (or one of the many credit card points that transfer to Emirates), you can make this seat home for your journey to Germany.

Have Turkish miles instead? Oor Capital One, Citi, or Bilt points that transfer to Turkish on a 1:1 basis? You can book TAP Air Portugal business class to Lisbon (LIS) this year, too!
 

I flew TAP Business Class a few years back and thought it was a great way to get to Europe. Waking up refreshed in Lisbon (LIS) after a good night's sleep was amazing for a city where you can expect to do some walking!
 

Flying Delta One Suites should be on anyone's bucket list, but there's a problem: Delta regularly charges 300,000 SkyMiles or more each way. No thank you.

One of our latest business class award alerts solved that problem for you.
 

We gave this deal the “Unicorn Fare” stamp because of how rare this is: Delta One Suites bookable via Virgin Atlantic for just 50,000 points is one of the best deals in the world of points and miles. But availability to book these seats during peak summer in Europe is completely unheard of … unless you're a Thrifty Traveler Premium member of course!
 

Just 50,000 Virgin Atlantic points – transferable from Chase, Capital One, American Express, and more – could put you in one of these suites heading for Dublin (DUB) or Munich (MUC). And just a few hours later, we found more Delta One availability flying this spring to Amsterdam (AMS), Frankfurt (FRA), and Lisbon (LIS), too.
 

These seats are long gone now – get the next award alert with Thrifty Traveler Premium!

Bottom Line

Flight prices to get to Europe this winter, spring, or even next fall have been dropping. But deals like these don't last long: Time is running out to book low fares (or amazing points deals) before they disappear as spring and summer draw closer.

But for now, the deals just keep coming. From deeply discounted nonstop economy fares to ultra-rare business class points deals, Thrifty Traveler Premium members are getting email alerts almost every day alerting them to cheaper flights all over Europe.

The naming committee didn't stray too far with this one: It's the *venture x business*. But the name fits as it's so similar to its counterpart: It's packed with many of the same benefits and features – and an identical $395 annual fee. Where it differs is with a gargantuan welcome offer bonus of up to 300,000 miles … and an equally large spending requirement to earn it. Here's how the bonus works:

• Earn 150,000 miles once you spend $20,000 in the first three months from account opening.
• Earn an additional 150,000 miles (for 300,000 miles in total) once you spend $100,000 in the first six months from account opening.

With the Venture X Business Card, you'll get all the important perks like airport lounge access, an annual $300 travel credit, and 10,000 bonus miles each year on your cardmember anniversary. But while some top travel cards are best for perks rather than earning points, this isn't one of them: The Venture X Business earns a solid 2x miles per dollar on all purchases, helping you rack up more miles, wherever your business is spending.

Read on for everything you need to know about the Capital One Venture X Business Card.
 

Learn more about the *venture x business*.

Who Can Apply For a Business Card?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of what makes the Venture X Business a great fit for small (and even large) business owners looking to earn valuable travel points, let's set a foundation for who is actually eligible to open business cards. And it may be much easier than you think.

To open a business credit card like the Venture X Business, you don’t need a full-time business with employees or six-figure revenues – though if you're planning to earn this card's mammoth welcome offer, that might help. More on that soon.

While running a big business would obviously qualify you to open a business credit card, you can also get approved for a small-business credit card like the Venture X Business Card with a part-time side hustle, a freelance job, a gig economy job, or even by selling goods on online marketplaces like Etsy, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist and more. In fact, many Americans have what the banks would consider a small business and don't even realize it.

Do you have any income from freelance work – or plans to start freelance work? You have a business. Have you ever sold an item on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Etsy, or other platforms, or have plans to do so in the future? You have a small business.

At the end of the day, if you are selling any goods or services, or contracting with a company to do so in an attempt to make a profit, you have a small business and thus are typically eligible to apply for a small business credit card. That makes it possible for many Americans to apply for a business credit card.

Just keep in mind: You should never lie or attempt to mislead a bank when applying for a business credit card. It's important to have a legitimate business, even if that business is just your own.

Read more: You Might Be Eligible for Business Credit Cards & Not Know It

Capital One Venture X Business: Welcome Offer

With the *venture x business* you can earn up to 300,000 bonus miles when meeting the card's minimum spending requirement. It's a tiered bonus that works a little differently than most other welcome offers. Here's what's at stake:

• Earn 150,000 miles once you spend $20,000 in the first three months from account opening.
• Earn an additional 150,000 miles (for 300,000 miles in total) once you spend $100,000 in the first six months from account opening.

If you're able to meet both of these spending requirements in the first six months and earn the full bonus, you'll have over half a million Capital One Venture miles when all is said and done. That's because like all of Capital One's travel rewards cards, the Venture X Business card earns an unlimited 2x miles on every purchase. So in addition to the 300,000 miles you'll earn from the bonus, you'll also earn a minimum of 200,000 miles on all that spending.

For some small businesses, spending the $20,000 necessary to earn the first part of the bonus might seem daunting. But for many others – from restaurants to general contractors – spending $7,000 each month is commonplace and the card's stretch bonus is even within reach. The key here is to not go out of your way to earn the bonus by spending money unnecessarily.

Just keep in mind, credit cards are serious business: You should never apply for a credit card if you're already in debt, and never charge more to a credit card than you can afford to pay off immediately. That's especially true when looking at business credit cards with spending requirements as high as this one.

And if you're wondering how high of a credit limit you'd need to be able to comfortably spend $100,000 in six months, that's where the Venture X Business card differs from its personal counterpart. The Venture X Business Card is actually a pay-in-full card that doesn't come with a preset credit limit or charge interest on purchases. Instead, you need to pay your card's balance in full each month or be subject to a late fee.

This puts the Venture X Business in line with American Express' hybrid cards (commonly known as charge cards) like *biz platinum* and the *biz gold*.

Read next: 5 Ways to Responsibly Hit the Minimum Spending Requirement on a New Business Card

Capital One Venture X Business: Travel Benefits & Perks

Just like the personal Capital One Venture X Card, the business version comes loaded with travel benefits and perks that have us questioning if the card is too good to be true.

Annual travel credits, airport lounge access, and elite-like benefits at The Premier Collection of hotels make the Venture X Business incredibly valuable. With little effort, these perks can more than justify the card's annual fee and make it a powerful business tool for any company to have.

Annual $300 Travel Credit

Each year of card membership, Venture X Business cardholders will get up to $300 in travel credit to use for Capital One Travel bookings. Just use your card to book flights, hotels, or rental cars through the Capital One Travel portal and you'll automatically get up to a $300 discount on your purchase.

While we typically steer clear of third-party sites and online travel agencies, Capital One has added some awesome new features to their portal that can turn that logic on its head.

And best of all, this travel credit goes a long way to offset the card's annual fee. Think of it this way: Do you plan to spend $300 or more on travel each year? Then this card's annual fee isn't $395 – it's more like $95.

Read more: Everything You Need to Know About Capital One $300 Travel Credit

Airport Lounge Access

Whether you're traveling for work or heading off on vacation, few things make your travel experience better than having access to an airport lounge. And while you can still get into lounges the hard way – by flying up front on an expensive business or first class ticket or purchasing an airline lounge membership – the Venture X Business Card provides cardholders a far easier path to entry.

Just like the personal version, the Venture X Business Card will get you access to the outstanding Capital One Lounges, Plaza Premium Lounges, and a Priority Pass Select membership to get you into more than 1,300 lounges across the globe.

Capital One Lounges

Let's start with the bank's flagship lounges: The Capital One Venture X Business Card comes with complimentary access to the new Capital One Lounges for the primary cardholder and two guests. The first of these lounges officially opened its doors in 2021 at Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) to coincide with the launch of the Venture X Card.

Until recently, Capital One had just a single lounge in Dallas (DFW). But after a series of delays, the bank's lounge at Washington, D.C.-Dulles (IAD) began welcoming guests in September and the third Capital One lounge in Denver (DEN) opened its doors a couple of months later.

As of now, the only other confirmed Capital One Lounge in the pipeline is slated for Las Vegas (LAS), but an exact timeline for construction and lounge opening hasn't yet been announced.
 

These Capital One Lounges show just how serious the bank is about competing in the premium travel rewards credit card space. All three lounges give travelers a comfortable place to relax with locally crafted food and drink options, shower suites, and of course, plenty of comfortable seating options for both business and leisure travelers.

In addition to new lounges, Capital One is also planning to open dining spaces dubbed Capital One Landings in Washington, D.C.-Reagan (DCA) and New York City-LaGuardia (LGA). While details on these new dining spaces are still scarce, we do know the food and beverage programs at both outlets will focus on Spanish-style tapas – it's all being spearheaded by the award-winning celebrity chef and humanitarian José Andrés and his José Andrés Group.

Priority Pass Lounges

Aside from getting access to Capital One Lounges, you'll also get a full Priority Pass Select membership with the Venture X Business Card – good for unlimited visits for the main cardholder and up to two guests. While most of these contract lounges won't be as nice as the new Capital One space, Priority Pass boasts a network of 1,300-plus airport lounges around the globe, making it much easier to get into a lounge no matter where you're flying.
 

And while the personal Venture X card lost access to Priority Pass Restaurants late last year, the Venture X Business will still get you and two guests a dining credit at any Priority Pass Restaurant around the globe. This can be especially useful for domestic travelers as many airports in the U.S. lack a good Priority Pass lounge.

