Seriously though, this is probably the #1 advice we can give for 2011.
Maximize your Continental OnePass Miles!
Why? Because in a few months, probably at the end of 2011 the United Mileage Plus & Continental OnePass accounts will be merged and Continental Airlines will officially be gone. Thus, all promotions, credit cards and other deals will from then on be labeled as "United"only. So right now, you can still get seperate sign-up bonuses for credit cards getting a Continental OnePass Credit Card (25000 miles after first use), participate with promotions from Continental, such as the MileaThon that will start 2/1...etc.. At the same time, you can sign up for United Credit Cards, participate in United promotions (for example 1000 Miles from Hertz for car rentals...), etc...
Thus, you can earn miles in 2 accounts right now and just sit back and relax and see them become one soon. Instead of having 25000 at Continental and 25000 at United - you will have 50000 United miles....nothing to sneeze at. :)
Now, what should you do? Wait until February first and then perform these tasks:
1) On Feb. 1st -> Go to the Continental Airlines website and SIGN-UP for a Continental OnePass Account in case you don't have one yet.
2) Then - REGISTER for the Continental Mileathon HERE
3) Wait until February 2nd (just to be save) and sign-up for a Chase Continental Airlines-branded Credit Card of your choice. You should receive at least 25000 miles for it. With a bit of searching you might be able to find a 30000 mile one, with a 50$ statement credit...
4) You can look at the Mileathon requirements for more opportunities to earn miles (buy flowers, buy tickets, buy something online....) or simply check-in with us to see the best strategy to maximize the bonus miles from this promotion.
5) Once you have received your CC - you can receive numerous 100 mile bonuses by registering & "learning" about all the wonderful things Continental Airlines will do for you. We post these registration links all the time. Here's one for example: LINK
6) At the end of the promotion you should sit on 25K from your CC (maybe 50K or more if you sign up for a business credit card as well - don't need to have a business just enter XYZ consulting and check the self-proprietorship box.....get creative with the name, annual revenue, etc...)
7) If we are all very lucky - Chase Bank will have sign-up bonuses for personal & business banking 1 more time before Continental disappears.... you could get 25K for opening a checking account & 25K for opening a business account. Keep it for 90 days, then close both accounts. Only cost is a debit card for each account ($25 for personal, $35 or 45 for business card - and fulfilling the purchase requirements for each account - more on that later if this deals becomes available again!) Fingers-crossed!!
So go out there and get as many Continental Miles as possible before it's too late!! :) Happy Mileage-Hunting!!
