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Co-branded airline credit cards can be a fantastic option for frequent travelers who are loyal to a specific airline, or those that find themselves in a hub city. With many airline card options offering free checked bags, priority boarding, inflight discounts, and other perks, it can often feel equivalent to holding low-level elite status with an airline.
But a question that comes up often is whether or not these perks are guaranteed – and if cardholders are required to pay for their flight with the card to receive the benefits?
This post will answer those questions for the top airline credit cards for each of the major North American airlines, along with their various rules and exclusions to be aware of.
Credit Cards That Offer Free Checked Bags (And Other Perks)
Do You Have To Pay With the Card To Receive These Perks?
In order to receive the free checked baggage benefits or preferred pricing on Aeroplan award tickets, you do not have to pay for any part of your flight with the Aeroplan card.
Do You Have To Pay With the Card To Receive These Perks?
Beginning on March 1, 2023, you have to pay for your airfare with the Alaska Signature card to receive the free checked bag benefit. Keep in mind that if you’re a new cardholder, you’ll begin to receive this benefit approximately within 2 to 3 weeks after your account opening.
Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan Business Credit Card
3x miles per $1 on purchases with Alaska Airlines
First free checked bag on Alaska flights for you and up to 6 other guests on the same reservation
20% back on all Alaska Airlines inflight purchases
50% off day passes at an Alaska Lounge
Do You Have To Pay With the Card To Receive These Perks?
Just like with the personal Alaska Signature card, you will need to pay with the credit card beginning March 1, 2023, to receive free checked bags.
Do You Have To Pay With the Card To Receive These Perks?
You do not have to pay for your flight with the Allegiant World card in order to receive these benefits. Simply show your card to the gate agent upon boarding and/or the flight attendant upon ordering a beverage.
25% savings on inflight food and beverage purchases on American Airlines flights
Do You Have To Pay With the Card To Receive These Perks?
In order to receive the checked baggage and priority boarding benefit, you do not need to pay with your credit card. However, your credit card account must be open 7 days prior to air travel, and your reservation must include your American Airlines AAdvantage number 7 days prior to air travel.
Up to 4 companions traveling with the primary credit cardmember will also get their first checked bag free of charge if they are listed in the same reservation. Keep in mind that the checked baggage benefit is limited to domestic flights and only on flights serviced by American Airlines.
In order to receive the 25% savings on inflight food and beverage purchases, you must pay with your credit card.
Do You Have To Pay With the Card To Receive These Perks?
As with the AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite card, you do not need to pay with your credit card to receive the checked baggage, priority boarding, or priority check-in and priority screening benefits. Your credit card account must be open 7 days prior to air travel, and your reservation must include your American Airlines AAdvantage number 7 days prior to air travel.
Up to 8 companions traveling with the primary credit cardmember will also get their first checked bag free of charge (on domestic flights) if they are listed in the same reservation.
In order to receive the 25% savings on inflight food and beverage purchases, you must pay with your credit card. In order to access an Admirals Club, you must present your card upon entry and be traveling with American Airlines, a Oneworld partner, or Alaska Airlines.
2x miles per $1 on purchases with American Airlines, gas stations, car rentals, cable, satellite, and phone service providers
First checked bag free on domestic American Airlines itineraries for you and up to 4 travel companions
Preferred boarding on American Airlines flights
25% savings on inflight food and beverage purchases on American Airlines flights
25% savings on American Airlines inflight Wi-Fi purchases
Do You Have To Pay With the Card To Receive These Perks?
You do not have to pay with your credit card to receive the checked baggage and priority boarding benefit. Your credit card account must be open 7 days prior to air travel, and your reservation must include your American Airlines AAdvantage number 7 days prior to air travel.
You must pay with your credit card to receive the 25% savings on inflight food, beverages, and Wi-Fi purchases.
AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard®
2x miles per $1 on purchases with American Airlines
First checked bag free on domestic American Airlines itineraries for you and up to 4 travel companions
Preferred boarding on American Airlines flights
25% savings on inflight food and beverage purchases on American Airlines flights
Up to $25 back in statement credits on inflight Wi-Fi purchases each year on American Airlines flights
Do You Have To Pay With the Card To Receive These Perks?
You are not required to pay with your credit card to receive the checked baggage and priority boarding benefit. Your credit card account must be open 7 days prior to air travel, and your reservation must include your American Airlines AAdvantage number 7 days prior to air travel.
