Exposure to FlyerTalk creates an insatiable appetite, an addiction actually, for miles and points. If you thought you had self-control, think again. Thanks to FlyerTalk's relentless efforts in breaking down my efforts at self-will; I have now given myself over to the uncontrolled hunger and relentless desire for the next opportunity to earn more miles.

My personal stockholm syndrome is now beyond treatment and I am fully bonded to the FlyerTalk captor. Thank you FlyerTalk for all the help and opportunity you have provided me and others in our goals to enrich our travels and provide better opportunities for us and our families.


Now, where's the next 100K opportunity, the hunger is once again building...

+1 And many a sleepless nite reading another thread to gleam a bit more knowledge of the workings of a miles or point program

My TA got so tired of answering my questions about routings and MPM that she put a GDS on my computer.

I know the thread is meant in jest, but I disagree.

I live in Raleigh NC, my wife lives in Toronto. We dated for about two years, then got married a year ago. For me, FT is about finding ways to keep the relationship going. Points, miles, and contacts I have made here, were what enabled us to sustain the relationship to the point where we could get married, and now keep it going. I don't see it as an addiction or a game, to me it's an investment of time, no different than if I had a second job to put food on the table.

I don't busy myself with chits and the like that I can't use. I am signing up for a credit card with a bonus, but only did that after researching that I could actually use the points and miles I'd accumulate for travel we will take.

Perhaps it's a distinction without a difference, but that's the value of FT to me.

Sorry, I guess I hadn't pointed out this clearly enough?

Didnt mean to get you cross on a differing point of view, but I think we are all on the same page.

100% correct. I actually consider this a profitable and yes fun hobby. For 2012 I am traveling in J to LHR (with my son) to AKL (with hubby to see son) to DPS (with hubby) and to BKK on my own. The tickets are all from different sources and airlines. A bit over 600K miles burned and they were earned from different sources such as CC churn, taking advantage of promotions (The AC J class for Y class mile redemption) and yes, even flying for fun and for business.

Please excuse if this seems like I am hijacking your post.

I read this forum occasionally and always wondered (cause I'm unable to find) if there is a thread that points out which are the best point cards to use?
I'm an elderly gal that is just trying to get the most I can. Currently, I have a Amex Hhonors. Use to have Alaska but didn't like the returns on that one plus they raised the fee's up too high for this old gal. Thank you and again, I apologize if I stepped on toes by post question here.

Melanie

Try checking out this video/blog post: http://thepointsguy.com/2011/11/vide...eader-contest/

this forum rocks, and I only wish I joined a few years back when i had more opportunity to churn.. i checked out this forum numerous times for the past 4 or so years, but never bothered to check out the milesbuzz area.. but it's a great resource

I just got started in 2011 but in some ways I feel addicted. I can't wait to get on my computer first thing in the morning to see if there are some fare mistakes (so far none since I've been looking) and at the end of the day to see if there are any great new credit card offers.

I look at it as a hobby and also a little like a second job BUT I have to be very, very careful because I'm self-employed and I know in 2011 it was eating into my work schedule.

I thought this was going to be like one of those Trip Advisor reviews...

"BEWARE of this [insert: hotel/tour/restaurant/etc]"

or the classic and highly informative: "DO NOT STAY HERE!!!!!!!!!!"


Sometimes my wife rips on me a bit for the hours and hours spent online on FT and other miles sites...but she isn't complaining when we're traveling the world at ridiculously low cost! I wish I'd known about all of this a few years back.

I too think of it as a hobby, investment. I prefer to fly and stay for free, so I guess that makes me cheap. Most of my friends think I'm rich because we usually take a vacation every month or two. Even after explaining it to them, their answer is we can't afford it.

The only thing FT changed me is that I now can only turn left boarding the plane for leisure travel.
Really, I can stop this addiction any time I want to.

Earlier today I found a fare to visit a friend that, when taking advantage of the AA DEQM would requalify me at Gold by the end of January, and with my PLAT status, earn me like 30,000+ miles (I think it was about 3cpm). However, since I'm not on contract until February, it's kind of risky to just fly halfway across the world with low savings. Was it worth it? Was it not?

SO -I asked a friend for advice, who flat out told me he didn't understand people like (us), and went on to call FF programs horrible because they elevate people and give them priority while sometimes other people get bumped when they're just trying to get somewhere and visit their sick families (what?). He also doesn't get why we waste money on mileage runs when it has no value (even though I explained how I save nearly 1000 a year just in luggage, plus earning tons of double miles which I use to fly other people and myself all over).

So...
that's just my rant.
I'm never asking normal people for flight advice again.
If it weren't for you, FlyerTalk, I think we would all be very lonely.

+1 She (my wife) hates my MRs but loves flying to Hawaii in F for free or staying in suites at Hyatts.