Originally Posted by gemac
You indicate that this routing would leave you 2000 miles short of the 19,500 you need, implying that it would earn 17,500 EQM. I ran it through Great Circle and got 18,443, so either I'm doing something wrong or you are closer than you think.
You could pick up the rest of the miles you need by flying TLV to BRU on a miles-earning airline. For example, flying IB through BCN will get you 30% of 5,000 miles, or 1,500 miles, for $578.30 all-in. Would this put you over the top?
While this seems like the best alternative to me, as you are flying to BRU anyway so you don't have to spend extra time on a plane in what already seems like a full weekend, you could try to shoehorn in a seperately purchased trip on AA inside the U.S. if unable to add more segments. What suggests itself is AA ORD-FLL for less than $120, but see how nutty that looks? You would end up flying BRU-ORD-FLL-ORD-MIA.... The ORD-FLL-ORD portion would be in coach. I would pay the extra $20 and take the IB through BCN rather than endure that - end up with more time in GIG.
Using AA.com for the route above 4160+1197+4162+4162+1097+3667=18445 so first thanks for pointing out my mistake. I need 19248 more miles so I am 803 miles short.
One option is to reroute the return via ORD gives me 19038 miles still 210 short but frankly I would really like the above routing as it gives me a needed full day in NYC.
I looked in to IB 1st why is it 30% is that just IB cheap fares issue? It may be the solution especially if I can somehow get a 20h break in BCN to meet friends (already planning the same for my friends in BRU).
Not clear on this shoehorn issue but for 803 miles I basically need 2 eagle flights out of ORD or MIA, back and forth both giving me the min 500m
Flying in coach in the US is not an issue I am an EXP