Before you crucify me, I thought I had it all mapped out. I applied for DL Reserve (thought I was upgrading my Options) in plenty time. After a few hours on the phone and on FT asking questions, I finally find out today why my MQMs haven't posted. I didn't upgrade, I got a new account with the Reserve and not only am I not entitled to a welcome bonus (np), but I cannot get the upgrade bonus (10K what I thought I was getting). They couldn't even push through a new upgrade because I have the Reserve now. D'uh. My only option was to get the Biz Reserve but that won't be here for 2-3 days (rep said UPS was showing 1/1/13). I don't really trust the MQM posting system on this but if it works, great.

I am flying JFK-CAI in Feb 2013 and if my Reserve miles post in 2013 then I only have to take a short-haul sometime in Jan-Feb to not feel any sting so I am not too stressed. But some part of me feels a bit sad that I am throwing away the 23K that I earned this year by not making it to Silver. So, I am thinking about a mileage run. At first I tried to find a ~5000 one for around $400 but it's the holidays and it seems as though I may be out of luck. Then I stumbled onto a 12/30 same day NYC-HNL ticket for $500. Unfortunately, DL is lo peor and it all goes to hell once I push purchase. Dammit too! I was pretty excited to get 10K MQM and RDM for a little more than the cost of the Reserve.

Long story short...anyone seen a nice chunk of miles or a little chunk of change and time? I've been on kayak, ita, and my crystal ball for a large part of the evening and now I need to finish some work before I get a pink slip. If any of you wonderful people have any suggestions or just want to scream at me, I would at least be entertained. TIA!

(Oh, and I actually like Silver...miles bonus and my pretty decent upgrade record have made me a grateful FO. I honestly cannot believe I am still there this year though. If I planned it a little bit better, segments would have put me over the top. Too many damn short trips!)