Originally Posted by
Kamadan
..., and if your mate doesn't mind travelling abroad, do some domestic runs in US (with United) ... as they often get you ~NZ$6-NZ$8 per SP.
Just be sure you do not trust the advertised fare class on United's website. They might advertise them as "P" or "A" but in reality they are discount economy. That said, a discount economy SEA-LAX round trip with a stop in SFO is worth 70 status points and can cost in the low US$200s.