Read more: The Ultimate Guide to Priority Pass Restaurants

Plaza Premium Lounges

Lastly, Capital One Venture X Business cardholders get complimentary access to Plaza Premium Lounges, opening the doors to dozens more lounges abroad and at home. The Plaza Premium name also includes several lounges at the Cancún (CUN) airport and Avianca lounges throughout Colombia. It previously included Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse lounges in the U.S., but those have sadly since been dropped.
 

Here’s the full list of Plaza Premium lounges that you can get in with your Venture X Business Card.

Global Entry or TSA PreCheck Credit

Add the Capital One Venture X Business to the growing list of credit cards offering up to a $100 credit for either TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. Membership in either program is good for five years and Venture X Business cardholders will get to use this credit every four years to ensure they get their renewal done before it expires.
 

If you plan for any sort of international travel, spring for Global Entry as it automatically includes a TSA PreCheck membership. At just $100, the statement credit provided by the Venture X Business credit card will completely cover your membership cost for as long as you keep the card open.

Taking advantage of this credit is simple. Just use the card when you pay for your application and voilà: Your credit will kick in to cover the entire cost.

Read more: Global Entry vs. TSA PreCheck: Which is Better for You?

10,000 Mile Anniversary Bonus

Each and every year on your account anniversary, you'll receive 10,000 bonus Venture miles after paying your card's annual fee.

These miles are worth a minimum of $100 towards travel – and potentially much more by utilizing the Capital One transfer partners. You won't get this right when you open the card: This benefit starts in your second year and each year after that. This is just another way to get more value out of your Venture X Business card and easily offset the card's annual fee.

If our experience with the anniversary miles on the Capital One Venture X Card is any indication, you can expect this 10,000-mile bonus to be deposited about a month or two after paying your annual fee.

The Premier & Lifestyle Collection of Hotels

In early 2023, Capital One launched its own portfolio of luxury hotels and resorts, bookable with exclusive benefits for Venture X and Venture X Business cardholders.

It's called The Premier Collection. Just log into your account and head for the Capital One travel portal, where you'll see the option to search for Premier Collection properties in addition to flights, hotels, and rental cars.
 

It's not just glamorous hotels and resorts that Capital One hopes will draw travelers in, either. Every Premier Collection booking unlocks a handful of additional perks that match (or exceed) the top levels of hotel status, including:

• Free breakfast for two every morning
• A $100 credit for dining, the spa, or other experiences on the property
• Free Wi-Fi during your stay
• Room upgrades, early check-in, and late check-out when available
• Earn 10x Venture Miles per dollar on every booking
• Use your Venture X Business Card's $300 annual travel credit for these hotel bookings

It's almost a carbon copy of American Express's Fine Hotels + Resorts Program, which gives travelers with *amex platinum card* elite-like perks on hotel bookings.

In June, Capital One further bolstered its hotel offerings with the introduction of the Lifestyle Hotel Collection, which includes brand names like Virgin, The Standard Design, and The LINE as well as a number of boutique hotels around the world. While the Premier Collection is available exclusively to Venture X personal and business cardholders, the Lifestyle Collection will be available to other Capital One cardholders – including those with a *capital one venture*.

Cardholders will get perks usually reserved for those with hotel status or who hold a premium travel rewards credit card such as earning more points on stays, room upgrades, early check-in and late checkout, and a $50 experience credit to use at bars, hotel restaurants, room service, or other activities.

Capital One Venture X Business Tools

For business owners, time is money – and having a business credit card that saves both time and money can be a huge advantage to running a successful business.

With the *venture x business* you can make payments to any of your vendors – even those that don't accept cards. It works similarly to third-party payment services like Plastiq and Melio, where you're charged a 2.9% fee for processing the card payment but in the process, you'll be able to hold on to your cash for a little longer and earn valuable rewards for making your payment.
 

Being able to make these vendor payments directly through Capital One, instead of using a third party, will save you from having to create another account and risk payment information getting compromised. You can also connect your QuickBooks Online account to streamline future vendor bill payments and keep track of everything in one secure place.

With the Venture X Business Card, you can also assign an account manager to make purchases and payments, review transactions, and resolve any problems on your behalf. With this feature, your account manager is able to get work done when you can't be there – or simply free you up to take care of other business priorities.

Besides allowing your account manager to make purchases, you can also add extra employee cards to your account for free. That means employees can get their own card for business purchases or supply runs, and all those charges (and rewards) go to the business owners' account. As an added layer of security, you can even set customized spending limits for employee cards and see transactions as soon as they post.

To help with year-end bookkeeping, you'll get an account summary that includes an itemized report of all your year-to-date spending. This can help with budgeting for the next year, as well as provide you with an aid for tax preparation. In addition to the year-end summary, you can also download your purchase records into multiple formats including Quicken®, QuickBooks®, and Excel® for more timely record keeping.

Related reading: How (& When) to Pay Your Taxes With a Credit Card

Capital One Venture X Business: Earning Points

Earning points with the Venture X Business card couldn't be any easier.

You'll get unlimited 2x Venture miles for every purchase, everywhere – all without paying any pesky foreign transaction fees. No matter if you're paying for business supplies, office rent, utilities, or other vendors, you're going to be getting a decent return on all your purchases.

When it comes time to book travel you can earn even more miles when booking through the Capital One Travel portal. With the Venture X Business Card, you'll get 5x Venture miles on flights and a whopping 10x Venture miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One's portal. If your business spends heavily on travel, booking this way will mean you're earning lots of rewards for one of your company's biggest expenses.

Capital One Venture X Business: Redeeming Points

There are plenty of worthwhile ways to redeem Capital One miles.

Let's start simple: Covering your purchases with Venture Miles. Just book a flight, hotel, or any travel expense with your Venture X Business Card, then go back and remove it from your statement with miles.

When you cover your travel purchases with Venture Miles, every single mile is worth 1 cent toward travel. The same is true when using another method to book travel: Capital One's travel portal, where you can search for flights, hotels, or rental cars and book directly through Capital One. By first booking travel through the Capital One Travel portal, you'll earn extra rewards and still leave yourself open to cover the charge with Venture miles. This is a true win-win!

That means 100,000 Venture Miles are worth at least $1,000 toward travel. But you could do much, much better.

Over the last few years, Capital One has solved a glaring weakness by leveling up its transfer partner program with new additions and improved transfer rates. Now, you can transfer to 18 different airline and hotel programs – most on a 1:1 basis. That means 100,000 Venture Miles can become 100,000 British Airways Avios. Or 100,000 miles with Turkish Airlines Miles & Smiles. Or 100,000 Air Canada Aeroplan miles. You get the idea…
 

With this improved transfer partner program, these miles are potentially worth much, much more than one cent per point and it makes Venture Miles a genuine double threat.

Aside from travel-related redemption options, you can also use your Venture miles for thousands of experiences like sporting events, concerts, and more through Capital One Entertainment. Less fun, but equally useful options include redeeming for cash, gift cards, or even Amazon purchases.

Read more: 7 Sweet Spots for Using Capital One Venture Miles

Is the Venture X Business Worth the Annual Fee?

This is an easy answer.

Yes, the *venture x business* is worth paying $395 a year … for most small business owners.

With little effort, most business owners should be able to easily recoup $300 a year with the card's annual travel credit alone. While you do have to book through the Capital One Travel portal in order to get this discount, that will be a minor inconvenience for most, and more than worth it to get $300 back.

On top of the annual travel credit, you'll also get a 10,000 Venture mile bonus each year that you keep the card and pay the annual fee. This anniversary bonus doesn't kick in until your second year with the card. But considering those bonus miles are worth at least $100 in travel, Capital One is practically paying you to have this card.

Add in the fact that you can access some of the best airport lounges around the world and get outstanding travel protections, it makes this card's annual fee seem like a bargain.

Which Cards Compete With the Venture X Business?

With simple rewards earning and a bundle of travel perks, the Venture X Business is no doubt one of the best business cards on the market. But it's got some competition.

*biz platinum* is the only business card that comes close to offering the same level of travel benefits and perks as the Venture X Business Card, albeit with a much steeper $695 annual fee (see rates & fees). And while the Amex Business Platinum does a good job offering travel perks and statement credits, it has a tough time competing with the Venture X Business in earning rewards.

The only true bonus category you'll get with the Business Platinum is for airfare, which earns 5x Membership Rewards. Most purchases earn a flat 1x Membership Rewards points, aside from large purchases ($5,000 or more) and those in a few select categories like electronic goods retailers, software and cloud service providers, U.S. construction materials, hardware supplies, and shipping providers which all earn 1.5x points.

The *ink unlimited* from Chase offers uncapped 1.5x Ultimate Rewards points earning with no annual fee. But the biggest difference between these cards is how you can use the points you're earning. With the Ink Unlimited, you'll only earn cash back unless you also have a card that earns Chase Ultimate Rewards (like an *ink preferred* or a personal Chase Sapphire card). If you prefer earning cash back, this isn't an issue, of course.

Capital One even provides a little competition of its own with the *capone spark miles*. This card earns the same unlimited 2x miles per dollar spent, everywhere, with no limits or category restrictions but comes with a much lower $95 annual fee. You won't get the airport lounge access, yearly travel credit, or anniversary miles, but for someone who is sensitive to paying a high annual fee, this could be another solid option for earning Venture miles.

Read next: Which Chase Ink card Offers the Best Return for Your Business?

Capital One Venture X Business: Pros & Cons

Pros

• Massive welcome offer
• Lucrative ongoing points earning
• $300 Annual Travel Credit
• 10,000-mile anniversary bonus
• Airport lounge access
• TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credit
• Increased purchasing power with no set credit limit

Cons

• Huge spending requirement to earn the welcome offer
• $395 annual fee

Bottom Line

The *venture x business* is nearly identical to the personal version, offering business owners unlimited 2x Venture miles on all purchases along with some of the best travel benefits of any card on the market. With an up to 300,000-mile sign-up bonus and a modest $395 annual fee, this card packs a punch way above its weight class.
 

