In a similar way to SEA_Tigger, I also do almost exclusively leisure travel, although not very much. I'm young, pretty poor, and I can't afford to travel as much as I'd like. And that's why I love FF, hotel, and all the other programs. I pick one (WN and HHonors because they're the most convenient for me) and, if the prices are pretty much comparable, I go with them. Why? If I can build up any kind of serious balance of points or miles (in WN's case, of course, credits), then I can seriously increase the amount of traveling I do.

It's worked out great. I'm by no means monogomous to those two programs, but most of the time I go for them because they have competitive rates. Not wanting to pay an AF, I got the HHonors credit cards, which gives me tons of extra points. And so, with making five or six stays at Hiltons this year and taking a half dozen or so trips on WN, I've managed to build up a nice (although paltry to many others on this board) balance of one free WN ticket with another on the way and about 175,000 HHonors points -- enough for six free nights anywhere.

I always put price first. If Hilton or WN are way off, then I don't go with them. But if we're talking a few dollars higher -- say $25 or so -- then I'm willing to take the points. I don't have much in the way of status (HHonors Silver), but I just like the added bonus of getting some free travel down the line. After all, I'm going to be able to take a vacation next summer and only have to pay for food and any incidentals. I couldn't have done that without the loyalty programs.