I don't understand why you don't like the 1 year free cards. The bonuses for signups are huge. Just cancel when you year is up, then, in some cases (Citi cards, for example), re-apply after 60 days. Or just apply for a different type of card for the same airline. (A business card, for example. Everyone has a business.) Or perhaps apply for an American Express card that offers Membership Rewards points that convert to your airline's program.

It should be particularly easy to get a ticket to Europe on American Airlines via the Citibank AA credit cards. Plus, there are many other ways to earn AA miles.

See my website below, with particular attention to the Credit Card section.