MileValue is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

Note: Some of the offers mentioned below may have changed or are no longer be available. You can view current offers here.


The terrible year for Malaysian airlines continues. A Malaysia Airlines flight (MH370) lost contact with air traffic controllers March 8 over the South China Sea and hasn’t been found. Another Malaysia Airlines flight (MH17) was shot down over eastern Ukraine on July 17.

Now an AirAsia flight (QZ8501) from Surabaya to Singapore has lost contact with air traffic control with 162 people aboard the A320.

Screen Shot 2014-12-28 at 9.46.34 AM

AirAsia is a Malaysian low-cost carrier with affiliates in several countries. The missing flight was operated by the Indonesian affiliate (in which the Malaysian company owns a 49% stake.) I spent $27 all in to fly AirAsia from Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi on a recent trip to Southeast Asia. The flight was unremarkable, just like I hope all my economy cabin flights are.

I think most of us frequent travelers understand that incidents like today’s are so rare that they shouldn’t affect our travel plans. Regardless of the outcome, my view of AirAsia won’t be affected, and I would gladly fly Malaysia Airlines tomorrow. (First Class is wide open on its A380s.)

Let’s hope for the best for the passengers and crew of QZ8501.

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Just getting started in the world of points and miles? The Chase Sapphire Preferred is the best card for you to start with.

With a bonus of 60,000 points after $4,000 spend in the first 3 months, 5x points on travel booked through the Chase Travel Portal and 3x points on restaurants, streaming services, and online groceries (excluding Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs), this card truly cannot be beat for getting started!


Editorial Disclaimer: The editorial content is not provided or commissioned by the credit card issuers. Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of the credit card issuers, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the credit card issuers.

The comments section below is not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser’s responsibility to ensure all questions are answered.