Jan 2, 2021, 12:23 am
Last edit by: Pat89339
For each request, please include the following information:
Departure Airport:
Miles Needed:
Required Spend or Budget:
Available Travel Dates:
Required Metal or Codeshares okay*:
For each response. Please quote the original request. DO NOT START A SEPARATE THREAD.
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NOTE: You will have greater chances of success if you have greater flexibility on travel dates and cost. If you need a lot of MQMs on weekends only for < 5 cpm it probably won't happen.
Other creative possibilities depending how many MQMs you need:
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*"Required Metal or Codeshares" is, approximately, asking whether you need a flight operated specifically by Delta or if partner flights are ok. If you are just looking for MQMs to hit a Medallion tier the normal way, then the answer is yes. If you are doing a status challenge, the answer is also probably yes, but read the T&C of your challenge carefully to be sure (for the regular status challenge the answer is also "yes")
NOTE: some partner flights earn MQMs at reduced rates. See this chart for more info.
Newcomers may also be interested in the FlyerTalk Glossary
Departure Airport:
Miles Needed:
Required Spend or Budget:
Available Travel Dates:
Required Metal or Codeshares okay*:
For each response. Please quote the original request. DO NOT START A SEPARATE THREAD.
----
NOTE: You will have greater chances of success if you have greater flexibility on travel dates and cost. If you need a lot of MQMs on weekends only for < 5 cpm it probably won't happen.
Other creative possibilities depending how many MQMs you need:
- signup bonuses for various DL-branded AMEX cards (usually have a spend requirement)
- if you already have planned travel, consider buying up (in advance, not at check in) for 50% MQM bonus and more flexible same-day-confirmed options which are another way to increase MQMs
- Hilton 250 MQMs per stay of 2 nights or more
- if you are close to a threshold Delta often will offer a buy-up (at exorbitant prices). 2016 thread, and speculation/anticipation thread for 2017
----
*"Required Metal or Codeshares" is, approximately, asking whether you need a flight operated specifically by Delta or if partner flights are ok. If you are just looking for MQMs to hit a Medallion tier the normal way, then the answer is yes. If you are doing a status challenge, the answer is also probably yes, but read the T&C of your challenge carefully to be sure (for the regular status challenge the answer is also "yes")
NOTE: some partner flights earn MQMs at reduced rates. See this chart for more info.
Newcomers may also be interested in the FlyerTalk Glossary
DL/Sky Team: 2021 Consolidated Mileage/Status/Challenge Runs help needed
Dec 19, 2021, 4:04 pm
#331
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 1,895
Oh wow I didn't realize that. Thank you so much. I don't travel internationally and used to travel a lot for work but COVID. We have a family trip planned and it would be nice to have higher status for that.
I'm not sure if it is worth paying up to 300 but dang, that 37k waiver spending is hard to "throw away". I wish I had planned better but it was hard to plan anything this year. And the way miles are calculated is confusing to someone like me who doesn't have a lot of knowledge of playing the game 😆
I'm not sure if it is worth paying up to 300 but dang, that 37k waiver spending is hard to "throw away". I wish I had planned better but it was hard to plan anything this year. And the way miles are calculated is confusing to someone like me who doesn't have a lot of knowledge of playing the game 😆
For example, Dec 29, MSP-KOA, $877 (MC), 12,274 MQMs, 2 hours in KOA. 500 MQMs would go toward you achieving Gold Medallion status this year and the remainder carries over to next year
Dec 20, 2021, 9:42 am
#332
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: NY, or anywhere
Programs: Delta MM+ DM trusted traveler, goes, Marriott, IHG SPG. NH Hyatt, Hilton
Posts: 72
Re VS to Johburg from jfk in Jan 2020 RT
Has anyone done an Virgin Atlantic Economy Delight run (e.g., NYC-JNB) recently? I'll have time on my hands mid-February and would love to do a run, but given covid-related travel restrictions I don't even know if these are possible any more. If anyone has done a VS run from any US city to any international destination recently, I'd appreciate your thoughts/advice.
Dec 20, 2021, 9:56 am
#333
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: NY, or anywhere
Programs: Delta MM+ DM trusted traveler, goes, Marriott, IHG SPG. NH Hyatt, Hilton
Posts: 72
How did you piece that together please
Over the past two weeks, I flew SAT-MEX-MAD-MEX-SAT ($1,200ish for $5,000+ MQDs) and OMA-MSP-SEA-JFK-BOG-JFK-MSP (~25,000 MQMs) to reach Diamond status. Shout-out to everyone assisting on this thread. Wouldn't have been able to do it without all the great advice. Thank you!
