The End of Year Status Run Help Consolidated Request Thread [Archive]

gleff

Nov 20, 04, 7:27 pm

In the spirit of tvl4free's 2001 endeavor, 12/31 is FAST approaching....anyone in 'A WORLD OF HURT' to qualify? (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=272401), I thought it might make sense to start a consolidated thread where folks could request end of year assistance in qualifying for their preferred elite status.

As tvl4free explained so eloquently, I was wondering if there's anyone out there who is really in 'a world of hurt.' Someone who, perhaps, REALLY needs a little FTer buddy help - and who REALLY needs that status.

This thread is ONLY for the most desperate!

And maybe ONLY the most difficult challenges, please...???

(No reason to post a need for 2,000 miles or 4 segments here! ^ )

There are alot of savvy people who regularly contribute to this board. I was thinking that if FTers combine our collective resources...that we might be able to help spread a little Christmas cheer...???

From those seeking advise, FTers will need to know:

1. No. of miles/segments that you have at present.
2. How many more miles/segments will it take to reach your goal.
3. Where are you are based.
4. Whether or not there is some place specific that you would really like to go.
5. Dates you are available to travel are must a must - in both directions, please!

(Please do not post a request unless you provide us with these dates - cause it's what FTers need to help you the most!).

6. Also, it would help if you mentioned the budget, please!

Come on fellow FTers, jump in and help spread a little (lasting) Christmas cheer!

Isn't the 'gift of status' appropriate for this time of year?I'll certainly help where I can, but no doubt those even more skilled at this than I am will be able to lend a helping hand!

silver springer

Nov 21, 04, 3:58 pm

gleff

Nov 21, 04, 6:44 pm

While I am not in a world of hurt, I am in spitting distance of 1K on United if I use the double EQM promotion.

So here is the request..... From WAS, time period December 3-5, I need a route that will earn 4000 EQMs but not in fare class S or T, and cost under $300. If at all possible, I would prefer not to use TED but I will do so for shorter legs. I was thinking of LAS by going to SFO first and then SFO to LAS on Ted. But I am open to other possibilities......I have a hard time finding fares that are not S or T class.

Thanks in advance.....
Are you looking to rack up 4000 flown miles (and thus 8k EQM) or really just 4000 EQM?

This one should be pretty easy to accomplish, though other folks will likely chime in on the best route. Here are a couple of easy solutions assuming you need to FLY 4000 miles:

1) A simple roundtrip IAD-OAK using fare basis WA7UNI for $338 (7 day advance purchase fare) would solve your problem and avoid TED. That's actually cheaper than the lowest W fare IAD-LAS (~ $380).

2) There's also a $255 + tax fare, WELHOLN1, IAD-SNA. Same day turn is available for about another $100.

Now, if all you needed was 2000 EQM then all you'd need is 4 segments... like IAD-ORD-CLE using WELHOLN1 $137 + tax.

Give me a better idea of what you'd like to do and I'll pull an itinerary...

bnarayan1511

Nov 21, 04, 8:01 pm

jd2601

Nov 21, 04, 8:17 pm

lbbzman

Nov 21, 04, 8:17 pm

Hi all.

Never taken a MR, but I've been lurking this forum for some time. I must admit that it would be VERY tempting if I were just closer to the threshold. As it stands now, I'll need 44026 EQMs to make EXP on AA (you DID say that this thread was for the most desperate/difficult). Any MRs for me would be ex-DFW, beginning 12/4 at the earliest, through the end of the month.

I've been playing with the tools in the sticky and so far have found this:

DFW-ORD-MCO-SEA-BOI-SEA-MCO-ORD-DFW for $532. This would net me 9722 EQMs (far short of the 44,000 I need). All flights are on AA/AS.

Anyone see any extensions of this MR that could get me what I need? I've read some of the discussions on the value of a mile, and this one comes out to 5.47 c/status mile, 2.60 c/total mile. Definitely not as good as I've seen from some folks on the board, but like I said, I'm a first-timer.

44,000 seems insurmountable at this point. I just thought that since the invitation was given earlier in the thread, I'd see what your ideas were.

Cheers,
lbbzman

jcooke

Nov 21, 04, 8:49 pm

I will have 99330 tier miles after this. Will US just waive that? This is the first year I have been CP (qualified last year) and this will be my first requalification attempt.

If not, what is the cheapest way to get the miles required? I am looking too but any help would be appreciated because there are some date constraints for travel that make this an especially vexing problem. :confused:

I cannot travel before December 12th.

I am flying to Europe (award ticket, no miles :( ) from December 22 - December 30. Days I have available are very limited due to other committments. I could do a quick one-day turnaround on one of these days only:
Dec. 13, Dec. 14, Dec. 17, Dec. 18, Dec. 19, Dec. 20

Any and all suggestions much appreciated :)

Don't chance the status. Here are two cheap, relatively quick, and dirty runs. Credit these to your US account and you're set!

December 14:
PIT-IAD UA7926 0610 0729 (SF3)
IAD-PIT UA5346 0850 0953 (CRJ)
Total: 111.70 all-in.

or

December 14:
PIT-IAD UA7926 0610 0729 (SF3)
IAD-LGA UA846 0840 1003 (319)
LGA-PIT UA1784 1050 1220 (737 - US Metal)
Total: 105.30 all-in.

-JC

amislove

Nov 21, 04, 10:14 pm

Hi all - I'm a CO Gold with 59,500 EQMs so far this year. I'm thinking of going for Platinum, which leaves me needing 15,500 EQMs. Unfortunately, I'm in IAH, which makes things difficult for finding mileage runs. I can travel pretty much any day up to the 22nd of December out of IAH or AUS. I'm hoping to keep the cost to under $500, but I'm not sure if its possible.

What I've found so far are a 12/6-12/8 run IAH-EWR-PHL-EWR-IAH at $220, nested with a run PHL-EWR-DTW-CLE-IAH-LAX-IAH-ATL-CLE-EWR-PHL at $240, for a total of 11,388 EQMS at $460 (or 4.0 cents/mile). I have free lodging in EWR, so I've also investigated going into ZFV and "skipping" the Amtrak segments (although these only give 125 EQMs each, instead of 500 for flying).

Does anyone have any better ideas? Also, most of the segments need to be on CO metal, due to the partner EQM "enhancements" to the OnePass program. Thanks in advance for your help!

ajacpril

Nov 21, 04, 10:17 pm

I am assuming that you want to get to EXP and are willing to shell out the requisite amount of $$$. At the very cheapest a good MR (by my standards) earns an EQM for 3 cents. With this time crunch, you might not be able to hit that number, but here is something that could help.

I was not able to look up exact dates, but BOS-HNL-BOS RT nested within a FLL-BOS-FLL RT nested within a DFW-FLL-DFW RT to yield DFW-FLL-BOS-DFW-HNL-DFW-BOS-FLL-DFW can yield about 15,400 miles for $800 ish. Do this 3 times and you are home :)) (Travelocity)

Then there is DFW-ZRH-FCO-ZRH-DFW O/B on AA38 + AA6299 on 12/9 and I/B on AA6300 + AA37 on 12/13 that nets 11,450 for $550 (Travelocity).

There is also an LHR run documented here http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=370691

Hope something works for you.

Hi all.

Never taken a MR, but I've been lurking this forum for some time. I must admit that it would be VERY tempting if I were just closer to the threshold. As it stands now, I'll need 44026 EQMs to make EXP on AA (you DID say that this thread was for the most desperate/difficult). Any MRs for me would be ex-DFW, beginning 12/4 at the earliest, through the end of the month.

I've been playing with the tools in the sticky and so far have found this:

DFW-ORD-MCO-SEA-BOI-SEA-MCO-ORD-DFW for $532. This would net me 9722 EQMs (far short of the 44,000 I need). All flights are on AA/AS.

Anyone see any extensions of this MR that could get me what I need? I've read some of the discussions on the value of a mile, and this one comes out to 5.47 c/status mile, 2.60 c/total mile. Definitely not as good as I've seen from some folks on the board, but like I said, I'm a first-timer.

44,000 seems insurmountable at this point. I just thought that since the invitation was given earlier in the thread, I'd see what your ideas were.

Cheers,
lbbzman

silver springer

Nov 22, 04, 4:19 am

Are you looking to rack up 4000 flown miles (and thus 8k EQM) or really just 4000 EQM?

This one should be pretty easy to accomplish, though other folks will likely chime in on the best route. Here are a couple of easy solutions assuming you need to FLY 4000 miles:

1) A simple roundtrip IAD-OAK using fare basis WA7UNI for $338 (7 day advance purchase fare) would solve your problem and avoid TED. That's actually cheaper than the lowest W fare IAD-LAS (~ $380).

2) There's also a $255 + tax fare, WELHOLN1, IAD-SNA. Same day turn is available for about another $100.

Now, if all you needed was 2000 EQM then all you'd need is 4 segments... like IAD-ORD-CLE using WELHOLN1 $137 + tax.

Give me a better idea of what you'd like to do and I'll pull an itinerary...

I need 8000 EQMs so 4000 flown miles on United before December 15, again in any class but S and T. I would like to minimize cost, as I still have to factor in the $150 in addition to the flight cost for 4000 miles in my quest to get 1K. I would be willing to do a one day mileage run if needed or if spending the weekend, would like to go somewhere where I can stay inexpensively.

Many thanks.

gleff

Nov 22, 04, 4:41 am

I have 87122 tier miles presently. I have ticketed the following two itineraries for December.

PIT-PHL-SAN-SFO
SFO-CLT-PIT
6166 Tier miles, $249 all in.

PIT-PHL-SFO
SFO-PHL-PIT
6042 miles, $278 all in.

I will have 99330 tier miles after this. Will US just waive that? This is the first year I have been CP (qualified last year) and this will be my first requalification attempt.

If not, what is the cheapest way to get the miles required? I am looking too but any help would be appreciated because there are some date constraints for travel that make this an especially vexing problem. If anyone's going to waive the requirement of 100k actual qualifying miles, it'll probably be USAirways. But I'm not enough of a US expert to promise that they will and you're more than 500 miles off... So I personally wouldn't risk it.

I'd take one of two approaches: I'd either reroute one of the existing tickets, but I don't know your dates of travel so don't know how it'll price out to reticket now.

