When I first started collecting miles (almost ten years ago), I was loath to part with them. I also wanted to have a minimum in my AA account for an emergency trip (to Italy). Then, as my skills as a mileage collector and the opportunity for collecting miles increased, I began using them more and more. Since I've found Flyertalk, all my various accounts have become fatter and fatter, and I've enjoyed spending more and more miles. I LOVE to take frequent interisland trips, and I haven't bought a ticket on HA or AQ in more than two years! I also like to play the game "how far can I get with the smallest amount of miles". I think this April's trip to Italy on AA (in coach, alas! but luckily we ended up having two stopovers) from HNL to MXP for 30000 miles takes the prize.

[This message has been edited by honu (edited 09-15-2000).]