American, by contrast, said that 62% of the 185 billion frequent-flier miles it issued last year went to customers as credit-card rewards, not flying in airplanes.

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We disclosed to the auditor that her reconstruction of her time (21 hours) dealing with this issue was supported by the receipts from all the vendors, her telephone records with calls to all the vendors, her airline tickets (evidenced by American Express card statements) for flying to the property, her rental hotel while dealing with the property, and sworn affidavits from the vendors who dealt only with her.

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Consumers earn more miles these days as rewards from credit-card companies and other vendors rather than from actual flying.

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Are there dollars flying out the window that are adding more to your credit card balance than your lifestyle?

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But card issuers have also been getting into the rewards game for the high-flying set.

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