Ultimate Family Travel Essentials Guide

Secure a Smooth Adventure: Family Travel Essentials and the Perfect Credit Cards

Chase Sapphire Reserve-Your Ideal Travel Companion

Sign-up bonus of 60,000 Ultimate Rewards points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening

American Express Platinum– Your Ultimate Travel Companion

Sign up bonus of 80,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $8,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership

1. Membership Rewards Points: Earn Membership Rewards points on eligible purchases, which can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, merchandise, and more.

2. Airport Lounge Access: Access to several airport lounge networks, including The Centurion Lounge, Priority Pass Select, Delta Sky Club (when flying Delta), and more.

3. $200 Airline Fee Credit: Receive up to $200 in statement credits for incidental fees with one selected airline each calendar year (baggage fees, in-flight purchases, etc.).

4. Global Entry or TSA PreCheck Fee Credit: Receive a $100 statement credit for the application fee for Global Entry or $85 TSA PreCheck every 4 1/2 years.

5. Hotel Benefits: Enrollment in hotel loyalty programs such as Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors, offering elite status and benefits like room upgrades and late checkout.

6. Fine Hotels & Resorts: Access to and $200 annual hotel credit to the Fine Hotels & Resorts program, providing exclusive benefits and offers at luxury hotels worldwide.

7. Uber and Uber Eats Credits: Up to $200 in annual Uber credits, which can be used for rides and Uber Eats orders in the U.S.

8. Saks Fifth Avenue Credits: Up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases made at Saks Fifth Avenue (divided into two $50 semi-annual credits).

9. Digital Entertainment Credits: Up to $240 annual credits
10. Equinox credits: Up to $300 in annual Equinox credit on Equinox gym and Equinox+ app memberships

11. Global Dining Access: Benefits at participating restaurants worldwide, such as dining credits and reservations assistance.

12. Concierge Service: Access to a concierge service that can assist with travel, reservations, and more.

13. Travel Insurance: Various travel-related insurance coverages, including trip cancellation/interruption insurance, car rental loss and damage insurance, and more.

14. Centurion Hotel Collection: Access to the Centurion Hotel Collection, which offers complimentary benefits and amenities at select luxury hotels.

15. Platinum Card Travel Service: Specialized travel service to assist with travel planning and bookings.

16. Purchase Protection and Extended Warranty: Protection against accidental damage or theft and extended warranties on eligible purchases.

17. Amex Offers: Access to various discounts, offers, and promotions at select merchants. 

18. Global Lounge Collection: Access to a wide range of airport lounges around the world, including Centurion Lounges and international lounges.

19. ShopRunner Membership: Complimentary membership providing free two-day shipping and returns at select online retailers.

The lounge access is what makes these credit cards really valuable. They provide unlimited food and drinks, which is especially great when you have kids who always seem to be thirsty or hungry. If you’re concerned about the steep annual cost—which is a valid consideration—taking into account all of the benefits, you’ll realize that you end up paying a very small amount of the annual fee. 

I strongly suggest getting Global Entry. During the pandemic, I was the only one in my family who managed to get it, while the rest could only get TSA PreCheck. It significantly reduces time spent on lines and any complaining from the kids. This year, we’re aiming to get Global Entry since we’re traveling more frequently.