<< only for international>>

Missed that. It sounds quite similar to the American Express UK International Airline Programme...

http://www.americanexpress.com/uk/pe...ionintro.shtml

...with companion fares on most carriers, upgrades on others. It is clear (to me!) that credit card issuers do not pay for these benefits, they are merely packaging concessions that the carriers are willing to make to fill otherwise vacant seats. This means availability will reflect supply versus demand for paid seats, and it's evident that carriers have much more pricing power than have had for several years.

dennis