This is a specious argument.

If accumulating reward miles and points is unethical, so are so many other things in life, even everyday things such as using your credit card. After all, merchants have to raise their prices to cover the card transaction fees. Cash customers usually pay the same price as those who pay with credit cards. And what about grocery store coupons? I'm not a coupon clipper, but I know that I'm missing out on savings that some enjoy.

I have no ethical angst about using reward programs. It's a win-win situation. I win when I can redeem for an award. The merchant wins because they get me as a loyal customer. When I reserve flights and hotels, I am far more likely to reserve with those programs that offer miles/points that I accumulate.

But I will have to consider this seriously later this month. My wife and I will be flying round trip from the US to South America in J on AA using my miles. And we've got a week reserved at the Marriott Buenos Aires using my Marriott points. I promise to feel guilty during this trip.