I've been thinking about this since I read Randy's editorial (I really missed reading one of his missives to a ff provider this month). I would LOVE to know what the big wigs at these airlines are thinking. I mean, wasn't the point of frequent customer programs to build brand loyalty and pride? But now, with the inter-changeability not only between hotels and airlines, but among the airlines themselves, the original purpose seems to be defeated. I dont HAVE to fly Delta to get Delta miles anymore...I can give my business to United. They've created a world where we even consider a Universal ff card. It just seems totally inconsistant with the concept. Maybe next I should ask Food Lion to accept my Safeway savings card...

And wouldn't the concept of the Universal card make it even MORE complicated. What if I SAID I wanted my miles in Delta, but the agent HEARD Varig -- Since the card says both, the miscommunication would not be rectified.

Finally, with regard to this topic, I seldom if ever have to remove a cards from my wallet. The number is given at the time of the airline/hotel reservation and are saved in my online reservations program, so unless an overzealous agent wants to check my status for priority boarding, the card is not terribly meaningful...