I'm new - so please move and/or advise if this is posted in incorrect subforum. And I apologize in advance for inconvenience. I have two coworkers who have degrees in frequent flyer miles...they told me to start here :-)

I have two conferences:
1. July - Wash DC at the Washington Marriott Wardman Park Hotel.
2. Sept - Chicago at Westin O'Hare Hotel

I'm also considering Costa Rica and Europe vacations.

I currently only have one cc that has flex points to use at/for various stores and services.

I also have minimal points on several airlines and hotels due to the fact that I traveled for work last year - and will start traveling again; however, I book through my company's travel site and have to take the most appropriate flight/hotel.

I'm finally able to start traveling, financially, so I'd like to get educated.

This site in fantastic, though a bit overwhelming for newbies. I'll persevere...hoping you're patient when I have redundant questions. And I'll contribute as well after I have acquired helpful knowledge.


What are the best cc to acquire for my planned trips?

Is there some type of comparison chart available to compare hotel and flight cc and deals?

Welcome.. not to be mean, but what is your question?

Welcome to FlyerTalk. Do you mean the best cards to earn miles or points to pay for trips later this year -or- do you mean to earn miles and points during those trips?

Either way, you need to tell us:

1. Which airline(s) you expect to fly,
2. Economy or first class

The airline and class does not matter.

So do people have multiple cc's, and use whichever airline has the best deal for the location they desire?

..... and will start traveling again; however, I book through my company's travel site and have to take the most appropriate flight/hotel....

Sounds like those 2 upcoming trips are work related.. if you book thru your company travel site, I am not sure what the question is..

However if those are personal trips.. flying out of DFW, there is a current AmEX business Gold offer for 75k Bonus MR points .. you can transfer that to BA avios with the current 35% transfer bonus, you should net 108k Avios. This is enough for 7 award (coach) round-trip tickets DFW - ORD or DFW - BWI/IAD/DCA on American Airlines.

You may also want to get any of the three 50k bonus citi AA cards. 50K AA is enough miles for 2 award (coach) round-trip tickets DFW - ORD or DFW - BWI/IAD/DCA on American Airlines.

I don't think it gets much better than Avios from DFW-Ohare.. although Spirit's actual price of flight (if you don't mind Spirit and all that entails) might be worth paying for and keeping the miles..

Yes.

In your case, I would assume that you are most likely to be flying AA more than anyone else. I'd suggest enrolling in their FF plan, obtaining an AA credit card, and registering the card in their dining for miles plan (no charge). I'm not sure what credit card offers are available right now, but about 18 months ago I received 30k miles, no fee for one year, $100 off purchase of travel on AA, and one free bag on AA flights. When the year expired, I called to cancel the card, but they offered to refund the annual fee for a second year and give some bonus miles, so I've kept it. You should be able to find something similar.

This is very helpful - thank you all immensely.
I just wasn't sure how/where to get started.
I'm looking into the AA and AmEX now.

My coworker was correct - this forum has awesome members!

Agreed Avios seem ideal given that you're in an American hub and geographically close to a lot of great destinations.

Here are some examples (round trip price, in Avios)
15,000 - Miami, Chicago
20,000 - Los Angeles, DC, San Jose (Costa Rica)

Keep your eye out for Amex and British Airways credit card offers. These have been available for as much as 100k each (the 75k offer mentioned previously is now dead).

The Citi AA thread has links for a 50k Personal card and a 50k Business card (and I believe a 30k Gold card that may be gotten at the same time).

One last thought -- once you have a few signup bonuses under your belt, you may want to consider a 2% cashback card for ongoing spend (such as the Fidelity Amex). Avios can provide great value for short distance trips, but in general it's hard to get much more than 1.5 - 1.75 cents of value per mile for domestic, Economy travel. 2% cashback is a guaranteed return, and paying for the tickets gives you complete flexibility on dates, airline, etc.