FFHound,

Punki put the frequent flyer situation in a pretty accurate perspective. I will add my two cents, from the perspective of a middle to high mileage pup; via domestic flights only (sadness). Earnig miles "the hard way" I believe it is called. To wit:

Generally speaking, the best use of miles for us middle range folks (50,000-200,000 (total miles)/year maybe ?) is for upgrades. E.g., purchase a discounted ticket and then upgrade with miles. You get a more comfortable seat, are treated nicely and the food is up to modest restaurant standards. On international flights, I understand that first class food is up to middle range restaurant standards. In addition, you get the miles for the coach seat that you purchased and this of course helps to meet any qualifying status parameters that you may be shooting for.

If you do not earn many miles per year, let's say 50,000 or less, then I would use the miles for a free coach ticket and just let it go at that. On a sidenote, don't fret about being "spoiled" via one first class flight if you prefer to splurge on business or first. You will live with the pain of returning to steerage class just fine.

If you are a high mileage earner (I don't know how this is defined, but maybe 200,000+/year total miles earned (from all sources)) then I would use the miles for business or first at will. You would save the costs of the flight and presumably would not need to worry about meeting any mileage parameters or need to worry about conserving miles.

The lap dances are a new one, but, please direct me to any airlines which offer these. Now, there was one time that turburlence caused a young damsel to fall into my lap. Sadly, this was inadvertent. Ah well, one cannot have everything.