❤️‍🩹 Why I don’t book flights on “whatever card”

Helloooooo, weekend party people!

It’s crazy to think January is coming to a close already. Phew.

Anyone else kinda relieved? It just felt like a rollercoaster of a month.

But, I’m feeling gooooood about February. 💝

Before we enter the new month, let’s quickly finish January strong with this past week’s biggest hits from the points and miles world.

🌟 You’re not dreaming… Daily Drop Pro is running a (VERY) limited-time sale — get $50 off your first year when you sign up (ends Feb. 3!).

💳 Here’s why this one simple, low-fee card is perfect for family travel.

🏠 Bilt Rent Day is upon us, and this is one of the best transfer partner opportunities we’ve seen in a hot minute.

🎥 Is premium economy worth the hype? This week’s Daily Drop YouTube video will help you decide.

🏆 Our Favorite Pick: Reminder to book flights with the right card

This past weekend’s winter storm was a good reminder of how quickly a normal trip can… like… fall apart. 🙃

I spent this weekend in Brooklyn, watching a foot of snow and ice pile up (not at the airport, thankfully).

But it was hard not to think about everyone who was traveling. Departures, connections, landings… basically anywhere in the U.S. that wasn’t warm and sunny.

When the weather causes problems, airlines usually just rebook you. Hotels, meals, transportation, baggage delays? That’s usually on you.

My friends… that’s why it’s worth booking flights with a credit card that has real travel protections.

Across the Daily Drop team, we’ve used these benefits quite a few times, and Mike even took a recent trip where this card reimbursed him $1,300 in out-of-pocket expenses after things went sideways. 

Yeaaaah, that’s a lot. 

That said, there are a few things worth keeping in mind:

• Protections sometimes matter more than points: The card you use to book a flight could help cover trip delay, interruption, baggage delays, and emergency expenses.

• When storms are coming, check for airline waivers early: Airlines often allow free changes, rerouting, or date shifts before mass cancellations hit, so taking advantage of waivers early can save you a headache.

• If you do get delayed, document everything: Save your receipts, screenshot flight statuses, and submit claims sooner rather than later. Most cards have specific timelines, and waiting too long can cost you reimbursement.

• Credit card coverage isn’t universal: There are situations where third-party travel insurance makes more sense, especially when booking with points or mixing payment methods.

As always, coverage varies by card and situation, so checking your card’s guide to benefits is very, very important.

Bottom line: Travel disruptions are inevitable, and airlines aren’t always required to cover the costs that add up fastest. But the right card often can.

If this weekend’s weather caused even a little travel stress, consider it your reminder to book flights with a card that protects you when plans fall apart.

Oh… and blessed are the flexible! 😌 

👀 This Week’s Must-Reads

🌍 Week in Review

• Monday: 🐴 A European festival you’ve never heard of

• Tuesday: ✈️ Cool airline gift card trick

• Wednesday: ❄️ This is why you need travel protections

• Thursday: 💳 One-card strategy: family edition

• Friday: ✈️ Award Drop: Business class to Turkey

Okie dokie, artichokie(s).

Everyone, just a long, deeeeep breath.

January. You did it. Now, let’s go crush February. 😙

xoxo,

40°39'41.4"N 73°56'22.0"W

With contributions by Mike Dodge

p.s. Don’t forget about the Daily Drop Pro sale (blink, and it’ll be gone!)