Hi, all. I'm new to this forum, so I hope I'm posting to the right place. I just signed up for a credit card to get miles for Continental's program and am wondering how easy it is compared to other programs to use the miles accrued. I've heard it can be difficult and you need to make reservations months in advance. Is this true and, if so, is this the case with all programs or just Continental? Thanks.

My somewhat limited understanding of the CO program for mileage redemption leaves me underwhelmed, in particular you can not reserve a premium seat on oversees flights until 30 days out, and that's primarilly what I save my miles for.

I would suggest you check the CO forum. Also, do you also fly? Or will the only miles be via the credit card? If so, how long will it take you to get to a free flight?

Welcome to Flyertalk Vita!!

As with any program, you must maintain an open mind. What do you plan to use the miles for? IMO, using miles for a domestic US flight is generally not a good return on value for the miles you are spending, Beckles point about upgrading is the best value I've found for using miles, or in the rare instance that I've needed to take a domestic flight very last minute. You usually can't call one month (sometimes even 6) before you wish to travel to Hawaii and expect that there will be open seats.

I am usually flexible in my travel plans so personally I've rarely had a problem with making award reservations (except for Hawaii)
there are many others here on the board that would say the opposite.

Do a search for "value" "frequent flyer" "award" and maybe some others, you will find plenty of threads.

[This message has been edited by Sweet Willie (edited 11-07-2001).]

Thanks, all. I do plan on earning miles by flying, but I will probably on take one, maybe two international flights per year and maybe one or two domestic flights. I am trying to concentrate my efforts with one program. I know it might take a couple of years before I earn enough miles to get a free flight which is why it would be a real bummer to find out I can't use them once I have them.

I plan on using my miles for international travel, most likely to Europe and maybe during the off season (costs 40,000 miles currently). I don't plan on using miles for upgrades. I just want to travel more.