Originally Posted by okazon69

So... following the changes to the Aeroplan/Altitude program last year, I modified my travel habits. I've been crediting to AS, and flying mostly BA or DL as needed. Nevertheless, I will have a few AC/UA segments this year for simplicity or other reasons, with possible total points accumulated less than 5,000.

I've been told at home that I should still try to maintain 50k status and was contemplating what it would take to get there with the least amount of pain, but still maintaining a cautious spend. I do not really want to fly *A for work-related purposes as then I cannot credit to AS of course.

I do have one 25% off code as well as three 20% codes that will expire in November.

What would be the suggestions here as to how best to use the discounts I have available to minimize spend but at the same time to satisfy AC metal requirements and maximize overall mileage earning? I suppose I could possibly get myself to spend a couple thousand dollars but no more, and I'd prefer not taking an inordinate amount of time flying around.