I had a client contact me wanting to get to the Seychelles with United miles next year. Good thing she didn't contact me next week when United miles will only have one option to the Seychelles.

The ability to book on Qatar with United miles ends Friday, 9/14/12. (Qatar cannot be booked with US Airways miles presently.)

I was worried over the weekend that United had prematurely pulled Qatar space.

Hey there, you're reading an outdated post!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

This is the twenty-sixth post in a monthlong series that started here. 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.

Yesterday, I talked about using delta.com for award searches.

Friday night 12 readers and I met at Guelaguetza Restaurant near downtown Los Angeles for the first ever MileValue dinner. Eating, drinking, and socializing lasted the better part of three hours.

Before, during, and after the dinner I had a chance to talk with everyone about their upcoming trips, miles-redemption strategy, and miles-earning tricks.

Amazing tips were circulated by readers. One person brought a pen and paper to take notes, and I think we all wished we had. Two tips in particular stood out to me.

UPDATE: Qatar space is still bookable. That's the good news. The bad news is that there will be more errors than usual online when trying to book. And if you call, many agents believe they can't book Qatar or that they can't book Qatar flights that depart on 9/15 or later. Hang up and call back until you get a competent agent. My clients are headed to the Seychelles on Qatar with United miles, and you can too...

Hey there, you're reading an outdated post!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

This is the twenty-sixth 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.

Commenter Jarred won the certificate and has been emailed. If he doesn't reply, we'll go back to random.org.

Hey there, you're reading an outdated post!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

This is the twenty-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.

Garrett, a generous reader, has donated a Hyatt Platinum Extras Certificate. I called Hyatt to ask about it and was told that the certificate is non-transferable, but I suspect any Hyatt Platinum will be able to use the certificate.

There is a space on the certificate to write in your information including Hyatt number.

Hey there, you're reading an outdated post!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

This is the twenty-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. 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.

This post presents the basics of using aa.com for award bookings.

Qantas and Emirates have announced a joint venture. (Story in audio or text format.)

My first thought was: "If they merge, can I now use my AA miles on an Emirates A380 in First Class?"

First things first: this is not a merger, just a joint venture. And Emirates has reiterated it has no interest in joining an alliance.

The loyalty programs of Qantas and Emirates are merging.