Thing 1:

Unless you get an airline CCard and beef up those accounts, it will be a bit of time before you get to 25k on both airlines. It can be done but it takes some time and work. Start with idine and whatever promotions you can find in both airlines and in both forums on miles.

Also, a short, cheap flight for a 'mileage run' will help as well, with things like online booking bonuses and kiosk use, etc. For example, I earned several thousand more K miles on a UAL trip to Vegas last Sept.

If you bring both accts up, you can still partner a DL award and a UAL award. That's 2 FF tickets on one carrier--either one.

Thing 2:

This may or may not be useful to you but what I might consider is this:

Transfer all the points from both accts into HHilton (you can still do the DL ones right now, but they are soon pulling out, I think) and you will rack up a good 50k in HH program. That's a few nights if you need accom.

If not, find a family member or friend who would gladly trade the use of your hotel stays that you can arrange for THEM, for an airline ticket or two that THEY can possibly arrange for YOU!

I once used one of my miles award ticket for a skiing friend of mine who paid me back by buying lift passes, dinners, accomodations, and ski rentals for a whole week in Tahoe. SO we both won and got what we wanted.

good luck! Avoid bears.

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If speed is not your thing, distance may as well be. Enjoy and embrace it all!