Dec 27, 2016, 5:57 pm
Last edit by: Pat89339
For each request, please include the following information:
Departure Airport:
Miles Needed:
Required Spend or Maximum Budget (choose one, and state the value):
Available Travel Dates:
Required Metal or Codeshares Okay:
Route(s) You've Already Searched:
Do you have a Chinese Visa (Yes/No)?
For each response. Please quote the original request. DO NOT START A NEW THREAD.
There are many good fares to China (PEK or PVG). If you have a Chinese visa, these options will be provided.
If your requested PQM is in a few thousand, please give a more accurate amount. You will get fewer options with a roundup number (eg, 5000 instead of 4830; IAD-SFO nonstop will work for the latter.)
Departure Airport:
Miles Needed:
Required Spend or Maximum Budget (choose one, and state the value):
Available Travel Dates:
Required Metal or Codeshares Okay:
Route(s) You've Already Searched:
Do you have a Chinese Visa (Yes/No)?
For each response. Please quote the original request. DO NOT START A NEW THREAD.
There are many good fares to China (PEK or PVG). If you have a Chinese visa, these options will be provided.
If your requested PQM is in a few thousand, please give a more accurate amount. You will get fewer options with a roundup number (eg, 5000 instead of 4830; IAD-SFO nonstop will work for the latter.)
UA/Star Alliance: 2017-2018 Consolidated Mileage/Status/Challenge Runs help needed
Dec 27, 2017, 9:04 am
#1426
Join Date: May 2012
Location: ORF, RIC
Programs: UA LT 1K, 3 MM; Marriott Titanium; IHG Platinum
Posts: 6,944
ORD-PDX First Class, Dec. 29, $923, 8552 PQM
ORD-DEN-PDX-SFO-ORD (5:00 am - 8:14 pm) on Dec. 29, for $923 (8553 PQM). MSN-ORD-PDX-ORD-MSN is $1070 on the same day (8960 PQM, with 500 miles minimum).
ORD-PDX, $923
https://www.google.com/flights/#sear..._ALLIANCE;eo=e
MSN-PDX, $1070
https://www.google.com/flights/#sear..._ALLIANCE;eo=e
ORD-PDX, $923
https://www.google.com/flights/#sear..._ALLIANCE;eo=e
MSN-PDX, $1070
https://www.google.com/flights/#sear..._ALLIANCE;eo=e
Last edited by Kmxu; Dec 27, 2017 at 9:09 am Reason: add gf links.
Dec 27, 2017, 9:28 am
#1427
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: ORD
Programs: UA Plat*G | SPG G | Mar GE
Posts: 31
Thank you!! I've found a few options to SFO, LAX and LAS but they're all a bit more than this option. Appreciate the help!
Dec 27, 2017, 9:33 am
#1428
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: IAD/DCA/BWI
Programs: Hyatt Globalist (2020:Exp), United Gold
Posts: 1,525
UA:$877 ORD-LIH 8720PQM or $879 ORD-PDX in First 8270PQM
For my dad (sigh), who thought he could just buy personal miles to fulfill the PQM requirements from Silver to Gold 
.He's really close to that 1MM milestone and still doesn't know these things. I digress...
Departure Airport: MSN or ORD
Miles Needed: 8,222
Required Spend or Budget: $627 dollars needed + anything to get him there
Available Travel Dates: Now thru Dec 31st
Required Metal or Codeshares okay: Any *A
Is there any way he could retroactively buy award accelerators on trips he took in December to MTY and DEN from MSN?
.He's really close to that 1MM milestone and still doesn't know these things. I digress...Departure Airport: MSN or ORD
Miles Needed: 8,222
Required Spend or Budget: $627 dollars needed + anything to get him there
Available Travel Dates: Now thru Dec 31st
Required Metal or Codeshares okay: Any *A
Is there any way he could retroactively buy award accelerators on trips he took in December to MTY and DEN from MSN?
UA:$877 ORD-LIH 8720PQM
Fri 29 Dec ORD-LAX-LIH-LAX-ORD
(1h21m in LIH)
https://goo.gl/flights/JtXy
Sorry he won't be there long enough to enjoy it!
Can be done $45 cheaper tomorrow, but with an extra stop. I figure for your dad it might be easier to spend the extra few bucks to reduce the misery.
Alternatively:
UA:$879 ORD-PDX in First 8270PQM
Fri 29 Dec ORD-SFO-PDX-ORD
(3h09m in PDX)
https://goo.gl/flights/z5Vw
Same price on Sat, but longer at PDX. Can also be done one day earlier for $15 more.
