Be that as it may, did the other part make sense? One connection through LA the rest of the year solves his problem. It's not a mileage run, it's not crazy and it's done.

Depending on the destination, you might even find a way for him to fly via DEN and pick up just the right number of miles without too much of a travel delay.

Whatever you do, I would not rely upon these miles to post/count in time. Mileage Plus simply doesn't work that way, particularly where a third party is concerned. Any little thing that screws you up leaves you in the position of begging for status and subject to someone syaing no.

It's generally best not to count on any bonus miles until they post.