This post is part of a four-part series. In Part 1, we will look at the mechanics of the AAdvantage program. In Part 2, we’ll look at the mechanics of a stopover, including how to use them to get free oneway trips within North America. In Part 3, we’ll value specific AAdvantage awards. In Part 4, I’ll put a number on one AAdvantage mile.

1) American Airlines has two region-to-region charts, one for travel on American Airlines and one for travel on its partners.

Hey there, you're reading an outdated post! The updated series from April 2015 can be found here.

This is the fifth post in a monthlong series. Each post will take about two minutes to read and may include an action item that takes the reader another two minutes to complete.

Hey there, you're reading an outdated post! The updated series from April 2015 can be found here.

This is the fourth post in a monthlong series. Each post will take about two minutes to read and may include an action item that takes the reader another two minutes to complete.

By popular demand, I've started an email list. You can sign up on the right side bar. Hopefully soon, I'll start a daily email of the posts to those on the email list. And I'll use the list in case of a breaking mistake fare! Sign up right now.

The winner of the random drawing for the free United Club pass was Ridiculous Nicholas, and I've emailed him. I'm sure most of you are hoping he doesn't respond, so you can get another crack at it.

Hey there, you're reading an outdated post! The updated series from April 2015 can be found here.

This is the third post in a monthlong series. Each post will take about two minutes to read and may include an action item that takes the reader another two minutes to complete. I am writing this for an audience of people who know nothing about frequent flier miles, and my goal is that by the end, you know enough to fly for free anywhere you want to go.

The main source of frequent-flier miles is credit card sign up bonuses.

Hey there, you're reading an outdated post! The updated series from April 2015 can be found here.

This is the second post in a monthlong series. Each post will take about two minutes to read and may include an action item that takes the reader another two minutes to complete.

I'll get to the free United Club Pass in a minute, but first, to the readers of Million Mile Secrets, welcome to milevalue.com. This blog is a must read for anyone interested in frequent flier miles and travel:

1) Beginners- Welcome to the miles game. You may never have to pay for a flight again. And if you want to fly for free in seven-foot beds at the front of the plane to exotic destinations, you can do that too! You'll want to start with my Free First Class Next Month series that started today just below this post.

Hey there, you're reading an outdated post! The updated series from April 2015 can be found here.

This is the first post in a monthlong series. Each post will take about two minutes to read and may include an action item that takes the reader another two minutes to complete.

All deals in this post have expired.

Southwest is having a three-day deal giving triple points on purchases at five retailers. The deal expires 3/31/2012.To access the deal, simply go to rapidrewardsshopping.southwest.com. The deal is open to all without any special codes, just search for the applicable retailer, and click the Shop Now button.

What's the deal worth? I'll be basing this on my analysis of the value of a Southwest Rapid Rewards point. Since it's a fixed-value program, your value should be the same.

Do you subscribe to the Top 20 from Travelzoo? I recommend it because each week there are a few truly incredible deals. Let's take a look at a few from this week.

1) Fly nonstop from LAX-Puerto Vallarta for $313 r/t or Cabo for $333 r/t. Flights from SFO are slightly more. I have no doubt this is a good cash price, and the page says these prices are $200 off the normal price.  But for me, this deal just highlights how valuable Avios are.