Gooch:

The best way to become an experienced FFer (and basically the only way to earn elite status) is, well, to fly a lot! But there's a difference between flying a lot and racking up as many free miles as quickly as you can. I know someone who flew to Europe this summer almost exclusively on miles earned with a United Visa card. If it's miles you want most, there are lots of bonuses out there for signing up with credit cards, long distance, etc. that can really boost a fledgling FF account. If you're looking for elite status or whatever, my best advice is to just get up in the air and keep your eyes open. Plenty of double miles specials out there now.