Top five miles and points deals for December 2007

There are many promotions. But there are only a few really, really good ones.

In this monthly roundup, we highlight the five most lucrative offers currently available to members of airline and hotel loyalty programs.

(Promotions are listed in alphabetical order.)

1. More American miles for holiday shopping

Through the end of the year, American AAdvantage members can earn double miles for purchases charged to a MasterCard at 25 AAdvantage eShopping Mall retailers. Participating retailers: Barnes & Noble, Blue Nile, Bose, Cabela’s, Circuit City, Dell Home, drugstore.com, eLuxury.com, Eddie Bauer, eToys, Gap, GiftCertificates.com, Harry & David, JCPenney, J&R, Kodak Gallery, Lands’ End, Macy’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, The Sharper Image, Overstock.com, RedEnvelope, Sears, Staples, and TigerDirect.

In addition to the double miles, shoppers will earn 500 bonus miles for charging $250 or more, 1,500 bonus miles for charging $500 or more, and 4,000 bonus miles for charges of $1,000 or more.

(This is just one of many holiday mileage mall offers in place through December 31. For a roundup of other shopping bonuses from Continental, Delta, Midwest, Northwest, Marriott, and Priority Club, check out [% 2476919 | | our “Savvy Santa” article %].)

2. From Best Western: Extra points, status for new Gold Crown Club members

New members of Best Western’s Gold Crown Club who enroll through this link by December 31 will automatically be accorded Gold elite status and receive 1,000 bonus points after their first stay.

Additionally, new members who charge their first stay to an American Express card will receive another 1,000-point bonus.

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3. Earn 9,999 Continental miles for car rentals

To qualify for this, one of the most generous car rental bonuses in recent memory, you will have to rent from Budget for five or more consecutive days before January 31, 2008. That will generate a cool 9,999 bonus miles for Continental OnePass members.

The offer applies to all car groups. Rental must be booked at continental.com at least 24 hours in advance, citing U072506 in the “Discount Code” (BCD) box.

4. Fairmont Hotels’ double miles or free night offer

Through April 15, 2008, earn double airline miles (Aeroplan, American AAdvantage, Alaska Mileage Plan, United Mileage Plus, Asia Miles, or Lufthansa Miles & More) or a free night when staying at “Only One Way” winter rates at participating Fairmont Hotels.

The free night is awarded after two or three consecutive nights, depending on the hotel. To receive a free night, booking must be made by December 31.

5. Up to 20,000 bonus miles for United Vacations

Through March 31, 2008, Mileage Plus members can earn up to 20,000 bonus miles for United Vacations packages.

Earn 7,500 bonus miles for two packages, 12,500 bonus miles for three packages, or 20,000 bonus miles for four or more packages booked and completed during the promotion period.