Another great idea is if you do travel for business try to get the same airline and the same hotel chain for your business trips. I have done this to get at least a free one way flight not only for myself, but for family when they have needed it. Also with the hotel frequent, try to stick to one chain that gives out good perks like Hilton or Marriott. Its great to know that you have a free place to go to at a nice hotel which actually saves money on trips in the future. My situation is that I frequently travel for my work and my food budget (which I grocery shop) gets reimbursed up to a certain limit. In regards to the airlines with the free flight situation, also remember alliances that certain airlines are with.
In my case I am based out of Charlotte which is a major hub for US Airlines. I have a UNITED Frequent Flyer Account. I am able to use my UNITED FF account for US Airways flights because of their alliance within the Star Alliance Network. Delta and there SkyMiles program is part of another multi airline alliance where the airlines will recognize the Delta FF account. Same with American and the oneWorld alliance. Just depends on where you are going to try and get as many airline miles so that you can pay as close to nothing as possible.
