In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Durham, NC (RDU/GSO/CLT)
Programs: AA EXP/MM, DL GM, UA Platinum, HH DIA, Hyatt Explorist, IHG Platinum, Marriott Titanium, Hertz PC
Posts: 33,856
It's worth trying to book through airline portals (United typically gives huge mileage bonuses, Southwest is often generous) as you can earn a decent amount of miles and still get status benefits.