Earn Miles for Your Sanibel Trip: Travel Credit Cards That Fit
Disclosure: The card links on this page go straight to each issuer’s own site. SanCap Playbook isn’t paid by any card issuer right now, so nothing here is ranked for pay. If that changes, we’ll say so here. We don’t cover every card on the market. Card details below were checked on October 17, 2026. Welcome offers, fees and benefits change often, so always read the current terms on the issuer’s site before you apply. This is general information, not financial advice.
Flights from the Midwest to Fort Myers add up fast when the whole family is going. A travel credit card you’d use anyway can cover a flight, a checked bag or a companion ticket. Here’s how we’d think about it, and which cards fit the airlines that actually fly to RSW.
First, the honest rules
- Only if you pay in full every month. Interest wipes out any miles you earn.
- Pick the airline you’ll really fly. Southwest, Delta, United, American and others fly to RSW, many nonstop from Midwest cities.
- Start early. Welcome offers usually require a set amount of spending in the first few months, and points can take a few weeks to post. Give yourself 4 to 6 months before booking.
- Watch the annual fee. A free checked bag for a family of four can cover a mid-tier card’s fee on one round trip, but only if you fly that airline.
- Don’t chase numbers. We don’t quote bonus amounts here because they change every few weeks. Check the issuer’s page for today’s offer.
Airline cards for the RSW crowd
Southwest
Southwest Rapid Rewards cards (Chase)
Southwest is a big player at RSW and flies there from many Midwest cities. Its cards come in personal and business versions at different annual fees, and Chase lists a free first checked bag on some versions. The Companion Pass, if you earn it, is the best deal in family travel.
Delta
Delta SkyMiles cards (American Express)
If you live near Detroit or Minneapolis, both Delta hubs, Delta is probably your airline to Fort Myers. The SkyMiles cards include a free first checked bag on Delta flights at most levels.
United
United Explorer Card (Chase)
Chicago O’Hare is a United hub. Chase lists a free first checked bag and two United Club one-time passes a year among the Explorer card’s benefits.
Flexible points cards
If you don’t fly one airline, a card that earns transferable points or simple travel credit may be the better fit.
Flexible
Chase Sapphire Preferred
Earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points that transfer to several airlines and hotels, including United and Southwest.
Simple
Capital One Venture Rewards
Earns miles you can use to wipe out travel purchases from your statement, including rental cars and vacation rentals. Simpler than transfers, and a good fit for families who rent a condo.
A simple game plan
- 6 months out: pick one card that matches the airline you’ll fly.
- Put normal spending on it and pay it off every month.
- 3 to 4 months out: book flights with points or use the companion benefit.
- At the airport: use the free checked bag, and enjoy the money you didn’t spend.
Keep planning: Getting to Sanibel · Do you need travel insurance? · What to pack
