Need three more segments to ensure my status for next year, and I have a trip encompassing New Years I need to book. Since my time is limited until the end of the year, I can't really fit in a mileage run, so I want to schedule the outbound (before December 31st) to satisfy my three segments.

Flight is ALB-MSP, preferred flight is the morning connection through ORD, but of course that only gives me two segments. I can either schedule a three-segment itinerary (actually costing me a few hundred more, and introducing extra time and an extra connection in possible bad weather), or buy first class and get 1.5 per segment (the wife who is coming along would probably prefer this).

And I'm perfectly happy booking economy on the way back (after Dec. 31st).

So my question is how can I book/price this on-line? Doing one-ways each way in different classes adds unnecessary fees, so that doesn't seem correct. I could use the buy-up option that they offer after you purchase, but that seems a little hit and miss. Or should I just call 1K line and have them book it? Is there not a way to do this on-line?