How to get free flights faster
It seems like cash-back credit cards are in vogue, but recent events reinforced for me the merits of credit cards that award frequent-flyer points, even for an occasional air traveler likeme.
Whenmy mother-inlaw's health recently took a turn for theworse, I checked prices and found that flying cross country withmy husband on short noticewould setmy household back by about $1,100. Instead, we paid close to nothing. We did it by redeeming 50,000United Airlines frequent-flyer miles, which largely had been earned about a year ago by obtaining the airline's MileagePlus Explorer credit card (800-489-4320; united.com). It offers 30,000 bonus miles and no annual fee the first year ($95 yearly thereafter). It also provides the cardholder and a travel companion one free checked bag, saving $25 apiece each flight, among other perks.
Suffice it to say, the free airfare proved a godsend. We paid only taxes plus a $75-per-person fee due to redeeming miles so close to the departure date.
If you prefer to fly American Airlines or Delta, largely the same deal – 30,000 bonus miles and no annual fee the first year -- is provided by the AAdvantage Platinum Select card (aa.com) and Delta's Gold SkyMiles credit card from American Express (800-243-3888; delta.com). A big plus is these two carriers give up to three companions the free checked-bag perk when traveling on the same flight. Every airline seems to offer its own credit cards, so check with your favorite carrier for details.
A downside: It's best to pay these credit card bills in full each month to avoid paying high interest rates (usually in the teens or higher). Also, the 30,000-mile signup bonus requires making purchases in the first three months that total $1,000. Tome, the bonus and free first-year fee make themworth a look. Whether you continue into a second year is something you'd need toweigh.
"For most people, cash back is a more practical way togo, if youhave to choose," CathleenMcCarthy advises in her CreditCards.comcolumn. "Many people just don't travel enough to make miles a better currency."
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