Okay, what I'm trying to do isn't exclusively a mileage run, but I'm hoping the booking experts here might help me out.
Goal: either SJC/SFO to either DCA/IAD/BWI on or about Nov. 5, return Nov 16 or slightly later from either BWI or PHL to SJC/SFO. 2 pax, 1 adult, 1 child.
Prefered carrier: NW, for the miles of course
This morning I found $219 SJC- IAD, BWI-SFO using a link/tip found in this forum, which of course I can not now locate. Tonight the best I find is $290 when specifying airports, and $266 using airports within X miles expanded to the maximum numbers and getting hideous flight times. (some preference to arrive by 8pm, willing to depart at the crack of dawn outbound)
Advice for improving airfare / maxing miles appreciated
[one caveat: won't fly CO metal for anything - they nearly killed me last time, and I'm not giving them a second shot at it!]