Learn more about the *venture x business*.
 

No more. Delta has gutted its basic economy fares: You no longer earn any SkyMiles nor credits toward Medallion status – and it was the first (and only) major U.S. carrier to make such a brutal move. As of 2024, you can can't get into a Delta Sky Club if you've got a basic economy ticket. Plus, these basic fares are almost unavoidable: You'll find them flying domestically, heading to the Caribbean, Central and South America, Europe, Asia, and even on most award tickets booked with SkyMiles.

But it's not all bad news. While you can no longer change or cancel these fares for free, you can pay a fee to cancel for a Delta eCredit. Plus, Delta basic economy fares still allow you to bring a carry-on bag onboard .. and there's even a sneaky way to pick a seat for free when flying Delta basic economy.

Let's take a deeper dive into what's included and everything you need to know about Delta Basic Economy: What you get, what you don't, how it stacks up against Delta's Main Cabin tickets – and most importantly, how to beat these no-frills fares.

What's Included with Delta Basic Economy?

While there’s no question Delta basic economy has some tough restrictions, it’s more generous than what other airlines offer in many respects.

Oh, and keep in mind: While your fare has a different name with some limitations, once you're on board it's the same Delta economy experience as everyone else. Same seat, same service, same in-flight entertainment options.

What is Delta's Basic Economy Baggage Policy?

The Delta Basic Economy baggage policy is almost identical to any standard economy fare: You can stow a carry-on bag overhead and put a personal item under the seat in front of you for free. Flying domestically, you'll pay $30 each way to check a bag – the same as a standard economy fare.

But things change if you're heading far abroad. While most Delta main cabin economy fares to Europe, South America, and beyond include a free checked bag, the airline charges basic economy passengers to check a bag on many long-haul flights. For example, adding a checked bag on a basic economy trip to Europe currently costs $75 each way.

What is Delta's Carry-On Policy?

Unlike several other airlines, flying Basic Economy with Delta allows a carry-on bag and personal item for free.

Delta Basic Economy Seat Selection

Seats are typically assigned at check-in or at the gate, but you can also pay for seat selection on many flights starting seven days before departure or pick your own for free after check-in opens.

Delta Basic Economy Boarding

Boards last in Delta’s boarding order, which means you may struggle to find a spot to stow your carry-on bag.

Earning Delta SkyMiles?

Not anymore. As of December 2021, you no longer earn Delta SkyMiles flying Delta Basic Economy.

Flying isn't the best way to earn Delta SkyMiles anymore – it hasn't been for years. Still, this stings.

Earning Delta Medallion Status?

No, Delta's basic economy flights also no longer earn and Medallion Qualifying Dollars (MQDs) – the sole building block for earning Delta Medallion status after a big (and unpopular) revamp to the airline's status program.

Delta Basic Economy Upgrades?

Basic Economy is not eligible for complimentary upgrades if you have Delta Medallion Status. You can't even pay to upgrade basic fares to Delta Comfort Plus or First Class seats, either.

Delta Basic Economy Cancellation and Ticket Changes

Just as with almost any ticket, Delta Basic Economy cancellation is free within 24 hours of booking.

Otherwise, you can pay $99 to cancel a flight within the U.S. or to the Caribbean, Mexico, or Central America. Long-haul international flights cost $199 to cancel for a Delta eCredit.

Delta Main Cabin vs. Basic Economy

Let's get straight to it. The biggest difference is in price – and that's the point.

Like most airlines, Delta practically begs you not to book basic economy: You have to specifically opt-in by checking “Accept Restrictions” and proceed with your basic economy fare. In fact, a top Delta official once wondered aloud: “What are people willing to pay” to avoid basic economy?”

And that shows. While it varies by route, Delta now regularly charges an additional $50 to $80 roundtrip to avoid basic economy and move to a more-inclusive main cabin fare on a simple domestic flight. Traveling internationally? Expect to pay $180 or more roundtrip to avoid these restrictions.

Read more: Why Travelers Should Learn to Love Basic Economy Fares

The entire point of basic economy is to lure you in with a cheap price, then convince you to pay more to avoid additional restrictions. And that basic economy vs. main cabin upsell is only getting stronger as Delta loads up these fares with additional restrictions.

Delta's Big, Bad Changes to Basic Economy

In December 2021, Delta went where no other major airline has gone: Its basic economy fares no longer earn Delta SkyMiles nor credits toward earning Delta Medallion status. While some airlines stop flyers who buy their cheapest tickets from earning status, Delta is the first to deny them redeemable SkyMiles.

Previously, you'd earn at least 5x SkyMiles per dollar spent on your Delta basic economy ticket. Now, you'll earn zero SkyMiles on the exact same fares. So while taking a $300 flight would have earned you at least 1,500 SkyMiles, you don't get a single mile now.

Read more: What Delta's Latest Basic Economy Changes Mean for Travelers

Is Basic Economy on Delta Still Good?

If there's an upside to Delta basic economy, it's that these fares still aren't as restrictive as their competitors in other respects.

Unlike other fares like United basic economy and JetBlue basic economy which only allow you to bring a personal item, you can still bring a full-size carry-on bag with Delta's skimpiest fare.

While you don't get free seat selection with basic economy, Delta gives you a few ways to ensure you won't get stuck in a random middle seat. For starters, you can pay for a seat assignment starting seven days before departure when flying basic economy, with fees that typically run about $29 a seat. And as you'll see, there's even a sneaky way to get a seat for free…

Delta also threw travelers who book basic economy a bone when it comes to canceling flights. These fares could not be changed nor canceled, period, prior to the pandemic. Now, basic economy tickets can be canceled for a fee of $99 to $199, depending on where you're going. You'll get a Delta eCredit for the leftover amount after subtracting the cancellation fee.

That's a far cry from the days of free change and cancellation even on basic economy fares from the pandemic, but it's better than nothing.

Read more: Have a Delta Flight Booked? Get a Credit if the Price Drops! 

What Routes Have Delta Basic Economy Fares?

Delta Basic Economy can now be found on all routes heading to the following locations:

• U.S. domestic flights, including Alaska and Hawaii
• Mexico and Central America
• The Caribbean
• South America
• Europe
• Africa
• Asia
• Australia

That's right: Almost every route in Delta's vast international network now features basic economy. That doesn't mean you'll always see basic economy fares on every single flight – Delta and other airlines sometimes decide not to sell these fares. But it's a strong possibility.

On the plus side, Delta gives basic economy fares one free checked bag on some of its longest routes to Asia and Australia. That's not the case if you buy a Delta basic economy fare to Europe or South America, for example.

Finally, Delta is an oddity in one way: Delta is still the only major carrier currently selling basic economy award tickets. Delta basic economy awards first cropped up many years ago but have only recently expanded to many long-haul international routes in Europe, Africa, Asia, Latin America, and even Australia and New Zealand.

That means the lowest rate for using SkyMiles to book your flight will be for a basic economy ticket, unlike award tickets on most airlines which are for main cabin fares.

How to Beat Delta Basic Economy

Even the most restrictive basic economy fares don't have to be so painful. And there are a few great ways to get ahead even with Delta's cheapest fares.

Carry a Delta Credit Card

Carrying one of the co-branded Delta credit cards offered by American Express helps you beat Delta basic economy fares. This is the key to making these fares less painful.

As a benefit of holding one of the Delta American Express cards (with the exception of the *delta blue*), you will get a free checked bag and priority boarding. And you get these benefits even when flying on a basic economy ticket … even if you didn't pay for your Delta ticket with that card!

So while flying on a Delta basic economy ticket would normally mean you board last, holding one of these cards allows you to board in the Main Cabin 1 group.

Without early boarding, finding a spot for your carry-on bag once onboard the aircraft could be a challenge as you will be the last to board. So even though you are allowed a free carry-on, it may end up getting gate-checked. There's less cause for concern when you can board in the Main Cabin 1 zone.

Additionally, all of the cards also offer a free checked bag – at least a $30 value each way, every flight. That means you could check a bag for free and not worry about stowing it overhead at all. You also don't even need to pay for your ticket with the card to receive these benefits.

For example, the *delta skymiles gold card* has an introductory annual fee of $0, and then just $99 each year after that (see rates & fees.) Even in your second year with the card, it takes just two roundtrip flights with a checked bag each year to come out ahead.

Learn more about the *delta skymiles gold card*.

Pick a Seat Assignment for Free

Like most airlines, Delta gives you the chance to pay for a seat assignment if you want to avoid that dreaded middle seat. We've seen Delta Basic Economy seat assignments on domestic flights as cheap as $19 each way – or as much as $59.

But there's another, little-known way to potentially get a seat for free with Delta Basic Economy. 

Starting when the check-in window opens 24 hours before your flight, Delta allows you to move about the cabin to any open seats … at no cost. That's your chance to check the seat map and pick the best of whatever seats are left.

This isn't a slam dunk by any means. If your flight is full, you'll be stuck with whatever seat Delta assigns you. But it's worth checking, double-checking, triple-checking, and quadruple-checking after the check-in window opens to see if you can snag a better seat as your flight draws closer. You can change your seat selection up until boarding begins.

Read our guide to picking your seat when flying Delta basic economy.

How Do Delta Basic Economy Fares Stack Up?

Delta basic economy fares are a mixed bag. There's both good and bad news.

