As it currently stands, I will end the year with 74771 EQM. What are the chances that CO will make me Plat if I call and ask?

I'm serious...does anyone know?

How did I get so close, you might ask? Was it negligence, oversight, or bad planning? Maybe a freak coincidence? No...I had actually planned very carefully to get over 75K and booked accordingly. But the best laid plans of mice and men...

This weekend, my partner and I flew from New York to Nebraska, a mileage run used to visit some great old friends that we hadn't seen in a long time. On the way there, we flew direct EWR>OMA, but knowing I needed a few more miles, I booked us to come home OMA>IAH>EWR.

But on Sunday when we were leaving Nebraska, Robert was getting sick with the cold that's been going around and feeling just horrible. We got to the airport and were given the option to fly direct OMA to EWR for a small change fee of $25 each. Robert's eyes lit up! Not only would we avoid the airport scramble at IAH, but we'd get home at least two hours earlier. I say "at least" because it was raining and storming in EWR, and flights were all delayed and it was possible that our IAH>EWR could be even later than planned.

I felt a twinge, clinched my current ticket tighter for just one second, knowing full well that it guaranteed me Platinum, and then...looking into Robert's watery eyes, I said calmly, "Sure, we'll take the direct flight."

Did I tell him this at the time? No. I took one silently for the team that is our relationship. I locked my jaw, smiled, and hit the "accept" button on the airport kiosk. Goodbye, sweet Platinum. Goodbye better EUA chances. Goodbye no reward change fees. Goodbye, goodbye.

Am I doomed? Please, anyone, tell me.

Personally, I don't think CO will be offering too many "gifts" up to the next level this year with all the double EQMs they offered. That's just my opinion, though, not based upon any facts.

Too bad it wasn't an involuntary re-route due to weather or mechanical issues, then you could have asked for the original route credit... well, nothing is stopping you from asking for anything, but I think you'd have had a decent leg to stand on if you didn't volunteer (and pay) for the change. Maybe you'll have to take a last minute trip somewhere or can take Amtrak to get your necessary miles?

If you have a chance between now and the end of the year, fly EWR-DCA-EWR or EWR-PHL-EWR. You'll get the 500 EQM minimum for each leg, so you'll clear 75K EQM for the year. I flew EWR-DCA-EWR last week on about 10 days advance booking for $98 inc. taxes.

I could be wrong, but I think Amtrak is no longer eligible for EQM's since *A

Take Robert to Disney World (MCO) or the beach at TPA or FLL for a weekend before Christmas.

Those tickets are all fairly cheap right now.

You may be in luck

Upgrade to Platinum

Agreed. I posted a similar response in this other thread this morning: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/conti...se-enough.html.

You'll probably get it if you call and ask.