This routing/fare should be noted by DEN/COS FTers, too, as it also works westbound, and is a variation of the excellent COS-PHX fare of the same routing that was around much of 2012, and COS-TUS in 2011.

Unfortunately, availability in Feb/Mar has dropped abit this past week or so. And looks like must now route through LAX on the way back to get the cheapest fare. While you lose a few EQMs by doing so over flying back through SFO, you will get the 500 mile minimum for this 100 mile or so EMB 120 flight, to partially compensate. Also, for SFO-SAN outbound, cheapest fare flies you to Mammoth Lakes, you stop for 31 minutes, then continue on to SAN on the same CRJ700. Looking forward to that on one of the two COS-SAN runs I've booked.

It's a good run for segment qualifiers, as it provides six segments for $27 or so each, which is quite good nowadays, and adds 5,500 EQMs to one's account for a low +/- $160.

Since United changed their routing rules several summers ago, to now allowing only two connections rather than the previous four each way for most fares (that's a general statement), adding even a seventh flight now to an itinerary can rather significantly raise your fare. You can still fly a 10-flight domestic roundtrip, but nowadays it will really cost you.