Hey everyone! I posted a thread earlier that yielded amazing results.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trave...nsultants.html

From here, I have a question about alliances vs. airlines. Which one will allow me to maximize the ability to get free flights? I don't care about getting upgrades and I don't care about other perks. The only thing I care about is using points to get additional flights on a last minute notice (1-2 weeks in advance). These would be once every 3-4 months. That's the only thing I care about when it comes to points, hahaha.

If it helps, I intend to be Hilton Diamond level. And if I have extra stays, then Starwood as well. (I'm not sure how double dipping works so that might help aid my cause).

I'll be traveling every week, and uncertain of where geographically I will be heading to.

EDIT: Consider the starting destination for these flights in San Fransisco with potential to travel to NYC.

I edited this post to try and simplify/clarify the scenario :P