Credit cards and in-flight entertainment benefits
Quick insights
- Some travel credit cards offer statement credits or discounts for in-flight purchases, like Wi-Fi and movies.
- Co-branded airline cards may provide specific perks for entertainment on their respective carriers.
- These types of credit cards typically have an annual fee.
Long flights may be more enjoyable with movies, music or Wi-Fi access. If you are looking to stay entertained in the air, you might wonder whether there are credit cards that can help lower the costs of in-flight entertainment.
This article covers which types of credit cards may offer in-flight entertainment perks and other common travel benefits associated with these cards.
Do credit cards offer benefits for in-flight entertainment?
Some credit cards include perks that apply to in-flight entertainment. This may be a more common cardmember benefit of co-branded airline credit cards or travel cards.
Depending on the credit card, cardmembers may receive statement credits, rewards or discounts when purchasing Wi-Fi, movies or streaming access during a flight.
You will typically need to use the eligible card to make the purchase while on board. You can check your card’s terms and conditions for specific requirements before you fly.
Types of in-flight entertainment benefits
In addition to general travel rewards, some credit cards may include specific in-flight entertainment benefits that may include:
- Wi-Fi credits or passes: Certain cards may provide a set number of Wi-Fi passes per year or offer statement credits for select in-flight internet purchases.
- Discounts on in-flight purchases: Cardmembers may receive a percentage back as a statement credit when buying movies, shows or premium headsets on board.
- Streaming service partnerships: Some airlines and credit cards partner with streaming platforms, potentially offering access to content during your flight.
Other common in-flight and travel benefits
Cards that feature entertainment perks may include a suite of other in-flight benefits, including:
- Food and beverage discounts: Co-branded cards may offer savings on snacks, meals or alcoholic beverages purchased during the flight.
- Messaging benefits: Some cards or airline loyalty programs may provide complimentary access to messaging apps over the plane's Wi-Fi network.
- Airport lounge access: Select credit cards may offer airport lounge access or airport lounge network membership.
- Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) fee credits: Cards may reimburse the application fees for TTPs, like TSA PreCheck®, Global Entry and NEXUS. Of note, cards that offer these benefits often have an annual fee.
How to make the most of in-flight entertainment benefits
To help maximize your credit card’s in-flight perks, you may want to consider taking a few steps:
- Reviewing your card’s guide to benefits: Consider reviewing which purchases qualify for in-flight credits or discounts.
- Using the correct card: You will typically need to save your eligible credit card to your airline profile or present it physically to receive associated benefits.
- Checking for pre-flight registration: Some Wi-Fi benefits may require you to register your card or create an account with the internet provider before boarding.
Following these tips may help you make the most of your card’s benefits when you fly.
What to consider when choosing a travel credit card
When choosing a credit card for in-flight 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 more value with potential in-flight discounts and extra rewards for airline purchases. If your trips are with different carriers, a more general travel card might suit your needs with broader travel credits that can apply to incidental fees like Wi-Fi.
Consider evaluating the card’s annual fee to help determine if the value of its benefits and your travel habits are a good match.
In summary
Credit cards may provide meaningful in-flight entertainment benefits, particularly for travelers looking to stay connected or entertained while traveling. Along with Wi-Fi credits, these cards may feature discounts on food, beverages and streaming content. Benefits vary by card, so you may want to review your cardmember options before you fly.
