Lost in the mix here is the potential to earn miles--big miles--on just a debit card. Chase and Continental have a checking accont promo which lasts till 6/30/10, and offers 25,000 miles after a small spend. Then it's 1 point per $ spent after that (2 points per $ on Continental's website). You don't even need to go into a Chase branch to do this; frugaltravelguy.com has a phone number you can call, and directions on this whole deal.

Just something else to throw into the mix.

Jim