Hi all:

I am a new frequent flyer.

I am 22, just graduated from school and am a new consultant.

I've been flying every week since September.

My current client is in San Diego and I am from San Jose area.

My current loyalties are:

Hilton HHonors - Diamond VIP - 320,000 Points. (Double Dipped points for a long time, now using variable miles with Northwest)

Marriott Rewards - Silver VIP - 25,000 Points

Southwest - 37 Credits since enrolled - A List Member

Northwest - (no status) - 48,000 miles (lifetime)

United - - (no status) - 23,000 miles

Avis First

With Avis, I cross it with United.

American Express ~ 8,000 pts / month.

I currently have to stay in Residence Inn when there is availability, but when there is not, I stay at Hilton.

Here are a few questions.

1. Will anyone match status when I am "A" List on Southwest?
2. Does Marriott match or challenge? - I've called 4 times - each time, they all say no.
3. What can I do to maximize my points, and ensure I am platinum everywhere.
4. What else can I maximize?

I know Starwood seemed pretty willing to match, but I don't want to "waste" my status match because its once in a lifetime.

My Desires:

Fly to Beijing for free with just miles from May 1 - May 24 (non busy season - and buying the ticket now ish)

Alternative

I could fly a non-direct flight to San Diego and receive a 1000 miles with United every week, but my coworkers say "DO NOT DO IT!"

Help

I have no help on the hotel issue but as to airlines - stick with one and get some status!

And the heck with your coworkers - if you can reasonably conveniently fly a longer routing, e.g., SJC/SFO-LAX-SAN, then do it.

Egads! - I only take the shortest routing when Mrs. gre is along, and sometimes I even tell her a little fib saying that I couldn't find a nonstop.

I doubt anyone will match your A List Status with Southwest