Originally Posted by
hae.
Looking at the fine print of the 100,00 bonus VISA Signature card application, it is stated that the applicant will automatically be considered for a Platinum card (without the same benefits...), if they don't qualify for a signature card. I would not want the platinum card. Has this happened to anyone?
Also, do I understand correctly by perusing FT, that taxes, surcharges, etc. can add up to well over $400. for a "free" miles award flight?
Can but don't have to. A good summary of the advantages/disadvantages of BA miles can be found here:
http://thepointsguy.com/2011/05/brit...nds-on-friday/.
Very short answer: flying transatlantic to or through London will result in the highest level of fees, making redemption in that direction most sensible if you're booking in Club World (BA's business class) or First Class. Redeeming on some OneWorld partners for trips within the US or to South America will lessen those fees, sometimes dramatically. The ability to do stopovers (and not just overnight or a couple of days) can make a flight redemption much more valuable if you'd like to combine trips.
Creative thinking in the use of mileage earned (and not just through BA) is a skill that takes plenty of time to learn but that will definitely pay dividends.
And welcome to FlyerTalk!