Originally Posted by
eugenetooms
We don't do a lot of flying currently, so we aren't part of a frequent flyer program. We have a cashback rewards card through BoA and that's it. We do spend a lot though, and we use that card as much as possible. We are actually in the Bay Area, but have no family here. The family we would be visiting are in LA and we anticipate flying into LAX (although Burbank would be sweet if we could afford it).
Starting from where in the Northeast? NYC? Boston? Providence? Philadelphia?
If the best deals for the routes and dates you want come from redeeming miles rather than paying cash, then there is no reason for you and your spouse not to join one or more frequent-flyer programs (it's free to join), and then take advantage of the lucrative credit-card sign-up bonuses. Note that AA miles can be redeemed for flights on Alaska and JetBlue, as well, but only when those carriers make award seats available to AA.