Add to use of the AMEX card:
As a member of IAPA (International Airline Passengers' Association), I use their travel agency regularly. They give me one mile for every dollar I spend on a tacket they isue, plus 50 miles for each hotel or car reservation they book. And, since they only have three or four agents, I get really good personalized service. Of course, when Nancy leaves to have a baby (which she did recently), I have to train someone new.