It's been another great year at FT... what was the best thing that you've learned from here?

For me, it's defintely the Mexican Hat Dance that we've been discussing in the AC/CP thread!

Hilton's UA Nights promotion

in early spring 2000 PremEx reported about UA mentioning in their 1K-kit brochure, that a new 1K (qualifying only during year 2000) should have 6 systemwide Upgrades enclosed with the new 1K-kit (the brochure said so, but those systemwides were never enclosed).

With the help of my little sister (with a BIG heart) I really got them (they showed on my account nov-30-200, received per snail mail in mid-dec-2000).

I value one of those systemwides more than 40'000 miles (for a transatlantic upgrade), as I can use them on any fare and on longer journeys (several continents) if no stop-over involved. So I value 6 systemwides like a total of at least 240'000 miles, probably even above 300'000 miles for me.

[This message has been edited by Rudi (edited 12-26-2000).]

delete

Hilton's Fast Track to Gold VIP offer (because of the easy 55,000 points)

beeing not that long a flyertalker , the best thing I have learned was something Rudi mentioned at the side: look for connecting flights instead of direct flights (if you have time).
there really are connections where you get double miles and double segments for just 10-20$ more.

I learned about crazy routings to maximize miles.
Also, MILEAGE RUNS. This board gave me the nerve to do 'em.

Dan

I've learned that there are still lots of fun people with big hearts and that are just as crazy as me about frequent flying.

The more miles you fly, the better the benefits get

Unquestionably the USA/Amex small business promotion: I earned in excess of 60k bonus miles as a result of signing up. Before FT, I never even knew to look for promotions to enroll in.. I naively thought "they" enrolled you automatically in these things

Thanks gang for all the wonderful insights I received in 2000!

1. I learned about unpublished promotions, for example, several that are now on the CO board for earning bonus miles;
2. Learned of and posted several good mileage run routings and fares; and
3. Insights from the trip reports, and the ability to do a search about a city, airport, or hotel.

Since running up on this site in June I've learned about Hilton Honors, Starwood, how to maximize mileage, get freebies, points, knowledge.
The best thing, IMO, is there are a lot of people on this board who are willing to take time out of their busy day to help a friend or stranger. Since we are all individuals with different opinions we have many differing views, thus the flame wars. I've learned to take what I like and leave the rest. Thanks to all who have answered my questions and guided me during the short time I've been a member of this board. May we all prosper, remain healthy and happy in 2001. Thanks for the information and thanks for the giggles!

[This message has been edited by anz5708 (edited 12-26-2000).]

I do not know whom to credit, but the American Airlines Top Tier Bonus netted me a lot of additional miles. I really appreciate the sharing attitude of this board. There are lots of miles to be had if you just know how and where to go. I could go on and on, but suffice it to say the time I spend here is time well spent. Thanks to all and wishes for a prosperous 2001.

Empress -

Thank You for this wonderful, and thoughtful, topic. What I learned this year was that there are a large number of very nice people out there in our virtual comminity that are willing to help a "2000 newbie" (like me) to maximize my travel experience - and my "points"! To all of y'all that answered my "newbie" questions I say THANK YOU and may you all have a Happy, Safe, and prosperous 2001!

dAAvid -

This is a great thread!!

1. the kindness of what would otherwise be strangers. Having dinner with wonderful people in faraway places, people who become my friends.

2. The value of becoming a 1K on UA. The SWUs thing, getting them mid-year (I qualified in October)