Originally Posted by
alantraveler
Departure Airport: PIT
Miles Needed: 75k for Platinum
Budget: As little as possible
Available Travel Dates: Early 2019
Required Metal or Codeshares okay: (UA PQM Needed)
Unfortunately, I'll be starting 2019 from scratch. No status at all and very little planned on United, but able to put $25k on a United MileagePlus card, so my PQD will at least be waived. I have some trips coming up at the later in 2019/2020, so I'm going to try to mileage run my way to Premier Platinum for as little as possible. Any help is greatly appreciated!
The fares to China (e.g., PVG) are generally cheap nowadays. So, it will give you a lot of more cheap options if you get a Chinese visa ($140 applications fees for 10-yr). Otherwise, keep check some destinations with good deals from other nearby cities (e.g., check theflightdeal.com daily). On the mileage Runs deals forum, you can see amazing fares, too (e.g., RDU-SLC round trip for $100, BOS-SMF/SJC round trip for $129, open jaw, USA-HKG-China-Canada, for $300+). It is not too early to keep an eye for 2019. More cheap deals are coming daily. My rule is that I would book fares that are below 3 cents per PQM. Good luck.