Questions and Answers

Lucky,

Long time reader, first time participant. I’m based out of the San Francisco bay area. I need to readjust my credit card strategy given changing travel needs. I do monthly flights to Southern California for which I almost exclusively use Southwest – I also have their branded credit card. However, starting in June I’ll be doing monthly, or bi-monthly, flights to JFK, departing from either the Bay area or LAX. I’m trying to decide whether to join a loyalty program or fly whatever is cheapest given the competition on the SFO/LAX to JFK routes. I’m also trying to consider whether getting the Amex Platinum Card is a worthwhile investment for me given its perks, and the fact that I still don’t have, but want to get, TSA Pre Check. Any thoughts on how to approach this? Much appreciated.

-Eric B.

@ Eric B. — I’d say the Platinum Card could definitely be worth it, given the Pre-Check benefit, airline fee credit, and potential lounge access. As far as airlines go, it all depends what you’re looking for. I’d definitely rack up miles, but loyalty might not make sense. Have you done a sample search of fares over dates you’ll be flying to see if in general airlines are comparably priced? It’s not worth paying a huge premium to be loyal to one airline, in my opinion.