Kat's story is valid. As mostly a short-hopper myself, I relish the chance to rack up miles. I've done IAD-ORD-DFW, IAD-DEN-MCI, IAD-DEN-San Antonio and, my personal favorite, IAD-ORD-MCO!!!!

But nothing will beat (in terms of racking up points and suffering for UA loyalty) as my March San Juan. Evening flight IAD-ORD, overnight at ORD (at my own expense) then 7am ORD-San Juan. Call me nuts, but somehow staying on UA and racking up the over-4,000 (RT) miles seems like its worth it to me...