The value I receive has definitely increased with my knowledge. Prior to 1998, I valued flight rewards received at about $.023 US/mile. In 1998-99, I valued flight rewards received at about $.04 US/mile, almost double my previous rate! Still got a ways to go though:

My calculations indicate that the best I can do in my current programs is about $.06 US/mile (non-economy tickets in North America) to about $.11 US/mile (first class tickets eastern North America to western Australia).

Clearly, there are places to live where accruing points in a frequent traveller program can be of greater benefit (e.g. cities served by only one major carrier where fares are substantially higher).

[This message has been edited by BlondeBomber (edited 09-05-1999).]