Sign up and save: Get free parking, dining and other perks with airport rewards programs
I've flown in and out of Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) for over a decade now.
Every time I stepped into the parking garage elevator, I would see a sign for the SDF Rewards Frequent Parker Program, and every time I stepped out, I promptly forgot about it.
The signs were everywhere, and I eventually realized I was likely missing out by ignoring them — it took five minutes to sign up for the SDF Rewards program. A few days later, I received a transponder that monitors how frequently I park at the airport. After six trips, I earned enough points to park for free during a weekend trip to New York.
Related: Don’t miss out: Get perks just for signing up with these loyalty programs
I am signed up for several free loyalty programs, from McDonald's to Marriott. If I'm being honest, I get just as excited to earn a free Diet Coke as a free hotel night. So why not add free airport parking to the mix?
However, SDF isn't the only airport with a loyalty rewards program; several airports worldwide offer programs where you can earn free parking, meals, lounge access and other rewards. The programs are free to join, so sign up and start earning today.
What are airport loyalty rewards programs?
Much like hotel loyalty and frequent flyer programs, airport loyalty programs reward frequent customers. The more often you visit a participating airport, the more rewards you can potentially earn. It's a win-win situation for both airports and travelers: The programs encourage patrons to spend more time and money in airports, and travelers have the opportunity to rack up freebies and discounts.
Several major and regional airports participate in these free frequent traveler programs, and you aren't limited to solely signing up for your home airport's program — If you regularly transit through any other airports, consider signing up for their loyalty programs as well.
What can you earn with airport loyalty rewards programs?
Airport loyalty programs reward travelers with points based on how much money they spend on things such as parking, food and merchandise. You can then use those points on things like:
- Free parking
- Gift cards
- Cash back
- Airline miles
- Lounge access
Keep in mind that each airport loyalty program works differently, though; some get pretty creative with their rewards.
For example, the Fly Lafayette Club at Lafayette Regional Airport (LFT) in Louisiana rewards members by entering them into monthly giveaways. Each time you visit the airport and swipe your driver's license or membership card at a designated kiosk, you are automatically entered to win monthly prizes such as meals, merchandise, gift certificates and more.
The GNV Ultimate Road Warrior Club at Georgia's Gainesville Regional Airport (GNV) also gives out monthly rewards, which are donated by local businesses such as museums and restaurants. However, once a month, it rewards the passenger who took the most round trips through GNV with a special grand prize. Whether or not you win, all Road Warrior members get private airport lounge access.
Our favorite airport loyalty rewards programs
This isn't an exhaustive list of airport loyalty rewards programs. Rather, we sought to highlight programs located at some of the busiest airports in the world or ones that are exceptionally lucrative. Next time you fly, do a quick search to see if any of the airports you'll be passing through have a frequent flyer program and sign up before your trip.
- Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) Frequent Parker Program: Earn points toward free parking and get access to dedicated airport parking entry and exit lanes.
- Harrisburg International Airport (MDT) Susquehanna Club: Travelers age 21 and above who fly at least 25,000 miles per year on an airline serving MDT can join the Susquehanna Club airport lounge.
- Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) Parking Rewards: Sign up online and prebook parking to earn reward points. You earn one day of free parking for every 10 days of paid parking.
- Greater Binghamton Airport (BGM) Business Travelers Rewards Program: This program has three tier levels, each based on how often you park at the airport. You can earn perks like free parking and gift cards to use at airport restaurants.
- Indianapolis International Airport (IND) parkIND Plus Program: Members earn points toward free parking every time they park at the airport.
- Heathrow Airport (LHR) Heathrow Rewards: Members earn points by spending money at participating airport retailers, bars, restaurants, hotel partners, lounges, prebooked parking facilities and more. Points can be used for discounts on shopping and parking or transferred to select airlines.
- Paris Aeroport's Extime Rewards: This loyalty program is valid at both Paris-Orly Airport (ORY) and Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG). After signing up, you can receive discounts on airport services like parking and luggage wrapping. You can also earn points at participating airport retailers or when prebooking parking. Points can be redeemed for parking or at select retailers.
- Thanks Again Rewards: More than 100 airports, including Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and Miami International Airport (MIA), partner with Thanks Again to provide frequent travelers with rewards. When you register, you can link your debit and/or credit cards to your account and earn points when you use your linked cards to shop, dine and park at participating airports. You can redeem your accrued points for gift cards, cash back or Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan miles.
The best credit cards for airport perks
With most airport loyalty programs, you have to spend money to earn rewards. You might as well put those costs on a credit card that can improve your airport experience even more. Here are a few of the best credit cards for perks like lounge access and airport dining:
The following cards are some of our favorite cards for airport lounge access:
- Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: This card provides access to more than 1,300 lounges, including Capital One Lounges and Priority Pass™ lounges (enrollment required).
- The Business Platinum Card® from American Express: With the American Express Global Lounge Collection, cardholders can access over 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries, including Centurion lounges, Delta Sky Club lounges (limited to 10 annual visits) and Priority Pass Select lounges. Enrollment is required. Access is limited to eligible card members.
- The Platinum Card® from American Express: With the American Express Global Lounge Collection, cardholders can access over 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries, including Centurion lounges, Delta Sky Club lounges (limited to 10 annual visits) and Priority Pass Select lounges. Enrollment is required. Access is limited to eligible card members.
- Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees): After an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass Select, you can access more than 1,300 airport lounges worldwide.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card: 15 free annual visits to the Delta Sky Club lounges when you are traveling on a Delta flight with unlimited annual visits after spending $75,000 in a year.
The following cards offer a free meal for you and a guest ($28-$30 value per person) at participating Priority Pass restaurants at more than 20 airports.
- Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite*
- Citi Prestige® Card*
- J.P. Morgan Reserve Card* (the restaurant portion of this perk ends June 30)
- The Ritz-Carlton™ Credit Card* (the restaurant portion of this perk ends June 30)
- UBS Visa Infinite Card*
*The information for the Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite, Citi Prestige, J.P. Morgan Reserve, Ritz-Carlton and UBS Visa Infinite cards has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
The Citi Prestige card is not taking new applicants, and you can't apply for the Ritz-Carlton card, though you can obtain it if you have another Marriott credit card from Chase.
Bottom line
Airport loyalty rewards programs aren't the most lucrative programs out there, but you have nothing to lose by signing up for a free membership. If you spend money on things like airport parking and dining, these programs can help you earn valuable rewards that you can use toward future trips.
Related reading:
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.