Wow! This is all great information, thanks so much! Since I only fly for pleasure or to visit family and it's not often, I don't mind schlepping to Newark every now and then or landing in Miami (which is a pain compared to FLL) but if it will all help get some more miles that can be eventually redeemed I'm good. Europe will be hopefully one trip a year to different destinations. This year is Germany and Spain on the same trip, next year I would love to go further east in Europe or even Russia, who knows. No further South America trips for a long time. Florida is a given. I'm thinking of then choosing between American and Continental (and their respective airline partners) for this year's trips then. If Delta is not the best company to try to get rewards from, why give them my money. I appreciate all your suggestions again! Cheers, Max