We compared 3 of the most popular premium airline credit cards — and the winner was clear

Flickr/Delta News Hub

• We compared premium airline credit cards for the largest US carriers: Delta, United, and American.
• We looked at annual fees, spending bonuses, airline miles, and hotel and airport perks to see which card offered the best benefits.
• There were a lot of similarities, but Delta's airline credit card stood out above the rest.

If you've ever walked past the first-class cabin on your way to a middle seat in coach and thought to yourself that there has to be a better way, well, maybe there is.

JPMorgan Chase brought the allure of premium credit cards to a new level when it introduced the Chase Sapphire Reserve card last year, making a $450 annual fee seem reasonable — if not a downright steal — thanks to generous travel credits and a six-figure sign-on points bonus.

But the popular credit card leaves one thing to be desired: airline-specific loyalty rewards. Though Chase's Ultimate Rewards points can be redeemed on many airlines, perks such as priority boarding and free checked bags aren't included.

If you're a frequent traveler — or even just a beleaguered one craving a more luxurious vacation experience — paying the annual fee for a premium airline credit card allows you to buy the benefits of elite status so you can save time (and maybe money), maximize your trip value, rack up miles, and restore some peace of mind.

To help figure out which airline credit card is best, we compared the top-tier offerings from the three largest US carriers: Delta, United, and American.

Before we dive in, please note all the usual credit-card disclaimers apply: Don't spend more than you can afford to pay in full each month. Credit-card interest is expensive and a waste of money. And so on.

Scroll through to see how each card stacks up when it comes to annual fees, spending bonuses, airline miles, and hotel and airport perks — and which one emerged victorious in our matchup.

No matter which premium airline credit card you pick, you'll pay $450 for the plastic.

Each of the airline credit cards we compared — the Delta Reserve American Express Credit Card, the United MileagePlus Club Card from Chase, and the Citi/AAdvantage Executive Card — has a $450 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees.

None of the credit cards have blackout dates for travel, a cap on the amount of rewards cardholders can earn, or an expiration date for airline miles.

Citi/AAdvantage Executive cardholders receive a statement credit of $100 for Global Entry, which you should definitely sign up for if you haven't already.

The Delta Reserve American Express is the only card to offer one free companion pass each year, which could very well justify the annual fee, depending on the value of the ticket price.

Best for fees: Delta Reserve American Express Credit Card

Bonus offers change regularly, but they should play a role in your decision-making process.

Credit-card sign-on bonuses have been gigantic lately, but only two of the three cards we looked at offered a sign-on bonus of any consequence.

United is offering a measly $100 statement credit after your first purchase. Delta has the biggest bonus per spending amount required, at 40,000 miles for spending $3,000 in the first three months. American has a bigger bonus at 75,000 miles, but you'll have to spend more to get it: $7,500 in the first three months.

Best bonus offer (currently): Delta Reserve American Express Credit Card

All of the cards will give you a first-class airport experience, even if you're flying economy.

Paying the $450 fee for any of these cards could essentially wipe out the typical frustrations of flying.

To enjoy the perks below, your card may need to be open for a certain number of days before your trip, and you may have to purchase your airfare using the card. Make sure to read the fine print so you aren't disappointed when you arrive at the airport.

Priority treatment, from check-in to boarding

Regardless of where your seat is on the plane, all three cards offer priority check-in, priority security lanes, priority boarding, and priority baggage handling. That means you can breeze through the airport like a first-class flyer, even if you're paying economy prices.

Check your bags free

United cardholders and one companion can check two bags free, while Delta and American limit free checked bags to one for each passenger on the reservation, up to eight travel companions. If your travel crew is large, you'll get more free checked bags with Delta or American, but United is better if you tend to travel with only one other person.

Relax in the lounge before your flight

Complimentary lounge membership is included with premium airline credit cards, which comes in handy if you arrived early at the airport only to realize security is easier with your new card and now you have a couple of hours to spare before your flight. Both Delta and United offer about 50 lounges worldwide, while American has 90.

Delta Sky Club access is free only for the cardholder, but discounted passes can be purchased for up to two guests. American cardholders and guests enjoy the full benefits of an Admirals Club membership, including partner lounge access.

United cardholders gain entry to all United Club locations and participating Star Alliance lounges worldwide. It's unclear whether you also get access to the secret, invitation-only restaurant located in Newark Liberty International Airport's Terminal C, but one can hope.

Best airport perks: Citi/AAdvantage Executive Card (but just barely)