Our pick for a travel card: Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
15 months
Intro APR periods
American Airlines priority privileges expedite your passage through the American Airlines counter, security lanes and your gate. Just follow “Priority” signs throughout the airport. Priority boarding can be particularly useful, getting you on flights before general boarding groups. Normally this benefit costs $9 to $74, but you can get it at no cost through elite status, credit cards and more.
You can board your flight early if you:
Board your flight early with these American Airlines cobranded credit cards:
The highest levels of priority boarding are reserved for the AAdvantage elite tiers, for active duty US military personnel and for the highest fare class.
Next in line are owners of the American Airlines credit cards who haven’t earned elite status, and those who have bought priority privileges.
Flyers who need special assistance and families with children two years old or younger can ask to board early at the gate.
| Group | Boarding pass type |
|---|---|
| ConciergeKey℠ members | ConciergeKey℠ |
| Group 1 | First Active duty U.S. military with military I.D. (Business on a 2-class international plane) |
| Group 2 | Executive Platinum oneworld® Emerald℠ (Business on a 3-class plane) |
| Group 3 | Platinum Pro Platinum oneworld® Sapphire℠ |
| Group 4 | Gold oneworld® Ruby℠ AirPass Premium Economy Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive cardmembers Travelers who bought Priority boarding |
| Group 5 (Preferred boarding) | Main Cabin Extra (excluding Basic Economy) Eligible AAdvantage® credit cardmembers* Eligible corporate travelers** |
| Group 6 | Group 6 |
| Group 7 | Group 7 |
| Group 8 | Group 8 Basic Economy to / from Europe |
| Group 9 | Basic Economy within the U.S., Canada, Central America, Mexico & Caribbean |
Getting the top levels of priority boarding is reserved for the most frequent flyers, active military members and higher fare class. You can also board early by being an AAdvantage card member.
However, if you prefer other airlines, look for other travel cards that offer priority boarding and compare your options.
Pictures: GettyImages
Here are our picks for the top travel cards on the market.
Transfers are simple but expensive. Avoid them when possible.
See our top picks for cards to use while traveling abroad.
There are several methods to avoid checked baggage fees.
There are a few ways to get free checked bags on a JetBlue flight.
Get checked baggage fees waived with certain credit cards, elite status or premium fare classes.
Board your plane early to get your preferred seat.
Here’s everything you need to know about using a credit card in Barbados. How much it may cost you, and holiday spending tricks. We help you do your homework before you travel.
The use of credit and debit cards is very common in Iceland. Here’s what you need to know about card usage, fees, and cash alternatives on your next trip.
