First, let me introduce myself. I am a student in Philadelphia at the University of Pennsylvania and am relatively new to these boards, but love them... I routinely fly AA from PHL -> DFW, but book through to HOU, as AA connects through DFW but is forced to match Southwest fares, so this drop the price by $100+ usually...

I am looking to do the gold or even the platinum challenge this fall, and I am planning 4 or so trips home in a 3-month time span...

My questions:

1) Do O, N, or Q classes count towards the AA Gold Challenge (usually the only fares I can afford).

2) I am trying to make my flights home mileage runs, and have looked at booking various items, but I don't know if there is anything round-trip wise that could challenge an O or N class fare at around $200.

3) What is the least most plausible number of trips I could take from PHL -> HOU (or other local Southwest city by booking through DFW) in order to qualify for Gold - and Plat? I'm trying to reduce cost/maximize output here (which is a universal goal).

I'm willing to do other mileage runs from PHL during the challenge period, but need advice from you professionals out here . Please suggest anything you can that I might be able to do, I would really appreciate it .