Key Benefits of the Best Travel Rewards Programs

Have you ever wondered what the best travel rewards programs are out there? Finding the best travel rewards programs can be difficult even for an avid traveler. With these top 4 travel rewards programs you will feel well prepared in choosing the right fit for you.

When you enjoy traveling and saving money, finding the best travel rewards program is essential. If you love travel perks, free upgrades, and even free flights, these travel benefits are for you.

As a participant in many travel rewards programs, I am giving you the secrets to choosing the right reward programs for you. After reading through these benefits, you will be sold on what the best travel club to join could best fit your travel needs.

This post is all about travel budget tips and travel rewards benefits.

Key Benefits Behind the Best Travel Rewards Programs

1. Delta SkyMiles

First, the Delta SkyMiles program has amazing benefits if you are a frequent or even the less frequent flyer. The best part about the program is you do not need to be a credit card holder but you still qualify for some perks that credit cards holder currently have. While the program does occasionally change, at the time of the post, SkyMiles members are eligible for free flights (only pay taxes and very small fees) and can upgrade flights with their miles.

The free flights come when you rack up those miles. A way to rack up miles is fly with them frequently and ensure you put in your SkyMiles account each time you book. In addition, you will receive miles when booking the flight and after flying! If you travel for business and your company allows, you could use your SkyMiles account while booking Delta flights. That is a great way to rack up more miles on your SkyMiles account while using a companies credit card or expensing. In addition, they have many partner airlines which could also earn you some miles. For example, if you look on the Delta website/app and find a flight that says, “Operated by Air France” this means that you will be on an Air France flight. However, you will earn Delta SkyMiles if booked through your SkyMiles account.

Which card is right for me?

While the benefits do vary from card to card, if you choose to go the route of getting a credit card then look into the benefits to find the best fit. I have upgraded my Delta card throughout the years as my travel needs have changed. The below goes over a comparison of 3 out of Deltas 4 personal credit cards.

Blue – Best for the occasional traveler

Earn 2x miles on Delta purchases
Earn 2x miles on restaurants
Earn 1x miles all other eligible purchases
No annual fee
No foreign transaction fee

If you are looking for a travel card and do not travel often, this could be the card for you. You could earn free flights if you are using this card consistently and depending on your lifestyle.

Gold – Travel more than the average person

Earn 2x miles Delta purchases, restaurants, supermarkets
Earn 1x miles all other eligible purchases
First checked bag free
Zone 5 priority boarding
And more! Check out their site for more benefits

So you increased your traveling because you landed that dream remote job (or started your own business yay!!). This card is perfect for you. There is an annual fee attached (check Delta website for updated fee) but you get your first free checked bag!! The checked bag fee alone for two round trips covers the cost of the annual fee at the time of this post. 🙂

Platinum – Frequent traveler

Added to free upgrade list
TSA precheck reimbursement up to $85 or Global Entry up to $100
Earn 3x miles Delta purchases and hotels
Earn 2x miles with restaurants and supermarkets
Earn 1x miles all other eligible purchases
Yearly companion certificate
First checked bag free
And more! Check out their site for more benefits

If you love riding first class but want to be smarter about how, this card for be for you. It is all about saving money. In addition, TSA precheck saves a lot of time from waiting in those long lines. Also, the yearly companion certificate AKA mostly free ticket for a loved one (yes you read that correct) is a great way to save money when traveling with your favorite person.

Some additional tips to rack up those miles:

If you do not get high fees with this option, put your mortgage or rent on your credit card. This is a sure way to earn those miles because we all have bills to pay. However, look at the fees associated with this prior to this option and weigh the cost. Also, if you are one of those that knows if you use a credit card like it’s free unlimited money, then do NOT use this option either. You know yourself, your budget, and your limitations.

Delta SkyMiles/credit card information:

Delta website

More posts you might like for the budget traveler: 13 Creative Ways To Save Money For Travel

2. Southwest

Next, travel rewards program is perfect for those that want to rack up those rewards for some free flights.

Highlights of all three Southwest personal credit cards:

Points earned per $1 on Southwest purchases (2x-3x depending on card)
Earn 2 points on every $1 for hotels/car rental partners, local transit/rideshare, internet, cable services
Earn 1 point on every $1 for daily purchases

Southwest offers various credit cards options and Rapid Rewards depending on travel needs. If you sign up for Rapid Rewards alone you will still enjoy the membership perks but of course with every airline there is an increase in rewards when you sign up for their credit card. Also, there is typically bonus sign up miles when you spend a certain amount. The miles with Southwest can go a long way. While some programs you need a lot of miles to get those free flights, Southwest is not that way. You will truly get your moneys worth with this program. For example, when I signed up and got the bonus miles, I was able to book 5 FREE flights (with a very small tax/applicable fees of $5 maybe?!)!! That has never ever happened with another program. Southwest is making a lot of changes currently to their seating and boarding process, please check their website for updated information on any programs.

3. Frontier GoWild! All-You-Can-Fly Pass

Next, is the Frontier GoWild! Pass. For the budget traveler that has travel flexibility and are a light packer, this pass could be for you! Keep in mind the benefits do change for this pass so be sure to check the Frontier website with the updated information. The GoWild! pass offers flexibility for those that are remote workers or have job flexibility/enjoy traveling. Most flights are to be booked a day prior to the flight for domestic and 10 days prior for international. The big perk of the GoWild! pass is that it is flat fee you pay upfront for a seasonal or monthly pass. For example, last year I had a seasonal pass for the fall/winter (September to February) and received a promotional rate for $299. After that fee, each flight you only pay taxes/fees and a flight rate of $.01! For me that came out to $15 per flight.

If you are in a long distance relationship, have family that lives far, or just enjoy traveling this could benefit you. Keep in mind some destinations could be fully booked flights since you are booking typically a day in advance. Some flights are open to book weeks in advance for pass members. With the prices of most flights nowadays, if you are flexible, this pass really is a steal. Check the updated bag fees with the airline prior to booking as rates and policies may have changed. If you are a light packer with a loved destination and have flexibility, this is something worth looking into.

Additional details regarding current program:

Frontier GoWild! Pass

Choosing a travel rewards program depends on each persons individual and family needs. There are many other amazing programs out there but this was a highlight of 4 current programs to check out. Always check the airlines websites for updated information on their travel rewards programs as it is subject to change.

For more travel budget tips, you might like: 11 Smart Strategies On How To Plan For Vacation Expenses

4. TrueBlue

TrueBlue is a rewards program offered by JetBlue Airways. Similar to Delta, they allow for you to have a TrueBlue account without a credit card. However, the perks increase and you earn faster with the credit card. Some benefits behind this program are below. TrueBlue allows for you to pick benefits and depending on what tier you hit in the rewards program, the possibilities are endless.

Early boarding (depending on the fare chosen)
Free alcoholic drink
Priority Security (Expedited security check)
Bonus points
And more!

If you have not flown JetBlue their planes are beautiful. No matter where you sit you have a TV entertainment screen and they are spacious. If you enjoy being entertained while you fly and do not want to bring extras to entertain yourself, this is the airline for you.

For additional information on the TrueBlue program and credit cards check out their website:

JetBlue