US Airways and Delta Decrease Baggage Allowance for Silver Elites
Low level elites have seen a lot of their benefits trimmed back this year - starting with United's watering down of their Premier Silver program which included only allowing premium seat selection at check-in and decreasing the amount of free checked bags to one.
Delta and US Airways have both also revised their baggage allowance for their 25,000-mile-a-year Silver elites to one bag of 70 pounds or less. American is the lone holdout, giving their Gold elites two free checked bags and I don't anticipate them changing that rule as they try to ride out their bankruptcy without angering too many of their frequent flyers.
I rarely check bags, but this elite perk can save you a ton of money if you do - especially if you travel with multiple family members. Of course, if free bags are most important to you, flying Southwest might make the most sense, because they allow two free checked bags for all passengers.
[card card-name='Gold Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card from American Express' card-id='22034414' type='javascript' bullet-id='1']
TPG featured card
at Capital One's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 5X miles | Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel |
| 2X miles | Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day |
Pros
- Stellar welcome offer of 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, a $250 Capital One Travel credit to use in your first cardholder year upon account opening.
- You'll earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, which means you won't have to worry about memorizing bonus categories
- Rewards are versatile and can be redeemed for a statement credit or transferred to Capital One’s transfer partners
Cons
- Highest bonus-earning categories only on travel booked via Capital One Travel
- LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening - that’s equal to $1,000 in travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
- Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
- Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
- Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Top rated mobile app