Originally Posted by Mycuppajava
Can anyone tell me the best way to use a frequent flyer card. Does one fly on the same airline every time? Is there a universal card that is better? Just where do I begin? I really don't have a clue as how to efficiently use them.
Please help. Mycuppajava
First, welcome to FlyerTalk!
I'm assuming that you mean actual frequent flyer accounts (with airlines) -- as opposed to a Visa/MC/Amex or anything else. The general consensus is that you should stick with one airline much as possible to gain the benefits that come with loyalty to that airline. (As you're asking this in the United forum, you will come to find that most replies to your post will focus on United.) In addition, there are
alliance benefits as well. For instance, United is a part of the Star Alliance, which also includes US Airways/America West, Lufthansa, Singapore, Air Canada, ANA, Air New Zealand, and others. When you fly those airlines and give them your United MP number, you accrue United Redeemable miles
(RDM) and United Elite Qualifying Miles
(EQM). Using alliances in this way is a quick method to increase both of the RDM and EQM balances on your airline of choice. This also applies to SkyTeam (Delta, Air France, etc.) and Oneworld (American, British Airways, Iberia, etc.)
Hope this helps - there's a wealth of information on here under 'search threads' as well.
Finally, you may want to post your question in a more general forum to get more responses that aren't United specific.
Safe Travels!