airplane travel travel flight quotes

50 Best Flying Quotes, Phrases And Sayings That Take Flight

Flying feels like freedom, away from the city’s daily hustle and bustle, almost as calm as meditation with a hint of a dopamine rush.

Ever since Wilbur Wright and Oliver Wright invented the airplane, the human imagination acquired wings and now knows no limit. Air travel is the safest way to travel and savvy travelers always favor air travel because it’s faster and less accident prone than other travel methods, thanks to experienced pilots.

Human eyes have always looked towards skies with passion. Humans always wanted wings but as humans do not have them, then we consider airplanes as our wings.

Air crashes, flights, wings are all such words that everyone pays attention to. To bring back all fun memories associated with flying, we’ve listed 50 best flying quotes, phrases, and sayings that take flight, down below, for all my fellow aerophiles out there.

If you like this article, make sure to check out our fly high quotes and sky quotes once you’re done with these.

Fascinating Quotes About Flying

There is one rule to flying, never give up. Inspirational flying quotes offer wings to people when they are down and out. Here is a list of some truly incredible airplane quotes and travel quotes for that extra motivation that you will love to show off.

1. “Sometimes you have to go up really high to understand how small you are.”

— Felix Baumgartner.

2. “Once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return.”

- Leonardo Da Vinci.

3. “The moment you doubt whether you can fly, you cease forever to be able to do it.”

- J. M. Barrie, ‘Peter Pan.’

4. "Same with anyone who's been flying for years and loves it still...we're part of a world we deeply love."

- Richard Bach.

5. “Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die, life is a broken-winged bird that cannot fly.”

- Langston Hughes .

6. “We are each of us angels with only one wing, and we can only fly by embracing one another.”

- Luciano De Crescenzo.

7. “Feet, what do I need you for when I have wings to fly?”

- Frida Kahlo.

8. “There’s a lot of us out here that are birds, man. We all need to just fly.”

- Travis Scott.

9. “Man must rise above the Earth—to the top of the atmosphere and beyond—for only thus will he fully understand the world in which he lives.”

- Socrates.

10. "Do the impossible, because almost everyone has told me my ideas are merely fantasies."

- Howard Hughes.

11. “I fly because it releases my mind from the tyranny of petty things.”

- Antoine De Saint-Exupéry.

12. “The desire to fly is an idea handed down to us by our ancestors who, in their grueling travels across trackless lands in prehistoric times, looked enviously on the birds soaring freely through space, at full speed , above all obstacles, on the infinite highway of the air.”

- Wilbur Wright.

13. “He who would learn to fly one day must first learn to stand and walk and run and climb and dance; one cannot fly into flying.”

- Friedrich Nietzsche.

14. "It has been my observation that the happiest of people, the vibrant doers of the world, are almost always those who are using - who are putting into play, calling upon, depending upon-the greatest number of their God-given talents and capabilities."

- John Glenn.

15. “Just as musicians feel about scores and melodies, dancers about the steps and flow of music, so we're one with the principle of flight, the magic of being aloft in the wind!"

Incredible Quotes About Traveling And Aviation

Whether it be quotes about birds flying or flying monkeys quotes, no one stops imagining flying. Read on for some truly incredible flying quotes and aviation quotes to motivate people to go for the best experience in life.

16. “Flying is hypnotic and all pilots are willing victims to the spell.”

- Ernest K Gann.

17. “The way I see it, you can either work for a living or you can fly airplanes. Me, I'd rather fly.”

- Len Morgan.

18. “If you can walk away from a landing, it’s a good landing. If you can use the aircraft the next day, it’s an outstanding landing.”

- Chuck Yeager.

19. “A pilot who says he has never been frightened in an airplane is, I’m afraid, lying.”

- Louise Thaden.

20. “The pilot who teaches himself has a fool for a student.”

- Unknown*.

21. "Great pilots are made not born...a man may possess good eyesight, sensitive hands, and perfect coordination, but the end result is only fashioned by steady coaching, much practice, and experience."

- Johnnie Johnson.

22. “Flying may not be all plain sailing, but the fun of it is worth the price.”

- Amelia Earhart.

23. “I think it is a pity to lose the romantic side of flying and simply to accept it as a common means of transport, although that end is what we have all ostensibly been striving to attain.”

- Amy Johnson.

24. “Flying is hours and hours of boredom sprinkled with a few seconds of sheer terror.”

- Gregory “Pappy” Boyington.

25. “Man must rise above the Earth—to the top of the atmosphere and beyond—for only thus will he fully understand the world in which he lives.”

26. “Learning to fly an airplane taught me a way of thinking, an approach to problem-solving that was applicable and effective. Pilots are very methodical and meticulous, and artists tend not to be.”

- Chris Carter.

27. “Every takeoff is optional. Every landing is mandatory.”

28. “Both optimists and pessimists contribute to our society. The optimist invents the airplane and the pessimist the parachute.”

- Gil Stern.

29. “My soul is in the sky.”

- William Shakespeare.

30. “Within all of us is a varying amount of space lint and star dust, the residue from our creation . Most are too busy to notice it, and it is stronger in some than others.”

31. "Once you have learned to fly your plane, it is far less fatiguing to fly than it is to drive a car.

You don't have to watch every second for cats, dogs, children, lights, road signs, ladies with baby carriages and citizens who drive out in the middle of the block against the lights...Nobody who has not been up in the sky on a glorious morning can possibly imagine the way a pilot feels in free heaven."

- William T. Piper.

32. “Whenever I dream about flying, it’s the best feeling in the world.”

33. “The air up there in the clouds is very pure and fine, bracing and delicious. And why shouldn’t it be? – it is the same the angels breathe.”

-  Mark Twain. ‘Roughing It, Chapter XXII, 1886.’

34. “You wanna fly, you got to give up the...[stuff] that weighs you down.”

- Toni Morrison.

35. “Man must rise above the Earth – to the top of the atmosphere and beyond – for only thus will he fully understand the world in which he lives.”

- Socrates, ‘From Plato’s Dialogue.’

Sayings And Phrases On Flying

No matter how enchanting sailing ships are, skies have always captured human imagination in history. Read on for some inspiring quotes in the incredible mode of transportation, flying.

36. “Flying is learning how to throw yourself at the ground and miss.”

- Douglas Adams.

37. “If I could be a bird, I’d be a Flying Purple People Eater because then people would sing about me and I could fly down and eat them because I hate that song.”

- Jack Handey.

38. “You know the oxygen masks on airplanes? I don’t think there’s really any oxygen. I think they’re just to muffle the screams.”

- Rita Rudner.

39. “I put my phone in airplane mode, but it’s not flying!”

40. “I fly because it releases my mind from the tyranny of petty things.”

41. “You haven’t seen a tree until you’ve seen its shadow from the sky.”

42. “How strange is this combination of proximity and separation.  That ground - seconds away - thousands of miles away.”

-  Charles A. Lindbergh.

43. “There is an art, or rather a knack to flying.  The knack lies in learning how to throw yourself at the ground and miss.”

- Douglas Adams, ‘ Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Galaxy .’

44. “It is only when you are flying above it that you realize how incredible the earth really is.”

- Philippe Perrin.

45. “Unlike the boundaries of the sea by the shorelines, the ocean of air laps at the border of every state, city, town and home throughout the world.”

- Welch Pogue.

46. “When everything seems to be against you, remember that an airplane takes-off against the wind, not with it.”

- Henry Ford.

47. “Aviation is proof that given the will, we have capacity to achieve the impossible.”

- Edward Vernon Rickenbacker.

48. “I feel sad for those who’re afraid of flying. They're missing out!”

49. “Flying feels like freedom.”

50. “The engine is the heart of an airplane, but the pilot is its soul.”

- Walter Raleigh.

*Do you know where this quote originates? We'd love to hear from you at [email protected]

Here at Kidadl , we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly quotes for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for [Flying Quotes] , then why not take a look at [aviation quotes], or [ bird quotes ].

We Want Your Photos!

More for you, 32 thought-provoking please quotes, 70+ bumblebee quotes, 60 family travel quotes.

Bachelor of Commerce, Master of Business Administration specializing in Marketing

Supriya Jain Bachelor of Commerce, Master of Business Administration specializing in Marketing

As a skilled member of the Kidadl team, Shruti brings extensive experience and expertise in professional content writing. With a Bachelor's degree in Commerce from Punjab University and an MBA in Business Administration from IMT Nagpur, Shruti has worked in diverse roles such as sales intern, content writer, executive trainee, and business development consultant. Her exceptional writing skills cover a wide range of areas, including SOP, SEO, B2B/B2C, and academic content.

1) Kidadl is independent and to make our service free to you the reader we are supported by advertising. We hope you love our recommendations for products and services! What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. If you purchase using the Buy Now button we may earn a small commission. This does not influence our choices. Prices are correct and items are available at the time the article was published but we cannot guarantee that on the time of reading. Please note that Kidadl is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. We also link to other websites, but are not responsible for their content.

2) At Kidadl, we strive to recommend the very best activities and events. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability. Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.

3) Because we are an educational resource, we have quotes and facts about a range of historical and modern figures. We do not endorse the actions of or rhetoric of all the people included in these collections, but we think they are important for growing minds to learn about under the guidance of parents or guardians.

google form TBD

The 108 Best Aviation Quotes to Inspire, Thrill, Motivate, and Tickle Your Funny Bone

Zachary Franklin | August 2, 2023

Here’s 108 of the best aviation quotes ever! Consider this list the 100 best aviation quotes of all time - with 8 freebies thrown in because you've been on your best behavior. So, if you've ever experienced the sky on a glorious morning, or if you're exploring the possibility of an aviation career, these quotes still offer plenty of wisdom, inspiration, and giggles, too. Check this massive list out - it's sure to inspire anyone who's been flying and felt the lure of the sky. 

Inspirational Quotes About Dreams of Flight

It's easy to imagine the way a pilot feels as he traverses the bright blue sky. Talk about limitless possibilities. Check out these inspirational aviation quotes from pilots, aviation enthusiasts, and would-be aviators as they explore how a pilot feels in free heaven.

“When once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return.” – Leonardo DaVinci

“The desire to fly is an idea handed down to us by our ancestors who, in their grueling travels across trackless lands in prehistoric times, looked enviously on the birds soaring freely through space, at full speed, above all obstacles, on the infinite highway of the air.” – Wilbur Wright

“Sometimes, flying feels too God-like to be attained by man. Sometimes, the world from above seems too beautiful, too wonderful, too distant for human eyes to see.” – Charles A. Lindbergh

“Man must rise above the Earth—to the top of the atmosphere and beyond—for only thus will he fully understand the world in which he lives.” – Socrates

“Within all of us is a varying amount of space lint and star dust, the residue from our creation. Most are too busy to notice it, and it is stronger in some than others. It is strongest in those of us who fly and is responsible for an unconscious, subtle desire to slip into some wings and try for the elusive boundaries of our origin.” – K.O. Eckland

“I fly because it releases my mind from the tyranny of petty things.” – Antoine de Saint-Exupery

“Learning to fly an airplane taught me a way of thinking, an approach to problem-solving that was applicable and effective. Pilots are very methodical and meticulous, and artists tend not to be.” – Chris Carter

“Pilots are a rare kind of human. They leave the ordinary surface of the word, to purify their soul in the sky, and they come down to earth, only after receiving the communion of the infinite.” – Jose Maria Velasco Ibarra

“Lovers of air travel find it exhilarating to hang poised between the illusion of immortality and the fact of death.” – Alexander Chase

Great Aviation Quotes About Wisdom and Experience

You probably remember your mentor - the one who guided you when you learned to fly your plane. Was your instructor strict and relentless? Or did they spur on "the desire to fly" in your heart and soul? This section is dedicated to the ones that came before, whose experience and erudition speak volumes. These pioneers and their quotes still cause us to think well about our vocation.

“If you can walk away from a landing, it’s a good landing. If you can use the aircraft the next day, it’s an outstanding landing.” – Chuck Yeager

“Both optimists and pessimists contribute to our society. The optimist invents the airplane and the pessimist the parachute.” – Gil Stern

“You’ve never been lost until you’ve been lost at Mach 3.” – Paul F. Crickmore

“Flying the airplane is more important than radioing your plight to a person on the ground incapable of understanding it.” – Unknown

“Let’s get one thing straight. There’s a big difference between a pilot and an aviator. One is a technician; the other is an artist in love with flight.” – Elrey Borge Jeppesen

“He moves not through distance, but through the ranges of satisfaction that come from hauling himself up into the air with complete and utter control; from knowing himself and knowing his airplane so well that he can come somewhere close to touching, in his own special and solitary way, that thing that is called perfection.” – Richard Bach

Flying is the Lure: Passion for Flying

Talk about the romantic side of flying! When a pilot describes the world in which he lives, he'll wax poetic - and say the things that only someone who's been flying for years would be able to verbalize with such fluency.

“Any pilot can describe the mechanics of flying. What it can do for the spirit of man is beyond description.” – Barry Goldwater

“Aviation and space travel, in particular – have always been especially captivating.” – Felix Baumgartner

“Aviation is for the common man. My goal is to enable everyone to fly. It shouldn’t be only for the rich.” – Tony Fernandes

“Aviation is poetry. It’s the finest kind of moving around, you know, just as poetry is the finest way of using words.” – Jessie Redmon Fauset

“Aviation will give new nourishment to the religious spirit of mankind. It will add airspace to those other great heighteners of the cosmic mood: the wood, the sea, the desert.” – Christian Morgenstern

“Flying is a lot like playing a musical instrument; you’re doing so many things and thinking of so many other things, all at the same time. It becomes a spiritual experience.” – Dusty Mctavish

“Flying is more than a sport and more than a job; flying is pure passion and desire, which fill a lifetime.” – Adolf Galland

“Flying might not be all smooth sailing, but the fun of it is worth the price.” – Amelia Earhart

“Great pilots are made not born… A man may possess good eyesight, sensitive hands, and perfect coordination, but the end result is only fashioned by steady coaching, much practice, and experience.” – Unknown

““Lovers of air travel find it exhilarating to hang poised between the illusion of immortality and the fact of death.” – Alexander Chase

“More than anything else, the sensation of flying is one of perfect peace mingled with an excitement that strains every nerve to the utmost. If you can conceive of such a combination.” – Wilbur Wright

“It is hard enough for anyone to map out a course of action and stick to it, particularly in the face of the desires of one’s friends; but it is doubly hard for an aviator to stay on the ground waiting for just the right moment to go into the air.” – Glenn Curtiss

“Setting off unknown to face the unknown, against parental opposition, with no money, friends, or influence, ran it a close second. Clichés like ‘blazing trails,’ flying over ‘shark-infested seas,’ ‘battling with monsoons,’ and ‘forced landings amongst savage tribes’ became familiar diet for breakfast. Unknown names became household words, whilst others, those of the failures, were forgotten utterly except by kith and kin.” – Amy Johnson

“Every flyer who ventures across oceans to distant lands is a potential explorer; in his or her breast burns the same fire that urged adventurers of old to set forth in their sailing-ships for foreign lands.” – Jean Batten

Best Aviation Quotes on Pilot Humor and Wit

Here's the funny side of aviation! From biting sarcasm and wit to sheer humor, these quotes will tickle your funny bone, and shed a little levity on this technical, dangerous, wonderful world of ours.

“There are three simple rules for making a smooth landing. Unfortunately, no one knows what they are.” - Unknown

“If black boxes survive air crashes, why don’t they make the whole plane out of that stuff?” – George Carlin

“The only mystery in life is why the kamikaze pilots wore helmets.” – Al McGuire

“If you push the stick forward, the houses get bigger. If you pull the stick back, they get smaller. That is, unless you keep pulling the stick all the way back, then they get bigger again.” – Unknown 

“The propeller is just a big fan in front of the plane used to keep the pilot cool. When it stops, you can actually watch the pilot start sweating.” – Unknown

“What is the similarity between air traffic controllers and pilots? If a pilot screws up, the pilot dies; If ATC screws up, the pilot dies.” – Unknown

“Every takeoff is optional. Every landing is mandatory.” – Jodie Lazenby

“Flying isn’t dangerous. Crashing is what’s dangerous.” – Unknown 

“Airspeed, altitude, and brains. Two are always needed to successfully complete the flight.” – Unknown

“A fool and his money are soon flying more aircraft than he can handle.” - Basic Flight Training Manual

“Remember, you fly an airplane with your head, not your hands and feet.” - Bevo Howard 

“Learn from the mistakes of others. You won’t live long enough to make all of them yourself.” – Unknown

“There are old pilots and there are bold pilots. However, there are no old, bold pilots.” – Unknown

The Most Inspiring Quotes of All Time on Challenges and Perseverance

From the commercial pilot who's been flying for years and loves every minute, to the brave pilots that represent us in harder times - here's a list of quotes that proves that "great pilots are made not born." So, if you feel like you have a little way to go before being great, yourself, that's ok - the sky's the limit!

"Adventure is the essence of life." – Dick Rutan

"The desire to fly is an idea handed down to us by our ancestors who, in their grueling travels across trackless lands in prehistoric times, looked enviously on the birds soaring freely through space, at full speed, above all obstacles, on the infinite highway of the air." – Wilbur Wright

"Setting off unknown to face the unknown, against parental opposition, with no money, friends, or influence, ran it a close second. Clichés like ‘blazing trails,’ flying over ‘shark-infested seas,’ ‘battling with monsoons,’ and ‘forced landings amongst savage tribes’ became a familiar diet for breakfast. Unknown names became household words, whilst others, those of the failures, were forgotten utterly except by kith and kin." – Amy Johnson

"Every flyer who ventures across oceans to distant lands is a potential explorer; in his or her breast burns the same fire that urged adventurers of old to set forth in their sailing-ships for foreign lands." – Jean Batten

"Both optimists and pessimists contribute to our society. The optimist invents the airplane and the pessimist the parachute." – Gil Stern

"When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the aircraft takes off against the wind, not with it." – Henry Ford

"Lovers of air travel find it exhilarating to hang poised between the illusion of immortality and the fact of death." – Alexander Chase

"You start with a bag full of luck and an empty bag of experience. The trick is to fill the bag of experience before you empty the bag of luck." – Unknown 

"Good judgment comes from experience. Unfortunately, the experience usually comes from bad judgment." – Dr. Kerr L. White

"There are old pilots and there are bold pilots. However, there are no old, bold pilots." – Hamilton Lee

Famous Aviation Quote Collection About the Impact on Society

How has flying impacted society? You might be surprised. Take a look at this list and remember - even if you're an airline pilot flying 2 hour flights domestically, or a fighter pilot pursuing Tom Cruise dreams every darn day, you have had an impact - and we're grateful for it!

"Aviation and space travel, in particular – have always been especially captivating." – Felix Baumgartner

"Aviation constituted a new and possibly decisive element in preventing or fighting a war, and I was in a unique position to observe European aviation, especially in its military aspects." – Charles Lindbergh

"Aviation has struck a delicately balanced world, a world where stability was already giving way to the pressure of new dynamic forces, a world dominated by a mechanical, materialist, Western European civilization." – Charles Lindbergh

"Aviation is going to control the world economically and militarily whether we like it or not. Airpower is not merely military aviation, it is also civilian aviation and airpower is peace power." – Roscoe Turner

"Aviation seems almost a gift from heaven to those Western nations who were already the leaders of their era, strengthening their leadership, their confidence, their dominance over other peoples." – Charles Lindbergh

"Aviation will give new nourishment to the religious spirit of mankind. It will add airspace to those other great heighteners of the cosmic mood: the wood, the sea, the desert." – Christian Morgenstern

"In aviation, they have auto-pilot and color radar and a lot of other instrumentation that is a backup for pilots. It’s really brought the incidents of plane crashes way down. The same thing ought to happen in the medical industry, I think." – Dennis Quaid

"Aviation was neither an industry nor a science. It was a miracle." – Igor Sikorsky

"Aviation is fine as a sport. But as an instrument of war, it is worthless." – Ferdinand Foch

"Aviation is for the common man. My goal is to enable everyone to fly. It shouldn’t be only for the rich." – Tony Fernandes

"Aviation is poetry. It’s the finest kind of moving around, you know, just as poetry is the finest way of using words." – Jessie Redmon Fauset

"Aviation is proof that given the will, we have the capacity to achieve the impossible." – Edward Vernon Richenbacher

"Aviation is the branch of engineering that is least forgiving of mistakes." – Freeman Dyson

"Aviation records don’t fall until someone is willing to mortgage the present for the future." – Amelia Earhart

"Aviation is the most extensive and rapid instrument of culture known to modern society." – Orville Wright

"Sports, entertainment, and aviation are three of the most exciting professions in the world; you are dealing with the same magnitude." – John Travolta

"What the history of aviation has brought in the 20th century should inspire us to be inventors and explorers ourselves in the new century." – Bertrand Piccard

"Flying is a lot like playing a musical instrument; you’re doing so many things and thinking of so many other things, all at the same time. It becomes a spiritual experience." – Dusty Mctavish

"Great pilots are made not born… A man may possess good eyesight, sensitive hands, and perfect coordination, but the end result is only fashioned by steady coaching, much practice, and experience." – Unknown

"The exhilaration of flying is too keen, the pleasure too great, for it to be neglected as a sport." – Orville Wright

The Thrill You Experience When You Fly an Airplane

You step out into the most glorious morning can possibly imagine...and you remember why the thrill of aviation has captured your spirit so. You're not alone. It's a fascinating industry, with an indelible impact on the hearts and souls of everyone and anyone who's felt the endless possibilities of a boundless blue sky.

"Any pilot can describe the mechanics of flying. What it can do for the spirit of man is beyond description." – Barry Goldwater

"Aviation is a dynamic profession. The rate of obsolescence of equipment is high, and new aircraft have to be placed in inventory periodically to stay abreast of the requirements of modern war." – Keith B. McCutcheon

"Flight is the only truly new sensation that men have achieved in modern history." – James Dickey

"Fly and you will catch the swallow." – James Howell

"Flying is more than a sport and more than a job; flying is pure passion and desire, which fill a lifetime." – Adolf Galland

"Flying might not be all smooth sailing, but the fun of it is worth the price." – Amelia Earhart

"Flying prevails whenever a man and his airplane are put to a test of maximum performance." – Richard Bach

"Flying was a very tangible freedom. In those days, it was beauty, adventure, discovery, the epitome of breaking into new worlds." – Anne Morrow Lindbergh

"I fly because it releases my mind from the tyranny of petty things." – Antoine de Saint-Exupery

"I don’t think I possess any skill that anyone else doesn’t have. I’ve just had perhaps more of an opportunity, more of an exposure, and been fortunate to survive a lot of situations that many others weren’t so lucky to make it. It’s not how close can you get to the ground, but how precise can you fly the airplane." – Bob Hoover

"Mistakes are inevitable in aviation, especially when one is still learning new things. The trick is to not make the mistake that will kill you." – Stephen Coonts

"More than anything else, the sensation of flying is one of perfect peace mingled with an excitement that strains every nerve to the utmost. If you can conceive of such a combination." – Wilbur Wright

"Never quit. Never give up. Fly it to the end." – Chuck Aaron

"The highest art form of all is a human being in control of himself and his airplane in flight, urging the spirit of a machine to match his own." – Richard Bach

"Sometimes you have to go up really high to see how small you are." – Felix Baumgartner

Aviation Pioneers and History

Hats off - big salute - to these men and women. Without the risks they took, the strides they made, and the perseverance they showed, we wouldn't be where we are now. Their words matter.

"Aeronautics was neither an industry nor a science. It was a miracle." – Igor Sikorsky

"Aviation and space travel, in particular, have always been especially captivating." – Felix Baumgartner

"Aviation is going to control the world economically and militarily whether we like it or not. Airpower is not merely military aviation, it is also civilian aviation, and airpower is peace power." – Roscoe Turner

"To most people, the sky is the limit. To those who love aviation, the sky is home." – Jerry Crawford

"What is the similarity between air traffic controllers and pilots? If a pilot screws up, the pilot dies; If ATC screws up, the pilot dies."

""The desire to fly is an idea handed down to us by our ancestors who, in their grueling travels across trackless lands in prehistoric times, looked enviously on the birds soaring freely through space, at full speed, above all obstacles, on the infinite highway of the air." – Wilbur Wright

"The fundamental magic of flying, a miracle that has nothing to do with any of its practical purposes of speed, accessibility, and convenience, and will not change as they change." – Anne Morrow Lindbergh

"In flying, you need at least two of these three to stay alive: altitude, speed, or brains." – Unknown

"Fighter pilots have ice in their veins. They don’t have emotions. They think, anticipate. They know that fear and other concerns cloud your mind from what’s going on and what you should be involved in." – Buzz Aldrin

"Learning to fly an airplane taught me a way of thinking, an approach to problem-solving that was applicable and effective. Pilots are very methodical and meticulous, and artists tend not to be." – Chris Carter

"Pilots are a rare kind of human. They leave the ordinary surface of the word, to purify their soul in the sky, and they come down to earth, only after receiving the communion of the infinite." – Jose Maria Velasco Ibarra

There you have it - a massive list of the best aviation quotes, all the way back to your boy Socrates, to more recent personalities. Which quotes were your favorites? Bookmark this page - every time you ask yourself why you do it, or any time you need to laugh at how ludicrous these days get sometimes, or if you need a jolt of motivation, these quotes still offer plenty of juice. Happy flying!

• Tweet on Twitter
• Share on Facebook
• Pin on Pinterest

Previous Next

EntireFlight IFR Flight Notepad, Companion to the VFR Flight Notepad and Pilot Kneeboard

EntireFlight IFR Flight Notepad, Companion to the VFR Flight Notepad and Pilot Kneeboard is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Be the first to know about new items, exclusive offers, & new blog Posts!

Best Sellers

EntireFlight VFR Flight Pads For Kneeboards - 3Pack

EntireFlight VFR Pilot Kneeboard And Flight Pad

EntireFlight Pilot Bag - The Venture Flight Bag For Pilots - Blue

EntireFlight E6B Flight Computer & Sectional Plotter Bundle

EntireFlight Cross-Country Planning Flight Pad

Leave a comment

Please note: comments must be approved before they are published.

Your cart is empty

Subtotal: $0.00 USD

585-200-3406

Check your order status

Updates & Tracking

Returns & exchanges

All you need to know

Choose options

Flight search

• Adults Remove adult 1 Add adult
• Children Aged 2-11 Aged 2 to 11 Remove child 0 Add child
• Infants In seat Remove infant in seat 0 Add infant in seat
• Infants On lap Remove infant on lap 0 Add infant on lap
• Premium economy

Find cheap flights from Moscow to anywhere Close dialog These suggestions are based on the cheapest fares to popular destinations in the next six months. Prices include required taxes + fees for 1 adult. Optional charges and bag fees may apply.

Useful tools to help you find the best deals, popular destinations from moscow.

Frequently asked questions

Atlas & Boots

The UK's most popular outdoor travel blog

95 most inspirational travel quotes ever penned

Our favourite inspirational travel quotes have encouraged us to travel with abandon over the years. Perhaps they will do the same for you…

For us, there is no such thing as luxury travel; travel is, by default, a luxury. It is a privilege provided by the country of our birth, a privilege that many are not as fortunate to enjoy.

Sometimes, we have to pinch ourselves at just how ridiculous our lives have become: an ex-teacher and jobbing writer travelling the world for a living. It is absurd, it is astonishing, it is luxury.

When I first went travelling at 21 years old, my father gave me this quote scrawled on a piece of card.

It infused me with wanderlust. It encouraged me to get out of my comfort zone, make the most of my time, see the world and enjoy the freedom that comes with being on the road. It remains one of the most inspirational travel quotes I’ve read (even if Twain did not actually say it).

Today, 20 years and almost 100 countries later, it’s still in my wallet. Despite its tattered and dishevelled appearance, it’s every bit as important to me now as it was then.

With that in mind, we’ve collated our most beloved inspirational travel quotes to encourage readers to “explore, dream and discover” for themselves.

inspirational travel quotes

1. “To my mind, the greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in a position in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for granted.” – Bill Bryson

2. “The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” – St. Augustine

3. “Travel is never a matter of money, but of courage.” – Paulo Coelho

4. “With age, comes wisdom. With travel, comes understanding.” – Sandra Lake

5. “When overseas you learn more about your own country, than you do the place you’re visiting.” – Clint Borgen

6. “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.” – Mark Twain

7. “Don’t tell me the sky’s the limit when there are footprints on the moon.” – Paul Brandt

8. “The man who goes alone can start today; but he who travels with another must wait till that other is ready.” – Henry David Thoreau

9. “The first condition of understanding a foreign country is to smell it.” – Rudyard Kipling

10. “A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.” – Lao Tzu

11. “When preparing to travel, lay out all your clothes and all your money. Then take half the clothes and twice the money.” – Susan Heller Anderson

12. “No place is ever as bad as they tell you it’s going to be.” – Chuck Thompson

13. “We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open.” – Jawaharlal Nehru

14. “A good traveler has no fixed plans and is not intent on arriving.” – Lao Tzu

15. “There is no moment of delight in any pilgrimage like the beginning of it.” – Charles Dudley Warner

16. “A ship in harbor is safe, but that’s not what ships were built for.” – John A. Shedd

17. “Tourists don’t know where they’ve been, travelers don’t know where they’re going.” – Paul Theroux

18. “Not all those who wander are lost.” – J. R. R. Tolkien

19. “Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

20. “Like all great travelers, I have seen more than I remember, and remember more than I have seen.” – Benjamin Disraeli

21. “Once a year, go somewhere you’ve never been before.” – The Dalai Lama

22. “No one realizes how beautiful it is to travel until he comes home and rests his head on his old, familiar pillow.” – Lin Yutang

23. “What you’ve done becomes the judge of what you’re going to do – especially in other people’s minds. When you’re travelling, you are what you are right there and then. People don’t have your past to hold against you. No yesterdays on the road.” – William Least Heat Moon

24. “There are no foreign lands. It is the traveller only who is foreign.” – Robert Louis Stevenson

25. “Travel is glamorous only in retrospect.” – Paul Theroux

26. “A traveller without observation is a bird without wings.” – Moslih Eddin Saadi

27. “Your true traveller finds boredom rather agreeable than painful. It is the symbol of his liberty-his excessive freedom. He accepts his boredom, when it comes, not merely philosophically, but almost with pleasure.” – Aldous Huxley

28. “One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.” – Henry Miller

29. “All travel has its advantages. If the passenger visits better countries, he may learn to improve his own. And if fortune carries him to worse, he may learn to enjoy it.” – Samuel Johnson

30. “Wandering re-establishes the original harmony which once existed between man and the universe.” – Anatole France

31. “I can’t control the wind but I can adjust the sail.” – Ricky Skaggs

32. “We wander for distraction, but we travel for fulfilment.” – Hilaire Belloc

33. “People travel to faraway places to watch, in fascination, the kind of people they ignore at home.” – Dagobert D. Runes

34. “If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might better stay at home.” – James Michener

35. “The use of travelling is to regulate imagination by reality, and instead of thinking how things may be, to see them as they are.” – Samuel Johnson

36. “You don’t have to be rich to travel well.” – Eugene Fodor

37. “Perhaps travel cannot prevent bigotry, but by demonstrating that all peoples cry, laugh, eat, worry, and die, it can introduce the idea that if we try and understand each other, we may even become friends.” – Maya Angelou

38. “All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveler is unaware.” – Martin Buber

39. “Two roads diverged in a wood and I – I took the one less traveled by.” – Robert Frost

40. “Travel and change of place impart new vigor to the mind.” – Seneca

41. “Traveling is a brutality. It forces you to trust strangers and to lose sight of all that familiar comfort of home and friends. You are constantly off balance. Nothing is yours except the essential things – air, sleep, dreams, the sea, the sky – all things tending towards the eternal or what we imagine of it.” – Cesare Pavese

42. “Once the travel bug bites, there is no known antidote, and I know that I shall be happily infected until the end of my life.” ― Michael Palin

43. “A journey is best measured in friends, rather than miles.” – Tim Cahill

44. “A journey is like marriage. The certain way to be wrong is to think you control it.” – John Steinbeck

45. “When you travel, remember that a foreign country is not designed to make you comfortable. It is designed to make its own people comfortable.” – Clifton Fadiman

46. “There are far, far better things ahead than we leave behind.” – C.S. Lewis

47. “Travel does what good novelists also do to the life of everyday, placing it like a picture in a frame or a gem in its setting, so that the intrinsic qualities are made more clear. Travel does this with the very stuff that everyday life is made of, giving to it the sharp contour and meaning of art.” – Freya Stark

48. “To travel is to discover that everyone is wrong about other countries.” – Aldous Huxley

49. “All the pathos and irony of leaving one’s youth behind is thus implicit in every joyous moment of travel: one knows that the first joy can never be recovered, and the wise traveller learns not to repeat successes but tries new places all the time.” – Paul Fussell

50. “I have found out that there ain’t no surer way to find out whether you like people or hate them than to travel with them.” – Mark Twain

51. “The whole object of travel is not to set foot on foreign land; it is at last to set foot on one’s own country as a foreign land.” – G.K. Chesterton

52. “Too often travel, instead of broadening the mind, merely lengthens the conversation.” – Elizabeth Drew

53. “People don’t take trips, trips take people.” – John Steinbeck

54. “Stuff your eyes with wonder, live as if you’d drop dead in ten seconds. See the world. It’s more fantastic than any dream made or paid for in factories.” – Ray Bradbury

55. “Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.” – Gustave Flaubert

56. “The journey not the arrival matters.” – T. S. Eliot

57. “Time flies. It’s up to you to be the navigator.” – Robert Orben

58. “The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.” – Marcel Proust

59. “I never travel without my diary. One should always have something sensational to read in the train.” – Oscar Wilde

60. “For my part, I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel’s sake. The great affair is to move.” – Robert Louis Stevenson

61. “If an ass goes travelling, he’ll not come home a horse.” – Thomas Fuller

62. “Travelling tends to magnify all human emotions.” – Peter Hoeg

63. “To move, to breathe, to fly, to float, To gain all while you give, To roam the roads of lands remote: To travel is to live.” – Hans Christian Andersen

64. “To awaken quite alone in a strange town is one of the pleasantest sensations in the world.” – Freya Stark

65. “I am not the same having seen the moon shine from the other side of the world.” – Mary Anne Radmacher

66. “I always wonder why birds stay in the same place when they can fly anywhere on earth. Then I ask myself the same question.” – Harun Yahya

67. “I dislike feeling at home when I am abroad.” – George Bernard Shaw

68. “A wise traveler never despises his own country.” – Carlo Goldoni

69. “Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.” – Andre Gide

70 “Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” – Ibn Battuta

71. “We travel, some of us forever, to seek other places, other lives, other souls.” – Anais Nin

72. “Travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living.” – Miriam Beard

73. “The gladdest moment in human life, methinks, is a departure into unknown lands.” – Sir Richard Burton

74. “A man of ordinary talent will always be ordinary, whether he travels or not; but a man of superior talent will go to pieces if he remains forever in the same place.” – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

75. “He who would travel happily must travel light.” – Antoine de St. Exupery

76. “Our battered suitcases were piled on the sidewalk again; we had longer ways to go. But no matter, the road is life.” – Jack Kerouac

77. “The more I travelled the more I realised that fear makes strangers of people who should be friends.” – Shirley MacLaine

78. “Live your life by a compass, not a clock.” – Stephen Covey

78. “Our happiest moments as tourists always seem to come when we stumble upon one thing while in pursuit of something else.” – Lawrence Block

80. “Take only memories, leave only footprints.” – Chief Seattle – or Si’ahl

81. “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.” – Helen Keller

82. “It is not down in any map; true places never are.” – Herman Melville

83. “We live in a world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open.” – Jawaharlal Nehru

84. “The most beautiful thing in the world is, of course, the world itself” – Wallace Stevens

85. “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” – Neale Donald Walsch

86. “Paris is always a good idea.” – Julia Ormond (although it is often wrongly attributed to Audrey Hepburn)

87. “Stop worrying about the potholes in the road and enjoy the trip.” – Babs Hoffman

88. “Travel isn’t always pretty. It isn’t always comfortable. Sometimes it hurts, it even breaks your heart. But that’s okay. The journey changes you; it should change you. It leaves marks on your memory, on your consciousness, on your heart, and on your body. You take something with you. Hopefully, you leave something good behind.” – Anthony Bourdain

89. “Jobs fill your pocket but adventures fill your soul.” – Jaime Lyn Beatty

90. “It is in our nature to explore, to reach out into the unknown. The only true failure would be not to explore at all.” – Sir Ernest Shackleton

91. “Because in the end, you won’t remember the time you spent working in the office or mowing your lawn. Climb that goddamn mountain.” –  Jack Kerouac

92. “Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things can not be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one’s lifetime.” – Mark Twain

93. “Live with no excuses and travel with no regrets.” – Oscar Wilde

94. “Remember that happiness is a way of travel – not a destination.” – Roy M Goodman

95. “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” – Mark Twain (or possibly H Jackson Brown Jr )

Enjoyed this post? pin it for later…

The Lonely Planet Ultimate Travel List is the definitive wish list of the best places to visit on earth – the perfect accompaniment to our selection of inspirational travel quotes.

