FYI, In February I flew CLE-RNO and back via NWA....total cost was $481 all in. The actual route was CLE-MSP-PDX-RNO, and back was RNO-MSP-CLE. A very quick search shows this as currently pricing around $520 with a routing through LAX instead of PDX. I would expect summer fares to RNO to be cheaper than this since its the off season.

You mentioned the CLE-IAH is showing empty....by August this flight will be overbooked as it is daily....do not expect any upgrades on any of the flights or connections.

If you are hoping for upgrades then my advice is to look at the NWA routings. As with others upgrade %'s on NWA are higher for CO elites flying NW versus CO....However even as a plat I was UG'd only on 1/3 eligible flights, odd since I am usually 100% on NWA. I attribute the low percentage on this route to the season, it was ski season when I traveled to Tahoe/Reno.

One additional thought, years ago I would goto Tahoe every year for my summer holiday, I would fly to SFO then drive the 3 hours to Reno.

Cheers,
CLEHillbilly