Allright - I am going to ask the wizards on this board for advice on how to spend $7-8,000 and get the most comfy, uncomplicated travel from SLC to MRS

I am invited to give a talk with a full fare BC ticket paid. I have to leave either late 10/20 or early 10/21, return anytime from CDG-SLC 10/26/03.

My preferred option is to go SLC-SFO or SLC-LAX and catch an AF to CDG in FC or to try VS UC going SLC-LAX/SFO-LHR-MRS but no matter how I twist and turn it, the price is too close to 10K for both options even when going through First-air consolidator and there is no way to upgrade from BC to FC on AF with Delta miles. An award ticket is a non-option as I have to show a used ticket to get reimbursed.

I do not need the MQM's, but obviously would like to get the miles on my SM account. I have been looking at Continental's SLC-IAH-CDG as a "cheap" alternative if having to fly BC ($6,000) in order to try out the CO product. The Delta B/E price is $7,500 and I just plain won't pay that for the current Delta product which in the recent Internationl Business Traveler got rated in the middle of BC's and with a travel report that seemed to make it one of the worst.

However, any advice on how I as a Delta PM/SM member can use $7-8,000, get to travel in FC or "near" FC and still get the mileage on my Delta account is welcomed.

Thanks