Not your typical MR question, I need short milage help
Nov 9, 2012, 4:23 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Chicago
Programs: UA 1K, Marriott/SPG/Hyatt Gold
Posts: 19
Not your typical MR question, I need short milage help
Currently UA Gold and fly out of ORD.
Due to a cancelled european trip a few weeks ago because of a death in the family I'm finding myself a whopping 141 miles short of Platinum status with United. I realize that I can take a flight pretty much anywhere to achieve the 500 mile minimum flight miles as an existing Mileage Plus Gold member. But I would like to complete this trip sooner rather than later due to the fact that I'd like to reach Platinum soon so that a trip I'm taking in January with 4 family members I can add them to E+ seating. I'd rather do this in the next few weeks before the E+ seats are gone. So given my dilemma, does anyone have pointers for finding a low cost roundtrip fare out of Chicago going pretty much anywhere (though places like Milwaukee, Detroit, Indy are preferred since I don't really need the heavy miles in this case). I've looked around a bit and anything I'm seeing in the next few weeks is around $200-300 which seems silly to spent to get 141 miles. Ideally I'd like a same day turn (especially if I can find one that turns around 45-75 minutes later on the way back).
Thanks much and go easy on a FT n00b please.
Shawn
Due to a cancelled european trip a few weeks ago because of a death in the family I'm finding myself a whopping 141 miles short of Platinum status with United. I realize that I can take a flight pretty much anywhere to achieve the 500 mile minimum flight miles as an existing Mileage Plus Gold member. But I would like to complete this trip sooner rather than later due to the fact that I'd like to reach Platinum soon so that a trip I'm taking in January with 4 family members I can add them to E+ seating. I'd rather do this in the next few weeks before the E+ seats are gone. So given my dilemma, does anyone have pointers for finding a low cost roundtrip fare out of Chicago going pretty much anywhere (though places like Milwaukee, Detroit, Indy are preferred since I don't really need the heavy miles in this case). I've looked around a bit and anything I'm seeing in the next few weeks is around $200-300 which seems silly to spent to get 141 miles. Ideally I'd like a same day turn (especially if I can find one that turns around 45-75 minutes later on the way back).
Thanks much and go easy on a FT n00b please.
Shawn
Nov 9, 2012, 4:48 pm
#3
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: MSY
Programs: NW Gold and now Delta Gold
Posts: 3,072
I would search using Kayak Explore com. Put in Chicago as your originating city and put in budget under $200. Several options come up, but I haven't checked to see if they're on your preferred airline.
Nov 9, 2012, 5:03 pm
#5
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 8
Here are a few examples from ITA Matrix: ORD-FWA on Nov 23rd (Black Friday) for $140, ORD-MKG on Nov 24th for $164 and ORD-MKE on Dec 1st for $160.
You can use ITA and choose ORD as your originating airport and then click the nearby button next to destination airport field and type in ORD and include nearby airports within XXX miles. Search an entire month, set length of stay to 0 nights and uncheck allow airport changes.
http://matrix.itasoftware.com/?showPricePerMile=true
You can use ITA and choose ORD as your originating airport and then click the nearby button next to destination airport field and type in ORD and include nearby airports within XXX miles. Search an entire month, set length of stay to 0 nights and uncheck allow airport changes.
http://matrix.itasoftware.com/?showPricePerMile=true
Nov 9, 2012, 5:43 pm
#6
In Memoriam
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: dallas texas usa
Programs: aa plt 4.9MM LTAC
Posts: 14,828
whats the cost to buy the e+seats?
edit to add....the $99 1 way fare is 14 day advance...
next mon tue wed ord-mke 1 way is $169....
edit to add....the $99 1 way fare is 14 day advance...
next mon tue wed ord-mke 1 way is $169....
Last edited by clacko; Nov 9, 2012 at 6:21 pm
Nov 11, 2012, 11:18 am
#7
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Jersey Shore/YYZ
Programs: UA 1K, Marriott Plat, Hilton Diamond, Hertz PC
Posts: 12,521
All:
OP's best bet for many reasons is getting Award Accelerator, and he/she can get this done today for $65.
OP:
1. Buy PHL-EWR anytime, anydate, on united.com, wait for it to ticket.
2. Go back in and say 'yes' to extra miles. Say yes to the Double Elite miles.
3. Buy the miles and PQM, and wait a few to see it post.
4. Once it posts, cancel the flight.
OP's best bet for many reasons is getting Award Accelerator, and he/she can get this done today for $65.
OP:
1. Buy PHL-EWR anytime, anydate, on united.com, wait for it to ticket.
2. Go back in and say 'yes' to extra miles. Say yes to the Double Elite miles.
3. Buy the miles and PQM, and wait a few to see it post.
4. Once it posts, cancel the flight.