Frequent Flyers

[Cichlid]

I was thinking of getting a frequent flyer credit card. I figure I can
kill two birds with one stone if I use it to buy all my gear. My wife
already has some miles with United and we got an offer in the mail for
20,000 bonus miles. Any suggestions?

[ScubaToys Larry]

I fly everywhere on miles... I'm in the 11,000,000 mile club from American. The only problem is American is not that good for getting to the South Pacific. You have to trade off to other airlines, and sometimes their partners don't have seats unless you do it way in advance.

For example to use miles to get to Australia, I had to do Tahiti airlines and do a lay over in Tahiti for a day, then on to Sydney. On the way back I was on Qantas.

Going to Truk and Palau I had to route through Korea on Asiana airlines (awesome airline by the way!)

I have just picked up a Chase which does Continental miles as they are better for flights to places like Palau, Truk, etc.

[jacewindu]

11,000,000?! How?

Sure, I'd fly on miles if I had that many...

[WaterRat]

He probably buys inventory with his credit card. Ahh,I get to make Larry a profit and miles. Just my way of giving back.
<DIV></DIV>
<DIV>Ron</DIV>

[ScubaToys Larry]

Inventory, electric bills, water bills, you name it... if it can go on a credit card, I'll run it. I'll get the miles, or points, and make sure it gets paid before the due date, so I never pay interest, but yet gain the miles.

[tx.lakerat]

if you donating Larry I'd like a "blue water trip"!!

[picxie]

Originally Posted by ScubaToys Larry

Inventory, electric bills, water bills, you name it... if it can go on a credit card, I'll run it. I'll get the miles, or points, and make sure it gets paid before the due date, so I never pay interest, but yet gain the miles.

<DIV></DIV>
<DIV>I do this too. Or at least, sort of. I have no problems spending it and will put everything on I can to get the airpoints. It's the paying it off by the due date bit that I have problems with!!I am getting better though. I don't have enough for an international flight yet, but I do have enough for the internal flight to get to the international flight!!</DIV>

[loudgonzo]

Originally Posted by ScubaToys Larry

Inventory, electric bills, water bills, you name it... if it can go on a credit card, I'll run it. I'll get the miles, or points, and make sure it gets paid before the due date, so I never pay interest, but yet gain the miles.

Sounds like you might be gaining on a flat bottom too

[Illini_Fan]

Larry's post covered some of the things to consider -- there is a fairly robust discussion of all things miles with regards to credit cards over on FlyerTalk. This link should take you to the credit card forum http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=390

Some people make it an art to flip cards in order to keep getting the initial bonus, since many of us don't spend the same amount as Larry in any given year.

Some things to consider are your home airport and the routes you want to fly. Being based in DFW, AA is king despite their limited routes to OZ. You have to be creative to get the OneWorld partners to provide seats, but it can be done. You'd probably being flying out of PHX based upon your profile, so USAir / America Worst probably has the most flights -- but I can't speak to their international routes or partners.

Also consider the annual fee and how much you truly plan to spend on the card. Any interest you pay is going to kill the deal -- if you have credit card debt, it should not be on a mileage card as the interest rates are typically very high.

[cutter77]

Originally Posted by Illini_Fan

Larry's post covered some of the things to consider -- there is a fairly robust discussion of all things miles with regards to credit cards over on FlyerTalk. This link should take you to the credit card forum http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=390

Some people make it an art to flip cards in order to keep getting the initial bonus, since many of us don't spend the same amount as Larry in any given year.

Some things to consider are your home airport and the routes you want to fly. Being based in DFW, AA is king despite their limited routes to OZ. You have to be creative to get the OneWorld partners to provide seats, but it can be done. You'd probably being flying out of PHX based upon your profile, so USAir / America Worst probably has the most flights -- but I can't speak to their international routes or partners.

Also consider the annual fee and how much you truly plan to spend on the card. Any interest you pay is going to kill the deal -- if you have credit card debt, it should not be on a mileage card as the interest rates are typically very high.

_____________________
I like the "cash back" cards since I fly different airlines and already have a business account rewards card that's been great.