Airline cards

  
  I used to be all about miles, but now I'm reconsidering. I tried to upgrade a flight to Mexico with miles from coach to business, but they wouldn't let me. I got a discount fare, and they don't allow discount upgrades of any kind on Delta. So what's the point? Most of us buy discount tickets when we fly, unless we fly for business. I used to fly a ton for business, which is where I got my miles, but I'd rather use those points to upgrade to international vacation flights. It's pretty tough to redeem them for flights, as there are all sorts of restrictions (limited number of awards tickets per flight, blackout dates, etc.).

So again, what's the point. Why is it every time I get off the phone with an airline I'm always in a way, way worse mood?

Enjoy exclusive deals and offers at prestigious hotels with Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Card from American Express.

I've had pretty good luck though with my Starwood card. I can transfer the points to most airlines at a 1:1 ratio (United has 1:2 unfortunately) although it looks like I might not do that at ever. And most of all, hotel redemptions seem to be a lot easier with hotel points. I was able to book, one week in advance, two nights at a 5 star resort in Thailand on a whim with my points. I never would have been able to do that with an airline I'm guessing. 		 
 

2009