I just came across this from the website of the (Spartanburg, S.C.) Herald-Journal:
http://goupstate.us/index.php/lanefi...11/02/title_14

Looks like Gov. Mike Huckabee is a member of the AAA, Marriott Rewards, and U.S. Air, among other "frequent flyer clubs."

This is just a lighthearted question, but is U.S. Air Dividend miles the best program for Huckabee? For him, the ideal airline has to have service to LIT, DSM, MHT, CHS, and maybe FLL.

In seriousness, I'm not endorsing Huckabee here, but it's good that at least one of the candidates knows what its like to face security, ATC delays, and 29-inch pitch.

It makes me think, would any frequent flyer programs make sense for any of the other candidates?

For example, Sen. Barack Obama might sign up for UA Mileage Plus: just like him, United's got a hub in Chicago, has experience in SE Asia, and has ushered in a new era of unity among competing interests (i.e. United was a founding member of Star Alliance).

Any other ideas for Gov. Huckabee, or any of the other candidates? (P.S. Please don't automatically move this to a secret political forum!)

If they were travelling alone, maybe -- but there's all those support and press bodies to deal with

Soooo... the charter-plane & -bus (& Hillachopper) operators get the business.

Do you think the Main Street Express (John Edwards' outfit) offers some kind of frequent flier miles to journalists? I think I remember reading that the press corps actually reimburses travel costs when reporters travel with candidates or government officials (e.g. with the president on Air Force One). They'd be crazy to give up the chance at all those miles.

And for Huckabee, the article says this:
"He needs the frequent-flier cards because he travels on normal planes - US Airways for this trip. He needs the credit cards and cash because he pays for stuff. Some candidates have their staff handle the taxis and tips, but his national field director is his daughter, Sarah, so he's probably used to grabbing the tab."

reporters have to pay their own fare, even on AF1. the government actually charges $1 over the cost of a FC ticket, so they're not "competing" with commerical airlines. however, many of them will pay for it with their own CC, and get reimbursed, so they do earn points that way

I wonder if AF1 offers any QUPs.