Originally Posted by
jewels11
American Airlines travels to lots of destinations so I definitely signed up with them. So you think I should also open a loyalty account with Continental as well? I checked Continental's site and they seem to have lots of partner airlines that we might use like Delta, United, US Airways, Virgin Atlantic and Air Canada.
I'm really curious as to what airline(s) I should funnel any future credit card miles to? Should I just sign up for every airlines loyalty program?
First of all, welcome to FT and thanks for filling out your profile with your location (as most newbies don't bother with that).
You should have frequent flyer accounts with all airlines but you don't have to apply for them right this second. Just before you book a flight with them or if they are running a special offer for new members which happens from time to time. You should also hold a credit card that doesn't have an annual fee as your "forever" card to build your credit. Perhaps the best way to get a lot of miles is to apply for cards for the bonuses, then cancel them when the annual fee kicks in (if you're too cheap to pay it).
I am partial to AA because it only costs 40,000 miles for off-peak award to Europe (Oct. 15 - May 15) and South America (March to November, I think) so it makes my miles go farther. I would advise your first credit card application to be Citi Visa which gives 75,000 miles with $1500 spend in 6 months; but hurry, the offer could be pulled at any moment. I also avoid Delta because award availability is poor compared to the others, but at the right price I'll fly any airline
.
Keep reading FT and you'll be a pro in no time!