Been thinking about this for a while.

I recently actually considered flying to Tampa from Houston via Chicago in order to stay within United routes. Instead, I flew non-stop via Continental. As a result, I was feeling ever so smugly rational until I realized I missed making Premier Exec on United by just about the same number of miles I would have gained on the IAH-ORD-TPA route.

So, I've been pondering the irrationalities inherent in being a sensible Frequent Flyer . . . figuring out the 'right' course turns out to be tres complex. For me, it's very much in the same vein as coming up with perfect rejoinder two days after a provocative comment. With frequent flying, I'm most likely to determine the wisest choice after having initiated the least personally advantageous course.

Perusal of this board seems to demonstrate great collective acumen on determining the 'most advantageous' course -- any chance y'all FF gurus will share your tips, tactics, strategies . . . ?

Cheers,
KatW