I have had a few experiences to maximize my miles -- none as crazy as Punki's, but crazy to my friends none-the-less.

1. For the longest time, I was gold on American (these days, 25k miles is easy!). Knowing that I had a chance to qualify for Platinum (based on my scheduled travel), I wanted to maximize my miles. My girlfriend and a few of my friends were going to Ireland for vacation last August. Originally, I was not able to go but about 3 weeks before the trip, my schedule cleared and I was able to go. I priced the flight on Aer Lingus and the cost was $900. Aer Lingus is a Delta partner and I did not want/need Delta miles. Plus, I would like to fly in comfort on vacation (i.e. business class). I spent 1 hour on the phone with American and the agent found me a flight from LGA-ORD-LHR-JFK for $700. I then contacted AL and they had the LHR-Ireland flight s for $200 -- same cost, and 8000+ miles on American and three credits on AL.

2. Same year, now December. I have 48,000 miles. American will not budge on the milage requirment. So I end up flying (all flights upgraded) from JFK to LAX at 8pm Saturday night, landing at 11. Walk across the terminal to the 1:15am flight to Dallas (hello, Saturday night stay). Turns out there is a 12:15 am flight (less time in LAX since the Admirals club was closed). They were able to get me on the 12:15 and get me upgraded (after I told the agent the story, I think she had pitty on me). She also put me on standby list for an earlier the Dallas-NY flight. Get to Dallas at 5am, goto the admirals club -- confirm I am on the list, plus place a upgrade request. GOto the gate at 6am, checkin with the agent -- issues me my first class boarding pass and I am home in NY at 10am -- granted, with 8,000 miles more than needed -- but on a cheap flight with a Saturday night stay.

3. Flying with a client (both os us based in NY) to California. He wants to take United, I want to take American (again, miles and upgrades). End up telling him we get a better deal on American (corporate discount -- not true, our United deal is better but I cant STAND United) and that I will meet him there. Originally, he was supposed to get there before me. I beat him there and have a much better flight!

--Jim