You must pay with your credit card to receive the 25% savings on inflight food and beverages and $25 in statement credits for Wi-Fi purchases.
AAdvantage® Aviator® World Elite Business Mastercard®
2x miles per $1 on purchases with American Airlines, telecom services, office supply stores, and car rentals
First checked bag free on domestic American Airlines itineraries for you and up to 4 travel companions
Preferred boarding on American Airlines flights
25% savings on inflight food and beverage purchases on American Airlines flights
Do You Have To Pay With the Card To Receive These Perks?
Like all of the other American Airlines credit cards we’ve discussed, you are not required to pay with your credit card to receive the checked baggage and priority boarding benefit, but your credit card account must be open 7 days prior to air travel, and your reservation must include your American Airlines AAdvantage number 7 days prior to air travel.
In order to receive the 25% savings on inflight food and beverages, you do need to pay with the credit card.
Bottom Line: When it comes to American Airlines co-branded cards, you are not required to pay with the card to receive elite-type benefits like free checked bags and priority boarding, but you will need to use the card for inflight discounts.
Do You Have To Pay With the Card To Receive These Perks?
In order to receive the checked baggage and priority boarding benefit, you do not need to pay with your credit card, but the card must be attached to your Delta SkyMiles number in order to receive the benefits.
You will need to pay with your card in order to receive the 20% savings on inflight purchases.
Do You Have To Pay With the Card To Receive These Perks?
You are not required to pay with the card in order to receive the checked bag and priority boarding benefits, but the card must be attached to your Delta SkyMiles account.
In order to receive the discount on inflight purchases and Delta Sky Club access, you will need to pay with your credit card.
Do You Have To Pay With the Card To Receive These Perks?
Cardholders are not required to pay with their credit card in order to receive the free checked bag, priority boarding, and complimentary upgrade benefits. All that is required is for your card to be attached to your Delta SkyMiles account.
You will, however, have to pay with your card in order to receive the discount on inflight purchases. You also must show your Delta Reserve card in order to access a Delta Sky Club or American Express Centurion Lounge, along with a boarding pass for travel with Delta Air Lines.
Do You Have To Pay With the Card To Receive These Perks?
You are not required to pay with the card in order to receive the checked bag and priority boarding benefits, but the card must be attached to your Delta SkyMiles account.
In order to receive the discount on inflight purchases and Delta Sky Club access, you will need to pay with your credit card.
Do You Have To Pay With the Card To Receive These Perks?
In order to receive the free checked bag priority boarding and complimentary upgrade benefits, all that is required is for your card to be attached to your Delta SkyMiles account. You do not need to pay for your flight with the card.
In order to receive the discount on inflight purchases, you must pay with your Delta Reserve Business card. You also must show your Delta Reserve Business card in order to access a Delta Sky Club or American Express Centurion Lounge, along with a boarding pass for travel with Delta Air Lines.
Bottom Line: All Delta Air Lines co-branded cards do not require you to pay with your card to receive benefits like free checked bags and priority boarding, but you will need to use your card for inflight discounts.
5x miles per $1 on Frontier purchases; 3x miles per $1 at restaurants
Primary cardmembers receive priority boarding in Zone 2
Do You Have To Pay With the Card To Receive These Perks?
While the Frontier Airlines World card doesn’t offer many perks or any free baggage benefits, cardmembers will receive boarding priority and “ZONE 2” will be displayed on the member’s boarding pass as long as they are logged into their account when booking their flight, or had their membership number added to their reservation. You do not need to pay with the card to receive this perk.
Hot Tip: While airline credit cards are a great way to get free checked bags and perks, there are times that you actually won’t want to use them for purchases since they can often earn fewer points than other cards.
Hawaiian Airlines
Image Credit: Hawaiian Airlines
Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Mastercard®
3x miles per $1 on Hawaiian Airlines purchases; 2x miles per $1 on gas, dining, and grocery store purchases
2 checked bags free on Hawaiian Airlines-operated flights for the primary cardholder
$100 companion discount annually for roundtrip travel between Hawaii and North America on Hawaiian Airlines
Do You Have To Pay With the Card To Receive These Perks?
Unlike many of the other cards we’ve discussed thus far, you are required to pay with your Hawaiian Airlines World Elite card in order to receive both the free checked bag and the $100 companion discount benefit.
Do You Have To Pay With the Card To Receive These Perks?
