Originally Posted by
drewp123
When in May? Taking the challenge in the last half of the year grants you status for the remainder plus the next.
For that to happen, the challenge has to
start after June 15. That ship has already sailed for the OP.
My advice: SFO-ORD-PVG (or similar) and return in discounted J. One and done. Look at all the TPAC options through ORD or DFW and find the lowest I fare.