How Your Credit Card Can Help You Navigate Bumps in Your Travel Plans

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Traveling isn't always a breeze. Flight delays, flat tires on rental cars, and other travel mishaps can be a source of stress and frustration. As you figure out how to get back on track, your credit card may be a valuable resource. With the right card, you can access benefits like travel insurance, trip delay coverage, and more. Here are a few ways your credit card can help you handle travel complications with ease.

Wait out delays in the airport lounge.

Delays are often unavoidable but having a credit card with airport lounge access can make a huge difference in your wait. Not only will you have a peaceful place to wait out the delay, but you'll also have access to amenities like hot food, bigger bathrooms, showers, and office space. Waiting isn't ideal but spending that time in the airport lounge makes it more comfortable.

Get reimbursed for delay or cancellation expenses.

Trip delay and cancellation protection can help cover the cost of changes to your trip. You may be able to get reimbursed for your food and hotel stay. Before coverage kicks in, your trip must be delayed by 6 or 12 hours, or overnight, depending on your credit card.

Getting sick or injured on vacation isn't uncommon. If you have to cut your trip short, your credit card can cover the expense of traveling back home and cover any prepaid travel expenses.

Finally, if your baggage is delayed and you have to buy new clothes or toiletries, your credit card will reimburse up to a certain amount per day.

Use roadside assistance for rental car issues.

If you have a flat tire, need a jump, run out of gas, or lock yourself out of a rental car, your credit card's roadside assistance can help get you back on the road again. Some credit cards do charge a flat fee for each service, but it saves you the hassle of finding the best company to help you.

Use a concierge to navigate your changing plans.

You can take advantage of your credit card's concierge feature to rebook your flight, find a hotel, make restaurant reservations, or find things to do in the city while you're delayed. You're still responsible for any costs that aren't covered under trip insurance coverage, but it is helpful to have someone dedicated to helping you.

Replace your missing or damaged cell phone.

Not having access to your cell phone can put a huge damper on your trip. If you rely on your phone's wallet for payments or keeping up with your flight tickets, replacing it is urgent. Several credit cards offer cell phone insurance which will cover the cost of replacing or repairing your phone, up to a certain amount, as long as you have paid your cell phone bill with your credit card.

The Bottom Line

Hopefully, your travel complications are few and far between. As you're making your next travel plans, use a credit card that offers travel protections like trip delay and interruption insurance. Note that many of these perks tend to be tied to the best credit cards, offered to people with the best credit– yet another benefit to raising your FICO Score. Hopefully, your travel complications are few and far between, but it's reassuring to know your credit card can provide some assistance when you need it.

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LaToya Irby

LaToya Irby is a financial writer with over 14 years of experience. She's been quoted and published as a credit expert in several major publications including USA Today, U.S. News and World Report, TheBalance.com, and The Chicago Tribune.