Let's start with the good news. Once you get on the plane, the experience is identical whether you've got a basic fare or a main cabin ticket. These fares are more generous than what you get with other competitors in several respects, too.

You can bring a carry-on bag on board. Delta also offers two ways to pick a seat even when flying basic economy. Starting seven days before departure, you can log into your reservation and pay for a seat assignment, which typically costs $29 per seat. If you're feeling lucky, you can wait until the check-in window opens 24 hours before departure. Once that happens, Delta allows you to move to any remaining open seats for free.

Then there's the bad news. If you strike out with picking a seat, you'll likely be assigned a middle seat at check-in. When traveling with a companion or a child, there's no guarantee you'll sit together. While Delta says it tries to seat children with a family member, it won't always happen. It depends on how full your flight is, and on the agent working at the gate.

Finally, Delta has degraded basic economy more than any airline by removing the ability to earn SkyMiles or towards elite status. That's a massive, unprecedented change that automatically makes Delta basic more restrictive than any of its peers.

That's why we recommend you consider paying the upcharge for a main cabin fare if you want the best experience: Earning miles, ensuring you can sit next to a companion, and getting the ability to change or cancel your flights without a penalty.

Above all, Delta basic economy fares are just like every other airline. Airlines act like these are lower-priced fares for budget-conscious travelers. In reality, they're charging the same amount a main cabin economy ticket once cost and giving you less. It's the airlines' way of getting more money out of you in fees.

Delta's Basic Economy: The Bottom Line

Basic economy has transformed the airfare world. By offering these bare-bones fares, Delta can compete with budget carriers on price while pitting flyers with new restrictions – largely in hopes that they’ll pay up to upgrade.

Basic economy isn't going away. And as we've seen recently from Delta, it's going to continue to expand … and likely get worse.

Just use promo code THANKYOU30 when searching at Alaskaair.com. And choose your routes wisely: This 30% off promo code only works on select days, depending on where you're flying to. Keep reading for a full list of restrictions!

It gets even better for travelers chasing status with Alaska Airlines. You'll earn double the elite qualifying miles for all Alaska-operated flights flown in February 2024. 

But you'll want to make up your mind soon: You have to book before this sale ends tomorrow, Jan. 31 at 11:59 p.m. PST!

If you want the lowest price, you'll need to time your Alaska flight right to get this 30% discount.

• Flights to Hawaii, Florida, Latin America, and Bahamas are valid for a 30% discount on Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays
• Flights returning from Hawaii, Florida, Latin America, and the Bahamas are valid on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays
• All other Alaska flights are eligible for the 30% discount on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays
• On all other days, you can get 10% off

Just enter promo code THANKYOU when you search at Alaskaair.com – you'll see the discount marked with a green ribbon. The lowest price will almost always be for an Alaska Saver fare: the airline's name for basic economy, which includes a carry-on bag but no free seat selection. And you'll now only earn 30% of the redeemable Mileage Plan miles, too.

Luckily, main cabin economy fares are eligible for this discount, too. First class is not.
 

Thrifty Tip: Start your search using Google Flights to zero in on the cheapest fare, then copy what you found over to Alaska's site to apply the discount code and make it even cheaper!

There are some serious savings here no matter where you're looking to fly. For example, you can get from San Diego (SAN) all the way out to Maui (OGG) and back for under $190.
 

Seattle residents have tons of options to pick from, like a trip to Denver (DEN) for some skiing in late February for just over $100 roundtrip.
 

That's just the tip of the iceberg of what's out there. Keep reading for the full details on this Alaska Airlines sale.

Alaska Airlines Sale Details

Here's what you need to know to take advantage of this sale::

• Head to Alaskaair.com and enter promo code THANKYOU30 for 30% off
• Valid for travel Feb. 8 through March 13, 2024
  • Flights to Hawaii, Florida, Latin America, and Bahamas are valid for a 30% discount on Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays
  • Flights returning from Hawaii, Florida, Latin America, and the Bahamas are valid on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays
  • All other Alaska routes are eligible for the 30% discount on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays
  • On all other days, you can get 10% off
• Flights to Alaska are blacked out from Feb. 16-24 and March 6-13
• All other flights are blacked out from Feb. 16-24
• Flights in February 2024 will also earn double elite qualifying miles toward Alaska Airlines status
• Book by 11:59 p.m. PST on Wednesday, Jan. 31
• Check out the dedicated sale page and full terms and conditions

Bottom Line

Don't miss out on this 30% off Alaska Airlines sale!

If you've got travel plans this winter but haven't booked yet, don't let this sale pass you by. Use promo code THANKYOU30 for 30% off many Alaska Airlines flights.

Just be sure to book before this promo code expires on Wednesday, Jan. 31 at 11:59 p.m. PST.

The bank behind the ultra-popular *chase sapphire preferred* and *chase sapphire reserve* has been working for years to build its own branded lounges dubbed the Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club – and more and more of them are opening: After opening a location abroad over in Hong Kong (HKG), Chase opened its very-first U.S. lounge in Boston (BOS) in 2023. To kick off 2024, the bank opened a pair of lounges at New York City airports. And even more are on the way.

These Chase lounges are run in collaboration with Airport Dimensions, the same group behind “The Club” family of lounges that you'll find throughout the U.S. that Priority Pass members can currently access. But Chase has upped the ante for its own lounges: The design is chic and spacious, complimentary food and drinks area big step above your typical airport club, and there are also upscale amenities like showers and wellness areas.
 

Take a look inside Chase Sapphire Lounges with our review of the Boston Sapphire lounge!

Still, these new Chase Sapphire Lounges will face stiff competition. American Express has been the king of airport lounges for years with its long and growing list Amex Centurion Lounges in both U.S. airports and abroad. And now Capital One has set the bar even higher with its lounges in Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), Denver (DEN), and Washington, D.C.-Dulles (IAD).

So where will these new Chase Sapphire Lounges be? And how will you be able to get in? Read on for everything you need to know.
 

Chase Sapphire Lounge Locations

Chase Sapphire Lounge locations are planned in the nine following airports:

• Boston (BOS) between Terminals B and C: Now open
• Dallas (DFW) in Terminal D by gate 35
• Hong Kong (HKG) in Terminal 1: Now open
• Las Vegas (LAS) in the C Concourse
• New York City-LaGuardia (LGA) in Terminal B: Now open
• New York City (JFK) in Terminal 4: Now open
• Philadelphia (PHL) in Terminal D/E connector
• Phoenix (PHX) in Terminal 4
• San Diego (SAN) in Terminal 2
• Washington, D.C.-Dulles (IAD) in Concourse A

While this list of prospective Chase Sapphire lounge locations look great, just four are currently open.

The bank's first U.S. lounge opened on May 16, 2023, in Boston (BOS). While Chase missed its goal of opening at least two additional locations in 2023, a third and fourth lounge opened in New York City-LaGuardia (LGA) and New York City (JFK) in January 2024. Chase has not laid out a timeline for opening its other locations.

Here's everything we know so far about the each of these Chase Sapphire Lounges.

Boston (BOS) Chase Sapphire Lounge

The Boston Chase Sapphire Lounge was first announced back in June 2021, it's been open for months. The nearly 12,000-square-foot space officially opened for business on May 16, 2023.

You'll find it located between gates B39 and B40 in the Boston airport's relatively new B-to-C connector.

Its location will make it easy for JetBlue flyers to pop in as well as United, American, and a slew of major international airlines – at least so long as you're up for a bit of walk. But for loyal Delta flyers, it'll be a pain: It'd be at least a 20-ish minute walk from Terminal A where Delta flies in and out of, requiring you to re-clear security multiple times.

Travelers are in for a treat. This nearly 12,000-square foot Chase lounge is a massive step up from your typical “The Club” lounge and easily on par with lounges from competitors like American Express or Capital One. It's laid out beautifully, with tons of natural light and tarmac views, great seating, not one but two bars, and a whole lot more to love.
 

Read more: First Look at Chase's First US Sapphire Lounge in Boston!

The Boston lounge is open daily from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.
 

Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) Chase Sapphire Lounge

The governing board of the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) has approved a lease agreement with the Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club.

According to the board meeting notes, the Sapphire Lounge will be located in Terminal D by gate 35, which would be relatively close to both the existing Capital One Lounge at DFW (which we think is one of the best airport lounges in the country) and the Dallas American Express Centurion Lounge.

There aren't any details about the size of the space as of right now, but it's in an area with a number of shared airline lounges, any one of which could be the future home of the Sapphire Lounge.

Hong Kong (HKG) Chase Sapphire Lounge

The first Chase Sapphire Lounge to open its doors is all the way over in Hong Kong.

The Hong Kong Chase Sapphire Lounge opened in late October 2022, located located in the West Hall of the International Departures area near Gate 40. It was a puzzling opening salvo for Chase. Why open the first location 7,000-plus miles away from most U.S. travelers might seem like a head-scratcher – especially in Hong Kong?
 

But it was all about opportune timing. Rather than building this lounge from the ground up, Chase was able to take over from an existing The Club location, allowing it to open much earlier.

We haven't visited yet, but Chase has promised comfortable spots to work or relax, high-speed Wi-Fi and plenty of outlets, and complimentary drinks as well as la carte food (both with some local flair) available via mobile ordering.

The Hong Kong lounge is open daily from 6 a.m. to 12 a.m.

Las Vegas (LAS) Chase Sapphire Lounge

Chase airport lounge operator, Airport Dimensions, won a bid to build a new lounge in Las Vegas (LAS), according to public documents from the Clark County Commission. The initial plans call for a roughly 4,500-square-foot lounge in the airport’s C gates, which are home to Southwest Airlines but fairly easy for any travelers to access. Documents show the lounge space is located behind security near the entrance to the C Gate concourse.

