Q: With Continental Airlines and American Express parting ways, which card should I get for maximum travel benefits?

Airline officials say there's no link between Continental's departure from American Express Membership Rewards and its merger with United Airlines. Despite the coincidence, the move has many of the carrier's most loyal customers asking the same question.

After setting a December 2011 sunset date for OnePass, the airline encouraged travelers to join United MileagePlus, its new frequent flier program. To make the deal even sweeter, United partnered with Chase to launch an enhanced airline credit card: the United MileagePlus Explorer Card, offering some attractive features for cardholders willing to purchase most of their travel through a single carrier:

• Up to 40,000 bonus miles, enough for two round trips in United's discount travel pricing tier
• No annual fee for the first year, then $95 after
• One free checked bag for each cardholder and one companion
• Priority boarding privileges, ensuring access to overhead storage
• Two free day passes to United Club, the airline's airport lounge

The United MileagePlus Explorer Card also features access to many of Chase's premium cardholder perks, including experience-based rewards, concierge service, and purchase protection.

On the other hand, if your relationship with American Express trumps your allegiance to United Airlines, a classic charge card could find a place in your wallet. AmEx has updated the benefits associated with its Platinum Card, adding some features that you might find even more attractive than the perks planned by United and Chase:

• $200 in airline fee credits to cover in-flight expenses on any airline, not just United
• Unlimited access to the Priority Pass global airport lounge network
• Bonus amenities at many premium hotels
• A 25,000-point signup bonus in AmEx's Membership Rewards program

The Platinum Card from American Express comes with a $495 annual fee, which you might easily recoup if you use the card to cover reimbursable business travel expenses every month. Unless you're really craving priority treatment in the air, you're likely to get the best overall value from American Express.