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ShopSmart reveals How to Nab a Free Flight

Tips for earning the most free travel over time; Plus, airline and bank cards that go a long way toward a free flight

ShopSmart MagazineYonkers, NY – Airline credit cards and bank cards often offer points toward free air travel, but some will earn card users more free travel than others over time.

The April 2013 issue of ShopSmart magazine, from Consumer Reports, features tips for deciding which card to use when looking for discounted travel and highlights some of the best airline and bank card reward formulas currently available.

“You’ve got more options than ever for credit cards that let you rack up points for free travel,” said Lisa Lee Freeman, editor-in-chief of ShopSmart. “But finding one that will score you free tickets the fastest can be tricky. Depending on your travel and spending patterns, sometimes airline cards are best but sometimes you’re better off with bank cards.”

Bank Cards vs. Airline Cards

ShopSmart recommends airline cards for the following types of users:  Those who are loyal to a particular airline and who travel a lot; those who want a free trip fast; and those who like to wheel and deal.  Frequent-flyer miles earned by traveling with an airline and its partners can often be combined with points earned by purchases – and there are perks such as free checked bags.

Airline cards usually aren’t as generous with points, but may be worth it for those who can score a decent up-front bonus.  Airline card users should check offers listed on an airline’s website and use them as a starting bid when calling the airline directly to negotiate a deal or to ask for double points.  A notable caveat: Blackout dates and other restrictions can be an issue with airline cards.

Bank cards are better suited for these types of travelers:  Those who fly based on price; those who don’t want to deal with blackout dates and other restrictions; and those enrolled in many frequent-flyer programs.  Users can earn points on purchases and spend them on any airline they choose – points are usually tied to the price of the ticket, so the lower the price, the fewer the points needed.

Bank cards are a better option for those concerned about when they can fly and how much time they have to use their points.  Some cards allow users to transfer earned points to a variety of airline programs.

Here are a few of ShopSmart’s bank and airline card picks that go a long way toward a free flight:

  1. American Express Premier Rewards Gold. This bank card rewards shoppers with three points per $1.00 spent for airfare; two points per $1.00 spent on gas and groceries; one point per $1.00 spent elsewhere. Users who spend $2,000 in the first three months can earn 25,000 bonus points.  There’s no interest charge; users pay balances in full every month. No annual fee is charged for the first year, then $175.00.
  2. Chase Sapphire Preferred Visa or MasterCard.  These bank cards reward shoppers with two points per $1.00 spent for travel and dining; one point per $1 elsewhere and a seven percent yearly bonus on points. Users who spend $3,000 in the first three months earn 40,000 bonus points (worth $500.00 on travel booked through Chase).  APR for purchases is 15.24%; the $95.00 annual fee is waived the first year.
  3. Delta SkyMiles American Express Gold.  This airline card rewards shoppers with two miles per $1.00 spent on Delta; one mile per $1.00 spent elsewhere. Users get a free checked bag for up to 9 people in a reservation; 20% savings on eligible in-flight food and beverage purchases. APR for purchases is 15.24%, 17.24%, or 19.24%; the $95.00 annual fee is waived the first year.

About Consumer Reports

Consumer Reports is the world’s largest independent product-testing organization. Using its more than 50 labs, auto test center, and survey research center, the nonprofit rates thousands of products and services annually. Founded in 1936, Consumer Reports has over 8 million subscribers to its magazine, website, and other publications. Its advocacy division, Consumers Union, works for health reform, food and product safety, financial reform, and other consumer issues in Washington, D.C., the states, and in the marketplace.

About ShopSmart Magazine

Launched in Fall 2006 by Consumer Reports, ShopSmart draws upon the publication’s celebrated tradition of accepting no advertisements and providing unbiased product reviews. ShopSmart features product reviews, shopping tips on how to get the most out of products and “best of the best” lists. It’s ideal for busy shoppers who place a premium on time. ShopSmart has a newsstand price of $4.99 and is available nationwide at major retailers including Barnes & Noble, Wal-Mart, Borders, Kroger, Safeway and Publix. ShopSmart is available by subscription at www.ShopSmartmag.org.

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