Why You Need To Think Strategy When Booking Flights

Loyalty is still rewarded when you fly. So when you book that next flight, be sure to use the right credit card to maximize perks. Most of the airlines have co-branded credit cards, United, American, Southwest, Alaska, Delta. Depending on what's important to you i.e. lounge access, priority boarding, free checked bags, extra miles, companion ticket and which airline you typically fly will determine which card makes the most sense for you. 

For example, I flew to New York last weekend and booked my American Airlines flight with my co-branded Citi American Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard which includes one FREE checked bag and priority boarding. 

Priority boarding means you move up to boarding group 6 which for my flight meant the difference between being allowed to carry on my bag or checking my bag. 

If you tend to fly different airlines, then I recommend the Capital One Venture or Barclays Arrival Plus. Both cards let you "erase" travel charges with points earned. You can charge any airline, hotel, train or other travel and then use points to offset the purchase. Both come with a large sign up bonus and annual fee waived for the first year.