Originally Posted by
transparent
So let's say when all is said and done, will finish at 53K EQM and 72K EQP.
That would be at least 2-3 MRs for EXP via EQM, and 1-2 via EQP (if it's 1.0 or 1.5 earning).
Instead of using mileage runs as a unit of measurement, let's use the more precise units of points or miles.
By your estimates, you'll need about 47k EQM or you'll need about 28k EQP.
Originally Posted by
transparent
There will be time savings for not taking that extra trip, and depending on cost, may be a wash.
Definitely true - time is money and time with family/kids/job is well spent.
Originally Posted by
transparent
Let's say the average MR of about 20K EQM is $900 (~4.5cpm), then I should be willing to pay up to 100% more or $1,800 for the same MR for 1.0 EQPs or 1.5 EQPs if it means 1 MR instead of 2.
No, I would not spend double the money just to earn 1.0 EQP, nor would I spend double the money to earn 1.5 EQP. I'll explain why below.
Originally Posted by
transparent
Am I thinking about this correctly? Do others employ this kind of thinking, or just go for more of the 0.5 EQP MRs?
Your choices aren't really 0.5 EQP fares, your choices are either 1.0 EQM fares or fares that earn 1.0 or 1.5 EQP. ALL PUBLISHED fares earn 1.0 EQM.
What you need is either 28k miles worth of flying that earns 1.0 EQP or about 18.75k miles of flying that earns 1.5 EQP. My advice is to find great fare sales on economy tickets, put them on hold, and then call AA web services and ask them to up-fare the held reservations to V or W (whichever is cheaper and/or available for your flights). V, W and higher earn 1.0 EQP per mile flown, and you're only about 28k EQP away.
You could spend lots more money to up-fare the tickets to B or Y, and thus earn 1.5 EQP, but that would be very costly. And, if money's no object, then you could hope to find some discounted premium cabin tickets, and fly 18.75k miles of those (earning you the 28k EQP you need).
My guess is that the V or W tickets would be most cost effective, but if you're running short on time and have lotsa money, then the Y or B fares would get it done in 2/3 as much flying (18.75k miles instead of 28k miles).