Another option (that doesn't require multi-night stays overseas) is to find the cheapest short haul routes that will give you several segments. Sometimes you can find a dirt cheap SEGMENT RUNS of 4 or 6 segs that can get you closer to GOLD/PLAT. Check airports where you can get there with a CO connection, AND are also served by a "low-cost" airline (Southwest, Vanguard, Frontier, etc.). Chances are, CO may have a competitive price, which can translate into a cheap segment run. Some of these segment runs don't require overnight or Saturday night stays (less "out-of-pocket" expense and fewer vacation days from you to obtain Elite status). And... no jet lag.

I have found that it is usually best at the beginning of the year to pick a strategy (miles run VS segment run) and stick with it.

Of course, a lot of it depends on WHERE you live and you ability to do SEGMENT runs vs. MILEAGE runs.


I am CO Plat, and I must admit that Segment runs work a little better for getting Gold status (60 segs vs. 50K actual miles) than for Plat (90 segs vs 75K actual miles).