Hello! I have been poking around on the forums for quite awhile and I was hoping to pick your brains. I am a little overwhelmed with all the information that I have been taking in these last few weeks with regards to "unlocking" the airline industry. I have tried my best to apply all the knowledge that has been shared on the board, but would love some assistance.

My husband is currently deployed on a navy ship that makes port calls in the middle east. This current deployment is going to run just under a year. Going a year without seeing him is brutal, so after 6 months, I have decided to attempt catching up with him for one of his port calls. My plan is to be in the middle east during a port call window where I can hop a last minute flight in the region to whatever port they arrive in.

Here is where your help would be appreciated more than words can say. I have a friend who lives in Abu Dhabi who has offered me a place to stay once I am in the region. I was hoping to avoid a 13 hour flight in a packed economy seat (a back injury makes more than 8 hours incredibly painful) I am willing to travel to any place within the lower 48 (I am in the Midwest now) if it would mean an affordable business class, or a flight that is notoriously empty that would allow for empty seats next to me.

While I am a member of United's Mileage Plus, I would only have around 25,000 miles- though I have been offered some Marriott rewards point to help as well.

I would 100% have to be in Abu Dhabi from February 19-25, but my travel dates on both sides are flexible.

With all the different options, I am just overwhelmed. How do I sift through all this?! Any help or guidance you can offer would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!!