But beyond its location and size, there are precious few details about Chase’s plans for its Las Vegas lounge – including what travelers may eventually find inside and when it may open. A spokesman for the Las Vegas airport said the airport and Chase are in the midst of negotiations for a final agreement on the lounge plans and construction. Chase previously confirmed to Thrifty Traveler it had won the bid for a Las Vegas airport lounge but did not provide any other details about its plans for the space.

“A construction timeline won’t be settled until the agreement is finalized so it’s too soon to give any dates for work to commence or a targeted opening,” the airport spokesman said.

New York-LaGuardia (LGA) Chase Sapphire Lounge

You'll find the second Chase Sapphire Lounge to open in the states in the Big Apple.

The Chase Sapphire Lounge at LaGuardia opened in January 2024 in the airport's shiny new Terminal B – right next door to the American Express Centurion Lounge. And it's truly massive, a 21,800-square-foot space spread across not one but two floors, with many of the same elements that made the Boston lounge such a standout.
 

Much like the Boston lounge, there's both a buffet setup and an a la carte menu with plates you can order via QR code. Chase is touting new dishes like a seared salmon, lentil ragout, and a tasty roast beef sandwich with raclette cheese on ciabatta at this LaGuardia location.

But then there's something brand new: Ultra-exclusive “Reserve Suites by Chase,” three private suites within the lounge that offer an unparalleled VIP experience with a dedicated lounge attendant, private bathrooms and showers, an exclusive dining menu complete with caviar service upon arrival, and more. They're not cheap: Even the smaller suite with capacity for four guests will set you back $2,200 while reserving the larger spaces for eight travelers costs $3,000 … for a three-hour stay.

The LaGuardia lounge is open daily from 4:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

New York City (JFK) Chase Sapphire Lounge

The third U.S. Chase Sapphire Lounge came out of nowhere.

In late January 2024, Chase opened the doors to a surprise lounge location in Terminal 4 at New York City (JFK). But it's not just a Chase Sapphire Lounge: It's run in partnership with Etihad Airways, which previously ran the lounge but shut it down at the start of the pandemic.

Etihad Airways business and first class passengers will have access, too. But make no mistake: This is a full-blown Chase Sapphire Lounge. A Chase spokesperson confirmed the bank has redesigned and upgraded the space “so it will have that same signature Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club elevated experience and offerings.”
 

The lounge is located just after security at Terminal 4. It's open daily from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Philadelphia (PHL) Chase Sapphire Lounge

In early December 2022, the Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) announced that it will be welcoming a Chase Sapphire Lounge.

Details on the Philadelphia lounge are scant: There's no current projected timeline for its opening, and a Chase spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment. But here's what we do know: At 20,000 square feet, it'll be massive.

The plans call for the new Chase Sapphire Lounge by the Club to be located in the airport's Terminal D/E connector.
 

At 20,000 square feet, it'll be the biggest lounge in Philadelphia – by a long shot. Consider this: It's more than triple the size of the Amex Centurion Lounge in Terminal A, which measures in at just 6,300 square feet.

Phoenix (PHX) Chase Sapphire Lounge

The Points Guy first reported that Chase is laying the groundwork for yet another Sapphire Lounge in Phoenix's (PHX) Terminal 4.

The space is on the smaller side at only 3,500 square feet. Chase was expected to start construction sometime early this year, but an official opening date has not yet been announced.

San Diego (SAN) Chase Sapphire Lounge

In November 2021, Airport Dimensions – Chase's partner in this Sapphire Lounge project – was awarded a contract to build an 11,000 square foot lounge in San Diego's (SAN) Terminal 2 West.

According to the San Diego Airport Authority (SDAA) planning documents, the lounge had a target open date of November 2023 and will feature “locally inspired design, local food, beverages, and art partnerships.” But Chase seems unlikely to meet that goal.

Washington, D.C.-Dulles (IAD) Chase Sapphire Lounge

Public documents first reported last fall by the Washington Business Journal show that Chase is now preparing to build out a Sapphire Lounge at Washington, D.C.-Dulles (IAD).

The plans in Dulles call for a relatively undersized 5,200-square-foot space split across two levels, including a 1,000-square-foot bar and lounge, dedicated dining room, work area, family room, and more. It'll be located in Dulles's Concourse A, which is connected directly to Concourse B but also accessible no matter which gates you're flying out of, as the airport terminals are connected airside after security.

There's no opening timeline for the Dulles Lounge. Chase has not publicly commented on its plans for the lounge in D.C.

The ‘Chase Sapphire Terrace' Austin (AUS)

While it appeared to be Chase's 10th Sapphire Lounge at first, Chase's space at Austin (AUS) not really a lounge after all.

It's a Chase Sapphire Terrace. Opened in March 2023, it's a relatively small but chic indoor-outdoor space at the airport's main terminal. Chase is offering complimentary drinks, grab-and-go food, shuffleboard, giveaways, and more.
 

Only travelers with the *chase sapphire reserve* in their wallets can get in, along with two guests. The Sapphire Terrace is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

How to Get Into Chase Sapphire Lounges

Sapphire Reserve Cardholders Get Into Chase Lounges For Free

By far the easiest way to get into a Chase Sapphire Lounge – including the upcoming outpost in Boston (BOS) is by holding Chase's top-tier travel rewards credit card – the *chase sapphire reserve*.

Sapphire Reserve cardholders get unlimited complimentary access to the Sapphire Lounges. They will also have the ability to bring up to two guests with them on each visit free of charge. Authorized users on the Reserve (which cost an extra $75 a year per card) should also get their own access and guests, too.

One small hitch: It's not the Reserve that gets you in but the Priority Pass membership you get from your Reserve card that gets you access. Just be sure to activate that account and you should be set.

“Making sure Chase Sapphire Reserve customers have a priority entrance was key to the strategy. They will always have access to the lounge,” said Dana Pouwels, Chase's Sapphire Lounge General Manager and head of Chase partnerships in a statement to Thrifty Traveler.

Learn more about the *chase sapphire reserve*.
The Sapphire Reserve has an annual fee of $550, but with benefits like Chase Sapphire Lounge access, Priority Pass Select lounge access (including Priority Pass restaurants), up to a $300 annual travel credit, and many other premium benefits, it can easily be worth it.

Read our full review of the Chase Sapphire Reserve!

Other Priority Pass Members Get One Free Chase Airport Lounge Visit Per Year

Have a Priority Pass membership from non-Chase cards like *amex platinum* or the *venture x*? You'll get one free visit to the Chase Sapphire Lounges (including upcoming U.S. locations) each calendar year. That's not one visit per location, but rather one visit across the entire Chase Sapphire Lounge network.

After you burn up that free annual pass, Priority Pass members can buy a discounted day pass … for $75. Keep in mind that if you have multiple Priority Pass membership from different premium travel credit cards, you can use each of them for a separate, once-a-year entry to Chase lounges.
 

One thing to note: Heading to the Chase Sapphire Lounge with a Priority Pass membership will not have the ability to bring guests in free of charge. Guests will also be required to buy a pass for $75 (more on this in a bit).

Plus, you might get turned away from Chase Sapphire Lounges during busy times. Pouwels, the Sapphire Lounge general manager, said Chase may occasionally restrict access to only Reserve cardholders as lounges fill up to ensure they can get in the door.

No Access for Sapphire Preferred Cardholders

Do you hold the *chase sapphire preferred*? Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but you won't receive any special access to the Chase Sapphire Lounge in Boston … or any of their upcoming locations scattered throughout the U.S.

You can buy your way in by paying $100 for a day pass. Sapphire Preferred cardholders won't receive any special discounts to enter Chase's lounges. 
 

Free Entry & Free Guests with the Ritz-Carlton Card

One card is even better than Chase's top-of-the-line travel card for getting into Chase Sapphire lounges. It's just much trickier to get your hands on it.

The Ritz-Carlton Card from Chase is Marriott's top co-branded card with Chase. Not only will it get you into the Sapphire Lounge for free with the card's complimentary Priority Pass membership – you can also bring an unlimited number of guests, too! Chase's own access policies spell out this incredible perk.
 

So what's the problem? Well, the Ritz-Carlton Card is no longer available for applications, so you can't simply open the card online. But it still exists – you'll just need to open another Chase Marriott card, then upgrade to the Ritz-Carlton Card after a year or so. You can request an upgrade simply by calling the number on the back of your card or even through the chat function within the Chase mobile app.

Read more: How to Get the Ritz-Carlton Credit Card (& Why You Should!)

You Can Buy Your Way Into a Chase Sapphire Lounge For $100

Don't have a Chase Sapphire Reserve or a Priority Pass membership from another premium travel rewards credit card? You can still get into the Chase Sapphire Lounge – so long as you are willing to pay for it.

Anybody willing to pay $100 for a day pass can get into the Chase Sapphire Lounge in Boston – prices may vary at future U.S. Sapphire Lounges. Just be warned: no matter how you enter the lounge, you can only get in three hours before your scheduled departure – unless you are on a layover.

Paying $100 for three hours of lounge time likely doesn't make sense. Then again, if you are on a long layover and don't have a credit card that would otherwise provide you with Sapphire Lounge access, that cost could easily be worth it.

Just be warned: If the Sapphire Lounge is busy or at capacity, walk-up guests willing to pay the $100 access fee would likely be the first guests to be turned away. It's clear that Chase's priority with these new lounges is their top-tier Sapphire Reserve cardholders.

