Best Credit Card for Travel without Going Through a P

Reddit Comments Summary

• Southwest Airlines: Recommended as they offer great prices, free checked bags, and flexibility with booking cancellations.
• Chase Sapphire Reserve: Offers 3x points on travel expenses not only through the UR portal, making it a good option for earning rewards.
• Amex Plat: Provides 5x points on flights booked directly with the airline, making it a great choice for accumulating travel rewards.
• Avoid Travel Agencies: It is advised to book directly with airlines rather than through travel agencies to have better assistance and clear communication in case of issues.
• Flight Network: Some users suggest using Flight Network for good pricing and deals, but others warn about potential booking issues.
• Google Flights/Kayak: Suggested for comparing prices but the actual booking should be done through the airline's website for better control and assistance.

Pros and Cons:

Southwest Airlines:

• Pros:
  • Offers great prices and free checked bags.
  • Flexibility with cancellations.
• Cons:
  • Limited airport options.

Chase Sapphire Reserve:

• Pros:
  • 3x points on travel expenses.
  • Good for earning rewards.
• Cons:
  • Requires having a specific Chase card to transfer points.

Amex Plat:

• Pros:
  • 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines.
  • Great for accumulating travel rewards.
• Cons:
  • May have high annual fees.

Additional Tips:

• Always book directly with the airline for better assistance.
• Be cautious with travel agencies to avoid issues.
• Check for promo codes, coupons, and discount offers before booking.
• Never pay off your credit card without verifying the charges to avoid consent to unauthorized purchases.
• Regularly monitor card transactions for any discrepancies or fraud.
• Maintain good credit utilization by keeping low balances and exercising all credit cards periodically.
• Utilize credit card rewards efficiently by transferring points to travel partners for booking flexibility.