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Champagne Travel on a Beer Budget – 4 Credit Card Perks to Live it Up
December 12, 2024
4 ways my credit card perks help me travel like I'm rich, even though I'm not
Enjoy VIP travel experiences using credit card perks instead of big bucks.
Like many people, I’m not a millionaire. Yet I’ve found that the right credit card perks can unlock luxury travel benefits that make me feel rich without spending a fortune. Travel experts agree that while points and miles are great, cardholder perks "are really the thing that can save you time" and hassle during trips. From skipping airport lines to sipping champagne in lounges, here are four ways I leverage credit card perks to travel in style – and how you can too.
1. Luxury transportation (yes, even a helicopter ride)
Wealthy travelers often charter helicopters or private cars to avoid traffic. Believe it or not, certain credit cards can grant similar luxe experiences. For example, holders of the Bilt Mastercard (with top-tier status) get one complimentary Blade helicopter flight per year between Manhattan and JFK or Newark airports. That’s a five-minute chopper ride that normally costs about $195! Even though I’m not rich, the first time I took that quick helicopter transfer, I felt like a VIP skipping the dreaded NYC traffic.
Even if a helicopter isn’t in your plans, many travel cards offer credits for rideshares or airport transportation. And virtually every premium travel card reimburses your TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fee, letting you speed through security like the 1% (no private jet needed). Priority boarding is another “rich person” convenience that credit cards can grant. These perks cost the airlines little but make you feel like a big shot. The best part? They usually come just by holding the card and buying your ticket with it.
2. Free checked bags and waived airline fees
The ultra-wealthy don’t blink at baggage fees or seat upgrade costs. Thanks to the right travel credit card benefits, neither do I. Many airline credit cards include at least one free checked bag for the cardholder (often for companions on the same reservation, too). For a family of four, this perk alone could save about $240 on a round-trip in baggage fees – effectively covering a card’s annual fee.
Priority airport services often come bundled with these cards too. For instance, some airlines’ co-branded cards include priority check-in and security lanes. It might not be a private concierge escorting you through the terminal, but it’s the next best thing when you’re not actually rich. By leveraging credit card fee waivers and credits, I breeze through the airport and avoid extra charges – traveling comfortably while keeping my cash in my wallet.
Want to maximize these travel perks without juggling dozens of cards? Kudos helps you track all your credit card benefits in one place and find the best card for every purchase – ensuring you never miss out on a VIP experience.
3. VIP hotel upgrades and perks on arrival
Rich people can stroll into a hotel and go straight to a penthouse suite with champagne awaiting. I can’t quite do that on demand – but with the elite status my credit cards give me, I’ve come close! Premium hotel credit cards often grant automatic elite status. Thanks to privileges from cards, one can enjoy a surprise penthouse suite upgrade in Las Vegas – the bathroom was larger than my entire apartment back home!. A 4pm late checkout is also possible so you could lounge by the pool a few extra hours, and free cocktails delivered to my room as an elite welcome gift. Even if you're not personally known to hotel staff, flashing an elite status at check-in often results in being treated like a valued VIP guest. Early check-in is sometimes granted too. These little luxuries cost the hotel very little but make your travel experience feel first-class.
Another trick: certain credit cards have hotel partnership programs such as Fine Hotels & Resorts. By booking through those programs, I’ve scored perks usually reserved for big spenders – think room upgrades, $100 spa credits, and free late checkout – even on one-night stays. It’s essentially the treatment a celebrity might get, arranged via a credit card benefit instead of a personal assistant. If you hold a travel card, be sure to explore its hotel perks; you might find you’re entitled to suite upgrades or complimentary massages that can transform an ordinary trip into a lavish getaway.
4. Unlimited airport lounge access
Years ago, airport lounges were the exclusive domain of first-class passengers and million-milers. Now, savvy travelers never fly without lounge access, all thanks to their credit cards. Instead of waiting at the gate with the masses, they relax in chic lounges enjoying free buffets, Wi-Fi, and even showers in some cases. This perk has genuinely changed how travelers feel about layovers – they've gone from dreaded to delightful.
