Credit cards and checked baggage benefits
Quick insights
- Some travel credit cards provide complimentary checked bags as a cardmember benefit.
- This is a common cardmember benefit of co-branded airline credit cards.
- These types of cards may also include benefits such as priority boarding and discounts on in-flight entertainment and food.
If you’re looking to cut back on airline fees, you might wonder whether credit cards can help cover some of the costs associated with checked bags. In this article, we’ll discuss what this card benefit typically entails, what kind of cards offer complimentary checked bags and broader travel perks you may receive with travel credit cards.
Do credit cards offer complimentary checked bags?
Some credit cards—especially those associated with airlines—include complimentary checked bags as a benefit. This tends to be common with co-branded airline credit cards that are linked to a specific airline’s rewards program.
For these credit cards, the primary cardmember—and sometimes companions on the same booking—may receive a complimentary first checked bag.
You will typically need to use the eligible card to buy your ticket or reserve your flight for the benefit to apply. Some cards may also allow you to transfer points or miles to partner airlines to redeem for complimentary checked baggage. You can check your card’s terms and conditions for the specific requirements before you book.
Other luggage benefits credit cards may offer
In addition to complimentary checked bags, some credit cards may come with further baggage-related benefits, including:
- Priority boarding: You may be allowed to board early, potentially providing additional time to claim overhead space for carry-on items.
- Baggage delay insurance: Certain credit cards may cover baggage delays and reimburse you for essential purchases if your bags are delayed arriving at their destination.
- Lost luggage reimbursement: Some cards may cover the costs of your belongings if your baggage is lost or damaged.
- Complimentary carry-on bags: Depending on the airline, you may need to pay a fee for carry-on luggage. Certain cards can help offset or eliminate these bees as a cardmember benefit.
- Complimentary checked bags for companions: For some cards, the complimentary checked bag benefit may also extend to those traveling with you on the same reservation.
Making the most of checked baggage benefits
If your credit card offers checked baggage perks, you may want to consider taking a few steps for optimal savings and convenience:
- Reviewing your card’s rules: Consider checking that you meet the requirements to receive the complimentary checked bag, such as using the card for your booking.
- Adding travel companions: If allowed, you may be able to add family or friends to your reservation to extend the benefit to them.
- Combining with loyalty status: If you have airline elite status, you may be able to stack baggage benefits for potentially greater savings.
- Keeping documentation: Consider saving receipts and boarding passes to support any baggage delay or loss claims.
Following these tips may help you make the most of your card’s benefits when you check bags.
Other travel benefits with credit cards
Cards that feature complimentary checked bags may provide additional travel-related benefits. Common travel perks include:
- In-flight discounts: Some cards may offer savings on purchases made during your flight, like snacks and drinks.
- Airport lounge access: Select travel and airline credit cards may provide complimentary access to some airport lounges.
- Travel protection benefits: Travel protection benefits vary by card, but may include coverage for rental cars, reimbursement for trip delays and more.
- Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) credits: These types of cards may reimburse application fees for TTPs, like TSA PreCheck®, Global Entry and NEXUS.
Considerations when choosing a travel credit card
When choosing a credit card for checked baggage and travel benefits, you may want to consider how and where you travel most. If you regularly fly with the same airline, an airline-specific card may offer value with potential baggage benefits and extra rewards for airline purchases. If your trips are frequently with different carriers, a more general travel card might suit your needs with broader protections and travel credits. For example, some credit cards may allow you to transfer points to airline partners and redeem those points for complimentary checked bags.
Reading credit card benefit guides and comparing options may help you find the card that closely matches your travel patterns and may help maximize your savings on checked bags and related expenses. Additionally, you may want to evaluate whether a card has an annual fee so you can decide if its benefits suit your travel habits.
In summary
Some credit cards provide checked baggage benefits, which may be useful for travelers looking to avoid additional airline charges. Along with complimentary checked bags, these types of cards may feature priority boarding, baggage insurance and a range of travel protection benefits.
