In a message dated 2/14/2005 10:13:08 A.M. Pacific Standard Time,
vpFREE@yahoogroups.com writes:
<<<Has anyone looked at the American Airlines advantage miles program
and
determine the approximate value for one mile? They now have a
credit card
offer
where you can get 12,500 miles bonus for joining. It is a fee card
with a
$50
annual fee. >>>
It's been quite a few years since I've had a card which pays off in air
miles. As Internet shopping drove prices down, it devalued the benefits of air
mile programs. Rule of thumb I use is if there's a fee, don't sign up. Also
remember that restrictions limit usefulness of many major airline programs so
that you have to book far ahead.
Recent NY Times article advised for anytime travel (on majors) to book
either 330 days ahead or from 2 weeks in. Reason for 2 weeks in is that you're
gambling on empty seats which normally stay unsold 2 weeks in. Otherwise, book
on off-peak days, travel early or late & avoid holidays. Alternative is to
travel on programs like Southwest which treats vouchers like regular purchase,
i.e. no restrictions.
Other advice in article was to not use major airline air miles for domestic
travel as it's a waste with all the competition from discounters like
priceline & the low-fare airlines. Save it for international or off-the-continent
travel.
The other problem with these card programs is that signing up for it locks
you in to one choice. When you get ready to use it, it may not be what you
want. For instance, American may not have flights to the desired destination, GM
may not be the car you want, etc. I once had a Wells Fargo card that would go
toward paying the points when I refinanced. When it came time to use it, we
didn't use it because it would have been too risky in a volatile rate market
to wait for the paperwork to go through.
When you do your research you'll probably find that a card that rebates cash
is probably a better deal as cash has no restrictions.
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