With checked bag fees, long security lines, and crowded airports, flying domestically in the US is often an unpleasant experience even for premium class passengers. In this post, I’ll go over three simple and inexpensive steps you can take to significantly improve your airport experience when flying domestically in the US.
1. How to Avoid Paying Checked Baggage Fees
Most major US airlines including American, Delta, United, Alaska Airlines, and Jetblue, charge economy class passengers $30 to check a bag ($60 for a round trip). Thankfully, several US credit cards offer cardholders free checked bags when traveling with the respective airline. For those of you who travel frequently within the United States, these cards will provide significant savings.
The following credit cards offer free checked bags for their respective airlines.
American Airlines: Citi Aadvantage Platinum, Citi Aadvantage Platinum Business, Citi Aadvantage Executive, Aadvantage Aviator Red, Aadvantage Aviator Business.
Delta Airlines: Delta Skymiles Gold, Delta Skymiles Platinum, Delta Skymiles Reserve.
United Airlines: United Explorer, United Club Infinite, United Business.
Alaska Airlines: Alaska Airlines Visa Signature, Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Business.
Jetblue: Jetblue Plus
2. How to Skip the TSA Security Lines
Depending on what time your flight departs, you may end up waiting in extremely long lines to clear security. Fortunately, most major airports offer fast track security lanes for business and first class passengers, those with airline elite status, and passengers who have TSA Pre Check.
Passengers with TSA Pre Check tend to have the shortest security wait times, making it extremely useful in reducing your time waiting in lines even if you regularly fly first or business class.
I would recommend applying for both Global Entry and TSA Pre Check at the same time which only requires a single application for both, and $100 fee once every 5 years. Many US credit cards will even cover the $100 application fee for you including American Express Platinum, Chase Sapphire Reserve, Citi Prestige, IHG Rewards Club Premier, Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant and more.
Citizens of the United States as well as the United Kingdom, Germany, Singapore, South Korea and others are eligible to apply.
Click here for more details.
3. How to Get Lounge Access
The United States is one of few regions where buying a business class ticket does not include lounge access unless you’re also an elite member.
Several US credit cards offer lounge access no matter your class of travel, such as:
American Express Platinum: Centurion Lounges, Delta Skyclub (when flying with Delta and partners)
Delta Reserve: Centurion Lounges, Delta Skyclub (when flying with Delta and partners)
Citi Aadvantage Executive: Admirals Club (when flying with American Airlines)
United Club Infinite: United Club (when flying with United Airlines)
You can also access a wide range of lounges with programs like Priority Pass or Dragon Pass. Lounge access membership can be purchased directly on their respective websites, although several credit cards offer complementary Priority Pass membership including American Express Platinum, Chase Sapphire Reserve, Citi Premier, and Hilton Aspire.
For a full list of lounges you can access with Priority Pass, click here.
For a full list of lounges you can access with Dragon Pass, click here.
Bottom Line
There’s no need to dread flying anymore. With a few simple tricks you can give yourself peace of mind by avoiding fees, skipping lines, and relaxing in lounges before your flight.