How to try and get priority boarding using credit card points
Quick insights
- You generally can't redeem credit card points for priority boarding outright, but there may be other options.
- Some co-branded airline credit cards offer early boarding as a benefit.
- You may be able to use your credit card points to book premium cabin fares that include priority boarding automatically.
If you want to skip the scramble when boarding a flight, you might wonder how to get priority boarding using your credit card points.
While you typically can't redeem rewards directly for this perk alone, an airline credit card may help you secure that coveted early spot. Let's explore how you can use your card benefits to possibly board faster and help make your next trip a little smoother.
The reality of redeeming points for priority boarding
Instead of a direct rewards redemption, early boarding is typically an ongoing benefit attached to specific travel credit cards. If you're tired of gate-checking your luggage on crowded flights, consider checking your card's built-in benefits or consider upgrading your entire seat.
How airline credit cards unlock early boarding
One way to try and secure an early spot in line is by holding a co-branded airline credit card. These cards are partnered with specific carriers and often grant complimentary priority boarding simply for being a cardmember. Chase issues a variety of co-branded airline credit cards, and some may offer priority boarding as a benefit.
This perk can be especially helpful during busy travel seasons. For example, if you're flying with your family for a winter holiday, priority boarding might help you secure space for your bags in the overhead bin so you aren't stuck waiting at the baggage carousel later. Additionally, some credit cards can help you earn airline elite status through your everyday spending, which often unlocks priority boarding as a built-in perk. If your travels take you internationally, it may also be a good time to check if your card charges foreign transaction fees.
When relying on a credit card benefit for early boarding, you might consider keeping these details in mind:
- Loyalty account connection: You typically need to check that your frequent flyer number is attached to your reservation for the benefit to apply.
- Companion benefits: The early boarding perk often applies to all passengers traveling on the same booking as the primary cardmember.
- Payment requirements: Some cards require that the flight itself be purchased with that specific credit card to activate the priority boarding perk.
Using a rewards redemption for seat upgrades
If your current credit card doesn't offer early boarding, you may still be able to use your points to get on the plane faster. Instead of trying to buy the boarding perk itself, you can use your rewards to book a premium cabin outright.
First class and business class tickets almost always include priority boarding. By transferring your points to an airline partner or booking a premium cabin through a travel portal, you naturally receive the boarding benefits associated with that seat.
Alternatively, some travel credit cards offer annual statement credits for incidental airline fees. A statement credit is a reduction in your credit card balance provided by the card issuer. If your card includes this feature, you might be able to pay for a priority boarding upgrade out of pocket and receive a statement credit to cover the cost.
Important rules and restrictions
Priority boarding benefits may come with a few limitations. Airlines frequently update their boarding procedures, and your access to early boarding might depend on the type of ticket you purchase.
For instance, if you book a basic economy ticket to save money on a weekend getaway, you might be excluded from receiving complimentary priority boarding on some carriers, even if you hold an eligible credit card.
Additionally, priority boarding doesn't always mean you're the very first person on the plane. Airlines typically board passengers needing extra assistance before opening the lanes to credit cardholders. However, you'll still generally board before the general economy groups.
In summary
Securing an early spot in the boarding line can help take some of the stress out of air travel. Whether you rely on a co-branded airline card benefit or use a rewards redemption for a premium seat, priority boarding is within reach. You might consider reviewing your card's specific travel benefits to see how you can upgrade your next flight.
