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How to Choose an Airline Credit Card in 2026: Miles, Lounges and Companion Passes

· 49 min

Episode How to Choose an Airline Credit Card in 2026: Miles, Lounges and Companion Passes

0:00 49:09

Learn how airline credit cards could earn you more miles, cheaper award flights, elite status and free checked bags.

Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle discuss airline credit cards to help you decide whether one belongs in your wallet. They break down why United cardholders now earn more miles on United flights, how Southwest cards unlock early seat selection and checked bags, which airlines offer award flight discounts to cardholders, and how card spending could fast-track elite status and companion passes. They also share their picks for Delta, United, American, Atmos Rewards and JetBlue cards, from midtier options to premium cards with lounge access, and when a general travel card could make more sense.

Then, they break down the latest travel headlines, including Wyndham Rewards' new Homes & Havens vacation rentals, World of Hyatt's Cyber Sale and Hyatt's growth in Canada, why luxury hotel rates are climbing faster than midscale brands while more Americans skip holiday travel, and new theme park attendance numbers showing Dollywood booming while Walt Disney World stays flat.

Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews:

Delta SkyMiles Gold AmEx Review: Pricey for What You Get

Delta Reserve Credit Card: $650 Annual Fee, Sky Club Access

American Express Platinum Review: Top-Notch Lounge Access, Big Credits

United Explorer: Richer Rewards, Perks You’ll Actually Use

United Club Infinite Review: $695 Fee May Still Lure Lounge Lovers

Citi AAdvantage Platinum Card Review: Worth the Fee for Airline Loyalists

Atmos Rewards Summit Card: Perks as Unique as They Are Valuable

Atmos Rewards Ascent Review: Well Worth $95 a Year

JetBlue Premier Review: $300 Credit, Lounge Access and More

Chase Sapphire Preferred Review: Strong Option for Travel Rewards

Resources discussed in this episode:

How Much Are Travel Points and Miles Worth in 2026?

Wyndham Rewards Opens the Door to Extraordinary Escapes with Debut of Homes & Havens

World of Hyatt Cyber Sale

Hyatt Builds on Record Growth in Canada with New Hotels Across Its Brand Portfolio

World of Hyatt 3K Points Offer

Register to Earn in Both Worlds

Hilton Reports Third Quarter Results

Hyatt Reports Third Quarter 2026 Results

Travel Inflation Report: October 2026

2026 Holiday Spending Report

United Airlines newsroom: premium seating announcement

Princess Cruises Expands Sanctuary Collection

What Is NightFlight Expedition? A First Rider's Guide to Dollywood's New 2026 Ride

Want even more tips and tricks to get the most out of your travel dollars? Subscribe to TravelNerd, our free newsletter designed to help you crack the code on spending less on your travel.

*The show notes were created with the assistance of AI. They have been reviewed by our editorial team for accuracy and quality.

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