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Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
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Sign up and save: Get free parking, dining and other perks with airport rewards programs
As a senior writer for TPG, Tarah Chieffi helps readers travel better, more often and within their budget.
May 24, 2024 • 8 min read
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don't cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
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Quick summary
Airport loyalty rewards programs allow travelers to earn points for spending at participating airports, which can be redeemed for perks like free parking, gift cards, lounge access and more.
These programs are generally free to join and are available at both major and regional airports worldwide.
Rewards and eligibility vary by airport, with some offering creative incentives such as monthly giveaways or tiered benefits based on usage.
Travelers can maximize value by enrolling in programs at multiple airports they frequent.
What to consider
Each airport's program operates differently, so reward structures, eligible purchases and redemption options may vary.
Some programs require frequent visits or minimum spend to unlock higher-value rewards or exclusive perks.
Offers mentioned in the article may no longer be available.
What you'll miss from the article
A detailed comparison of specific airport loyalty programs and tips for identifying the best options for your travel patterns.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.
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.
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?
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY
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?
Denver International Airport. ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY
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
Boston Logan International Airport. DAVID SLOTNICK/THE POINTS GUY
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.
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.
Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport gift shop. LOUISVILLE MUHAMMAD ALI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
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 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.
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.
By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
