The Atmos™ Rewards Summit Visa Infinite® Credit Card, with its $395 annual fee, offers a valuable perk for frequent travelers: a waiver of the $12.50 partner award booking fee charged by the Alaska & Hawaiian loyalty program, Atmos Rewards. This benefit, while seemingly small, can quickly offset the card’s cost for those who regularly redeem points on partner airlines.
How the Fee Waiver Works
Atmos Rewards charges a $12.50 fee per person, per direction of travel when booking partner awards. This fee is non-refundable, even if the ticket is canceled. However, Atmos Rewards Summit Card holders can avoid this charge by using their card to pay the taxes and fees associated with the award booking.
The waiver applies to all travelers, not just the primary cardholder, and there’s no limit to how many times it can be used. The system automatically applies the discount when the Atmos Rewards Summit Card is selected as the payment method during checkout.
Real-World Savings
For frequent award travelers, these waived fees add up significantly. The author notes having recouped over $425 in waived fees in just a few months from 34 one-way award redemptions. With Atmos Rewards increasingly favoring short-haul awards, the benefit becomes even more valuable.
The card’s perks extend beyond fee waivers. It also provides travel coverage for delayed flights and lost baggage, making it a practical choice for award ticket purchases.
Beyond the Perks: Why This Matters
Award programs charging booking fees are common (Air Canada Aeroplan and Avianca Lifemiles do the same). While not ideal, these fees are often unavoidable. The Atmos Rewards Summit Card offers a straightforward solution, turning a cost center into a value-add for cardholders who maximize partner redemptions.
The card’s benefits also align with the trend of airlines rewarding frequent flyers with more than just miles. Status points awarded for award flights, combined with card spending, accelerate elite qualification.
In conclusion, the Atmos Rewards Summit Card’s partner booking fee waiver is a tangible benefit that can easily justify the annual fee for those who redeem Atmos Rewards points on partner airlines. It’s a clear example of how credit card perks can directly translate into significant savings for savvy travelers.