You might also like:

24 of the Best Aviation Movies of All Time

10 Great Aviation Documentaries Worth Watching

5 Inspirational Aviation Books for Those Wanting to Learn How to Fly

• Find aviation inspiration
• Read aviation stories
• Read about flying experiences
• Aviation news

10 Popular Ultralight Aircraft for The Purest Flying Experience

The 10 Fastest Single Engine Airplanes Flying Around Today

The Types of Military Helicopters and What Makes Them Unique

• Everything about helicopters
• Everything about airplanes
• Everything about ultralights
• Everything about military aviation
• The fastest fighter jets ever built
• The smallest airplanes in the world

The 17 Best Flight Bags to Organize Your Pilot Gear in 2024

The Best Gifts for Pilots – 2024 Aviation Gift Guide

The 11 Best Pilot Watches for Every Budget and Style in 2024

• Best aviation headsets
• Best flight bags
• Best pilot watches
• Best handheld aviation radios
• Pilot gear reviews
• Deals on Pilot Gear
• 🎁 Aviation gift guides

12 Great Online Aviation Courses for Private Pilots in 2024

10 Tips to Help You Save Over 30% on Your Private Pilot Flight Training

10 Reasons Why Getting a Private Pilot’s License is Worth It

• Private Pilot License cost
• Rod Machado ground school review
• Best tools and gear for student pilots
• All pilot gear guides
• Books for student pilots
• A career in aviation

4 Great Flight Simulator Setup Examples and Their Cost

The Best Flight Simulator Software and Hardware in 2024

The 6 Best Flight Simulator Headphones for Virtual Flying in 2024

• How flight simulator can make you a better pilot
• Best flight simulator software & hardware
• Flight simulator yokes
• Flight simulator rudder pedals
• Flight simulator throttle quadrans
• Garmin GPS simulators
• Flight Simulator
• Flight Training
• Inspiration
• Gift Guides
• Helicopters

Free ebook: 37 Tips to Help You Save Over 30% on Your Private Pilot Flight Training in 2024

The 100 Best Aviation Quotes of All Times

3 February 2021   |  Updated on February 05, 2024

Aviation is one of the most fascinating and awe-inspiring aspects of life. There are few things in life that can match the sense of wonder one feels when flying through the sky .

From the pioneering days of flight to the modern era of jets and spacecraft, the world of aviation is rich with passion, determination, and a relentless pursuit of the extraordinary. In the face of challenges and triumphs, aviators and aviation enthusiasts have shared their wisdom, experiences, and insights, leaving behind a treasure trove of inspirational quotes. These words have the power to ignite the fire within, motivating and inspiring all who embark on their aviation journey.

In aviation’s intriguing history, there have been many people who have shaped the industry with their words and deeds. People we as pilots, aviation enthusiasts, and aviation fans can learn from. Some of the most inspirational aviation quotes come from some of the most influential people in history. Some world-famous, others not so much.

But one thing is for sure: to this day, those pioneers and their quotes still offer plenty of motivational value to help you achieve your flying or personal goals.

In this article, we present the 100 best aviation quotes, carefully selected to uplift and encourage both student pilots and aviation enthusiasts, as they soar towards their dreams. So, fasten your seatbelts, open your minds, and let these words of wisdom fuel your aviation aspirations.

“Once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards.” Leonardo Da Vinci

This might be one of the most well-known aviation quotes there are. It’s contributed to Leonardo Da Vinci, but it’s still not 100% certain this is a genuine Da Vinci quote, according to Dave English:

“This must be the most famous aviation quote that is not a verifiable quote. It is attributed everywhere (including some Smithsonian publications and the Washington Post) to Leonardo da Vinci, but I’ve never found definitive source information. Neither did some nice folks I talked with at ‘National Geographic Magazine,’ who contacted one of the world’s leading Leonardo authorities in Italy as part of a long research process and were told that Leonardo da Vinci did not write it.”

“The Wright brothers created the single greatest cultural force since the invention of writing.” Tom Wolfe

“When everything seems to be going against you, remember that aircraft take off against the wind, not with it.” Henry Ford

“The airplane stays up because it doesn’t have the time to fall.” Orville Wright

“The desire to fly is an idea handed down to us by our ancestors who…looked enviously on the birds soaring freely through space…on the infinite highway of the air.” Wilbur Wright

“There are only two emotions in a plane: boredom and terror.” Orson Welles

“The airplane is the closest thing to real magic that we have.” Charles Lindbergh

This qyote beautifully captures the awe and wonder that aviation instills in us. It highlights the sheer marvel of defying gravity, traversing vast distances, and witnessing the world from above. Lindbergh’s words remind us of the extraordinary nature of flight, where science and innovation merge to create a sense of enchantment and limitless possibilities.

“The engine is the heart of an airplane, but the pilot is its soul.” Anonymous

In your flight training and career, you will make a lot of bad landings. Don’t pray you won’t, you just will. However, there is one general rule that applies to every landing:

“If you can walk away from a landing, it’s a good landing. If you can use the aircraft the next day, it’s an outstanding landing.” Chuck Yeager

“If you’re ever faced with a forced landing, fly the thing as far into the crash as possible.” Bob Hoover

“Flying is the second best thrill to cheering; it’s like lead without the pencil.” George Lucas

“If you really want to do something, you’ll find a way. If you don’t, you’ll find an excuse.” Anonymous

“There’s no such thing as a routine flight.” Chesley B. Sullenberger

“Until you spread your wings, you have no idea how far you’ll fly.” Anonymous

If you don’t try, you will never know what you are capable of achieving. Go for it, the least you could do is try it. Fail a few times, fall down every now and then, but get up on your feet again, take the controls and fly like you’ve never flown before (in a positive way that is).

“A pilot who says he has never been frightened in an airplane is, I’m afraid, lying.” Louise Thaden

“The pilot who teaches himself has a fool for a student.” Anonymous

 “Try to learn from the mistakes of others. You won’t live long enough to make them all yourself.” Anonymous

Think you were not born to become a pilot? You might be wrong. Great pilots are made, not born:

“Great pilots are made not born… A man may possess good eyesight, sensitive hands, and perfect coordination, but the end result is only fashioned by steady coaching, much practice, and experience.” Anonymous

“Don’t be a show-off. Never be too proud to turn back. There are old pilots and bold pilots, but no old, bold pilots.” Anonymous

“Any landing you can walk away from is a good landing.” Anonymous

This quote, sometimes used in a humorous way to lighten the mood after a less-than-perfect landing, acknowledges the inherent risks and uncertainties of aviation. It recognizes that not every landing will be flawless or picture-perfect, but as long as everyone emerges safely, it can still be considered a positive outcome.

“The air up there in the clouds is very pure and fine, bracing and delicious. And why shouldn’t it be?–it is the same the angels breathe.” Mark Twain

“The airplane has unveiled for us the true face of the earth.” Antoine de Saint-Exupery

“And let’s get one thing straight. There’s a big difference between a pilot and an aviator. One is a technician; the other is an artist in love with flight.” Elrey Borge Jeppesen

“If you’re ever faced with a forced landing at night, turn on the landing lights to see the landing area. If you don’t like what you see, turn’ em back off.” Anonymous

“There are three qualities which are essential to a pilot: imagination, courage and physical fitness. If he lacks one of these, he is worthless.” Erroll Boyd

“There are three simple rules for making a smooth landing. Unfortunately, no one knows what they are.” Anonymous

“Flying is hours and hours of boredom sprinkled with a few seconds of sheer terror.” Anonymous

“If God meant man to fly, He would have given us more money.” Anonymous

“In the ongoing battle between objects made of aluminum going hundreds of miles per hour and the ground going zero miles per hour, the ground has yet to lose.” Anonymous

“In flying, you need at least two of these three to stay alive: altitude, speed or brains.” Anonymous

“If an airplane is still in one piece, don’t cheat on it; ride the bastard down.” Ernest K. Gann, author & aviator

“You can be a pilot without an airplane, but you cannot fly an airplane without a pilot.” Anonymous

Although one may argue that point in 2024, with the increased popularity of UAVs.

“It’s better to be down here wishing you were up there than up there wishing you were down here.” Anonymous

“Flying is the second greatest thrill known to man… Landing is the first” Anonymous

“I think it is a pity to lose the romantic side of flying and simply to accept it as a common means of transport.” Amy Johnson

“The good thing about flying solo is it’s never boring.” Steve Fossett

This quote encapsulates the exhilaration and adventure of taking to the skies alone. It highlights the freedom and excitement that comes with being solely responsible for one’s flight path and decisions. This quote speaks to the constant stimulation and sense of discovery that accompanies flying solo, where every moment presents an opportunity for learning and growth. Fossett’s words capture the unique joy found in the solitude of the cockpit, where one can truly embrace the thrill of aviation.

“More than anything else, the sensation of flying is one of perfect peace mingled with an excitement that strains every nerve to the utmost. If you can conceive of such a combination.” Wilbur Wright

 “Everyone has oceans to fly, if they have the heart to do it. Is it reckless? Maybe. But what do dreams know of boundaries?” Amelia Earhart

“You know you’ve achieved perfection in design, not when you have nothing more to add, but when you have nothing more to take away.” Antoine de Saint-Exupery

“There is no way to become a perfect pilot; it’s just a matter of survival until you get there.” Chuck Yeager

“Every flyer who ventures across oceans to distant lands is a potential explorer; in his or her breast burns the same fire that urged adventurers of old to set forth in their sailing-ships for foreign lands.” Jean Batten

“Sometimes you have to go up really high to see how small you are.” Felix Baumgartner

“The Wright brothers created the single greatest cultural force since the invention of writing. The airplane became the first World Wide Web, bringing people, languages, ideas, and values together.” Bill Gates

“Flying might not be all smooth sailing, but the fun of it is worth the price.” Amelia Earhart

“The three best things in life are a good landing, a good orgasm, and a good bowel movement. The night carrier landing is one of the few opportunities in life where you get to experience all three at the same time.” Admiral William Harris, USN

“There are no shortcuts to any place worth going.” Beverly Pepper

“If you want to be a pilot, it’s not just about flying the airplane, it is living the life.” Chesley B. Sullenberger

“In soloing – as in other activities – it is far easier to start something than it is to finish it.” Amelia Earhart

“You haven’t seen a tree until you’ve seen its shadow from the sky.” Amelia Earhart

“If you want to fly, give up everything that weighs you down.” Toni Morrison

“The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity.” Amelia Earhart

” There is no greater thrill than to be up in the air and know that you have done it yourself.” Wilbur Wright

 “Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal.” Henry Ford

“We all live in the air, but we don’t all know it.” Pina Colada

 “Life is a journey, not a destination.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

“The journey, not the destination matters.” T.S. Eliot

“Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.” Les Brown

“To Infinity and Beyond!” Buzz Lightyear

“Flying is learning how to throw yourself at the ground and miss.” Douglas Adams

“In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun.” Mary Poppins

“If you’re not living on the edge, you’re taking up too much space.” Anonymous

“The sky is not the limit. There are footprints on the moon.” Anonymous

“Don’t let your fear of what could happen make nothing happen.” Anonymous

“Flying the airplane is more important than radioing your plight to a person on the ground who can’t do anything about it.” Anonymous

“In flying I have learned that carelessness and overconfidence are usually far more dangerous than deliberately accepted risks.” Wilbur Wright

“If you want to become a better pilot, fly with someone who is better than you are.” Anonymous

“There is no such thing as a natural-born pilot.” Chenghiz Khan

“Pilots take no special joy in walking: pilots like flying.” Neil Armstrong

“The time to worry is when there is nothing left to worry about.” Chesley B. Sullenberger

“You know you’ve landed with the wheels up when it takes full power to taxi to the ramp.” Robert A. Heinlein

“There is no failing in flying, only lessons for the next flight.” Anonymous

“Never fly in the same cockpit with someone braver than you.” Learn more What is the Meaning of The Saying “Blue Skies and Tailwinds”? Anonymous

“Of all the things that could go wrong, going wrong is what we worry about most.” Anonymous

“The only time you have too much fuel is when you’re on fire.” Anonymous

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” Eleanor Roosevelt

“The emergencies you train for almost never happen. It’s the one you can’t train for that kills you.” Ernest K. Gann

“In flying, the probability of survival is inversely proportional to the angle of arrival.” Neil Armstrong

“Never quit. Never give up. Fly it to the end.” Chuck Aaron

“Flight is romance – not in the sense of sexual attraction, but as an experience that enriches life.” Stephen Coonts

“The engine is the heart of an aeroplane, but the pilot is its soul.” Walter Alexander Raleigh

“I’ve never known an industry that can get into people’s blood the way aviation does.” Robert Six

“Why fly? Simple. I’m not happy unless there’s some room between me and the ground.” Richard Bach

“Mistakes are inevitable in aviation, especially when one is still learning new things. The trick is to not make the mistake that will kill you.” Stephen Coonts

“Once you have learned to fly your plane, it is far less fatiguing to fly than it is to drive a car. You don’t have to watch every second for cats, dogs, children, lights, road signs, ladies with baby carriages and citizens who drive out in the middle of the block against the lights. . . . Nobody who has not been up in the sky on a glorious morning can possibly imagine the way a pilot feels in free heaven.” William T. Piper

“Both optimists and pessimists contribute to society. The optimist invents the aeroplane, the pessimist the parachute.” George Bernard Shaw

“It’s the most exciting thing you have ever done with your pants on!” Stephen Coonts

“The way I see it, you can either work for a living or you can fly airplanes. Me, I’d rather fly.” Len Morgan

Expressed by Len Morgan, this quote encapsulates the passion and fulfillment found in pursuing a career in aviation. Morgan’s words inspire aspiring pilots to prioritize their dreams and pursue a profession that brings them immense joy and satisfaction in the skies above.

“It is hard enough for anyone to map out a course of action and stick to it, particularly in the face of the desires of one’s friends; but it is doubly hard for an aviator to stay on the ground waiting for just the right moment to go into the air.” Glenn Curtiss

“Never fly anything that doesn’t have the paint worn off the rudder Pedals.” Bill Harry

“The quality of the box matters little. Success depends upon the man who sits in it.” Manfred von Richthofen

“Man must rise above the Earth—to the top of the atmosphere and beyond—for only thus will he fully understand the world in which he lives.” Socrates

“I fly because it releases my mind from the tyranny of petty things.” Antoine de Saint-Exupery

This quote reveals the ability of aviation to free the mind from the burdens and trivialities of daily life. It signifies the escape from mundane concerns, offering a sense of freedom and clarity in the vastness of the sky. Saint-Exupery’s words convey the therapeutic and meditative aspects of flying, providing a respite from the complexities of the world and allowing one to find solace and peace in the heavens above.

“Aviation is proof that given, the will, we have the capacity to achieve the impossible.” Edward Rickenbacker

“Pilots are a rare kind of human. They leave the ordinary surface of the word, to purify their soul in the sky, and they come down to earth, only after receiving the communion of the infinite.” Jose Maria Velasco Ibarra

“If you push the stick forward, the houses get bigger. If you pull the stick back, they get smaller. That is, unless you keep pulling the stick all the way back, then they get bigger again.” Anonymous

“The only mystery in life is why the kamikaze pilots wore helmets.” Al McGuire

“You’ve never been lost until you’ve been lost at Mach 3.” Paul F. Crickmore

“You start with a bag full of luck and an empty bag of experience. The trick is to fill the bag of experience before you empty the bag of luck.” Anonymous

This quote reminds us that while luck may play a role in our endeavors, it is through accumulating knowledge, skills, and wisdom that we truly thrive. It encourages a proactive approach to learning, urging us to continuously seek opportunities for growth and development in order to make the most of the luck we are granted.

“A fool and his money are soon flying more aircraft than he can handle.” Anonymous

Some final words

As we conclude this journey through the 100 best aviation quotes, we hope that these words have ignited a spark within you, fueling your passion for aviation and inspiring you to reach new heights. From the sheer beauty of flight to the indomitable spirit of aviation pioneers, from overcoming challenges to embracing the joy of flying, these quotes encompass the essence of the aviation world. They remind us of the importance of continuous learning, safety, teamwork, and the pursuit of dreams.

May these quotes be your compass, helping you navigate the skies with courage, determination, and a deep love for the wonders of flight. Embrace the future possibilities of aviation, let your imagination soar, and always remember that the sky is not the limit – it’s just the beginning . Bon voyage on your aviation endeavors, and may you find inspiration in these quotes to make your dreams take flight.

About the author

Senne Vandenputte

As a 28-year-old digital entrepreneur, glider pilot, private pilot and tow plane pilot, Senne is passionate about aviation. He started gliding at age 14 and flew his first solo in a glider at 15. After getting his PPL about 10 years later, he mostly spends his weekends towing gliders into the air. When not flying, he runs his marketing & web design business , fun projects like Hangar.Flights, scuba diving, traveling and enjoying the outdoors.

More articles by Senne

Related articles worth reading

10 Amazing Hangar Homes to Dream Away

Aviation YouTube Channels to Follow – MzeroA Flight Training

Dreams Soar: Flying Around the World to Inspire Women in Aviation

Watch the First Trailer of Top Gun: Maverick!

13 Must-Visit Aviation Museums in New York State

7 Incredible Shots by Pilots Flying over Iceland’s Fagradalsfjall 2021 Eruption

FREE ebook : 37 Tips to Help You Save Over 30% on Your Private Pilot Flight Training

5000+ words of actionable tips and tricks. From learning about flight schools and courses, to finding ways to save money before, during and after your flying lessons, we’ve got you covered.

Inspiring Flight & Aviation Quotes

By: Author Tim Kroeger

Posted on Published: April 23, 2020  - Last updated: September 15, 2023

Aviation is fascinating and mysterious at the same time. For many, it is way more than just a means of transportation. Check these Inspiring Flight & Aviation Quotes

Since I flew for the first time I got infected by the Aviation Virus and it never left me.

It became so strong that I started working as Flight Attendant on the legendary “Queen of the skies” – The Jumbo Jet Boeing 747.

The history of aviation is so interesting and every day a new chapter is written.

I put together a list of the most inspiring and thoughtful aviation quotes:

“Once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return.”

– Leonardo da Vinci

Get Your Guide helps you find the best tours wherever you are heading to. It’s usually the first website I check when I plan a trip to a new place.

Even if you are the best pilot you will make a lot of bad landings during your career.

To evaluate if it was a good landing you have to follow one general rule:

“If you can walk away from a landing, it’s a good landing. If you can use the aircraft the next day, it’s an outstanding landing.”

– Chuck Yeager

After all, landing an aircraft is super simple.

All you have to do is to follow three simple rules:

“There are three simple rules for making a smooth landing. Unfortunately, no one knows what they are.”

– unknown

Do you remember Felix Baumgartner?

Yes, that crazy guy who jumped to earth from a helium balloon from the stratosphere in 2012.

I guess he knows what he is talking about:

“Sometimes you have to go up really high to see how small you are.”

– Felix Baumgartner

One of the best things of working on an airplane is the views!

“My office has the best view.”

Well, better you have all three of them…

“In flying, you need at least two of these three to stay alive: altitude, speed, or brains.”

“The engine is the heart of an airplane, but the pilot is its soul.”

That’s so true!

And like Nelson Mandela already said, “It always seems impossible until it is done.”

“Aren’t we all dreamers? It’s only because a man dreamt of flying that we are traveling in planes. Behind all inventions, we see the dreams of people.”

– Ajith Kumar

Table of Contents

More great Aviation Quotes

1. “Man must rise above the Earth—to the top of the atmosphere and beyond—for only thus will he fully understand the world in which he lives.”

– Socrates

2. “Learning to fly an airplane taught me a way of thinking, an approach to problem-solving that was applicable and effective. Pilots are very methodical and meticulous, and artists tend not to be.”

– Chris Carter

3. “Every takeoff is optional. Every landing is mandatory.”

4. “Both optimists and pessimists contribute to our society. The optimist invents the airplane and the pessimist the parachute.”

– Gil Stern

5. “Until you spread your wings, you have no idea how far you’ll fly.”

6. “Don’t be a show-off. Never be too proud to turn back. There are old pilots and bold pilots, but no old, bold pilots.”

7. “If black boxes survive air crashes, why don’t they make the whole plane out of that stuff?”

– George Carlin

8. “Pilots are a rare kind of human. They leave the ordinary surface of the word, to purify their soul in the sky, and they come down to earth, only after receiving the communion of the infinite.”

– Jose Maria Velasco Ibarra

9. “Within all of us is a varying amount of space lint and star dust, the residue from our creation. Most are too busy to notice it, and it is stronger in some than others. It is strongest in those of us who fly and is responsible for an unconscious, subtle desire to slip into some wings and try for the elusive boundaries of our origin.”

– K.O. Eckland

10. “More than anything else, the sensation of flying is one of perfect peace mingled with an excitement that strains every nerve to the utmost. If you can conceive of such a combination.”

– Wilbur Wright

11. “The desire to fly is an idea handed down to us by our ancestors who, in their grueling travels across trackless lands in prehistoric times, looked enviously on the birds soaring freely through space, at full speed, above all obstacles, on the infinite highway of the air.”

12. “ It is hard enough for anyone to map out a course of action and stick to it, particularly in the face of the desires of one’s friends; but it is doubly hard for an aviator to stay on the ground waiting for just the right moment to go into the air.” 

– Glenn Curtiss

13. “ Setting off unknown to face the unknown, against parental opposition, with no money, friends, or influence, ran it a close second. Clichés like ‘blazing trails,’ flying over ‘shark-infected seas,’ ‘battling with monsoons,’ and ‘forced landings amongst savage tribes’ became familiar diet for breakfast. Unknown names became household words, whilst others, those of the failures, were forgotten utterly except by kith and kin.” 

– Amy John

14. “Every flyer who ventures across oceans to distant lands is a potential explorer; in his or her breast burns the same fire that urged adventurers of old to set forth in their sailing-ships for foreign lands.”

– Jean Batten

15. “ Adventure is the essence of life.” 

– Dick Rutan

16. “Aviation is proof that given, the will, we have the capacity to achieve the impossible.”

– Eddie Rickenbacker

17. “Once you have learned to fly your plane, it is far less fatiguing to fly than it is to drive a car. You don’t have to watch every second for cats, dogs, children, lights, road signs, ladies with baby carriages and citizens who drive out in the middle of the block against the lights. Nobody who has not been up in the sky on a glorious morning can possibly imagine the way a pilot feels in free heaven.”

– William T. Piper

18. “Do the impossible because almost everyone has told me my ideas are merely fantasies.”

– Howard Hughes

19. “It’s the same with anyone who’s been flying for years and loves it still… we’re part of a world we deeply love. Just as musicians feel about scores and melodies, dancers about the steps and flow of music, so we’re one with the principle of flight, the magic of being aloft in the wind!”

– Richard Bach

20. “I don’t think I possess any skill that anyone else doesn’t have. I’ve just had perhaps more of an opportunity, more of an exposure, and been fortunate to survive a lot of situations that many others weren’t so lucky to make it. It’s not how close can you get to the ground, but how precise can you fly the airplane.”

– Bob Hoover

More Inspirational Quotes

Funny Travel Quotes

Flight & Aviation Quotes

Mountain Quotes

Beach Quotes and Ocean Quotes

Mark Twain Travel Quotes

Adventure Quotes

Short Travel Quotes

Inspiring Waterfall Quotes

Romantic Couple Travel Quotes

Anthony Bourdain Travel Quotes

Family Vacation Quotes

• About the Author

Tim Kroeger is a seasoned professional in International Tourism Management, specializing in Luxury Adventure Travel , Luxury Hotel Reviews , and Tourism in Costa Rica .

Expertises: International Tourism Management, Tourism in Costa Rica, International tourism advertising, Adventure travel, Luxury Adventure Travel

Protect your trip: With all our travel experience, we highly recommend you hit the road with travel insurance! SafetyWing offers flexible & reliable Digital Nomads Travel Medical Insurance at just a third of the price of similar competitor plans.

Leave a comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Fifty Plus Nomad Is Proud to Be Mentioned as an Expert on Home Exchanges in a Redfin Blog Post

• 10 Reasons Why Mexico is an Ideal Long Term Travel Destination

20+ Best Quotes About the Spanish Language

12 top little-known restaurant tips for long-term travelers over 50, 3 reasons why long-term travelers should visit my favorite resort city dubai, 15 tips for finding the best guided tours for you.

• Six Great Reasons for Living Abroad Over 50
• 12 Creative Tips for Learning a Foreign Language Over 50
• Facebook Page
• Facebook Group

25+ Best Quotes About Air Travel

Best Quotes About Air Travel

• Reflect how I feel about a place or a travel-related issue
• Add a new or interesting perspective to a discussion about a place or issue, even if I disagree with the author’s viewpoint.
• Make me laugh, cry, or smile.
• Perfectly capture a place, emotion, or issue.

11 Best Quotes About Air Travel

6 Best Airport Quotes

8 Best Airplane Quotes

Want Additional Quotes About Air Travel?

Additional language learning, long-term travel, and expat life quotes and fun facts from fifty plus nomad.

55+ Best Mexico Travel Quotes

35+ Best Language and Travel Quotes

20+ Best Quotes About Leisure Travel

20+ Best Quotes About Guided Tours and Sightseeing

100+ Fun Facts About Canada for Travelers

Additional long-term travel posts from fifty plus nomad.

Give Me One Week, and I’ll Show You How to Travel Long Term Round the World On Any Budget

Long Term Travel as a Couple: Does it Hurt or Strengthen Relationships?

Paul Heller has been a lifelong avid traveler and language learner and teacher, Even as a child, he told Santa Claus that he wanted to visit all the children worldwide. At seven years old, Paul wanted to retire to Mexico. At eight, he memorized the name, capital, location, and some facts about every country worldwide. At twelve, he found a book "Lonely Planet: Southeast Asia on a Shoestring" and started developing his own itinerary for a future round-the-world trip. He remained obsessed with travel; after getting a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Southern California and working as an administrator, He spent his vacations going to different countries around the globe studying language, touring, and volunteering. In 1994, he quit his job and lived in Russia as a volunteer English instructor. He discovered that he loved teaching languages. In 2004, he decided to make a living out of his travels and founded a community of people who love to travel just like him. He developed 5 three-hour classes about living and traveling long-term worldwide which he taught in over 50 adult education programs throughout the US. After his parents passed, he realized his dream of traveling around the world; cruising and touring some of the most remote places like the North Atlantic, Patagonia, and Oceania; and learning new languages (he knows Spanish, Italian, French, and Russian). Paul encourages everyone to learn foreign languages. He knows that it can be frustrating and slow but that anyone can learn a language if they put in the work and, most importantly, learning a language is well worth the time and effort because it opens up a whole new set of people, ideas, and cultures. He is currently spending the next chapter of his life in Mérida, México. He is excited about using this blog and his classes and workshops to inspire and equip fellow Fifty Plus Nomads with the language, cultural, and psychological skills necessary to be successful and happy long-term travelers and expats over 50.

20+ Best Cruise Travel Quotes

20+ Best Caribbean Travel Quotes

Related posts, write a comment cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Paul Heller, Fifty Plus Nomad, Founder
• Courses and Workshops
• LONG TERM TRAVEL
• Quotes and Fun Facts

Compare flights from 100s of sites.

Big names, great deals, filter for what you want, track prices, more than flights, search cheap flights by destination, find cheap flights.

Save money on airfare by searching for cheap flight tickets on KAYAK. KAYAK searches for flight deals on hundreds of airline tickets sites to help you find the cheapest flights. Whether you are looking for a last minute flight or a cheap plane ticket for a later date, you can find the best deals faster at KAYAK.

