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In this first podcast of a series on airline award bookings we discuss the basics of how we use our miles and an overview of different award types. In future podcasts, over the next few weeks, we will discuss specific reward programs and alliances in greater detail.

In addition we discussed JAL's decision between SkyTeam and OneWorld, although that dicussion seems a bit dated now.  Please send in your recent award redemptions stories and questions for our next few airline award booking shows.

This is probably the shortest elite status podcast ever but we covered some listener questions about BMI Diamond Club. Since we recorded this last week there have been some changes - Fozz will be posting some updates on his blog about this soon.

This week we discuss BMI, their frequent flyer program, and why so many Upgrd contributors have BMI Gold status as one of their "backup" programs.

Please send in your comments about BMI's program or anything we missed or has changed.

This week we are joined by Phil from nycaviation.com to discuss planespotting in and around the airport. NYCAviation is an airline news and resource organization geared towards enthusiasts. for the past 6 years, they have looked to serve those with a passion for aviation even far outside New York both on and off of the internet. We discuss:

• The recent Hawaiian airlines flight that turned back due to a passenger comment card
• Matthew's recent blog post about theft in the air
• Phil's experience working for a charter airline and the effects of long days in the air
• Planespotting do's and dont's and what nycaviation.com is doing to promote the activity and work constructively with airports and law enforcement to make it more effective for everyone.

Please leave your questions or comments below.

This week's frequent flyer podcast covers some news and our predictions for 2010. If last year's predictions are any indication only thing I can predict with certainty is how broken our crystal balls are. We discussed:

• Continental CEO forgoes pay until profitable http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/business/6798733.html
• Our travel goals for 2010
• Our guess as to whether or not double elite qualifying miles (DEQM) will be back and how many times it will be offered.
• Our predictions for upcoming changes to frequent flyer programs and the airlines.

Please send in your predictions or add them to the comments below.

As 2009 comes to a close we record our thoughts on the year and review our predictions from January.  Due to the holidays we were unable to get everyone online at the same time. So Matt, Matthew, Fozz, Mike and a special guest recorded when we could. So be prepared for people coming in and out of the conversation.

We are not recording again until the later in the first week of January, so look for the next Upgrd podcast shortly thereafter. In the mean time make sure you check out the first episode of The Crew Lounge which will be online shortly after the new year.

Thank you to all our readers, listeners and guests for making 2009 a great year!

This week we are joined by Sara from theflyingpinto.com blog and Bobby from upupandagay.com. Both are bloggers working in the airline industry who have a special announcement about a new Upgrd podcast coming up soon. We also discussed:

• Craig Ferguson's recent rant against Continental Airlines
• Continental Airlines recent announcement about new benefits
• The 787 first flight
• Tipping shuttle drivers
• The importance of "please" and "thank you"
• The new podcast format and content

Send in your topics for the new show!