Okay, so I figure there's whole bunch of folks on here that know how to play the CAL system better than me...
Here's my situation;
After the Turkey day weekend I'll be 3EQP's short of plat.
I've just found out I'll need to make a quick overnight trip CLE to MEM sometime in the next couple of weeks after that.
I used to fly that route frequently 5-6 years ago but it looks like Continental doesn't fly direct anymore. A quick check on their website routes me through EWR or IAH at around $1,500. Although that would take care of the EQM's for the year, I think the customer would have a cow.
Any suggestions for alternate routing? I know Northwest flys direct DTW to MEM but it doesn't come up on a CAL search...

How many miles are you short?

You can fly NWA and earn EQM's, just depends on the fare class:
In economy, M, H, Q classes
In First, Y, B, P, F+, J, C, Z

Sorry, I typed EQM's instead of EQP's... I would never make it on miles. I'm probably 15,000 short right now.
Didn't the Continental web site previously show NW & Delta partner flights? Are they just prepping for the divorce early?

It looks like OP is looking for points. S/he is 3 EQP short.

I was checking to see if you could get 2 EQP on NWA by booking a higher class, alas, even booking in F only earns 1 EQP.

If it turns out you can't get both points this way, CO just started flying puddle jumpers to Dubois, PA and a few other places. I think it was only about $69.

But, they are the Gulfstream Intl Beach-1900 teeeny tiny planes. They make the RJs looks like a 747. I was just on one from Tampa to Tallahassee.

Lowest on NWA.com w/3 EQPs (via DTW in 1 direction) is $1,099.00 in H class (H14BF1ZN). Looks like there's no cheap option to/from MEM. Try CLE-BWI or MCO for a cheap segement run.

Well, this isn't ideal, but... Have you considered using LIT instead of MEM? I've done this a few times and the price savings can be quite significant. I just priced overnight CLE-MEM and CLE-LIT trips, departing on 12/3 and returning on 12/4, and the price difference is huge! CLE-MEM is about $1200, but CLE-LIT is only about $350. You'd have to rent a car, and the drive from LIT to Memphis is about 2 hours, but seems worth it to save over $800...

Don't bash the B1900... that's my favorite plane in CO's fleet. Ok, you won't get upgraded, if you have to use the bathroom, hopefully you're good at holding it, you won't get served a drink and it's a bit loud. However, you should never be on one for more then 75-90 mins. I love the low altitude that these fly at and the bumpy ride always makes my stomach feel like I'm on a roller coaster I know most people scream/hold on for dear life when this puddle jumper hits turbulence or is nearly hit by lightning, but I love it.

You'll also never have the worry of a POS falling over your armrest and intruding on your space. And if you fly them at night & get seat 1A, you can get an amazing view out the cockpit window.

I was so disappointed when they removed these from the CLE-FWA route that I used to fly frequently. Maybe one of these days, I'll write a short post for in the "Your favorite plane" thread.

CJGibson,
Thanks for the heads up on LIT. This board is great. Ask a question and have answers an hour later.
That'll get me more than enough EQP's and keep the customer reasonably happy. And we'll have another airport on FM... I sure do wish I had kept the records for the first twenty five years of travel...

Could I suggest a short drive to CAK and take the flight through DTW to MEM in Q class for the princely sum of $725 AI. This will give you 4 EQPs and 2000 miles plus whatever bonus you get from NW. It is also a poop load less than $1200 and you get to fly out of cute little CAK (and it is cute ). The planes are either CRJ's to CR9s or Saabs to CR9s. Sounds like a fun trip!!

Maybe you haven't flown that puppy into or out of CLE in the dead of winter, its a pretty cold ride at first.

And in the summer that puppy can be insanely hot inside.

After being down in TX for 3 years now, I'm a true Texan (my PA blood thinned out rather quickly): I always have a jacket & leather gloves when it's chilly up north. I also don't mind the heat like I used to.