@JerryFF: Per another website earlier in August."With the merger of Continental and United Airlines, Chase and United no longer actively market the former United Airlines credit cards. These include the United Select Visa, United Signature Visa, and United Club Visa. They have been replaced by the United Mileage Plus Explorer credit card and a to be named card that offers lounge access — likely similar to the Continental Presidential Plus Master Card."

I am going to go with the US Airways DM Premier MC (Barclays) with the 40K sign-up, and keep my eyes out for improved UA/Chase offers later this year.

@bedfordrocks: I like that US flight via Philly, seems to work for long weekends. Yes, it would make sense that UA would have a premium if they are the only non-stop from SFO/MSY.

@badgerW. "How many flights per year will you fly? That will give a basis for whether it's possible to chase status or no." Good question. Need to see how often my kid wants me visiting. I have some opptys for business in NOLA, to0. I would love to do 6 next year, but probably not all to MSY
Hubby and I will likely do a France trip, so that could help with status if I stick with UA.

So in summary: 1) US/DM MC 2) UA Chase later this year OR Chase Sapphire Preferred. Holiday spending may ease the $3K spending requirement of the latter. I need to look at these two side by side and I bet someone on flyertalk has!

So now I need a big binder to keep all these cards, promos and mileage numbers. How do you all do it?