I currently have the BofA Premium and Customized Cash cards with Platinum Honors (I use the latter for Online Shopping). I’ve always wanted the Premium Elite card mainly because I like the extra travel protections. I wouldn’t use Priority Pass since I get that with my Amex Platinum. However, I noticed that even with the benefits, there’s still a net $100 annual fee that you can’t really offset.
Supposedly, you can get 25% back on airfare when redeeming points. I fly a lot and often book domestic economy plus or first class. I’m happy to book through BofA’s travel portal if it means I can make up that $100. But would my Delta or American status apply, or would these be treated like third-party bookings where you don’t get status benefits (like basic economy)? I’d appreciate any insight.
@Reid
Or you could use it to access Chase Sapphire lounges up to 4 times a year instead of just once. Though, I expect Chase will stop Priority Pass access by 2026.
Orion said: @Reid
Or you could use it to access Chase Sapphire lounges up to 4 times a year instead of just once. Though, I expect Chase will stop Priority Pass access by 2026.
Or you can just skip the lines at those lounges and relax at a Priority Pass restaurant instead.
Orion said: @Verne
True, unlimited PP restaurant access is great. But I still think the Sapphire Lounge is a cut above other card lounges, especially for drinks.
My airport doesn’t have a Sapphire lounge, so the card doesn’t matter for me beyond the sign-up bonus.
Will my Delta or American status apply or will these count as third-party bookings?
AA tried cutting third-party bookings from earning benefits until they saw a drop in revenue. Now, you’ll get your status and AA miles, but you have to manage changes or cancellations through BofA’s team. Just know that with third-party bookings, you lose any residual value if you cancel and rebook at a lower fare.
Delta still gives you miles and benefits (like free checked bags if you have status or a Delta credit card), but they recently made it harder to manage bookings from portals. I used to handle everything directly on delta.com, but since August, I’ve had issues trying to make changes. I’ve had to cancel bookings through BofA and rebook through Delta to avoid this.
Vere said: @Parrish
If you cancel a booking, you only get the unboosted value back?
Yes, with most airlines, you forfeit any extra value from third-party bookings.
Yeah, you lose any leftover value. Most people don’t notice it unless they cancel or change a lot of flights. It’s a downside of booking through a portal.
@Parrish
Thanks for the info! I get 5x points on my Amex Platinum for flights, so I might just stick with that and avoid third-party portals. Are you sticking with the Premium Rewards over the Premium Elite?
I’m pretty sure Capital One lets you take over bookings with the airline. I know Chase doesn’t. Any idea if BofA works the same?
AA won’t let you take over third-party bookings unless you have status and pay a fee. This applies to all portals (Capital One, BofA, Amex, Chase, Expedia, etc.). United and Delta used to be more lenient, but they’ve tightened up recently.
Orion said: @Parrish
Got it. I was able to take over Delta and JetBlue bookings earlier this year, but I guess things have changed.
Delta worked for me until August. After that, I couldn’t make changes for three bookings in a row. I ended up canceling all of them and rebooking directly with Delta.
I got the Premium Elite for Priority Pass restaurants and primary CDW, plus I knew I’d use the $300 travel credit. I don’t plan to book travel through BofA unless I’m redeeming points. I usually cash out points and invest the money.