Why Is No One Talking About The U.S. Bank Altitude Connect's SmartDelay Benefit?

Editor's note: Why Is No One Talking About This? is a series where I look at under-the-radar credit cards, redemptions, and other points and miles topics that are often overlooked by other blogs. A new issue is out every Friday.

There's a specific kind of misery that comes with a two-hour gate delay — the crowded terminal, $14 airport beers, and endless refresh of the flight status board. But if you have the U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card, you might have a lounge pass waiting in your inbox — if you knew to register for it.

Register your flight at least two hours before its scheduled departure time on the SmartDelay benefit page. Then, if your flight is delayed by 120 minutes or longer, you'll automatically receive an airport lounge pass from LoungeKey by email.

You can use the voucher at any participating airport lounge. LoungeKey works with independent airport lounges, similar to Priority Pass, with 1,800+ locations across 500+ airports in 100+ countries.

You can register up to three travel companions as well, who each get a voucher if you're delayed. Even better? You don’t have to pay for the flight with your U.S. Bank Altitude Connect card to be eligible for the pass.

Note that the card also includes four complimentary Priority Pass lounge visits per year — SmartDelay is a separate benefit on top of those.

Andrew's Take

This is an interesting perk, and one that would be a fun addition to the Chase Sapphire Preferred, Amex Gold, and other mid-tier travel credit cards. Knowing you have lounge access when you need it during a delay is a smart middle ground for semi-frequent flyers who don't want to spend $500+ on a premium travel card.