Originally Posted by
FederalFlyer
It would be very helpful to better understand your goals. Which is your priority? Domestic or that trip to Paris/Rome? Obviously Southwest works for domestic travel but they won't help you get to Paris. As to Paris/Rome, how many will be traveling and what fare class (economy, business, first) are you hoping for? How long do you hope to stay and any hotel preferences?
Also, do you currently have any points in any program(s) and, if so, how many do you already have?
With this in mind it's easier to suggest a credit card strategy more tailored to your needs.
Only points we have are MR- 80,000 but 17,000 of those are in a second account that I also need advice on (can I transfer that AmEx to another AmAx product and earn a sign up bonus? We don't need both Gold cards)
Just used up my Chase UR reward points, so starting from zero again there.
I'm not sure how I would prioritize, I will be traveling domestically at least 4 RT flights a year, possibly many more (aging parents). MCO x2, PHX, and any Southern Cal Airport. Out of AUS.
I will be flying two college students back and forth at least twice a year (AUS-Chicago). So four more flights. On three out of four of mine my husband will fly with me, on two of them my two younger kids will fly with me.
In either Fall 2015 or Spring 2016 we will go to Europe, just two people. I'd love to do that first class but can cope with buisness class. We will likely stay three weeks.
I have no real hotel preference. I am very flexable about frequent hotel switches as well.
My thinking is, if I can save on domestic travel that is really not optional I can move that budget into the Europe trip budget. The SWA points and pass go a long way towards that. I'm reading about British Air Avois (sp?) and it looks promising for those AUS-Chicago flights. And I'd like to aquire points for the flights to Europe.
So in general I guess air travel is more important than hotel points. When I travel domestically I stay with family at least half the time. Domestic travel will happen sooner, but I need a bigger point balance for the Europe flights.
Also, my husband can also sign up for cards. Two of my kids are over 18, both college students, I had them open a card as soon as they turned 18 to start to build history. Are there award cards they might try for?
So I'm not sure that clarifies anything...