Researching another post, I tried to include a link to the Platinum Card from American Express Exclusively for Mercedes-Benz because it was the best personal sign up bonus for Membership Rewards at 50,000 Membership Rewards for spending $3k in three months.

If the Mercedes-Benz version of the card is dead, then the best Platinum card offers is the standard offer of 25,000 Membership Rewards after spending $2k in three months.

Sure there is a $450 annual fee--the Mercedes card had a $475 annual fee--but you can get easily more than $500 in statement credits plus worldwide airport lounge

Mashable readers: Welcome to the best blog on redeeming frequent flyer miles. The way that I've traveled to over 20 countries this year and spent nine months abroad is by signing up for credit cards and using the miles to book business and first class awards.

Here is a post that explains to beginners what I do and why I do it.

Mashable readers: Welcome to the best blog on redeeming frequent flyer miles. The way that I've traveled to over 20 countries this year and spent nine months abroad is by signing up for credit cards and using the miles to book business and first class awards.

Here is a post that explains to beginners what I do and why I do it.

If you buy US Airways miles for 1.13

Austrian Airlines allows customers holding an economy class ticket to bid on an upgrade to its longhaul business class.

The Chicago Seminars wrapped up today after a weekend filled with information, networking, and free candy.

MileValue sponsored the event, so we had a table where I was giving out free t-shirts and information on our Award Booking Service.

I think everyone looks better in a MileValue t-shirt.

And here's some of the best award bookers I know in front of the MileValue table.

At the table, I had printed some of my favorite photos from my nine months on the road this year, and there was even a contest where I awarded a $50 gift card to loyal reader

I arrived yesterday to Elk Grove, Illinois to get ready (and get over jet lag) for the Chicago Seminars tomorrow.

Yesterday I received an email for an offer that is incredible on the surface: 25,000 American Airlines miles and Hilton Gold Status for five Hilton stays!

How good of a deal is this?

I recently flew Malaysia Airlines First Class on an A380

Update 11/12/13: The current best deal is this offer for the Gold Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card from American Express:

Earn 30K bonus miles after you make $1K in purchases on your new Card within your first 3 months and a $50 statement credit after you make a Delta purchase with your new Card within your first 3 months.
Earn As You Spend: Get 2X miles on Delta purchases and 1X miles for all other eligible dollars spent.
Check your first bag free on every Delta flight - that's a savings of up to $200 per round trip for a family