Originally Posted by MBM3
I did this to obtain Silver when I first became Elite. I realized I was close and started connecting so that I could double my segments and miles. My last trip was through BWI and EWR on the way to ATL (return as well - and that was still when the ATRs were still in use). Plus, it is usually cheaper that the approximately $1100 CO charges for the direct flight to NYC from CLE.
CLE -> EWR roundtrip is $160.... I usually try to book a class B fair to bring the price up to nearly $300 so I can expense a ticket to almost anywhere and have it be around the same price as my normal roundtrip if I book in advance. I'm not on an endless budget project.