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
The frequent-flier programs are specific to each airline. So a Skymiles account is issued by Delta, an AAdvantage account is issued by American, etc.
Then it gets complicated - alliances, codeshares, partners that aren't actually codeshares or alliances. But you've got plenty of time to read about all of that and the other nuances of these sometimes-complex programs.
But to keep it simple and give you a bit of decent advice (because you have come to the right place!), how 'bout you tell us a little more about yourself. What is your home airport, where do you plan on flying in the near-term, and where would you like to someday go for vacation? In most cases, that information is enough to help you pick a primary carrier for your paid travel. Then, as SANUA says, you try to stick with that carrier whenever it makes sense.
The key is picking the right carrier up front, so it "makes sense" for the maximum possible percentage of your paid travel, thus maximizing your potential frequent-flier benefits.