New York Flights

• Flight Fort Lauderdale - Newark (FLL - EWR) $33+
• Flight Miami - Newark (MIA - EWR) $41+
• Flight Atlanta - New York (ATL - LGA) $42+
• Flight Miami - New York (MIA - LGA) $55+
• Flight Chicago - New York (ORD - LGA) $59+
• Flight Fort Lauderdale - New York (FLL - LGA) $61+
• Flight Dallas - New York (DFW - LGA) $66+
• Flight Dallas - Newark (DFW - EWR) $68+
• Flight Tampa - Newark (TPA - EWR) $69+
• Flight Atlanta - Newark (ATL - EWR) $76+
• Flight Orlando - Newark (MCO - EWR) $77+
• Flight Orlando - New York (MCO - LGA) $79+
• Flight Houston - New York (HOU - LGA) $90+
• Flight Tampa - New York (TPA - LGA) $91+
• Flight Miami - New York (MIA - JFK) $117+
• Flight Dallas - New York (DFW - JFK) $159+
• Flight Los Angeles - New York (LAX - LGA) $163+
• Flight Los Angeles - Newark (LAX - EWR) $171+
• Flight San Francisco - New York (SFO - LGA) $187+
• Flight Los Angeles - New York (LAX - JFK) $220+
• Flight San Francisco - Newark (SFO - EWR) $246+
• Flight Seattle - Newark (SEA - EWR) $246+
• Flight Seattle - New York (SEA - JFK) $261+
• Flight San Francisco - New York (SFO - JFK) $263+

Orlando Flights

• Flight Atlanta - Orlando (ATL - MCO) $40+
• Flight Baltimore - Orlando (BWI - MCO) $43+
• Flight Cleveland - Orlando (CLE - MCO) $52+
• Flight Houston - Orlando (HOU - MCO) $54+
• Flight Houston - Orlando (IAH - MCO) $54+
• Flight Detroit - Orlando (DTW - MCO) $58+
• Flight Dallas - Orlando (DFW - MCO) $65+

London Flights

• Flight New York - London (JFK - LGW) $306+
• Flight Boston - London (BOS - LHR) $323+
• Flight Newark - London (EWR - LHR) $327+
• Flight New Windsor - London (SWF - STN) $367+
• Flight New York - London (JFK - LHR) $378+
• Flight Boston - London (BOS - LGW) $389+
• Flight New York - London (JFK - LTN) $412+
• Flight New York - London (LGA - LHR) $427+
• Flight Atlanta - London (ATL - LHR) $439+

Fort Lauderdale Flights

• Flight Atlanta - Fort Lauderdale (ATL - FLL) $35+
• Flight Newark - Fort Lauderdale (EWR - FLL) $40+
• Flight Philadelphia - Fort Lauderdale (PHL - FLL) $40+
• Flight Raleigh - Fort Lauderdale (RDU - FLL) $43+
• Flight Atlantic City - Fort Lauderdale (ACY - FLL) $45+
• Flight Cleveland - Fort Lauderdale (CLE - FLL) $46+
• Flight Chicago - Fort Lauderdale (ORD - FLL) $50+

Boston Flights

• Flight Chicago - Boston (ORD - BOS) $50+
• Flight Newark - Boston (EWR - BOS) $51+
• Flight Baltimore - Boston (BWI - BOS) $61+
• Flight Charlotte - Boston (CLT - BOS) $62+
• Flight Raleigh - Boston (RDU - BOS) $63+
• Flight Philadelphia - Boston (PHL - BOS) $68+
• Flight Fort Lauderdale - Boston (FLL - BOS) $72+

India Flights

• Flight New York - Mumbai (JFK - BOM) $596+
• Flight Washington, D.C. - New Delhi (IAD - DEL) $631+
• Flight San Francisco - New Delhi (SFO - DEL) $678+
• Flight New York - New Delhi (JFK - DEL) $699+
• Flight Dallas - New Delhi (DFW - DEL) $706+
• Flight New York - Ahmedabad (JFK - AMD) $713+
• Flight New York - Hyderabad (JFK - HYD) $731+

Japan Flights

• Flight Los Angeles - Tokyo (LAX - NRT) $567+
• Flight San Francisco - Tokyo (SFO - NRT) $628+
• Flight Dallas - Tokyo (DFW - NRT) $743+
• Flight Seattle - Tokyo (SEA - NRT) $756+
• Flight Chicago - Tokyo (ORD - NRT) $790+
• Flight Ontario - Tokyo (ONT - NRT) $806+
• Flight San Francisco - Tokyo (SFO - HND) $807+

Phoenix Flights

• Flight Ontario - Phoenix (ONT - PHX) $38+
• Flight San Diego - Phoenix (SAN - PHX) $51+
• Flight Salt Lake City - Phoenix (SLC - PHX) $53+
• Flight Dallas - Phoenix (DFW - PHX) $58+
• Flight San Francisco - Phoenix (SFO - PHX) $59+
• Flight Portland - Phoenix (PDX - PHX) $63+
• Flight Denver - Phoenix (DEN - PHX) $64+

Honolulu Flights

• Flight Los Angeles - Honolulu (LAX - HNL) $96+
• Flight San Francisco - Honolulu (SFO - HNL) $153+
• Flight San Diego - Honolulu (SAN - HNL) $197+
• Flight San Jose - Honolulu (SJC - HNL) $202+
• Flight Ontario - Honolulu (ONT - HNL) $236+
• Flight Seattle - Honolulu (SEA - HNL) $251+
• Flight Oakland - Honolulu (OAK - HNL) $267+

Los Angeles Flights

• Flight Oakland - Los Angeles (OAK - LAX) $39+
• Flight San Jose - Los Angeles (SJC - LAX) $48+
• Flight Phoenix - Los Angeles (PHX - LAX) $57+
• Flight San Francisco - Los Angeles (SFO - LAX) $59+
• Flight Seattle - Los Angeles (SEA - LAX) $61+
• Flight Portland - Los Angeles (PDX - LAX) $68+
• Flight Atlanta - Los Angeles (ATL - LAX) $79+
• Flight Denver - Los Angeles (DEN - LAX) $83+
• Flight Baltimore - Los Angeles (BWI - LAX) $87+

Chicago Flights

• Flight Atlanta - Chicago (ATL - MDW) $37+
• Flight Boston - Chicago (BOS - ORD) $40+
• Flight Dallas - Chicago (DFW - ORD) $51+
• Flight Atlanta - Chicago (ATL - ORD) $53+
• Flight Dallas - Chicago (DFW - MDW) $55+
• Flight New York - Chicago (LGA - ORD) $59+
• Flight Fort Lauderdale - Chicago (FLL - ORD) $60+

Denver Flights

• Flight Ontario - Denver (ONT - DEN) $53+
• Flight Atlanta - Denver (ATL - DEN) $60+
• Flight Chicago - Denver (ORD - DEN) $65+
• Flight Baltimore - Denver (BWI - DEN) $66+
• Flight Houston - Denver (HOU - DEN) $66+
• Flight Houston - Denver (IAH - DEN) $66+
• Flight Los Angeles - Denver (LAX - DEN) $67+

Washington, D.C. Flights

• Flight Atlanta - Baltimore (ATL - BWI) $54+
• Flight Tampa - Baltimore (TPA - BWI) $55+
• Flight Orlando - Baltimore (MCO - BWI) $56+
• Flight Boston - Baltimore (BOS - BWI) $61+
• Flight Dallas - Baltimore (DFW - BWI) $66+
• Flight Los Angeles - Baltimore (LAX - BWI) $84+
• Flight Chicago - Baltimore (ORD - BWI) $95+
• Flight Houston - Baltimore (HOU - BWI) $114+
• Flight Atlanta - Washington, D.C. (ATL - IAD) $115+
• Flight Chicago - Washington, D.C. (ORD - IAD) $115+
• Flight Miami - Washington, D.C. (MIA - DCA) $127+
• Flight Boston - Washington, D.C. (BOS - DCA) $133+
• Flight Atlanta - Washington, D.C. (ATL - DCA) $137+
• Flight Boston - Washington, D.C. (BOS - IAD) $139+
• Flight Dallas - Washington, D.C. (DFW - DCA) $143+
• Flight Chicago - Washington, D.C. (ORD - DCA) $174+
• Flight San Francisco - Baltimore (SFO - BWI) $181+
• Flight Los Angeles - Washington, D.C. (LAX - DCA) $182+
• Flight San Francisco - Washington, D.C. (SFO - DCA) $188+
• Flight Los Angeles - Washington, D.C. (LAX - IAD) $197+
• Flight Seattle - Washington, D.C. (SEA - DCA) $203+
• Flight Dallas - Washington, D.C. (DFW - IAD) $208+
• Flight Seattle - Washington, D.C. (SEA - IAD) $274+
• Flight San Francisco - Washington, D.C. (SFO - IAD) $297+

Atlanta Flights

• Flight Chicago - Atlanta (MDW - ATL) $37+
• Flight Fort Lauderdale - Atlanta (FLL - ATL) $39+
• Flight Philadelphia - Atlanta (PHL - ATL) $41+
• Flight New York - Atlanta (LGA - ATL) $42+
• Flight Baltimore - Atlanta (BWI - ATL) $43+
• Flight Detroit - Atlanta (DTW - ATL) $46+
• Flight Chicago - Atlanta (ORD - ATL) $47+

United States Flights

• Flight Newark - Miami (EWR - MIA) $40+
• Flight Los Angeles - Seattle (LAX - SEA) $53+
• Flight New York - Dallas (LGA - DFW) $60+

Hawaii Flights

• Flight Los Angeles - Hawaii (LAX - USHI) $96+
• Flight San Francisco - Hawaii (SFO - USHI) $151+
• Flight San Diego - Hawaii (SAN - USHI) $197+
• Flight San Jose - Hawaii (SJC - USHI) $202+
• Flight Seattle - Hawaii (SEA - USHI) $211+
• Flight Ontario - Hawaii (ONT - USHI) $236+
• Flight Salt Lake City - Hawaii (SLC - USHI) $300+

Tampa Flights

• Flight Atlanta - Tampa (ATL - TPA) $44+
• Flight Cincinnati - Tampa (CVG - TPA) $48+
• Flight Raleigh - Tampa (RDU - TPA) $55+
• Flight Baltimore - Tampa (BWI - TPA) $56+
• Flight Newark - Tampa (EWR - TPA) $67+
• Flight Philadelphia - Tampa (PHL - TPA) $67+
• Flight Richmond - Tampa (RIC - TPA) $75+

Houston Flights

• Flight Atlanta - Houston (ATL - IAH) $50+
• Flight Orlando - Houston (MCO - IAH) $57+
• Flight Chicago - Houston (ORD - IAH) $60+
• Flight Dallas - Houston (DFW - IAH) $63+
• Flight Newark - Houston (EWR - IAH) $71+
• Flight Detroit - Houston (DTW - IAH) $78+
• Flight Fort Lauderdale - Houston (FLL - IAH) $78+

Las Vegas Flights

• Flight Burbank - Las Vegas (BUR - LAS) $25+
• Flight Los Angeles - Las Vegas (LAX - LAS) $34+
• Flight San Francisco - Las Vegas (SFO - LAS) $38+
• Flight Oakland - Las Vegas (OAK - LAS) $42+
• Flight Seattle - Las Vegas (SEA - LAS) $50+
• Flight Fort Lauderdale - Las Vegas (FLL - LAS) $67+
• Flight Dallas - Las Vegas (DFW - LAS) $69+
• Flight Detroit - Las Vegas (DTW - LAS) $69+
• Flight Santa Ana - Las Vegas (SNA - LAS) $69+
• Flight Houston - Las Vegas (HOU - LAS) $72+
• Flight Houston - Las Vegas (IAH - LAS) $72+
• Flight Chicago - Las Vegas (ORD - LAS) $77+
• Flight Denver - Las Vegas (DEN - LAS) $96+
• Flight Atlanta - Las Vegas (ATL - LAS) $99+

Miami Flights

• Flight Philadelphia - Miami (PHL - MIA) $40+
• Flight Atlanta - Miami (ATL - MIA) $50+
• Flight Detroit - Miami (DTW - MIA) $50+
• Flight Baltimore - Miami (BWI - MIA) $51+
• Flight Chicago - Miami (ORD - MIA) $53+
• Flight Dallas - Miami (DFW - MIA) $53+
• Flight Charlotte - Miami (CLT - MIA) $55+
• Flight Boston - Miami (BOS - MIA) $63+
• Flight Houston - Miami (HOU - MIA) $70+
• Flight Houston - Miami (IAH - MIA) $70+
• Flight New York - Miami (LGA - MIA) $73+
• Flight Raleigh - Miami (RDU - MIA) $97+
• Flight New York - Miami (JFK - MIA) $117+
• Flight Denver - Miami (DEN - MIA) $123+
• Flight Washington, D.C. - Miami (DCA - MIA) $127+
• Flight Washington, D.C. - Miami (IAD - MIA) $127+
• Flight Minneapolis - Miami (MSP - MIA) $142+
• Flight Los Angeles - Miami (LAX - MIA) $147+
• Flight Las Vegas - Miami (LAS - MIA) $148+
• Flight Ontario - Miami (ONT - MIA) $158+
• Flight Austin - Miami (AUS - MIA) $171+

San Francisco Flights

• Flight Ontario - San Francisco (ONT - SFO) $38+
• Flight San Diego - San Francisco (SAN - SFO) $38+
• Flight Los Angeles - San Francisco (LAX - SFO) $59+
• Flight Phoenix - San Francisco (PHX - SFO) $83+
• Flight Portland - San Francisco (PDX - SFO) $93+
• Flight Denver - San Francisco (DEN - SFO) $105+
• Flight Dallas - San Francisco (DFW - SFO) $132+
• Flight Atlanta - San Francisco (ATL - SFO) $135+
• Flight Seattle - San Francisco (SEA - SFO) $145+
• Flight Chicago - San Francisco (ORD - SFO) $154+
• Flight Houston - San Francisco (HOU - SFO) $162+
• Flight Houston - San Francisco (IAH - SFO) $162+
• Flight Baltimore - San Francisco (BWI - SFO) $166+
• Flight Washington, D.C. - San Francisco (DCA - SFO) $170+

Seattle Flights

• Flight Denver - Seattle (DEN - SEA) $76+
• Flight Ontario - Seattle (ONT - SEA) $81+
• Flight Phoenix - Seattle (PHX - SEA) $81+
• Flight San Diego - Seattle (SAN - SEA) $90+
• Flight Burbank - Seattle (BUR - SEA) $97+
• Flight Chicago - Seattle (ORD - SEA) $97+

Paris Flights

• Flight Los Angeles - Paris (LAX - CDG) $286+
• Flight New Windsor - Paris (SWF - CDG) $311+
• Flight Baltimore - Paris (BWI - CDG) $322+
• Flight Washington, D.C. - Paris (IAD - CDG) $323+
• Flight Boston - Paris (BOS - CDG) $324+
• Flight New York - Paris (JFK - CDG) $341+
• Flight Boston - Paris (BOS - ORY) $345+

Europe Flights

• Flight New York - Barcelona (JFK - BCN) $205+
• Flight New York - Athens (JFK - ATH) $255+
• Flight Miami - Madrid (MIA - MAD) $283+
• Flight New York - Rome (JFK - FCO) $285+

Florida Flights

• Flight Baltimore - Florida (BWI - USFL) $38+
• Flight Newark - Florida (EWR - USFL) $40+
• Flight Atlanta - Florida (ATL - USFL) $50+
• Flight Chicago - Florida (ORD - USFL) $50+
• Flight Dallas - Florida (DFW - USFL) $52+
• Flight Boston - Florida (BOS - USFL) $61+
• Flight New York - Florida (LGA - USFL) $62+

Dallas Flights

• Flight Fort Lauderdale - Dallas (FLL - DFW) $33+
• Flight Miami - Dallas (MIA - DFW) $40+
• Flight Atlanta - Dallas (ATL - DFW) $55+
• Flight Chicago - Dallas (ORD - DFW) $58+
• Flight Baltimore - Dallas (BWI - DFW) $61+
• Flight Philadelphia - Dallas (PHL - DFW) $69+

San Diego Flights

• Flight Oakland - San Diego (OAK - SAN) $50+
• Flight San Jose - San Diego (SJC - SAN) $50+
• Flight Houston - San Diego (HOU - SAN) $60+
• Flight Houston - San Diego (IAH - SAN) $60+
• Flight Phoenix - San Diego (PHX - SAN) $71+
• Flight San Francisco - San Diego (SFO - SAN) $73+
• Flight Denver - San Diego (DEN - SAN) $81+

Frequently asked questions

What do i need to know before booking a flight.

There are various factors to consider when booking a flight including cost, fare classes, baggage policies, the complications of flying long haul, and complying with airport regulations. To make your booking journey smoother KAYAK has developed a comprehensive flight guide including insights on finding affordable flights, packing efficiently, and utilizing the best travel tools.

What is the cheapest day of the week to book a flight?

The best day to book your flight depends on a number of factors, but there are general trends that you can follow to increase your chances of cheaper plane tickets. Based on an analysis of KAYAK data for all flights departing from inside United States over the last 12 months, the cheapest day to fly for domestic flights is Wednesday. For international flights, Tuesday had the cheapest tickets on average.

Which month of the year are flight prices lowest?

It’s well established that flights in the low season are generally cheaper than ticket prices during the high season. That means that knowing which month to find the lowest priced plane tickets will depend heavily on seasonality and your destination. While avoiding peak travel times can help you keep costs down, our data shows that the month with the lowest priced plane tickets for domestic flights based on all searches made on KAYAK in the last 12 months was January, while the most expensive was June. If you’re booking an international flight, then January is the cheapest month to fly and June the most expensive.

When is the best time to buy plane tickets - Last minute or in advance?

Last minute flight deals are definitely up for grabs but when exactly to purchase your plane tickets will depend on where you’re traveling to and from. Based on all data for flight searches made on KAYAK over the last 12 months, prices for domestic flights remained below the average price up to 1 weeks before departure. For international flights, deals could still be had up to 1 weeks prior to the departure date, with prices remaining below average. If you’re flexible, KAYAK brings you both advance and last minute one-way and round-trip flight deals.

Can flying international flights with a layover save money on airfare?

For many long-haul international flights, flying non-stop is not possible and you will have to fly with a layover. Some routes will offer both and you could consider flying with a layover for a number of reasons. Firstly, breaking up what would otherwise be a long-haul flight, taking a rest and then completing the journey might make the flight more manageable. Secondly, prices can also be lower than non-stop flights, so while it might take longer for you to reach your destination, you could save money. We’ve looked at prices over the last 12 months for the 100 most popular international destinations for KAYAK users and on average, prices for non-stop flights were cheaper than flights with a layover.

How does KAYAK find such low flight prices?

KAYAK processes over 2 billion flight queries annually and displays results from hundreds of airlines and third party sites, allowing it to find a variety of flight prices and options. It also displays results from 2M+ properties along with rental cars, vacation packages, activities and millions of verified reviews so users can see as many available travel options as possible.

How do I find the best flight deals on KAYAK?

A simple flight search at https://www.kayak.com/flights scans for prices on hundreds of travel sites in seconds. We gather flight deals from across the web and put them in one place. Then on the search results page you can use various filters to compare options for the same flight and easily choose the best flight deal from all of the deals coming straight from the travel sites to your screen, with no extra fee from KAYAK.

How can Hacker Fares save me money?

Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets on different airlines when it can save you money over a traditional round-trip ticket.

Does KAYAK query more flight providers than competitors?

Yes, KAYAK has access to more data and information than online travel agencies and consistently outperforms the competition in accuracy, globally.

How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy?

KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a given destination and date is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care?

Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you flights up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. That way, you can see if leaving a day or two earlier will find you a better deal. You can also select the flexible "weekend" or "month" search options to widen your search range and find the cheapest price that works for you.

Search cheap flights with KAYAK. Search for the cheapest airline tickets for all the top airlines around the world, airports around the world and the top international flight routes . KAYAK searches hundreds of travel sites to help you find cheap airfare and book a flight that suits you best. Since KAYAK searches many plane tickets sites at once, you can find cheap tickets from cheap airlines and for trains and buses quickly.

KAYAK also helps you find the right hotels for your needs.

30 Best Aviation Quotes of All Time

From the ancient wisdom of Socrates to the dry humor of George Carlin, there are loads of aviation quotes circling the internet.

You’ll find inspirational quotes that remind us of the beauty of flight and of what draws humanity to the skies. These are the quotes for hanging in your office or writing in a congratulations card for a newly certified pilot.

How do pilots view themselves and how does the rest of the world view us? What does it mean to be a pilot? Share these quotes with your spouse.

Can’t skip the funny jokes, and there’s plenty of humor to be had in our profession, so consider this the definitive list of all your best party jokes.

Humor aside, it was only fitting to include the time-honored and sage advice that has been handed down from aviator to aviator.

Inspirational, humorous, wise – they all earned a place on our list of the 30 best aviation quotes. Give it a read and find out if your favorites made the cut.

Inspirational

7. “Fighter pilots have ice in their veins. They don’t have emotions. They think, anticipate. They know that fear and other concerns cloud your mind from what’s going on and what you should be involved in.” – Buzz Aldrin 8. “Learning to fly an airplane taught me a way of thinking, an approach to problem-solving that was applicable and effective. Pilots are very methodical and meticulous, and artists tend not to be.” – Chris Carter 9. “Pilots are a rare kind of human. They leave the ordinary surface of the word, to purify their soul in the sky, and they come down to earth, only after receiving the communion of the infinite.” – Jose Maria Velasco Ibarra 10. “Let’s get one thing straight. There’s a big difference between a pilot and an aviator. One is a technician; the other is an artist in love with flight.” 11. “He moves not through distance, but through the ranges of satisfaction that come from hauling himself up into the air with complete and utter control; from knowing himself and knowing his airplane so well that he can come somewhere close to touching, in his own special and solitary way, that thing that is called perfection.” Common Sayings

12. “A ‘good’ landing is one from which you can walk away. A ‘great’ landing is one after which they can use the plane again.” 13. “Every takeoff is optional. Every landing is mandatory.” Pilot Humor

14. “Flying isn’t dangerous. Crashing is what’s dangerous.” 15. “If you push the stick forward, the houses get bigger. If you pull the stick back, they get smaller. That is, unless you keep pulling the stick all the way back, then they get bigger again.” 16. “The propeller is just a big fan in front of the plane used to keep the pilot cool. When it stops, you can actually watch the pilot start sweating.” 17. “Airspeed, altitude, and brains. Two are always needed to successfully complete the flight.” 18. “Lovers of air travel find it exhilarating to hang poised between the illusion of immortality and the fact of death.” – Alexander Chase 19. “Both optimists and pessimists contribute to our society. The optimist invents the airplane and the pessimist the parachute.” – Gil Stern 20. “If black boxes survive air crashes, why don’t they make the whole plane out of that stuff?” – George Carlin 21. “The only mystery in life is why the kamikaze pilots wore helmets.” – Al McGuire 22. “What is the similarity between air traffic controllers and pilots? If a pilot screws up, the pilot dies; If ATC screws up, the pilot dies.” 23. “You’ve never been lost until you’ve been lost at Mach 3.” – Paul F. Crickmore Words of Wisdom

24. “Learn from the mistakes of others. You won’t live long enough to make all of them yourself.” 25. “You start with a bag full of luck and an empty bag of experience. The trick is to fill the bag of experience before you empty the bag of luck.” 26. “Good judgment comes from experience. Unfortunately, the experience usually comes from bad judgment.” 27. “There are old pilots and there are bold pilots. However, there are no old, bold pilots.” 28. “Remember, you fly an airplane with you head, not your hands and feet.” 29. “A fool and his money are soon flying more aircraft than he can handle.” 30. “Flying the airplane is more important than radioing your plight to a person on the ground incapable of understanding it.” So, there you have it – the 30 best aviation quotes of all time with a little dash of everything from inspiration to humor to wisdom sprinkled in. Connect with us on Facebook or Twitter and let us know: Which quotes were your favorites and what would you add to the list?

Ed Kirschner

-“I recently made a mistake and created a serious emergency while flying. I put the situation in God’s hands. Turns out God is a crappy pilot too.”

Darlene Bogumil

I saw an article several years ago in Airline Pilot about a pilot’s last flight – my huSband was a United Airline Capt 25 years & recently passed – would like to have that saying on his gravestone. Does anyone remember it, or know where I could find it?

Leave a comment

All comments are moderated before being published

Featured products

ENTHUSIASTS & PILOTS - JOIN & SAVE!

100% free, Unsubscribe any time!

Latest Blog Posts

Cessna 172 (10 Things You Need to Know)

Ask a pilot to name a common single-engine fixed-wing aircraft, especially one that is good to learn on, and the Cessna 172 will quickly rise to the top of the list. From the original first flight in 1955 to its latest model still in production today, the Cessna 172 has been a reliable, dependable, easy-to-fly aircraft that is appreciated by students and seasoned pilots alike.

25 Best Aviation Apps You Shouldn’t Fly Without

In a cockpit that is increasingly becoming more and more digital, what apps makes the cut? Electronic flight bags (EFB), aviation calculators, weather, specialty apps – there really is an app for just about everything. Which top your list for best aviation apps? Are you on the lookout for some new favorites?

Best Ultralight Aircraft for the Money 2024

There is a certain mystique and allure about ultralight aircraft. They are reminiscent of the early days of aviation when would-be pilots built their own aircraft and took to the skies for their own test flights. Ultralights are affordable, exciting and building them from a kit evokes a sense of accomplishment and pride.

• Opens in a new window.

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links, meaning that when you make a purchase, I earn a small commission. For more information, see the site  Discl aimer .

255 Perfect Flying Captions and Flight Quotes for Instagram

Are you looking for the best flying captions, airplane selfie captions, and inspiring flying quotes for your Instagram posts? 

In this blog post, I have 255 creative and unique flying captions for Instagram that will make your post stand out from the crowd. And I’ve included flying quotes for Instagram that perfectly capture your spirit of adventure. 

Are you an avid traveler who loves to fly? Do you enjoy photographing breathtaking views of the sky and clouds from your window seat during your flights? 

Then you know that sharing your amazing pictures on Instagram is a must, but coming up with a fun and unique caption can be challenging.

It can be so frustrating when you’re trying to think of the best caption to post with your awesome photos, but you can’t come up with anything. 

This post makes it easy for you! I’ve come up with the best quotes and captions to go with all your Instagram pictures. 

Whether you’re stuck in departures, starting a trip around the world, taking a weekend getaway, or just trying to get home, there’s a caption here that’s perfect for your Instagram post. 

Sharing your flying adventures on social media is a way for you to document your own travels, but also a way to inspire others to explore the world 

These perfect captions not only capture the beauty of flying, but also inspire others to take to the skies. You’ll make your viewers laugh and dream as you travel the world. 

From captions to celebrate the freedom of flying to those that sum up your excitement about your destinations, my list has you covered. 

If you’re looking for just the right caption for pictures you’ve taken at airports or in airplanes you’ll find them here. 

So fasten your seatbelt and get ready for take-off. You’ll soar into the world of fun and unique Instagram captions for pictures of flying! Let’s make your flying posts reach new altitudes…and audiences. 

flying captions and flying quotes to elevate your instagram game

Inspiring flying captions for instagram

1. Wander often, wonder always

2. Adventure awaits around every corner.

3. Life is short, book the ticket.

4. Let’s wander where the Wi-Fi is weak.

5. Collect moments, not things.

6. Travel is the only thing you can buy that makes you richer.

7. The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.

8. Good vibes happen on the tides.

9. Who could be bored in a world as beautiful as this?

10. Leave nothing but footprints. Take nothing but pictures. Kill nothing but time.

11. Escape the ordinary, embrace the extraordinary.

12. Travel is the only thing you can buy that makes you richer, even if it’s just a one-way ticket.

13. Travel light, be the light, live the light

14. The view from up here is breathtaking.

15. Jet setting in style.

16. Work. Save. Travel. Repeat.

17. Small window, great big world

18. Spread your wings and fly

19. The sky’s the limit, reach for the stars.

20. Don’t just fly, soar. 

21. Life is a journey. Make it a high flying adventure.

22. Rise above it all, and take flight. 

23. The thrill of flying is in the journey, not just the destination.

24. Flying is not about escaping reality. It’s about discovering it.

25. If you want to fly, you have to give up the things that weigh you down.

26. Flying is not just for the birds. It’s for all who dare to dream.

27. The view is always better from above.

28. Flying gives you a whole new perspective on the world.

29. Let your spirit fly free. 

30. Your wings exist. All you have to do is fly. 

31. Flying is proof that we can achieve the impossible.

32. Take flight and let your dreams carry you.

33. The best stories are written in the pages of a passport

34. The world is a beautiful place, and flying shows us that beauty from a different angle.

35. Every flight is a new adventure, waiting to happen.

36. Flying is not just about getting from point A to point B. It’s about experiencing the journey.

37. The world is your runway. Take off and soar. 

38. In the sky, you feel weightless and limitless all at once. 

39. Flying reminds us that the sky’s the limit, and anything is possible. 

40. Take off into the unknown and see where the winds of adventure take you. 

41. Always take the scenic routes

42. If you never go, you’ll never know. 

43. Let your dreams take flight

44. In the air, everything feels possible. 

45. An airplane flight is an adventure waiting to happen.

46. Life is short. So why not soar above it all? 

47. The magic of flight: to let you see the world from a whole new perspective. 

48. Up in the air, the world fades away. 

49. The sky is an open invitation to explore the world.

50. When you’re flying, time stands still.

Airplane selfie instagram captions

51. Plane hair, don’t care

52. The world is my playground

53. Flight or fight? Flight every time. 

54. Jet lag it’s just a state of mind

55. Life is too short to stay in one place

56. Chasing clouds

57. Coffee + boarding pass + playlist = perfection

58. Life is an adventure. Go explore.

59. Life is short. Fly first class.

60. Looking pretty fly. 

61. Passport, plane ticket, positivity

62. Fly high, fly girl. 

63. Saying goodbye, embracing what is to come. 

64. The journey is just as important as the destinations, so fly in style.

65. New and exciting places, here I come!

66. Head in the clouds

67. My dreams are taking flight

68. Living my best life, one plane ticket at a time.

69. Boarding pass = happiness

Solo travel flying captions

70. Travel far enough, and you meet yourself.

71. Travel is the ultimate therapy.

72. Flying is the perfect time to reflect on life’s journey.

73. Cloud nine, here I come.

74. The only aisle I want to walk down. 

75. Just me and this view.

76. The world is waiting for me.

77. Flying high, feeling alive.

78. Adventure is calling, and I must go.

79. Flying reminds us how small our problems are in the grand scheme of things. 

What are the best gifts to give teens who love to travel?

80. Sky above, Earth below, peace within.

81. The only trip you regret is the one you didn’t take.

82. Flying is a symbol of freedom, liberation, and infinite possibility.

83. Don’t just look up at the sky. Get up there and fly.

84. The sky is my playground.

85. Good things come to those who book flights

86. Flying forward towards my dreams. 

87. Above the clouds, everything is clear.

88. Jet lag is for amateurs.

89. Catching flights, not feelings.

90. Flying reminds me what a big, beautiful world is out there waiting to be explored.

91. The feeling of taking off never gets old. What a rush of adrenaline and excitement.

92. Don’t live your life flying stand-by. 

93. Flying solo

94. Diagnosis: wanderlust. Prescription: window seat.

Girls Trip Instagram captions

95. The journey is always better with good company and a window seat.

96. I’ll go anywhere with you

97. Traveling is not just about the destination. It’s about the journey.

98. Airplane mode: on. Vacation mode: on.

99. Dreams on the move.

100. Travel far, travel wise, travel often

101. My plane ride or die

102. This trip flew by, but our memories will last forever

103. Look out world. We’re off on another adventure.

Romantic flying captions for couples

104. Love is in the air. 

105. It was love at first flight. 

106. Me and my favorite wingman. 

107. You and me, and the world to see

108. Wherever I go, there you are. 

109. Love is plane to see

110. Romance is in the air

111. This relationship is taking flight

112. Best seat on the plane is next to you

113. All we need is love…and our passports

114. I’m happy to go anywhere with you

115. I love you more than I love the window seat

116. And so, our adventure begins…

117. We found Cloud 9

118. Today’s the day we take flight

Airport instagram captions

119. Jetting off to new adventures

120. So many airports, so little time

121. In the airport, the possibilities are endless.

122. When I followed my heart, I wound up at the airport

123. The airport is the gateway to adventure.

124. The journey of 1000 miles begins with a single step onto a plane.

125. Cheers to my next adventure!

126. The airport feels like a magical place where anything can happen. 

127. On my way to someplace special!

128. Boarding pass in hand, world of possibilities ahead.

129. Flying is not just a matter of transportation. It’s a gateway to new experiences.

130. Starting a new adventure!

131. The airport is where dreams take flight.

Funny flying puns

132. Plane and simple, I love to travel.

133. I’m just winging it. 

134. Feeling flight as a feather. 

135. It’s plane to see this is going to be an amazing trip. 

136. This plane ride is going to fly by. 

137. Let’s wing it!

138. This vacay flew by. 

139. Are we there jet? 

140. Feeling flighty today!

141. If you liked it, then you shoulda put a wing on it. 

142. I’m just plane awesome

143. My favorite day is fly-day

144. My plans are a little up in the air

Funny flying captions for Instagram

145. I’m just here for the food. 

146. First class dreams, economy class budget. 

147. I’m just here for the drinks.

148. I have the best altitude. 

149. I’m just here for the pretzels. 

150. I’m feeling above it all. 

First-time flying captions

152. Embracing the freedom of flying.

153. When you fly, you leave behind everything that weighs you down.

154. Life is too short to not take off and fly.

155. Soaring to new heights

156. There’s a first time for everything!

157. Leaving my comfort zone behind. 

158. I can only go up from here

159. Goodbye comfort zone, hello airplane

160. I have waited so long to take this flight. 

Fear of flying captions for Instagram

161. The sky is not the limit. It’s just the beginning.

162. I believe I can fly.

163. I was once afraid to fly, but now I’m flying high. 

164. Fear is just a temporary state, but the freedom of flying is forever.

165. I face my fear of flying, and now I’m soaring above it all. 

166. Living my best life above the clouds. 

167. I’m not afraid of flying. You’re afraid of flying. 

168. Breaking free from my fear of flying opened up a whole new world of possibilities.

169. The view from above is worth facing any fear.

170. Catch flights, release fear.

171. Leaving my fear on the ground so my dreams can take off. 

172. Living a life without limits.

173. My fears are grounded and my dreams are taking flight

174. I am not afraid of flying. I am not afraid of flying. I am not afraid of flying.

Thoughtful flight captions

175. Flying gives you the freedom to go anywhere, do anything, and be anyone you want to be.

176. There’s something awe inspiring about soaring above the clouds, and just looking down at the world below. 

177. Travel is not just about the destination. It’s about the journey in the memories you make along the way.

178. You can’t buy happiness, but you can buy plane tickets, and that’s just about the same thing. 

179. Flying is not just about taking off and landing. It’s about living in the moment and enjoying the ride.

180. The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.

181. The best things in life are the people we love, the places we’ve been, and the memories we’ve made along the way.

182. I’m not traveling to escape my life. I’m traveling so my life won’t escape me. 

Short flying captions for instagram 

183. Up, up, and away!

184. Find your wild.

185. Adventure awaits.

186. Tray tables up!

187. Jetsetter

188. Tiny window, huge world

189. Enjoy the view

190. Touch the sky

191. This is my happy place

192. Blue skies ahead

193. Fly away with me

194. Airplane mode on

195. Head in the clouds

196. Ready for takeoff

197. Buckle up, let’s soar. 

198. Plane ride or die.

199. Ready for takeoff

200. Dream big, fly higher.

201. To travel is to live.

202. Now boarding…

203. I’m feeling fly. 

204. Best. View. Ever.

205. Adventure is out there.

206. Flying like a bird.

207. Life is short, find your flight.

208. Escaping the ordinary

209. Life is my favorite journey

Music lyrics about flying for Instagram captions

210. “I’m learning to fly, but I ain’t got wings. Coming down is the hardest thing.” – Tom Petty, “Learning to Fly”

211. “Come fly with me, let’s take off into the blue. Once I get you up there, where the air is rarified, we’ll just glide, starry-eyed…come fly with me. Let’s fly, let’s fly away.” – Frank Sinatra, “Come Fly with Me”

212. “I like pleasure spiked with pain, music is my aeroplane.” –Red Hot Chili Peppers, “Aeroplane”

213. “I want to fly like an eagle, to the sea. Fly like an eagle, let my spirit carry me.” – Steve Miller Band, “Fly like an Eagle”

214. “I believe I can fly, I believe I can touch the sky.” – R. Kelly, “I Believe I Can Fly”

215. “We’re flying high, flying right up to the sky. We’re flying high, flying home.” – Lionel Hampton, “Flying Home”

216. “Skyliner, you’re a jet-propelled sweetheart in the stratosphere.” – Charlie Barnet, “Skyliner”

217. “Fly me to the moon, let me play among the stars. Let me see what spring is like on Jupiter and Mars.” – Frank Sinatra, “Fly Me to the Moon”

218. “I wish that I could fly, into the sky, so very high, just like a dragonfly, I’d fly above the trees, over the seas, in all degrees” – Lenny Kravitz, “Fly Away” 

219. “Blackbird singing in the dead of night, take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, you were only waiting for this moment to arise.” – Beatles, “Blackbird”

220. “All of my bags are packed, I’m ready to go, I’m standing here outside your door, I hate to wake you up to say goodbye…I’m leaving on a jet plane, don’t know when I’ll be back again.” – John Denver “Leaving on a Jet Plane

221. “Big old jet airliner, don’t carry me too far away. Oh, big old jet airliner, ‘cause it’s here that I’ve got to stay.” – Steve Miller Band “Jet Airliner”

222. “Sittin’ in the airport, it’s the start of a new day, waitin’ at the terminal for my plane to get away.” – Magna Carta “Airport Song”

223. “Why take when you could be giving, why watch as the world goes by. It’s a hard enough life to be living, why walk when you can fly?” –Mary Chapin Carpenter, “Why Walk When You Can Fly?”

