What credit card to carry?
I notice that some credit cards are selling points and miles with purchases. For example, the US Bank Flex Perks offers 20,000 points (one point per dollar) for a redemption of a $400 domestic ticket, not a very good return. But some individual airline cards, like Alaska, offer miles for dollars spent. Isn’t this a better return on spending to get upgrades?
Stephanie Ager Kirz, Tucson, AZ
You are correct in suspecting the US Bank Flex Perks visa card does not yield a great return on your miles, about 2¢. The higher the ticket price, the more points are needed, and the lower your return when compared to other airline mileage programs. For example, we know that a First Class ticket holds the highest redemption value. It can easily cost more than $10,000, but can be had for 125,000 to 150,000 miles round-trip (saver award), a return of about 6 to 8¢ per mile. With the Flex Perks card you need 500,000 points! Even if you request an anytime award (double the miles), the miles required (250,000 to 300,000) are 200,000 fewer than the Flex Bank Visa card calls for. My recommendation: Carry the Amex Starwood Prefered Guest card, plus a second card issued in conjuction with your preferred airline, as many of these cards now offer a fast-track to elite status and other perks like baggage-fee waivers.
Getting BA tier points fast?
I used to fly to Europe a lot on British Airways and have been a Silver member for many years. This year though, I haven’t flown much, and now find myself needing 25 tier points. What is the quickest, cheapest way of getting them? Seattle is my home airport.
Dave Whit, Bothell, WA
Get yourself on an American Airlines flight because it earns Tier Points with BA. The problem is that American doesn’t operate flights from Seattle; most AA flights are code-shares with Alaska Airlines and those flights do not yield Tier Points with BA. The short answer: Get to LAX or SFO and book a First Class seat to the Caribbean or Mexico, as those fares are often discounted, yet the ticket will get you the maximum tier points.
Success Story:
My wife and I just sat down at the computer, and in the course of an hour, purchased 35,000 miles each on US Air, banked the 100% bonus, and booked our round-trip First Class flight in September Kansas City to Honolulu for $1,100 each, compared to the published First Class fare of $2,400 each. Thanks for the tip!
Don Stanton,Kansas City, MO