Credit Card Travel Perks Worth Using This Thanksgiving
Use card perks for free bags, faster screening, lounge rest, and delay help before Thanksgiving flights.
The travel perks worth using this Thanksgiving are a free checked bag, a security-program fee credit, lounge access, and trip-delay reimbursement. They lower airport costs and ease long waits when you enroll in advance and pay with the enrolled card. Many benefits require enrollment, a single selected airline, or purchase with that card.
Check your card account now, before holiday bookings and lines peak.
Verification note: Program terms and availability can change. This page was checked against linked sources on November 03, 2026.
Skip the bag fee on your holiday flight
Basic holders of Delta SkyMiles Gold, Platinum or Reserve Amex cards receive a first standard checked bag free on Delta flights. Delta Air Lines states the waiver generally covers up to eight companions on the same reservation, as described in Delta's baggage allowance. The free allowance applies to standard bags only.
Overweight or oversize charges still apply, so weigh cold-weather luggage before you leave.
- Book everyone on the same reservation
- Pay for tickets with the eligible card
- Check weight and size limits before packing
Get through security faster
American Express notes that Amex Platinum reimburses a $120 Global Entry application fee every four years or up to $85 for five-year TSA PreCheck, according to American Express on Global Entry reimbursement. Approved Global Entry also confers TSA PreCheck. Apply early, since approval takes time around the holidays.
The credit repeats on its multi-year cycle, not every trip.
Find a calmer place to wait
Capital One states that Venture X primary cardholders receive complimentary Capital One Lounge and Landing access plus more than 1,300 Priority Pass lounges worldwide after enrollment, as explained in Capital One on Venture X benefits. Enroll the card before Thanksgiving week. Free guest and authorized-user access ended Feb.
1, 2026 unless spending thresholds are met. Confirm guest rules for your airport before you bring family.
What if your return flight is delayed?
Chase explains that Sapphire Reserve trip-delay reimbursement pays up to $500 per eligible person for meals, lodging and necessities after a covered six-hour or overnight delay, as described in Chase on trip-delay insurance. Sapphire Preferred requires a 12-hour delay. Use the eligible card to pay for the trip.
Keep itemized receipts for food, a hotel room, and toiletries, then file promptly after you arrive.