We learned a lot on FT in 2000 as well:

1) what people like
2) what people don't like
3) FT is a vibrant community of adventurous spirits and open minds
4) it is very rewarding on many levels to be considered a part of that community

Here's to another year of learning.

Jae

I learned that they do, indeed, sell cheesehead hats in MKE on my one and only mileage run that I found with the help of several FTers. Thanks.

-David

Having only thought of ff programs as serving to earn free travel, the best thing I learned on FT (among many great tips on all aspects of travel) was the value of being elite. Having just been upgraded to business class on a cheapo transatlantic ticket on US, I'm very grateful to this board for opening my eyes to this aspect of ff programs.

Looking forward to learning more in the coming year.

Yonatan

...not to post "OMNI" in "BUZZ!"
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

The best thing I learned? That FT is here on the web!

1. The great people who are willing to give of their time and knowledge to help others here.

2. RTW fare charts and info.

3. Delta Gold for 12 segments (I wouldn't have made it this year w/o this promo).

As you can tell by my number of posts, I'm still pretty much a "newbie". I remember the welcome wieshes and pointers on the way to get useful responses. I've also begun to recognize the names of those who are the backbone here. You are all most excellent. Even the occasional flamers.

Like so many, the best was the discovery of this board at all.

Also like so many, I'll be completing an AA platinum challenge this week! One year ago I didn't know what a challenge was.

I remember coupon swaps, promotion registrations, hotel advice and so much more.

I've even begun emailing other s off of the board.

And of course just finding kindred spirits was supportive all by itself.

So thank you all! and most of all FT !!

Thumper

Most useful: Even if you're not entitled to it, if you ask for it nicely, you might get it. And if you don't get it on the first try, call back and ask again.
Most heartening: That there are a lot of great people out there who share some of my addictions.

Not to travel with an infant in First Class in front of a seat-kicker on Pakistan Airlines.

Mileage-earning opportunities with car renters are so small now that it's no longer worth writing letters to car renters, airlines, etc., to try to get the miles posted to my FF accounts.

How to convert free AA upgrades to miles in certain circumstances.

I learned what a valuable resource Adam Burke is for HHonors members. And humility - until I met all of you, I was the expert in frequent flyer programs!

That without the Internet, this board and the knowledge it shares could not exist.

By posting a question on this board I got a response from the Starwood Lurker. Question related to being walked at a Starwood hotel. Net result was 9,000 bonus points credited to my account, a special amenity at my next stay at that hotel (yes, I did try it again) and the appointment of a specific Concierge to assist me in the future.