Current Elite maximizer rate is around $0.13/mile. That puts you at $ 585 for those 4500 EQM and 2 certs. It's your choice whether that is a good value. (( Note: Elite maximizer rate will likelycontinue to increase to the end of the year))

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How to Maximize:

1) Find a flight that ihas a true miage equal to or just over the number of EQM you need. ((A r/t with about 2,250 miles each way))

2) Book the flight. You can either do a fully refundable fare so you have time to subsequently cancel *or* you can be sure to cancel within 24 hours. You are NOT planning on actually flying this flight...so be sure you do this in a way that you don't get hit for any fees....either fully refundable or within 24hours.

3) Now go to your home page and find the flight in your reservation.

4) "View" the flight
5) On this page there will be an option of "buy extra miles for this trip" ... choose that option
6) Click the "purchase double miles" tab. This will produce an additional (invisible until this point) called "add elite maximizer". ...click it.
7) Buy the EQM.
8) The EQM will now shortly appear in your Continental account.
9) Cancel the flight.

...... profit.

Good luck.