Originally Posted by
lamphs
Planning ahead rather than last minute...based on my current bookings, I still need 500 PQP by 12/31 to maintain Gold.
I could likely figure this out myself if I knew the tools that the experts use!
Departure Airport: WAS (IAD DCA BWI), but open to PHL or RIC
Miles (PQF/PQP/BIS, choose one) Needed: 500 PQP
Maximum Budget: inexpensive as possible of course
Available Travel Dates: flexible in August and September; same day turn is OK
Required Metal or Codeshares Okay: whatever needed to maximize PQP
Route(s) You've Already Searched: many out of WAS, but not an expert to maximize PQP
You could do any United flight to just get over the threshold (
IAD-ORD biz). Flying partner airlines is the only way to get more than 1 PQP/$, but for just 500 PQP I doubt you're going to see too many international fares.
One international option on Air Canada (Standard) is
IAD-YVR-IAD which yields 468 PQP for $429 if you can afford an overnight in YVR. Works out to be cheaper and puts you very close to the 500 PQP threshold. This can be had for even cheaper ($387) if you book them as two separate one-way tickets (
One way to Vancouver | Google Flights and
One way to Washington | Google Flights) on Air Canada (standard fare).
I couldn't find any good fares to South America unfortunately. Also, have you considered getting one of the cobranded credit cards for the 500 PQP sign up bonus?