But for those of us who struggle with EQMs to reach Gold--which I won't for 2016 -- the EQM is a consideration.

That said, one could get 2 50% fares to reach the 100% or one could pay just over twice as much to just fly once. Based on the dummy booking I made yesterday, the lowest bucket was $689.79 RT ai. The flex saver was $1409.79.

So, one's options are to go once on the flex saver or, save $30 on airfare and do the lowest bucket twice for the same number of miles. Of course, this doesn't include lodging, etc, as this flight only operates 4x per week currently.

Total EQM under either option would be 11,444, with 11,444 bonus miles for a total of 22,888 RDM. For MVPG that would be 34,332 RDM; 28,610 MVP for MVP.

I'd consider this, but it wouldn't make up my MVPG deficit for this year....and there would still be the issue of the Chinese visa, though I do understand that there is a visa-less option for less than 72 hours, I think.

I have too much time on my hands.