Yes, in order to receive the 50% inflight savings on cocktails and food purchases and the free checked bag, you must pay for your flight with The JetBlue Plus card.
6x points on JetBlue purchases; 2x points at restaurants and office supply stores
50% inflight savings on cocktails and food purchases
Free first checked bag for you and up to 3 companions on the same reservation
Do You Have To Pay With the Card To Receive These Perks?
Like with The JetBlue Plus card, you are required to pay with The JetBlue Business card in order to receive the 50% inflight savings and free checked bag benefit.
Bottom Line: JetBlue, and the previously mentioned Hawaiian Airlines, are 2 of the few airlines whose credit cards require you to pay for your flight with the card in order to receive the free checked bag.
Do You Have To Pay With the Card To Receive These Perks?
Yes, all 3 benefits — the Upgraded Boardings, $75 travel credit, and 25% back on inflight purchases — require you to pay with your Southwest Priority card.
Hot Tip: Checked bags always fly for free with Southwest. That’s right, no need for a credit card to get this benefit, as every passenger can bring 2 checked bags for free on any Southwest flight!
Access to Points Pooling to combine your points with up to 8 friends and family members
Pay no redemption fees as a primary cardholder
25% rebate on all inflight food and beverage purchases when you pay with your card
Do You Have To Pay With the Card To Receive These Perks?
Cardmembers can receive priority boarding by either using their Free Spirit World Elite card to purchase tickets directly from Spirit or by showing their Free Spirit World Elite card to the gate agent upon boarding. The inflight food and beverage rebate is only available when you pay with your card.
Earn 2x points on Spirit purchases and 1x point per $1 on all other purchases
Cardholders receive Zone 2 Shortcut Boarding on all flights
Access to Points Pooling to combine your points with up to 8 friends and family members
25% rebate on all inflight food and beverage purchases when you pay with your card
Do You Have To Pay With the Card To Receive These Perks?
Like the Free Spirit World Elite card, you can either pay for your tickets with the card or show it to the gate agent upon boarding. The inflight food and beverage rebate is only available when you pay with your card.
Do You Have To Pay With the Card To Receive These Perks?
In order to receive the checked baggage and 25% off inflight purchases, you must pay for your ticket with the United Explorer card.
However, you do not need to pay with the card to receive the priority boarding benefit as long as you include your MileagePlus number in the reservation.
Premier Access for cardmember and any traveling companions (includes designated check-in lines, priority security lanes, priority boarding, and priority baggage handling)
First and second checked bags free for cardmember and 1 traveling companion
Do You Have To Pay With the Card To Receive These Perks?
In order to receive the checked baggage benefit and 25% off inflight purchases, you must pay for your ticket with the United Club card.
On the other hand, receiving the Premier Access benefits does not require paying with the United Club card as long as you include your MileagePlus number in the reservation. Similarly, accessing a United Club does not require presenting your card as you will be mailed a separate United Club membership card 6 weeks after your account open date.
2x miles per $1 spent on United purchases; 2x miles per $1 at restaurants, gas stations, and office supply stores
First checked bag free for cardmember and 1 traveling companion
Priority boarding for cardmember and any traveling companions
Do You Have To Pay With the Card To Receive These Perks?
Just like with the personal version of the card, you must pay with your United Explorer Business card in order to receive the free checked bag benefit. You do not need to pay with your card to receive priority boarding.
United Club℠ Business Card
2x miles per $1 spent on United purchases; 1.5x miles per $1 on all other purchases
Complimentary United Club membership
Premier Access for cardmember and any traveling companions (includes designated check-in lines, priority security lanes, priority boarding, and priority baggage handling)
First and second checked bags free for cardmember and 1 traveling companion
Do You Have To Pay With the Card To Receive These Perks?
Again, just like the personal version of the card, you must pay with the card in order to receive the free checked baggage benefit. You are not required to pay with the card to receive the Premier Access benefit or United Club access.
Bottom Line: Unlike the co-branded credit cards from the other “Big 3” airlines, Delta and American, United requires its cardholders to pay for their flights with the card in order to receive free bags.
Exclusions and Other Rules
There are, of course, certain exclusions and rules that may apply to your credit card’s baggage fee waiver. Here are a few things that you will want to be aware of before booking your ticket.
1. Bringing Overweight Bags
It goes without saying, but you will not receive the free baggage benefit if your bag is overweight or oversized. Be sure that your bag fits the airline’s size and weight requirements before arriving at the airport.
