1st Successful Mileage Run Completed
Mar 24, 2017, 12:13 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2017
Posts: 5
1st Successful Mileage Run Completed
Good Evening,
I know my status and miles flown doesn't compete with 95% of you on this site, but I'm working on it. Ua1flyer (I don't know how to or if you can tag someone here) has been an inspiration to me as of late. I'm from the town next to him and when I read the article about him, it made me want to start flying as much as possible. While I understand its his job to be traveling around the world to see clients, I want to do it as much as I can within my budget, but just for fun.
I moved from North Jersey to LA last summer and being that LA has decent UA activity, it has allowed me to continue flying the airline and gathering miles/status.
I did my first mileage run this week, LAX-SFO-SIN-SFO-LAX starting Monday night and returning back Wednesday at 12pm. It was interesting being in the air for 35 of the 40 hours I was traveling, it was actually quite fun. However, the whole process wasn't as smooth as I had hoped.
When I went to check-in Sunday night, I had no problems until I went to retrieve my boarding pass; the app stated that I needed to see an agent to get my boarding pass at the airport. I used to have 2 valid passports at one time and this had happened before during that time, so I didn't think much of it. When I got to the airport, I found out it wasn't my dual passports causing an issue, it was the fact I received the DREADED SSSS on my LAX-SFO boarding pass (and since i did the turnaround, they printed my other boarding passes as well, with SIN-SFO receiving the SSSS). Now I have both Pre-Check and Global Entry, which I have used the past 5 years without an issue, and have travelled enough internationally to know the process. The SSSS procedure was not that enjoyable as I spent nearly 30 minutes waiting in line for the regular security check (since Pre-check was removed from my ticket) and another 20 minutes getting the FULL-Body pat down.
Has this happened to other people on Long-haul, quick-turn trips when flying alone? Also, if it has, do you lose Pre-check forever?? I am flying LAX-OGG, next week, LAX-EWR the week after and LAX-DEN for Easter Weekend. If this is going to continue, I need to figure it in to my travel plans, as it took nearly an extra hour to get through security.
The flights themselves were pretty uneventful, ate, slept and worked with the WiFi. Fortunately keeping my watch on LA time kept me from experiencing any jetlag, as I made sure I slept on my normal schedule.
By the time I landed, I was ready to do it again. I have definitely found a new hobby and look forward to doing this for a while.
I am now looking to complete United's 5 longest non-stop flights within one calendar year, as reasonably priced as possible. Being based in LA, I'm looking to earn just over 94,300 PQM if I can do this throughout the rest of the year. I am fortunate that I can work somewhat remote, and utilize the plane as a workspace.
If anyone has any tips or suggestions, I'd gladly listen. Also, if anyone is coming through LA on an MR, I'd be ready to tag along.
Brian
I know my status and miles flown doesn't compete with 95% of you on this site, but I'm working on it. Ua1flyer (I don't know how to or if you can tag someone here) has been an inspiration to me as of late. I'm from the town next to him and when I read the article about him, it made me want to start flying as much as possible. While I understand its his job to be traveling around the world to see clients, I want to do it as much as I can within my budget, but just for fun.
I moved from North Jersey to LA last summer and being that LA has decent UA activity, it has allowed me to continue flying the airline and gathering miles/status.
I did my first mileage run this week, LAX-SFO-SIN-SFO-LAX starting Monday night and returning back Wednesday at 12pm. It was interesting being in the air for 35 of the 40 hours I was traveling, it was actually quite fun. However, the whole process wasn't as smooth as I had hoped.
When I went to check-in Sunday night, I had no problems until I went to retrieve my boarding pass; the app stated that I needed to see an agent to get my boarding pass at the airport. I used to have 2 valid passports at one time and this had happened before during that time, so I didn't think much of it. When I got to the airport, I found out it wasn't my dual passports causing an issue, it was the fact I received the DREADED SSSS on my LAX-SFO boarding pass (and since i did the turnaround, they printed my other boarding passes as well, with SIN-SFO receiving the SSSS). Now I have both Pre-Check and Global Entry, which I have used the past 5 years without an issue, and have travelled enough internationally to know the process. The SSSS procedure was not that enjoyable as I spent nearly 30 minutes waiting in line for the regular security check (since Pre-check was removed from my ticket) and another 20 minutes getting the FULL-Body pat down.
Has this happened to other people on Long-haul, quick-turn trips when flying alone? Also, if it has, do you lose Pre-check forever?? I am flying LAX-OGG, next week, LAX-EWR the week after and LAX-DEN for Easter Weekend. If this is going to continue, I need to figure it in to my travel plans, as it took nearly an extra hour to get through security.
The flights themselves were pretty uneventful, ate, slept and worked with the WiFi. Fortunately keeping my watch on LA time kept me from experiencing any jetlag, as I made sure I slept on my normal schedule.
By the time I landed, I was ready to do it again. I have definitely found a new hobby and look forward to doing this for a while.
I am now looking to complete United's 5 longest non-stop flights within one calendar year, as reasonably priced as possible. Being based in LA, I'm looking to earn just over 94,300 PQM if I can do this throughout the rest of the year. I am fortunate that I can work somewhat remote, and utilize the plane as a workspace.
If anyone has any tips or suggestions, I'd gladly listen. Also, if anyone is coming through LA on an MR, I'd be ready to tag along.
Brian
Mar 24, 2017, 1:24 am
#2
Join Date: Jul 2015
Programs: British Airways
Posts: 32
Congrats on your first run!
