thanks for the advice and welcomes, all.

fs2k2isfun: "Are you in Chicago? If so, I would recommend United and their College program."
yes, i live in chicago. is there some sort of chicago-specificity in united's college student program?

i s'pose it doesn't matter; i'll be taking the dominant advice here and signing up with the lowest bidder each time i fly for the next several.

thanks again.