The Hong Kong Sapphire Lounge Access Rules Remain the Same

If you're traveling through Hong Kong (HKG) – the location of Chase's first Sapphire Lounge – it will be easier to get in.

Chase has confirmed that travelers with Chase's top-tier card, the *chase sapphire reserve* get in free along with two free guests – the same access policy that will be in place for its U.S.-based lounges.

But if you have a Priority Pass Select membership from other, non-Chase cards like *amex platinum* or the *venture x* you'll also be able to get into the Hong Kong location and bring two complimentary guests, too.
 

Other Notable Chase Sapphire Lounge Access Rules

In addition to the information above, there are a few other things you'll want to be aware of for visiting Chase Sapphire Lounges.

There's a Three-Hour Entry Limit

No matter how you get into the Sapphire Lounge, you can only get in up to three hours before your scheduled departure.

That's more or less the same policy you'll find from Capital One at their Capital One Lounges, and from American Express at their Centurion Lounges. Even Delta Sky Clubs have adopted the same time limit.

Before Departure Only

Don't count on dropping by the Boston Sapphire Lounge or future locations after landing.

Pouwels confirmed that Chase Sapphire Lounges will only allow visitors boarding departing flights. Once again, that's consistent with how both Capital One and American Express handle things.

But Longer Layovers Are OK

Got time to kill between flights in Boston or future Chase Sapphire Lounge locations? Don't worry.

Chase confirmed that travelers making a connection are exempt from these rules, which means you should be able to get in more than three hours before your next flight. The bank hasn't spelled out a strict time limit on when travelers can get in.

That's much like how Amex Centurion Lounges handle access for travelers making connections at their airports. Capital One Lounges, meanwhile, do not have an explicit layover exception.

Bottom Line

The airport lounge wars are in full swing as Chase gets into the game with their Chase Sapphire airport lounges. After two recent openings, four Chase Sapphire Lounges are open today – and many more are on the way. We just don't know much about the other locations and when they'll open.

But it's clear that Chase is going all in to help compete with premium credit card products from both American Express and Capital One. And based on what we've seen lately, that plan could work.

Lead photo courtesy of Chase

Sure, it’d be great if you could earn tons of points and miles or unlock premium travel benefits with no annual fee credit cards – no one likes to spend their money on fees. But the real value in travel rewards cards usually comes with a price tag – big or small.

So instead of getting immediately turned off by a card with an annual fee, think of that fee as an investment in your travel – an investment that could pay dividends. And the more you travel, the more it may be worth paying.

Whether you're looking at a relatively inexpensive airline credit card that gets you free baggage or a card with a fee of close to $700 loaded with benefits like airport lounge access and other perks, you have to do the math for yourself. Do the perks (and points or miles) outweigh the upfront cost? It could be worth opening – or keeping. Not adding up? Move on.

Keep reading to see what we mean.

Free Bags When You Fly

You know what's worse than paying an annual fee on a travel credit card? Paying to check a bag. What once was free has become a cash cow for airlines (well, except for Southwest) – U.S. carriers raked in almost $7 billion in bag fees alone in 2022. And after a recent hike to $35 a bag by Alaska Airlines, those fees are likely to increase in the near future.

If you've got a go-to airline, one of the best (and easiest to use) credit card benefits is your first checked bag free. All the major U.S. airlines offer this benefit on some of their cheapest travel credit cards:

• Alaska Airlines: The Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Card gets you and up to six others traveling on your reservation a checked bag free for an annual fee of $75. Just beware: You'll need to pay for your Alaska flight with this card to get free bags.
• American Airlines: Both the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® and the AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard® have a $99 annual fee – and the Citi version waives it for the first year. Both cards will get you and up to four companions on the same reservation a free checked bag, though only domestic American Airlines flights.
• Delta Air Lines: The *delta skymiles gold card* gets you and up to eight travelers booked on your reservation a first checked bag free. Best of all, it has a $0 introductory annual fee and then just $99 each year after that (see rates & fees).
• JetBlue: Both the JetBlue Plus Card and the JetBlue Business Card get you and three companions on the same ticket a first checked bag free on all flights. But you'll need to pay for your JetBlue flight with those cards in order to get that perk. Both cards have a $99 annual fee.
• United Airlines: The *united explorer* gets you and one companion on the same ticket a free checked bag – and its $95 annual fee is waived for the first year. Use the *united quest*, and you’ll get not one but two free checked bags for yourself and one companion. The Quest Card has a $250 annual fee. Like Alaska and JetBlue, be sure to pay with your United card to get free bags.

Do you take just two domestic flights a year with a checked bag? Or do you plan to this year – or next? The savings on bags alone can easily outweigh the annual fee on these cards. Travel with family or friends, each with their own bag? Those savings can quickly compound.

Read more: Do You Have to Pay With Your Airline Card to Get Free Baggage?

Let's say you fly Delta most often. At $30 or more each way to check a bag, two roundtrip flights would cost you $120. The *delta skymiles gold card* would make those bags free. Best of all, it has a $0 introductory annual fee the first year, then it’s $99 after that. Either way, you're coming out ahead – and that's before you consider earning a big stash of miles.
 

There's no clearer example of why it's so critical to do the math when it comes to credit cards and fees. Is it fun paying annual fees? Of course not. We wish these perks came free. But no-annual-fee airline cards like the *delta blue* or the *united gateway* won't get you a free bag.

Don't travel enough to save more in baggage than you would pay in annual fees? Then perhaps it's not worth it. But for many, the aversion to even a modest annual fee ends up coming at a cost.

Earn a Big Stash of Points

Opening a credit card doesn't have to be like getting married or signing a mortgage. Sometimes, the right travel credit card is a temporary decision. And a big stash of points can help make that case.

Case in point: The *chase sapphire preferred* is currently offering a 60,000-point bonus. You'll have to spend $4,000 within three months to earn that bonus – but if you're doing it right, that's spending that you'd be doing anyway and paying off immediately. Credit cards are serious business, and you should never open a credit card for the sake of earning points if you can't afford to pay off every dime you put on it.

But let's weigh the Preferred Card's $95 annual fee against those points. They're worth at least $750 toward travel when you book flights or hotels through the Chase travel portal, as every point is worth 1.25 cents. You could squeeze even more value out of those points by leveraging Chase transfer partners like Iberia, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, United, or World of Hyatt.
 

Read our guide on the best ways to use a big Chase bonus!

That's a lopsided fee-to-benefit ratio, and a big part of the reason why we consider the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card the best card for beginners. But the Chase Sapphire Preferred isn't alone: You could earn up to 90,000 points on the American Express® Gold Card or a 75,000 point bonus after spending $4,000 with the *venture x*.

You could earn the points, put them to use, and decide to close or downgrade the card. And that's something you should constantly do: Reassess whether each card in your wallet is worth the cost of keeping each year.

Read more: Want to Cancel a Credit Card? Ask Yourself These Questions First

Of course, there are plenty of other benefits on the Chase Sapphire Preferred (or other cards on this list) that could make it worth keeping open: Namely, a strong travel insurance policy and primary rental car coverage that means you can decline that spendy policy from your rental car company.

Credits That Offset the Sticker Price

Annual fees can be misleading.

The *chase sapphire reserve* goes even bigger with a $550 annual fee. But it also has an easy-to-use $300 annual travel credit, which covers anything from flights to hotels to Airbnbs or even parking fees. Do you plan to spend at least $300 a year on travel? You shouldn't think of the Reserve card's fee as $550: It's really $250.

The same goes for the *venture x*, which also offers a $300 annual travel credit for flights or hotels – though you need to book via the Capital One Travel Portal. Throw in the 10,000 bonus points you earn for every year you renew the card with its $395 annual fee, and arguably no premium travel credit card makes it easier to come out ahead each year.

*amex platinum* is loaded with a dizzying array of credits, too. There's the up to $200 you get each year to cover airline fees. There's another up to $200 in credits for Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, doled out in monthly installments of $15 (and $35 in December). And you also get $200 in annual hotel credits to use toward prepaid stays at Fine Hotels and Resorts (FHR) or The Hotel Collection, though the latter requires at least a two-night reservation.

That's just a sliver of the card's money-saving benefits. Maximize those three credits alone, and you've effectively reduced the annual fee of $695 (see rates & fees) down to just $95. And that's before you consider credits to shop at Saks Fifth Avenue, covering CLEAR each year, and other perks.

The travel credit card world is rife with these kinds of money-saving credits. Some are much easier to use than others. But no matter how you slice it, these credits can quickly discount the upfront cost of what you're paying in annual fees – if not erase it entirely.

Needless to say, you won’t find these benefits on a no-annual-fee card, or even a more modestly priced card. So while an annual fee of $100, $500, or even more may give you sticker shock, you have to do the math. 

Lounge Access & More Perks

Wondering how anyone can justify shelling out hundreds of dollars in annual fees for a credit card? It comes down to one thing: Travel perks.

Even an occasional traveler can squeeze hundreds of additional dollars in extra value out of big-fee cards. It often starts with credits that cover Global Entry or TSA PreCheck registration – a common benefit on travel credit cards these days. These programs are your pass to skip the long lines at airport security and immigration. You get this perk with top-dollar cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve and American Express Platinum as well as some cheaper cards.

Seeing as a Global Entry membership costs $100 for five years, your effective annual fee on a card like the Chase Sapphire Reserve or American Express Platinum card is getting even lower.

