Best Credit Card Flight Promotions and Discounts 2024

Planning an overseas trip for the June holidays? Or already hunting for deals for your year-end escape? We’ve got you covered. Here are all the best credit card flight promotions and discounts to help you save more on your travel budget. 

Best of all, most of the following offers are valid for travel periods well into 2025, so don’t miss this opportunity to grab some early savings for future holidays! 

Ticketing period: till 31 Dec 2024

Travel period: till 31 Dec 2025 (for Citi cards)

China Airlines is giving Citi and DBS cardholders 6% off published fares from now till 31 Dec. Bookings made with Citi credit cards are valid for travel periods up till 31 Dec 2025; there is no limit on travel period for bookings made with DBS credit cards. 

Make your bookings at the following sites to access this deal:

Ticketing period: till 31 Oct 2024

Travel period: till 30 Nov 2024

If you have an OCBC credit card, you can enjoy up to 10% off selected airfares on Emirates. This offer is valid for bookings up to 31 Oct and travel up till 30 Nov, so you’ll need to make your booking soon if you intend to take advantage of this deal.

Here are the booking sites and promo codes to use:

Ticketing period: till 31 Dec 2024

Travel period: till 31 Dec 2025

Taiwanese national carrier EVA Air is offering 5% off flights when you book with credit cards from Amex, Ciit, DBS/POSB, Maybank, HSBC, OCBC, Standard Chartered or UOB. 

The discount is applied automatically at checkout, and is valid for flights in Asia, Europe and North America. This deal applies for all flights booked till 31 Dec 2024, with travel periods up to 31 Dec 2025.

Ticketing period: till 30 Sep 2024

Travel period: till 31 Mar 2025

Japan Airlines is offering up to 8% discount for DBS and OCBC customers with Visa credit cards. Specifically, holders of Visa Signature cards can enjoy 5% off air fares, while holders of Visa Infinite cards can enjoy 8% savings. 

This promo is valid for bookings up till 30 Sep, and travel periods up till 31 Mar 2025. 

Ticketing period: till 31 Dec 2024

Travel period: till 31 Dec 2025

If you’re flying from Singapore to Australia, New Zealand or London, Qantas Airways is offering 10% off all base fares when you book with Amex, DBS, OCBC or UOB credit cards. 

This promo is valid for bookings till 31 Dec 2024, and for travel up till 31 Dec 2025.

To enjoy this discount, you’ll need to book at the dedicated booking portal for your credit card, and enter the relevant codes during checkout, as follows:

Booking period: till 30 Sep 2024

Travel period: till 31 Dec 2024

Save up to 10% when you book Qatar Airways flights from now till 30 Sep 2024, with travel period up till 31 Dec 2024. 

To enjoy this offer, use the following booking sites and promo codes with any credit card from Amex, DBS, HSBC or UOB.

Promotion period: Every Friday till 27 Sep 2024

Every Friday, enjoy 50% off a pair of economy class air tickets when you book with any Citi Mastercard credit cards. Savings capped at S$200 per redemption. 

This promo is available only through Trip.com, and only limited redemptions are available every Friday. Visit the promo page from 12 noon on Fridays to view the promo code, make your booking and claim your discount. Fastest fingers first!

Purchases of flight tickets and airlines code under a couple of different MCCs. However, for the flight promotions covered here, MCC does not matter; you’ll be able to get the discount as long as you use an eligible credit card from the relevant issuer, and the offer has not been fully redeemed. 

MCC for airlines and plane tickets

Many credit cards offer complimentary travel insurance that provide some basic coverage for essential needs such as personal accident, overseas medical expenses and repatriation. Cover is automatically provided when the entire trip is charged to an eligible credit card. You will also be provided with a 24-hour emergency helpline you can dial when needed. 

Credit card travel insurance plans vary widely in scope and level of coverage, with some covering only the principal cardholder, while others may include immediate family members who are travelling together. 

It is best to find out exactly what’s provided in your credit card travel insurance policy so you can gauge whether it is sufficient for you and/or your family. Should you require more thorough travel coverage, you can always purchase another travel plan and enjoy coverage from both plans. 

Note that you may be unable to receive payouts from both policies for some claims, such as lost or damaged items, or plane ticket refunds. However, death claims and personal accident claims will likely be paid out by all valid policies. 

Travel credit cards commonly provide complimentary airport lounge access that you can make use of when you fly. Instead of waiting for your flight in the departure hall, you can proceed to an airport lounge to enjoy the facilities there for free. 

These include drinks, snacks and refreshments, comfortable seating, Internet access, charging stations, and magazines and newspapers. More sophisticated lounges also offer shower facilities and sleep pods for tired travellers to refresh and recharge themselves. 

Premium credit cards catering to high income earners may also provide complimentary limousine airport transfer services, helping you to get to the airport, or to your hotel, in comfort and style. 

1. Is it better to use a credit card for flights?

Booking a flight with a credit card offers benefits over paying with cash. For one, you can earn credit card rewards (air miles, points or cashback) as long as your issuer regards the purchase as an eligible transaction. 

Also, several credit cards offer complimentary travel insurance when you charge your flight. This provides you with some basic coverage and benefits in case you encounter any mishaps during your trip. 

2. How can I fly free by using a credit card?

If you have a credit card that lets you earn air miles, or reward points that can be redeemed for air miles, you can eventually fly free. 

To do so, you’ll need to spend on your credit card to accumulate air miles or reward points, then when you have a sufficient amount, redeem them for a flight via the relevant frequent flyer programme, such as KrisFlyer. 

3. Is it a good idea to get a credit card for travelling?

If you’re an avid traveller, getting a travel credit card can be a good way to help you save on air tickets and enjoy travel freebies such as airport lounge access and travel insurance. 

Additionally, credit cards are a safer and more convenient option for travel compared to cash, and you can earn more air miles or reward points when spending overseas. Credit cards are generally widely accepted, but you should always still bring a small amount of cash as a backup.