Or I'd just but a quick same-day turn short roundtrip. All you need are two segments with the 500 mile imnimum and you're done. I assume you're based in PIT from the 2 itineraries you mention. So what about PIT-ORD same day for $141 all-in and you can be done with the whole thing in a few hours? There are probably even cheaper routes with no roundtrip required, that was just the first one I checked.

gleff

Nov 22, 04, 5:00 am

I am very much a novice at this. I need 5,000 elite qualifying miles with Northwest. I fly out of MSP. Travel dates available Nov. 26,27,28, Dec. 4,5 or 11,12. Any suggestions would be very much appreciated. I am trying to figure out low fares. Thanks
5000 EQM is easy, but out of MSP can be pricey and location-wise means either building trips with funky connections or flying beyond the continental US.

Guess it depends on what you want to do. Florida destinations are relatively cheap but you'll need to build a double connection like MSP-IAH-EWR-FLL/JAX/Etc.

Or you can fly MSP-SEA-ANC and return for just over 5000 miles. Depart ~ 5pm on the 11th, catch the return flight just after midnight and you have no hotel needed. It's expensive @ $450 but won't take much time and won't cost you a hotel night.

You can head to Paris and back for ~ $500, so you might make a mini-trip out of it... say to a significant other, "wanna go to Paris for dinner?" (of course 2 tickets doubles your cost and int'l doesn't come with complimentary upgrades...)

gleff

Nov 22, 04, 5:11 am

I need 8000 EQMs so 4000 flown miles on United before December 15, again in any class but S and T. I would like to minimize cost, as I still have to factor in the $150 in addition to the flight cost for 4000 miles in my quest to get 1K. I would be willing to do a one day mileage run if needed or if spending the weekend, would like to go somewhere where I can stay inexpensively.

Same-day return BWI-SJC booked in W for $324 + tax, no hotel req'd... Try same day BWI-LAS as well.

Note I'm assuming you're looking for BWI departures. Please confirm? Also if you want a weekend trip lemme know where...

silver springer

Nov 22, 04, 5:32 am

Same-day return BWI-SJC booked in W for $324 + tax, no hotel req'd... Try same day BWI-LAS as well.

Note I'm assuming you're looking for BWI departures. Please confirm? Also if you want a weekend trip lemme know where...

Thanks Gary. I prefer BWI but also willing to go to IAD. I read your weblog all the time and really enjoy it--I have profited from a USA today free subscription and other goodies.

I will try your suggestions on SJC and LAS. How do you guarantee it will be booked in W? Do you use the United website, Expedia/Travelocity? My only other option is to call the premex line.

If I had a weekend run for December 3-5, I would prefer SMF, SAN or LAS, but will consider the one day mileage run. I just came back from a trip to Thailand this week in economy plus but looked longing at people in C, so I think the SWUs from 1 K are worth trying for for next year!

pmv

Nov 22, 04, 6:20 am

VPS my home airport, but PNS, PFN, MOB, and MGM all easily doable.

the catch.... only have Dec 13th onward to complete the run. :(

Any suggestions?

Thanks!

bnarayan1511

Nov 22, 04, 7:16 am

JC, gleff,

Thanks for the replies. I decided to follow your advice and not chance US being in a generous mood and have ticketed myself on UA (crediting miles to US) flying PIT-IAD-PIT on 12/18 (Saturday) for $96.70 all in. That should put me over the threshold ^

rufus102

Nov 22, 04, 10:08 am

Here is my request:

I'm 2P on UA with 21k YTD EQM - would like to maintain my 2P status for my yearly OZ trip in E+.

I would prefer a single day trip out of BDL, but I figure NYC is my best option. I would prefer it to be a work day, but not with a red-eye return (like a transcon), so I can make work the next day. I could do the red-eye return if it was a friday trip. i.e: return the same night if the next day is a work day. Return first thing the next morning if it's a fri/sat. I would like to keep the price under $200. I would prefer a 4 segement return, so I could use the 500 min to achieve my goal without having to travel so long. Destination unimportant.

I don't want to travel over turkey weekend, or the week before Christmas.

I should have jumped on the JFK-ONT when I had the chance.

Thank You in advance if you can help me. :)

penelope

Nov 22, 04, 11:12 am

gbeaumont

Nov 22, 04, 11:57 am

Hello, I am a first year Prestige member of Aeroplan and am trying for Elite Status

I have 18500 Status Miles and need another 16,500.

My home airport is YVR and I am available to travel during the weeks of Dec 6 - 10, 13 - 17. I am looking for inexpensive of course!

thanks

lbbzman

Nov 22, 04, 12:25 pm

mbreuer

Nov 22, 04, 12:47 pm

I'm looking for CO 11,000 EQMs to make Gold. I can travel from New York 3-6/12, 10-13/12 or 17-20/12.

Happy to spend up to $1,000 but can't figure a single domestic run that would do it, even in 1st. Would like to include London, preferably in VS Premium, but it looks like CO only credits 100% for this class.

Thanks in advance if you have any advice.

I was playing with this too, looking to see about 13k miles... but I don't think I'm up for it. That said, I did find a not-too-painful route which would have yielded me about 11k EQM from EWR... Try 12/10-12/11 or 12/11-12/12, multiple cities, ewr->lax->phl (12/10 or 11), phl->lax->ewr (next day). many choices between around $420 and $500. I played with a variety of other choices, but that was the best I found... unfortunately, I need 13k, not 11k, and while worth the $$, I just don't think I have the time. Others have suggested some even more creative routes, but I can't figure out how to book them and get 100%eqm.

One other routing which sometimes yields alot of EQM: sfo-hnl. co.com routes via EWR - I've seen this below $700... for about $900, you can do ewr->sfo->ewr->hnl->ewr->sfo->ewr. phl or zfv are sometimes less, sometimes more.

gleff

Nov 22, 04, 12:59 pm

$219 for BDL-IAD-LAS or BDL-ORD-LAS same-day turn. That gets you over 4k miles.

Or you mentioned segments, you could do 2 same-day roundtrips, BDL-BWI with a connection each way on US? Prices out @ $118 apiece. I can actually get 7 segments in in a single day for under $200 with this city pair, but every time I insert an 8th I can't seem to hold the price. Haven't worked it much harder.

Here is my request:

I'm 2P on UA with 21k YTD EQM - would like to maintain my 2P status for my yearly OZ trip in E+.

I would prefer a single day trip out of BDL, but I figure NYC is my best option. I would prefer it to be a work day, but not with a red-eye return (like a transcon), so I can make work the next day. I could do the red-eye return if it was a friday trip. i.e: return the same night if the next day is a work day. Return first thing the next morning if it's a fri/sat. I would like to keep the price under $200. I would prefer a 4 segement return, so I could use the 500 min to achieve my goal without having to travel so long. Destination unimportant.

I don't want to travel over turkey weekend, or the week before Christmas.

I should have jumped on the JFK-ONT when I had the chance.

Thank You in advance if you can help me. :)

Zaphod

Nov 22, 04, 2:18 pm

Ok, here's a tricky one: I'm about 30k miles short of LH SEN (that I would need to do ex-Europe, ideally close to Germany). The best thing I've come up with so far is an LH business fare ATH-NYC with three stops each way (which yields about 33k inlcuding executive bonus) for about EUR 1600.

Any ideas for something cheaper? I'd be more than grateful...

logisnews

Nov 22, 04, 3:06 pm

Hi, I'm UA 1P and want to go for 1K. I have 60,156 EQM so far.

I put together these two trips (overlapping):

OGG-LAX-LAS-LAS-OGG (FLYING FISH SAYS 11,944 MILES WITH EQMX2 BONUS
LAX-HKG-LAX (FLYING FISH SAYS 29,044 miles with bonus (hkg has a 3 day turnaround)

So that gives me 40,988 MILES which is just enough to get 1K.

My cost will be ~$1200 plus the cost of 3 nights hotel in HKG.

I can get to LAX at no cost but I live in Maui.

So I figure whenit's all said and done my 1K status will cost me around $1650 based on where I am today.

Any input on that? I don't care where I go and would prefer to just keep flying but a 3 day turn in HKG didn't seem too bad. I considerdd a back to back LAX-HKG-LAX and an overlap of HKG-LAX-HKG but the fares ex-HKG were expensive.

rufus102

Nov 22, 04, 3:46 pm

jhaledor

Nov 22, 04, 3:54 pm

ef560

Nov 22, 04, 4:04 pm

What a great thread! My CO/Onepass status is almost at Platinum, would be great to get it the next tier before year end:

1. No. of miles/segments that you have at present. 63,224 EQM

2. How many more miles/segments will it take to reach your goal. 11,776 EQM

3. Where are you are based. Newark/EWR
4. Whether or not there is some place specific that you would really like to go. Mileage run / No preference

5. Dates you are available to travel are must a must - in both directions, please! 12/10-12/12 or 12/18-12/22 or 12/27-12/29

Thanks in advance!

KMIAD

Nov 22, 04, 5:43 pm

gleff

Nov 22, 04, 6:11 pm

First off, thx to all of you for sharing u'r experience & wisdom on FT. Recently discovered this site from a colleague who's 1K. I just started serious travel last half of this year on new job. Am 5103 miles ("BIS" miles I believe you pros call it) short of UA EQM for 2P. (Yes, already registered for dbl EQM promo...so 5103 miles would get me the 10206 I need for 2P). IAD closest to me. Could care less where I go. Constraints: prefer not to overnight if at all possible; and only window for a possible run is Sat., 12/11 (slopping into part of Sun., 12/12, if necessary). Any wisdom, ideas u might share would be appreciated. Thx..and happy Thanksgiving to all.
Welcome to Flyertalk.

This is easy, actually.

You can do a same-day turn on 12/11 without too much difficulty. For instance, IAD-LAX-OAK-IAD gets you the required mileage.

The key is that you're doing it before 12/15 and then you have to make sure you aren't buying an S or T fare. Same day IAD-OAK comes up @ $250 but you can't buy it b/c it'll price in S or T....

gleff

Nov 22, 04, 6:16 pm

Can fly the last two weeks of December...want to make Exec Plat on AA. Any suggestions. Looking at a flight to Paris that would net me 8306 and I would still be short 5036, but am looking at other options to get the entire 13342. My home city is Chicago. I don't even know if it's possible to get 13342 miles without flying half-way around the world. Any suggestions?You can do it all in one with a Pacific trip. ORD-NRT and return won't quite cut it, but a connection in DFW will. But Paris plus a transcon with a connection in California will do it for you. Definitely worth doing!

jd2601

Nov 22, 04, 8:12 pm

Thanks for the reply. I booked a flight to SAN on November 26, direct flight out with an hour layover and direct flight back. Approximately 3200 miles at $200. I also booked a flight for work out of a smaller airport, cheaper, stops in MSP and gives me 2 flights at 500 miles each (2000 miles). This will get me to gold.

I feel very strange flying to SAN and turning around. :)

5000 EQM is easy, but out of MSP can be pricey and location-wise means either building trips with funky connections or flying beyond the continental US.