224. “Actin’ funny, but I don’t know why, Excuse me while I kiss the sky” – Jimi Hendrix, “Excuse Me While I Kiss the Sky”

225. “A soul in tension that’s learning to fly, condition grounded but determined to try. Can’t keep my eyes from the circling skies, tongue-tied and twisted just an earthbound misfit, I” – Pink Floyd, “Learning to Fly”

226. “Spread your wings and fly away, fly away, fly away. Spread your little wings and fly away, fly away, fly away” – Queen, “Spread Your Little Wings and Fly Away”

227. “You can fly! You can fly! You can fly!” — Peter Pan, “You Can Fly”

228. “When I’m way up here, it’s crystal clear that now I’m in a whole new world with you. – Aladdin, “A Whole New World”

Check out the best captions for posts from these destinations:

• Instagram captions for London, England
• Instagram captions for Germany

flying Quotes

Each of these fantastic airplane quotes will go perfectly with an airplane photo. These quotes about flying capture some of the history of flying, the exhilaration of flying, and the romantic side of flying. They are perfect airplane captions for your Instagram posts.

229. “To fly is to resist the gravitational pull of the earth. To fly is to see things from a distance, and in seeing things from a distance, to see them in their connection to each other, to see them in their entirely, to see the big picture rather than the small detail.” –Susan Sontag

230. “I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list.” – Susan Sontag

231. “The Wright brothers flew right through the smoke screen of impossibility.” – Dorothea Brande

232. “I fly because it releases my mind from the tyranny of petty things.” – Antoine de Saint-Exupery

233. “The sky is not the limit, it’s only the beginning.” – Chuck Yeager

234. “Flying is learning how to throw yourself at the ground and miss.” – Douglas Adams

235. “The desire to fly is an idea handed down to us by our ancestors who…looked enviously on the birds soaring freely through space on the infinite highway of the air.” –Wilbur Wright

236. “The air up there in the clouds is very pure and fine, bracing and delicious And why shouldn’t it be? –it is the same the angels breathe.” – Mark Twain

237. “The only way to truly experience flight is to leave behind the world you know and love, and boldly fly into uncharted territory.” –Alan Shepard

238. “Once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return.” – Leonardo da Vinci

239. “The most beautiful thing in the world is, of course, the world itself.” – Wallace Stevens

240. “Adventure is worthwhile in itself.” –Amelia Earhart

241. “Flying might not be all plain sailing, but the fun of it is worth the price.” – Amelia Earhart

242. “The engine is the heart of an airplane, but the pilot is its soul.” –Walter Raleigh

243. “The greatest sensation one can possibly imagine is to be lifted up into the sky by a big bird.” – Louis Blenriot

244. “Flying is a fine art, and the man who can control his machine so that he flies through the air at will is an artist in the true sense of the word.” –Wilbur Wright

245. “Aviation is proof that given the will, we have the capacity to achieve the impossible.” – Eddie Rickenbacker

246. “The airplane has unveiled for us the true face of the earth.” – Antoine de Saint-Exupery

247. “If one took no chances, one would not fly at all. Safety lies in the judgment of the chances one takes.” — Charles Lindbergh

248. “Airplanes are beautiful dreams.” – William Boeing

249. “In flying, we have a machine that can transport us not only beyond distances we can see, but beyond distances we can imagine.” –Anne Morrow Lindbergh

250. “The higher we soar, the smaller we appear to those who cannot fly” – Friedrich Nietzsche

251. “When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it.” –Winston Churchill

252. “It is hard to fly when something is weighing you down, so it’s important to let go of things that are holding you back.” – Bessie Coleman

253. “Oh, the places you’ll go.”  – Dr. Suess 

254. “The moment you doubt whether you can fly, you cease forever to be able to do it” – J. M. Barrie

255. “You wanna fly, you got to give up the thing that weighs you down.” – Toni Morrison

Hashtags for flights

Here are the perfect flight hashtags to help you attract followers and boost engagement. Using relevant hashtags is the best way to make your photos get noticed on Instagram and reach your target audience .

#airplanefood

#airplanefoodselfie

#airplanefoodsucks

#airplanemode

#airplaneselfie

#airplaneview

#airplanewindow

#airplanewindowview

#aisleseatplease

#aviationlovers

#aviationphotography

#catchflightsnotfeelings

#comeflywithme

#exploremore

#flightlife

#flighttocatch

#flyinggirl

#flyinghigh

#flyinghome

#flyinglife

#flyingsolo

#frequentflyer

#frequentflyers

#frequenttraveler

#instaplane

#instatravel

#jetsetlife

#justgetmehome

#layoverlife

#lovetravel

#ohtheplacesyouwillgo

#planeselfie

#readyfortakeoff

#skysthelimit

#smoothflight

#solotravel

#travellife

#wanderlust

#windowseat

#windowseatplease

#windowseatview

Final thoughts on flying captions and flying quotes for Instagram

I hope these fun and unique Instagram captions have inspired you to share your flying adventures. As you capture the beauty of the skies with your in-flight photos, these captions will make your posts stand out on Instagram. These funny, romantic, creative, inspiring flight captions will add a little bit of magic to your flying adventures.

Remember that flying is not just about getting from one place to another. The magic comes from the journey, the experiences, and the memories you create along the way.

From the early days of air travel until today, flying has represented unknown things and adventures in a new place. Sure, there might be a few seconds of sheer terror at takeoff or landing, but the sensation of flying is just the best feeling.

The next time you’re up in the air, be kind to your fellow passengers, capture the beauty around you, and appreciate the gift of travel. As you share your experiences with others, I hope these fun  travel captions make your posts fly higher.

Enjoy your flight!

Why Students Should Travel

How To Plan a Trip to New Zealand

Grants to Fund Your Sabbatical

I’m a traveler at heart. I’ve been an exchange student, roadtripped across the US, backpacked around Europe, and lived in Australia with my family. Sharing tips and inspiration with you, so you can travel bravely too!

Similar Posts

253 Best Paris Captions, Quotes & Puns for Instagram

Looking for the perfect Paris caption for Instagram?  Capturing the essence of Paris in a single photograph is an…

Travel with Baby: 232 Best Baby Instagram Captions & Quotes

Looking for just the right insta caption for your travels with baby? I’ve got a collection of the perfect…

307 Perfect Germany Instagram Captions, Quotes & Puns

Are you traveling in Germany and looking for the best Germany Instagram captions?  You’re in the right place! Every…

403 Captivating France Instagram Captions, Puns & Quotes

Searching for just the right France caption for Instagram to add that “je ne sais quoi” to your French…

137 Airport Captions, Puns & Quotes For Instagram

Stuck in an airport and looking for the perfect airport caption to post on Instagram? Here are the funny,…

330 Inspiring Olympics Captions, Quotes & Puns for Instagram

Amazed by the Olympics? This post is packed with the best Olympics Instagram captions and quotes for your photos…

• Quote of the Day
• Picture Quotes

Air Travel Quotes

Standart top banner.

The scientific theory I like best is that the rings of Saturn are composed entirely of lost airline luggage.

With air travel there is no distance, there is only time.

Flying is hours and hours of boredom sprinkled with a few seconds of sheer terror.

Airplane travel is nature's way of making you look like your passport photo.

Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.

I had arrived at the airport one hour early so that, in accordance with airline procedures, I could stand around.

I don't mind flying. I always pass out before the plane leaves the ground.

A hundred years ago, it could take you the better part of a year to get from New York to California; whereas today, because of equipment problems at O'Hare, you can't get there at all.

They mention that it's a nonstop flight. Well, I must say I don't care for that sort of thing. Call me old fashioned, but I insist that my flight stop. Preferably at an airport.

The modern airplane creates a new geographical dimension. A navigable ocean of air blankets the whole surface of the globe. There are no distant places any longer: the world is small and the world is one.

To me, an airplane is a great place to diet.

In America there are two classes of travel - first class, and with children.

People aren't just paying more to fill their gas tanks or when they pay for their heating bills for their home; they are paying more at the grocery store, on air travel and for many other daily expenses.

Each and every one of the security measures we implement serves an important goal: providing safe and efficient air travel for the millions of people who rely on our aviation system every day.

Airline food is not intended for human consumption. It's intended as a form of in-flight entertainment, wherein the object is to guess what it is, starting with broad categories such as "mineral" and "linoleum."

Air travel survived decades of terrorism, including attacks which resulted in the deaths of everyone on the plane. It survived 9/11. It'll survive the next successful attack. The only real worry is that we'll scare ourselves into making air travel so onerous that we won't fly anymore.

This book is dedicated to Wilbur and Orville Wright, without whom air sickness would still be just a dream.

If the security personnel do their job properly, they just might cause you to miss your plane, thereby possibly saving your life.

A world with a sudden limit on air travel would be tremendously different from the one we live in now.

We travel together, passengers on a little spaceship, dependent on its vulnerable reserves of air and soil, all committed, for our safety, to its security and peace. Preserved from annihilation only by the care, the work and the love we give our fragile craft.

There are only two reasons to sit in the back row of an airplane: Either you have diarrhea, or you're anxious to meet people who do.

I feel about airplanes the way I feel about diets. It seems to me that they are wonderful things for other people to go on.

I was trampled to death by a man who believed his luggage would be the first piece off. If he were an experienced traveler, he would know that the first piece of luggage belongs to no one. It's just a dummy suitcase to give everyone hope.

There are no distant places any longer: the world is small and the world is one.

last adds STANDART BOTTOM BANNER

Send report.

• The author didn't say that
• There is a mistake in the text of this quote
• The quote belongs to another author
• Other error

Top Authors

Get Social with AzQuotes

Follow AzQuotes on Facebook, Twitter and Google+. Every day we present the best quotes! Improve yourself, find your inspiration, share with friends

SIDE STANDART BANNER

• Javascript and RSS feeds
• WordPress plugin
• ES Version AZQuotes.ES
• Submit Quotes
• Privacy Policy

Login with your account

Create account, find your account.

• Vision Boards
• Giving Back

100+ Original Travel Quotes That Make You Laugh

• Posted by Bold Tuesday

Looking for the original travel quotes? Look no further. Life is too short for the boring and everyone-knows travel sayings. So we have collected and created the freshest, original and out-of-ordinary travel quotes with attitude.

This list of 100+ quotes is updated weekly, so bookmark the page and stick around. Follow us on Instagram @boldtuesday to get your daily dose of inspiration and be the first to see the latest quotes.

WANT THESE ON YOUR WALL? CHECK OUT OUR PRINTABLE TRAVEL QUOTES.  PS! WE ALSO HAVE SOME NEW COOL TRAVEL TOTE BAGS WITH QUOTES.

Be bold and keep travelling:.

That moment when boarding is complete. And the seat next to you is empty.

Work tip: stand up. Stretch. Take a walk. Go to the airport. Get on a plane. Never return.

Airports: the only place where drinking 8 AM is socially acceptable.

Running to the gate is my cardio.

That moment when you’re asked where you got something and you answer with the name of the country, not the name of the store.

A plane ticket is the answer. Who cares what the question is.

Go to work. Open computer. Scroll for plane tickets for 6 hours. Close computer. Go home.

Vacation calories don’t count.

If you look like your passport picture, you probably need a trip.

I wish I was a postcard. For under 1.5€ you can travel the world to any location in the world. 

It’s bad manners to keep a vacation waiting.

I heard an airplane passing overhead. I wished I was on it.

Live a life you don’t need a vacation from.

Be afraid. And do it anyway.

I’ve got a crush on the world.

People having babies. And I'm like...what country am I going to next?

Physically I’m here. Mentally I’m in a pool in Bali ordering my third mojito. 

Packs 2 hours before leaving for a trip. Unpacks 3 months after coming home.

Ironing boards are surfboards that gave up their dreams and got a boring job. Don’t be an ironing board.

Going on a trip. Need about 5 outfits. I’ve packed 35 just to be safe.

I need a holiday. And by “holiday” I mean I need to move away and find a job. On the beach. With cocktails. 

You can’t buy happiness, but you can buy plane tickets, which is kind of the same thing.

I need 6 months of vacation. Twice a year.

Travelling is like a chocolate box. Don’t matter what you get. All is good.

You can’t make everyone happy. You are not a plane ticket.

I just want to travel the world, overspend at IKEA and drink coffee while cuddling puppies.

Me: I want to travel. My bank account: Like to the park?

Tripophobia (n.) The fear of not having any travel trips currently booked.

Do you ever stress about money and then accidentally book another flight?

All you need is  love a passport.

I wish travel therapy was covered by my health insurance. 

I’m a travel addict on the road to recovery. Just kidding. I’m headed to the airport.

Birds literally just eat, travel, and shit on things they don’t like. I don’t know about you, but that’s the lifestyle I’m striving for.

The temptation to go to the airport, buy a one-way ticket, leave the country and live on my own has never been so real.

I haven’t worn these pants since I bought them. I should definitely pack them for my 3-day vacation. Just in case.

Friend: Let’s go to Bora Bora. Me: Man, I wanna go, but I’m pora pora.

In desperate need of a full body massage, 4 days of sleep and a ticket to the Bahamas.

Me before vacation: "I’m going to be responsible with my money. This is a low budget trip. I’m gonna stay in a hostel and everything."Me on vacation: *orders fancy drinks, rides a camel, goes skydiving, buys souvenirs for the uncle’s new girlfriend and adopts an alpaca.*

Everyone is pregnant, engaged or getting married. I just wanna lose weight and travel.

Normal life: Wears the same top every day for a week. Packing for 3-day vacation: I’ll probably change a few times a day so I’ll take 21 tops.

Imagine falling in love with someone and then finding out they clap their hands when the plane lands.

Have you ever stopped to think, maybe travel is addicted to me?

Can we just skip to the part in my life where I travel the world?

Me getting ready for vacation: manicure and pedicure, buy new Sephora products, spray tan, get waxed, get hair done, work out for a month, live off kale and veggies, try on 30K swimsuits and cry in dressing rooms. Husband getting ready for vacation: packs a bathing suit, flip-flops, a T-shirt, and calls it a day.

Europeans: I drove 40 minutes to spend the weekend in Paris, then popped to Germany to visit family on the way home. Australians: I was in Queensland and drove for 18 hours. Now I’m still in Queensland.

My mom watches a special type of news program that only reports on horrible incidents happening in places I’m about to visit.

Why do airplane tickets have to so expensive?! having separate continents is so stupid.

By 35, if I’m not engaged or already starting a family, I declare myself the aunt who’s always travelling & comes to family events tipsy.

My favourite thing to pack on trips are all the clothes I never wear at home and then find fun, flirty and exciting ways to not wear them while I'm away.

One week into vacation - My body: "please, a vegetable." Me: "a croissant?" My body: "I'm begging you, a single leaf of kale." Me: "So another plate of chips?"

You've never felt true fear until your passport isn't where you think you left it.

The airport is a lawless place. 7 am? Drink a beer. Tired? Sleep on the floor. Hungry? Chips now cost 17$.

Travitude (n.) when you start to feel grump y and sassy cause you haven't travelled in a while.

If anyone is Christmas shopping for me, I wear a size 7-day Caribbean cruise.

TIP: You won't get the holiday blues if you just keep booking holidays.

Yeah, sex is great, but have you ever gotten to the airport with plenty of time to eat, pee, buy a magazine and bottle of water, have a beer, pee again and charge your phone?

Me thinking about how many flights I can book for the cost of a new Iphone XR.

There should be sympathy cards for having to go back to work after vacation.

I googled my symptoms. Turns out I just needed to go on a vacay.

I don't know much about planes, but I know that my watching the wing the entire flight makes sure things are nice and steady.

Me: I'm not going to overpack this time. Inner me: I need this. I will need that as well. I need everything.

Ladies, imagine this. It's 15 years from now, and you have no kids. You're the cool wine aunt that occasionally comes back to the country for a brief visit before leaving for another long exotic vacation. You have no commitments, and a suspicious amount of money.

Me travelling. Person: "Un Cafe?" Me: "Oui" Person: "Sucre" Me: "Non" Person: "You speak very good french" Me: "Gracias"

Holiday? Now that's a word I haven't heard in a long time.

Babies: cry all flight long. Fall asleep during landing.

How can people my age plan spontaneous trips to Thailand, I can barely afford a spontaneous soft pretzel.

Everyone should believe in something. I believe I should be on the beach drinking Margaritas.

All I want for Christmas is you forever vacation.

So, do I live out of a suitcase for the next month? Do I unpack just to repack again? Do I put my toothbrush back in the bathroom? I'm a visitor in my own house what the heck.

I love those days when my only decision is window or aisle.

Bank account nice and empty. Starting the new year on a clean slate.

A passport holder sounds like a great idea until you get to the airport and have to remove it 4 billion times.

I love when people say "just quit your job and travel." Taking an Uber from the bar to my home is the only travel I can afford. 

When you're trying to save money for a house, but end up with a one-way ticket to some tropical island.

"Be right back..." Just running away from Monday and going straight to the airport. 

"You can't buy happiness" Okay, explain travel then...

Watches Netflix happily. Remembers you need to pack. Watches Netflix stressfully.

I don't want a house. I just want to travel and pet a lot of dogs.

I need a reasonably paid job. Something like €2000 an hour. Nothing too wild.

I want to live in the world where searching for plane tickets burns calories.

Worrying you've accidentally packed 3 kilos of cocaine and a dead goat as you walk through "nothing to declare" at the airport.

Some people spend their life searching for "the one". I'm just searching for the one good travel deal.

I'm getting tired of waking up and not being at the beach.

Procrastapacking (n.) the act of thinking about packing a suitcase instead of actually doing it. 

Don't speak the language. Already said 3 times "what". Now just smile and nod and hope for the best.

Should I book another flight to go abroad? Brain: no. W allet: no. M om: no. D og: no. U niverse: no ... I think I'm gonna book the flight.

I love those days when my only decision is whether to go to the beach in the morning or in the afternoon.

What's that medical condition called where you constantly need to have a trip booked?

Me: triple checked packing list Also me: *forgets underwear, contact solution, and favourite chapstick*.

My favourite memory from childhood is my parents paying for my holidays. 

I thought I wanted a career. Turns out I just want a paycheck to buy plane tickets.

Getting out of bed would be 10x easier if there was a Caribbean ocean and 30 degree weather waiting outside for you. 

No one: Me on my way to work: If I quit my job now I can make it to the airport in 2 hours.

Work hard. Travel harder.

To be continued...

WANT THESE ON YOUR WALL? CHECK OUT OUR PRINTABLE TRAVEL QUOTES.  AND FOR ALL THE TRAVELLERS, CHECK OUT OUR MAPS AND POSTERS.

What are you looking for.

• You don't have any items in your cart.
• {property.name}: {property.value}

Live Adventure Travel contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these Amazon links, I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

120+ Flying Captions for Instagram perfect for your next Airport Visit!

So, you make your way through security, and much to your surprise there is no queue. You are now faced with a dreaded 3-hour wait before your flight. What do you do? Take some pictures of course. Perhaps you are hoping to show off your fresh airport outfit. Or, you are letting time pass by with an ice-cold beer from the bar. Maybe you splashed out and paid a little extra for a window seat on the plane. No matter what you decide to take a photo of on your shenanigans through the airport one thing is for certain, you will need an Instagram caption. Don’t worry, I have you covered with over 120+ Flying Captions for Instagram perfect for those with a splash of wanderlust!

What Instagram Flying Caption Best Suits You?

Having trouble picking the right airport caption for you? Then take this quiz, we have created the perfect questions to determine your travel style, providing you with 5 personal 'insta-perfect' captions for your next trip!

How would you describe your travel style?

What's your preferred instagram caption vibe, what's your attitude towards solo travel, how do you feel about travel and freedom, what's your ideal instagram caption length, how do you view cultural experiences during travel, what's your stance on airport antics, how do you feel about nature, airport captions for instagram that will send you followers/friends flying high .

The first set of Flying Quotes for Instagram is simple yet effective. These are for those of you in a hurry, they will work for most holiday scenarios.

• “Flying into new adventures like…”
• “Up, up, and away!”
• “Taking off to new horizons.”
• “Flying above the clouds, reaching for the sky.”
• “Soaring through the sky, feeling alive.”
• “Wings up, worries down.”
• “Flying is proof that humans can touch the sky.”
• “Let the wind carry you to new heights.”
• “The sky’s the limit”
• “Captivated by the magic of flight.”
• “Jetting off with a heart full of wanderlust.”
• “Boarding pass in hand and I’m ready to fly’
• “Ready to take off and leave the ordinary behind.”
• “The sky is not the limit; it’s just the beginning.”

Quotes for Flights and Airport Antics

Ok, so you have taken a pic of you and your friends in the airport as you wait to board the plane to a new destination. You want to show off where you are heading. Below is a collection of quotes perfect for some Airport Antics.

15. “The Airport: where adventures begin.” 16. “Lost in the airport, found in a new world.” 17. “Exploring the world, one boarding pass at a time.” 18. “Checking in for my next destination.” 19. “All I need is my passport in hand and a mind for the memories’. 20. “Airport vibes and wanderlust dreams.” 21. “Navigating airports like a pro.” 22. “In a committed relationship with the “airport

Flying Inspirational Quotes for those who dream of Wanderlust

The next set of quotes for flights is ideal for those of you who have a sense of wanderlust. If you are someone who is always jetting off to a new and exciting destination then these might just be perfect Instagram captions for you!

23. “Collect moments, not things.” 24. “Seeking adventures that feed my soul.” 25. “Wanderlust: a passport to endless possibilities.” 26. “A dreamer with a one-way ticket to the world.” 27. “Born to wander, destined to explore.” 28. “Leaving footprints around the world.” 29. “Exploring new destinations, discovering myself.” 30. “Not all who wander are lost.” 31. “Adventure awaits, and I won’t keep it waiting.” 32. “Beneath the wings, a world of discovery awaits.” 33. “Adventure is calling, and I must go.” 34. “Exploring the world, one flight at a time.” 35. “Travel far, travel wide, travel with an open mind.” 36. “Let your wanderlust guide you to extraordinary places.” 37. “Life is short, book the ticket, take the flight.”

38. “Discovering new places, creating unforgettable memories.” 39. “Lost in wanderlust, found in the beauty of travel.” 40. “The world is full of wonders; go out and explore them.” 41. “Traveling is not just a hobby; it’s a way of life.” 42. “Collect experiences, not things.”

Airport Captions for Instagram but make them Punny!

Everyone loves a good pun, below is a play on some popular travel words that will work perfectly yo describe your Insta post!

43. “I’m just plane excited for this trip!” 44. “Jetting off because I’m winging it in life.” 45. “Traveling: my punny addiction.” 46. “I’m on cloud nine… a thousand feet above the ground.” 47. “I’m flying high on wanderlust and good vibes.” 48. “I’m feeling propellent today, ready for takeoff!”

Airplane Captions Window Seat Addition!

Did you splash out and buy a window seat? Or perhaps you just got lucky with random allocation? Well, either way, I have you covered with these amazing captions perfect for your window pics!

49. “Adventure awaits, and I’m ready to soar!” 50. “Leaving footprints in the sky as I chase my dreams.” 51. “Flying high, and dreaming hard! 52. The world is my view today! 53. “Flight Mode: Activated 54. “Seeing the world from a different perspective.” 55. “Sitting by the window, watching dreams take flight.” 56. “Flying above the clouds, chasing moments of pure bliss.” 57. “Behind every window is a new chapter waiting to unfold.” 58. “Window seat vibes!’ 59. “In-flight daydreaming’ 60. Where travel dreams takes flight.” 61. “Seeking new adventures, one window seat at a time.” 62. “This is Window seat therapy right there’ 63. “The window seat, my front-row ticket to the world.” 64. “Admiring the world from a different altitude.” 65. “Sitting at the window, witnessing the magic of flight.” 66. “Above the clouds, everything seems so small.” 67. “Traveling is the best education, and the window seat is my classroom.”

Solo Travel Quotes for those looking for Flying Instagram Captions

If you are just about to hop on your first solo backpacking trip then here are some travel Instagram captions you may find useful! I also have plenty of tip on Europe Backpacking Budget and Hostels .

69. “Adventure begins when you step outside your comfort zone.” 70. ”Stepping into the airport, ready to embark on my first solo adventure.” 71. “This journey will shape me.” 72. “Airport vibes and a heart full of courage as I set off on my solo travel adventure.” 73. “Here I am, at the airport, about to create unforgettable memories all on my own.” 74. “In the airport, feeling a mix of nerves and exhilaration as I embrace my solo adventure.” 75. “Boarding pass in hand, ready to embrace the world and my own company.” 76. “The airport is my gateway to independence and personal growth on my first solo travel experience.” 77. “Leaving behind familiarity, I find myself in the airport, ready to explore the world solo.” 78. “Embarking on a solo adventure, letting curiosity guide my steps and self-discovery be my compass.” 79. “As I watch planes take off, I know it’s time for me to soar on my own wings and embrace solo travel.”

Instagram Travel Captions Perfect for those with a sense of Adventure and Exploration !

80. “Adventure awaits, go find it!” 81. “The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.” – Saint Augustine 82. “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.” – Helen Keller 83. “To travel is to live.” – Hans Christian Andersen 84. “Travel far, travel wide, and travel without regret.” 85. “The biggest adventure you can take is to live the life of your dreams.” – Oprah Winfrey 86. “Let’s wander where the Wi-Fi is weak and the adventures are strong.” 87. “Travel is the only thing you can buy that makes you richer.” 88. “Collect moments, not things.” 89. “Travel far enough, you meet yourself.”

Instagram Captions for Travel Adventures that Embrace New Cultures !

90. “The best education I have ever received was through travel.” – Lisa Ling 91. “Travel is the bridge between cultures and understanding.” 92. “One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.” – Henry Miller 93. “Embrace the unfamiliar, for it will teach you more than you can imagine.” 94. “In a world full of sameness, travel to experience uniqueness.” 95. “Travel is not just about seeing new places; it’s about experiencing new perspectives.” 96. “The beauty of traveling lies in embracing different cultures and discovering shared humanity.” 97. “A journey is best measured in friends, rather than miles.” 98. “Travel is the perfect catalyst for tolerance and acceptance.” 99. “Diversity is the spice of life; embrace it through travel.”

Airport Captions Instagram for those looking for Freedom and Liberation !

100. “Travel sets you free from the limitations of your comfort zone.” 101. “Break free from routine and let your wanderlust guide you.” 102. “The open road is an invitation to freedom.” 103. “Travel is the escape button from the mundane realities of life.” 104. “Fly high and embrace the freedom that travel brings.” 105. “Traveling liberates the soul and expands the mind.” 106. “Find freedom in exploring the unknown.” 107. “The world is yours to roam, so spread your wings and fly.” 108. “Traveling is not just a destination; it’s a state of mind.” 109. “Traveling gives you the freedom to write your own story.”

Flying Captions for Instagram for those seeking Beauty of Nature !

110. “In nature, we find solace for our souls.” 111. “The earth has music for those who listen.” – George Santayana 112. “Let nature be your guide as you explore the world.” 113. “The more you explore, the more you’ll be awed by the beauty of nature.” 114. “There’s no better canvas than nature’s masterpiece.” 115. “Let the beauty of nature take your breath away.” 116. “Nature is not a place to visit, it’s home.” 117. “The world is a garden; travel to see its blooms.” 118. “Nature’s beauty is a timeless gift; cherish it through travel.” 119. “Every mountain, river, and sunset has a story to tell.”

Movies and Song Quotes that will inspire your Instagram Travel Captions

120. “I’m leaving on a jet plane, don’t know when I’ll be back again.” – John Denver

121. “The adventure is out there!” – Up

122. “I have a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore.” – The Wizard of Oz

123. “I can show you the world, shining, shimmering splendid.” – Aladdin

124. “Life is a journey. Enjoy the ride!” – Cars

125. “I’m on the pursuit of happiness and I know, everything that shines ain’t always gonna be gold.” – “Pursuit of Happiness” by Kid Cudi ft. MGMT

126. “It’s time to see what I can do, to test the limits and break through.” – Frozen

127. ‘Where soaring, flying’ – High School Musical

Similar Posts

Lisbon blog posts – coming soon.

I am currently working on my 4 Days in Lisbon and Lisbon View Points blog posts. They will be live on the site soon. In the meantime please feel free to take a look at the routes I took through the city. DAY 1 – Google Maps RouteDAY 2 – Google Maps RouteDAY 3 –…

3 Week Interrail Route: Explore Europe by Train in 2024!

Ahhhh Europe! I do love the diversity. Sipping cocktails by the Seine River in Paris or Trekking up the Julian Alps in Slovenia. No matter where you go there is always a new and exciting adventure just waiting to happen. I’ll never forget the day my ‘European Dreams’ became a reality. Travelling through Europe by…

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

You are about to leave geico.com

When you click "Continue" you will be taken to a site owned by , not GEICO. GEICO has no control over their privacy practices and assumes no responsibility in connection with your use of their website. Any information that you provide directly to them is subject to the privacy policy posted on their website.

Travel Insurance

Get a travel insurance quote and protect your next trip

For flight insurance protection:

Aircare Flight Quote

For all-in-one trip insurance protection:

ExactCare Travel Quote

Manage Your Travel And Flight Insurance

Manage your policy online

Need a travel insurance quote?

Existing policyholder?

Take the worry out of your travels with affordable flight or trip insurance.

Looking to plan the vacation of a lifetime or flying home for the holidays? Trip insurance and flight insurance can provide the peace of mind you need for your next journey. The GEICO Insurance Agency, with Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection (BHTP), offers comprehensive travel insurance coverage, with prompt service and global assistance. Get an online travel insurance quote today and confidently protect your next adventure.

AirCare Flight Insurance

If you only need to protect your travel costs for a flight, AirCare may be what you need. With affordable coverage for both domestic and international flights, AirCare flight insurance helps you plan with peace of mind.

ExactCare Travel Insurance

If you want to cover your flight and other trip arrangement's ExtraCare can help. An ExactCare Travel Insurance policy can help with the unexpected like:

• Trip Cancellations/Interruptions/Delays
• Lost/Stolen travel documents
• Unexpected medical expenses

What's the difference between flight insurance and travel insurance?

The main difference is that a flight insurance policy only covers your airfare. On the other hand, a travel insurance policy helps protect your flight as well as other parts of your trip. While you're planning your next trip, think about where you're going and what you'll be doing. Once you have that, it'll be easier to choose which policy works best for your trip.

What does a flight insurance policy cover?

AirCare Flight Insurance has a variety of benefits including emergency travel assistance, 24/7/365. Some common flight coverages are:

• Airfare incase flights are cancelled or you miss a connection
• Personal items like lost or delayed luggage
• Flight delays in your departure (at the gate or on the tarmac)

AirCare Quote

What does a travel insurance policy cover?

ExactCare Travel Insurance provides all-in-one travel protection, with family friendly pricing and worldwide emergency travel assistance 24/7/365. Common things covered by travel insurance are:

• Trip cancellation or interruption
• Personal items like passports and luggage
• Medical costs like hospital and doctor expenses, medical evacuations, and more

ExactCare quote

What is not covered by travel insurance?

Your coverage is based on the plan you choose. However, in general some things that aren't normally covered by travel insurance are:

• Action and team sports, for example auto racing, pro sports travel, or other extreme sport activities
• Travel to get medical care
• Trip Cancellation because you changed your mind

For more information, please check your policy.

Is travel or trip insurance worth the cost?

Travel insurance can help protect your vacation or trips from unexpected things happening. You can travel without trip insurance but doing so brings greater risk if something goes wrong or you encounter unexpected delays. Flight insurance or trip insurance coverage can include things like flight cancellation, lost luggage, trip cancellation, emergency medical transportation, and more. Learn more about travel insurance and why you should get a travel insurance quote today!

How much does travel insurance cost?

