Originally Posted by DeltaFlyingProf

This is good in theory. But it won't work in practice unless Amex (just as an example, not advocating them) has a bulk discount on the fare or you are lucky.

When planning for renewal of status, I'd rather have certainty. Do you know one place where one would be guaranteed it would be considered a special fare? For the Amex as an example again, the "insider fare" deals will guarantee it. Do you have any example of guaranteed mileage based earnings omn THIS fare? AA vacation for example?