Hello, all.

I've been researching several threads on the latest credit card sign-up mileage bonus (Citi AA, Chase Sapphire Preferred, etc.)

My fiancee and I are planning a trip to Europe next March/April (Brussels, Paris...maybe London) and I'm trying to figure out what is the best approach.

I've been researching the airlines' awards charts, too, but not being an elite (or platinum or whatever) member, it's hard to tell if certain dates just aren't available for awards at all or just not to non-elite members.

So, couple of questions...

Say I did the Citi AA and got 75K miles (or 150k)...does that bump one up to their Platinum level automatically?

What about the Continental or USAirways sign-up bonuses that are out there? Are there any credit cards bonuses right now that bump one right away to Elite and, hence, able to use discounted or reduced award levels on flights or upgrades?

It's been quite a while since I kept track of any FF miles. Was Delta Silver (almost Gold) looong ago but rarely fly anymore so sorry if the questions are rather rudimentary.