I scored Silver for my first time ever this year (and scored upgrades on 3 out of 5 flights at checkin time, none at the sweep) but I need 8,921 miles to keep it for next year. If I booked a MR to ANC from PHL (via PHX), that allegedly gets me 9,240 miles (according to webflyer.com). Tickets are running about 5 cents / mile and theoretically I can get it done in 27 hours.

My questions are:

1) Flight arrives ANC at 00:51 and leaves 01:51 so I assume it's the same plane - i.e., if inbound is late I'll be OK for return. Correct?

2) Booking is a bit weird. I have to book for return flight the same day and it bumps it to leave next day at 01:51. I assume it will book OK regardless, right?

3) At this time of year I would think my chances of an upgrade at silver between PHX and ANC are pretty good but a few looks at seat maps show the planes are a lot more loaded than I would have expected. I obviously need to sleep so if have no real chance at an upgrade I might skip it.

Never did a MR before so I'm pretty excited. I know the price isn't the best for you hardcores though!