I tried to book something using miles and when I got too picky, I was rudely informed that I was getting a "free ticket" and in so many words told I should be grateful.

I quickly informed this gal that the ticket was NOT free. I earned those miles just as one earns a salary. Miles are a currency that is earned.

I will never again use the phrase "free ticket" when getting a mileage flight because those miles were not given to us free. The price of getting miles is reflected in the ticket price, not to mention our loyalty to an airline.