Long distance carriers like Sprint began offering enrollment bonuses - buying and giving away free miles to customers that switched over from other carriers. You could buy products online and earn miles at the same time. So for the first time you could spend miles, not only earn them when shopping. In fact, today you don't ever even have to go near an airport to earn or redeem frequent-flyer miles. The following are Mark Orwoll's suggestions to get the most out of your miles.
Convenience is the key.
Get updates on the various airline web sites and sign up for the airline e-mail newsletters. If you're going to use a credit card consider one affiliated with an airline mileage program. Always check if you can combine miles. Certain airlines have partnerships, such as American and U.S. Airways, and they'll let you mix and match. If you're changing your long-distance carrier see if they offer miles to sign up.