Mileage Plus members have a similar way to save miles for short-haul awards of 700 air miles or less each way through Dec. 31. United first- and business class awards are also available at reduced rates — 30,000 miles. United’s Web site features a nifty chart of all available city pairs for which these awards apply.

Alaska Mileage Plan members who sign up for the Alaska Visa Signature card will earn 20,000 miles upon approval. Cardholders will also get a 2,000-mile anniversary bonus. New cardholders will also receive a $50 companion ticket and another every year. There is no limit to the number of miles a cardholder may earn in a year. This is the richest credit card offer Alaska has ever offered its members.

The new Marriott Rewards Premier Visa Signature Card is almost too good to be true. In fact, we called a few times just to be sure we were reading this right. You’ll earn five Rewards points for every dollar spent on the card at any Marriott property, plus two points for every dollar spent on qualified dining, airline and rental car purchases, and one point for all other purchases.
Premier cardmembers receive a 15,000-point bonus upon the first use of the card; a free-night certificate valid at category 1-4 hotels, which is awarded upon account approval; a two-for-one golf certificate for use at participating Marriott-managed golf courses; a free-night certificate valid at category 1-5 hotels every year on the account anniversary date; and 15 nights toward elite status every year, which makes every cardmember a Silver Elite member and also gives a boost toward Gold or Platinum Elite status.

This is not to be missed. Visit http://www.marriottrewards.com

Marriott Rewards members who register at marriottrewards.com will earn MegaBonus points when they stay at participating Marriott properties and payment is made with a Visa card before January 31, 2007. There are a number of offers related to this promotion, some only requiring three stays for the bonus points, other requiring 15 nights. Upon registering, the Rewards system will assign you your goal-and using the new Promotional Tracker will certainly make this a new experience.

Best Western is marking its 60th Anniversary by offering lifetime Diamond Elite status to Gold Crown Club members who stay a total of 60 or more qualified nights at Best Western hotels around the world during 2006. To be eligible, guests must be members of Gold Crown Club, but no registration is required.