Travel insurance typically costs 5 to 10 percent of your total trip cost, though that can be influenced by several things.

• The cost of the trip
• The length of your trip and destination
• The amount of coverage selected
• The number of travelers covered under the policy

Worldwide service and claims information.

It's easy to manage your travel insurance..

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection (BHTP) has made it easy to manage your travel insurance. You can:

• Visit Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection's website
• Email [email protected]

Is travel insurance worth it?

Yes. Things happen that are out of your control. Whether it's your flight being cancelled or delayed to a family emergency. Life happens and that's how travel insurance can help. Plan for the unexpected with a travel insurance policy so you can rest easy knowing you're covered.

Travel Insurance: Get the answers you're looking for.

• What travel insurance plans are available? BHTB offers AirCare (flight only) and 3 main plans: ExactCare Value, ExactCare, and ExactCare Extra. ExactCare Value provides great traveling insurance coverage for budget minded travelers. You can rest easy knowing you're covered for things like trip cancellation, trip interruption, and medical expenses. The main difference is the maximum amount that will be covered. ExactCare and ExactCare Extra's insurance cover the same things as ExactCare Value and add coverage for missed connections and accidental death & dismemberment. The overall amount covered is also increased for each plan respectively.
• Can I get trip insurance for an extended overseas stay? Yes. We can help you with getting insurance for overseas. Please visit our overseas insurance page for information about all the options we have for you!
• Is there travel insurance that can cover my vehicle while traveling to Mexico? Your US auto insurance policy won't cover your vehicle when you drive into Mexico. We're here to help you find the Mexico car insurance you need to insure your car.
• Tips for saving money on your next vacation. No one wants to overpay things. We're here to help. Check out our 5 ways to save your money on your next family vacation.
• Where you're going
• Number of days you're traveling
• Cost of your overall trip
• Coverage you pick
• Number of people covered under your policy

If you choose to get a rate quote or service your policy online, you will be taken to the Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection website which is owned by Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company, not GEICO. Any information that you provide directly to Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company on its website is subject to the privacy policy posted on their website, which you should read before proceeding. GEICO assumes no responsibility for their privacy practices or your use of their website.

ExactCare is provided through Berkshire Hathaway Global Insurance Services, LLC. ExactCare and AirCare are underwritten by Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company. Both coverages are secured through the GEICO Insurance Agency, LLC.

Benefits may vary by jurisdiction. Please contact a representative to confirm availability.

Please note:

The above is meant as general information and as general policy descriptions to help you understand the different types of coverages. These descriptions do not refer to any specific contract of insurance and they do not modify any definitions, exclusions or any other provision expressly stated in any contracts of insurance. We encourage you to speak to your insurance representative and to read your policy contract to fully understand your coverages.

Colorado Language Preference

Are you a resident of or looking for insurance in the State of Colorado?

We are temporarily unable to provide services in Spanish for Colorado residents. You will now be directed to an English experience.

Estamos encantados de ofrecer nuestra nueva version del sitio web en Español. Apreciamos su paciencia mientras seguimos mejorando su experiencia.

• BEST SELLERS
• CUSTOM GIFTS
• HOME LIVING
• KITCHEN & DINING
• Lionel Richie
• Boarding Pass
• Airport Code
• Luggage Ticket Themed
• Runway / Apron
• Pilot Stripes
• FlightBoard
• MCDU Themed
• Luggage Tags
• Passport Covers
• Sleep Masks
• Travel Mugs
• Laundry Bags
• Packing Bags
• Luggages (CaseTag™)
• Duffle Bags
• Weekender Bags
• Throw Pillows
• Wall Clocks
• Beach Towels
• Christmas Ornaments
• Duvet Covers
• Shower Curtains
• Pillow Shams
• Kitchen Aprons
• Phone Cases
• Wireless Charger
• Mobile Wallpapers
• Pullover Hoodies
• Sweatshirts
• Kids T-Shirts
• Baby Bodysuits
• Tag Keychains
• Buttons n Pins
• Temporary Tattoos
• Canvas Prints
• Metal Prints

Cookie policy

We use cookies and similar technologies to provide the best experience on our website. Refer to our Privacy Policy for more information.

Your cart is empty

Travel Quotes

• Credit cards
• View all credit cards
• Banking guide
• Loans guide
• Insurance guide
• Personal finance
• View all personal finance
• Small business
• Small business guide
• View all taxes

You’re our first priority. Every time.

We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence. And while our site doesn’t feature every company or financial product available on the market, we’re proud that the guidance we offer, the information we provide and the tools we create are objective, independent, straightforward — and free.

So how do we make money? Our partners compensate us. This may influence which products we review and write about (and where those products appear on the site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services. Here is a list of our partners .

Travelers Think Every Airline Has Improved This Year — Except One

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

It’s a good time to travel by air. Each month so far this year, airfares have been cheaper than the same month in 2023. Plus, passenger satisfaction is at an all-time high.

That’s according to the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) Travel Study 2023-2024, which sought to understand consumer sentiment toward U.S. airlines. This year’s study found that satisfaction rates have improved for the second consecutive year.

ACSI’s scores are calculated based on benchmarks such as ease of making reservations and checking in, cabin cleanliness, employee helpfulness and boarding experience. The results are based on responses from over 16,000 people surveyed via email between April 2023 and March 2024.

The report found that every major U.S. airline improved its score year over year except for one: United Airlines.

Here’s what you need to know about the best and worst U.S. airlines for customer satisfaction — and why flying has gotten relatively better across the board.

The best-rated U.S. airlines for satisfaction

ACSI’s study ranked nine major U.S. airlines on a scale of 0-100. Here's each airline’s customer satisfaction score, from highest to lowest:

Alaska Airlines performed quite well, ranking as the airline with the best customer satisfaction for the second straight year in ACSI’s survey.

Notably, Alaska also came out on top in NerdWallet’s annual analysis of the best airline and best airline rewards programs .

Unlike the rest of its peers, however, United Airlines' customer satisfaction score dropped year over year. Though United’s scores were the only ones to decrease, the airline isn’t the worst in terms of customer satisfaction. Frontier and Spirit, both budget airlines, still scored lower.

Why did United’s score drop?

Forrest Morgeson, a marketing professor at Michigan State University and director of research emeritus at the ACSI, said in an email that the drop in United customer satisfaction scores is due to the declining quality of the reservation system and low scores for in-flight service.

Morgeson also cited the growth in United’s basic economy passengers, which he said makes “for a less satisfying experience by design.” In 2023's fourth quarter, the airline reported its basic economy airfares recorded a substantial 20% revenue increase year over year.

While most airlines sell a basic economy option, offering fewer frills (e.g., usually a middle seat and the last boarding group) in exchange for a lower cost, United’s basic economy ranks among the worst.

In another customer satisfaction poll — this one the ​​J.D. Power 2024 North America Airline Satisfaction Study — United scored the lowest of any full-service U.S. carrier in a ranking of basic economy offerings. The only U.S.-based carriers to score lower are Spirit and Frontier.

Why customer satisfaction has generally gotten better in 2024

Staffing levels have rebounded — and then some.

Morgeson said higher customer satisfaction scores for other airlines were largely driven by increases in airline staffing levels from pandemic lows.

“This resulted in big score jumps for staff-driven aspects of the customer experience, such as check-in and boarding, in-flight service and staff courtesy,” he said in an email.

Airline staffing numbers are even higher than even before the pandemic. In November 2023, U.S. airlines employed 814,190 workers, according to the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics. That’s almost 9% more than the 748,143 workers employed in November 2019.

Budget airlines are improving

Though they still generally performed poorly on customer satisfaction scores, budget airlines showed the biggest overall improvements. Spirit still ranks lowest overall in customer satisfaction of any airline, yet its score also saw the greatest increase. Frontier and Allegiant Air also saw big jumps.

Morgeson attributed the score increases to budget airlines’ value compared with full-service carriers.

“Customers are likely feeling more satisfied with their [budget airline ticket] purchase, particularly in light of legacy airlines’ additional fees,” he said.

Budget airlines notoriously charge high fees, but full-service carriers have recently piled on their own fees. In 2024, Southwest raised its EarlyBird check-in fees as high as an additional $99 per one-way airfare, depending on the flight (up from $25), and upgraded boarding fees as high as $149 per segment, depending on the flight (up from $80). As well, a slew of airlines raised their checked bag fees .

Still, budget airlines typically charge the highest fees, which can include upcharges for seat selection, checked bags and overhead carry-on bags. NerdWallet analyzed ancillary fees and found that a one-way fare on Frontier Airlines incurs, on average, $157 in additional fees. Spirit fees average $120 each way. Both figures are more than double the cost of other airlines’ average fees.

More arrivals are on-time

Airline reliability improvements also played a key role in this year’s higher customer satisfaction rates. According to data from the BTS, the average on-time arrival rate for U.S. airlines in 2023 was 78.2%, up slightly from 76.6% in 2022.

One standout budget airline, Allegiant, skyrocketed from its on-time arrivals rate of 63.4% in 2022 to 73.4% in 2023.

“Passengers noticed, because its on-time arrival score also skyrocketed in the ACSI Study,” Morgeson said.

How can air travel continue to improve?

The lowest scores across airlines continue to be seat comfort and quality of complimentary in-flight food and beverages. If budget airlines or United Airlines want to increase customer satisfaction, it might be as simple as offering a little more than a free bag of pretzels.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-2x Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases, dining, at gas stations, office supply stores and on local transit and commuting. Earn 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases.

75000 Earn 75,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.

• Updated Terms of Use
• New Privacy Policy
• Your Privacy Choices
• Closed Captioning Policy

Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Market data provided by  Factset . Powered and implemented by  FactSet Digital Solutions .  Legal Statement .

This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. ©2024 FOX News Network, LLC. All rights reserved. FAQ - New Privacy Policy

Airplane passengers endure 9-hour 'flight to nowhere'

Texas-bound british airways plane made it to canada before heading back to london.

British Airways flight from New York to London breaks speed record

Report on British Airways record flight and big tech in the classroom 

A British Airways flight on its way to Texas recently crossed the Atlantic Ocean – and immediately went right back.

British Airways Flight 195 departed from Heathrow Airport on Monday morning en route to George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston. According to online flight tracker Flightradar24, the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner was in the air for five hours before its diversion.

The airplane, which can seat nearly 300 passengers, just barely grazed North America and flew along the coast of Newfoundland before heading back over the Atlantic to London.

Passengers and crew had traveled over 4,833 miles at the end of the nine-hour ordeal – and still no closer to their desired destination.

THESE US AIRPORTS ARE THE WORST TO FLY OUT OF — SEE THE LIST

British Airways recently apologized after taking its passengers on a hellish "flight to nowhere." (iStock / iStock)

British Airways told Fox Business that the mishap happened as a result of a "minor technical issue."

"The flight returned to London Heathrow as a precaution due to a minor technical issue," a spokesperson explained. "It landed safely and customers disembarked as normal."

"We've apologized to our customers for the disruption to their journey."

DOZENS OF PASSENGERS ON UNITED AIRLINES FLIGHT MYSTERIOUSLY FALL ILL EN ROUTE TO TEXAS

British Airways planes are seen on the tarmac at London's Heathrow Airport in March 2023. (Chris Ratcliffe/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)

Social media users were stumped by the move to divert back to Europe instead of landing at a nearby airport.

"Why Not Land in Halifax or...Nearby..?!" one X user questioned.

"I feel for the people in coach having went through a long flight already then knowing they’ll have to [go] through it all again," another wrote.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER

Other commentators found the humor in the situation.

"Maybe they realized they were supposed to go to the original Houston in Scotland," a social media user joked.

British Airways Boeing 777 Dreamliner airplane at New York John F. Kennedy airport (JFK) in the USA. (iStock / iStock)

"Still, on the plus side, they didn't end up in Houston," another quipped.

GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE

British Airways told Fox Business that the impacted passengers were given hotel rooms and rebooked onto new flights. No additional details are known at this time.

For more Lifestyle articles, visit foxbusiness.com/lifestyle.

Advertiser Disclosure

Bankrate.com is an independent, advertising-supported comparison service. The offers that appear on this site are from companies from which Bankrate.com receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site, including, for example, the order in which they may appear within listing categories. Other factors, such as our own proprietary website rules and the likelihood of applicants' credit approval, also impact how and where products appear on this site. Bankrate.com does not include the entire universe of available financial or credit offers.

Bankrate has partnerships with issuers including, but not limited to, American Express, Bank of America, Capital One, Chase, Citi and Discover.

Best travel credit cards of June 2024

• • Credit card strategy
• • Credit card comparisons

Bankrate expert Garrett Yarbrough strives to make navigating credit cards and credit building smooth sailing for his readers. After regularly featuring his credit card, credit monitoring and identity theft analysis on NextAdvisor.com, he joined the CreditCards.com and Bankrate teams as a staff writer to develop product reviews and comprehensive credit card guides focused on cash back, credit scores and card offers.

• • Rewards credit cards
• • Travel credit cards

Nouri Zarrugh is a writer and editor for CreditCards.com and Bankrate,  focusing on product news, guides and reviews. His areas of expertise include credit card strategy, rewards programs, point valuation and credit scores, and his stories on building credit have been cited by Mic.com, LifeHacker, People.com and more. Through his thorough card reviews and product comparisons, Nouri strives to demystify personal finance topics and credit card terms and conditions to help readers save money and protect their credit score.

• • Credit cards
• • Personal finance

Stephanie Zito is a professional traveler, self-employed humanitarian consultant and collector of credit card points. She shares savvy travel tips that she’s learned firsthand circling the globe for more than 25 years. She’s a backpacker, expect and premium traveler who’s visited more than 130 countries and all seven continents. Her life motto is “See the world, change the world, have fun doing it!” and her mission is to inspire others along the journey.

The listings that appear on the website are from credit card companies from which Bankrate receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. Here's an explanation for how we make money.

How we make money

You have money questions. Bankrate has answers. Our experts have been helping you master your money for over four decades. We continually strive to provide consumers with the expert advice and tools needed to succeed throughout life’s financial journey.

Bankrate follows a strict editorial policy , so you can trust that our content is honest and accurate. Our award-winning editors and reporters create honest and accurate content to help you make the right financial decisions. The content created by our editorial staff is objective, factual, and not influenced by our advertisers.

We’re transparent about how we are able to bring quality content, competitive rates, and useful tools to you by explaining how we make money.

Bankrate.com is an independent, advertising-supported publisher and comparison service. We are compensated in exchange for placement of sponsored products and services, or by you clicking on certain links posted on our site. Therefore, this compensation may impact how, where and in what order products appear within listing categories, except where prohibited by law for our mortgage, home equity and other home lending products. Other factors, such as our own proprietary website rules and whether a product is offered in your area or at your self-selected credit score range, can also impact how and where products appear on this site. While we strive to provide a wide range of offers, Bankrate does not include information about every financial or credit product or service.

Travel credit cards help you earn valuable points and miles on your purchases. For maximum value, some cards earn rewards not only on travel, but also everyday purchases like dining, groceries and gas. You can redeem these rewards for free or discounted flights, hotel stays or to cover other travel-related expenses.

The best travel cards also come with additional features. Even no-annual-fee travel cards are likely to offer perks like sign-up bonuses, intro APR offers and travel insurance. But for top-of-the-line benefits like airport lounge access, elite status and travel credits, expect to pay an annual fee.

View card list

Table of contents

Why choose bankrate.

We helped over 150,000 users compare travel cards in 2023

We evaluated and compared over 40 travel rewards perks

Over 47 years of experience helping people make smart financial decisions

The Bankrate Promise

At Bankrate we strive to help you make smarter financial decisions. While we adhere to strict editorial integrity , this post may contain references to products from our partners. Here's an explanation for how we make money  and  how we rate our cards  .

Bankrate's Best Travel Credit Cards of June 2024

• Best starter travel card:  Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
• Best for flat-rate rewards:  Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
• Best for luxury travel:  The Platinum Card® from American Express
• Best for no annual fee:  Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card  ( See Rates & Fees )
• Best for foodies:  American Express® Gold Card
• Best for everyday spending: Citi Strata Premier℠ Card
• Best for intro APR:  Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card
• Best for point values:  Chase Sapphire Reserve®
• Best for practical perks:  Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
• Best for pairing:  Chase Freedom Unlimited®
• Best for hotel bookings: Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card
• Best no-annual-fee hotel card:  Hilton Honors American Express Card
• Best for luxury hotel perks: Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
• Best for transfer partners:  Bilt Mastercard®
• Best for gas:  Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card
• Best for companion tickets:  Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
• Best starter airline card:  Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card
• Best for savers: Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card
• Best for first-year value:  Discover it® Miles
• Best for fair credit:  Credit One Bank Wander® Card
• What to know about travel credit cards
• Tips for choosing the best travel card

Travel credit card perks

How do credit card points and miles work.

• Expert advice on travel cards

How we assess the best travel credit cards

• Frequently asked questions
• Ask the experts

Credit range

A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.

0 ? 'Showing ' + filterMatchedProductTiles + ' results' : ' '">

Sorry, no cards match these filters

You can still get a personalized list of cards that fit your credit profile in just a few minutes.

You might also consider these cards

Card categories

Best starter travel card

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Bankrate score

Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.

Intro offer

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

60,000 bonus points

We calculate this number by multiplying the card's intro offer by Bankrate's valuation of this issuer's rewards program , showing you how much your points or miles are worth in dollars.

Rewards rate

5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠. 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries. 2x on all other travel purchases. 1x on all other purchases.

Regular APR

21.49% - 28.49% Variable

• 5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠.
• 3x 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries.
• 2x 2x on all other travel purchases.
• 1x 1x on all other purchases.

What we love: This popular card comes loaded with features that can make it easy even for occasional travelers to offset the modest $95 annual fee without eating into hard-earned rewards. Plus, its rewards program is one of the best, giving you some of the most valuable travel redemptions — through both Chase and transfer partners — and Chase card pairing opportunities if you want to build your card portfolio eventually. Learn more: Why expert Margaret Weck loves using the Chase Sapphire Preferred Alternatives:   If you’re looking for an even simpler travel card, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a terrific option. Its flat rewards rate makes it easy to know exactly how much you’ll earn with every purchase and though it can’t match the Sapphire Preferred’s redemption flexibility, it offers more redemption options than the typical travel rewards card. 

• You earn Ultimate Rewards points with this card — some of the most valuable and flexible rewards around, especially if you pair it with Chase’s cash back cards in the future.
• The card touts significant long-term benefits like anniversary bonus points and travel credits, as well as travel protections like trip cancellation insurance and a car rental collision damage waiver.
• Doesn’t offer airline- or hotel-specific perks like free checked bags, elite status or free night stays.
• The sign-up bonus is decent, but the card has previously offered higher, chart-topping bonus points.
• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
• Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.
• Member FDIC

Best for flat-rate rewards

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

New Venture cardholders can earn 75,000 miles once they spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening

Earn 75,000 miles

5 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. 2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day.

2 Miles - 5 Miles

19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)

• 5 Miles 5 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• 2 Miles 2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day

What we love: It’s a great option for travelers looking for a straightforward rewards program and flexible redemption options. You'll earn unlimited miles on all eligible spending and can redeem not only for travel bookings, but also as a statement credit to cover travel purchases made in the past 90 days. Learn more: Why expert Jacqueline DeMarco loves the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card Alternatives: The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers a higher rewards rate in some everyday spending categories and potentially more valuable points. Chase points are worth 1.25 cents each if you redeem for travel through Chase, while Capital One miles are only worth 1 cent each when you redeem for travel. Plus, Chase rewards are more helpful for occasional travelers since you can redeem as cash back at 1-cent-per-point value.

• Carries solid perks given its low annual fee, including expedited airport purchase security and hotel experience credits, lost luggage reimbursement and more.
• Zero foreign transaction fees make this an excellent choice for international travelers.
• You can’t offset the annual fee with annual travel credits or bonuses alone as you can with some rival cards.
• The card’s sign-up bonus carries a high spending requirement, so it may be tough to earn if you don’t have large purchases on the horizon.
• Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
• Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• 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 $100 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
• Enrich every hotel stay from the Lifestyle Collection with a suite of cardholder benefits, like a $50 experience credit, room upgrades, and more
• Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs

Best for luxury travel

The Platinum Card® from American Express

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

Earn 80,000 points

Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year. Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.

See Pay Over Time APR

• 5X Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
• 5X Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.

What we love: Luxury travelers and big spenders will appreciate the bevy of travel benefits, including annual statement credits worth around $1,700, elite hotel loyalty status and access to perhaps the most comprehensive airport lounge access available with a credit card. Learn more: Why expert Holly Johnson loves the Platinum Card® from American Express Alternatives: The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers a taste of luxury at a lower cost than many premium travel cards. You can unlock a generous rewards rate on both travel and general purchases, complimentary access to popular airport lounge memberships and valuable annual travel credits and anniversary miles.

• Comes with a generous welcome offer and a longer time period to earn it compared to most rewards cards.
• A robust line-up of airline and hotel partners and related perks make this card truly valuable for travelers.
• The $695 annual fee may not be worth it if you don’t spend much on travel frequently or can’t take full advantage of the card’s luxury — and often niche — perks.
• Redeeming and maximizing the card’s credit and benefits requires some legwork and can be a bit confusing.
• Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
• Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
• $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
• The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market. As of 03/2023.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card®.
• $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. Terms Apply.
• $189 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
• Receive either a $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 year period for TSA PreCheck® application fee for a 5-year plan only (through a TSA PreCheck® official enrollment provider), when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
• Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile.
• $695 annual fee.
• Terms Apply.

Best for no annual fee

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

• Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel

20,000 miles

5 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. 1.25 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day.

1.25 Miles - 5 Miles

• 1.25 Miles 1.25 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day

What we love: This card offers some of the same advantages as the Capital One Venture, without the burden of an annual fee. It gives you the chance to earn flat-rate miles on your everyday spending and the option to transfer miles to over 15 loyalty program partners to even cover travel purchases outside Capital One — a unique level of redemption flexibility for a starter travel card. Learn more: Reasons to get the VentureOne Rewards Card Alternatives: A general-purpose flat-rate credit card that offers 2X points or 2 percent cash back on all purchases may bring more value if you don’t travel often and aren’t ready to upgrade to a travel rewards credit card with an annual fee. However, the Discover it® Miles earns a flat-rate 1.5X miles that can also be redeemed for cash back at 1-cent per mile, which is unusual for travel rewards.

• The welcome offer is generous for a no-annual-fee travel credit card.
• Booking hotel stays and rental cars through Capital One Travel nets you an impressive 5X miles.
• Unlike several no-annual-fee travel cards, redeeming for non-travel purchases waters down your rewards’ value.
• Capital One has no major U.S. carrier in its line-up of travel partners.
• $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
• Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day
• Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies

Best for foodies

American Express® Gold Card

Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.

60,000 Membership Rewards® Points

Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S. Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X). Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.

• 4X Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.
• 4X Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
• 3X Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.

What we love: Few credit cards are more rewarding for traveling foodies than the American Express Gold Card. Both the food-related annual credits and the rewards rates at restaurants, U.S. supermarkets and on flights booked directly with airlines or via the Amex travel portal are some of the best on the market. In fact, the up to $240 in credits each year alone nearly make up for the annual fee. Learn more: Why the Amex Gold is worth the annual fee Alternatives: If the Amex Gold Card’s annual fee sounds high, consider the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card . It carries key travel perks, high travel and dining rewards rates, and a much lower annual fee.

• This card features one of the best rewards return rates available on dining, groceries and food deliveries.
• There is no preset spending limit, so you can enjoy extended purchasing power, and you also have the option to pay off purchases with Pay Over Time if necessary.
• Although the card touts a solid collection of travel perks, it doesn’t include popular premium card perks like airport lounge access or trip cancellation/interruption insurance.
• Only eligible airfare earns more than 1X points, while rival cards often earn similar (or higher) reward rates on hotel stays and other travel purchases as well.
• Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
• Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
• $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
• $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and 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, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
• Get a $100 experience credit with a minimum two-night stay when you book The Hotel Collection through American Express Travel. Experience credit varies by property.
• Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• Annual Fee is $250.

Best for everyday spending

Citi Strata Premier℠ Card

• Earn 70,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $700 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com

70,000 bonus points

Earn 10 points per $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals, and Attractions booked on CitiTravel.com. Earn 3 points per $1 on Air Travel and Other Hotel Purchases, at Restaurants, Supermarkets, Gas and EV Charging Stations. Earn 1 Point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

21.24% - 29.24% (Variable)

• 10X Earn 10 points per $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals, and Attractions booked on CitiTravel.com.
• 3X Earn 3 points per $1 on Air Travel and Other Hotel Purchases, at Restaurants, Supermarkets, Gas and EV Charging Stations.
• 1X Earn 1 Point per $1 spent on all other purchases

What we love: This card’s high rewards rate in everyday bonus categories makes it an especially good choice for occasional travelers and people looking for a standalone rewards card. Its practical bonus categories mean you can earn rewards quickly, even if you don’t actually spend a ton on travel. Alternatives:   As long as you don’t mind buying groceries online, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card could be an even more lucrative everyday rewards card. That’s thanks mostly to its high point redemption value (1.25 cents per point when you use points to book travel with Chase, versus just 1 cent per point when you book with Citi using the Strata Premier).

• It’s one of the only travel cards that offers a high rewards rate on groceries, dining and gas, so it should work well whether it’s your standalone card or just one part of your card stack.
• Its annual hotel benefit carries enough value to potentially offset the annual fee on its own.
• The annual hotel benefit, though generous, isn’t very flexible: You’ll only get the $100 discount if you book a single hotel stay of $500 or more (excluding taxes and fees) through CitiTravel.com.
• Based on Bankrate’s latest point and mile valuations, Citi ThankYou rewards carry a lower average redemption value than Chase, Amex and Capital One rewards.
• Earn 10 points per $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals, and Attractions booked on CitiTravel.com.
• Earn 3 points per $1 on Air Travel and Other Hotel Purchases, at Restaurants, Supermarkets, Gas and EV Charging Stations.
• Earn 1 Point per $1 spent on all other purchases
• $100 Annual Hotel Benefit: Once per calendar year, enjoy $100 off a single hotel stay of $500 or more (excluding taxes and fees) when booked through CitiTravel.com. Benefit applied instantly at time of booking.
• No expiration and no limit to the amount of points you can earn with this card
• No Foreign Transaction Fees on purchases

Best for intro APR

Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

• 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.

25,000 points

• Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open.

19.24% - 29.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers

• 1.5X Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open.

What we love: This entry-level travel card keeps things simple for occasional travelers. It offers simple flat-rate rewards and lets you redeem for a broad mix of travel options not typically available on many travel cards, such as cash back toward purchases with travel agencies,  zoos, art galleries and more. It’s even more valuable if you’re a Bank of America customer and can qualify for a rewards boost through the Bank of America Preferred Rewards® program. Learn more: Is the Bank of America Travel Rewards card worth it? Alternatives: The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is another great starter travel card, but, unlike many cards in this category, it lets you transfer your miles to airline and hotel partners, potentially for a higher redemption value.

• Its easy-to-earn sign-up bonus and intro APR offers give this card good short-term value.
• No annual fees or foreign transaction fees sweeten this offer.
• It only offers 1.5X points on purchases, and you can’t transfer points can’t to airline partners for more rewards value, so it may not be as lucrative as competing cards.
• The top tiers of the Bank of America Preferred Rewards® program may be out of reach for many cardholders.
• Use your card to book your trip how and where you want - you're not limited to specific websites with blackout dates or restrictions.
• Redeem points for a statement credit to pay for travel or dining purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, car and vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants including takeout.
• 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 19.24% - 29.24% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
• If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means instead of earning an unlimited 1.5 points for every $1, you could earn 1.87-2.62 points for every $1 you spend on purchases.
• Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
• This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.

Best for point values

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

Earn 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠. Earn 5x total points on flights through Chase Travel℠. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining. Earn 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

22.49% - 29.49% Variable

• 10x Earn 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠.
• 5x Earn 5x total points on flights through Chase Travel℠.
• 3x Earn 3x points on other travel and dining.
• 1x Earn 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

What we love: Rewards-savvy travelers will be hard-pressed to find a card with better rewards potential than the Sapphire Reserve. Points are worth 50 percent more through Chase Travel, and potentially more with the right transfer partner. It’s a stellar partner for Chase’s cash back cards and stacks on even more value with enough perks to recoup the annual fee without relying on hard-earned rewards. Learn more: Why expert Holly Johnson loves the Chase Sapphire Reserve Card Alternatives: The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers some of the same key perks as the Sapphire Reserve at a much lower cost. Along with a generous rewards rate on both Capital One Travel and general purchases, the card boasts valuable, practical benefits like competitive airport lounge access , up to $300 in annual Capital One Travel credits and 10,000 bonus miles every year on your account anniversary.

• You can kickstart your rewards bank with one of the most valuable sign-up bonuses on the market.
• Its top-tier benefits include up to $300 in annual travel statement credits, Priority Pass airport lounge access, exhaustive travel protections and stand-out partner perks.
• The card’s cost could be a deterrent for some new cardholders, especially if they plan on encountering adding multiple authorized users.
• You won’t get as many luxury hotel and airport lounge perks with this card as you would with some of its rivals.
• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
• Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel.
• 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
• Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®

Best for practical perks

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

• Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel

75,000 miles

10 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. 5 Miles per dollar on flights booked through Capital One Travel. 2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day.

2 Miles - 10 Miles

• 10 Miles 10 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• 5 Miles 5 Miles per dollar on flights booked through Capital One Travel

What we love: This is the perfect middleground for travelers who want the practical benefits from luxury travel cards without dealing with bloated features and an annual fee upwards of $500. It offers complimentary lounge access, high-earning bonus rewards categories, anniversary credits and bonus miles, which can easily make the card worth it for frequent travelers. Learn more: Capital One Venture X Benefits Guide Alternatives: If a higher annual fee is no issue, consider The Platinum Card® from American Express. It’s a top choice for frequent travelers thanks to its impressive welcome offer and luxury perks like annual travel credits, lounge access and hotel elite status. However, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® may be better if your luxury travel experience calls for racking up more rewards.

• Offers anniversary bonus miles and a chance to earn credits worth hundreds of dollars starting at your first account anniversary.
• Comes with complimentary lounge access at over 1,300 lounges for you and two guests per visit.
• To earn the anniversary credit, travel must be booked through the Capital One Travel portal. That’s not as flexible as some other cards, which offer credits that cover any travel purchases, regardless of how you book.
• Lacks some perks found on other premium travel cards like airline or hotel elite status, which can get you benefits like free checked bags or room upgrades.
• Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
• Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
• Unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
• Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
• Elevate every hotel stay from the Premier or Lifestyle Collections with a suite of cardholder benefits, like an experience credit, room upgrades, and more

Best for pairing

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Earn an extra 1.5% on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) — worth up to $300 cash back. That's 6.5% on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 4.5% on dining and drugstores, and 3% on all other purchases.

Up to $300 cash back

Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more. 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service. 1.5% on all other purchases.

20.49% - 29.24% Variable

• 5% Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more
• 3% 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service
• 1.5% 1.5% on all other purchases

What we love: Not only does it earn 1.5 percent cash back on general spending, but it also has a bonus cash back rate for drugstores and dining at restaurants. And if you pair it with one or two premium Chase travel cards, you could pool your rewards for better travel redemption value.  Learn more: Why I love the Chase Freedom Unlimited Alternatives: If you want to take advantage of even more rewarding cash back categories and remain in the Chase family, consider the Chase Freedom Flex℠ .

• You can pool rewards with other Chase cards to maximize your earnings.
• The additional rewards rate offer can add even more cash back to your pocket for the first year.
• The welcome offer isn’t as competitive as other cards’ offers.
• Maximizing rewards with this and other Chase cards can get complicated for people who like simple rewards programs.
• Intro Offer: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!
• Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year).
• After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
• No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
• Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% - 29.24%.
• No annual fee – You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited® card
• Keep tabs on your credit health, Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, alerts, and more.

Best for hotel bookings

Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card

• Earn 60,000 bonus points when you spend $4,000 in purchases in the first 3 months – that’s $600 toward your next trip.

Earn unlimited 5X points on hotels. Earn unlimited 4X points on airlines. Earn unlimited 3X points on other travel and restaurants. Earn 1X points on other purchases.

21.24%, 26.24%, or 29.99% Variable APR

• 5X Earn unlimited 5X points on hotels
• 4X Earn unlimited 4X points on airlines
• 3X Earn unlimited 3X points on other travel and restaurants
• 1X Earn 1X points on other purchases

What we love: It offers a great rewards rate on hotel bookings and gives you a chance to earn a $50 annual statement credit with a $50 minimum airline purchase. Add in a solid rate on airline purchases, other travel and restaurants and this card carries great value as a standalone mid-tier card for occasional travelers. Alternatives: If you want to earn travel rewards but don’t actually spend much on hotels and airfare, the lower-tier Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card is also worth a look. Though it earns also rewards on travel, it boasts a great mix of other practical everyday categories (including gas stations).

• You can transfer points to Wells Fargo’s new list of airline and hotel partners, including popular programs like British Airways Executive Club, Choice Privileges and more, which could boost the redemption value of your rewards.
• The $50 annual statement credit offsets more than half the card’s $95 annual fee and should be a cinch to earn if you fly at least once per year.
• Wells Fargo only offers one other card that earns travel rewards (the Autograph), and there is some category overlap between the two, so they may not be as lucrative as some competing card stacks.
• The card doesn’t carry some popular travel perks available on other mid-tier travel cards, such as credits for expedited airport security screening or rideshares.
• Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
• Earn unlimited 5X points on hotels, 4X points on airlines, 3X points on other travel and restaurants, and 1X points on other purchases.
• $95 annual fee.
• Book your travel with the Autograph Journey Card and enjoy Travel Accident Insurance, Lost Baggage Reimbursement, Trip Cancellation and Interruption Protection and Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver.
• Earn a $50 annual statement credit with $50 minimum airline purchase.
• Up to $1,000 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
• Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.

