I've looked over my Mileage Plus account and the rest of my booked flying... and it comes out to 88,440 EQM. It would really be lousy to be that close to 1K, so I'm trying to figure out what my best options are to get there.

The way I figure it, that works out to one international MR or two domestic ones sometime during December. The single international run would be preferable (less time away from home), but I'm open.

So, here's my situation:

* need 11,560 EQM on *A
* leaving from SFO (preferable) or OAK or SJC
* available to travel on weekends December 7-9, 14-16, 21-23, or 28-30; redeyes are no problem

The best option I've found is SFO-YYZ-LHR-YYZ-SFO on AC for $602 on 12/7-9, but I was really hoping to get it down to $500 or so. Anyone have any ideas for anything better? (Whatever happened to the ~$400 all-in december europe trips, anyway?)

Two carefully planned domestic MR can do that for you too.
Not sure how far SFO is away from SMF... try reading this thread (http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=743328)
I still see lots of availbilities in early Dec. on UA

I don't think you'll be able to do much better than the SFO-YYZ-LHR and return for $602. That'll get you 1K and seems easier (and possibly cheaper) than taking two domestic transcon MRs.

I don't think you'll be able to do much better than the SFO-YYZ-LHR and return for $602. That'll get you 1K and seems easier (and possibly cheaper) than taking two domestic transcon MRs.

Well, it's probably not cheaper, but it's definitely easier than two domestic ones. (SMF is a bit far for me to get to, and the timing of the SMF-PHL options mentioned above are really horrid for me.)

I'm considering that SFO-YYZ-LHR option, but I'm still hoping to find something cheaper show up on United metal. I could have sworn that there were significantly cheaper options last December.

I've found something to DUB on US for about $560 -- I'm *this* close to pulling the trigger on it.