Hey folks,

Just found these boards and what a delight - great community here. Here's the score: I'm in my mid-20's, started my own business three years ago, and I can basically break even by getting a little bit of international consulting work a number of times a year. I'm an American, live in the USA, but can make just about enough coin to cover my trips by working half the time and getting more cultured the other half the time. I also make quite a few domestic flights.

So what frequent flyer program might be best? I move around, having lived in California, Massachusetts, and New York in the last year, I typically fly the cheapest fares possible, and hadn't joined any FF programs before. Now I'm getting into it - heading to London in two weeks, and wondering what the best long term strategy for flying is? These mileage runs seem really intriguing, and some of the clever stuff y'all are doing is so very impressive and cool (though the acronyms are daunting! - ever consider a "Start Here Newbies" Forum?).

So, very grateful for any and all advice. To recap:

*American, living on West Coast or East Coast most of the time
*Approx 10 round trip USA round trip flights a year, to basically everywhere
*Approx 5 round trip international flights per year, to Europe and Asia
*All flights on cheapest fares I could find at kayak.com, orbitz, etc.

No real airline preference, and I don't need so much comfort - my goals are largely free tickets, lounge access, and the occasional free upgrade from economy.

Thanks a million for any pointers,

Sarbanes