Best no-annual-fee hotel card

Hilton Honors American Express Card

• Earn 70,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points plus a Free Night Reward after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors American Express Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer Ends 7/31/2024.

Earn 70,000 points

Earn 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio. Earn 5X Points per dollar on purchases at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. supermarkets, and at U.S. gas stations. Earn 3X Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card.

20.99%-29.99% Variable

• 7X Earn 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio.
• 5X Earn 5X Points per dollar on purchases at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. supermarkets, and at U.S. gas stations.
• 3X Earn 3X Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card.

What we love: This card earns rewards in a terrific mix of everyday bonus categories, so it should be easy to rack up Hilton points even if you don’t spend a ton on hotel bookings. Since it charges no annual fee and provides a few Hilton Honors benefits like Silver status, it’s also a great fit if you’re new to hotel cards and want a single no-annual-fee option instead of juggling multiple rewards cards. Learn more: Why expert Holly Johnson loves the Hilton Honors American Express Card Alternatives: The American Express® Green Card could be more flexible since it lets you earn and redeem rewards on a much wider variety of travel purchases, including airfare and bookings with several hotel brands, not just Hilton. You can transfer points to the Hilton Honors program as well, but the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card may be better if you prefer upgraded Hilton-specific rewards, loyalty status and other perks.

• Comes with automatic Silver Elite status, which includes a free fifth award night when you book at least four consecutive nights with points.
• Earns rewards in three of the average person’s biggest spending categories, making it a terrific standalone option for earning Hilton points.
• A higher-tier Hilton card would earn more on Hilton bookings and could be more lucrative for frequent guests, even with an annual fee.
• You can only redeem points with Hilton and its partners, which limits the rewards value you earn on the everyday categories compared to a general-purpose cards’ rewards.
• Earn 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio.
• Earn 5X Points per dollar on purchases at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. supermarkets, and at U.S. gas stations.
• Earn 3X Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card.
• Enjoy complimentary Hilton Honors™ Silver status with your Card. Plus, spend $20,000 on eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year and you can earn an upgrade to Hilton Honors™ Gold status through the end of the next calendar year.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
• No Annual Fee.

Best for luxury hotel perks

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card

• Earn 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.

Earn 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points

• Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. 3X points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines. 2X points on all other eligible purchases.
• 6X Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®
• 3X 3X points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines
• 2X 2X points on all other eligible purchases

What we love: Frequent Marriott guests looking for luxury card-level perks and elite status should be able to justify this premium card. Along with a terrific rewards rate on Marriott bookings and an annual free night award, you could enjoy generous annual credits for restaurant purchases and Marriott property stays, airport lounge access, elite night credits and more. Learn more: Best Marriott credit cards Alternatives: If you’re looking for top-tier travel perks but want the flexibility to earn and redeem rewards for stays at any hotel chain, consider an elite travel card from Chase or Amex, which can come with generous travel benefits, airport lounge access and the ability to transfer points to Marriott. The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is another lucrative alternative.

• Outperforms other Marriott cards with its boosted rewards on travel-related categories and 21X points at Marriott Bonvoy hotels, thanks to the automatic Platinum Elite status.
• It’s one of the only hotel cards that includes complimentary Priority Pass lounge access, top travel protections and credits for expedited airport security screening.
• Unlocking some of the card’s best perks — like Five Suite Night Awards — requires a $60,000 annual spend, which may be tough to reach even for frequent Marriott guests.
• Unless luxury perks are at the top of your wishlist, the annual fee may not be worth it and a lower-tier hotel card may offer more value overall.
• $300 Brilliant Dining Credit: Each calendar year, get up to $300 (up to $25 per month) in statement credits for eligible purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card at restaurants worldwide.
• With Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status, you can receive room upgrades, including enhanced views or suites, when available at select properties and booked with a Qualifying Rate.
• Free Night Award: Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
• Each calendar year after spending $60,000 on eligible purchases on your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, you will be eligible to select a Brilliant Earned Choice Award benefit. You can only earn one Earned Choice Award per calendar year. See https://www.choice-benefit.marriott.com/brilliant for Award options.
• $100 Marriott Bonvoy Property Credit: Enjoy your stay. Receive up to a $100 property credit for qualifying charges at The Ritz-Carlton® or St. Regis® when you book direct using a special rate for a two-night minimum stay using your Card.
• Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®: Receive either a statement credit every 4 years after you apply for Global Entry ($100) or a statement credit every 4.5 years after you apply for a five-year membership for TSA PreCheck® (up to $85 through a TSA PreCheck official enrollment provider) and pay the application fee with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
• Each calendar year with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card you can receive 25 Elite Night Credits toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy® Elite status. Limitations apply per Marriott Bonvoy member account. Benefit is not exclusive to Cards offered by American Express. Terms apply.
• Enroll in Priority Pass™ Select, which offers unlimited airport lounge visits to over 1,200 lounges in over 130 countries, regardless of which carrier or class you are flying. This allows you to relax before or between flights. You can enjoy snacks, drinks, and internet access in a quiet, comfortable location.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees on international purchases.
• With Cell Phone Protection, you can be reimbursed, the lesser of, your repair or replacement costs following damage, such as a cracked screen, or theft for a maximum of $800 per claim when your cell phone line is listed on a wireless bill and the prior month's wireless bill was paid by an Eligible Card Account. A $50 deductible will apply to each approved claim with a limit of 2 approved claims per 12-month period. Additional terms and conditions apply. Coverage is provided by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
• $650 Annual Fee.

Best for transfer partners

Bilt Mastercard®

Intro offer is not available for this Wells Fargo credit card.

3x points on dining. 2x points on travel. 1x points on other purchases. Earn up to 1x points on rent payments without the transaction fee, up to 100,000 points each calendar year. When you make at least 5 posted transactions in a statement period using your Bilt Mastercard, you'll earn points on rent and qualifying net purchases.

1X Points - 3X Points

• 3X Points 3x points on dining
• 2X Points 2x points on travel
• 1X Points 1x points on other purchases
• 1X Points Earn up to 1x points on rent payments without the transaction fee, up to 100,000 points each calendar year. When you make at least 5 posted transactions in a statement period using your Bilt Mastercard, you'll earn points on rent and qualifying net purchases.

What we love: Not only is this card is a terrific choice for renters since it earns rewards and waives transaction fees when using it to pay rent, it’s also great for rewards strategists considering the extremely robust travel rewards program. You can earn rewards on travel and dining and your points carry a high value whether you redeem through the Bilt travel portal or one of the many airline and hotel transfer partners. Alternatives: If you like the Bilt card’s travel rewards program but don’t see yourself renting long term, consider the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card. It earns generously on both travel and dining and also boasts high-value points and transfer partners. If the way you pay rent doesn’t incur credit card payment fees, a flat-rate card may also be worth weighing. 

• It’s the only card that helps you avoid the fees typically associated with paying rent with a credit card.
• Offers a solid collection of travel perks for a no-annual-fee card, including trip cancellation and interruption protection, trip delay reimbursement and other high-level travel protections.
• You can only use rewards to cover rent, toward a future home down payment or for travel and shopping. Cash back isn’t an option.
• There is no sign-up bonus. Most competing travel cards — even those with no annual fee — offer at least a $200 bonus.
• $0 Annual Fee.
• Earn up to 1x points on rent payments without the transaction fee, up to 100,000 points each calendar year.
• 2x points on travel.
• 3x points on dining.
• 1x points on other purchases.
• Earn points when you make 5 transactions that post each statement period.
• When renting at a Bilt Alliance property, you can choose to have your rent payments automatically reported by Bilt to the three major credit bureaus each month; Experian™, TransUnion™, and Equifax™.

Best for gas

Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

• Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months - that's a $200 cash redemption value.

20,000 bonus points

Earn unlimited 3X points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services and phone plans. Earn 1X points on other purchases.

20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% Variable APR

• 3X Earn unlimited 3X points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services and phone plans.

What we love: The Wells Fargo Autograph card is a great option for occasional travelers and households on the go looking to earn rewards while avoiding an annual fee and reduced redemption value for cash rewards. It’s one of a few entry-level travel cards to offer high, year-round bonus rewards for gas, dining, transit and other key travel needs. Learn more: Is the Wells Fargo Autograph worth it? Alternatives: If you’re looking for ways to maximize the value of your rewards, you should consider a travel card that lets you transfer your points to airlines or hotels, like the Bilt Mastercard® or Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card.

• While some issuers only reward travel purchases made directly with airlines or through issuer portals, this card lets you shop around for the best deal on third-party travel sites and still earn extra rewards.
• Carries decent perks such as rental car collision damage waiver coverage, roadside assistance and Visa Signature® Concierge benefits, like access to Visa’s Luxury Hotel Collection (terms apply).
• Unlike with traditional travel cards, you cannot transfer your points to airlines or hotels
• The travel perks and intro APR are weak compared to competing travel-oriented cards’ offers.
• Select "Apply Now" to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
• Earn unlimited 3X points on the things that really add up - like restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans. Plus, earn 1X points on other purchases.
• $0 annual fee.
• 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases. 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% variable APR thereafter.
• Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
• Redeem your rewards points for travel, gift cards, or statement credits. Or shop at millions of online stores and redeem your rewards when you check out with PayPal.

Best for companion tickets

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card

• Earn 85,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

Earn 85,000 miles

Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels. Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets. Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.

• 3X Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
• 2X Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets.
• 1X Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.

What we love: The annual companion certificate on Main Cabin domestic flights (taxes and fees apply) comes with this card after the first year is valuable enough to justify the annual fee even if you’re just looking for great Delta perks to make travel smoother with a partner. Plus, the companion certificate is easier to obtain than other airline cards’ since it carries no spending requirement that must be met beyond the card’s annual fee. Alternatives: The American Express® Green Card could be a great alternative since it charges a lower $150 annual fee, lets you earn and redeem rewards on travel with any eligible airline (not just Delta) and offers credits for Loungebuddy lounge access and Clear Plus. You can even transfer points to Delta at a 1:1 ratio.

• Boasts several valuable travel perks, including priority boarding, a free first checked bag and specialized annual credits for select rideshare services and reservations with Delta Stays and Resy.
• Gets you closer to Medallion Status and discounts on in-flight purchases, complimentary upgrades, and more.
• Its rewards rate on non-travel purchases is lacking — a general-purpose travel card could potentially offer better rewards value and flexibility for rewards travel outside Delta.
• No longer offers complimentary Delta Sky Club lounge access as of this year, although airport lounge access is a staple perk for premium travel cards.
• Receive a Companion Certificate on Main Cabin domestic, Caribbean, or Central American roundtrip flights each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Ticket requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights and no more than $250 for roundtrip international flights (both for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
• Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars each Medallion Qualification Year and get closer to Status with MQD Headstart.
• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
• Earn $1 Medallion® Qualification Dollar for each $20 of purchases made on your Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card in a calendar year and get a boost toward achieving Medallion Status for next Medallion Year.
• Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
• Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
• Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights.
• Receive Zone 5 Priority Boarding on Delta flights; board early, stow your carry-on bag and settle in sooner.
• Receive either a statement credit every 4 years after you apply for Global Entry ($100) or a statement credit every 4.5 years after you apply for a five-year membership for TSA PreCheck® (up to $85 through a TSA PreCheck official enrollment provider) and pay the application fee with your Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card Members with an eligible ticket will be added to the Complimentary Upgrade list, after Delta SkyMiles Medallion Members and Reserve Card Members.
• $350 Annual Fee.

Best starter airline card

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card

• Earn 85,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Earn 85,000 points

Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases. Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare. Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services; select streaming. Earn 2X points on Rapid Rewards® hotel and car rental partners. Earn 1X points on all other purchases.

• 2X Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases.
• 2X Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare.
• 2X Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services; select streaming.
• 2X Earn 2X points on Rapid Rewards® hotel and car rental partners.
• 1X Earn 1X points on all other purchases.

What we love: This card’s anniversary bonus offers enough value to nearly offset the annual fee on its own, so it should be a terrific low-stakes option whether you’re new to airline cards or a regular Southwest flyer looking for a low-maintenance card. Plus, its sign-up bonus value is on par with the value you’ll get with much pricier airline and travel cards. Learn more: Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus benefits guide Alternatives: The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card could offer better value overall, despite its $149 annual fee. It carries an annual $75 Southwest travel credit and 7,500 bonus points each year on your account anniversary — more than enough value to justify the higher fee.

• You’ll automatically earn 3,000 Rapid Rewards points each year after your account anniversary, which could offset much of the card’s already-low annual fee.
• Delivers the same hefty sign-up bonus as higher-tier Southwest cards.
• Unlike several travel cards, it doesn’t carry rewards categories for popular everyday purchases like gas or dining.
• It may not be the best Southwest value for frequent flyers since it poses a 3 percent foreign transaction fee and doesn’t offer perks like upgraded boardings or elite status benefits.
• 3,000 anniversary points each year.
• Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases.
• Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare.
• Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services; select streaming.
• 2 EarlyBird Check-In® each year.
• Earn 1 point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.

Best for savers

Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card

• Receive 60,000 online bonus points - a $600 value - after you make at least $4,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.

60,000 points

Earn unlimited 2 points for every $1 spent on travel and dining purchases. Earn unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases.

21.24% - 29.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers

• 2X Earn unlimited 2 points for every $1 spent on travel and dining purchases.
• 1.5X Earn unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases.

What we love: If you do your banking with Bank of America and qualify for Preferred Rewards status, this card could provide an exclusive 25 percent to 75 percent rewards rate boost. The  rewards rates — 2X points on dining and travel, with 1.5X points on all other purchases — could increase to an incredible 3.5X on travel and dining with an unrivaled flat 2.62X points rate. Learn more: Why expert Sara Coleman loves the Bank of America Premium Rewards Card Alternatives: The similarly-priced Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is one of the best alternatives thanks to its stellar travel protections, yearly bonus rewards and stronger rewards program. However, flat-rate cards like the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card or the Discover it® Miles card could be lucrative if you don’t think the $95 annual fee is worth it.

• The $95 annual fee is relatively affordable for this card category thanks to the up to $100 in yearly airline incidental statement credits.
• You can smooth out your travel experience with great benefits like credits toward TSA PreCheck or Global Entry and comprehensive travel insurance.
• Attaining the highest rewards rate is not an easy feat, since you’ll need to hold significant funds in Bank of America accounts.
• This card does not offer a few popular premium travel perks like lounge access.
• Low $95 annual fee.
• Earn unlimited 2 points for every $1 spent on travel and dining purchases and unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases. No limit to the points you can earn and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open.
• If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means you could earn 2.5-3.5 points on travel and dining purchases and 1.87 - 2.62 points on all other purchases, for every $1 you spend.
• Redeem for cash back as a statement credit, deposit into eligible Bank of America® accounts, credit to eligible Merrill® accounts, or gift cards or purchases at the Bank of America Travel Center.
• Get up to $100 in Airline Incidental Statement Credits annually and TSA PreCheck®/Global Entry Statement Credits of up to $100, every four years.
• Travel Insurance protections to assist with trip delays, cancellations and interruptions, baggage delays and lost luggage.
• No foreign transaction fees.

Best for first-year value

Discover it® Miles

• Unlimited Bonus: Unlimited Mile-for-Mile match for all new cardmembers—only from Discover. Discover gives you an unlimited match of all the Miles you’ve earned at the end of your first year. You could turn 35,000 Miles to 70,000 Miles. There’s no signing up, no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a Miles-for-Miles match.

Discover Match®

Automatically earn unlimited 1.5x Miles on every dollar of every purchase.

18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR

• 1.5X Automatically earn unlimited 1.5x Miles on every dollar of every purchase.

What we love: In addition to the exceptionally valuable Discover Match® , this card combines solid flat-rate rewards with consumer-friendly terms, like minimal fees and an equal value for both travel and cash back redemptions. Travelers who value simplicity will appreciate this card’s straightforward rewards and adaptability — even when you aren’t traveling. Learn more: Why expert Holly Johnson loves the Discover it® Miles Alternatives: The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card carries a more straightforward and still easy-to-reach welcome bonus. The VentureOne card also gives you the option of transferring miles to more than a dozen airline and hotel partners, which could increase the redemption value of your rewards.

• All miles earned in your first year will be matched at the end of the year, which could make it one of the most valuable first-year offers for no annual fee.
• Miles don’t lose value when they’re redeemed for cash back, which gives it a leg up over many travel rewards programs for occasional travelers.
• You’ll miss out on pretty standard travel perks like travel insurance, and car rental damage protection.
• The rewards structure lacks flexibility; you won’t be able to transfer your miles or use them to book travel.
• Automatically earn unlimited 1.5x Miles on every dollar of every purchase
• No annual fee
• Turn Miles into cash. Or redeem as a statement credit for your travel purchases like airfare, hotels, rideshares, gas stations, restaurants and more.
• 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 18.24% - 28.24% Standard Variable Purchase APR will apply.
• Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
• Discover is accepted nationwide by 99% of the places that take credit cards.
• Terms and conditions apply.

Best for fair credit

Credit One Bank Wander® Card

Intro offer is not available for this Credit One Bank credit card.

Earn 10x points on eligible hotels and car rentals booked through the Credit One Bank travel partner site. Earn 5x points on eligible travel, dining, and gas. Earn 1x points on all other purchases.

29.74% Variable

• 10X Earn 10x points on eligible hotels and car rentals booked through the Credit One Bank travel partner site
• 5X Earn 5x points on eligible travel, dining, and gas
• 1X Earn 1x points on all other purchases

What we love: The Credit One Bank Wander® Card is a solid option if you want to earn points on travel but have trouble qualifying for mainstream travel cards. Not only is this card accessible with only fair credit, but its rewards program boasts generously high rewards rates in key travel categories. Learn more: Best travel cards for people with bad or fair credit Alternatives: If you don’t mind putting down a refundable security deposit, consider a no-annual-fee secured card like the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card *. It’s a unique secured card that lets you build credit while earning rewards in a category of your choice (with travel just one of many popular options) as well as grocery stores and wholesale clubs.

• It’s one of the only travel rewards cards available with a fair credit score, making it a decent option if you want to earn travel rewards as you work on your score.
• Provides 5X points in travel, dining and gas, plus 10X points on eligible hotel and rental car bookings through Credit One Bank — rare and impressive rates with only fair credit.
• Its annual fee is high compared to other cards you can get with a fair credit score , so it may not be the best fit if you prioritize building credit over earning rewards.
• Other travel cards may offer better perks, fewer redemption restrictions and more value, so it may be worth working on your score with a lower-cost card before committing to the costly annual fee.
• Earn 10x points on eligible hotels and car rentals booked through the Credit One Bank travel partner site
• Earn 5x points on eligible travel, dining, and gas
• Earn 1x points on all other purchases
• Redeem your reward points for statement credits, gift cards, merchandise, flights, hotels, and more
• With $0 Fraud Liability, you won’t be responsible for unauthorized charges
• Free Online Credit Score and Credit Report summary, terms apply
• If you are a Covered Borrower under the Military Lending Act, you may get a different offer
• See Rates & Fees

Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit  AmericanExpress.com/benefitsguide  for more details. Underwritten by Amex assurance company.

The information about the American Express® Green Card and Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured card has been collected independently by Bankrate.com. The card details have not been reviewed or approved by the card issuers.

Compare Bankrate's best travel credit cards of 2024

What are travel credit cards.

Travel credit cards allow cardholders to earn points or miles on a variety of purchases (typically travel-related), which are redeemable for travel bookings, statement credits, gift cards and more.

The best travel credit cards do more than help you foot the bill for your next flight — travel cards also offer perks to upgrade your entire travel experience. Trip insurance , annual travel credits, concierge services and lounge access are all common benefits. Airline and hotel co-branded credit cards sometimes offer specific discounts and perks for loyalty program members.

Pros and cons of travel credit cards

Although a well-chosen travel card can pay huge dividends, it might not be the right move for every traveler. Before you apply, take time to weigh the benefits versus the drawbacks of travel credit cards .

Tips on choosing the best travel credit card for you

The right travel credit card for you will carry features and benefits that give you the best value. To help you narrow down your choices, here are the steps to choosing the best travel card.

How to choose a travel credit card

1. know how you prefer to travel.

Knowing whether your travel expenses lean toward airfare, hotel stays or a mix of other travel will help you decide whether you should get an airline card, hotel card or general-purpose travel card. A co-branded airline or hotel credit card may be a good fit if you mostly travel with a certain brand and want exclusive privileges to enhance your experience. A general-purpose travel card is better if you prefer to keep your travel options open.

2. Prioritize redemption value

You may have to pick between simplicity and maximum value when comparing cards and rewards programs. Many travel cards offer a standard point or mile redemption value of 1 cent when you redeem toward travel through the issuer portal, but some cards can get you a higher redemption value when you transfer rewards to airline or hotel partners. However, it's common for many travel reward programs to reduce the redemption value toward non-travel options or limit these redemption options altogether. If you prefer simplicity over maximizing rewards, you may want to consider cards that allow you to redeem points or miles at an equal 1-cent value toward general travel purchase credits, cash back or other non-travel options.

3. Match your card to your spending habits

Take a look at your typical spending and find which travel categories and non-travel categories you spend the most in to help you choose a card that offers a high rewards rate for your regular spending. Just make sure you factor in rewards spending caps.

4. Note what's worth the extra money

High rewards rates and valuable travel perks are the biggest reasons to get a travel card, but many of the best cards carry a high annual fee. You could stick with a no-annual-fee travel card (or at least one with around a $99 fee) if you're mainly focused on earning rewards, but you may have to pay up to $500 or more for luxurious perks like airport lounge access, comprehensive travel insurance and hundreds of dollars in annual travel credits .

5. Look toward your next trip abroad

If you travel overseas, check to see if the card you're considering charges a foreign transaction fee. And since some credit cards aren't as widely accepted as others, you'll also want to make sure your credit card will work when traveling overseas . For example, merchants may not accept Discover and American Express cards as widely as Visa and Mastercard. If a trip is coming up in the next three to six months, keep an eye out for the big sign-up bonuses travel cards are known for. As a rule of thumb, the higher the annual fee, the higher the sign-up bonus should be.

Co-branded travel cards vs. general travel cards

Experts typically divide travel credit cards into two categories: co-branded travel cards and general travel cards. Co-branded cards are linked to a particular airline or hotel, while general travel cards offer more flexible reward opportunities. Here’s why and when you might want one or the other.

• Co-branded cards
• General travel cards

Co-branded travel cards tend to offer higher rewards rates on eligible travel purchases in exchange for limiting your reward redemption options to just one airline or hotel program . These cards may also feature more specific perks associated with the respective hotel or airline, such as free award nights, complimentary airline elite status or priority boarding — which general-purpose travel cards don’t often carry).

However, you won’t be able to use your rewards with a wide variety of different hotels and airlines like general-purpose cards allow. Plus, despite co-branded travel cards’ typically higher rewards rates, many brand-specific rewards tend to be worth less than the potential value of general-purpose cards’ points and miles.

When to get a co-branded travel card : When you often fly or stay with a specific airline or hotel and want to maximize your benefits with that brand.

General travel cards earn rewards on various travel categories and aren’t limited to a particular airline or hotel. Such cards may lack some of the dedicated perks you’ll find on a co-branded travel card, such as in-flight discounts, but make up for it with rewards flexibility and broader perks like general travel credits, expedited security screening and wider airport lounge access. 

The top travel cards even let you transfer your points or miles to airline and hotel loyalty programs, often at a 1:1 rate. Redeeming with some airlines and hotels can even make your rewards more valuable than they would be if you redeemed with the card issuer.

When to get a general travel card : When you have no preferred airline or hotel and want the additional flexibility a general travel card offers. 

Who should get a travel credit card?

A travel credit card is almost always worth it for frequent travelers or anyone who wants to earn rewards toward their next vacation.

If you can save up airline miles, rack up points for free nights at hotels or get discounted travel through your credit card issuer, you’re on your way to significant travel savings. However, the right travel card for you will depend on your travel habits.

Frequent travelers

Naturally, the ideal candidate for a travel card is someone who travels a lot or plans to book several flights and hotel stays per year. However, in some cases, you don’t have to be a frequent traveler to reap the benefits of a travel rewards card. A number of cards offer good rewards rates on general purchases.

Travel beginners

If you’re new to travel rewards, a good place to start is with a travel card that makes it easy to earn and redeem points, without requiring you to navigate a complex rewards program or worry about tiered rewards rates or varying point redemption values. 

Brand loyalists

If you tend to book travel with the same brands frequently or already belong to an airline or hotel loyalty program, a co-branded travel card can offer terrific value.  Airline- and hotel-specific rewards cards often earn a top rate on bookings with the brand as well as exclusive perks like lounge access and automatic elite status. 

Business travelers

Some of the most valuable travel credit cards are business cards . Whether you're a freelancer on the go or the CEO of a Fortune 500, the right travel credit card can help you earn high rewards rates on everyday business purchases. 

International travelers

If you frequently travel abroad, a card with no foreign transaction fees is a great way to help you avoid extra costs on overseas purchases. Plus, if you hate waiting in line at airport security or customs, a lot of travel cards offer statement credits to reimburse you for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees.

Luxury travelers

Luxury travel cards often charge a pretty penny but also offer a ton of value via perks like lounge access and annual travel credits. These perks not only make travel more comfortable, but also often carry enough value to offset the card’s cost on their own.

Still unsure if a travel credit card is right for you? Check out our Credit Card Spender Type Tool where you can get personalized credit card recommendations based on your credit score, spending habits and daily needs.

Here’s how a Bankrate editor chose his travel card

Here’s how a bankrate editor chose his travel card.

With all of this advice in mind, let’s see how a credit card expert made their pick. Here’s Bankrate editor Nouri Zarrugh on how he chose his travel card:

When it comes to earning rewards, I’ve always stuck with cash back cards, preferring the simplicity of knowing exactly how much my rewards are worth and the ease of redeeming for statement credits. Recently, though, I decided I wanted to travel a bit more frequently, and I figured a new travel rewards card could be a great tool to help me earn free trips. When choosing the right card for me, a few major points of consideration stood out: Cost: I didn’t feel like I traveled enough to justify a huge annual fee. Simplicity : I wanted to stick with a single, streamlined travel card and not worry about juggling multiple rewards programs or rewards rates. Perks : While I didn’t need anything too fancy, I thought it might be nice to have a perk like TSA Precheck included, since I hate waiting in long airport security lines. To my surprise, the card that stood out most was the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card. Though it carried an intimidating annual fee of $395 ( See Rates & Fees ), I found this cost was more than worth it once I dug into the details. In fact, its benefits were so valuable, I barely needed to worry about offsetting the cost.  Two of its annual perks — a $300 Capital One travel credit and 10,000 bonus miles every year on my account anniversary — are valuable enough to offset the fee on their own. This means as long as I take one flight a year, I can basically break even on the card. Any rewards or perks I get beyond that feel like pure upside. It’s a huge bonus, then, that the card also includes practical benefits like Priority Pass lounge access and a credit of up to $100 toward the cost of Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. While I’ve never frequented airport lounges, I see these privileges as essentially free considering the value of the annual travel credit and bonus miles. So, I figure, why not take advantage?  For me, the Venture X strikes the perfect balance: A flat rewards rate that makes it easy to earn miles on everything I buy; flexible redemption through Capital One or via transfer to airlines and hotels, and practical perks I know I’ll use when I travel. I never imagined I’d have a $395 travel card in my wallet, but for me, it’s at worst a coupon for a flight every year, which can nudge me to take that next trip. — Nouri Zarrugh, Editor, Bankrate

Travel benefits may differ from card to card, but some of the most popular travel cards available often feature a few key perks. 

Travel insurance

Travel cards may offer various travel insurances , such as trip delay protection, trip cancellation insurance, lost baggage insurance or car rental insurance. These benefits aren’t worth anything until you need them, but you’ll be glad you have them when your flight is canceled or your luggage gets lost.

Travel credits

Credits toward TSA PreCheck or Global Entry are a popular and common benefit on many travel cards. You can typically use this credit once every four years, which roughly corresponds to how long a TSA PreCheck or Global Entry membership lasts. Some cards may also provide an annual credit toward Clear Plus — another expedited security membership. Higher-end travel cards often offer annual statement credits toward travel purchases, and many of these credits nearly offset these cards’ annual fees. 

In-flight perks

Co-branded airline cards typically offer some airport and in-flight benefits on top of their reward-earning capabilities. These can include discounts on in-flight purchases (usually 25 percent back on refreshments and WiFi), free checked bags, flight seating upgrades or priority boarding. 

Free hotel award nights

Co-branded hotel cards may include free hotel award nights annually as part of their benefits. Some cards also add an extra complimentary awards night to your stay if you’ve booked a certain number of consecutive nights. These nights are typically capped at a certain value (sometimes based on the card or your elite status), and may be valuable enough to make up for some cards’ annual fees.

Airport lounge access

One of the most popular (and valuable) travel benefits featured on high-end and luxury travel cards is complimentary access to airport lounges. The lounges you gain access to depend on the card, though co-branded cards will often grant access to the lounge corresponding to the card’s airline. The Amex Platinum card currently offers the best airport lounge access .

If you want to add a credit card to your portfolio for your travel needs, knowing what cards are popular and why people like them can help steer your decision. We regularly stay abreast of these conversations online and noticed two travel cards come up regularly: the Chase Sapphire Reserve and The Platinum Card from American Express .

These cards shine because they offer some of the best rates on travel purchases and the most comprehensive set of benefits and perks . Despite their annual fees, what you get in return can far outweigh your costs. And the conversation around these two cards isn’t new: Is the effort of maximizing their perks worth it?

What people say about travel credit cards perks

The Sapphire Reserve is often referred to as the gold standard in travel benefits and protections, and the value of its trip insurance is a big part of that. A member of the Rick Steves Forum remarks on the value of the insurance: “It has pretty extensive coverage wherever I travel … my entire trip is covered as long as I charged any portion of the trip to my card.” This feature is unique to the Sapphire Reserve and sets it apart from other premium cards, which require you to charge your entire trip purchase to the card to have active coverage.

But using trip insurance isn’t always a simple process. As a user in the r/CreditCards forum on Reddit cautions: “Credit card travel insurance in general is very specific on what it covers, and people tend to overestimate just how useful the coverage actually is,” they write. “These are named peril policies, so unless you see your exact situation as a covered hazard the policies won't pay out.”

The Platinum Card from American Express gets a lot of buzz for reasons similar to the Sapphire Reserve. The card gives so many benefits, credits and additional perks that it’s often called a coupon book for luxury travel. But for many people, the value comes down to whether they’re willing to do the work to maximize its features. Another r/CreditCards member says they use the card’s Hilton and Marriott status boosters, rental car company loyalty program automatic status features, Centurion lounge access, hotel and airline incidental credits, membership credits and more. Using all these features helps them offset the annual fee.

While some people love maximizing the card’s features to extract  as much value as possible, others, like this Redditor, think it’s too much work:

“The only benefit the Platinum card really adds is Centurion but only to the [cardholder] … I believe the Platinum is worth [it] at least the first year for the [sign-up] bonus but then it doesn't get much use after that. Trust me the credits are really annoying to use.” — r/CreditCards user

These two premium cards stand out from the rest because they offer the most comprehensive features available to suit your travel needs and protect you from any issues that arise. The Chase Sapphire Reserve is an exceptional option to protect you from travel issues, but make sure you know the fine print. While the Amex Platinum may not be as ideal for travel protections, the credits offered more than offset its annual fee if you can put in the effort to fully maximize them.

Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned cardholder, your travel card should always work in your favor by offering the features and benefits you’ll actually use and that make your travels more enjoyable. But whether you’re willing to put in the effort to maximize a card’s value is something you’ll need to decide for yourself.

*The quotes and citations included on this page have been verified by our editorial team and are accurate as of the posting date. Be sure to check the issuer's website/terms and conditions for all up to date content. Outlinked content may contain views and opinions that do not reflect the views and opinions of Bankrate.

Credit card points and miles are two of the key types of credit card rewards , along with cash back. You’ll earn points and miles by making purchases with your credit card, but you can typically redeem these rewards for travel, gift cards and more — not just statement credits.

Points and miles tend to be more flexible than cash back, but since their value depends on how you redeem them — and, in the case of travel redemptions, where you’re going, when you book, your fare class and more — it may take a bit more effort to make the most of them.

What are your points and miles worth?

Since many airlines and hotels use dynamic pricing models that continually optimize airfare and room prices, it can be hard to know exactly how much your rewards are worth without doing a little math.

Luckily, you don’t need to be a travel hacker to get a sense of this idea. Before you redeem, you can check your reward redemption value by dividing the cost of a plane or hotel booking in cash by its cost in points or miles. This calculation will result in the cash value of your points or miles.

You can also compare this value to Bankrate’s latest points and miles valuations to determine if you’re getting a good deal on your redemptions. Bankrate collected data on hundreds of bookings across dozens of airline, hotel and credit card rewards programs and estimated how much each program’s rewards are worth on average .

• Airline rewards values
• Hotel rewards values
• Credit card program rewards values

The table below shows Bankrate’s estimated reward redemption value for a variety of popular airline loyalty programs. You’ll notice how widely the value varies between airlines, with some offering close to 3 cents per point in average redemption value and others struggling to meet a 1-cent-per-point value.

Keep in mind, however, that these values are averages based on a variety of fare classes, destinations, booking periods and more. For example, while Bankrate estimates Delta SkyMiles carry an average redemption value of around 1.2 cents per mile, they could be worth more or less depending on the details of your booking. 

