DO NOT use a hard credit card application for F9! Look at the southwest card (and investigate the Companion Pass-the greatest FF benefit going). American offers and United offers will get you across water. Alaska miles are hugely flexible. F9 has very limited 10k offers, and you will then pay for booking close-in (they don't release flights until 3-months out and then charge to book them--test this now!), pay for bag, pay for seat assignment, pay for a drink. If you use awards on another airline, its the security fee. Period. F9 miles are worth about 25% of other airlines miles. NOT worth a hard credit pull.