The BA and LH cc credit card offers to Americans have me wondering what the point of all this is. They must know that a lot of takers are going to spend the minimum and cancel.

How about this for a plausible business purpose: this is a way of selling F and C seats at a discount to the likes of us (i.e., travel geeks). Given the fees and surcharges, the deals aren't that great if you get coach awards. They are great, though, if you want F or C seats.

As with so many luxury items, they can't discount the product directly for a host of reasons. But...the opaque discounts can work. I'm wondering if these offers are ultimately opaque discounted sales of F and C seats, much like high-end hotel room sales via Priceline.

Your thoughts?