It’s not uncommon for flight attendants to make announcements while in the air touting special credit card offers that include enticing points or miles bonuses, companion ticket offers, or promises of perks like preferred airport parking or privileged access to events. Even though in-flight credit card promotions seem tempting, experts recommend researching the offers before filling out an application mid-flight. So, before you fill out an application while on your next flight, understand what’s at stake and how you can make sure you’re applying for the best credit card that matches your needs and financial goals.
Why are there in-flight credit card offers?
It’s no coincidence that airlines use this opportunity to solicit cardholders. “Airlines may offer in-flight credit card offers because they have a captive audience,” says Rod Griffin, senior director of consumer education and advocacy at Experian. “These offers allow airlines to directly engage with passengers during a time when they are likely thinking about travel.” And, when frequent flyers are in the crowd, they are more likely to find these offers valuable, he adds. These consumers are more likely to apply for credit cards on a plane.
What are the pros and cons of applying for a credit card while on a plane?
Some prospective credit card holders may not know about the benefits they may receive from credit cards, which can include points, miles and cash back. Learning about these benefits could be considered an advantage. When a credit card offer is announced on a flight, it may fit the needs of a consumer, especially if they frequently travel on a particular airline. But one should seek additional information before filling out an application as there are some downsides to applying for a credit card on a plane.
The timeline for opting for an in-flight credit card should be taken with caution. “Any time you’re applying for a credit card, it’s important to take the time to assess your financial situation and to ensure you understand the terms and conditions you’re applying for,” Griffin warns.
If you’re presented with an in-flight credit card offer, a smart approach, he says, is to pause and ask yourself if you’re applying out of impulse or if it’s a move you believe will have long-term benefits to your financial health.
Even though the miles, points and cash back benefits may sound valuable, it’s a good idea to consider how an added credit line could impact your overall credit footprint. Plus, the annual fee should be evaluated to see if the benefits you will receive offset that fee.
Is it worth applying for a credit card on a plane?
Whether or not the benefits are a fit for your credit bandwidth or your financial goals is a personal decision. What experts do say is that signing up for in-flight credit card offers could leave little time to understand the scope of the offer. “An in-flight setting may limit your ability to thoroughly read and understand the terms and conditions for which you are applying,” says Griffin. “Understanding the terms and conditions are essential to determining whether a credit card is the right fit for you.”
To help determine whether the offer presented by a particular airline is worthwhile, examine your own travel habits. Monica Eaton, CEO of Chargebacks911 says if you are an airline loyalist the perks of that card should be explored.
She says to consider these questions:
Do you always fly on the same airline, or do you tend to hop from one company to another?
Do you live in an area — or constantly fly into a city like Atlanta, Miami, Houston, Dallas, Minneapolis, San Francisco or Charlotte — that tends to be associated with one big airline that dominates the local competition?
Do you travel with lots of luggage that needs to be checked?
Do the credit card perks and benefits, including earning points or miles, offset the high annual fees that often accompany these offers?
Before you opt to impulsively sign up for credit card offers, realize what fits your needs best. “You want to be honest with yourself, because choosing the wrong card can cost you dearly,” she says. “Depending on your situation, an airline credit card could be a money-saving godsend — or it could be a colossal waste of your time and income.” Eaton also says that it’s not about picking the “right” credit card, it’s about choosing the right credit card for your personal lifestyle. “Nobody ‘needs’ a travel credit card. But for a lot of people, it’s a perfect fit. Makes life easier.”
➤ SEE MORE:Best airline credit cards
Why is researching credit cards before applying so important?
Griffin says this in-flight setting can create a sense of urgency, but taking a moment to pause can be one of the best ways to protect your financial health. When you research the offer in more depth you can make a more informed decision. The in-flight credit card application process generally requires you to fill out the application and provide your personal information. But you may have another way to apply at a later date. Griffin says in most cases, an airline will offer the opportunity to apply online later. A better approach is to ask for an application form, which should have a special offer code, that you can use later after you’ve had some time to weigh the benefits and potential drawbacks of the particular credit card offer.
How in-flight credit card offers impact your credit score
In-flight credit card offers themselves don’t directly impact your credit score. However, applying for a credit card, whether in-flight or elsewhere, triggers a hard inquiry, which can temporarily lower your score by a few points. Additionally, opening a new credit line will affect your credit utilization and average age of accounts, both of which factor into your score.
➤ SEE MORE:Why do credit checks hurt your credit score?
What to consider before applying for a credit card during a flight
Even though flight attendants may tout about such limited-time credit card offers on planes, understand it’s a sale pitch. Although promises of free travel, cash back and privileged perks are enticing, reduce the temptation to apply on a plane without some thought. Other alternatives allow you to compare credit cards and learn about the scope of benefits. According to Griffin, exploring different credit card options through a marketplace can be a convenient way to explore offers you are likely to qualify for and the various perks or rewards available from each card and provider. “This approach can help you save time and easily compare card offers from multiple providers at once,” he says. “More choice from a broader range of offers will benefit you as a consumer by ensuring the offer meets your specific needs.”
➤ SEE MORE:Best credit cards of April 2025
Are in-flight credit card offers better than online offers?
There’s no universal answer to this question as applying online is not necessarily a better option than taking advantage of in-flight offers, notes Griffin. “It depends on the individual and their unique financial and personal situation,” he says.
So, whether you want to apply in-flight, or look into the offer after at a later date, the best course of action is to ask yourself if the card provides the benefits and terms you need, and that you have a plan for managing that card responsibly and paying it as agreed, says Griffin.
