Whenever I get a big, new influx of readers, I try to post a quick Best Of, so they can get a flavor for what MileValue is all about. (I've also started to tag some posts this way. See the right side of the screen -->)

Free Oneways on United Awards

Free Oneways on United Awards is my most viewed post of all time.

Hey there, you're reading an outdated post!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

This is the thirtieth and final 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.

You did it! You passed Miles Collecting 101.

1. Frugal Travel Guy posted an awesome rundown of the major credit-card issuers' rules on how far apart applications must be and how churnable their bonuses are. I have it bookmarked for my future use.

There are five cardinal rules of American Airlines award tickets that I wanted to put together in one place for reference. All AA awards must comply with these rules and several other minor ones.

You should consult this post when planning an AA award, especially if you are trying to add a stopover or free oneway.

1. Stopovers are not allowed on American Airlines awards.

All connections on purely domestic itineraries must be less than four hours. All connections on international awards must be less than 24 hours.

2.

I am excited to announce that I will be bringing on an intern as soon as possible to work approximately ten hours per week writing for this site. I invite all those interested to apply via email.

The internship will be unpaid and will consist of researching and writing five posts per week that will form a new feature on this blog--sorry, I can't give more information yet. I estimate this time commitment at ten hours per week, but it could be less.

I am looking for a good writer with solid grammar and a facility for explanation.

Hey there, you're reading an outdated post!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

This is the twenty-ninth 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.

About six months ago, I earned United Silver Status, my first ever airline status. And two months ago, the status finally showed up in my account. (Why the delay? See: "A Quixotic Quest to United Silver Status")

My first United flight since earning the status was Labor Day, September 3. I had booked a oneway economy award on United's direct Pittsburgh to LAX flight for 12,500 miles.

I was happy to get the only direct flight for 12,500 miles when it was selling for $600.

These offers have expired. Click here for the top current credit card sign up bonuses.

I've added a new page--Best Current Credit Card Offers--which should always be clickable at the top of the page. So far, I've just put the top ten in terms of absolute value.

I should be adding more cards, and a list of the top cards by rebate percentage this week.

Commenter Jordan. Thanks to all those who entered.

1) Yesterday's incredible JetBlue deal ends today at 11:59 PM ET. Anyone can get $100 off on a roundtrip fare and enjoy the best economy class in the US. I got a roundtrip from Burbank to Vegas for $25.

2) A reader passed along an email he got from TACA LifeMiles--and I got the same--saying that any activity in his LifeMiles account would result in a 500 mile bonus.