2. Flying With Airline Partners
In almost all circumstances, the perks received from airline credit cards apply exclusively to that given airline. This means that, unless otherwise stated, airline partnerships or codeshares do not count. For example, if you hold the United Explorer card, you will not receive free checked bags or priority boarding with Air Canada.
3. Being an Authorized User
If you’re an authorized user on an airline credit card traveling by yourself then you likely won’t receive any of the benefits that come along with the card. Typically you need to be traveling on the same reservation with the primary cardholder in order to receive benefits like free checked bags and priority boarding.
4. Booking on an Ineligible Website
This is a special one to pay attention to, as it can be a bit confusing, but flight tickets purchased from what an airline deems as an “ineligible website” usually will not receive free baggage or other benefits. What types of websites are ineligible? According to the United terms and conditions, “Unpublished fares, such as those purchased on priceline.com and Hotwire, are not eligible.” However, a publicly-disclosed fare from a website like Expedia would be eligible for your credit card benefits.
Generally speaking, unless the discount you’re receiving from a third-party website is really significant, you might be better off making your booking directly with the airline. If you’re not sure if your benefits will apply, just ask the airline before completing your purchase.
5. Elite Status Stacking
With the exception of Delta, most airlines will not allow you to receive the checked baggage benefit from your credit card if you already receive a free checked bag as a benefit of your elite status. For example, if you have American Airlines Gold status, which offers your first checked bag free, you cannot also get a second checked bag free for holding the AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite card.
6. International Tickets
As you can tell, the baggage benefits for all of these cards predominately apply to domestic tickets. So what does that mean for international tickets? Well, most international flights already allow you to bring a checked bag for no extra charge. In this case, much like elite status stacking, holding an airline credit card will not entitle you to a second free checked bag.
7. Award Tickets
If you pay for your ticket with points then the same policies still apply. If you have an airline card like the Delta Gold card, the AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite card, or any other card that doesn’t require you to pay with the card to receive the benefit, you will still receive a free checked bag.
If you pay for your ticket with points but hold a card like the United Explorer card, The Jetblue Plus card, or any other card that requires you to pay with the card to receive the benefits, you will not receive a free checked bag. However, an easy way to get around that is by paying the award ticket taxes and fees on your card! Just be certain that you’re getting the best value out of doing so and not overlooking better travel protections that you could receive by using another card.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, airline co-branded cards can provide great value to cardholders, and many of them (with the exception of Hawaiian, JetBlue, and United) do not actually require you to pay with the card in order to receive the card benefits — unless it’s an inflight benefit like a discount on food or Wi-Fi.
As always, make sure you know the rules and exclusions as they apply to your airline credit card, or you might be left holding the bag… the baggage fee, that is!
The information regarding the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Allegiant World Mastercard® was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite™ Mastercard® was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard® was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard® was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding AAdvantage® Aviator® World Elite Business Mastercard® was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Frontier Airlines World Mastercard® was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding The JetBlue Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the JetBlue Plus Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding The JetBlue Business Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Free Spirit® Travel More World Elite Mastercard® was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Free Spirit® Travel Mastercard® was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the United Club℠ Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the United℠ Explorer Business Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the United Club℠ Business Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card, click here. For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card, click here. For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, click here. For rates and fees of Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, click here. For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card, click here. For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card, click here. For rates and fees for the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card, click here.
Featured Image Credit: Maurizio Milanesio via Shutterstock
Frequently Asked Questions
The credit cards we’ve reviewed that require you to pay with the card in order to receive a free checked bag are:
Hawaiian Airlines World Elite card
The JetBlue Business card
The JetBlue Plus card
United Club Business card
United Club card
United Explorer Business card
United Explorer card
Unfortunately not. With the exception of Delta, most co-branded airline credit cards will not allow you to bring a second checked bag if you have already received 1 for free.
No, airline credit cards will not allow you to bring a second free checked bag if you already received a free bag with your ticket.
If you have an airline credit card that doesn’t require you to pay with the card in order to receive the benefit, you will still receive a free checked bag.
If you have a card that requires you to pay with the card then you will not… unless you pay the award ticket taxes and fees on your card!
If you’re an authorized user on an airline credit card traveling by yourself then you likely won’t receive any of the benefits that come along with the card. Usually, you need to be traveling on the same reservation with the primary cardholder.
