Speedbird12

So here's my question for AC experts ...

what's the cheapest way to earn 40k status miles in a 2 week period before the end of 2012? I still have a trip to Europe (FRA) and a trip to Asia (HKG) to make, and I'm thinking about using AC and/or *A if I can earn the miles I need to retain SE for 2013.

Routes and timing are flexible (self employed), but I'd prefer a RTW-style trip versus two separate trips. And I can add some MRs. From a cost point of view the upgrade lottery tends to work out better for me than buying J on AC metal, but will buy J on other *A. Starting in YUL.

Ideas and suggestions are appreciated...?

slashd0t

That's a pretty crazy MR.. Good luck.

sluis

40K miles on 1 trip, that's almost like going around the world twice, it seems like too much pain for you and too many carbon emissions for the earth just for SE, good luck though!

global happy traveller

quite hard.....since the peak season take up almost 2 weeks of December

you may wanna try some cheap fares before Dec 15 (time may be running out since fares start to go up 21 days or less IME)...... or the week between Christmas-New Years

aircanada_loyal

I have to agree with slashd0t, this will be a crazy MR to get 40K status miles in mere two weeks.

However, let me offer my two cents, with a macro question....is it worth it? I think the only way you can answer it properly is to ask yourself:

a. How much will you be traveling next year, on*A airlines, so you can take advantage of the benefits? If you are not planning to travel a lot, and your aim is always the cheapest fare (which is usually not *A), then leave it.
b. What are you aiming for, in the new program, E35/50/75, or are you going for SE100? The E program is severely diluted in my opinion, and many of the benefits, such as lounge can be purchased without having status.
c. Will you be able to re-qualify in 2014? If you will not be traveling substantially in 2013 to re-qualify, then believe me this time next year you will be in the same boat. It is not worth it.
d. What's your opportunity cost? What are you forgoing by going on a two week trip, with no other objective than attaining status miles? If you value other things in life, let me tell you honestly that the moment you sit on that first long-haul in Y, or you get tired, or start missing family or other interests, you will stop enjoying it, and will regret this MR.

Having said this to provoke your thoughts, it's ultimately your choice. One way to organize your MR is to see this:http://www.farecompare.com/maps/

I look forward to your thoughts, and in particular your answers to the questions above.

sp4294

I think these are the key questions to decide whether or not this is a worthwhile endeavour.

Tax Dude

Since you're going to both destinations anyways, it's not so crazy with the 50% bonus discussed in this thread. Do it as two trips and you'll just need a short MR to get to 40k.

Edited to add: Or, book one of them in J and you won't have to do a MR. YUL-HKG is approx $5,500 and should get you over 33k status miles.

mackenzie77

Doing 4 round trips between EWR-HNL on UA from Dec 2-6 will net you nearly 40,000 status miiles for about $1760. Throw in a connection through IAH on the front or back end and you've got your 40,000.

hearna

Its as if some people do not read... the op NEEDS to go to FRA and HKG, so why would he want to do 40k worth of MR if he is going to get miles out of HKG and FRA?

A RTW may not work out so great; One of the best/cheapest airline for miles is UA and they do not fly ASIA-EUROPE. You would probably end up buying a more expensive fare to earn 100% mileage say on SQ/LH for example. Have you checked to see if UA offers any good fares from ASIA-EUROPE via USA?

hearna

That solves half of your problem with Mileage•19362 total miles

And is the cheapest by a long shot! I am surprised that LH is the cheapest all around on a 100% earning fare. LX wants 500$ more for only 50% miles, UA and AC are 4000-6000$ more!

YUL-FRA-HKG-YUL forces the airlines into full fares, so YUL-HKG-FRA-YUL on LH seems to be the cheapest option hands down (If you want to get the best bang for your buck that is!)

InTheAirGuy

Talk to Dorian. He did, I think, 2 or 3 YVR-SYD in a row back in the day. Remember, this is the time before there were non-stops and you had a stop in HNL along the way. It was an epic time!

yvr76

If you're 40k short of SE, then you're only 15k short of AC*E75, which will still give you free preferred seating, and second in upgrade priority. The only other thing you're really missing is the concierge. But 15k is probably a bit easier and cheaper to attain.

The Lev

Might be beyond your budget, but you should be able to hit 40K miles by booking a Star Alliance RTW J ticket - especially given the 50% bonus status miles for bits done on AC.

hearna

Good luck finding availability to get the 50% bonus on AC without having to downgrade to Y

AC_flyer

I am flying LAX-SIN-SYD and back on SQ which gets me approximately 25,000 miles. This is costing me around $1700 all in (W Class booking- early December). LAX-SIN-AKL and back will get close to 28,000 miles. YYZ-LAX return could get you another 4000 miles. For the 8,000 a European TATL may be good. YYZ-LAX-SIN-AKL and back should be around $2400 all in. SQ's prices increase after Dec 9. Seats in W class may also be hard to come by. Hope this is helpful.