How Did I Become the Million Miler Mom?

Back in 2003, I was planning to study abroad in South Africa and, at the time, the only carrier that flew between the US and South Africa was South African Airways. Since it was a long-haul, the travel agent helping my classmates and I recommended signing up for the Delta SkyMiles program since we would earn the equivalent of a domestic round trip. I graduated college and started to travel on my own and was about 75% Delta/25% other carriers. I soon learned that the key to earning miles and getting the upgrades was loyalty and I soon became an almost exclusive Delta flyer. I achieved Medallion status in my mid-20s and have maintained some level of Elite status for more than a decade (having 3 kids has set me back a few times, but I have always gotten back on track quickly). Between my Delta credit cards, my loyalty to Delta (and the SkyTeam Alliance), I am fully reaping the benefits.