Guess it depends on what you want to do. Florida destinations are relatively cheap but you'll need to build a double connection like MSP-IAH-EWR-FLL/JAX/Etc.

Or you can fly MSP-SEA-ANC and return for just over 5000 miles. Depart ~ 5pm on the 11th, catch the return flight just after midnight and you have no hotel needed. It's expensive @ $450 but won't take much time and won't cost you a hotel night.

You can head to Paris and back for ~ $500, so you might make a mini-trip out of it... say to a significant other, "wanna go to Paris for dinner?" (of course 2 tickets doubles your cost and int'l doesn't come with complimentary upgrades...)

ntamayo

Nov 22, 04, 8:41 pm

Just plugging in some weekend MR's for Dec gives fares between $211~250 for SFO-JFK.

Two back-to-back runs will net you 10k+ EQM's, e.g.
12/10-11 AA16/85 - $256.70
12/11-12 AA18/179 - $210.70

bennytma

Nov 22, 04, 9:53 pm

Just plugging in some weekend MR's for Dec gives fares between $211~250 for SFO-JFK.

Two back-to-back runs will net you 10k+ EQM's, e.g.
12/10-11 AA16/85 - $256.70
12/11-12 AA18/179 - $210.70

I havent had too much luck finding availability for these cheap fares out of JFK. I suppose that it doesnt help that I looking to fly the few days before Christmas. So, I'm reconciled to travelling anytime in December. I need about 7k out of NY on AA for EXP. Does anyone have suggestions for destinations and routings? After some consultations, NYC-DFW/ORD-SEA-PHX roundtrip it is.

kwbtraveler

Nov 23, 04, 10:13 am

I'm only 15K EQM from renewing my 1K status on UA. I was scheduled to go SMF - SYD in two weeks, but that trip was cancelled :( . So I've missed out on the SFO to SIN flights and am searching for other opportunities. Any ideas out there. I'd like to turn around quickly (unless I could get to Italy to visit the relatives ;) . I'd like to keep the costs down, just in case I need to pony up the $150 for the 2x EQM promo. Thanks!

gleff

Nov 23, 04, 10:36 am

You could do 7436 butt-in-seat miles with SMF-LAX-SAN-ORD-MCO-ORD-SAN-LAX-SMF, doubled with the EQM promo if you fly by 12/15 in a fare class other than S or T. (If you do need a few more miles than that, try FLL instead of MCO for instance or try coming back through Vegas etc).

Another approach, without the double EQM promo, would be a LHR or CDG trip and a transcon.

Or even doubling a trip like the first one, potentially nesting it so as to get the most flying in the shortest amount of time.

Why don't you play with things like that, report back, and if you can't get it to work I'll pull up an itinerary for you?

kwbtraveler

Nov 23, 04, 11:37 am

Bonehead

Nov 23, 04, 11:53 am

kdragondrummer

Nov 23, 04, 3:53 pm

I need to make a trip to California (ex-NYC) in December, and since I'm 8,000 miles short of gold I'd like to see if I can earn as many EQMs to reach NW gold. I can't seem to find the allowable routings for a NYC-CA flight on Expedia or Travelocity. I'd appreciate any help. Thanks.

sorebutttravelanyway

Nov 23, 04, 8:36 pm

gleff

Nov 24, 04, 5:23 am

What days are you available to travel? You should definitely go for it... lemme know.

sorebutttravelanyway

Nov 24, 04, 6:26 am

What days are you available to travel? You should definitely go for it... lemme know.

dallas miles not accounted for, I haven't booked it yet, I need 19000 (9500 with 2x offer) eqm not including dallas trip, I can travel intl beyween 12/10 and 12/14 gotta be in dallas 1 day on 12/15 flying back to pdx that night.

thanks

note i posted to a new thread as well before noticing this one, one fter has posted an option to try

silver springer

Nov 24, 04, 6:46 am

Thanks Gary. I prefer BWI but also willing to go to IAD. I read your weblog all the time and really enjoy it--I have profited from a USA today free subscription and other goodies.

I will try your suggestions on SJC and LAS. How do you guarantee it will be booked in W? Do you use the United website, Expedia/Travelocity? My only other option is to call the premex line.

If I had a weekend run for December 3-5, I would prefer SMF, SAN or LAS, but will consider the one day mileage run. I just came back from a trip to Thailand this week in economy plus but looked longing at people in C, so I think the SWUs from 1 K are worth trying for for next year!

Okay, I just want to check my numbers and logic before I spend about $500 ...

I currently have 74821 EQMs. This includes a November flight to Thailand on United in fare class W that totalled 19, 564 EQMs. Using the United Mileage plus doubling promotion I would then have 94, 385 miles. If I took a flight from IAD to OAK on December 4 in fare class W (UA 231 and 212)(costing $338.21) and totalling 4800 miles, which would also be doubled, I would have 103, 985 EQMs and make 1k "lite".

Before I spend $488.21 (cost of flight and $150 promotion cost), based on the info above, is this correct that I would get 1k status???

Whew....waiting for your comments before I book...

kwbtraveler

Nov 24, 04, 9:53 am

Well I was trying out some options on getting extra miles to reach my 1K on UA. Thought I only needed 15K, but was wrong. I need 18K instead. Looking at SMF to CDG with the 2x Promo. Went to ITA and found W class fare on US Air using UA metal for $532.00 all incl. So I went to the UA site - plugged in the promo code "MPW124" along with the dates/times. The UA metal flights came up as 'Promo Eligible" for $50 more. When I went foward to verify fare class - I saw "S" class. Has this happened to others????

925

Nov 24, 04, 3:05 pm

I made EXP this year, thanks to FT, mileage runs, and a lot of business travel!

My travel partner was out for three months due to (successful) cancer surgery this year, and so is still 31,462 miles or 29,486 points short of EXP. (Any chance AA might listen to his sob story and comp the difference?). If he doesn't get EXP, then he'll be making ME switch to NW or UA next year, and I won't get to use my AA EXP status much. MAJOR BUMMER! SO, he is a busy guy, is willing to mileage run, but it'll likely have to be long-haul to minimize time away from home. Most any dates/time is available to him more than 10 days out, and not Dec 23-26. Cost is somewhat important, but I'll kick in some if I have to, to stay on AA. SEA is home airport. I was looking into SEA-BUD at 13,355 miles for $556, and hoping I find better, in less time away from home and cost per EQ mile/point. SEA-BUD didn't work out due to forced days on the ground.

Can anyone help ME to help HIM to help ME?

gleff

Nov 24, 04, 3:20 pm

925, title and text of your msg are a bit inconsistent -- is it 20k miles or 35k miles that are needed?

Is Seattle the home airport? And what dates are available for travel?

925

Nov 24, 04, 3:31 pm

925, title and text of your msg are a bit inconsistent -- is it 20k miles or 35k miles that are needed?

Is Seattle the home airport? And what dates are available for travel?

Sorry, Gleff... and thanks for catching my error, now corrected two posts above.

gleff

Nov 25, 04, 10:05 am

Thought I'd flag for SEA/SFO/SAN/WAS folks
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?p=3429468

$189 all-in WAS-SEA/SFO/SAN on AA or UA, no overnight req'd. Starts 12/9.

EOS

Nov 25, 04, 3:01 pm

In the spirit of tvl4free's 2001 endeavor, 12/31 is FAST approaching....anyone in 'A WORLD OF HURT' to qualify? (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=272401), I thought it might make sense to start a consolidated thread where folks could request end of year assistance in qualifying for their preferred elite status.

As tvl4free explained so eloquently, I'll certainly help where I can, but no doubt those even more skilled at this than I am will be able to lend a helping hand!

Hello and Happy Thanksgiving

I would like advice on a mileage run on UA or Star Alliance.
Here is my information:

I currently have P2 (Premier Exec)

To date I have 36,825 EQM
To date I have 12 EQS
I need 50,000 to qualify for Premier Exec.

I am based in San Francisco.

I will be flying, paid flights, to LAX Nov 28, and Dec 10.

Two questions:
Should I pay $150 now to get double air miles (current UA promotion).
Would 1 flight to SFO--JFK (assuming double miles from P2) earn me the 13,275 I need to qualify by December 31.

I would like to make one quick flight to JFK betweeen Dec 12 and Dec 31, any day, incl. Christmas Day, if possible, rather than a series of segments. I could do an instant turnaround or stay overnight.
I do not want to spend more than $500, if possible.

Many thanks, and with great respect to the extraordinary insights and expertise (and good humour) of all FTers.
DIANE

Seeksreal

Nov 25, 04, 3:19 pm

Hello and Happy Thanksgiving

I would like advice on a mileage run.
Here is my information:

I currently have P2 (Premier Exec)

To date I have 36,825 EQM
To date I have 12 EQS
I need 50,000 to qualify for Premier Exec.

I am based in San Francisco.

I will be flying, paid flights, to LAX Nov 28, and Dec 10.

Two questions:
Should I pay $150 now to get double air miles (current UA promotion).
Would 1 flight to SFO--JFK (assuming double miles from P2) earn me the 13,275 I need to qualify by December 31.

I would like to make one quick flight to JFK betweeen Dec 12 and Dec 31, any day, incl. Christmas Day, if possible, rather than a series of segments. I could do an instant turnaround or stay overnight.
I do not want to spend more than $500, if possible.

Many thanks, and with great respect to the extraordinary insights and expertise (and good humour) of all FTers.
DIANE

The double EQM promotion on UA is for travel Oct 25-Dec. 15 only. SFO-JFK is approx. 2580 miles each way. 2 roundtrips to LA will give you 4000 miles so provided you get it all done by Dec 15, you should be fine. I would still call MP to make sure.

Also, FYI:
Premier Executive=1P
Premier=2P

EOS

Nov 25, 04, 3:26 pm

The double EQM promotion on UA is for travel Oct 25-Dec. 15 only. SFO-JFK is approx. 2580 miles each way. 2 roundtrips to LA will give you 4000 miles so provided you get it all done by Dec 15, you should be fine. I would still call MP to make sure.

Also, FYI:
Premier Executive=1P
Premier=2P

Hello,

Thank you for this quick and helpful information and FYI note.
Yes, you are right, I will call MP to check on status and information. Always wise.
I feel better already with renewal of 1P in sight...now to get a cheap and easy flight to JFK...
and here's to great flying in 2005.

EOS

Nov 25, 04, 4:15 pm

Hello,

Thank you for this quick and helpful information and FYI note.
Yes, you are right, I will call MP to check on status and information. Always wise.
I feel better already with renewal of 1P in sight...now to get a cheap and easy flight to JFK...
and here's to great flying in 2005.