Every time travelers sink into a leather armchair at a lounge and sip a cappuccino in peace, they're reminded how this one credit card perk makes them feel incredibly privileged. And it's not just about free food; it's the ability to escape airport chaos that feels truly luxurious. When a flight delay strikes, they head to the lounge's private space instead of scrambling for a seat by the gate. In other words, they get to travel like seasoned executives, even if they're flying economy, courtesy of perks that came with their credit cards. If travelers have a travel rewards card, they shouldn't overlook the lounge benefit – it can singlehandedly elevate the travel experience to five-star levels.
FAQ: Credit Card Perks and Traveling in Style
Can credit card perks really make travel feel more luxurious without flying first class?
Yes – certain credit card perks can mimic a first-class experience even if you’re in coach. Benefits like airport lounge access, free upgrades or elite hotel status, and priority services (security screening or boarding) let you enjoy VIP treatment on an economy budget. For example, simply having a travel credit card with lounge privileges can turn a dull layover into a relaxing retreat with free snacks and drinks, no first-class ticket required.
Do all travel credit cards offer free checked bags on flights?
No – free checked bag perks are typically offered by airline co-branded credit cards and a few premium travel cards. For instance, cards for United, Delta, American Airlines, etc., often include one free checked bag for the cardholder (and sometimes companions) as long as you use that card to book the flight. General travel rewards cards usually don’t give free bags, but they might offer annual travel credits you can use to offset baggage fees. Always check your card’s benefits guide to see if luggage perks are included.
Is it worth paying a high annual fee for a credit card just to get travel perks?
Yes, if you take advantage of the perks, a high-fee card can easily pay for itself. For example, a $95–$695 annual fee might sound steep, but consider what you get: lounge access (worth hundreds of dollars), $200+ in travel credits, free checked bags ($30+ per flight), hotel upgrades, etc. If you use even a few of those benefits, the value often exceeds the fee you paid. However, if you won’t utilize the perks or travel infrequently, a no-annual-fee card might make more sense. It’s all about matching the card to your lifestyle.
How can I get elite hotel status without spending a fortune on hotel stays?
The easiest way is through credit cards that grant automatic hotel status. Many hotel-branded cards come with status: e.g. Hilton Aspire gives Diamond status, Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant gives Platinum. Even mid-tier status (which some no-fee cards offer) can get you perks like late checkout or occasional upgrades. Another strategy is using programs like Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts or Luxury Hotel Collections that come with premium cards – bookings through these often include elite-like benefits (room upgrades, free breakfast, etc.) for that stay. In short, you don’t need to be a road-warrior; holding the right card can instantly make you a hotel VIP.
Which credit card perks are best for making travel less stressful?
Perks that save time and provide comfort tend to reduce travel stress the most. Airport lounge access is a big one – having a quiet lounge to retreat to during delays or layovers can keep you calm (and well-fed) instead of frazzled. Likewise, trip delay insurance and travel protection benefits can alleviate the worry when things go awry (some cards will reimburse you for hotels and meals if your flight is severely delayed, for example). Don’t overlook priority security screening (via TSA PreCheck/CLEAR credits) and priority boarding – breezing through lines gives you more peace of mind. Essentially, the best perks are those that remove pain points and add a touch of luxury to the journey, making travel feel easy and enjoyable.
Conclusion: Live the good life (on a budget)
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You don’t need a black card or a seven-figure bank account to travel like you’re rich. By strategically using credit card perks, I’ve enjoyed helicopter rides, swanky airport lounges, penthouse hotel suites, and more – experiences that would normally be out of reach on my budget. The key is to pick a card (or a combo of cards) that offers the benefits you value most, whether that’s free bags, elite status, or lounge access. Use those perks whenever you travel, and you’ll soon find your trips feel more first-class every time.
Finally, remember to maximize what you have. Keep track of your card benefits (a tool like Kudos can help with that) and plan ahead so you don’t leave any luxury on the table. Travel is meant to be enjoyed, and with the right perks in your pocket, you truly can enjoy champagne trips on a beer budget. Safe travels and happy perks-hunting!
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