Anytime you fly on any airline on a mileage-earning ticket, you should take the frequent flier miles. With Continental, you can earn miles on Continental (obviously) or Northwest (less obvious). I suggest you open either a OnePass account (Continental) or a WorldPerks account (Northwest) or both! Since you live in New York City, I presume that Continental will give you more options for future travel with its Newark hub. So, I'd definitely open a OnePass account and begin accruing miles.
[This message has been edited by cAAl (edited 03-27-2003).]