EOS

Nov 25, 04, 4:20 pm

Seeksreal

Nov 25, 04, 4:38 pm

UPDATE:

I checked with UA MP:

If I pay the promo fee of $150 for double miles through Dec 15:

Two flights SFO--LAX (not S or T)= 4,000
Plus

One flight SFO--JFK completed before Dec 15= approx 10,000

That would give me approx 14,000 miles, and I need around 13,175 to maintain 1p.
For a total of around $650...is that good value?? (to maintain 1p).

Any thoughts from FTers?
Absolutely. Considering that you will be getting 14,000 miles in your account from the trips with the 1P bonus and 100% bonus miles for all your travel next year instead of 25%. You will also get another four 500-mile e-upgrade certs from this trip.

gleff

Nov 25, 04, 6:50 pm

You can force an SFO-JFK trip to give you the requisite miles...

SFO-LAX-SAN-ORD-JFK and return, for instance, is 3463 miles each way x 2 doubled.

pananna

Nov 25, 04, 10:42 pm

mstraveler

Nov 26, 04, 12:35 am

You can force an SFO-JFK trip to give you the requisite miles...

SFO-LAX-SAN-ORD-JFK and return, for instance, is 3463 miles each way

I am trying to do something similar from SFO to get 6066 miles. Wouldn't mind going to DC (although am open to other interesting suggestions; will probably spend a night) Am targeting the Dec 27-30 window, which seems to have the cheaper flights for the Christmas period, and I can't manage any travel before the 12/15 double EQM ends. Tried getting the ITA softward to route SFO-LAX-SAN without any luck (i.e. got error messages, even though I was using the codes that should work). Would be happy to go just through LAX, but by my calculations will still be short. Any direction to the easiest way to route this sort of multi-segment trip would be appreciated.

schistosomiasis

Nov 26, 04, 11:44 pm

I made my AA 5000 q-point gold challenge a few weeks ago and now need another 1300-1400 q-points for platinum. Does anyone have any ideas out of NYC? I work about 70 hours a week so it has to be fast, on a weekend, preferably in one day (no trip to Asia or Europe). Any cheap fares to Chicago that give 1.0 q-points per mile? I'm taking a flight to DFW next week (after this flight I willl need 1300 q-points)- if I buy the $25 upgrades to get upgraded to F, the q-points I get are based on my original fare, not where I sit?

mstraveler

Nov 27, 04, 10:41 am

I am trying to do something similar from SFO to get 6066 miles.

Still looking, but having trouble finding any bargains. Any ideas if fares for the 12/25-12/29 period will get cheaper or more expensive ??

PSB113

Nov 27, 04, 3:39 pm

PSB113

Nov 27, 04, 3:43 pm

PSB113

Nov 27, 04, 3:45 pm

FarAway

Nov 27, 04, 3:48 pm

I have 139,916 MQM

I want the extra PMU's, so I need 10,084 MQM

Based in MCO

I need to be in DCA by noon on 12/6, returning the 7th, (no earlier than 5pm) I'm free the 8th.

My wife and I are going MCO-ATL-MSP on the 29th (1903-1278) and returning the 31st MSP-ATL-MCO (763-1251) on award tickets. I could switch to a K fare for $395. Obviously I need to travel with my wife!

That would add 3314 MQM, leaving me with 6770 to go.

I'm willing to spend about $1,000, including the $395 for the MSP trip.

Thanks for any help!

PSB113

Nov 27, 04, 5:37 pm

VPS my home airport, but PNS, PFN, MOB, and MGM all easily doable.

the catch.... only have Dec 13th onward to complete the run. :(

Any suggestions?

Thanks!
having trouble finding anything good on AA. I have to go to DC from LGA on December 2 and on December 5 can go anywhere as long as back in LGA by end of day.

Also have December 11. December 12 if necessary. Need 11 segments after a flight tomorrow. or go from 16500 miles to 30000 go out of any NY airport

Mark INC

Nov 29, 04, 5:04 am

Signed up for the *A Status match promo last year. Got *G on BMI. Unfortunatly it runs out in Feb and I have only 25,550 miles. Need 12450 to requalify for Gold. Got a *A rtw in 2005 so want *G for that.

I can go anywhere any weekend or from 5-10 Jan. UA double destination miles looks good, but I can't find any decent flights at weekends. Im EDI based but flights ex-LHR will do too.

Can anyone help?

SRenaeP

Nov 29, 04, 8:49 am

I'm in ATL but would consider flying out of BHM.

I am free Dec 4-5, Dec 11-12, Dec 17-19, Dec 29-31.

gleff

Nov 29, 04, 9:20 am

I'm in ATL but would consider flying out of BHM.

I am free Dec 4-5, Dec 11-12, Dec 17-19, Dec 29-31.

There may be some slightly cheaper ways to do it, but if it were me I'd do it with a domestic A fare... a one stop ATL-LAX and return, connecting in SLC at least in one direction, would get you the MQMs you need for $700 without an overnight.

gleff

Nov 29, 04, 9:25 am

For instance...

Sat 12/18
8:41 am DL 1299 ATL - LAX non-stop Arr 10:34am

Sat 12/18
1:11 pm DL 562 LAX - SLC Arr 4:00 pm
4:50 pm DL 558 SLC - ATL Arr 10:25 pm

Booked in A. Prices $697.80.

No sweating the upgrades... This yields 4126 flown miles with 2x EQM = 8252 EQM.

CVG's DL Hostage

Nov 29, 04, 10:15 am

I need 3705 MQM on DL for GM. Ideas out of CVG/DAY/SDF/LEX/IND for a 1 day turnaround? Most of my paid fares this year have been CVG-PHX in LUT, and I'm about worn out...

Freakwent Flyer

Nov 29, 04, 1:34 pm

Flying from BOS or PVD, can anyone suggest the cheapest way to earn 20,000 MQM's before the end of the year? I must complete the travel before 12/24. Do I get 1-for-1 MQM credit for miles flown on discounted fares with a Delta partner, such as Air France or Virgin Atlantic?

My schedule is pretty flexible. Any ideas would be appreciated.

zachary

Nov 29, 04, 1:58 pm

I always qualify for GLD or PLT on segments. However, this year, due to AA's cutbacks here in STL, I won't even make GLD. (I have a ton of WN segments, but that's another story.)

Any ideas here? My problem is that I really can't spend a night away from home (my wife thinks this MR thing is nuts). Anyway, WN is doing $39 to lots of midwest destinations and AA has matched some of these (DTW most notably). However, I've having trouble figuring out how to do this maximizing segments and still get it done in 1 or 1 1/2 days. I'd appreciate any help.

gman67

Nov 29, 04, 4:01 pm

MarkV

Nov 29, 04, 5:03 pm

Never done a mileage run before (never needed to). This year, I need the following to get to MVP Gold on Alaska Airlines:

16,884 AS miles -or-
12,615 AS/partner miles

My "normal" :rolleyes: travel before the end of the year should reduce the above by about 8,000 miles, (not including bonus miles) leaving me less than, say, 5,000 AS/Partner miles to MVP Gold.

My "home" airport is SEA. Any suggestions?

Thanks a million (miles)! -markv

detouring

Nov 29, 04, 5:27 pm

I have never done an MR, but I'm at 54 seg/points and 46,536miles with CO.

Worse, I live in LFT. I have been lookinf on CO for days and can't find anything decent...

I need 6 segments or about 3500miles any ideas, I would fly from BTR or LCH if that would help?
Have you tried Yahoo Best fares, originating in Baton Rouge:

http://search.travel.yahoo.com/bin/search/bfsearch?intl=us&oc=btr

If you can get to MSY it might be better:

http://search.travel.yahoo.com/bin/search/bfsearch?intl=us&oc=msy

But I would start plugging in dates and codes directly at the CO site. You can do it! Good luck!

detouring

Nov 29, 04, 5:34 pm

I have never done an MR, but I'm at 54 seg/points and 46,536miles with CO....
I need 6 segments or about 3500miles any ideas, I would fly from BTR or LCH if that would help?
CO site has MSY - IAH - ONT - IAH - MSY on 12/6/04 for a total of $355.90. Leaves MSY 6 AM & gets back to MSY 8:23 PM. Total miles: 3668. You could try other dates, etc. I just experimented with this one.

detouring

Nov 29, 04, 5:38 pm

detouring

Nov 29, 04, 5:41 pm

.... I need the following to get to MVP Gold on Alaska Airlines:

16,884 AS miles -or-
12,615 AS/partner miles

.... leaving me less than, say, 5,000 AS/Partner miles to MVP Gold.

My "home" airport is SEA. ...
Also, Dream Maps:

http://dps1.travelocity.com/dreamMap.ctl?dep_arp_name=sea

ews3

Nov 29, 04, 5:56 pm

pizzaandplanes

Nov 29, 04, 6:14 pm

I have never done an MR, but I'm at 54 seg/points and 46,536miles with CO.

Worse, I live in LFT. I have been lookinf on CO for days and can't find anything decent...

I need 6 segments or about 3500miles any ideas, I would fly from BTR or LCH if that would help?

Thanks in advance

December 14 return December 14 $283.90

lft-iah-lga lga-iah-lft

gleff

Nov 29, 04, 6:28 pm

Totoro1979

Nov 30, 04, 4:55 pm

Hi,

I'm trying to reach GOLD on Continental and 13,000 miles away.

I would prefer to fly out of IAH but am willing to fly from AUS, SAT, or DWF.

I would also like a maximum of 1 night stay if possible and within the US.

I'm avalible for travel 12/10-12/12, 12/17-12/19, 12/26-12/30.

I would like to keep the price under $500.

This is my first time to try a mileage run so I'm definitely anxious. From all the posts that I've read, I have to say that you guys are awesome and very CREATIVE. I would appreciate any suggestions, thanks! :)

gleff

Nov 30, 04, 6:16 pm

I can get 10,500 miles in your price range (IAH-MCO-EWR-LGW-MCO-IAH with a Sat. stay). But so far I'm stumped how to get you 13,000 miles for under $500 out of the airports you're working from.

You could do 6000 miles for $300... IAH-MEM-CLE-SFO and return, so 12k miles for $600.

What's the exact number of miles you need?

PSB113

Nov 30, 04, 7:47 pm

Ok guys I have 22 segments need 30 or 17 k miles and need 13k. I have been unable to find anything useful. I can trqvel sat &/or sun 12/11-12/12 or some day in that work week out of a NYC airport. Also could do flyng on SUn 12/5 out of DC and back. or dc into ny. please help, i have found nothing to get 4 or more segment less than $ :confused: 550

gleff

Nov 30, 04, 7:50 pm

Ok guys I have 22 segments need 30 or 17 k miles and need 13k.
If you have 17k miles, wouldn't 8k get you to 25,000?

