Karen, I can say this:

Often times, it may be hard to redeem miles (except with AA, in my experience) but the worst part is when it comes to earning. Airlines seem to give 'em when they are due (at least to me) but the promotions and partners... THAT is always the chaser!

Seems most people I know who signed up for this or that survey, or this or that auto quote or some miles bank card thing always have to try to figure out when the miles are coming or whether it was a 'targetted' promtion, etc. That can be a pain. And then you have the ones with loopholes in them that might not even work after you spent all this time on them or something.

These marketing promos are often not even fully known about by 90% of the airline call centers and if they are, it takes several calls and maybe even emails or a letter to CS management to get the real deal! Then you find out the promo is changing and so now it gets really confusing.

I am not from DC but the last time I was there I got royally screwed by United in something that I am still disputing. Long story for another time. In the end, I am demanding a $$refund on the issue but also, I want to get MILES for compensation instead of vouchers. This is because (depsite everything said) I feel miles are worth something to me right now, and not vouchers. I personally believe that vouchers are useless and have restrictions and cannot be redeemed on line in most cases. But we like miles because we can use them to fly and buy things like magazines, etc. They are more flexible currency (although the real issue is to figure out WHAT the 'currency' is valued at--and how constant that value is!)

So good luck, and if the media wishes to pay anyone in here for sharing mile ideas, many might be glad to take a cut for being part of its quest. Maybe/maybe not...

MM

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If speed is not your thing, distance may as well be. Enjoy and embrace it all!