When U.S. Bank introduced its FlexPerks Visa in mid-2009, cardmembers received up to a $20 allowance with each award ticket redeemed with FlexPerks points. In response to the latest round of baggage fee hikes, FlexPerks has raised the allowance to $25, which can be used to cover the costs of baggage fees, lounge visits or in-flight food and drink. According to Bob Daly, VP Retail Payment Solutions at U.S. Bank, the travel allowance was introduced to “help alleviate those nuisance fees and to enhance the travel experience.” All of the legacy carriers now charge $25 instead of $20 to check a bag one-way so FlexPerks raised the maximum travel allowance as well.