Carrie,

Thanks for your great question. From your message I am not clear about whether or not you intend to purchase a low fare economy ticket and use miles to upgrade. This would be my recommendation. Therefore, I will base my response on that premise. (For "free mileage" travel, follow the same steps, just earn more miles).

My first recommendation is that you get an American Express card. American Express seems to have one of the most generous mileage programs, and the miles can be transferred to a number of airlines (Membership Rewards). This way you can build miles with your normal purchases. Since this is the Christmas shopping season, use your mile-earning credit cards or American Express card to build those miles with your Christmas shopping. Currently, Delta Airlines has a code-share flight with China Southern to Guangzhou. If this is a convenient city for your travels, then you might want to consider the Delta Sky Miles Card, issued by American Express; you will earn bonus miles starting with an enrollment bonus of up to 15,000 miles. Otherwise, take a look at what airline serves your needs best, and check to see if that airline has a miles earning credit card.

Additionally, now might be a good time to start researching ticket pricing. The Asia financial crisis seems to be waning and, as a result, flights to Asia are becoming fuller; this is resulting in increased airfares. You probably do not need to purchase your ticket now, but it is a good idea to start watching fares in the event a special sale is offered.

For additional mile building opportunities, take a look at my past column, Earning Frequent Flyer Miles.

Good Luck.

--Joel