Thanks, must remember to look out for those RED lines on the BA route map! No BA routes at all from BHX now then

Hadn't thought about the implications of timing when applying for the card. If I apply now for the Plat Charge Card I have to wait 6 months before applying for the BA Amex PP- this takes us to November. In November I will get the remaining tesco vouchers to hit 150,000 and gain BAEC membership with the card to enable me to book the flight. The only issue with this strategy is that it may not give me enough advance notice to book a Sep 08 flight- 10 months not 12. Does there tend to be better availability when booking using miles only rather than 241? or is it the same?

I think a November start date would be ok for me on the BA AmexPP as i can include Christmas spending to reach the 10k target within 10 months rather than 12 to aim to travel in the Sep period that suits me the best for longer (3 weeks+) trips.

The FHR rates link is excellent- thanks guys. Sl1ppy, when back up hopefully can see in English too.

Raffles- The 6,000 bonus is mentioned on some pages on the amex website and not on others so it is a little confusing. Based on what i've said above i've probably got 6 months anyway for Amex to come up with a bonus miles offer or referral bonus anyway Your guide to the charge card is excellent- I had found it prior to posting here, but has been useful to read again.

uk1- useful info, ok for myself but worth bearing in mind for anyone i may give a supp card to.

Thanks swissytrader- this is interesting as it means i could just give one card to my father to cover him and my mother, rather than a card each. Perhaps Raffles should consider adding this into his guide for future posts?

Really appreciate all your help so far!