Originally Posted by
javakevy
Departure Airport: TPA, FLL, MIA, MCO (In order of preference)
Miles Needed: 17k MQM
Required Spend or Budget: $1820 MQD Needed. Minimize cost.
Available Travel Dates: Weekends Only +1 Day (Friday or Monday). Not available Nov 6-11, Nov 23-30, Dec. 6-9, Dec. 24-31
Required Metal or Codeshares okay*: SkyTeam
Currently Platinum Medallion, looking to keep Platinum Medallion. i have the Delta Reserve Amex but I'm 11k away from the waiver. I'm a school teacher, so overall cost is most important. I'd prefer to do weekends only if possible, but can take off a Monday or Friday if needed. The wife would prefer I accomplish it in 2 weekends or less.
So far, the best option I've found is: MIA-CDG-SVO-CDG-MIA w/ 10hrs in Paris on AirFrance Business Class Z Fare. $1710. SVO-CDG is operated by Aeroflot, but I don't think that matters?
Can anyone find something less expensive for my goals? Thanks in advance to everyone giving their time and expertise to laypeople like me.
Can anyone find other options?
I think your Moscow trip is pretty good.
For a little cheaper, a consideration would be a trip to Asia
e.g.
Oct. 26 - TPA-JFK (depart at 11:37am, arrive 2:17pm), Delta
Oct. 26 - JFK-PVG-CEB (depart 4:25pm, arrive 2:55am ), China Eastern
Oct. 28 - CEB-PVG-JFK (depart 4:55am, arrive 2:25pm), China Eastern
Oct. 28 - JFK-TPA ( depart, 4:59pm, arrive 10:17 pm), Delta
Delta ticket, TPA-JFK roundtrip - $410 (main cabin)
China Eastern ticket, JFK-CEB roundtrip - $985 (booking class N, B, R, R) earns 10% MQD on N and R booking classes and 20% on B, 18,000 MQMs, $1909 MQD (1474.6+290+145), bookable on Expedia
There are much cheaper fares on China Eastern to Asia that will earn you the required miles and $$$ but will require more travel time
You can also fly Delta, TPA-TPE, Sept 28 - 30, 17,400 MQMs, $1030 (arrive back at 11:10pm) or $1196 (arriving back at 7pm) but will leave you way short on MQDs