Originally Posted by skywalker22

That's a good point and I have been doing just that for the past 10+ years but ideally would have a bit more flexibility than AA offers me (I have not been able to get the amazing non-stop connections guv talks about). I am wondering whether I should get an additional program, eg. Starwood; Capital One Venture; Schwab (anybody have any experience with those?), or stick with AA. How well do those other programs work? Do they effectively increase flexibility? Is it easy enough to redeem miles? I have read online a number of dreadful reviews of the Starwood program in terms of customer service but have also read that lots of people have it - not sure what to do.