Barclays US Airways Mastercard 35,000 miles w/ First Purchase and Annual Fee Waived (AA miles eventually)

Quote from Brooklynite : I had been flying AA only for ten years because I was addicted to their mile system and actually only used the miles once. With over 200k miles between my wife and myself, we can never use them because of availability and layovers (mid week, Tue-Thu flights only usually and most with a stupid layover for example LAX-CUN goes through NYC! basically making it as hard as possible to use). So, I thought all airlines make it extremely hard to use the miles and AA is no exception, I was severely wrong. I got the UNITED deal last year and I love it so far, I am not promoting United, even SW is much easier to use than AA: 1) AA miles crappy times and layovers and Tue-Thu flights mainly. United is available most days of the week (comparing both at lowest miles). 2) AA miles mostly cost a LOT to fly in so called TAXES, I checked France and Spain for example and the taxes on top of the miles were about $800~ with United its usually a mere $30~$40 on top of the usual 40k miles 3) AA requires 21 day advance purchase, United and SW dont as far as I know. If you have less than 21 with AA you pay a LOT of cash on top of the miles. LAst time I had to pay $170 for LAX-NYC flight on top of 25000 miles.

I've never had a problem using my AA miles to go international to Asia. Never used them for a domestic leg, so I don't know how difficult they are to redeem. Can't be as much of a pain as Delta miles, though!

As far as the charges, in the past it's only cost me maybe $30-$40 (can't remember exactly, but surely not ~$800!). I always plan out my trips home about 6-8 months in advance, so there's usually not a problem making my booking.

Now, I will agree with you that United seems a lot better with availability (even going to Asia), but I can deal with a few layovers and paying $40 in taxes/fees when I'm saving $1500 on my flight home!

Not many miles, but decided it was worth it.

Wife and I both approved.

Thanks and repped.

Quote from Brooklynite : 3) AA requires 21 day advance purchase, United and SW dont as far as I know. If you have less than 21 with AA you pay a LOT of cash on top of the miles. LAst time I had to pay $170 for LAX-NYC flight on top of 25000 miles.

United, US Air, and AA all have the close-in booking fee (21 days). $75 + $10 award cost, x2 if both legs are under 21 days.

FF loyalty programs all have their pros and cons. 35K will get me closer to my 2 RTW ticket goals

Quote from haserfauld : United, US Air, and AA all have the close-in booking fee (21 days). $75 + $10 award cost, x2 if both legs are under 21 days. FF loyalty programs all have their pros and cons. 35K will get me closer to my 2 RTW ticket goals

I know SW doesnt. I dont remember UA.

Quote from Brooklynite : I had been flying AA only for ten years because I was addicted to their mile system and actually only used the miles once. With over 200k miles between my wife and myself, we can never use them because of availability and layovers (mid week, Tue-Thu flights only usually and most with a stupid layover for example LAX-CUN goes through NYC! basically making it as hard as possible to use). So, I thought all airlines make it extremely hard to use the miles and AA is no exception, I was severely wrong. I got the UNITED deal last year and I love it so far, I am not promoting United, even SW is much easier to use than AA: 1) AA miles crappy times and layovers and Tue-Thu flights mainly. United is available most days of the week (comparing both at lowest miles). 2) AA miles mostly cost a LOT to fly in so called TAXES, I checked France and Spain for example and the taxes on top of the miles were about $800~ with United its usually a mere $30~$40 on top of the usual 40k miles 3) AA requires 21 day advance purchase, United and SW dont as far as I know. If you have less than 21 with AA you pay a LOT of cash on top of the miles. LAst time I had to pay $170 for LAX-NYC flight on top of 25000 miles.

Not exactly true to the T.... I just booked an award flight with American 2 days ago from Chicago to Poland. Very high availability, all days were 40K roundtrip off season saaver award until mid may. Taxes were $75 per adult (flying on Air Berlin). And 21 day or less fee is $150.
Last year with United, It was pretty much the same. Now when I booked with Lufthansa, it was $800 in taxes. The over seas companies are who have the high taxes!

Quote from haserfauld : United, US Air, and AA all have the close-in booking fee (21 days). $75 + $10 award cost, x2 if both legs are under 21 days. FF loyalty programs all have their pros and cons. 35K will get me closer to my 2 RTW ticket goals

UA is $52.50 each way under 21 days. $2.50 each way over 21 days for reward tickets.

I've redeemed UA award flights several times over the past few years, and still have about 140k miles sitting in my UA account. That said, I'm generally United Premier Silver member so the close-in fee may be discounted a bit for me and could possibly be $75 for non-premier members. Even still there is no $10 award cost fee. It has always been either $2.50 to book an award flight.. or $52.50 to book an award flight. That includes all taxes for domestic flights. And I've been actively flying United since 2009.