Premier Accelerator doesn't count toward PQD, so it's not really an option. And I haven't seen any reports of people successfully upfaring a past flight. Sorry.
Last edited by wh6cto; Dec 27, 2017 at 9:38 am Reason: Added Sat 30 Dec price
Dec 27, 2017, 9:38 am
#1429
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: DEN
Programs: UA 1K 0.7MM (trying to get to 1MM!)
Posts: 1,272
For my dad (sigh), who thought he could just buy personal miles to fulfill the PQM requirements from Silver to Gold .He's really close to that 1MM milestone and still doesn't know these things. I digress...
Departure Airport: MSN or ORD
Miles Needed: 8,222
Required Spend or Budget: $627 dollars needed + anything to get him there
Available Travel Dates: Now thru Dec 31st
Required Metal or Codeshares okay: Any *A
Is there any way he could retroactively buy award accelerators on trips he took in December to MTY and DEN from MSN?
.He's really close to that 1MM milestone and still doesn't know these things. I digress...Departure Airport: MSN or ORD
Miles Needed: 8,222
Required Spend or Budget: $627 dollars needed + anything to get him there
Available Travel Dates: Now thru Dec 31st
Required Metal or Codeshares okay: Any *A
Is there any way he could retroactively buy award accelerators on trips he took in December to MTY and DEN from MSN?
Here's an option with a 2 day turn with only 1 stop each direction:
UA:$882 ORD-LIH 8720PQM 800PQD
Fri 29 Dec ORD-LAX-LIH
(~41h in LIH)
Sun 31 Dec LIH-LAX-ORD
https://goo.gl/flights/MEv4
Dec 27, 2017, 11:45 am
#1430
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: YYZ
Programs: Aeroplan
Posts: 6
I envy people with the opportunity to book fares through United. The fare classes and miles earned are listed very clearly and I've never had difficulty.
It takes a very special airline to make United look good. Air Canada is that airline.
Dec 27, 2017, 12:00 pm
#1431
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Bay Area
Programs: United 1K, Marriott Platinum Elite, Southwest A-List
Posts: 3
Hey all, just wanted to say a quick thank you to @wh6cto for all that you do in helping others make status. My 2018 travels will be much more comfortable thanks to you. I appreciate you taking the time to help me find a mileage run that met all the criteria. Cheers.
Dec 27, 2017, 12:19 pm
#1432
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: IAD/DCA/BWI
Programs: Hyatt Globalist (2020:Exp), United Gold
Posts: 1,525
I don't know if Air Canada even tells you what letter you're getting until after you book, I've never paid close attention; but my receipt clearly shows Flex (W). I have no idea why they mapped it to United L. I'm trying to decide if the 423 miles lost are even worth the hours of runaround if I call in...
I envy people with the opportunity to book fares through United. The fare classes and miles earned are listed very clearly and I've never had difficulty.
It takes a very special airline to make United look good. Air Canada is that airline.
I envy people with the opportunity to book fares through United. The fare classes and miles earned are listed very clearly and I've never had difficulty.
It takes a very special airline to make United look good. Air Canada is that airline.
My status is with UA, I am grateful that they are much more consistent and transparent. I do notice that LH is another one that doesn't easily tell you the fare class, just tells you miles for their program (which is useless to anyone else). And if I'm not mistaken, Aeroplan is going away...so no idea how that's going to change things for AC.
Dec 27, 2017, 12:23 pm
#1433
Join Date: May 2012
Location: ORF, RIC
Programs: UA LT 1K, 3 MM; Marriott Titanium; IHG Platinum
Posts: 6,944
Ask United to create a special offer code (wh6cto) :)
Hey all, just wanted to say a quick thank you to @wh6cto for all that you do in helping others make status. My 2018 travels will be much more comfortable thanks to you. I appreciate you taking the time to help me find a mileage run that met all the criteria. Cheers.
Anyway, it is very difficult to get good deals as the calendar runs out. Hopefully, most FTers can plan ahead in the coming year.
Cheers.
Dec 27, 2017, 12:56 pm
#1434
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: IAD/DCA/BWI
Programs: Hyatt Globalist (2020:Exp), United Gold
Posts: 1,525
If United creates a special offer code (for example, wh6cto) for these MR bookings, he would get enough commissions to pay his kids' college expenses.
Anyway, it is very difficult to get good deals as the calendar runs out. Hopefully, most FTers can plan ahead in the coming year.
Cheers.
Anyway, it is very difficult to get good deals as the calendar runs out. Hopefully, most FTers can plan ahead in the coming year.
Cheers.
jbeckett and kmxu have contributed a lot these past years across multiple airlines (I stick to this one), and mpiotrow has been putting a lot of effort here also. It's the group effort that makes this board so successful.
