Originally Posted by
chrisrozon
I'm planning a trip to Montreal with the kids this summer, and looking to maximize the rewards/mileage experience.
We can fly out of any Bay Area airport (OAK / SJC / SFO).
I'm an Alaska MVP, and less travel last year means I don't have status with any other airlines right now. I can't see any partners who fly those routes except American, and as far as I can see I'll *maybe* get some mileage credit but nothing else.
Anyone have any suggestions/hacks/workarounds? Please don't make me fly United!
Buying separate tickets you're taking a very significant risk of misconnects, schedule changes, IRROPS... any of these events will leave you high and dry with no chance of re-accomodation (at the airline's expense). Schlepping bags from one airline to another, then re-clearing security will be a hassle. Traveling with family (presumably for vacation) this hardly seems like a good idea...
Just buy a normal ticket on a carrier which actually serves SFO/SJC/OAK-YUL and enjoy.