Originally Posted by flyinryan
As far as Southwest: (WN) I guess it's inevitable that you will fly on WN a lot from LAS, much in the same way that you will fly US/HP. I personally don't think the WN program is worth much, since all that domestic flying in coach will eventually get you...another free domestic flight in coach. At least the big airlines go overseas, and your miles can get you into the premiuim cabins.
WN's program is good for those who make a lot of short flights and/or one day car rentals. A short round trip is 12.5% of the way to a domestic award on WN, but only 4% or 5% (assuming 1000 miles) on some other airline. Similarly, a one day car rental gets you 3.125% of the way to a free domestic award on WN, but only 0.2% or 0.25% of the way there (50 miles) on some other airline. Of course, making occasional medium to long domestic flights would allow you to make the best use of a WN award.
Of course, if you'd rather have upgrades or elite status perks than domestic coach tickets, then WN awards are less desirable.