Back on Subject:

I might consider this USairways card after I close on a home in May. Wouldnt do it now, as I dont want the credit pull to interfere with my loan process. But I already have a USairways card issued thru Bank of America and almost 9 years own. Would hate to close the account as its my oldest standing credit card and it would also hurt my credit score. I will agree with others that USairways miles aren't particularly attractive due to their "higher-than-competition" fees and less-availability. But with the USAir-AA merger.. I have renewed interest in flying USAir & AA again. I already have the Citibank AA Advantage Visa & Amex.. issued 2 years ago.. so this would be the easiest way for me to pick up another 35k miles to use towards the new USAir-AA airline once they have merged.

Quote from Daekwan : UA is $52.50 each way under 21 days. $2.50 each way over 21 days for reward tickets. I've redeemed UA award flights several times over the past few years, and still have about 140k miles sitting in my UA account. That said, I'm generally United Premier Silver member so the close-in fee may be discounted a bit for me and could possibly be $75 for non-premier members. Even still there is no $10 award cost fee. It has always been either $2.50 to book an award flight.. or $52.50 to book an award flight. That includes all taxes for domestic flights. And I've been actively flying United since 2009. .

As of an award booking last month (two 1-way redemptions):

Fare Breakdown
Airfare: 0.00 USD
September 11th Security Fee: 5.00 USD
Per Person Total: 5.00 USD
eTicket Total: 5.00 USD
The taxes, fees, and surcharges paid total: 5.00 USD
Additional Charges: **** was charged 75.00 USD for the following: Reward Booking Fee

First leg was 19 days out, 2nd leg was 30 days out, so that one was a flat $10.

Maybe because I don't have status

Signed up with my wife's dividend account. She already had 47K miles, with another 35K we should have enough for 3 domestic tickets that we'll need for a vacation this year. I just need to find out how much the purchase needs to be to get the bonus miles and then put some small activity to keep them. Probably cancel the card within first year to avoid $89 annual fee.

Thanks OP

UA is part of Star Alliance, using the rewards through other members tends to get you better prices and flight options according to everyone at flyertalk.

I was on the fence about it, but just did this application and was instantly approved for $5K for the Premier USAir Mastercard. At the end of the day it was worth it due to all the features. And with AA/USair combining, the opportunities for this USAir card have been disappearing quick. There is only one link left that works and it can be found here in post 2622: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/mi...s-175.html All the other links for this card WITH the waived 1st year annual fee have disappeared or stopped working. Make sure to read the terms & conditions before applying.

I already have Gold status with AA. Chances are that status will be extended all of next year and into 2015.. as it takes about 18months for the merger to become final. Technically speaking USAirways, will disappear and the new airline will be just AA. United & Continental did that when they merged to calm any complaints. Anyone with a Continental status, just recieved the United status match. Anyone with a United status, simply had their status extended thru the merger. Here are my main reasons for finally getting the card:

1) Its basically spend $1 for 35,000 airline miles that will be good right now on any USAirways or Star Alliance flight.. and eventually good on future AA flights. The bonus miles are awarded after your first purchase, there is no spending requirement.
2) If you decide to keep the card, you will get a 10,000 mile renewal bonus every year. Even with the $89 annual fee, thats buying miles at the rate of $0.0089 a mile. Definitely pays for itself.
3) You can redeem roundtrip award flights starting at 20,000miles instead of the usual 25,000. Making the miles 25% more valuable than they are advertised.

In addition to the bonus miles, take advantage of:

Double miles on US Airways purchases; 1 mile everywhere else
Earn 10,000 miles towards Dividend Miles Preferred status (Silver, Gold, Chairman)
Up to two $99 companion tickets annually
Preferred check-In (can check-in at first class counter)
Preferred Zone 2 boarding (can board after first class)
One complimentary US Airways Club day pass annually
Discount on annual US Airways Club membership
Exceptional travel benefits
Preferred dining and entertainment experiences
World MasterCard Price Protection and Zero Fraud Liability

How long for the 35K miles to show up? I signed up for this and got the card a little while ago, spent about $50 on it and don't see the miles yet. Maybe after I pay the bill?

Quote from BSoares : How long for the 35K miles to show up? I signed up for this and got the card a little while ago, spent about $50 on it and don't see the miles yet. Maybe after I pay the bill?

Mine showed up a day after my cycle closed. Made a $10 purchase and paid it off the next week.

Surprisingly, I received 40k bonus points instead of the advertised 35k. Not sure how or why, but I won't complain.