> Forget about maximizing points for your personal bookings.
I agree that trying to maximize points to gain free travel is often not worth it for non-business travelers, but sticking as much as possible with one airline to gain a higher frequent flyer status can make your travel a lot more comfortable. Higher status allows you check in bags for free, airport lounge access for free, picking your seats for free, but most importantly you can bypass the ridiculously long lines for check in and sometimes get priority security screening as well.
I agree that trying to maximize points to gain free travel is often not worth it for non-business travelers, but sticking as much as possible with one airline to gain a higher frequent flyer status can make your travel a lot more comfortable. Higher status allows you check in bags for free, airport lounge access for free, picking your seats for free, but most importantly you can bypass the ridiculously long lines for check in and sometimes get priority security screening as well.