Yes, the free checked baggage benefit you receive from your credit card will apply to basic economy tickets.
Boasting a portfolio of over 20 cards, Jarrod has been an expert in the points and miles space for over 6 years. He earns and redeems over 1 million points per year and his work has been featured in outlets like The New York Times.
Disclaimer: Any comments listed below are not from the bank advertiser, nor have they been reviewed or approved by them. No responsibility will be taken by the bank advertiser for these comments.
14 comments
Rin
March 04, 2022
Regarding the free 1st bag on Delta using the Delta Gold Amex card. It says “To get the benefit, you must have an eligible Delta SkyMiles American Express Card and a SkyMiles account, and you must pay for your airfare with the eligible Card.” on the americanexpress website. So, is the not having to use your Delta Gold card not true anymore?
Can you let me know where you’re seeing that on the American Express website? Here is how the terms for that benefit read for me:
“First Checked Bag Free: Benefit is limited to Basic Card Members (not Additional Card Members) with the Delta SkyMiles® Gold, Delta SkyMiles® Platinum or Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Cards. Reservation must include the Basic Card Member’s SkyMiles number. Fee waiver also available for passengers traveling in the same reservation as the Basic Card Member. Maximum nine waivers per reservation. Waiver is only for normal bag fee, if any, for the first checked bag that is not overweight and not oversize under Delta’s applicable rules as set forth in Delta’s contract of carriage. Additional checked bags will be subject to the applicable baggage fees as outlined by Delta’s rules and the purchased fare as set forth in Delta’s contract of carriage. The first checked bag fee waiver will only be applied on flight segments which originate on a Delta or Delta Connection® carrier when you check-in with Delta for both a Delta marketed and Delta operated flight. Codeshare flights are not eligible. New Card Members and Card Members upgrading from another Delta SkyMiles Card product will be eligible for the checked baggage fee waiver benefit after receiving their Card from American Express. Offer terms and conditions subject to change. Additional terms, conditions and restrictions may apply.”
Based on my interpretation of that text, it does not appear to state that you are required to pay with the card to receive the benefit.
Ryan
November 18, 2022
Hi Jarrod,
I’d just like to chime in on this because I found myself confused over this as well. While my Terms and Conditions read identical to yours, the opening line on the Delta website on the First Checked Bag Free page reads “As a benefit of Card Membership, you can check your first bag free on Delta flights booked with your Card.” While it doesn’t say anything about booking with your card in the official Terms and Conditions, that statement leads me to believe otherwise. There’s also an article on the American Express website that reads similarly and can be found at https://www.americanexpress.com/en-us/credit-cards/credit-intel/delta-baggage-fees/
There’s a line in that article that reads “It’s possible to get the first checked bag for free on a Delta flight if you use an eligible Delta SkyMiles American Express Credit Card,…”
I have been purchasing Comfort+ and getting a free checked bag via that seat purchase, but I plan on booking economy in the future with my regular Platinum Card to save money on the seat and get the 5x points with Platinum Card instead of 3x miles with SkyMiles Platinum, then downgrading to SkyMiles Gold to save money on the annual fee and still get the checked bag free. But that plan might not make sense if not booking with the SkyMiles Platinum means paying for a checked bag.
Ryan
November 18, 2022
I don’t know if my previous comment will publish or not, but as a follow up I checked through Delta on my own by booking a main cabin seat with a different card, and the baggage calculator right on the Delta booking website told me my first checked bag was free. I don’t have medallion status so there was no reason for that other than the SkyMiles Platinum card is connected to my account.
Scarlet
August 11, 2022
I just got a United Explorer card a week ago but already had an upcoming flight booked. I purchased my tickets through Priceline but did not pay with my Explorer card because I wasn’t a card member at that time. I did however include my United mileage plus number when I purchased my plane tickets but I’m only a member, not even Silver status so that shouldn’t entitle me to any free checked bags but now that I am a United Explorer card member, the United app is now showing me that I have one free checked bag on my upcoming trip plus one free for my companion. It looks like United airlines now gives you the free checked bag just for being an Explorer card member even if you did not use the card to purchase the tickets. Have their rules changed or is this a mistake because I don’t want to arrive at the airport with my bag since it says it’s now “paid for” only to be told that it’s a mistake since I didn’t pay with my Explorer card? Any insight or answers as to a possible policy change would be appreciated. Thanks.