One big reason why travelers can stomach the $695 annual fee on the Platinum Card from American Express is unbeatable lounge access. That includes Priority Pass access to 1,300-plus airport lounges worldwide, Delta Sky Club access when you're flying Delta that day, and entry to the top-notch American Express Centurion Lounges, among many others.
 

Read our full review of the New York City (JFK) Centurion Lounge!

Even the worst lounges mean you may not need to buy water, coffee, or snacks in the airport – and it's worth even more if you like a stiff drink before your flight. Some are next-level with comfortable seating, quiet family and work spaces, and additional amenities like exercise rooms, shower suites, and even massages.

Just how much visiting lounges is worth is ultimately in the eye of the beholder. It hinges on how you travel and which airports you frequently fly to or from – only ultra-frequent flyers should can likely make the math make sense with lounge access alone.

Bottom Line

Many travelers write off credit cards with annual fees, and we understand why. Whether the annual fee is $95 or $695, you have to add up the benefits of holding a card to see if they outweigh that cost.

For some, an expensive card will never make sense. But for many, even a top-of-the-line card can be worth far more than the big annual fee.

But apply soon – it won't last much longer! In fact, the public bonus has already dropped back down to 60,000 miles … but you can still earn up to 75,000 AAdvantage miles by applying through a referral link like the one here. The bank has indicated that excellent offer will only last through this Wednesday, Jan. 31.

Here's how the bonus works:

• You'll get 60,000 AAdvantage miles after paying the card's annual fee and making your first purchase within 90 days
• You can earn an additional 15,000 miles by adding an authorized user and having them make a purchase within 90 days, too

You'll also have to pay the card's annual fee of $99, which is not currently waived for the first year of card membership – though adding an authorized user won't cost you more. Add it up and you can earn a total of 75,000 AAdvantage miles – the biggest bonus we've ever seen on this card. If you've got a good use for AA miles – and trust us, there are plenty – don't let this increased offer pass you by.

Just keep in mind: Credit cards are serious business, even if you don't have to spend thousands of dollars to earn a big stash of points and miles. But if you've got a trusted loved one you can add to your account as an authorized user, this offer is too good to pass up. It'll only be around until the end of the month, so don't wait any longer.

It's a fantastic value and one of the easiest ways to get miles for some incredible travel – and not just with American Airlines, but with amazing partner airlines like Qatar Airways, Japan Airlines, and many more.

Read on for why this card is worth your attention if you're eligible.

Read more: 7 Reasons American AAdvantage Miles Have Huge Value
 

Apply Here (for full disclosure, this is a personal referral link).

AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard Card Benefits

Welcome Bonus Offer

Earn up to 75,000 bonus miles after completing qualifying activity in the first 90 days of opening your card.

You'll earn 60,000 AAdvantage miles after making a purchase and paying the $99 annual fee in the first 90 days. Additionally, you can earn 15,000 more miles – for a total of 75,000 miles – by adding an authorized user and having them make another purchase in the first 90 days.

It's really that simple. Once you pay the $99 annual fee and you and your authorized user each buy breakfast, a newspaper, or spend any amount of money on your new cards, you'll earn the 75,000-mile bonus.

Beyond that, there is no minimum spending requirement like those you'll encounter with nearly every other travel rewards credit cards. That alone sets this card apart: It makes it easier (and cheaper) to earn a huge bonus than any other card.

First Checked Bag Free

For the primary cardmember and up to four companions on eligible bags when traveling on domestic itineraries operated by American Airlines. You don't even need to pay for your flight with the card to get free bags.

Preferred Boarding

For the primary cardmember and up to four companions that are booking on the same reservation for all American Airlines operated flights.

A Companion Certificate

Starting in year two, you can earn a companion certificate once you've spent $20,000 in a calendar year and keep your account open for at least 45 days after your card renewal date. You'll pay just $99 for your companion to tag along on the flight.

Onboard Wi-Fi credit

If you pay for inflight Wi-Fi with the Aviator Mastercard, you will get up to $25 back in statement credits each year.

Earn 2x AAdvantage miles

You'll earn 2x the AAdvantage miles for every dollar spent on eligible American Airlines purchases, and 1x AAdvantage miles for every dollar spent on all other purchases.

Flight Cents Program

There's a novel option to round up your purchases to the nearest dollar to earn more miles at a rate of 2 cents per mile.

Here's an example: Let's say you make a $1.50 but decide round up to $2. Since the round-up earns 1 mile for every 2 cents rounded up, you would earn 25 additional AAdvantage miles.

Cardholders can set a maximum they'd like to round up each statement period, from $1 to $500. By default, this option is turned off. You'll have to log in and activate it yourself.

25% Inflight Savings

You can get 25% back in the form of statement credit for purchases of in-flight food and beverages. There is no limit to the number of times you can use this benefit.

$99 Annual Fee

The card has a $99 annual fee which is not waived for your first year of card membership. Adding an authorized user is free.

Apply Here (for full disclosure, this is a personal referral link).

Who is the Aviator Red MasterCard Best For?

Almost anyone, because this is a phenomenal offer.

These will be some of the easiest miles you will ever earn. American AAdvantage miles are among the most valuable in the world of points and miles. And this is the biggest bonus we've ever seen on this card.

That said, there are a few things you will want to consider before you apply. First, if you are currently underneath Chase Bank's 5/24 restriction meaning you haven't opened more than five new credit cards in the last 24 months it may not be worth a 5/24 spot if you eventually plan to open Chase credit cards – and you probably should.

The 5/24 rule is one of the most restrictive rules out there when it comes to opening credit cards. It's a big reason why we always suggest starting with Chase credit cards.
 

There's a potential impact for your authorized user, too. Since authorized user accounts will typically appear on your credit report, they will count towards your 5/24 status. That said, there are many data points out there that suggest calling into the Chase reconsideration line may result in some representatives removing authorized user accounts from your 5/24 count.

Adding an authorized user to this Barclay's AA card is free. Just keep in mind that you, the primary cardholder, will be responsible for paying off whatever they charge to help earn that bonus, whether it's a pack of gum or something more substantial.

Next, while the welcome offer on this card is great, keeping the card open for the long run may or may not make sense. If you often fly with American Airlines and check a bag domestically, you can easily offset those fees just by holding this card by saving on bag fees. But if that isn't you, there will be little reason to hold this card past the initial first year.

Thankfully, even if you close the card before your second year, the miles you've earned will be safe and sound in your AAdvantage account.

Read More: The Best Credit Cards if You Are Under the Chase 5/24 Rule

Are You Eligible to Apply?

Barclays has a few application rules you'll want to be aware of before applying for their credit cards. Yet these rules seem to be inconsistently applied in practice according to data points. Here's what you need to know.

Similar to Chase's 5/24 rule, Barclays also has a rule in place to limit approvals from people who have recently been approved for a lot of new credit cards.

The bank's 6/24 rule applies if you have more than six new credit card accounts on your credit report in the last 24 months. In the past, that rule was believed to have been as high as eight new accounts.

But in practice? Data points suggest that you can still get approved for Barclays cards if you are above their 6/24 rule. At best, the rule seems inconsistent. It seems likely that Barclays may consider your existing banking relationship when applying this rule.

Notably, Barclays allows you to earn a welcome bonus multiple times … you'll just need to wait 24 months to do so. Barclays states that you need to wait 24 months from when you last closed the card to be eligible to earn a welcome bonus again. It isn't enough to simply wait 24 months to earn a bonus again: You must have closed that card at least 24 months prior.

Did you have this card more than two years ago? It's likely you're eligible to earn the bonus again.

How Far Can 75K AAdvantage Miles Take You?

American Airlines AAdvantage miles are some of the most valuable miles out there. Not only can you use them for flights with American Airlines, but you can also redeem them for incredible experiences for flights on their Oneworld alliance partners.

Want to fly in a Qatar Qsuite? Or how about flying Japan Airlines first class? AA is unique among the major domestic airlines in that it doesn’t charge more to redeem miles on partner airlines… at least for now. In our mind, this advantage alone makes American Airlines miles worth collecting. So what can you fly?

Qatar Airways Qsuites is widely considered the best business class seat in the world. These flights cost 70,000 AA miles one way from the U.S. You won't find a nicer business-class product in the world, period. That means that with this sign-up bonus alone you'd have enough miles to book a one-way flight all the way to the Middle-East.

Because of these reasonable rates, it's one of the best ways to fly to the Maldives on points and miles. It's become far more difficult to find the award availability to actually book these suites with AAdvantage miles lately, but if you can make it work, it's tough to beat.
 

Oneworld partner airlines Japan Airlines (JAL) and Cathay Pacific offer two of the best ways to fly business or first class to Asia. For example, a flight to Tokyo in Japan Airlines business class costs just 60,000 AAdvantage miles. That's right: Buy a pack of gum or a coffee and you'll have enough miles to book a business-class flight to Japan.
 

Read more: The Best Ways to Redeem AAdvantage Miles

Pair with the AAdvantage Platinum Select Card to Earn 125K AA Miles

American Airlines is unique in the fact that they have co-branded credit card relationships with both Citi and Barclays. Most airlines have exclusive relationships with just one bank: United and Southwest have Chase while Delta teams up with American Express.

This is significant because you can earn the welcome offer bonus on two cards from different banks, netting you 125,000 American Airlines miles total and spending only $2,500 on the Citi® AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Card World Elite MasterCard® in the first three months of card membership.

The Citi Card even waives its $99 annual fee in the first year, so you can easily get 125,000 American Airlines miles by only paying just over $99 out of pocket in your first year.

Related: The Best American Airlines Credit Cards for Travelers
 

Bottom Line

Now is a great time to pick up the American Airlines Aviator Red card, but you'll need to act fast. This bigger bonus is ending soon on Jan. 31, 2024!

