I am thinking my strategy for 2003 will be spend now, pay later.

I have miles for a number of first class tickets, plenty of hotel points and I think I might just spend 100,000s of miles and forget buying status for 2004 until the picture is clearer of what the "value" of status will be.

I have elite status for 2003 and I should have more time off in 2003 than in the last few years. I think I will spend now, and pay later when I need to build up the balances again. And rather than flying just UA for status I can just pick and choose from the best mileage earning opportunities appearing in 2003, regardless of brand.

So much for airline loyalty.