I guess I知 going to be flying somewhat often now and have no idea where to even start taking advantage of points..

I have a start with American Airlines and their doesn稚 seem to be a general airlines forum here so I suppose I値l start here..

I will probably mostly be flying in/out of TVC Traverse City Michigan airport, but I値l also probably be hopping all over the country (USA) from one place to another.. (expecting an Omaha to Vegas here in a couple days for example)

I doubt I知 going to be able to stick with just one airline so I値l probably wind up with points accounts for a few, but I might have some choices in my flights..

Can you tell me a little about what airlines to avoid, what airlines participate with eachother points/miles wise, and what airlines I can get the most points values out of?
Just want to take advantage of all of my employment perks that I possibly can..

No credit cards, company pays for them
all themselves..

Probably will be a LOT of last minute bookings.. These things are not planned out in advance at all..

Basically I値l call traveliance and tell them I need to fly from X to X on X day, and they will give me like 3 flight options I can choose from..

I have no idea what I should be choosing..

Where do I even begin? I知 a total noob at this..