Howdy!

I've been reading for a while and figured it was time to post. I'm looking for the best ways to earn some free flights. I signed up for a Continental OnePass card 3 years ago and have since earned 3-4 flights. I'm nearing the end of my miles and it will take me forever to earn another flight, so I want to see what my options are.

I don't fly a lot, 3-4 times a year (domestic), so I never read any premier status. I have an excellent credit rating. What are my options? I just applied for a US Airways card (40k bonus + 2x $99 companion certificates). That's enough for 2 flights. I don't spend $1000+ a month on my CC, so it will be difficult for me to meet some of the other card's spending restrictions. Can you still buy from the US Mint? What other options are there?

I appreciate any and all help!

What is your home airport? Do you have a preferred airline? Are there any specific locations you fly to repeatedly or do you need flexibility?

The Mint deal is dead, but http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/miles...hout-mint.html is a good place to start when it comes to spending strategies. Grab some popcorn!

I'm in Lexington, KY. It's a 1.5 hour drive to CVG and Louisville as well.

I frequent IAH and Harrisburg, PA when I travel. I'm possibly getting engaged soon and might be looking to go somewhere international for our honeymoon later in the year (if all works out).

I just applied for a US Airways card - 40k miles on first purchase, 10k at year 1 anniversary, 2x $99 companion vouchers. Looked like one of the better deals right now.

Based on that, it looks like you made a good choice with the US Airways card, especially for getting to Harrisburg via Charlotte. As for getting to Houston (and international redemption), you should look into http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/miles...nt-credit.html. Spend is only $1000 over 3 months to earn up 50K miles (another 5K for adding an authorized user).

There are other options to get United miles if you're willing to spend a bit more (Sapphire Preferred and certain Ink cards have good Ultimate Rewards points bonuses, which have a 1:1 transfer to United).

I don't really have a way to spend much more. Unfortunately, I can't pay rent from my CC, nor car payment. If so, I'd be set!

I just got my US Airways card today. I'll buy something and get my 40k miles, which is two free flights.

I've got enough miles for 1 flight on my United Milesplus card, but doubt I'll ever get another.

How exactly would I do the 1:1 offers? Sign up for the CC's, get the bonus, and move the points to the United card? Are there any no limit (first purchase) offers?

If you have a Chase Sapphire Preferred or any other Ultimate Rewards-earning card, you can transfer Ultimate Rewards points at a 1:1 ratio to United (among other airlines).

I am not aware of other 1 purchase-and-get-your-bonus cards. The master card thread might have some more information.

I'm looking at getting the Sapphire Preferred card you mentioned. $3000/3mo for 40,000 points.

The way I look at it is 3 months of rent payments on WilliamPaid. I'll get charged approx $100 in fees, but if I transfer 1:1 to my UA card, that's 3 segments of flights. $100 for 1.5 flights is a good deal IMO.

Just discovered WilliamPaid - could be a good way to reach spending limits on low fees.