In all seriousness, I wish there was a way to link to UA from FT, and get some commissions over to operating this board. Wouldn't it be great if we could go ad-free? Maybe just wishful thinking on my part.
Dec 27, 2017, 1:24 pm
#1435
Join Date: Dec 2017
Programs: Star Alliance
Posts: 1
Hi everyone! Long time lurker, first time poster. Here's my situation:
Departure Airport: DCA/IAD/BWI
Miles Needed: 7,980
Required Spend or Budget: $800 or less
Available Travel Dates: 12/29-12/31
Required Metal or Codeshares okay: United/Star Alliance
I've found one UA flight to SJU for $880, but was wondering if anyone here can work their magic and do better. Thanks!!
Departure Airport: DCA/IAD/BWI
Miles Needed: 7,980
Required Spend or Budget: $800 or less
Available Travel Dates: 12/29-12/31
Required Metal or Codeshares okay: United/Star Alliance
I've found one UA flight to SJU for $880, but was wondering if anyone here can work their magic and do better. Thanks!!
Dec 27, 2017, 2:09 pm
#1436
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: DEN
Programs: UA 1K 0.7MM (trying to get to 1MM!)
Posts: 1,272
Hi everyone! Long time lurker, first time poster. Here's my situation:
Departure Airport: DCA/IAD/BWI
Miles Needed: 7,980
Required Spend or Budget: $800 or less
Available Travel Dates: 12/29-12/31
Required Metal or Codeshares okay: United/Star Alliance
I've found one UA flight to SJU for $880, but was wondering if anyone here can work their magic and do better. Thanks!!
Departure Airport: DCA/IAD/BWI
Miles Needed: 7,980
Required Spend or Budget: $800 or less
Available Travel Dates: 12/29-12/31
Required Metal or Codeshares okay: United/Star Alliance
I've found one UA flight to SJU for $880, but was wondering if anyone here can work their magic and do better. Thanks!!
UA: $631 IAD-ANC 8366PQM (assuming 500 mile min...otherwise 8079PQM if you aren't already a UA premier member)
Fri 29 Dec: IAD-DEN-ANC-DEN-EWR-IAD
https://goo.gl/flights/D5hd
Dec 27, 2017, 10:35 pm
#1437
Join Date: Dec 2014
Posts: 21
Hey all, hoping for some help. Here’s my situation (going for 1K).
Departure airport: EWR or LGA
Flight date: 12/30
PQM needed: $677
Mileage needed: 6,808 (although I have 1500 that I may be able to get from a star alliance flight that was never counted. If I’m able to get a significantly better option then I would take the route of trying to recover it, but if not am fine flying the extra miles.
Departure airport: EWR or LGA
Flight date: 12/30
PQM needed: $677
Mileage needed: 6,808 (although I have 1500 that I may be able to get from a star alliance flight that was never counted. If I’m able to get a significantly better option then I would take the route of trying to recover it, but if not am fine flying the extra miles.
Dec 28, 2017, 6:23 am
#1438
Join Date: May 2012
Location: ORF, RIC
Programs: UA LT 1K, 3 MM; Marriott Titanium; IHG Platinum
Posts: 6,944
LGA-DFW in First Class, $896, 7884 PQM
Hey all, hoping for some help. Here’s my situation (going for 1K).
Departure airport: EWR or LGA
Flight date: 12/30
PQM needed: $677
Mileage needed: 6,808 (although I have 1500 that I may be able to get from a star alliance flight that was never counted. If I’m able to get a significantly better option then I would take the route of trying to recover it, but if not am fine flying the extra miles.
Departure airport: EWR or LGA
Flight date: 12/30
PQM needed: $677
Mileage needed: 6,808 (although I have 1500 that I may be able to get from a star alliance flight that was never counted. If I’m able to get a significantly better option then I would take the route of trying to recover it, but if not am fine flying the extra miles.
https://www.google.com/flights/#sear..._ALLIANCE;eo=e
Go to United website to book one-way in economy and the other way in First class (e.g., EWR-SEA) for about the same price (~$900) and ~8000 PQM.
