Mileage Run Discussion - Routing for TPA-PHX

So far all I have found for TPA to PHX on AA is with a layover in ORD. That puts me at 2,452 (4,904 for RT). Is there anywhere else that I could go for more miles? And how can I get it for as cheap as possible? It appears like they have one TPA-ORD-PHX routing per day each direction. All other flights get funneled through DFW which is less miles.

for what you are asking, the ft answer is to see a ta.....

however, if you would post the ticket dates, flight #s, & $, and ask for help in maxing the mi/cpm, you might get some good ideas & be within the ft guidelines....

edit....there is a route thru mia on the outbound in the afternoon, but didn't see any on the return...

there is 1 route on the outbound via mia w/about the same mi & ord if you get the 500 min....

I don't have dates, really. I'd like to visit a friend in AZ sometime in the next year. But I want to maximize the miles when I do go. So I'm more concerned with the routing at this point. I just don't know if I should look for flights that have layovers built in or if I should book a couple cheap one-ways in a string. What would give me the most bang for my buck in terms of "creating" layovers?

As for the MIA bit, I don't know what you mean by 500 min? I'm new to all of this and don't know all of the lingo.

Thanks!

why do you want/need to fly aa at some unknown date?....what will it do for you?

I'm trying to earn enough miles to fly my mom and I to Costa Rica in two years.

as [alaska] mi can be credited to aa....so you might find something using multi city via sea or other northern/west coast cities....

how many more mi do you need for the tickets?.....

edit to add....this sept. midweek, mia-sjo-mia costs $363 pp....

you & she have aa credit cards already?

edit again....the award seems to be either 30 or 35k pp....plus $2.50-149 for taxes...i have no idea on the $149 [when is this a factor]...

also, the 500 min is given to those w/aa status for shorter routes, like tpa-mia. so it might give you a tad more if via dfw, but ord would be the way....

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