Originally Posted by bjtaylor
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.
It would be great to be a student with status; IMHO it is when you have plenty of time to appreciate the perks of status such as lounge access and upgrades that you appreciate them most. Start earning now and you may have enough miles for a trip in Business internationally when you graduate. Good luck!
Just don't forget there is a whole world outside the US which as a younger traveller you have the time to go see, and a whole lifetime to savour and appreciate.
Part of the fun of travelling as a student is experiencing other people's points of view and cultures, and testing your expectations of other countries.
And managing to get the best bargain and travelling on a shoestring is also part of the experience. Priceline means all your accommodation needn't be hostel-style anymore.
And if you get to Europe,
Inter Rail can allow you travel all over, and
Low Cost Carriers abound.
Why not check out some of the fare sale prices to Ireland (SNN Shannon and DUB Dublin) from nearby BOS Boston and ORD on AA?
Here is the full list.
I see fares right now BOS-DUB at a great $421, which is great affordable travel for a student, and should be a good start on a status run.
I understand budget is key here, but a long haul may be more "valuable" status and mileage wise. Plus, you may find that you can engineer your travel DFW-PHL-BOS-DUB and return, getting the trip "home" for a reduced price as part of a larger ticket.
Not sure if the above would work, and it depends on stopover time, but others on this board will have the expertise to help you.
Whenever I purchase a ticket from the US to my home in London, I always book the ticket to a European capital, via London. This allows me to take a weekend break to Europe before emy return to US for about a 10% premium on the regular US-LON fare, well below what the European side trip would normally cost.
Make sure you signup for the weekly American email fare deals, too.
One last thing; check out options for a
RTW, round the World Airfare. These are great deals especially if you can take your time during vacation. The
oneworld forum will be of assistance to you if you decide on this course.