I'd have to kindly disagree. So far, the miles/points that I've accumulated have been at no cost to me. I just started getting into the "game" about two months ago and I have a lot of miles "in limbo". For example, I've referred friends to NW and United and will be receiving bonus miles for them soon. My goal is to basically earn enough free miles through promotions and work travel so that my two or three leisure trips per year will include free airfare and some free nights at hotels. Also, if I was taking "free" trips, I would probably be flying more often. My business travel is likely to pick up in the coming years also (I'm a young 'un).