PSB113

Nov 30, 04, 8:08 pm

If you have 17k miles, wouldn't 8k get you to 25,000?
yes thx got the 30 segments and the 25k miles crossed up. Suggestions?

pananna

Dec 1, 04, 12:08 am

Hi Guys,

My partner presently has 30,000 elite miles. Needs 20,000 to stay at Gold on Continental. Can travel every weekend in December except 24 & 25 DEC. Wants to stay from $250-$550 per trip. Based out of IAH.

Been playing with IAH-ANC-EWR-HNL-LAX-LGA-IAH but it's not cheap. He wants to fly only domestic routes.

Can you guys help?

Pananna

O.K. Guys,

I did this one all by myself. Flying the weekend of Dec 18,19,20. Three roundtrip tickects because I could not get it to price all together.

IAH-LAX (return) $333.00 2,750 flown miles
LAX-EWR(return) 266.70 4,908 " "
EWR-LAS " 256.70 4,454 " "

TOTAL $856.40 12,112 Flown Miles

Plus 3 online
Etkt bookings 3,000 Bonus Miles

Gold Elite Bonus 12,112 100% Mileage Bonus
__________________

27,224 Miles!

I found all of these on Continental.com. But I found Travelocity a good tool,
under fare finder. Now, I just need to find a trip for 7,888 miles, I think IAH-ANC(return) with a connection will do that. The trick is finding a decent fare.

Pananna

jcooke

Dec 1, 04, 5:53 am

I've requalified for Silver, but will be doing some *A travel next year, so thinking about a run for Gold.

Need 18,824 ex-PHL -- I have used the 2,000 bonus, so each of my next 4 flights (US Metal Only!) will give me 3,4,5,6k respectively.

Cannot travel this weekend (AMS, here I come!), but could possibly travel on the 11th or the 18th -- I prefer Saturday same-day travel if possible.

This can be done as 4 PHL-HFD RTs for $344 All In -- who can beat that?

Thanks in advance! Looking forward to the benefits of Gold!

That's probably the best way to get the mileage quick. I think you can do it a little cheaper than $344 - should be able to get the PHL-GoFare cities in the NE for 76.70 all-in unless you're trying to get em all squeezed into one day.

-JC

AinA

Dec 1, 04, 11:00 am

I am based in ANC, I am an AS MVP gold which is the top tier for them but I need 6,914 miles to hit 50K so I can get status matched to 2P United (for the *A gold status for intn'l trip this spring).

Travel dates are tight, I can leave the night of the 13th (horse has a dentist appt in the morning) and I HAVE to be back by 7am the 17th.

I was thinking a trip 14th/15th ANC to BOS on AS, but I only have one connect in ORD. I would like as many connections as possible in hopes for bumps. I would like my original travel to be booked completed by the 15th for the extra bonus miles with the Delta promotion.

I have a credit for a flight I missed of ~$400 so that is the price range I was looking for, so the problem will be I have to be able to call AS to apply that credit to any reservation I might create.

Do I just need to do the boring no hope of bumps straight there & back to BOS or can y'all find something a little more imaginative?

Thanks!
Alison
Chugiak, AK

gleff

Dec 1, 04, 12:34 pm

The straight out and back is easy..

12/14 ANC-SEA-BOS leaving on the 6am and arriving BOS 9:48pm
12/15 BOS-SEA-ANC leaving at 9:45 am or BOS-ORD-ANC leaving at 4:40pm (with the BOS-ORD flight an AS codeshare, AA metal)
$398

Returning 12/16 pulls up a $327 fare, but since you have a $400 voucher you might as well go with the higher fare and save the hotel night.

You could get creative with segments if you want, esp if you'll use partner flights (obviously the ticketing needs to be done by AS to burn the credit).

Aleksandr

Dec 1, 04, 1:16 pm

Currently CO Silver
Currently at 33,326 EQM; need 16,674 EQM to get to GElite
Base: IAH

One trip to ORD planned (there on 16th -- firm) IAH-ATL-EWR-CLE-ORD
That's 2440+50%=3,660 for $183. R/T 7,320 leaving 9,350.

Likely trip to DFW, window: 12/9,13 or 14 -- could use as a jump point for a day's worth of flights. I am assuming flights as described in the AUS thread. What's a reasonable goal/price target?

ORD window: 12/13-15 and again 20-22 or 27-29
Is this a good jump point for a MR on CO? Again, can burn a day (or two).

Travel heavier next year, Gold would make life a bit easier.

Thanks for the suggestions/solutions.

sadlerjon

Dec 1, 04, 2:57 pm

Currently UA Prem w/ 41.5k miles. Need 8.5k to make Prem Exec

Base: ORD

Availability: Anytime after Dec 19th.

Any suggestions?

AinA

Dec 1, 04, 8:35 pm

You could get creative with segments if you want, esp if you'll use partner flights (obviously the ticketing needs to be done by AS to burn the credit).

That's what I don't know how to do, get creative with the segments? Everytime I do it on AS' website (by selecting the multi city selection) the fare sky rockets. I heard there are some cities you can route through that don't affect the fares. So.. how DO I get creative?

Thanks,
Alison
Chugiak, AK

gleff

Dec 1, 04, 8:52 pm

Check out the mileage run tools thread stickied at the top of this forum. You can find permissable routings through Expedia by pulling up fare rules. It'll tell you how you can route.

Or use that thread to track down how to use ITA Software's website to find routings.

In your particular case you can keep the fare more or less the same by routing ANC-SEA-ORD-BOS-ORD-SEA-ANC.

Add a segment each way and you get to ~ $588... ANC-SEA-MSP-MKE-BOS-MKE-MSP-SEA-ANC. Only the SEA-ANC segments will be on AS, the others on NW (whose miles can be credited to AS). And since the first segment will be on AS metal it can be ticketed with AS stock and you should be able to use your voucher.

Totoro1979

Dec 4, 04, 3:02 pm

miro

Dec 4, 04, 3:13 pm

I need approximately 12,720 miles. I have a $300 travel voucher through NWA that I could use.
Get one of those PD972 zone certs for NW and go to Lisbon, Portugal, for $488 and 11,000 miles (-$300 voucher will make the total $188 - not bad for 11,000 miles). Then take a small trip to reach your goal.

Totoro1979

Dec 4, 04, 3:20 pm

Get one of those PD972 zone certs for NW and go to Lisbon, Portugal, for $488 and 11,000 miles (-$300 voucher will make the total $188 - not bad for 11,000 miles). Then take a small trip to reach your goal.

Wow, thanks for the quick response! Sorry, I'm new to this, what is a PD972? Did you find this fare through nwa.com?

miro

Dec 4, 04, 3:32 pm

Wow, thanks for the quick response! Sorry, I'm new to this, what is a PD972? Did you find this fare through nwa.com?
NW zone cert offers a fixed-price travel (based on availability) between the zones defined by NW. So the price to Europe from eastern US is $399. Taxes make it $89 more, thus $488.

Read more on the conditions of the cert and possibly request one for yourself in this Coupon Connection thread (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=375808).

ar2fly

Dec 4, 04, 10:51 pm

Hi,

I need an MR out of DEN after 12/19, need at least 5200 UA EQMs for SO or more preferably 7210 UA EQMs for me (7210 not required as I can use the double EQM promo but prefer to fly it if I have to go 5200 anyway for my SO). For destinations... domestic or Europe, possibly Australia/NZ. Need it to be low priced. Prefer to stay a few days (or longer if a cool place).

Thanks in advance!

channa

Dec 4, 04, 11:45 pm

channa

Dec 4, 04, 11:48 pm

That's what I don't know how to do, get creative with the segments? Everytime I do it on AS' website (by selecting the multi city selection) the fare sky rockets. I heard there are some cities you can route through that don't affect the fares. So.. how DO I get creative?

Thanks,
Alison
Chugiak, AK

AS's website does not always fare properly when forcing segments. AS's site is so bad, it's often best to use a third-party engine like Expedia.

channa

Dec 5, 04, 12:00 am

Hi,

I need approximately 12,720 miles. I have a $300 travel voucher through NWA that I could use. I'm thinking it might be easier to make one international trip but I'm not sure where to. I could fly to Memphis since it's a hub of NWA if you think I would be able to find a cheaper international flight. I'm willing to spend $500 so $800 total. I would still prefer to fly domestically but anything will do. Any suggestions would be much appreciated, thanks!

Please refer to #80 for first details.

You're thinking the wrong way. MEM is where NW is strong and has pricing power, so the NW fares will generally be higher. If you're going to stage yourself to another city to get a lower fare on NW, it should probably be to a non-hub on NW.

AA EXP SJC

Dec 5, 04, 6:52 am

About to lose my EXP after some extended hometime.

Across the drink and back might be best, I still have some VIP04s.

I am currently in the middle of a trip with from INV-LGW-SJC (F Class)
I'm wondering if I could tweak the return routing at all to my benefit.

dianafrances

Dec 5, 04, 9:21 am

Hello, this is my first post! I have been on AA's FF program since 1992. I have made Gold but want to stay Plat. Any suggestions on mileage runs from the DCA area? I can use BWI, or IAD. Thanks in advance!

juniorflyer

Dec 6, 04, 7:06 pm

sorry for posting again, but i need 3260 from ord by the end of the year. any good finds?
thanks

BalooYZF

Dec 6, 04, 9:06 pm

Actually, I posted the details over in the AC forum before I saw this thread.
(http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=377883)

I need 16,000 or so for Super-Elite on Air Canada, out of YYC or YEG. Wouldn't mind a day in YYZ.

Thanks for any opinions.

gleff

Dec 7, 04, 5:54 am

sorry for posting again, but i need 3260 from ord by the end of the year. any good finds?
thanks
Forgive me if you mentioned this earlier, but what airline and what dates can you travel?

AgrarianQuestion

Dec 7, 04, 10:34 am

Please forgive the double post -- my dates of availability changed so advice from my earlier posting unfortunately is no longer applicable to my situation. I need 2,539 EQMs for AA Gold out of OAK/SFO, and am able to fly 12/22-12/30. I'm a bit of a newbie and there seems to be some debate about how much AA Gold is even worth, so I don't think it's worth a $300+ MR. Any ideas?
thanks!

juniorflyer

Dec 7, 04, 11:18 am

Forgive me if you mentioned this earlier, but what airline and what dates can you travel?

woops....my bad :(
I need UAL from ORD and I can travel between the 14-16 and the 19-23 or 27-31

i guess my loyalty to ual just shows i think there really is only ONE AIRLINE!!

thanks a lot gleff for any help!

