Originally Posted by Gardyloo

...Sometimes AA will put on a direct flight (one flight number even with a stop) from/to some city not on the list that will net the higher tier points. These are unpredictable, often one-way and/or seasonal, but worth looking for. For example, Sacramento (SMF) isn't on the "transcon" list, but AA is currently running CLT-SMF-CLT as nonstops, 2244 miles each way. SLC (Salt Lake City) to MIA is also available, 2088 miles.