Mileage Run Discussion - When a 'MR' business routing goes wrong?

The cheapest ticket for me to get from point A to B for a business trip has 2 stopovers both ways. It gives mucho miles. So in that regard I am ok in buying it. But that many flights will have a higher chance that I'll be late to my destination than something more expensive and less legs. I'm flying a day early to avoid this but, my question is - how do you deal with increased risk of problems when doing a longer routing for miles? If I don't make it there by the next day I could be in some hot water.

Thoughts?

That very much depends on the consequences. There are some meetings which I will only consider the lowest risk itinerary to get to, but for others I may be more comfortable taking some risk.

Important meeting or not I generally have a plan B (and C if possible). What would I do if x happens? Thinking about what airlines might do for free vs I'd be out of pocket (potentially a large amount) to do plan B.

If you're flying ST and carry your laptop, keep an updated copy of the ST Downloadable Desktop Schedule (http://www.skyteam.com/EN/travelPlanner/timetables/index.jsp). It will give you a lot of alternative plans, even without an internet connection. It also helps to know what other airlines fly from each of your connecting airports to your final destination (both non-stops and connections). Your plan of leaving a day early is always a good idea, and even lets you take advantage of VDB opportunities.

Thanks - I would, but for some bizarre reason, its a windows .exe!?

Thanks - I would, but for some bizarre reason, its a windows .exe!?

Yes, it's a program, not just a file. Why is that a problem?

With MR connections, there is also the possibility that you get re-routed and get to your destination earlier - same with voluntary bumps, in which you usually get your original mileage credit plus a voucher.

I have had pretty good luck with rebooks not delaying me too much. I agree with the suggestion about checking out alternative flights ahead of time. Do it from each point on your run. It will help you to find out if there are many options or few in each case.

Yes, it's a program, not just a file. Why is that a problem?

Because I don't have a windows computer. Running a .exe off a web page, even SkyTeam, is also incredibly unadvised on windows for security reasons, so its strange they would package it that way.

Because I don't have a windows computer. Running a .exe off a web page, even SkyTeam, is also incredibly unadvised on windows for security reasons, so its strange they would package it that way.

I forgot that you might not be running a Windows OS. Actually, most downloadable programs are .exe or zip files containing .exe programs. It is an interactive program (http://gallery.flyertalk.com/gallery/album34/ST1?full=1), rather than just a readable file.

Unfortunately, you wouldn't be able to use it without Windows, but here's an example of what it let's you do:

If this was your itin.:

Atlanta GA US To Seattle/Tacoma WA US, at 24 Mar 2008 (2180 Mi) (3488km)
DL1115 Dep 8:35 , Arr: 11:05 Stops: 0 Dur : 5h30m
Delta Air Lines 1115 Dep: ATL at 8:35 , Term: S Arr: SEA at 11:05 Term:
Equip: 763, Meal: F, Dur : 5h30m

Seattle/TacomaWA US To Salt Lake City UTUS,at24Mar2008(688Mi)(1101km)
DL1468 Dep 13:14 , Arr: 16:15 Stops: 0 Dur : 2h1m
Delta Air Lines 1468 Dep: SEA at 13:14 , Term: Arr: SLC at 16:15 Term: 2
Equip: 757, Meal: , Dur : 2h1m

Salt Lake City UT US To Minneapolis MN US, at 24 Mar 2008 (990 Mi)(1584km)
DL4024 Dep 17:00 , Arr: 20:38 Stops: 0 Dur : 2h38m
Delta Air Lines 4024 Dep: SLC at 17:00 , Term: 2 Arr: MSP at 20:38 Term: L
Equip: CR9, Meal: , Dur : 2h38m
and your SEA-SLC went MX or you took a VDB. Then a search of SEA-MSP options would give you this option (http://gallery.flyertalk.com/gallery/album34/ST2?full=1). This would get you there around the same time and let you claim original routing credit, or one of the earlier options.