Originally Posted by ttyl

Hi all,

Departure Airport: YUL
Destination Airport: ORD
Miles Needed: MAX
Current Status: AC none
Required Spend or Budget: < 400 USD per RT
Available Travel Dates: Weekly (Sun-Mon to Thu-Fri) for next 6 months
Required Metal or Codeshares Okay: AC
Route(s) You've Already Searched:

I'm new at this, so hope I provide enough info, and can get advice.
I will soon be commuting weekly RT from YUL to ORD (750 OW direct miles) for at least the next 6 months (~26 RT). I currently have and earn Aeroplan miles (~150K), but don't have any AC status yet. I also previously collected AS mileage plan too (~50K).

The YUL to ORD route is served by AC, UA, and AA non-stop.

Questions:

1. I am planning to use AC metal to accumulate aeroplans, and status. Any alternative advice?
2. In order to speed up the AC Altitude status, are there any mileage run deals to optimize this process? I'd like to keep the RT airfare < 400 USD (i can book in advance). I'm more flexible with my return trip in order to increase mileage (ex: ORD-FLL-YUL or ORD-LAS-YUL).
3. Does flying UA metal account for AC altitude mileage?
4. Does AC Tango fare mileage give 100% AC altitude mileage?
5. Any other advice?

Thank you for your advice