Welcome Aboard, CaptainB. You will get a LOT
of information from the "veterans" up here!
(veterans of all ages, careers, locations,
interests, etc.)

Some basic rules:

*Everyone has their own system. Develop the one that works for YOU (because Catman's system will not work for Rudi and his will not necessarily work for you.)

*Find the program that best works for you (airline: flights, ff program, services.. hotel: locations, services also.)
*Then get ELITE status in the program of your choice as early as possible. That opens up a world of even more opportunities.
*Concentrate on one airline/hotel/car prog and have a backup... but this is MY system.

I would suggest that if you have an hour or two some weekend go to the U-A, AA, Marriott
and Hyatt forums and read through the past postings from us to get a relative good comparison.

As you travel if you have questions just post them here. Someone will answer. GOod luck
and HAPPY & SAFE FLYING!! CATMAN