You must use your United Explorer card in order to receive the checked bag benefit. If your ticket through Priceline includes it then I would imagine it is because you are on an international ticket where 1 checked bag is already included, or the fare that you purchased included a checked bag.
Ellie
November 06, 2022
My parents booked a trip for my entire family through Chase Travel on American Airlines. I have the AAdvantage card and usually get a free checked bag. I asked if they would honor that even though I was not the primary reservation holder and if 4 of my family members would also get free checked bags. The associate said I wouldn’t or anyone in my party because it was booked through a third party and that I should contact Chase. I’m hoping he was either confused or didn’t know what he was talking about. Is this true? I didn’t find anywhere where it had to be booked on aa to receive the perk. My ticket is tied to my AAdvantage number and everything.
I looked at the AAdvantage credit card terms and you are correct that it doesn’t indicate the ticket has to be booked through American. According to the terms you and up to 4 companions should each get a free checked bag as long as it’s a domestic flight on American/American Eagle, your AA number is on the reservation, and you’re all on the same reservation. Unless I am missing something, it sounds like the agent may have been confused or misinformed. I think you’ll be ok but you can always call back to talk to someone else just to check. Good luck and let us know how it turns out!
Monica
November 08, 2022
How do you link your SkyMiles account to another credit card like capital one?
Do you have elite status with Delta or a co-branded Delta credit card that offers free checked bags? If so you can purchase your flight with your Venture card so long as your SkyMiles number is attached to the reservation.
Dzb
February 11, 2023
Hi! You write above regarding the Alaska signature visa that you can only get free checked bag if you pay with that credit card. However you then write by the Alaska business card that “ Just like with the personal Alaska Signature card, you do not need to pay with the credit card to receive free checked bags.”
I have the personal card but I opened it at the time I was purchasing my tickets, so obviously I couldn’t use it to pay for the airfare.
Will I be able to show my card and get my free bag?
Thanks!
Hi,
This is a new rule that begins March 1, 2023, so I think you would still be eligible for free bags since you booked your flight already. Thanks for pointing this out. I updated the post so it’s clear now.
Any thoughts or questions? Comment below!
Email needed if you'd like comment updates. It will NOT be published.
14 comments
Rin
March 04, 2022
Regarding the free 1st bag on Delta using the Delta Gold Amex card. It says “To get the benefit, you must have an eligible Delta SkyMiles American Express Card and a SkyMiles account, and you must pay for your airfare with the eligible Card.” on the americanexpress website. So, is the not having to use your Delta Gold card not true anymore?
Jarrod West
March 07, 2022
Hi Rin,
Can you let me know where you’re seeing that on the American Express website? Here is how the terms for that benefit read for me:
“First Checked Bag Free: Benefit is limited to Basic Card Members (not Additional Card Members) with the Delta SkyMiles® Gold, Delta SkyMiles® Platinum or Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Cards. Reservation must include the Basic Card Member’s SkyMiles number. Fee waiver also available for passengers traveling in the same reservation as the Basic Card Member. Maximum nine waivers per reservation. Waiver is only for normal bag fee, if any, for the first checked bag that is not overweight and not oversize under Delta’s applicable rules as set forth in Delta’s contract of carriage. Additional checked bags will be subject to the applicable baggage fees as outlined by Delta’s rules and the purchased fare as set forth in Delta’s contract of carriage. The first checked bag fee waiver will only be applied on flight segments which originate on a Delta or Delta Connection® carrier when you check-in with Delta for both a Delta marketed and Delta operated flight. Codeshare flights are not eligible. New Card Members and Card Members upgrading from another Delta SkyMiles Card product will be eligible for the checked baggage fee waiver benefit after receiving their Card from American Express. Offer terms and conditions subject to change. Additional terms, conditions and restrictions may apply.”
Based on my interpretation of that text, it does not appear to state that you are required to pay with the card to receive the benefit.