Ursa_Atlantis

Dec 7, 04, 6:05 pm

I've been DL Plat for 5 yrs and can't bear the thought of losing status (I live in ATL, so DL pretty much owns my a$$). I'm coming up waaay short this year (they let me count segments last year) with a projected year-end balance of ~73,500 miles. I can probably squeeze an add'l 2k MQMs from changes to upcoming domestic business trips.

Leading contenders: ATL-ICN in coach (15k MQMs) for $1200 -- would hopefully get me close enough for a kind-hearted (HA!) DL decision.

ATL-ICN in bus (24,200 MQMs) for $3740. (both routings direct outbound, via ORD on the return).

I really need to get these miles in one "there-and-back" trip. $3700 is too much, but I'd hate to blow the $1200 and still not make it.

Ideally departing ATL on 12/29, back before 7pm on 12/31. Anybody out there in FT land have a wonderful idea that will save me? I'd be happy to "buy" plat for $1500, but $3700 seems too much.

-Ursa
"Don't Fly Angry!"

kdp

Dec 7, 04, 6:27 pm

1. We will have 74531 by years end. We currently have 67227 miles, with a 12/20 flight SFO-LAX-MIA-MVD of 7304 miles.
2. Need 25469 miles for ExPlat.
3. Based in San Francisco (15 minute drive to SFO). Prefer to fly out of SFO or OAK, but will do SJC/SMF if worthwhile.

We need 4 tickets (2 kids), and will probably go to europe (site59) 12/10-12 or 12/11-13, for app. 12,800 miles/app.$550 per ticket, leaving a deficit of roughly 12,700 miles (SFO-DFW-CDG). (There is one SFO-MIA-CDG-DFW-SFO option, for $100 more per ticket- 13585 miles)- need 11,885 miles.) I haven't find any good $$ overseas flights to get us back home for our 12/20 flight the following weekend (was looking 12/17-19), but would prefer to stay domestic and not risk missing the MVD flight. I need ideas/ itineraries for hopefully only 2 more domestic RT's between now and 12/19, with the main goal of not taking my son out of more than one day of school (8am-3pm). Would like to spend <$2000 total. Happy to do immediate turn arounds, red eyes, and would rather avoid the eagle prop. flights.

miro

Dec 7, 04, 7:37 pm

Leading contenders: ATL-ICN in coach (15k MQMs) for $1200 -- would hopefully get me close enough for a kind-hearted (HA!) DL decision.
Do the famed HNL run in A through CVG for 19200 MQMs in exchange for $1331. Unfortunately that connection is not available on 12/29 and 12/30.

The fare is available on these dates for connections in SFO and SLC. The best one I could find gives 18,206 MQMs for the same $1331.

mtparadis

Dec 7, 04, 8:11 pm

Do the famed HNL run in A through CVG for 19200 MQMs in exchange for $1331. Unfortunately that connection is not available on 12/29 and 12/30.

The fare is available on these dates for connections in SFO and SLC. The best one I could find gives 18,206 MQMs for the same $1331.

With a little help from ITA, I was able to coax the following out of it (all in A fares) for $1,338 yielding 20,456 MQMs. It's a bear of a routing though:

12/29:
ATL-DFW-SLC-LAX-HNL

12/30:
HNL-SFO-CVG-ATL

The only way I could work in CVG was on the return through SFO/LAX. On the way out the only way to earn a few extra MQMs is the ridiculous routing through DFW-SLC or IAH-SLC.

You do get about 24 hours in Hawaii though. I didn't try to price a same-day turn, so not sure how you could route that.

hboerner

Dec 7, 04, 8:40 pm

I am missing 3.2K miles to the 1P status level for 2005, a level that i have had for 2 years now. If I fly another 2K miles will that satisfy the level or do they want to see you get above 50K and don't make any exemptions.
If that is the case, does anybody have any MR suggestions out of PHL (on US or UAL) between the 16th and the 20th of december?
My first posting, thanks for every kind of help and thoughts!!

remyontheroad

Dec 8, 04, 5:34 am

Ursa

LAS from ATL is only $648 in A. Quick look showed me a good routing of ATL-IAH-CVG-LAS-SLC-CVG-IND-ATL for about 14k MQMs. (If you tinker, you might be able to get a fourth segment into the outbound.)

Then all you're looking for is another LAS origin A fare to get you 8K MQM for another $650....
(Book the above as too separate one-ways, so there can be no dout about the legality of embedding another flight.)

LAS-JFK in A is a little above your budget @ $716, but would get you almost 9K mqms

Another idea is that from LAS, there is a fare to SNA for $371.

If you can get the fourth segement into the ATL-LAS, then a simple LAS-SLC-SNA-SLC-LAS will push you over with you 6K, but if not you have to be more creative.

ITA comes up with a routing through IAH (with DL codeshare on CO metal IAH-SNA) that would push you way over the top. something like 6000 MQM each way.

I haven't been able to book that online, but maybe SMS can help.

Or maybe someone else has a good A fare out of LAS.

(I'm doing some of this over this coming weekend. It's nuts, but was going to SoCal this year anyway and an overnight in Vegas is just for fun. I'm getting a total of 22,900 or so for about $1,100)

Good luck

Anybody out there in FT land have a wonderful idea that will save me? I'd be happy to "buy" plat for $1500, but $3700 seems too much.

-Ursa
"Don't Fly Angry!"

remyontheroad

Dec 8, 04, 5:46 am

Buy it in two parts, both A fares:

What cities are available depends on your dates
ATL-XXX-XXX-NYC-XXX-XXX-ATL - $502 / 9000 MQM

Then
LGA-CVG-ATL-SJU-ATL-SDF-CVG-LGA $631 / 13700

the LGA - SJU even gives you 3 1/2 hour layover in ATL, if you want to run home and shower.... :)

mapsgl

Dec 11, 04, 11:55 am

Hi all

I hope someone can help.

I am NYC based

I need 4820 Miles on CO for Silver I will have 20180 after an EWR LAX flight I have 12/21 returning 12/26.

I can travel between 12/12 and 12/21 0r 12/26 and 12/27 after my EWR return (aproxx 6:00 am)

Thanks in advance!

Maps

jcooke

Dec 11, 04, 12:37 pm

love2travel

Dec 13, 04, 9:04 pm

I'm 5667 short of 100,000 on AA and a trip scheduled for the end of December just fell through. I do a several intl trips a year so having the VIPOWs is now worth real money with the new AA upgrade fee.

I can't travel Fri. night or Saturday untill 7PM so that leaves 12/19 or the week of 12/26-12/30 for my first ever - if possible - MR run. I'd pay a premium to not have to overnight but price is of course a factor. Any thoughts?

trekker

Dec 13, 04, 9:44 pm

jukebox

Dec 14, 04, 2:33 am

Global

Dec 14, 04, 3:07 am

I know this is slightly off point, but it is a related topic, and there are many experts out there following this thread.

For the second year in a row, I am short to qualify for AA EXP. This year I am 40,000 points short. Last year I was 15,000 points short. (The year before I was EXP)

Why am I short? I have plenty of miles/points, traveling internationally on long trips. However, I had to take 3 extensive trips this year off One World (OW) carriers (two on LH, one on Thai, and I don't like Star as much as OW).

Why did I fly off One World? Because I look for discounted Business Class fares, often from consolidators, and the OW and affiliated carriers (AA, BA, CX, JL) are not nearly as competitive as Star and others (TG, LH, KL, Malaysia, etc.)

My question: has anybody been able to achieve consolidator-level business class fares on OW carriers which are as low as those on Star (TG, LH, etc.) or KLM, Malaysia?

In other words, my strong preference is to fly OW, but I need to achieve the lowest possible discounted bus class fares. Right now, I have been unable to find OW fares as low as Star, KLM, Malaysia, etc. fares.

My flying is out of Miami to Europe, Africa (such as Egypt, Morocco, Senegal, Nigeria), and Asia (BKK, HAN, HKG, PEK, SIN, DAC, DEL, KTM, etc.). Unfortunately, OW is not deep in these areas, basically CX for Asia, and BA for Europe/Africa, with a bit of SN Brussels Airlines and JL thrown in (not as OW carriers but as affiliates which is almost as good). However, I could make it work for most purposes if I could find deeply discounted OW business class fares or some other way to reduce costs.

Any help/ideas/suggestions are greatly appreciated. Names and contact info for consolidators with low fares on OW carriers (or affiliates) is especially welcome. If you have any specialized info, please feel free to send me an private message.

Tx for all your help.

PaulasPain

Dec 14, 04, 7:46 am

This might be an impossible request.

1. I have 38,100 AF miles, 1900 short of AF Rouge (acct. address in U.S.)
2. Can depart CDG or ORY. Will go anywhere, but see below constraints
3. Date constraints: Same day round trip on: Dec 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 31
Or possibility to spend night Dec 17to18 or Dec 22to23.
4. Budget: <150 EUR

I'm such a procrastinator. I'm sorry! :o

BuddyBird

Dec 14, 04, 9:01 am

I qualified for Premier Executive over the weekend. Many thanks to FT and keithguy! :cool: ^

OB one

Dec 14, 04, 9:25 am

I have re-qual'ed for AA PLT, but my husband is 5500 EQM short. He can fly from BOS, PVD, or BDL. Dec 19 (returning Dec 20) is a possibility, or Dec 26 (returning Dec 27). Not much leeway there, I realize, but he has patients to see...and holiday plans... Ideal destinations would be SFO, SJC, or OAK. I'd pretty much given up on his PLT for next year, but if he can do this for $500, I could probably talk him into it!