*Based on weighted average of median point/mile values across economy and first/business class fares.

Like airline miles, hotel points fluctuate in value. The table below shows Bankrate’s estimated point values for some of the most popular hotel brands. 

As you can see, hotel points tend to be worth less than airline and credit card rewards on average, often carrying less than 1 cent per point in redemption value. That said, hotel loyalty programs sometimes offer more favorable exchange rates when you transfer rewards from a credit card rewards program. For example, you may be able to turn 1,000 credit card points into 2,000 hotel points (a 2:1 transfer ratio). 

*Based on median point values across budget, mid-tier and luxury hotel bookings.

Unlike hotel and airline rewards programs, credit card reward programs typically earn points or miles that offer a consistent redemption value when you use them with the issuer. Though the redemption value of your rewards may vary based on how you redeem, each redemption method should offer a consistent baseline value. 

Some credit card rewards programs may also allow you to transfer your points or miles to airline and hotel loyalty programs, which could boost their value considerably. For each major credit card rewards program, we estimate a baseline redemption value (assuming you book for travel with the issuer) and a Bankrate’s Value, which averages the program’s best-value transfer partners.

*Based on an average of the issuer’s five highest-value transfer partners (if available).

When to use rewards vs. cash

To demonstrate when it’s best to use your reward miles versus paying in cash, we set up this example:

We estimate American Airlines AAdvantage miles are worth 1.0 cents. If you book a seat in the main cabin on a one-way flight from Boston to Miami, and it costs either $139 or 21,500 miles, your miles are only worth $0.006 ($139 / 21,500 miles = $0.006). Since your miles for this flight are worth less than 1.0 cents, you may want to save your miles and pay cash for this flight.

But if you book a first-class seat on the same flight for $433 or 31,500 miles, your miles are now worth $0.013 ($433 / 31,500 = $0.013). Since 1.3 cents is higher than our latest valuation, you’re coming out ahead if you use your miles to pay for this flight.

Bankrate experts share their advice on using travel credit cards

It’s important to know how to maximize your rewards and perks. Otherwise, a travel card could end up being a money pit. Here are a few pointers from our experts for making the most of your travel card: 

Combine cards to maximize rewards

Knowing how much you spend in different categories and which merchants are eligible for rewards will help you earn more and build an optimized stack of rewards cards. A flat-rate card is often a great starting point to earn the same rate on every purchase you make. As you build out a rewards strategy, you can incorporate a card with bonus categories to earn even more in your highest spending areas.

Expert Insight:

“For a long time, I’ve used a combination of Chase credit cards known as the Chase trifecta for all my family’s spending…. [I] don’t typically use my Sapphire Reserve for everyday spending and bills. Since it only offers 1X points on non-bonus category spending, I use my Freedom Unlimited to make sure I earn a minimum of 1.5 percent cash back on everything I buy.” “I use each card strategically to earn as much in rewards as possible, then I pool them in my Sapphire Reserve account to redeem them for airfare, excursions, hotels and more.” — Holly D. Johnson — Award-winning personal finance writer and Bankrate contributor: Why I love the Chase Sapphire Reserve

Maximize your rewards value with transfer partners and issuer travel

Save your rewards for the most valuable redemption options. Travel points and miles often lose value toward non-travel options like cash back, so you’ll want to redeem your rewards for travel through the issuer portal for at least 1 cent per point or mile. However, transferring your rewards to the right airline or hotel partner program is usually worth the extra effort since it could net you even more value.

Expert Insight

“When I redeem my points through the Chase Ultimate Rewards program, the most I can get is 1.25 cents apiece, which is pretty good. However, if I transfer them to a partner airline’s loyalty program, I will often get much more. For example, I can transfer my points to United Airlines MileagePlus and use them to pay for flights. When I do, I generally get a value of 2 or more cents per point — in line with Bankrate estimates that Chase Ultimate Rewards points are worth around 2 cents apiece on average when used with the right transfer partner.” — Margaret Wack — Personal finance expert and Bankrate contributor: Why I love the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

Make the most of your travel perks

Travel benefits are one of the main reasons to get a travel card, and are often key to making up a card’s annual fee. Be sure to read the fine print to make sure you can take full advantage of these offers . For example, one card’s travel credit may apply to any travel purchase, including airfare, while another card’s may only cover costs like baggage fees or in-flight purchases. 

“This is the year to take inventory of your credit cards and make sure they’re serving you well. If you’re paying an annual fee, look for a card with recurring benefits. Whether it’s annual award nights, waived luggage fees or elite status benefits, these perks can offset your annual fee and make your travels more pleasant … Despite putting minimal spending on my Hilton Honors Amex Aspire card, I keep renewing it every year. That’s because the card provides automatic Hilton Diamond elite status, which can easily offset the $550 annual fee. Recurring card benefits like [these] can save you a lot on travel and are worth considering when shopping for a new credit card.” — Ariana Arghandewal — Travel rewards expert and Bankrate contributor: Five benefits you need from a travel credit card

Plan for the sign-up bonus

The best travel cards come with generous welcome offers, but these bonuses may require a high spend in a short timeframe. That’s why it’s important to consider whether the spending requirement fits with your typical spending habits or whether you need to plan purchases to meet the requirement. Just be sure not to overextend yourself or take on debt you can’t pay back just to earn a bonus — interest and fees can easily eat through any value you’d get.

“Keep in mind that credit card sign-up offers change often. So if you’re interested in a particular card but not blown away by its current offer (there are some for 100,000 points or more that aren’t always worth the trouble), it could be worth your while to wait for a better one.” — Ariana Arghandewal — Travel rewards expert and Bankrate contributor: 6 ways to get bigger credit card bonuses

Look out for limited-time offers, partner perks and other benefits

Keeping an eye out for limited-time offers like extraordinarily high sign-up bonuses, perks with partner services (like rideshares or delivery services) and other reward-earning opportunities is a great way to squeeze the most value from your travel card. Issuers sometimes provide shopping and travel portals and card-linked reward programs for select purchases (like for pre-paid dining or participating merchant spending), which can help you bank extra rewards.

“Keep an eye on your email inbox and rewards portal for any limited-time promotions your issuer may be offering. Many American Express cards feature Amex Offers, which lets you access perks like statement credits for spending a certain amount on specific hotels and other retailers.  Other cards, like the Capital One Venture X, also have occasional promotional offers, such as a credit for 5 percent back on VRBO rentals.” — Lori Zaino — Travel expert and Bankrate contributor: How to maximize credit cards for cheaper accommodations this holiday season

Track your spending and rewards each account statement

Track your favorite stores’ and services’ merchant category codes (MCCs) to fine-tune your spending habits for maximum rewards. If you notice your expenses changing, this practice may also help you notice whether you need to change which rewards cards you carry.

“The first step to optimizing your spending is to take the time to collect the MCCs of stores you frequently shop at. During the process, you might find that some stores in the same chain may have different MCCs, depending on their primary inventory. Even different counters or sections in the same department store may carry different MCCs. You can use this to your advantage if you know one location near you will provide a better cash back rate than the other. These “loopholes” can provide great opportunities to reap cash back on purchases that typically wouldn’t earn rewards.” — Garrett Yarbrough — Writer and credit cards expert at Bankrate: Merchant category codes: How to earn more cash back

Our data: What credit score do you need for the best travel cards?

It’s no secret that your credit score heavily influences which cards you’re likely to get approval for. But how good does your credit need to be to get the best credit cards for travel? We analyzed our data of Bankrate readers who applied for credit cards on our pages in 2023 and compared the approval rates of readers’ different credit tiers.

We found that, on average, 61.9 percent of users with excellent credit were approved for travel cards on our site. Then, an average of 39.5 percent and 19.5 percent of users with good and fair credit, respectively, got approval for travel credit cards they applied to.

If you have fair or bad credit, you still have options for travel credit cards. For example, the Credit One Bank Wander Card caters to people with fair credit — 57 percent of people with fair credit who applied on our site in 2023 were approved for this card , according to our data.

Obviously, the better your credit, the more likely you are to get the card you apply for , but other factors can affect your application. Issuers may also consider your income, recent credit applications, homeownership status and monthly rental or mortgage payment. Keep these other factors in mind with your credit score when you apply for credit cards.

Have more questions for our credit cards editors? Feel free to send us an email , find us on Facebook , or Tweet us @Bankrate .

When evaluating the best travel cards, we consider a mix of factors, including how cards score in our proprietary card rating system and whether cards offer features that fit the priorities of a diverse group of cardholders, from earning rewards in popular categories to scoring a large sign-up bonus or high-value perks. Whenever possible, we also feature cards that are available at various credit levels and price points. 

We analyzed over 150 of the most popular cards and scored each based on its rewards rate, estimated annual earnings, welcome bonus value, APR, fees, perks and more to determine whether it belonged in this month’s roundup of the best travel cards.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the key factors in our rewards card scoring methodology — our primary scoring category for travel cards — and details we considered when putting together our list of the best travel cards.  

• Flexibility 15%
• Customer experience 5%

Great rewards value

The primary criteria for a rewards-earning card’s rating is its rewards value. This includes the card’s average rewards rate, estimated annual rewards earnings, sign-up bonus value and reward redemption value.

To estimate a card’s average annual rewards earnings, we first calculate its average rewards rate based on how much it earns in different bonus categories and how closely its categories align with the average person’s spending habits. In other words, we assess whether the card earns rewards at a high rate in the most popular spending categories. 

We use consumer spending data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to get a reliable third-party measure of people’s spending habits. The most recent BLS data estimates average total spending in 2022 was $72,967 per consumer. We then narrow our focus to which purchases are likely to be put on a credit card and earn rewards, subtracting expenditures like housing, vehicle purchases and education. This gives us a total “chargeable” annual spend of around $25,500.  

This includes the following spending by category:

• Groceries: $5,700
• Dining out: $3,600
• Entertainment: $2,400
• Gas: $3,100
• Apparel and services: $1,900

Using this data, we assign a weighting to each of a card’s bonus categories. For example, a card’s grocery rewards rate receives a 22 percent weighting based on how much of the average person’s budget is spent on groceries.

We also estimate the redemption value of points or miles from various issuer, airline and hotel rewards programs.

This weighting and rewards valuation allows us to estimate a card’s average annual rewards earnings — how many points or miles you’d earn with a given card if your spending was about average and you used the card for all of your purchases — as well as what those points are worth. We also use point valuations to determine a card’s sign-up bonus value

With these calculations complete, we assign each card a score based on how its average rewards earnings, sign-up bonus value, rewards rate and redemption value stack up against other rewards cards.

The better these values, the higher its score will be, making it more worthy of inclusion in our list and increasing its potential ranking.

Reasonable rates and fees

We also score cards based on how much it costs to keep them in your wallet or carry a balance. 

To start, each card is scored based on whether it offers an intro APR and how its ongoing APR compares to the rates available on other rewards cards. However, the latter rating only has a slight influence on the card’s score and whether the card is included in our list, since rewards card users generally try to avoid carrying a balance.

More important to both a card’s score and its inclusion in our list is how its annual fee influences its overall value. We consider a card’s annual fee in two ways — how it ranks relative to the fees you’ll find on other cards in the category and how it impacts a card’s overall rewards value. 

Cards with an annual fee will always be at a slight disadvantage in our scoring system since annual fees inherently cut into your rewards value. However, if a card offers terrific value via its ongoing rewards and perks, it can earn a high score and a spot in our list even if it carries a high annual fee. After all, the highest rewards rates and most valuable perks are often found on cards with annual fees. 

With this in mind, we rate a card based primarily on how its ongoing rewards value and ongoing perk value (such as annual credits or bonuses) stack up against those of other cards in the category when you subtract annual fees.

That said, we strive to include as many no-annual-fee options in our list as possible since many people would rather not worry about offsetting fees, even if a card carries impressive rewards and perks.

Redemption flexibility

Rewards cards may make it easy to earn a lot of points, miles or cash back, but how easy is it to use those rewards? After all, if it takes a ton of effort to redeem rewards or you can only redeem rewards in a couple of ways, a card may be more trouble than it’s worth. 

As such, we rate each card’s flexibility based on the restrictions it imposes on earning and redeeming rewards. We factor this rating into a card’s overall score and consider it when deciding on a card’s inclusion in our list. 

Flexibility factors include whether a card only allows you to earn a high rewards rate on only a small amount of spending or requires you to meet a certain earning threshold before you can redeem rewards. We also examine whether your points are worth less when you opt for some redemption options over others and whether a card gives you the flexibility to transfer rewards to travel partners.

Valuable perks

We also score each card’s set of features – its perks and benefits — against five tiers of features to provide a rating. 

We break down these tiers as follows:

• Tier 1 includes fewer features than even standard credit cards (for example, an ultra-streamlined card that offers basic utility and next to nothing in the way of ancillary benefits). 
• Tier 2 includes the benefits you’d expect on standard Visa or Mastercard credit cards, such as free access to your credit score, car rental insurance and $0 liability for fraudulent charges. 
• Tier 3 includes “prime card” or better-than-average card features like cellphone insurance, lost luggage insurance, concierge services and purchase protection. 
• Tier 4 includes luxury features such as airport lounge access, elite status with an airline or hotel and credits for expedited security screening membership programs. 
• Tier 5 includes the sort of exemplary benefits you’ll find on top-tier luxury cards, such as high-value travel credits, cardholder memberships and other unique and valuable perks.

In evaluating the best cards, we tend to favor cards that offer at least Tier 3 benefits, unless they include other unique features that could make up for less-impressive perks.

And since this list focuses on travel cards, we tend to favor cards that carry travel-centric features like travel insurance, airport lounge access and credits for expedited security screening, instead of more general perks like food delivery credits or shopping discounts.

More information on travel credit cards

Frequently asked questions about travel credit cards, are travel credit cards worth it.

Travel cards can be well worth it since they often have exclusive travel perks like credits for airfare, hotel stays, expedited airport security services and more, as well as complimentary airport lounge access and airline or hotel privileges. However, many of the best travel credit cards come with annual fees. It’s important to at least offset the cost of these cards by taking advantage of the various travel perks and features included on the card. 

What credit score do you need for a travel credit card?

It’s possible to get a travel credit card with bad or fair credit, but most travel rewards cards are geared toward people with good or excellent credit (a FICO score of at least 670, or a VantageScore of at least 661).

Do travel miles or points expire?

Even though many major credit cards earn rewards that don’t expire, you may lose your points and miles if your account closes or isn’t in good standing. However, some co-branded cards’ rewards may expire if you don’t earn or redeem rewards within a certain timeframe (typically 12 to 36 months after the rewards are earned).

Check out our guide to credit card rewards expiration for a thorough breakdown of several popular issuers’ policies.

Are points or miles better on a credit card?

Whether points or miles offer better value will depend on the specific rewards program and how you redeem rewards. One airline loyalty program may earn miles that offer less than 1 cent each in average redemption value while another program’s points may offer close to 3 cents each on average. Similarly, a hotel card’s points may be worth less than half of a credit card issuer’s rewards points. Some programs offer points with only average baseline redemption value but high value when transferred to a partner airline or hotel. 

Ask the experts: Is it a good idea to have multiple travel credit cards?

Thomas Nitzsche

Stephanie Zito

Erica Sandberg

Financial Educator, Debt and Credit

Whether you should have multiple travel credit cards depends on several factors, including your brand affinity, frequency of travel and ability to pay off your cards in full each month. As a credit counselor, I see many people carrying credit card debt at high interest rates while continuing to make charges to the account for the sake of earning rewards. They lose far more than they earn each month. Having more than one travel credit card could make sense for you if you’re able to maximize your earnings by strategizing spending across each card. Just take into account annual fees and actual interest paid.

Contributor, Personal Finance

If you’re up for managing multiple cards and their benefits, then there are definitely big reward payouts to be had. But if the thought of multiple cards is overwhelming, it’s also a good strategy to have one or two more flexible cards and focus on maximizing your earnings and redemptions until it becomes second nature.

Contributor, Credit Cards

Definitely! I currently have two travel credit cards. In addition to the Chase card that I use for my United Airlines purchases, I have the Capital One Venture card for all other airlines. I earn a solid amount of miles on everything I buy with it, so it's an easy go-to for non-travel related expenses.

Article sources

We use primary sources to support our work. Bankrate’s authors, reporters and editors are subject-matter experts who thoroughly fact-check editorial content to ensure the information you’re reading is accurate, timely and relevant.

Global entry: Trusted traveler enrollment program . U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Accessed on June 12, 2024.

Discover International acceptance . Discover. Accessed on June 5, 2024.

“ Consumer Expenditures 2022 ,” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Accessed on June 12, 2024.

* See the online application for details about terms and conditions for these offers. Every reasonable effort has been made to maintain accurate information. However all credit card information is presented without warranty. After you click on the offer you desire you will be directed to the credit card issuer's web site where you can review the terms and conditions for your selected offer.

Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. The information, including card rates and fees, is accurate as of the publish date. All products or services are presented without warranty. Check the bank’s website for the most current information.

• Travel Planning Center
• Ticket Changes & Refunds
• Airline Partners
• Check-in & Security
• Delta Sky Club®
• Airport Maps & Locations
• Flight Deals
• Flight Schedules
• Destinations
• Onboard Experience
• Delta Cruises
• Delta Vacations
• Delta Car Rentals
• Delta Stays
• Onboard Wi-Fi
• Delta Trip Protection
• How to Earn Miles
• Ways to Redeem Miles
• Buy or Transfer Miles
• Travel with Miles
• SkyMiles Partners & Offers
• SkyMiles Award Deals
• SkyMiles Credit Cards
• SkyMiles Airline Partners
• SkyMiles Program Overview​
• How to Get Medallion Status​
• Benefits at Each Tier
• News & Updates
• Help Center
• Travel Planning FAQs
• Certificates & eCredits
• Accessible Travel Services
• Child & Infant Travel
• Special Circumstances
• SkyMiles Help

Travel Within the U.S.

In the United States, you need a valid U.S. government-issued photo ID or a passport from your country of origin to travel through security. You must show that the name on your boarding pass matches the legal name on your unexpired government-issued ID.

Acceptable forms of ID include

Driver's License

Military ID

Other Government-Issued Photo ID Card

See TSA Guidelines for Travel Documents

• Investor Relations
• Business Travel
• Travel Agents
• Comment/Complaint
• Browser Compatibility
• Accessibility
• Booking Information
• Customer Commitment
• Tarmac Delay Plan
• Sustainability
• Contract of Carriage
• Cookies, Privacy & Security
• Human Trafficking Statement (PDF)

• Auto Insurance Best Car Insurance Cheapest Car Insurance Compare Car Insurance Quotes Best Car Insurance For Young Drivers Best Auto & Home Bundles Cheapest Cars To Insure
• Home Insurance Best Home Insurance Best Renters Insurance Cheapest Homeowners Insurance Types Of Homeowners Insurance
• Life Insurance Best Life Insurance Best Term Life Insurance Best Senior Life Insurance Best Whole Life Insurance Best No Exam Life Insurance
• Pet Insurance Best Pet Insurance Cheap Pet Insurance Pet Insurance Costs Compare Pet Insurance Quotes
• Travel Insurance Best Travel Insurance Cancel For Any Reason Travel Insurance Best Cruise Travel Insurance Best Senior Travel Insurance
• Health Insurance Best Health Insurance Plans Best Affordable Health Insurance Best Dental Insurance Best Vision Insurance Best Disability Insurance
• Credit Cards Best Credit Cards 2024 Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards Best Rewards Credit Cards Best Cash Back Credit Cards Best Travel Rewards Credit Cards Best 0% APR Credit Cards Best Business Credit Cards Best Credit Cards for Startups Best Credit Cards For Bad Credit Best Cards for Students without Credit
• Credit Card Reviews Chase Sapphire Preferred Wells Fargo Active Cash® Chase Sapphire Reserve Citi Double Cash Citi Diamond Preferred Chase Ink Business Unlimited American Express Blue Business Plus
• Credit Card by Issuer Best Chase Credit Cards Best American Express Credit Cards Best Bank of America Credit Cards Best Visa Credit Cards
• Credit Score Best Credit Monitoring Services Best Identity Theft Protection
• CDs Best CD Rates Best No Penalty CDs Best Jumbo CD Rates Best 3 Month CD Rates Best 6 Month CD Rates Best 9 Month CD Rates Best 1 Year CD Rates Best 2 Year CD Rates Best 5 Year CD Rates
• Checking Best High-Yield Checking Accounts Best Checking Accounts Best No Fee Checking Accounts Best Teen Checking Accounts Best Student Checking Accounts Best Joint Checking Accounts Best Business Checking Accounts Best Free Checking Accounts
• Savings Best High-Yield Savings Accounts Best Free No-Fee Savings Accounts Simple Savings Calculator Monthly Budget Calculator: 50/30/20
• Mortgages Best Mortgage Lenders Best Online Mortgage Lenders Current Mortgage Rates Best HELOC Rates Best Mortgage Refinance Lenders Best Home Equity Loan Lenders Best VA Mortgage Lenders Mortgage Refinance Rates Mortgage Interest Rate Forecast
• Personal Loans Best Personal Loans Best Debt Consolidation Loans Best Emergency Loans Best Home Improvement Loans Best Bad Credit Loans Best Installment Loans For Bad Credit Best Personal Loans For Fair Credit Best Low Interest Personal Loans
• Student Loans Best Student Loans Best Student Loan Refinance Best Student Loans for Bad or No Credit Best Low-Interest Student Loans
• Business Loans Best Business Loans Best Business Lines of Credit Apply For A Business Loan Business Loan vs. Business Line Of Credit What Is An SBA Loan?
• Investing Best Online Brokers Top 10 Cryptocurrencies Best Low-Risk Investments Best Cheap Stocks To Buy Now Best S&P 500 Index Funds Best Stocks For Beginners How To Make Money From Investing In Stocks
• Retirement Best Roth IRAs Best Gold IRAs Best Investments for a Roth IRA Best Bitcoin IRAs Protecting Your 401(k) In a Recession Types of IRAs Roth vs Traditional IRA How To Open A Roth IRA
• Business Formation Best LLC Services Best Registered Agent Services How To Start An LLC How To Start A Business
• Web Design & Hosting Best Website Builders Best E-commerce Platforms Best Domain Registrar
• HR & Payroll Best Payroll Software Best HR Software Best HRIS Systems Best Recruiting Software Best Applicant Tracking Systems
• Payment Processing Best Credit Card Processing Companies Best POS Systems Best Merchant Services Best Credit Card Readers How To Accept Credit Cards
• More Business Solutions Best VPNs Best VoIP Services Best Project Management Software Best CRM Software Best Accounting Software
• Debt relief Best debt management Best debt settlement Do you need a debt management plan? What is debt settlement? Debt consolidation vs. debt settlement Should you settle your debt or pay in full? How to negotiate a debt settlement on your own
• Debt collection Can a debt collector garnish my bank account or my wages? Can credit card companies garnish your wages? What is the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act?
• Bankruptcy How much does it cost to file for bankruptcy? What is Chapter 7 bankruptcy? What is Chapter 13 bankruptcy? Can medical bankruptcy help with medical bills?
• More payoff strategies Tips to get rid of your debt in a year Don't make these mistakes when climbing out of debt How credit counseling can help you get out of debt What is the debt avalanche method? What is the debt snowball method?
• Manage Topics
• Investigations
• Visual Explainers
• Newsletters
• Abortion news
• Climate Change
• Corrections Policy
• Sports Betting
• Coach Salaries
• College Basketball (M)
• College Basketball (W)
• College Football
• Concacaf Champions Cup
• For The Win
• High School Sports
• H.S. Sports Awards
• Scores + Odds
• Sports Pulse
• Sports Seriously
• Women's Sports
• Youth Sports
• Celebrities
• Entertainment This!
• Celebrity Deaths
• Policing the USA
• Women of the Century
• Problem Solved
• Personal Finance
• Consumer Recalls
• Video Games
• Product Reviews
• Home Internet
• Destinations
• Airline News
• Experience America
• Great American Vacation
• Ingrid Jacques
• Nicole Russell
• Meet the Opinion team
• How to Submit

Personal Loans

Best personal loans

Auto Insurance

Best car insurance

Best high-yield savings

CREDIT CARDS

Best credit cards

Advertiser Disclosure

Blueprint is an independent, advertising-supported comparison service focused on helping readers make smarter decisions. We receive compensation from the companies that advertise on Blueprint which may impact how and where products appear on this site. The compensation we receive from advertisers does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides in our articles or otherwise impact any of the editorial content on Blueprint. Blueprint does not include all companies, products or offers that may be available to you within the market. A list of selected affiliate partners is available here .

Travel insurance

Best travel insurance companies of June 2024

Amy Fontinelle

Heidi Gollub

“Verified by an expert” means that this article has been thoroughly reviewed and evaluated for accuracy.

Updated 2:16 p.m. UTC June 7, 2024

• path]:fill-[#49619B]" alt="Facebook" width="18" height="18" viewBox="0 0 18 18" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg">
• path]:fill-[#202020]" alt="Email" width="19" height="14" viewBox="0 0 19 14" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg">

Editorial Note: Blueprint may earn a commission from affiliate partner links featured here on our site. This commission does not influence our editors' opinions or evaluations. Please view our full advertiser disclosure policy .

WorldTrips is the best travel insurance company of 2024 , based on our in-depth analysis of travel insurance policies. Its Atlas Journey Elevate plan gets the top score in our rating because of the extensive coverage it provides for the price. It offers best-in-class emergency medical and evacuation benefits, as well as high limits for baggage insurance.

Best travel insurance of 2024

• WorldTrips : Best travel insurance.
• Travel Insured International : Best for emergency evacuation.
• TravelSafe : Best for missed connections.
• Aegis : Cheapest travel insurance.
• Travelex : Best for families.
• AIG : Best for add-on coverage options.
• Nationwide : Best for cruise itinerary changes.

Why trust our travel insurance experts

Our travel insurance experts evaluate hundreds of insurance products and analyze thousands of data points to help you find the best trip insurance for your situation. We use a data-driven methodology to determine each rating. Advertisers do not influence our editorial content . You can read more about our methodology below.

• 1,855 coverage details evaluated.
• 567 rates reviewed.
• 5 levels of fact-checking.

Travel insurance quotes comparison

Best travel insurance companies, best travel insurance.

Top travel insurance plans

Average cost, medical limit per person, why it’s the best.

If you’re looking for the best travel insurance for international travel , WorldTrips’ Atlas Journey Elevate plan gives you $250,000 in travel medical insurance with primary coverage. This plan is a good option if health insurance for international travel is a priority. It also has $1 million in emergency evacuation coverage. 

See our full WorldTrips travel insurance review .

Pros and cons

• $250,000 in primary medical coverage.
• $1 million per person in medical evacuation coverage.
• Primary damage or loss baggage coverage of $500 per item, up to $2,500.
• 5 optional upgrades, including pet care, adventure sports and rental car damage and theft.
• No non-medical evacuation coverage.

Customer reviews

WorldTrips has a rating of 4.27 stars out of 5 on Squaremouth, based on 428 reviews of policies purchased through the travel insurance comparison site since 2008. 

Heidi’s expert take:   “WorldTrips offers primary coverage for emergency medical expense and for baggage damage or loss. This means the insurer will pay for your claim first and then seek recovery from any responsible third party, such as your health insurance provider, airline or homeowners insurance company (if your belongings are stolen). Travel insurance with secondary medical coverage might be cheaper, but then you’d have to file claims with third parties yourself, before you could turn to your travel insurance for help.” Heidi Gollub, Managing Editor of Insurance, USA TODAY Blueprint

Best travel insurance for emergency evacuation

Travel insured international.

Top travel insurance plan

If you’re traveling to a remote area, consider Travel Insured International’s Worldwide Trip Protector. It has the best travel insurance for emergency evacuation of travel insurance policies in our rating. This top travel insurance plan provides up to $1 million in emergency evacuation coverage per person and $150,000 in non-medical evacuation per person. It also has primary coverage for travel medical insurance benefits.

• Only plan in our rating that offers $150,000 in non-medical evacuation coverage.
• $500 per person baggage delay benefit only requires a 3-hour delay.
• Optional rental car damage benefit up to $50,000.
• Missed connection benefit of $500 per person is only available for cruises and tours.

Travel Insured International has a rating of 4.39 stars out of 5 on Squaremouth, based on 3,402 reviews of policies purchased on the travel insurance comparison site since 2004.

Heidi’s expert take:   “The Worldwide Trip Protector plan provides rare non-medical evacuation benefits of up to $150,000. If you’re traveling to an area at risk of a political, security or national disaster, this emergency evacuation coverage could help get you back to safety.” Heidi Gollub, Managing Editor of Insurance, USA TODAY Blueprint

Best travel insurance for missed connections

TravelSafe offers good travel insurance for missed connections , with $2,500 in missed connection coverage for each person on the plan.

• Best-in-class $2,500 per person in missed connection coverage.
• $1 million per person in medical evacuation and $25,000 in non-medical evacuation coverage.
• Generous $2,500 per person baggage and personal items loss benefit.
• Most expensive of our best-rated travel insurance plans.
• No “interruption for any reason” coverage option.
• Weak baggage delay coverage of $250 per person after 12 hours.

TravelSafe has a rating of 4.3 stars out of 5 on Squaremouth, based on 1,506 reviews of policies purchased on the travel insurance comparison site since 2004.

Heidi’s expert take:   “If you miss out on prepaid vacation plans because you didn’t make a connecting flight, you’ll be glad for the $2,500 missed connection coverage. Some policies only provide missed connection coverage for cruises and tours, but TravelSafe Classic doesn’t impose that restriction.” Heidi Gollub, Managing Editor of Insurance, USA TODAY Blueprint

Cheapest travel insurance

Go Ready Choice by Aegis has the most affordable travel insurance of the best-rated travel insurance companies in our rating. This is based on the average cost of seven international trips of varying lengths and values for travelers of different ages.

See our full Aegis travel insurance review .

• Cheapest of our best trip insurance plans.
• Pet care benefit of $500 under travel delay benefits.
• Low emergency medical and evacuation limits.
• Low missed connection benefit of $500 per person for cruises and tours only.
• Low baggage and personal items loss benefit of $500 per person.

Aegis has a rating of 4.06 stars out of 5 on Squaremouth, based on 1,111 reviews of policies purchased on the travel insurance comparison site since 2013.

Heidi’s expert take:   “If you’re looking for a  budget travel insurance policy , Go Ready Choice may fit the bill. It has comparably low coverage limits, but if you have health insurance that will cover you on your trip, its $50,000 in secondary medical coverage may be sufficient.” Heidi Gollub, Managing Editor of Insurance, USA TODAY Blueprint

Best travel insurance for families

Top-scoring plan

Travelex Insurance Services has the best travel insurance for families because you can add kids aged 17 and younger to your Travel Select plan at no additional charge.

See our full Travelex travel insurance review .

• Free coverage for children 17 and under on the same policy.
• Robust travel delay coverage of $2,000 per person ($250 per day) after 5 hours.
• Hurricane and weather coverage after a common carrier delay of any amount of time.
• Low emergency medical coverage of $50,000 per person.
• Non-medical evacuation is not included.
• Low baggage delay coverage of $200 requires a 12-hour delay.

Travelex has a rating of 4.43 stars out of 5 on Squaremouth, based on 2,048 reviews of policies purchased on the travel insurance comparison site since 2004.

Heidi’s expert take:   “If you’re traveling with kids, a Travelex policy will cover them, too. The number of children you can add to your policy is unlimited and they’ll get travel protection at no additional cost.” Heidi Gollub, Managing Editor of Insurance, USA TODAY Blueprint

Best travel insurance for add-on coverage options

Travel Guard Preferred from AIG allows you to customize your policy with a host of available upgrades, making it the best traveler insurance for add-on options . These include “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage , rental vehicle damage coverage and bundles that offer additional benefits for adventure sports, travel inconvenience, quarantine, pets, security and weddings.

There’s also a medical bundle that increases the travel medical benefit to $100,000 and emergency evacuation to $1 million. This is a good option if you’re looking for foreign travel health insurance.

See our full AIG travel insurance review .

• Bundle upgrades allow you to customize your travel insurance policy.
• Emergency medical and evacuation limits can be doubled with optional upgrade.
• Base travel insurance policy has relatively low medical limits.
• $300 baggage delay benefit requires a 12-hour delay.
• Optional CFAR upgrade only reimburses up to 50% of trip cost.

Heidi’s expert take: “You can add riders to your AIG travel insurance policy to maximize your coverage. Choose from these bundles: adventure sports, medical, pet, quarantine, security and wedding. You may also want to add “cancel for any reason” coverage and rental vehicle damage coverage.”  Heidi Gollub, Managing Editor of Insurance, USA TODAY Blueprint

Best travel insurance for cruise itinerary changes

Nationwide’s Choice Cruise is good travel insurance for cruises . It has a $500 per person benefit if a cruise itinerary change causes you to miss a prepaid excursion.

Choice Cruise also has a missed connections benefit of $1,500 per person after only a 3-hour delay when you’re taking a cruise or tour. But note that this coverage is secondary coverage to any compensation provided by a common carrier.

See our full Nationwide travel insurance review .

• Benefits for cruise itinerary changes, ship-based mechanical breakdowns and covered shipboard service disruptions.
• Non-medical evacuation benefit of $25,000 per person.
• Missed connection coverage of $1,500 per person for tours and cruises, after a 3-hour delay.
• Baggage loss benefits of $2,500 per person.
• Travel medical coverage is secondary.
• Trip cancellation benefit for losing your job requires three years of continuous employment.
• No “cancel for any reason” upgrade available.

Nationwide has a rating of 4.02 stars out of 5 on Squaremouth, based on 570 reviews of policies purchased on the travel insurance comparison site since 2018.