Ryan
November 18, 2022
Hi Jarrod,
I’d just like to chime in on this because I found myself confused over this as well. While my Terms and Conditions read identical to yours, the opening line on the Delta website on the First Checked Bag Free page reads “As a benefit of Card Membership, you can check your first bag free on Delta flights booked with your Card.” While it doesn’t say anything about booking with your card in the official Terms and Conditions, that statement leads me to believe otherwise. There’s also an article on the American Express website that reads similarly and can be found at https://www.americanexpress.com/en-us/credit-cards/credit-intel/delta-baggage-fees/
There’s a line in that article that reads “It’s possible to get the first checked bag for free on a Delta flight if you use an eligible Delta SkyMiles American Express Credit Card,…”
I have been purchasing Comfort+ and getting a free checked bag via that seat purchase, but I plan on booking economy in the future with my regular Platinum Card to save money on the seat and get the 5x points with Platinum Card instead of 3x miles with SkyMiles Platinum, then downgrading to SkyMiles Gold to save money on the annual fee and still get the checked bag free. But that plan might not make sense if not booking with the SkyMiles Platinum means paying for a checked bag.
Ryan
November 18, 2022
I don’t know if my previous comment will publish or not, but as a follow up I checked through Delta on my own by booking a main cabin seat with a different card, and the baggage calculator right on the Delta booking website told me my first checked bag was free. I don’t have medallion status so there was no reason for that other than the SkyMiles Platinum card is connected to my account.
Scarlet
August 11, 2022
I just got a United Explorer card a week ago but already had an upcoming flight booked. I purchased my tickets through Priceline but did not pay with my Explorer card because I wasn’t a card member at that time. I did however include my United mileage plus number when I purchased my plane tickets but I’m only a member, not even Silver status so that shouldn’t entitle me to any free checked bags but now that I am a United Explorer card member, the United app is now showing me that I have one free checked bag on my upcoming trip plus one free for my companion. It looks like United airlines now gives you the free checked bag just for being an Explorer card member even if you did not use the card to purchase the tickets. Have their rules changed or is this a mistake because I don’t want to arrive at the airport with my bag since it says it’s now “paid for” only to be told that it’s a mistake since I didn’t pay with my Explorer card? Any insight or answers as to a possible policy change would be appreciated. Thanks.
Jarrod West
August 11, 2022
Hi Scarlet,
You must use your United Explorer card in order to receive the checked bag benefit. If your ticket through Priceline includes it then I would imagine it is because you are on an international ticket where 1 checked bag is already included, or the fare that you purchased included a checked bag.
Ellie
November 06, 2022
My parents booked a trip for my entire family through Chase Travel on American Airlines. I have the AAdvantage card and usually get a free checked bag. I asked if they would honor that even though I was not the primary reservation holder and if 4 of my family members would also get free checked bags. The associate said I wouldn’t or anyone in my party because it was booked through a third party and that I should contact Chase. I’m hoping he was either confused or didn’t know what he was talking about. Is this true? I didn’t find anywhere where it had to be booked on aa to receive the perk. My ticket is tied to my AAdvantage number and everything.
Katie Seemann
November 08, 2022
Hi Ellie,
I looked at the AAdvantage credit card terms and you are correct that it doesn’t indicate the ticket has to be booked through American. According to the terms you and up to 4 companions should each get a free checked bag as long as it’s a domestic flight on American/American Eagle, your AA number is on the reservation, and you’re all on the same reservation. Unless I am missing something, it sounds like the agent may have been confused or misinformed. I think you’ll be ok but you can always call back to talk to someone else just to check. Good luck and let us know how it turns out!
Monica
November 08, 2022
How do you link your SkyMiles account to another credit card like capital one?
Jarrod West
November 08, 2022
Hi Monica,
I’m not sure what you mean? Your Delta SkyMiles account is not able to be linked to your Capital One Miles account as they are not partners.
Monica
November 08, 2022
Sorry! I meant how can I pay with my venture card and have my bags for free. I am a skymiles member.
Thank you.
Jarrod West
November 09, 2022
Hi Monica,
Do you have elite status with Delta or a co-branded Delta credit card that offers free checked bags? If so you can purchase your flight with your Venture card so long as your SkyMiles number is attached to the reservation.
Dzb
February 11, 2023
Hi! You write above regarding the Alaska signature visa that you can only get free checked bag if you pay with that credit card. However you then write by the Alaska business card that “ Just like with the personal Alaska Signature card, you do not need to pay with the credit card to receive free checked bags.”
I have the personal card but I opened it at the time I was purchasing my tickets, so obviously I couldn’t use it to pay for the airfare.
Will I be able to show my card and get my free bag?
Thanks!
Katie Seemann
February 13, 2023
Hi,
This is a new rule that begins March 1, 2023, so I think you would still be eligible for free bags since you booked your flight already. Thanks for pointing this out. I updated the post so it’s clear now.
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