Airline Rewards Credit Cards: A Smart Way to Travel

Dreaming of a Hawaiian vacation? Airline rewards credit
cards can help get you there – for free. While once geared
for the frequent business traveler, airline credit cards
now come in family-friendly forms as well. With a little
planning, airline rewards credit cards can help spread your
vacation budget further.

Consider the Options

Most airline rewards credit cards come in one of two kinds.
The card may offer miles for one particular airline, such
as Delta or United. If you live near a hub or frequently
travel with one airline, this kind may be best for you.
Other airline rewards credit cards allow you to earn miles
that can be used toward a ticket on a number of different
airlines. If you want more choices when you travel, or are
not particular about the airline, you'll benefit more from
this option.

Many airline credit cards come with additional bonuses.
They may include an introductory period of 0% APR or no
annual fee. Some offer extra miles, such as 10,000 reward
miles with your first purchase or bonus miles when you sign
up. Others include double points or miles for purchases at
certain retailers.

As you sort through the options, think about what benefits
are most important to you. Check how many miles or points
are needed for airline tickets. Often domestic flights
require fewer points than international destinations. Also
consider the availability of tickets. Some airline credit
cards offer more flexibility for travel than others.

Plan Ahead

To plan a vacation based on your credit card, you need only
take a few steps. If you haven't already done so, look into
how many miles or points you will need to receive an
airline ticket to your desired destination. Then figure out
what you will have to spend to earn that ticket. To rack up
rewards faster, try using the card for everyday purchases.
Pay for groceries and gas with the airline rewards credit
card. By using it for daily expenditures and paying off the
balance each month, the miles will add up fast. With most
airline credit cards, you can check an account online to
see how many miles you have earned. You will often receive
a statement as well. Keep careful track of your reward
miles. Be aware of expiration dates, as some lenders cancel
the miles if you do not use them during a given period.

Finally, before making other arrangements for your
vacation, you'll want to make sure that tickets are
available for your trip dates. Check to see if there are
blackout dates when your miles cannot be used. Also, try to
get the tickets as far ahead of time as possible. This will
increase the chances that seats will be available on the
flight you want. If you have any problems making
reservations, call the company. A representative can help
you redeem your miles for the best available ticket.

By sorting through the options, you can find the airline
rewards credit card that is most beneficial for your needs.
Then plan ahead and keep track of your rewards. The next
vacation you take can include free airline tickets,
courtesy of your airline credit card. When you board the
plane, you'll find it's a great feeling to fly for free.

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To View Airline Rewards Credit Card Offers click the
following link:
http://www.credit-card-surplus.com/airline.php . Ed
Vegliante runs http://www.credit-card-surplus.com , a
directory helping consumers to compare and apply for credit
cards.