Would you like 100,000 miles with that new credit card? British Airways has announced additional benefits for those who sign up for the British Airways Visa Signature Card, which is available to U.S. residents.
Through Dec. 11, 2009, new cardholders can get 50,000 bonus miles after their first purchase, and if they spend $2,000 in the first three months of owning the card, an additional 50,000 bonus miles will be deposited into their Executive Club account–that’s enough for four roundtrip domestic tickets or two transatlantic tickets. After Dec. 11, new cardholders will receive 20,000 bonus miles after their first purchase and an additional 10,000 bonus miles after spending $750 on the card.
Cardholders who spend $30,000 on the card in a calendar year receive one voucher each year that allows them to get a free companion award ticket when they redeem one award ticket.
Plus, cardholders can now earn 25 percent more miles on British Airways purchases and everyday purchases. Purchase a flight on British Airways, and you will be earning 2.5 miles per dollar spent and 1.25 miles on all other purchases.
And if those benefits weren’t enough, cardholders will also save $50 for each roundtrip transatlantic ticket bought online at ba.com/get50 until Dec. 31, 2009. (Be sure to compare your flight cost at http://www.ba.com/get50 to the cost through the normal booking channels.) Visit http://insideflyerus.wpengine.com/link/?2003 to learn more.
Bottom line: This is a whopping value, especially for those cardholders who spend at least $30,000 a year on the card. With this offer, two people can travel roundtrip in first on British Airways between the U.S. and the U.K. for 150,000 miles roundtrip compared to the 250,000 miles needed for two people to travel the same route on American Airlines. The two-for-one voucher can only be used on British Airways flights that originate and return to the U.S. Keep in mind that British Airways does tack on fees and a fuel surcharge to award tickets so your “free” tickets can end up costing hundreds of dollars, but with the other benefits of this card, it is well worth the $75 yearly fee. Dare we say, “Rule Britannia”? Here is one international airline that is going after the U.S. frequent flyer market. For an insider look at this credit card, read the 60 Seconds interview in this magazine.
