You know those well-dressed individuals who bypass long security lines at the airport and breeze through the fast lanes? They are probably carrying a premium credit card. You'll also see them kicking back in the airport lounge.

Many of these rewards credit cards, such as Barclays' Visa Black Card and the American Express Platinum Card, provide access to airport lounges worldwide. Others feature access to certain carrier's lounges such as the Continental Presidential Plus card by Chase. A layover doesn't sound so bad now, does it?

That's not all. Many of these premium rewards credit cards grant cardholders priority boarding and waive certain airline fees.

The perks keep coming at the hotel. For example, American Express Platinum charge card holders receive room upgrades (depending on room availability), free breakfast, a spa credit, or complimentary food and beverages at participating hotels and resorts worldwide, according to Leah Gerstner, a spokeswoman for American Express.

Those carrying a Ritz-Carlton Rewards credit card from Chase can expect similar high-end benefits. Additionally, cardholders get three Ritz-Carlton Club upgrades each year, says company spokeswoman Laura Rossi.

A signature of the Ritz-Carlton experience, Club services include living-room type lounges that offer a hot breakfast buffet, lunchtime sandwiches and salads, afternoon tea with scones and small bites, predinner cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, and late-evening cordials and chocolates.