Earning up to 75,000 miles after making a couple of purchases and paying the $99 annual fee is pretty unbeatable. You simply won't find an easier way to earn a big pile of miles.
 

Apply Here (for full disclosure, this is a personal referral link).

The London-based airline is offering 20% off nearly all award tickets between the U.S. and England for travel through Dec. 31, 2024. From economy to premium economy to Virgin's chic Upper Class business class seats, every cabin is discounted. And this isn't a rebate: That discount applies automatically when you search for flights at VirginAtlantic.com using points. But act fast: You have to book by this Wednesday, Jan. 31 to get the cheaper rate.

The savings here are nothing to scoff at, but there's a big caveat. While award rates have been slashed by 20%, you'll still be on the hook for all the taxes and fees … and those can be substantial when flying Virgin. Still, you can easily come out way ahead – especially on a one-way flight in economy to London-Heathrow (LHR).

You'll see the discounts applied automatically when you search at VirginAtlantic.com. This one-way flight from New York City (JFK) to London is typically 10,000 miles each way.
 

The 20% discount applies on almost all of Virgin's international and international routes, including most of those between the U.S. and the U.K. Only flights to and from Austin (AUS), Tel Aviv, Israel (TVL), Lagos, Nigeria (LOS), São Paulo, Brazil (GRU), and New Delhi, India (DEL) are exempt from this promo.

At 20% off, you can score a one-way ticket in Virgin Atlantic's business class from the East Coast to London for as low as 38,000 Virgin points or book round-trip tickets in economy as low as 16,000 points total. And those points are incredibly easy to earn, as you can transfer credit card points to Virgin Atlantic from all the major banks.

But yeah, those taxes and fees can be nasty. Ironically, the taxes and fees are nearly $200 less in business class when you depart from London-Heathrow instead.
 

Virgin Atlantic is a transfer partner of Chase, American Express, Capital One, Citi, and even Bilt Rewards. So if you’re earning points with cards like the *chase sapphire preferred*, *venture x*, or *amex gold*, you can easily transfer those points to Virgin – often with a big bonus, making offers like this one even better.

Unfortunately, these discounted award rates are only available on Virgin Atlantic flights; you won't get 20% off bookings on partner airlines. That means you can't use the discount to book Delta One suites or an ANA first class flight – assuming you get the heads-up to book one of those unicorn fares.
 

How to Get 20% Off Virgin Atlantic Flights

Booking these flights should be relatively easy, especially if you're booking online.

Head to VirginAtlantic.com and start searching for award tickets, and you'll automatically see these discounted award prices in your results. But the short time frame to book and travel means you need to act fast to find the flight you want.

Select “Show Price in Points” under the “Advanced search” option followed by your desired cabin: Economy, Premium, or Upper Class. The rates you see in points should be with the 20% discount.
 

Thrifty Tip: It’s much easier to search for Virgin Atlantic flights one-way rather than roundtrip – and unlike with many other airlines, it’ll often save you money on taxes and fees booking one-ways separately, too.
 

Need help booking this deal? Read our full guide on redeeming Virgin points! 

Take a look at Virgin's standard season award chart to get an idea of how much these flights will normally run you in miles. Pricing is for roundtrip tickets, so cut it in half if you're looking for a one-way.
 

To get the best value for your points, you'll want to travel during Virgin's standard season, as the airline ups its pricing slightly during peak travel seasons. For example, a one-way business class ticket between New York and London jumps from 47,500 miles to 57,500 miles. With this discount, that's a difference of around 38,000 to 46,000 points each way. To get the lowest rates during this promo, you'll just want to avoid these booking windows.
 

If you've got your sights set on flying in one of Virgin Atlantic's Upper Class suites, you'll need to be flexible. Those seats will get booked up fast (if they haven't already), no matter which route you're flying. And Virgin has made it more difficult to find those sweet spots and book by hiding its price calendar search. Luckily, there's a workaround that will let you pull up a month's worth of flights so you can zero in on a business class fare like this one.
 

If you want the best experience, look for flights operated on Virgin's Airbus A350-1000 or Airbus A330-900neo, both of which have far nicer business class seats than what you'll find on other Virgin jets.

Starting at 38,000 points each way, that rate is far lower than you'll find on almost any airline program. And while paying another $900-plus in fees stings (or slightly less for a one-way back home from the U.K.), that's nothing compared to the usual $3,000 cost of these tickets.

Discount or not, you'll always find the lowest award rates flying to or from New York, Boston, and Washington, D.C.. The further you get from the Northeast, the more points you'll typically need to book. For example, you can book from Atlanta (ATL) or Miami (MIA) starting at 10,000 miles each way in economy, though business class award rates remain unchanged.
 

Starting from the West Coast, you'll find one-way flights starting at 12,000 points for economy or 54,000 points for business class with this 20% discount.
 

Bottom Line

Virgin Atlantic is out with a new promo for 20% off most of its routes connecting the U.S. and the U.K. for a trip in 2024.

While this discount only applies on Virgin Atlantic flights – not booking Delta One suites to Europe or other airline partners – it's still a solid deal if you've got a trip to London in mind anytime in the next year. But you have to book by this Wednesday, Jan. 31 to take advantage – or even sooner before other travelers snag these seats!

We're currently seeing several great Amex Offers for Hertz, Avis, and even Turo – the Airbnb of rental cars – helping you save up to $90 on your next rental.

If you haven't used Amex Offers before, think of them as digital coupons exclusively for Amex cardholders for purchases like airfare or hotels as well as dining, entertainment, or everyday shopping. Add one of these to your Amex card, use that card to book an eligible rental car reservation, and Amex will give you money right back for the discount within a few days as a statement credit on your account.

Keep in mind, Amex offers are targeted –  not every traveler will see them in their Amex card accounts. But it's worth checking *amex platinum*, the *amex gold*, and even co-branded Amex cards from Delta or Hilton to see if you've got them. Simply log into your American Express account and check to see if they're listed among your available offers.

Thrifty Tip: Add your rental car reservation to Autoslash and get an alert if the prices drop after you book!

It's also worth noting that you don't need to hit the spending requirement for these offers in one fell swoop. You can hit it over multiple purchases to earn the statement credit so long as you meet the spending requirement before the expiration date.

Here are all the Amex offers for airlines to score some major savings on rental cars for any upcoming trips you're considering booking this year or next.

Current Rental Car Amex Offers

Hertz

Hertz and American Express have teamed up for an Amex offer that will save cardholders $90 when spending $350 or more with the car rental agency.
 

With this offer, you'll get a one-time $90 statement credit after you spend a minimum of $350 directly with Hertz. That means you can't book a rental car through an online travel agency (OTA) like Kayak or Expedia and put this offer to use. You'll also want to ensure that you meet the minimum spending requirement before the offer expires on March 31, 2024.

Best of all, if you've got this offer on *amex platinum* you'll also get access to Amex's corporate discount code to save even more on your rental. And you can use the automatic  Hertz President's Circle elite status that card unlocks for extra benefits like a guaranteed vehicle upgrade, bonus point earning, and a way to skip the long check-in lines.

Read more: Our Complete Guide to Hertz President's Circle Status

Avis Car Rental

Avis and Amex are currently offering some cardholders a way to get $75 back when spending $350 on an Avis car rental.
 

Just like the offer with Hertz, you'll need to book your rental direct with Avis, either in-store or online at avis.com in order for this offer to trigger correctly. It expires March 26.

Related reading: The 4 Best Credit Cards for Travel Insurance

Turo

Spend $150 or more on Turo rentals and you'll get $30 back. This offer popped up again recently and it's still around if you want to take advantage for a trip this winter or spring.

This promotion is valid for all rentals made through at all Turo.com or through their mobile app. Additionally, this offer doesn't need to be completed in one transaction.
 

While this offer is for a smaller amount of cash back than the traditional rental car agencies, you also don't need to spend nearly as much to earn the cash back. This one expires April 14 – and critically, you'll have to actually rent and return your car before the deadline in order to trigger this offer.

Read more: Does My Credit Card Insurance Cover Turo Rentals?

Where to Find Amex Offers

If you haven’t used Amex Offers before, simply log into your American Express account and scroll down near the bottom of the screen and there should be a box called Amex Offers & Benefits. You can do this when logged into your Amex account on either the desktop version of the site or the mobile app.

If you're using the desktop version of the American Express website, you'll find Amex Offers about halfway down the homepage. Here, you can view all the Amex Offers that are currently available, see which ones you've already added to your card, and even review your lifetime savings with the Amex Offers program.
 

If you're logged in to your account on a mobile device using the Amex app, you'll find a tab at the bottom with all your available Amex Offers.

Just remember that if you have multiple Amex cards, you'll need to toggle through them all, as the offers will be different for each card. If you see an offer you like, simply add the offer to the card and make a qualifying purchase at that business with your card.

You could receive a statement credit within a few days of making a purchase, but often you'll have to wait a full credit card cycle or two for it to post. This goes for earning bonus Amex points as well.

Thrifty Tip: Amex displays a maximum of 100 offers at a time. If you're not seeing the one you want, try adding a handful to your card, logging out, and then logging back in to see if you get some new ones!

Not familiar with Amex Offers? See our complete guide to using Amex Offers.

Bottom Line

American Express is out with several new Amex Offers that can help you save big on your next car rental. Check your various American Express credit cards for these offers, then add them to your card, and make your purchases before the expiration date.

Be sure to act fast! These offers can change daily or vanish altogether when other travelers add them to their cards.