It really is a bug that doesnt let go. i too do this personally and while it costs a bit of money, getting to see and try the different configurations of my chosen airline and alliance is fantastic.
If I could do it all the time I would.... just need a few slippery fingers when the airlines upload new flights into the system... error fares are the best!
It really is a bug that doesnt let go. i too do this personally and while it costs a bit of money, getting to see and try the different configurations of my chosen airline and alliance is fantastic.
If I could do it all the time I would.... just need a few slippery fingers when the airlines upload new flights into the system... error fares are the best!
Mar 24, 2017, 11:03 am
#3
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Austin, TX
Programs: AA Million Miler, Hilton Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 94
Congrats on your first trip!
I too had the SSSS for a bit on my BP. It may have started on a trip back from Turkey - I was asked to step aside for additional screening at LHR after transferring from a BA flight from Istanbul to an AA flight to either DFW or JFK (can't remember). I too had Global Entry and I was also traveling with my husband, he was not selected. I did not see the SSSS on my BP for this flight.
The next trip I took after this one was from AUS to MCO and I had to self identify (I was not able to get a BP) to a ticket agent who walked me to TSA and basically would not allow me to go anywhere unescorted. I experienced the 30 minute wait for a female agent to do a patdowna nd residuetj est on my carry-on as well as a thorough search of my items. I also experienced the same on the return. However, I got a TSA manager at MCO, he spoke with me for a while and asked my about my travel to Turkey, I go there often and I explained the purpose etc. I haven't had the SSSS since then and have traveled all over the world. So, it can go away. IMHO, I think it went away after speaking to that TSA manager, but who knows.
Enjoy your future MRs and good luck!
I too had the SSSS for a bit on my BP. It may have started on a trip back from Turkey - I was asked to step aside for additional screening at LHR after transferring from a BA flight from Istanbul to an AA flight to either DFW or JFK (can't remember). I too had Global Entry and I was also traveling with my husband, he was not selected. I did not see the SSSS on my BP for this flight.
The next trip I took after this one was from AUS to MCO and I had to self identify (I was not able to get a BP) to a ticket agent who walked me to TSA and basically would not allow me to go anywhere unescorted. I experienced the 30 minute wait for a female agent to do a patdowna nd residuetj est on my carry-on as well as a thorough search of my items. I also experienced the same on the return. However, I got a TSA manager at MCO, he spoke with me for a while and asked my about my travel to Turkey, I go there often and I explained the purpose etc. I haven't had the SSSS since then and have traveled all over the world. So, it can go away. IMHO, I think it went away after speaking to that TSA manager, but who knows.
Enjoy your future MRs and good luck!
Mar 28, 2017, 10:22 pm
#6
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Seattle, Wa
Programs: AS 75K & BR Member- HHonors Diamond - Hertz PC - Marriott Titanium - IHG Ambassador
Posts: 2,379
One of my first was an error fare on PMUS - SEA-ART for $1.65 RT plus tax. It was less than $30.00 incl everything. I status matched to US and got UG'd on the SEA-PHL segments both ways. I was hooked.
Mar 30, 2017, 4:30 am
#7
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Canada
Programs: Star Alliance G*, Marriott Bonvoy Titanium,
Posts: 3,585
SSSS issue
AC told me that the assignment of SSSS is entirely random. I had it on a YUL-IST-TXL run so I am convinced (like TATAL) that transiting Turkey flagged it.
(Recently, AC pulled out of IST). The other good news? It did not re-occur on my rtn. (SCL-PTY-IAD-YYZ). So perhaps it is random?
FYI, I did a couple of MRs to SIN in the past year. Its a great run, because of the aircraft (788), the lounges and the cnx.
(Recently, AC pulled out of IST). The other good news? It did not re-occur on my rtn. (SCL-PTY-IAD-YYZ). So perhaps it is random?
FYI, I did a couple of MRs to SIN in the past year. Its a great run, because of the aircraft (788), the lounges and the cnx.
Apr 9, 2017, 5:27 am
#9
Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 54
I did one recently in order to satisfy a United status match to gold. Ordinarily, I have way more than enough work-related flights to satisfy but during this period (1/31-4/2) I had an unusual number of work events get canceled. SFO, SEA, ORD, all canceled or moved past the challenge period.
After looking on this board, I did EWR-HKG n/s for $699 w taxes fees RT and picked up 16k PQM, which look like they will also go toward 2018 status. Fifteen hours in UAL metal each way. On the way out, I sat next to a guy doing the very same thing.
After looking on this board, I did EWR-HKG n/s for $699 w taxes fees RT and picked up 16k PQM, which look like they will also go toward 2018 status. Fifteen hours in UAL metal each way. On the way out, I sat next to a guy doing the very same thing.
Apr 11, 2017, 11:34 pm
#10
Join Date: Nov 2016
Programs: Delta
Posts: 15
How long did you layover in SIN? I'm doing my first mileage run in just over a week. PHX - PDX - NRT - SIN - NRT - PDX - PHX. Curious if I need to go through customs and/or leave the airport or if I can just hang out in the terminal for my 6 hour layover. Thanks!
Apr 12, 2017, 3:11 pm
#11
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Colorado
Programs: UA Gold 1MM, Marriott Gold
Posts: 1,158
Pre-flight security checks and x-ray are done at each gate prior to departure so you are free to roam the terminal, shop, visit a lounge, catch a movie or take a nap in one of the transit hotels (for a fee). Changi is probably the best airport in the world to spend a layover.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/milea...es-please.html