Best current programs for basic airfare
 

Hi, new member here! I have been using Amex Gold rewards for annual vacation airfare for a number of years, but I'm ready to step it up and get a couple more cards (and bonus sign-up miles/points) to get a few more trips in the pocket. I'm not interested in hotel benefits, seat upgrades, airport clubs, etc...I just want to rack up points to redeem for economy airfare so I can visit a few more places over the next few years. Credit score is 820+, would like to keep annual fees below $200. I've looked at Delta SkyMiles Gold, and possibly BarclayCard Arrival Plus...I think I have the spending requirements covered with some large expenses coming up in the next three months. Any others I should take a close look at considering my position?

Thanks in advance for any and all help!

-David

It depends a lot on your airline(s) of choice. Some airlines' programs are significantly better than redeeming points for airfare through the credit card, others less so. Likewise some cards' points are transferrable 1:1 into some airlines' programs (e.g. MR to Delta, Chase UR to United). Add in the extra rewards in certain spending categories and there are a lot of variables to consider.

This question is just way, way too vague to give any kind of useful answer. What airport(s) do you fly out of? Where, exactly do you want to go? "A few more places" could mean anywhere. Iceland? Japan? Duluth, MN? What airlines do you have points/status with already, if any?

I'd likely fly out of LAX primarily, and SFO or SJC secondarily, and destinations would be mostly in central america and Caribbean locations. I'm just getting started with miles and airline programs, but as I said I've been using Amex MR to book flights for years. I'm not partial to any specific airline, I just want to get from point A to point B quickly and cheaply. I flew Delta to Belize, flying United to Denver in a few days, Alaska Air to Mexico and Seattle...I guess flexibility in airlines and flights is high on the list for me.

go for Chase Sapphire preferred and Alaska Airlines Visa / Southwest cards.

Southwest companion pass maybe very useful for you for travel with family.

I've started using a shotgun approach myself - targeting good churn offers as they come up without necessarily having a plan. I did target Citi/AA to get three tickets to Ireland since their fall saver awards are cheap and I was able to do it with two credit card signups. I've also grabbed good/targeted offers for Southwest, Delta, Amex Gold, and United. I've also been working Chase UR and Citi TYP. I don't mind picking my travel based on what I have points for vs. a must see city.

I basically:
1. Watch for good offers
2. Plan to meet minimum spends based on normal spending - don't want to MS much.
3. Don't poke the same bank too quickly and too often.