I have read the stickies and many threads, and would still like to clarify before applying for a credit card.

I am not a frequent flyer, but do expect to be able to buy tickets for a few friends, and will probably spend about 1k per month on the card for non-airfare expenses.

My goal is to obtain a ticket or two to Europe over the next 18 months. Would it be best to go with the Premier Pass Elite?

Thanks in advance.

In that time frame and with your expectations you are more likely to meet your goal with a Delta Amex

It would probably take 80,000+ points for 2 tickets to Europe. With PP Elite you will get 15,000 bonus points. You can match those with 15,000 flight points by buying tickets for your friends. That will give you 30,000 total points plus the purchase points for your spending.

If you are spending $1,000 per month its probably 50% everyday spending (i.e. grocery, gas, and drug). If you keep buying plane tickets you would earn points each month as follows:

Everyday spending: $500 = 500 purchase pts + 500 flight points + 1,000 matching flight points = 2,000 pts per month
Regular spending: $500 = 500 purchase pts + 500 flight points = 1,000 per month

Total = 3,000 points per month

After 12 months you would have 66,000. This does not include the purchase points for buying plane tickets. Overall, I would estimate that you would accumulate between 60,000 and 80,000 points total in 12 months.

You could augment this by getting another Thank You card like Diamond Preferred or Citi Professional.

Other options are to get airline credit cards. Check the AA Churn Thread. Some people are having success with that approach. However, it only works if you have excellent credit and do not intend to finance a car or home in the near future (i.e. a year or so).

Good point. Delta AMEX gives 2 for 1 points for everyday spending, plus generous initial bonus points.

Citi AA also gives reduced point awards. Look at both cards.

Thanks for agreeing, you and I have a lot in common it seems.