Use the advance search option for EWR-MFR, type in fare code, Q, select one-way in V and the other in Q. The total PQD will be exactly $678, but PQM will only be 6130. The total fare will be $758. Hope that you can get the other miles from previous *A flights. Call MileagePlus service center to get those miles first before booking this flight. Good luck.
https://www.google.com/flights/#sear..._ALLIANCE;eo=e
EWR-PSC, slightly more, $737 PQD, $836 total price, and 7009 PQM.
https://www.google.com/flights/#sear..._ALLIANCE;eo=e
Last edited by Kmxu; Dec 28, 2017 at 7:11 am Reason: EWR-SEA option, EWR-MFR
Dec 28, 2017, 6:36 am
#1439
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: IAD/DCA/BWI
Programs: Hyatt Globalist (2020:Exp), United Gold
Posts: 1,525
UA:$814 LGA-ANC 7603PQM 733PQD W/T-fare
Hey all, hoping for some help. Here’s my situation (going for 1K).
Departure airport: EWR or LGA
Flight date: 12/30
PQM needed: $677
Mileage needed: 6,808 (although I have 1500 that I may be able to get from a star alliance flight that was never counted. If I’m able to get a significantly better option then I would take the route of trying to recover it, but if not am fine flying the extra miles.
Departure airport: EWR or LGA
Flight date: 12/30
PQM needed: $677
Mileage needed: 6,808 (although I have 1500 that I may be able to get from a star alliance flight that was never counted. If I’m able to get a significantly better option then I would take the route of trying to recover it, but if not am fine flying the extra miles.
A slightly cheaper one is:
UA:$814 LGA-ANC 7603PQM 733PQD W/T-fare
Sat 30 Dec
UA1551 LGA-DEN 0605-0832 A320
UA1126 DEN-ANC 1118-1504 B738
UA1562 ANC-ORD 2045-0545(+1day) B738
UA5893 LGA-ORD 0705-1020 E175
Bookable directly on UA website. Use "advanced search", booking class=W. Select Select $350 outbound, $464 return.
With the difference being <$100, I would definitely go with the more comfortable one.
UPDATE: found a cheaper option out of EWR:
UA:$857 EWR-MBJ in Business 6906PQM 695PQD (w/ 500mi min)
Sat 30 Dec EWR-MBJ-IAD-EWR
(2h15m in MBJ)
https://goo.gl/flights/Ehxb
I've never been to MBJ...anyone have any idea if this is practical?
I also see $831 EWR-SAP, but 1h00m turn doesn't sound realistic.
Last edited by wh6cto; Dec 28, 2017 at 6:52 am Reason: Added EWR-MBJ
Dec 28, 2017, 7:35 am
#1440
Join Date: May 2012
Location: ORF, RIC
Programs: UA LT 1K, 3 MM; Marriott Titanium; IHG Platinum
Posts: 6,944
KMXU's $896 LGA-DFW in First is a good option, for 6900PQM 797PQD.
A slightly cheaper one is:
UA:$814 LGA-ANC 7603PQM 733PQD W/T-fare
Sat 30 Dec
UA1551 LGA-DEN 0605-0832 A320
UA1126 DEN-ANC 1118-1504 B738
UA1562 ANC-ORD 2045-0545(+1day) B738
UA5893 LGA-ORD 0705-1020 E175
Bookable directly on UA website. Use "advanced search", booking class=W. Select Select $350 outbound, $464 return.
With the difference being <$100, I would definitely go with the more comfortable one.
UPDATE: found a cheaper option out of EWR:
UA:$857 EWR-MBJ in Business 6906PQM 695PQD (w/ 500mi min)
Sat 30 Dec EWR-MBJ-IAD-EWR
(2h15m in MBJ)
https://goo.gl/flights/Ehxb
I've never been to MBJ...anyone have any idea if this is practical?
I also see $831 EWR-SAP, but 1h00m turn doesn't sound realistic.
A slightly cheaper one is:
UA:$814 LGA-ANC 7603PQM 733PQD W/T-fare
Sat 30 Dec
UA1551 LGA-DEN 0605-0832 A320
UA1126 DEN-ANC 1118-1504 B738
UA1562 ANC-ORD 2045-0545(+1day) B738
UA5893 LGA-ORD 0705-1020 E175
Bookable directly on UA website. Use "advanced search", booking class=W. Select Select $350 outbound, $464 return.
With the difference being <$100, I would definitely go with the more comfortable one.
UPDATE: found a cheaper option out of EWR:
UA:$857 EWR-MBJ in Business 6906PQM 695PQD (w/ 500mi min)
Sat 30 Dec EWR-MBJ-IAD-EWR
(2h15m in MBJ)
https://goo.gl/flights/Ehxb
I've never been to MBJ...anyone have any idea if this is practical?
I also see $831 EWR-SAP, but 1h00m turn doesn't sound realistic.
I thought that the OP's preferred airport is EWR. That is why I tried to find the EWR-xxx flight after finding LGA-DFW. The EWR-MBJ price has jumped to $874 with one ticket available.