Airlines add credit-card incentives

Washington Post

Heated competition among airlines that have affiliated with credit card companies means consumers can get some great deals right now.

• US Airways' credit card, free for the first year, comes with 15,000 bonus miles after the first purchase plus 10,000 additional miles if you transfer a balance from another credit card, plus coupons for two $99 companion fares when a full-fare ticket is purchased, and access to the quickie lines normally reserved for elite and first- or business-class fliers.

• American is waiving the fee for the first year and offering 20,000 bonus miles, a $50-off certificate and a certificate for a free domestic companion ticket when you buy a full-fare ticket for $299 or more.

• United is waiving the first year's fee and offering 21,000 bonus miles after you spend $250, plus an upgrade to business or first class for flights up to 1,000 miles.

• Continental is offering good benefits on several cards, including 15,000 bonus miles and 5 percent off flights, but is not waiving its fee.

• Northwest is offering 15,000 bonus miles and the chance to get frequent-flier tickets for 21,000 miles instead of the usual 25,000.

A caution: Interest rates on the credit cards are high if you run up big bills you can't pay off monthly. For details and expiration dates on these offers, check each airline's Web site.