Airlines offer sign-up perks with credit cards

Affinity credit cards are big business for airlines, and many carriers have upped the ante to entice travelers with special sign-up promotions.

Credit card companies are offering bonus miles and credits, some are waiving the annual fee for the first year, and others are offering discount tickets. Many mileage programs require activity at least once every 18 months, and affinity cards can help keep those accounts active.

When shopping around for cards, there are many things to consider as you decide which card is the best fit, such as whom you fly with most often and who offers the most nonstop flights from your area.

Many of the cards that have higher annual fees also have extra perks, such as extra bonus miles and ticket discounts that may make the extra cost worthwhile.

You probably will not want to carry a balance on these cards since the interest rates are not the lowest available.

“Alaska Airlines is offering 20,000 bonus miles when you sign up for the Visa Signature card, which is enough for a coach class ticket for the continental U.S., Alaska or Canada.

Each year, cardholders also receive a $50 companion ticket, two airport club passes and 2,000 bonus miles. Contact: (888) 345-2632; www.alaskaair.com/as/www2/Promo/BofA_20K.asp.

“If you apply for an American AAdvantage Citi card by Nov. 30, you can earn up to 40,000 bonus miles. The annual fee of $85 is waived for the first year.

This offer applies to both the Platinum Select World MasterCard and the Select American Express. Contact: (800) 359-4444; www.citicards.com.

“Southwest is offering eight Rapid Rewards credits, enough for a free one-way ticket, after your first purchase with the Signature Visa card.

The Signature card costs $59 per year. Call (888) 218-7309 and mention card code 9L88 or go to www.southwest.com/rapid_rewards/visa.html.

“The British Airways Visa offers 15,000 bonus miles after your first purchase and $20 off per ticket booked online by Dec. 31, for travel through Dec. 31, 2008.

You can also receive a free upper-class companion ticket when you pay full fare, but since full fare is usually quite expensive, this is not the most advantageous promotion.

The annual fee is $75. Contact: (800) 537-6954; www.britishairways.com/usvisa_cf.

“Receive 5 percent off Continental fares for the first year if you sign up for a Continental Airlines World MasterCard by Nov. 1.

Each year cardholders will receive two airport club passes and two travel coupons worth up to $100 each. Contact: (866) 422-6566; www.continental.com/for/chase.

“United is offering 21,000 bonus miles when you sign up for the Visa Signature Card and make $250 in eligible purchases. Also, the annual fee of $60 will be waived for the first year.

You’ll also receive a one-way upgrade on flights of 1,000 miles or less and a $25 discount travel certificate. Contact: (866) 738-7750; www.united.com/chase.