If you want to benefit as a frequent flyer, you are now forced to be extra diligent and research what you are doing. You can no longer assume that you will earn miles for simply flying an airline. With so many rules and conditions, you can not and I say this again can not assume anything.

No one airline sucks or program sucks, it’s all a minefield of opportunities and you need to make sure you have done your due diligence to ensure you know exactly what you are getting or preparing to give up. The very first lesson is the one you just learned, so with that in hand you are batter prepared for your next flight.