This is a long running thread and the OW airlines have reduced the earning capabilities over the years for cheap economy class tickets. The odds of earning the lowest status level is nearly zero and the number of miles earned is also extremely low. Perhaps we should update the 1st post to include the disclaimer that if flying less than 25,000 miles in cheap economy class just pick the best price/schedule and forget about earning airline reward points, There have been many recent posts with this situation.