I am not an AA guy, so don't know if they award 50% EQM's, but from aa.com

Day 1, December 19

Average Price Per Person - 118.30 USD

Price Alert: Nonrefundable fare. Change fee associated with fare.
Carrier Flight
# Departing Arriving Aircraft
Type Cabin On Time
Base Miles Meals Travel Time
City Date & Time City Date & Time

3 hr 25 min

AMERICAN AIRLINES 615 BOS
Boston 12/19/2004 07:38 AM PBI
West Palm Beach 12/19/2004 11:03 AM M80 Economy
View Seats 90% 1197 N/A

9 hr 20 min

AMERICAN AIRLINES 1489 PBI
West Palm Beach 12/19/2004 01:51 PM ORD
Chicago 12/19/2004 04:07 PM M80 Economy
View Seats 70% 1144 N/A

AMERICAN AIRLINES 1828 ORD
Chicago 12/19/2004 08:05 PM PVD
Providence 12/19/2004 11:11 PM M80 Economy
View Seats 60% 849 N/A

Day 2, December 20
Average Price Per Person - 194.30 USD

Price Alert: Nonrefundable fare. Change fee associated with fare.
Carrier Flight
# Departing Arriving Aircraft
Type Cabin On Time
Base Miles Meals Travel Time
City Date & Time City Date & Time

7 hr 9 min

AMERICAN AIRLINES 763 PVD
Providence 12/20/2004 06:00 AM ORD
Chicago 12/20/2004 07:45 AM M80 Economy
View Seats 90% 849 N/A

AMERICAN AIRLINES 1207 ORD
Chicago 12/20/2004 09:15 AM PBI
West Palm Beach 12/20/2004 01:09 PM M80 Economy
View Seats 90% 1144 N/A

3 hr 2 min

AMERICAN AIRLINES 2080 PBI
West Palm Beach 12/20/2004 03:49 PM BOS
Boston 12/20/2004 06:51 PM M80 Economy
View Seats 60% 1197 N/A

Total for 2 days of travel, just over $300. Lost time from work and seeing patients, well none according to your specifications, lost leisure time, two days, and stay Sunday overnight at PVD so he doesn't have to drive back and forth to Worcester which is all he would have to do given that he is landing at 11:11 pm Sunday night and leaving agian at 6 am Monday morning. All in time to be back to see the Pats play the Dolphins on Monday Night Football.

joebeenyc

Dec 14, 04, 9:38 am

OB one

Dec 14, 04, 11:00 am

I am finding myself 680 miles short of requalifying for CO Gold. Looked around but couldn't find anything good.
Any hints for a quick NYC based run to qualify. I need to make it a same day trip if at all possible.
Suggestions?

It's a long day, but all in for $166.39 airfare, you'll get more than enough miles even at 50% eqm.

Northwest Airlines 273
Booking Class(es): K
Fare Basis Codes: K1R50TN
Sun, Dec 19 1hr 52min
6:05am Depart New York (LGA)
7:57am Arrive Detroit (DTW)

Northwest Airlines 246
Booking Class(es): K
Fare Basis Codes: K1R50TN
Sun, Dec 19 3hr 2min
8:59am Depart Detroit (DTW)
12:01pm Arrive Fort Lauderdale (FLL)

Northwest Airlines 1597
Booking Class(es): K
Fare Basis Codes: K1R50TN
Sun, Dec 19 2hr 31min
3:55pm Depart Fort Lauderdale (FLL)
5:26pm Arrive Memphis (MEM)

Northwest Airlines 1969
Booking Class(es): K
Fare Basis Codes: K1R50TN
Sun, Dec 19 2hr 25min
6:20pm Depart Memphis (MEM)
9:45pm Arrive New York (LGA)

IMStill4Travel

Dec 14, 04, 1:02 pm

I have 82 segments as of now....need 8 more segments to re-qual for PLAT. Can travel on 12/30 or 12/31....prefer to leave out of SAN..but could do SNA,LAX,CLD etc.... can you guys help??? This will probably end up being 2 trips that each travel thru both hubs..LAS and PHX...just can't to find anything reasonable for these dates.

99ejs

Dec 14, 04, 2:05 pm

I have 82 segments as of now....need 8 more segments to re-qual for PLAT. Can travel on 12/30 or 12/31....prefer to leave out of SAN

12/30 and 12/31 are not exactly cheap days to travel...
ITA suggests you might be able to do the following, but I haven't tried to book it:

12/30: SAN-PHX-LAS-PHX-SAN, departing 12:40 p.m., returning 10:47 p.m.,
12/31: SAN-PHX-TUS-PHX-SAN, departing 6:45 a.m., returning 1:24 p.m.,
for a total cost of $421.

For about $25 less, you may be able to find a routing to PHX instead of LAS on 12/30, but return availability at that fare seems limited to a flight returning at 1:08 a.m., just 5 1/2 hours before your 12/31 departure. I don't know what it's like to sleep in SAN, but it wouldn't be worth the $$ saved to me.

RayinMaui

Dec 14, 04, 3:53 pm

It looks like my wife will have 92,851 at the end of the year unless she does a mileage run. It's hard to convince her, but I did.

She can leave from PBI, FLL or MIA (prefered in that order) and travel Dec 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th or 20th. Or from OGG on the 28th thru 30th.

I've been looking but I've can't find anything too reasonable. Two fll-lax but that's two days.

Help Please?? And how do all of you come up with these fares?

Thanks in advance.

ntamayo

Dec 14, 04, 4:38 pm

I need 633 miles from ORD to requalify for Gold. I prefer to travel weekends, excluding Friday AM, but will consider other options. I would also like to keep this cheap and if possible fly back to back. Can any one help me?

Have you considered MKE with same-day turnaround? 3973/3972 for $109 all-in (Travelocity) Dec 20.

Ursa_Atlantis

Dec 14, 04, 10:56 pm

I've been DL Plat for 5 yrs and can't bear the thought of losing status (I live in ATL, so DL pretty much owns my a$$). I'm coming up waaay short this year (they let me count segments last year) with a projected year-end balance of ~73,500 miles. I can probably squeeze an add'l 2k MQMs from changes to upcoming domestic business trips.

...

Thanks to all for the suggestions. MUCH appreciated. I had planned on ATL-JFK-ANC-ICN-HNL-LAX-ATN (in COACH!), but found a much better route thanks to the FT Forum:

1st Ticket (12/28): ATL-SDF-CVG-LAS ($326/6,356MQM)
2nd Ticket (12/29): LAS-ATL-MEX-ATL-LAS ($666/12,312MQM)
3re Ticket (12/30-31): LAS-SLC-DEN-ATL ($323/5,398MQM)
Grand Total: $1,315/24,066MQM

All in 1st/Bus seats. If anyone's on a similar routing or going to be in LAS gambling late night on 12/28 or 12/29, drop me a line. Rather spend the $$ at the tables than on an overpriced bed... Can always sleep on the plane.

-Ursa

P.S. Any suggestions for a 3.5 hr layover in MEX? I haven't found a Crown Room or Diner's Club lounge.

sambrisker

Dec 15, 04, 5:46 am

I need 11,000 miles to maintain silver elite on NW. I have a $400 voucher on CO. I can fly anytime between Dec 15 and the end of the year except for Saturdays. I am based at EWR and would like to get the most miles possible for the $400 voucher. I can fly anywhere - preferably without an overnight stay - but overnight is also fine.
Any ideas are greatly appreciated.
Thanks

poz1865

Dec 15, 04, 8:18 am

OB one

Dec 15, 04, 8:53 am

This might be an impossible request.

1. I have 45603 MQM's, 4397 short of Gold
2. Can depart PBI or FLL. Will go anywhere, but see below constraints
3. Date constraints: Same day round trip on: Dec 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23,
4. Budget: $350

Thanks in advance for any help that anyone is able to give.

Make sure you check Delta's rules for MQMs as I am not familiar with them, but I think all of these NW flights earn 100% mqms. If I am wrong, please let me know. The only problem seems to be the 35 minute connection in MEM, but this priced out for me at NWA.com at $201.40.

Saturday, December 18, 2004
Northwest Airlines Flight #1595
depart 6:30am
morning Fort Lauderdale International (FLL)
Fort Lauderdale
arrive 8:01am morning Memphis International Airport (MEM)

Meal: none
On Time: N/A
Cabin: Economy
Equipment: McDonnell Douglas DC-9-30/ 40/ 50 (D9S)
Duration: 2hr 31min
Approximate Distance: 851 miles

(0hr 35min - ground time)

Northwest Airlines Flight #5738
depart 8:36am morning Memphis International Airport (MEM)
operated by PINNACLE AIRLINES JET SERV/NW AIRLINK
arrive 12:35pm afternoon Boston Logan International (BOS)

Meal: none
On Time: N/A
Cabin: Economy
Equipment: Canadair Regional Jet (CR4)
Duration: 2hr 59min
Approximate Distance: 1138 miles

Total Duration: 6hr 5min
Total Distance: 1989 miles

Returning Flight(s)
Saturday, December 18, 2004
Northwest Airlines Flight #727
depart 3:30pm afternoon Boston Logan International (BOS)
arrive 5:49pm evening Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport (MSP)
Meal: none
On Time: 80%
Cabin: Economy
Equipment: Airbus Industrie A319 (319)
Duration: 3hr 19min
Approximate Distance: 1121 miles

Plane Change
(1hr 13min - ground time)

Northwest Airlines Flight #1900
depart 7:02pm evening Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport (MSP)
arrive 11:35pm evening Fort Lauderdale International (FLL)
Meal: Food for purchase
On Time: N/A
Cabin: Economy
Equipment: Airbus A320 Victor (32R)
Duration: 3hr 33min
Approximate Distance: 1489 miles

Total Duration: 8hr 5min
Total Distance: 2610 miles

poz1865

Dec 15, 04, 9:26 am

for the quick response. I am not certain if DL matches the MQM's for that flight? Does anyone know?

AustinBear

Dec 15, 04, 9:31 am

The skinny:

CO Gold trying to remain...

1. No. of miles/segments that you have at present - 35k after my 12/24-28 pdx holiday trip
2. How many more miles/segments will it take to reach your goal - 15K
3. Where are you are based - AUS
4. Whether or not there is some place specific that you would really like to go - nope
5. Dates you are available to travel are must a must - in both directions, please! - Can't travel 12/18-19, 12/24-28.

