1) Where do you live (i.e. which airlines serve your home airport - if NW doesn't serve your airport, then you may want to consider a different airline)?

2) You're not going be approved for a credit card in the next few days to be able to put your purchases on it.

3) Sign up for multiple when they have promos & bonuses - there's a 20K UA card for $60; an occassional 15K-25K DL Amex (25K based off of spending - they've had a promo for this for the past 2 years) for $85 - those are the best opening promos, I think. Also, the SPG Amex is a great card to have to b/c you can transfer over 20K & get 25K or if you do it when BA has their double mile promo, 20K SPG = 50K BA.

4) Check out www.freefrequentflyermiles.com - pgary's site for a lot more info & strategy.

5) Welcome to Flyertalk!