Admittedly, this is a sleeper of an article, designed for the layman--not us air warriors, but I thought I would post it for the sake of completeness.

Six rules for frequent-flier miles

How to milk those loyalty programs for all they're worth
March 8, 2004: 9:30 AM EST
By Cybele Weisser, Money Magazine

NEW YORK (Money Magazine) - Getting the most out of your free airline miles requires knowing how to play the game. Here are six fundemental rules of frequent flyer miles.

Rule 1. Use 'em fast. Major carriers have cut back on the number of planes flying on most of their routes, which translates to fewer available rewards seats. In effect, the value of your miles is decreasing, and the trend isn't likely to reverse itself anytime soon...

From http://money.cnn.com/2004/03/02/pf/b...0503/index.htm

Here's another one in the series that's a bit better

Upgrading your travel

5 Tips: Travel in class
February 9, 2004: 2:54 PM EST
By Gerri Willis, CNN/Money contributing columnist

NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - President's Day is coming up and many of you will be traveling. So why not do it in class?

We've all been there. Crammed back in coach on an airplane and wishing we were up front in first class stretching out our legs and sipping champagne. Upgrades are usually given to passengers based upon available space, frequent-flyer status and the fare paid.

From http://money.cnn.com/2004/02/09/pf/s...tips/index.htm

[This message has been edited by pushback (edited Mar 09, 2004).]

[This message has been edited by flipside (edited Mar 09, 2004).]