Originally Posted by bryanoneil (Post 29620018)

Hi all,

I was hoping someone could help me a little / point me in the right direction.

I recently got a status match from Delta, which comes with the 12,500 MQMs in 3 months requirement. I was stupid enough to apply for the status match over 2 months before I'll be in the States (and travelling extensively), and needless to say, Delta wouldn't budge when asked to move the start date forward.

So now I'm in a situation where I'll land in SFO on June 8th and need to acquire 12,500 MQMs by June 22nd. Quite a pickle, but doable, especially considering time isn't a massive issue.



With this in mind, I was wondering if anyone has any tips as to how to maximise MQMs and which routes / fares to look at? I was thinking of doing SFO-EWR in First, which would supposedly give me around 7710 MQMs, followed by a shorter trip in First for the remaining, but the prices seem quite steep, considering I'll have my better half with me and wouldn't really want to seat her in Coach while I'm in First.

I'd be grateful for any tips or recommendations you guys may have.

Thanks
Bryan

Originally Posted by bryanoneil (Post 29620018)

So now I'm in a situation where I'll land in SFO on June 8th and need to acquire 12,500 MQMs by June 22nd. Quite a pickle, but doable, especially considering time isn't a massive issue.

I'd be grateful for any tips or recommendations you guys may have.

Originally Posted by ethernal (Post 29620096)

Are you going to be based in SFO? If so, have you considered flying (and doing a status match for) United? Delta has very limited service to SFO (only 9 non-stops, 10 if you include a seasonal to HNL).

Originally Posted by CarmenOM (Post 29620245)

At the risk of stating the obvious, can you not fly from somewhere in Europe to the US when you fly to SFO? I realize that Delta doesn’t serve Malta (or doesn’t appear to, on a quick search), but you could fly from the nearest European city served by Delta or an eligible partner.

Originally Posted by bryanoneil (Post 29620192)

Nope, I'll actually be travelling for roughly 1.5 years with basically no home base, hence why the status match (I'm already top tier with the other 2 alliances.. was only missing SkyTeam).

Originally Posted by Asiaflyguy (Post 29620291)

SFO HKG will get your miles all in one flight, good turnaround times as well

Originally Posted by rkoechel (Post 29620072)

I'd recommend checking out the mileage run deals forum here: Mileage Run Deals

Originally Posted by sydneyracquelle (Post 29620189)

Get a Delta Amex credit card and prepay IRS taxes or whatever to get the necessary MQMs. As a foreigner you can always file a tax return and get a refund.

Originally Posted by CarmenOM (Post 29620245)

At the risk of stating the obvious, can you not fly from somewhere in Europe to the US when you fly to SFO? I realize that Delta doesn’t serve Malta (or doesn’t appear to, on a quick search), but you could fly from the nearest European city served by Delta or an eligible partner.

Originally Posted by pvn (Post 29620269)

I thought Air Malta was part of SkyTeam (I've seen them in T4 at heathrow back when Delta was still there), but apparently not. However, they do codeshare with KLM/AF.

Originally Posted by ethernal (Post 29620270)

Fair enough. If that's the case, then my recommendation would just be to forget about the status match. You're status matching to Gold which really won't get you much on Delta (first class upgrades will be rare unless you fly at very off peak times). Unless you will fly a whole lot of short haul, It will be cheaper for you just to pay for Comfort+ seats while you fly organically (Comfort+ provides virtually all of the benefits you would get as a Gold medallion).

Originally Posted by ethernal (Post 29620306)

Good option. My only commentary would be not to do this if you're not a US citizen or permanent resident (not sure what OP's status is). You will likely run into significant scrutiny by the CBP for these types of mileage runs as a non-citizen (you'll also potentially get it as a citizen, but there is less they can do to ruin your day/life other than detain you for a few hours).

Originally Posted by ethernal (Post 29620096)

Are you going to be based in SFO? If so, have you considered flying (and doing a status match for) United? Delta has very limited service to SFO (only 9 non-stops, 10 if you include a seasonal to HNL).

Originally Posted by sydneyracquelle (Post 29620189)

Get a Delta Amex credit card and prepay IRS taxes or whatever to get the necessary MQMs. As a foreigner you can always file a tax return and get a refund.

Originally Posted by bryanoneil (Post 29620314)

I wish it was that simple! As a non US resident, getting a US card would be pretty much a mission impossible.

Originally Posted by 3Cforme (Post 29620360)

What are you talking about? Delta Connection is fine for an MQM challenge, and there are 9 flights on SFO-LAX alone tomorrow.