Budget - sub $1k

Thanks,

jk

trekker

Dec 15, 04, 1:22 pm

I am not an AA guy, so don't know if they award 50% EQM's, but from aa.com

Day 1, December 19

Average Price Per Person - 118.30 USD

Price Alert: Nonrefundable fare. Change fee associated with fare.
Carrier Flight
# Departing Arriving Aircraft
Type Cabin On Time
Base Miles Meals Travel Time
City Date & Time City Date & Time

3 hr 25 min

AMERICAN AIRLINES 615 BOS
Boston 12/19/2004 07:38 AM PBI
West Palm Beach 12/19/2004 11:03 AM M80 Economy
View Seats 90% 1197 N/A

9 hr 20 min

AMERICAN AIRLINES 1489 PBI
West Palm Beach 12/19/2004 01:51 PM ORD
Chicago 12/19/2004 04:07 PM M80 Economy
View Seats 70% 1144 N/A

AMERICAN AIRLINES 1828 ORD
Chicago 12/19/2004 08:05 PM PVD
Providence 12/19/2004 11:11 PM M80 Economy
View Seats 60% 849 N/A

Day 2, December 20
Average Price Per Person - 194.30 USD

Price Alert: Nonrefundable fare. Change fee associated with fare.
Carrier Flight
# Departing Arriving Aircraft
Type Cabin On Time
Base Miles Meals Travel Time
City Date & Time City Date & Time

7 hr 9 min

AMERICAN AIRLINES 763 PVD
Providence 12/20/2004 06:00 AM ORD
Chicago 12/20/2004 07:45 AM M80 Economy
View Seats 90% 849 N/A

AMERICAN AIRLINES 1207 ORD
Chicago 12/20/2004 09:15 AM PBI
West Palm Beach 12/20/2004 01:09 PM M80 Economy
View Seats 90% 1144 N/A

3 hr 2 min

AMERICAN AIRLINES 2080 PBI
West Palm Beach 12/20/2004 03:49 PM BOS
Boston 12/20/2004 06:51 PM M80 Economy
View Seats 60% 1197 N/A

Total for 2 days of travel, just over $300. Lost time from work and seeing patients, well none according to your specifications, lost leisure time, two days, and stay Sunday overnight at PVD so he doesn't have to drive back and forth to Worcester which is all he would have to do given that he is landing at 11:11 pm Sunday night and leaving agian at 6 am Monday morning. All in time to be back to see the Pats play the Dolphins on Monday Night Football.

Pretty nifty, OB one! Of course, if NOAA is right about the weather coming our way late Sunday, I think he will probably jump ship in West Palm (and cheer on the Pats in the middle of a bunch of Dolphin fans!).

papotage

Dec 15, 04, 2:16 pm

Hi all

I hope someone can help.

I am PDX based

and need 2400 Miles on UA to maintain 1k status.

I can travel between 12/16pm and 12/17, 12/19 and 12/20 0r 12/27 thru 12/31

Also can travel on 12/21-12/25 for same day round-trip

Same day round trip would be preferred on any of the dates mentioned.

The most reasonable fares would be appreciated but will considerer most to maintain status.

Spoiled!!

Thanks in advance for all your help.

speedyturtle

Dec 15, 04, 2:44 pm

IAH based. Need 1,789 miles on CO to reach gold for next year. Am looking for same day return. Can fly 25th to 31st. Willing to drive to CLL/AUS/SAT to fly out. <$200 if possible. Thanks! :D

EOS

Dec 15, 04, 3:57 pm

I have just requalified for Premier Exec on United, thanks to FT. I flew SFO-LAX-SFO-JFK-SFO (with stopovers)...and paid $150 for double miles (through Dec 15)...for a total of around 13,000 miles, enough to get me to 50,000.
I, too, am spoiled. Now...big question...how many miles would I get SFO-Narita? United just sent me a promo email...$500 rt SFO-Tokyo...and already I am adding up miles to qualify for next year.

all best and thanks to FTers who helped me get the miles

jmssales

Dec 15, 04, 10:24 pm

I am based in SW PA about 70 miles from PIT. Since USAIR has stopped servicing LBE, the next closest is JST about 1 hr drive. For those who lack miles or segments on USAIR I have found the cheapest segments in their system is on the USAIR Shuttle between LGA & BOS. For the last several years I go to NYC for sales conference. I have a large customer in BOS who I usually visit the week after s/c. Over the weekend I can do as many as 12 round trips on the shuttle on Sat/Sun for as little as $35 each way.

It is a LOAD of flying, but the CHRP status I feel is worth it. A number of times I have been on the shuttles with as many as a dozen USAir's Gold and CHRP wracking up the last of the their needed segments. It will usually always freak out the flight attendants when you get right back on the plane you just left.

To do this you need to hit alternate RT's of 8, 12, 4 from BOS to LGA and hit the returns of 10, 2 and 6. That is a lot of pretzels and soda but at $35 buck a segment pretty cheap way to rack up those last few segments!

skowser

Dec 16, 04, 3:08 pm

I'm looking for a mileage run to retain Plat on CO

# of miles/segments = 67698/64
mileage to reach goal = 7302
Where based = Stamford, CT (can fly out of any NYC area airport)
I'd like to go somewhere i can earn 7302 miles :)
dates i'm available to travel = dec 23rd both ways
budget = cheap as possible (willing to spend 3-400 dollars)

Thanks,
Skowser

Bonehead

Dec 16, 04, 4:14 pm

IAH based. Need 1,789 miles on CO to reach gold for next year. Am looking for same day return. Can fly 25th to 31st. Willing to drive to CLL/AUS/SAT to fly out. <$200 if possible. Thanks! :D

Best I could do in 10 minutes of looking is IAH-LAX 12/25 (same day return) $321.70 all in. I suspect that the Christmas-New Year's week is not the greatest time to find low-cost MRs (I know, stating the obvious again).

tvl4free

Dec 16, 04, 8:19 pm

IAH based. Need 1,789 miles on CO to reach gold for next year. Am looking for same day return. Can fly 25th to 31st. Willing to drive to CLL/AUS/SAT to fly out. <$200 if possible. Thanks! :D

Ho, Ho, Ho, Houston!

Can't find anything 4less than $200 w an out and back in a single day. And by the time you drive to the other places, I dont think that it's really worth the saving you might encounter over the following:

1 NW1588H 25DEC SA IAHMEM HK1 643A 811A/O
2 NW1937H 25DEC SA MEMMSY HK1 930A 1045A/X
3 NW1934H 25DEC SA MSYMEM HK1 1135A 1251P/O
4 NW 931H 25DEC SA MEMIAH HK1 145P 330P/X ****

FQT 200.93 14.50 15.07 12.40 242.90 HROP 17DEC/tvl4free/6:33P

You'll note that the NW flights above were booked in H for 100% EQM's and 2K miles w the 500 minimum applying. I'm not really happy with the bang for the buck here... and since this was already at $243, I tried to be really, really clever and do a New Years Eve thingie - to at least salvage something for next year out of the higher fares. Best, cheapest I could come up with was:

1 NW1021Q 31DEC FR IAHMSP HK1 105P 346P/O
2 NW 746Q 31DEC FR MSPDTW HK1 508P 759P/X
3*NW3596Q 31DEC FR DTWCHS HK1 934P 1135P/X

4*NW3599T 01JAN SA CHSDTW HK1 601A 813A/O
5 NW1831T 01JAN SA DTWIAH HK1 900A 1114A/X

FQT 298.13 23.50 22.37 15.50 359.50 QR10M3N/T0KJOYN 17DEC/tvl4free/6:40P

This way, you get what you need for this year:

HOUMSP 1048 MSPDTT 532 DTTCHS 674
TOTAL 2254

...and have a little left over for next. Kind of a jingle, jingle... if you get my drift. Rings my bell anyway, hehehe.

Outbound in Q for 100% EQM... return in cheapo at 50% I think.

Get one of em while there hot - as I only saw two seats left for either itinerary. PM me if any of this is unclear or difficulty arises. RUSH if you like em.

Happy Holidays. :D

T4F

========
**** No longer available any other day - but take a looksee at the 27th and 29th just to be sure.

PS : DISCLAIMER:

It's your responsibility to catch any mistakes or goof ups that I make. :D

KSinNYC

Dec 16, 04, 8:34 pm

Don't know if this helps anybody... AA seems to have a number of cheap companion fares. ie. SJC-JFK $160 round trip. Maybe you know somebody who would like to do that MR with you? :)

By the way, this is such a nice thread. Every now and then I realize how much time and energy FT'ers put into helping others, and it's just really neat. ^

now... should I do a 38,000 mile MR to make EXP on AA? :)

tvl4free

Dec 16, 04, 9:28 pm

mileage to reach goal = 7302...I'd like to go somewhere i can earn 7302 miles...dates i'm available to travel = dec 23rd both ways
...willing to spend 3-400 dollars.

Not gonna happen on the 23rd domestically within your price range. Too many miles are needed.

pananna

Dec 17, 04, 12:32 am

This is waht I found for my partner last minute tonight 12/16/2004

For travel 12/30-12/31

IAH-EWR CO 48 12/30 8:00am-1216pm (pray it doesn't snow)
EWR-DCA 867 2:30pm-333pm Dec 30

DCA-EWR 2216 12/31 9:00am-10:09am
EWR-IAH 411 11:55am-2:56pm Dec 31

$296.90 3830 MILES

IAH-ANC 1587 12/30 5:10pm-11:49pm Dec 30
ANC-IAH 1548 12/31 12:55am-12:18pm Dec 31

$693.40 6,530 MILES

tvl4free

Dec 17, 04, 1:36 am

I am PDX based and need 2400 Miles on UA to maintain 1k.

I can travel between 12/16pm and 12/17, 12/19 and 12/20 0r 12/27 thru 12/31. Also can travel on 12/21-12/25 for same day round-trip

Same day round trip would be preferred on any of the dates mentioned.

<I'm pretty sure that you know that at this point, cheap inventory is pretty much shot. I guess that's why you posted here...???>

Anyway, I found this one quite tough... and so I may need some help here, because the numbers are very, very close - almost too close for comfort - and there's some odd-ball stuff thrown in.

Here's the itinerary:

1 UA 794T 20DEC MO PDXSFO HK1 600A 744A
2*UA6465T 20DEC MO SFOSMF HK1 845A 926A
3*UA6466Y 20DEC MO SMFSFO HK1 1035A 1119
4 UA 580A 20DEC MO SFOPDX HK1 1245P 231P

PDXSFO 550 SFOSMF 86 SMFSFO 86 SFOPDX 550
SUB-TOTAL 1272

MILES EARNED OW = 550 + 500 = 1050
MILES EARNED RT = 2,100

There appears to be 1.5 EQM's earned on S3/4 (QUAUP FARE BASIS) FOR SEGS BOOKED IN A & Y = 550 + 86 = 636 / 2 = 318 bonus.

RT EQM miles = 1050 + 1050 + CoS Bonus of 318 = 2,418 EQM's

This idea uses a cheap OW fare of $49 TA between PDX and SMF on the outbound. It's not available on the return at any time, and even if it were, the miles generated would still only come up to 2,100.

So, I decided to use a QUAUP fare on the return which is booked in A and Y for the 50% CoS bonus to bump the miles up a little. This ups the EQM's to 2,418 I believe. (We would need to verify if miles earned here are half of actual or half of the 500 minimum). In any event, this puts the numbers right on the nose for what you need. In fact, it's so close that you will prolly want to verify all that is discussed here with MP.

As an added bonus, the QUAUP inbound fare is partially confirmed in FC and full Y and runs 191+ for a total ticket price of $ 270.40 TA/QUAUP. The odds of a bump somewhere along the way are looking particularly encouraging.

I also found another similar itinerary with one more segment added on the morning of the 21st. This would give y