  Heidi’s expert take: “This plan has protections for cruisers when it comes to prepaid expenses. But its emergency medical coverage is secondary, which means you’d have to file medical claims with your health insurance company first. Since U.S. health insurance won’t help you at sea, you may want to look for cruise travel insurance with primary medical coverage instead.” Heidi Gollub, Managing Editor of Insurance, USA TODAY Blueprint

Compare the best travel insurance plans

Via Compare Coverage’s website

Heidi’s expert take: “Here are my tips on how to buy travel insurance that gets you the most coverage for the lowest price: Buy early . Getting travel insurance within two weeks of making your first trip deposit may qualify you for coverage of pre-existing medical conditions, and it won’t cost you any extra.  Look for primary emergency medical coverage . If you buy a plan with secondary coverage, you’ll have to file a claim with your health insurance first, even if you know it will be denied.  Don’t overinsure . Calculate the value of only your prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses that are not already covered by other insurance (like credit card travel insurance or health insurance, if your coverage extends to where you are traveling). Even if this value is $0, you can still buy travel insurance for the travel medical insurance benefits, and you’ll only be paying for the insurance you need.  Understand exclusions . If you are planning to go scuba diving, for instance, make sure this adventure activity is not excluded from a policy’s coverage. If so, you may need to pay for a rider or shop for another plan that offers the coverage you need.” Heidi Gollub, Managing Editor of Insurance, USA TODAY Blueprint

What is the best travel insurance?

The best travel insurance for international travel is sold by WorldTrips, according to our in-depth trip insurance comparison.

The best travel insurance plan for you will depend on the trip you are planning and the coverage areas that are most important to you.

• Best cruise travel insurance
• Best COVID travel insurance
• Best “cancel for any reason” travel insurance
• Best senior travel insurance

Best travel insurance for cruises

The best cruise travel insurance is Atlas Journey Preferred sold by WorldTrips . This plan offers solid travel insurance for cruises for a low rate.

Best travel insurance for COVID-19

The best COVID travel insurance is the Trip Protection Basic plan sold by Seven Corners . It is a relatively low cost travel insurance plan with optional “cancel for any reason” coverage that reimburses up to 75% of your prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses.

Best travel insurance for “cancel for any reason” 

The best “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) travel insurance is Seven Corners’ Trip Protection Basic. Adding CFAR coverage to a RoundTrip Basic plan only increases the cost by about 40%, which is lower than other plans we analyzed. For the extra cost, you get coverage of 75% of your prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses, as long as you cancel at least 48 hours before your scheduled departure.

Best travel insurance for seniors

The best senior travel insurance is the Gold plan sold by Tin Leg . It is an affordable travel insurance plan with travel medical primary coverage of $500,000 and a pre-existing conditions waiver if you insure the full amount of your trip within 14 days of your first trip deposit.

How much is travel insurance?

The average cost of travel insurance is 5% to 6% of your prepaid, nonrefundable trip costs . 

How much you pay for travel insurance will depend on:

• The cost of your trip.
• Your destination.
• The length of your trip. 
• The ages of travelers being insured.
• Your state of residence.
• The travel insurance policy you choose.
• The total coverage amounts in your policy.
• Any travel insurance add-ons you select. 

Here are average travel insurance rates for a 30-year-old female who is insuring a 14-day trip to Mexico.

Looking to save? Discover cheap travel insurance options.

How much travel insurance should I buy?

Travel insurance companies typically offer several plans with varying maximum limits. The higher the coverage limits, the more you’ll pay for travel insurance. 

Squaremouth, a travel insurance comparison site, recommends the following coverage limits for international travel: 

• Emergency medical coverage: At least $50,000. 
• Medical evacuation coverage: At least $100,000. 

If you’re going on a cruise, or to a remote location, Squaremouth recommends: 

• Emergency medical coverage: At least $100,000. 
• Medical evacuation coverage: At least $250,000.

When evaluating travel insurance plans, our team of insurance analysts considered the best medical travel insurance policies to have at least $250,000 in emergency medical coverage and at least $500,000 in medical evacuation coverage. 

When should I buy travel insurance?

The best time to buy travel insurance is within two weeks of making your first nonrefundable travel payment, whether it’s for a plane ticket, hotel stay, cruise or excursion. 

Travel insurance costs the same whether you buy it early or last minute, and buying it early has added benefits: 

• You may be able to add on “ cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage , an upgrade that is typically only available for a limited time after you’ve started paying for your trip. 
• You may qualify for a pre-existing medical conditions exclusion waiver, meaning your pre-existing conditions will be covered by travel insurance. This waiver is generally added to your policy automatically, provided you buy the travel insurance within a certain window after your first trip deposit.
• You will be covered over a longer period of time for unforeseen events that could cause you to cancel your trip, such as medical emergencies, inclement weather and natural disasters. 

Expert tip: You can buy travel insurance up to the day before you leave on your trip, but waiting may cost you the opportunity to qualify for a pre-existing conditions exclusion waiver or to buy a “cancel for any reason” upgrade.

Where can I buy travel insurance?

You can buy a travel insurance plan:

• Online. Visit a travel insurance company’s website to buy a policy directly or use a comparison website like Squaremouth or Travelinsurance.com to see your options and compare plans. You may also be able to purchase travel insurance online through an airline, cruise, hotel, rental car company or other provider you book a ticket with.
• In person. A travel agent or insurance agent may be able to assist you in buying travel insurance.

Travel insurance trends in 2024

Americans are changing the way they travel and this includes buying travel insurance when they might have skipped it in the past. As spending on trips continues to rise , travelers have more to lose if their plans are disrupted. 

Based on travel insurance quote requests on the Squaremouth website last month, these are the main benefits travelers are looking for in a travel insurance policy.

*Source: Squaremouth.com. Travel insurance quote filter usage from April 28 to May 28, 2024.

Methodology

Our insurance experts reviewed 1,855 coverage details and 567 rates to determine the best travel insurance of 2024. For companies with more than one travel insurance plan, we shared information about the highest-scoring plan.

Insurers could score up to 100 points based on the following factors:

• $3,000, 8-day trip to Mexico for two travelers age 30.
• $3,000, 8-day trip to Mexico for two travelers age 70.
• $6,000, 17-day trip to Italy for two travelers age 40.
• $6,000, 17-day trip to Italy for two travelers age 65.
• $15,000, 17-day trip to Italy for four travelers ages 40, 40, 10 and 7.
• $15,000, 17-day trip to France for four travelers ages 40, 40, 10 and 7.
• $15,000, 17-day trip to the U.K. for four travelers ages 40, 40, 10 and 7.
• Medical expenses: 10 points. We scored travel medical insurance by the coverage amount available. Travel insurance policies with emergency medical expense benefits of $250,000 or more per person were given the highest score of 10 points.
• Medical evacuation: 10 points. We scored each plan’s emergency medical evacuation coverage by coverage amount. Travel insurance policies with medical evacuation expense benefits of $500,000 or more per person were given the highest score of 10 points.
• Pre-existing medical condition exclusion waiver: 10 points. We gave full points to travel insurance policies that cover pre-existing medical conditions if certain conditions are met.
• Missed connection: 10 points. Travel insurance plans with missed connection benefits of $1,000 per person or more received full points.
• “Cancel for any reason” upgrade: 5 points. We gave points to travel insurance plans with optional “cancel for any reason” coverage that reimburses up to 75%.
• Travel delay required waiting time: 5 points. We gave 5 points to travel insurance policies with travel delay benefits that kick in after a delay of 6 hours or less.
• Cancel for work reasons: 5 points. If a travel insurance plan allows you to cancel your trip for work reasons, such as your boss requiring you to stay and work, we gave it 5 points.
• Hurricane and severe weather: 5 points. Travel insurance plans that have a required waiting period for hurricane and weather coverage of 12 hours or less received 5 points.

Some travel insurance companies may offer plans with additional benefits or lower prices than the plans that scored the highest, so make sure to compare travel insurance quotes to see your full range of options.

If you’d like to dig in deeper, head over to our travel insurance ratings methodology page.

Best travel insurance FAQs

According to our analysis, WorldTrips has the best trip insurance. Two of its plans — Atlas Journey Explore and Atlas Journey Elevate — get 5 stars in our rating.

The best travel insurance policy for you will depend on what type of coverage you need. With so many different policies and carriers, the policy that was best for your friend’s trip to California might not be ideal for your trip to Japan. If you’re looking for the best travel insurance for international travel, you may be willing to pay more for higher coverage levels.

A comprehensive travel insurance plan bundles several types of travel insurance coverage, each with its own limits. To ensure you have adequate financial protection for your trip, your travel insurance policy should include the following travel insurance coverages:

• Trip cancellation . With trip cancellation insurance , you’re covered if you need to call off your trip because of a reason listed in your policy, such as unexpected illness, injury or death of you, a family member or a travel companion, severe weather, jury duty and your travel supplier going out of business. 
• Travel delay. Once your trip has started, travel delay insurance reimburses you for unexpected expenses you incur after a minimum delay, such as five hours. It can cover needs like airport meals, transportation and even overnight accommodation. 
• Trip interruption. If you need to cut your trip early for a reason listed in your policy, trip interruption insurance can reimburse you for any prepaid, nonrefundable payments you’ll lose by leaving early. It can also pay for a last-minute one-way ticket home. 
• Travel medical . Emergency medical benefits are especially important if you need international health insurance for travel outside of the country. Your domestic health insurance may provide limited coverage once you leave the U.S. The best travel medical insurance pays for ambulance service, doctor visits, hospital stays, X-rays, lab work and prescription medication you may require while traveling. 
• Emergency medical evacuation. If you’re traveling to a remote area, or planning excursions such as boating to an island, emergency medical evacuation coverage is a good idea. This coverage pays to transport you to the nearest adequate medical facility if you are injured or sick while traveling. 
• Baggage delay. After a certain waiting period, such as six or 12 hours, this coverage will reimburse you for necessities you need to buy to tide you over while you wait for your bag to arrive. Be sure to save your receipts and look at your coverage limit, as some caps are low, like $200. 
• Baggage loss. Baggage insurance can reimburse you if your bag never arrives, or if your personal belongings are stolen during your travels. Coverage limits apply here, as well as exclusions for certain items such as electronics.  

“Typically, travelers are expected to pay their expenses out of pocket, and then file a claim for reimbursement,” said James Clark, spokesperson for Squaremouth. “However, there are medical situations in which a provider may be required to pre-authorize payment to make sure the policyholder receives the treatment they need.”

According to Clark, “Providers can pre-authorize payment for medical care and emergency evacuations. With that said, every circumstance is unique, and providers will handle each situation on a case-by-case basis.”

Travel insurance covers your prepaid, nonrefundable trip costs — as well as extra money you may need to spend due to unforeseen circumstances and emergencies — both before and during your trip.

Travel insurance coverage varies by plan, but in general travel insurance covers costs associated with these problems: 

• Bankruptcy of a travel insurance company, such as your airline or tour operator. 
• Dangerous weather conditions.
• Delayed and lost luggage.
• Illness or death in your family that requires you to stay home or cut your trip short.
• Illness that needs medical attention.
• Injury requiring medical evacuation.
• Jury duty. 
• Travel delays and missed connections.
• Theft of your personal belongings while traveling.
• Unexpected job loss. 

Travel insurance policies often exclude or limit “foreseeable” losses. Typical travel insurance exclusions include:

• Accidents or injuries caused by drinking or drug use.
• Canceling your trip because you changed your mind.
• Ending your trip early because you changed your mind.
• Losses caused by intentional self harm, including suicide.
• Losses due to war, civil disorder or riots.
• Medical tourism.
• Medical treatment for pre-existing conditions.
• Mental health care.
• Natural disasters that begin before you buy travel insurance.
• Non-medical evacuation.
• Normal pregnancy. 
• Medical treatment related to high-risk activities.
• Routine medical care, such as physicals or dental care.
• Search and rescue.

Your U.S. health insurance may provide little or no coverage in foreign countries. Check with your health insurance company to see if you have any global benefits and ask how they work. If your health care does extend across the border, the benefits it provides abroad may not be the same benefits it provides domestically. 

Medicare usually won’t pay for health care outside of the United States and its territories, so older travelers planning an international trip should look into the best senior travel insurance with robust medical benefits. 

The best time to buy travel insurance is immediately after booking your trip and making a nonrefundable payment — in other words, as soon as you’re at risk of losing money. This way, you’ll know the total cost that you need to insure and you’ll have the longest window to take advantage of your policy’s benefits if something goes wrong.

You can’t wait until something goes wrong and then buy travel insurance to get reimbursed for your loss. Travel insurance only covers unexpected losses.

Travel insurance companies can decline to cover travel to certain countries. For example, you may find that some trip insurance companies don’t offer coverage to countries with a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory from the U.S. State Department. 

Travel insurance policies also frequently exclude certain risks that you’re more likely to encounter in Level 4 or Level 3 countries. For example, your policy may not cover losses related to declared or undeclared wars or acts of war or losses related to known or foreseeable conditions or events. 

Some credit cards , such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card , offer benefits such as trip cancellation and interruption insurance, baggage delay insurance and trip delay reimbursement when you use your card to pay for your trip.

Ask your credit card issuer for your card’s benefits guide to see what coverage you may have. Keep in mind that it may not cover all the risks you want to protect against, such as the cost of international health care or emergency medical evacuation .

Business travel insurance makes sense if you are self-employed and paying for your own travel expenses, or if you are traveling internationally and want medical coverage abroad.

You might also consider buying travel insurance for a business trip if your company won’t cover extra expenses if your flight is delayed or you need to head home early.

Cruise travel insurance can help protect you financially if you need emergency medical care in a remote location, or if a delayed flight causes you to miss embarkation and you need to pay extra to catch up to your cruise.

Experts caution that travel insurance you buy through a cruise line may not be as comprehensive as plans you can buy directly from travel insurance companies.

Some travel insurance plans cover rental cars as an optional upgrade, for an additional cost. The 5-star rated travel insurance companies in our rating offer these optional rental car benefits:

• Travel Insured International — Rental car damage and theft coverage of $50,000.
• WorldTrips — Rental car damage and theft coverage of $50,000 with a $250 deductible. 

Travel insurance typically only covers a single trip, although your insured trip can have multiple destinations. 

If you’re looking to insure several trips in the same year, annual travel insurance may be a good option for you.

Travel insurance may be required, depending on the country you plan to visit. But it’s smart to consider buying a travel insurance policy for international travel, even when it is not required. A good travel insurance policy can protect you financially if you need emergency medical assistance when traveling, or if you need to cut your trip short and buy a last-minute plane ticket home because an immediate family member is ill. 

Wondering if travel insurance is worth it? What travel insurance covers

Editor’s Note: This article contains updated information from previously published stories:

• Spirit Airlines scrubs 60% of its Wednesday flights, says cancellations will drop ‘in the days to come.’
• 'Just a parade of incompetency': Spirit Airlines passengers with 'nightmare' stories want more than apology, $50 vouchers
• ‘This is not our proudest moment’: Spirit Airlines CEO says more flight cancellations expected this weekend
• Hurricane Irma: Flight cancellations top 12,500; even more expected
• Is an annual travel insurance policy right for you?
• How 2020 and COVID-19 changed travel forever – and what that means for you
• COVID-19 or delta variant have you ready to scrap your trip? Here’s how to cancel like a pro
• Sunday: Snow is over, but flight cancellations top 12,000
• After nearly 13,000 Harvey cancellations, Irma is new threat to airline flights
• What’s the difference between travel insurance and trip ‘protection’?
• How to choose the right travel insurance for your next vacation
• Travel insurance can save the day
• Angry passengers brawl after Spirit cancels flights
• What to do when travel insurance doesn’t work
• How lockdowns, quarantines and COVID-19 testing will change summer travel in 2021
• Travelers will pay and worry more on summer vacation this year. But they won’t cancel
• How to find a hotel with COVID testing and quarantine facilities wherever you travel
• Yearning to travel in 2022? First, figure out your budget – then pick a destination
• Pro tips for surviving a long flight during a pandemic: Get the right mask, bring a pillow
• Want to steer clear of contracting COVID-19 on your next vacation? Follow these guidelines
• Post-pandemic travel: Is it OK to ask another passenger’s vaccine status or request they mask up?
• These days, forgetting these important travel items could cost you thousands of dollars
• International travel hacks: When to book flights and hotels, how to deal with COVID-19 rules
• Traveling post-coronavirus: How do you book your next trip when so much remains uncertain?
• The COVID-19 guide to holiday travel – and the case for why you shouldn’t go this year
• Should you travel during the holidays? Americans struggle with their decision
• ‘There’s still pent-up demand’: What you should know about fall travel
• Planning for life after coronavirus: When will we know it’s safe to travel again?
• ‘Busiest camping season’: Travelers choose outdoor recreation close to home amid COVID-19 pandemic
• Considering a camping trip this summer? Tips to make sure your gear is good to go
• RVing for the first time? 8 tips for newbies I wish I’d known during my first trip
• Five myths about travel agents
• Should I buy travel insurance?
• Is travel insurance stacked against you?
• Five myths about travel insurance and terrorism
• These eight things could get your travel insurance claims rejected
• There’s a good chance that your credit card already gives you some kind of travel insurance coverage
• How to avoid a hotel cancellation penalty
• Change fees and travel insurance continue to rise

Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy . The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.

Amy Fontinelle has more than 15 years of experience helping people make informed decisions about their money, whether they’re refinancing a mortgage, buying insurance or choosing a credit card. As a freelance writer trained in journalism and specializing in personal finance, Amy digs into the details to explain the products and strategies that can help (or hurt) people seeking greater financial security and wealth. Her work has been published by Forbes Advisor, Capital One, MassMutual, Investopedia and many other outlets.

Heidi Gollub is the USA TODAY Blueprint managing editor of insurance. She was previously lead editor of insurance at Forbes Advisor and led the insurance team at U.S. News & World Report as assistant managing editor of 360 Reviews. Heidi has an MBA from Emporia State University and is a licensed property and casualty insurance expert.

10 worst US airports for flight cancellations this week

Travel insurance Heidi Gollub

10 worst US airports for flight cancellations last week

Our travel insurance ratings methodology

AXA Assistance USA travel insurance review 2024

Travel insurance Jennifer Simonson

Cheapest travel insurance of June 2024

Travel insurance Mandy Sleight

Average flight costs: Travel, airfare and flight statistics 2024

Travel insurance Timothy Moore

John Hancock travel insurance review 2024

HTH Worldwide travel insurance review 2024

Airfare at major airports is up 29% since 2021

USI Affinity travel insurance review 2024

Trawick International travel insurance review 2024

Travel insurance for Canada

Travelex travel insurance review 2024

Best travel insurance for a Disney World vacation in 2024

World Nomads travel insurance review 2024

U.S. News takes an unbiased approach to our recommendations. When you use our links to buy products, we may earn a commission but that in no way affects our editorial independence.

9 Best Travel Insurance Companies of 2024

According to our analysis of more than 50 travel insurance companies and hundreds of different travel insurance plans, the best travel insurance company is Travelex Insurance Services. In our best travel insurance ratings, we take into account traveler reviews, credit ratings and industry awards. The best travel insurance companies offer robust coverage and excellent customer service, and many offer customizable add-ons.

Travelex Insurance Services »

Allianz Travel Insurance »

HTH Travel Insurance »

Tin Leg »

AIG Travel Guard »

Nationwide Insurance »

Seven Corners »

Generali Global Assistance »

Berkshire hathaway travel protection ».

Why Trust Us

U.S. News evaluates ratings, data and scores of more than 50 travel insurance companies from comparison websites like TravelInsurance.com, Squaremouth and InsureMyTrip, plus renowned credit rating agency AM Best, in addition to reviews and recommendations from top travel industry sources and consumers to determine the Best Travel Insurance Companies.

Table of Contents

• Travelex Insurance Services
• Allianz Travel Insurance

Travel insurance can help you protect the financial investment you made in your vacation when unexpected issues arise. Find the best travel insurance for the type of trip(s) you're taking and the coverages that matter most to you – from interruptions and misplaced belongings to illness and injury.

• Travelex Insurance Services: Best Overall
• Allianz Travel Insurance: Best for Trip Interruptions
• HTH Travel Insurance: Best for Groups
• Tin Leg: Best Cost
• AIG Travel Guard: Best for Families
• Nationwide Insurance: Best for Last-Minute Travel Insurance
• Seven Corners: Best for 24/7 Support When Traveling
• Generali Global Assistance: Best for Medical Emergencies
• Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection: Best for Specialized Coverage

Customizable upgrades are available, including car rental coverage, additional medical insurance and adventure sports coverage

Medical and trip cancellation maximum are not as high as some other companies

• 100% of the insured trip cost for trip cancellation; 150% for trip interruption
• Up to $1,000 in coverage for lost, damaged or stolen bags and personal items; $200 for luggage delays
• $750 in missed connection coverage
• $50,000 in emergency medical and dental coverage
• Up to $500,000 in emergency medical evacuation and repatriation coverage

SEE FULL REVIEW »

Annual and multitrip policies are available

Distinguishing between the company's 10 travel insurance plans can be challenging

• Up to $200,000 in trip cancellation coverage; $300,000 in trip interruption coverage
• $2,000 for lost, damaged or stolen luggage and personal effects; $600 for bag delays
• Up to $1,600 for travel delays
• Emergency medical coverage of up to $75,000
• Epidemic coverage

Generous coverage at the mid- and high-tier levels, and great group discounts

Preexisting conditions coverage is only available at mid- and high-tier plans

• 100% trip cancellation coverage (up to $50,000); 200% trip interruption coverage
• Up to $2,000 in coverage for baggage and personal effects; $400 in baggage delay coverage
• Up to $2,000 in coverage for trip delays; $1,000 for missed connections
• $500,000 in coverage per person for sickness and accidents

Variety of plans to choose from, including two budget-friendly policies and several more premium options

More limited coverage for baggage issues than other companies

• 100% trip cancellation protection; 150% trip interruption
• $500 per person for lost, stolen or damaged baggage and personal items
• Up to $2,000 per person in travel delay coverage ($150 per day); $100 per person for missed connections
• $100,000 per person in emergency medical coverage, including issues related to COVID-19

Travel insurance policy coverage is tailored to your specific trip

Information about policy coverage inclusions is not readily available without first obtaining a quote

• Trip cancellation coverage for up to 100% of your trip's cost; trip interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost
• Up to $2,500 in coverage for lost, stolen or damaged baggage; $500 related to luggage delays
• Up to $1,000 in missed connection and trip delay coverage
• $100,000 in emergency medical coverage

Variety of plans to choose from and coverage available up to a day before you leave on your trip

Limited trip cancellation coverage even at the highest tier

• Trip cancellation coverage up to $30,000; trip interruption coverage worth up to 200% of the trip cost (maximum of $60,000)
• $2,000 for lost, damaged or stolen baggage; $600 for baggage delays
• Up to $2,000 for trip delays; missed connection and itinerary change coverage of $500 each
• $150,000 for emergency medical and dental issues

Customer service available 24/7 via text, Whatsapp, email and phone

Cancel for any reason coverage costs extra

• 100% trip cancellation coverage (up to between $30,000 and $100,000 depending on your state of residence); interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost 
• Lost, stolen or damaged baggage coverage up to $2,500; up to $600 for luggage delays
• Trip delay and missed connection coverage worth up to $1,500
• Emergency medical coverage worth up to between $250,000 and $500,000 (depending on where you live)

Generous emergency medical and emergency evacuation coverage

Coverage for those with preexisting conditions is only available on the Premium plan

• 100% reimbursement for trip cancellation; 175% reimbursement for trip interruption
• $2,000 in coverage for loss of baggage per person
• $1,000 per person in travel delay and missed connection coverage
• $250,000 in medical and dental coverage per person

In addition to single-trip plans, company offers specific road trip, adventure travel, flight and cruise insurance coverage

Coverage for missed connections or accidental death and dismemberment is not part of the most basic plan

• Trip cancellation coverage worth up to 100% of the trip cost; interruption coverage worth up to 150% of the trip cost
• $500 in coverage for lost, stolen or damaged bags and personal items; bag delay coverage worth $200
• Trip delay coverage worth up to $1,000; missed connection coverage worth up to $100
• Medical coverage worth up to $50,000

To help you better understand the costs associated with travel insurance, we requested quotes for a weeklong June 2024 trip to Spain for a solo traveler, a couple and a family. These rates should help you get a rough estimate for about how much you can expect to spend on travel insurance. For additional details on specific coverage from each travel insurance plan and to input your trip information for a quote, see our comparison table below.

Travel Insurance Types: Which One Is Right for You?

There are several types of travel insurance you'll want to evaluate before choosing the policy that's right for you. A few of the most popular types of travel insurance include:

COVID travel insurance Select insurance plans offer some or a combination of the following COVID-19-related protections: coverage for rapid or PCR testing; accommodations if you're required to quarantine during your trip if you test positive for coronavirus; health care; and trip cancellations due to you or a family member testing positive for COVID-19. Read more about the best COVID-19 travel insurance options .

Cancel for any reason insurance Cancel for any reason travel insurance works exactly how it sounds. This type of travel insurance lets you cancel your trip for any reason you want – even if your reason is that you simply decide you no longer want to go. Cancel for any reason travel insurance is typically an add-on you can purchase to go along with other types of travel insurance. For that reason, you will pay more to have this kind of coverage added to your policy.

Also note that this type of coverage typically only reimburses 50% to 80% of your nonrefundable prepaid travel expenses. You'll want to make sure you know exactly how much reimbursement you could qualify for before you invest in this type of policy. Compare the best cancel for any reason travel insurance options here .

International travel insurance Travel insurance is especially useful when traveling internationally, as it can provide medical coverage for emergencies (in some cases for COVID-19) when you're far from home. Depending which international travel insurance plan you choose, this type of travel insurance can also cover lost or delayed luggage, rental cars, travel interruptions or cancellations, and more.

Cheap travel insurance If you want travel insurance but don't want to spend a lot of money, there are plenty of cheap travel insurance options that will offer at least some protections (and peace of mind). These are typically called a company's basic or standard plan; many travel insurance companies even allow you to customize your coverage, spending as little or as much as you want. Explore your options for the cheapest travel insurance here .

Trip cancellation, interruption and delay insurance Trip cancellation coverage can help you get reimbursement for prepaid travel expenses, such as your airfare and cruise fare, if your trip is ultimately canceled for a covered reason. Trip interruption insurance, on the other hand, kicks in to reimburse you if your trip is derailed after it starts. For instance, if you arrived at your destination and became gravely ill, it would cover the cost if you had to cut your trip short.

Trip delay insurance can help you qualify for reimbursement of any unexpected expenses you incur (think: lodging, transportation and food) in the event your trip is delayed for reasons beyond your control, such as your flight being canceled and rebooked for the next day. You will want to save your receipts to substantiate your claim if you have this coverage.

Lost, damaged, delayed or stolen bags or personal belongings Coverage for lost or stolen bags can come in handy if your checked luggage is lost by your airline or your luggage is delayed so long that you have to buy clothing and toiletries for your trip. This type of coverage can kick in to cover the cost to replace lost or stolen items you brought on your trip. It can also provide coverage for the baggage itself. It's even possible that your travel insurance policy will pay for your flight home if damages are caused to your residence and your belongings while you're away, forcing you to return home immediately.

Travel medical insurance If you find yourself sick or injured while you are on vacation, emergency medical coverage can pay for your medical expenses. With that in mind, however, you will need to find out whether the travel medical insurance you buy is primary or secondary. Where a primary policy can be used right away to cover medical bills incurred while you travel, secondary coverage only provides reimbursement after you have exhausted other medical policies you have.

You will also need to know how the travel medical coverage you purchase deals with any preexisting conditions you have, including whether you will have any coverage for preexisting conditions at all. Read more about the best travel medical insurance plans .

Evacuation insurance Imagine you break your leg while on the side of a mountain in some far-flung land without quality health care. Not only would you need travel medical insurance coverage in that case, but you would also need coverage for the exorbitant expense involved in getting you off the side of a mountain and flying you home where you can receive appropriate medical care.

Evacuation coverage can come in handy if you need it, but you will want to make sure any coverage you buy comes with incredibly high limits. According to Squaremouth, an emergency evacuation can easily cost $25,000 in North America and up to $50,000 in Europe, so the site typically suggests customers buy policies with $50,000 to $100,000 in emergency evacuation coverage.

Cruise insurance Travel delays; missed connections, tours or excursions; and cruise ship disablement (when a ship encounters a mechanical issue and is unable to continue on in the journey) are just a few examples why cruise insurance can be a useful protection if you've booked a cruise vacation. Learn more about the top cruise insurance plans here .

Credit card travel insurance It is not uncommon to find credit cards that include trip cancellation and interruption coverage , trip delay insurance, lost or delayed baggage coverage, travel accident insurance, and more. Cards that offer this coverage include popular options like the Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card , the Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card and The Platinum Card from American Express . 

Note that owning a credit card with travel insurance protection is not enough for your coverage to count: To take advantage of credit card travel insurance, you must pay for prepaid travel expenses like your airfare, hotel stay or cruise with that specific credit card. Also, note that credit cards with travel insurance have their own list of exclusions to watch out for. Many also require cardholders to pay an annual fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

The best time to buy travel insurance is normally within a few weeks of booking your trip since you may qualify for lower pricing if you book early. Keep in mind, some travel insurance providers allow you to purchase plans until the day before you depart.

Many times, you are given the option to purchase travel insurance when you book your airfare, accommodations or vacation package. Travel insurance and travel protection are frequently offered as add-ons for your trip, meaning you can pay for your vacation and some level of travel insurance at the same time.

However, many people choose to wait to buy travel insurance until after their entire vacation is booked and paid for. This helps travelers tally up all the underlying costs associated with a trip, and then choose their travel insurance provider and the level of coverage they want.

Figuring out where to buy travel insurance may be confusing but you can easily research and purchase travel insurance online these days. Some consumers prefer to shop around with a specific provider, such as Allianz or Travelex, but you can also shop and compare policies with a travel insurance platform. Popular options include:

• TravelInsurance.com: TravelInsurance.com offers travel insurance options from more than a dozen vetted insurance providers. Users can read reviews on the various travel insurance providers to find out more about previous travelers' experiences with them. Squaremouth: With Squaremouth, you can enter your trip details and compare more than 90 travel insurance plans from 20-plus providers.
• InsureMyTrip: InsureMyTrip works similarly, letting you shop around and compare plans from more than 20 travel insurance providers in one place. InsureMyTrip also offers several guarantees, including a Best Price Guarantee, a Best Plan Guarantee and a Money-Back Guarantee that promises a full refund if you decide you no longer need the plan you purchased.

Protect your trip: Search, compare and buy the best travel insurance plans for the lowest price. Get a quote .

When you need to file a travel insurance claim, you should plan on explaining to your provider what happened to your trip and why you think your policy applies. If you planned to go on a Caribbean cruise, but your husband fell gravely ill the night before you were set to depart, you would need to explain that situation to your travel insurance company. Information you should share with your provider includes the details of why you're making a claim, who was involved and the exact circumstances of your loss.

Documentation is important, and your travel insurance provider will ask for proof of what happened. Required documentation for travel insurance typically includes any proof of a delay, receipts, copies of medical bills and more.

Most travel insurance companies let you file a claim using an online form, but some also allow you to file a claim by phone or via fax. Some travel insurance providers, such as Allianz and Travel Insured International, offer their own mobile apps you can use to buy policies and upload information or documents that substantiate your claim. In any case, you will need to provide the company with proof of your claim and the circumstances that caused it.

If your claim is initially denied, you may also need to answer some questions or submit some additional information that can highlight why you do, in fact, qualify.

Whatever you do, be honest and forthcoming with all the information in your claim. Also, be willing to provide more information or answer any questions when asked.

Travel insurance claims typically take four to six weeks to process once you file with your insurance company. However, with various flight delays and cancellations due to things like extreme weather and pilot shortages, more travelers have begun purchasing travel insurance, encountering trip issues and having to submit claims. The higher volume of claims submitted has resulted in slower turnaround times at some insurance companies.

The longer you take to file your travel insurance claim after a loss, the longer you will be waiting for reimbursement. Also note that, with many travel insurance providers, there is a time limit on how long you can submit claims after a trip. For example, with Allianz Travel Insurance and Travelex Insurance Services, you have 90 days from the date of your loss to file a claim.

You may be able to expedite the claim if you provide all the required information upfront, whereas the process could drag on longer than it needs to if you delay filing a claim or the company has to follow up with you to get more information.

Travel insurance is never required, and only you can decide whether or not it's right for you. Check out Is Travel Insurance Worth It? to see some common situations where it does (and doesn't) make sense.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is an award-winning content creator who has been writing about travel insurance and travel for more than a decade. She has researched travel insurance options for her own vacations and family trips to more than 50 countries around the world, and has experience navigating the claims and reimbursement process. In fact, she has successfully filed several travel insurance claims for trip delays and trip cancellations over the years. Johnson also works alongside her husband, Greg, who has been licensed to sell travel insurance in 50 states, in their family media business.

You might also be interested in:

Carry-on Luggage and Personal Item Size Limits (2024)

Amanda Norcross

Just like checked bags, carry-on luggage size restrictions can vary by airline.

Bereavement Fares: 5 Airlines That Still Offer Discounts

Several airlines offer help in times of loss.

How to Renew Your Passport Online

For the first time since March 2023, online passport renewals are available.

13 Best Carry-on Luggage Pieces 2024 - We Tested Them All

Erin Evans and Rachael Hood and Catriona Kendall and Amanda Norcross and Leilani Osmundson

Discover the best carry-on luggage for your unique travel style and needs.