[UNITED STATES] Traveling like the wealthy doesn’t have to mean having millions in the bank. Thanks to the strategic use of premium credit cards, I can enjoy luxury travel experiences without breaking the bank. Even though I don't have the financial freedom of the ultra-wealthy, my credit cards provide perks that help me live the high life while traveling. Here are four ways my credit card benefits help me travel like a rich person, even though I’m far from it.
1. Helicopter Commuting for a VIP Airport Experience
Traveling into New York City can be a nightmare, especially during rush hour. After landing at one of the city’s regional airports, getting from the airport to Manhattan often involves a stressful cab ride or crowded subway. For the ultra-wealthy, however, these concerns are practically nonexistent. They glide to their destinations in private jets or enjoy limousine transfers.
While I haven’t yet reached the level of private jet travel, I have had the chance to experience a helicopter ride, a truly exclusive form of transport, all thanks to the perks of my credit card. Through the Bilt Mastercard® and its Platinum status, I receive one free Blade helicopter ride between NYC and JFK or Newark airports each year. Though I had to pay for this experience initially, at $195 per ride, it was worth every penny for a five-minute commute that bypassed all the usual airport hassles.
This type of experience is something wealthy travelers take for granted, but with the right credit card, even someone like me can experience this luxury.
2. Free Checked Bags and Waived Airline Fees
One of the simplest yet most impactful perks offered by many premium credit cards is the free checked bag. For wealthy travelers, these kinds of fees are no concern, but for those of us on a more modest budget, eliminating baggage fees makes a huge difference. I carry several credit cards that offer this benefit, including the Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card and the AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard®.
However, the Platinum Card® from American Express takes things even further. It offers annual credits of up to $200 for airline incidentals when you select one airline to use for these benefits. This credit covers expenses like checked bags, change fees, seat assignments, priority boarding, and more, making it a huge help during my travels.
As someone who travels often, the ability to have these fees waived and get reimbursed for other airline costs makes flying more comfortable and convenient, much like it does for wealthier travelers who don’t think twice about such expenses.
3. VIP Lounge Access for a First-Class Experience
Airport lounges are often a refuge from the chaos of bustling terminals. The wealthy know the importance of a peaceful space to relax before flights. While I may not have access to the exclusive lounges reserved for the elite, my premium credit cards help me gain access to a range of luxury airport lounges.
The American Express Platinum Card, for instance, provides access to over 1,200 airport lounges worldwide, including the renowned Centurion Lounges. With this benefit, I can enjoy complimentary snacks, drinks, Wi-Fi, and more in a quiet, comfortable space while waiting for my flights.
Having access to these lounges has dramatically improved my travel experiences, especially on long-haul flights. The opportunity to relax in a luxurious environment with amenities that wealthy travelers take for granted is one of the most coveted benefits of my premium credit cards.
4. Upgrade Opportunities That Feel Like Luxury
Upgrades are one of the most cherished experiences of affluent travelers. Whether it’s a suite at a five-star hotel or a business-class seat on a flight, these upgrades make the travel experience feel exceptional. Thanks to my premium credit cards, I can enjoy some of these perks without needing to spend a fortune.
For example, many credit cards offer automatic upgrades or priority boarding when flying with certain airlines. The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, for instance, provides enhanced upgrades on flights and access to priority security lines at many airports, which saves time and enhances the overall travel experience.
Additionally, many hotel chains offer automatic elite status to credit card holders, which can result in complimentary room upgrades, late checkouts, and other perks that make a hotel stay feel more luxurious. Even though I don’t have a trust fund or private jets, these small perks contribute to a sense of wealth during my travels.
In conclusion, while I may not have the bank account of a wealthy person, my credit card perks allow me to enjoy some of the luxuries they take for granted. From helicopter rides and waived baggage fees to VIP lounge access and hotel upgrades, these benefits make my travel experiences feel rich, even if my finances don’t quite reflect that status. With the right credit card, anyone can experience a taste of the high life—without needing millions in the bank.
As Katherine Fan aptly puts it, “I don’t have millions in the bank, but I’ve enjoyed similar perks with some of my best credit cards.” By choosing the right cards and leveraging the travel benefits they offer, I can continue to enjoy first-class experiences that make my travels feel like a million bucks.
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