Which US Airline Cards Give You Automatic Upgrades?

One of the perks of being an airline credit cardholder is complimentary upgrades! Airline credit cards enhance the travel experience by offering benefits and rewards to passengers. Each airline has specific benefits, so travelers should consider which card is most beneficial.

Depending on which airline you fly most, select a credit card that best suits your travel habits and preferences. Maximize the value of your card by accumulating miles for free flights, upgrades, and priority boarding.

Complimentary upgrades

Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines offer complimentary upgrades to their credit cardholders.

Delta Air Lines

Delta Air Lines offers complimentary upgrades to its Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express and Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express cardholders. Cardholders are added to both the Delta Comfort Plus and first class cabins upgrade lists, and cardholders do not need medallion status to be upgraded.

Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express

Delta SkyMiles Reserve

American Express cardholders with an eligible ticket are added to the complimentary upgrade lists after Delta SkyMiles Medallion members.

Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express

Delta SkyMiles Platinum

American Express cardholders with an eligible ticket are added to the complimentary upgrade lists after Delta SkyMiles Medallion members and Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express cardholders.

Delta Air Lines’ first class

Delta’s first class offers superior amenities and service. Passengers can enjoy wide, spacious seats, Sky Priority service, and a comfortable travel experience.

On flights between 900 and 2,299 miles, passengers can enjoy a chef-curated breakfast, lunch, or dinner and a selection of snacks. For flights over 2,300 miles, passengers have fresh meal service 24 hours a day and a selection of snacks. For flights under 900 miles, passengers enjoy a selection of premium snacks and beverages.

Delta Comfort Plus

Delta Comfort+ passengers have extra legroom, earlier boarding and deplaning, and dedicated overhead bin space just for your items, in addition to the benefits of the main cabin. Stretch out in Delta Comfort Plus and enjoy the premium snacks on routes over 900 miles when meal service is unavailable. Plus, on flights over 251 miles, Starbucks coffee, beer, wine, and spirits are available on flights over 500 miles.

Southwest Airlines

Southwest’s Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card gives cardholders four upgraded yearly boardings when available.

Photo: Chase

Upgraded boarding lets passengers upgrade their boarding position to A1-A15, to be the first to board the aircraft, pick their preferred available seat, and access the overhead bin space.

United Airlines

United Airlines MileagePlus Premier passengers holding a United Explorer, United Quest, or United Club Infinite card and traveling on an award ticket are eligible for complimentary premier upgrades on United and United Express-operated flights. The primary cardholder and one companion traveling on the same reservation are eligible.

United first

Passengers flying United First can enjoy premium seats, allowing them to work or relax comfortably during their flight. Free snacks are available on every United flight over 300 miles. Customers flying United First get free food options and alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks.

Photo: United Airlines

Upgrading with airline credit cards’ welcome bonus miles

Although not all airline credit cards offer complimentary upgrades, many give substantial welcome mile bonuses. These bonuses can be used to upgrade flights or purchase first-class trip tickets. Each airline and flight may need varying miles to purchase tickets or upgrades.

Alaska Airlines

Sign up for the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature card and earn 50,000 bonus miles after making qualifying purchases with the card. Receive a $0 companion fare and plenty of exclusive benefits with an annual fee of $95.

Photo: Alaska Airlines

American Airlines

American Airlines offers multiple Citi/AAdvantage credit cards. Each card provides a welcome bonus. Depending on which card is chosen, passengers can earn up to 75,000 American Airlines AAdvantage bonus miles. The American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Mastercard is the best option for passengers wanting no annual fee.

Breeze Airways

With Breeze Airways’ Breeze Easy Visa credit card, passengers can earn 30,000 bonus BreezePoints, a $300 value, after spending $2,000 on purchases within the first 90 days. The annual fee is $89.

Photo: Breeze

Hawaiian Airlines

Earn 70,000 bonus HawaiianMiles after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first 90 days after opening a Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard. It’s one of the fastest ways to collect HawaiianMiles, with no limit on the total miles you can earn. The annual fee is $99.

Photo: Hawaiian Airlines

JetBlue

Earn TrueBlue points and tiles faster with a JetBlue credit card. Every dollar you spend on eligible travel, dining, groceries, and everyday purchases gets you closer to award travel and Mosaic status.