Dec 20, 2021, 10:49 am
#334
Join Date: Dec 2021
Posts: 6
I need 492 miles for Gold. My home airport is MSP and I can fly same day to RST or ORD for <$300. Is it worth that for Gold? I have the Amex Plat card spend waiver and it took me about 7 months to get there. We have a family trip planned next year in October so I would think we'd get the waiver by then.
Pros: Gold status for work travel (although I usually get what I want on those flights) and for family trip
Cons: a day away from family, COVID exposure risk, tiring to travel all day (live 90 miles from the airport) and $
Pros: Gold status for work travel (although I usually get what I want on those flights) and for family trip
Cons: a day away from family, COVID exposure risk, tiring to travel all day (live 90 miles from the airport) and $
Dec 20, 2021, 11:04 am
#335
Join Date: Oct 2017
Programs: Delta PM, Hilton Silver, UA Plat
Posts: 261
I need 492 miles for Gold. My home airport is MSP and I can fly same day to RST or ORD for <$300. Is it worth that for Gold? I have the Amex Plat card spend waiver and it took me about 7 months to get there. We have a family trip planned next year in October so I would think we'd get the waiver by then.
Pros: Gold status for work travel (although I usually get what I want on those flights) and for family trip
Cons: a day away from family, COVID exposure risk, tiring to travel all day (live 90 miles from the airport) and $
Pros: Gold status for work travel (although I usually get what I want on those flights) and for family trip
Cons: a day away from family, COVID exposure risk, tiring to travel all day (live 90 miles from the airport) and $
Not sure how easy it is to get upgraded as GM. I’m PM and it’s not that great from the Bay Area (maybe less than 50%)
The only positive to having gold this year vs staying at silver (my assumption is you are silver trying to reach for gold) would be lounge access on international flights. Not sure how much you are doing and if it is in economy/prem economy then it may be worth it.
Dec 20, 2021, 11:44 am
#336
Join Date: Dec 2021
Posts: 6
Not sure how easy it is to get upgraded as GM. I’m PM and it’s not that great from the Bay Area (maybe less than 50%)
The only positive to having gold this year vs staying at silver (my assumption is you are silver trying to reach for gold) would be lounge access on international flights. Not sure how much you are doing and if it is in economy/prem economy then it may be worth it.
The only positive to having gold this year vs staying at silver (my assumption is you are silver trying to reach for gold) would be lounge access on international flights. Not sure how much you are doing and if it is in economy/prem economy then it may be worth it.
Dec 22, 2021, 12:47 pm
#337
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 1,895
MSP-ORD, Dec 28th, $217 (Main Cabin), 3 hours in ORD, afternoon departure from MSP, arrive back in MSP at 7:35pm
Dec 23, 2021, 7:07 am
#338
Join Date: Dec 2021
Posts: 5
A better 2022
Thanks to the help that I received in this forum, I was able to secure Gold for 2022.
For next year, I am looking to take advantage of the MQM carry over and get Platinum for 2023 (and the rest of 2022) as quickly as possible. I will have about 60k MQM rollover so it shouldn't be hard to get to 75k. I'm looking for the best ways to maximize MQD per dollar spent in Q1 of next year plus actually make a vacation out of these flights.
I've seen recommendations to fly Aeromexico business class as a way to get a lot of MQDs. I set about trying to find the Aeromexico routes that I can take from NYC airports that are long (in distance). What tools do you recommend to try to find the routes that would be the most optimal (especially if you don't have a destination in mind)? I've tried the explore feature in Google flights and it isn't bad. Any other suggestions?
For next year, I am looking to take advantage of the MQM carry over and get Platinum for 2023 (and the rest of 2022) as quickly as possible. I will have about 60k MQM rollover so it shouldn't be hard to get to 75k. I'm looking for the best ways to maximize MQD per dollar spent in Q1 of next year plus actually make a vacation out of these flights.
I've seen recommendations to fly Aeromexico business class as a way to get a lot of MQDs. I set about trying to find the Aeromexico routes that I can take from NYC airports that are long (in distance). What tools do you recommend to try to find the routes that would be the most optimal (especially if you don't have a destination in mind)? I've tried the explore feature in Google flights and it isn't bad. Any other suggestions?
Dec 23, 2021, 10:52 am
#339
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 1,895
Thanks to the help that I received in this forum, I was able to secure Gold for 2022.
For next year, I am looking to take advantage of the MQM carry over and get Platinum for 2023 (and the rest of 2022) as quickly as possible. I will have about 60k MQM rollover so it shouldn't be hard to get to 75k. I'm looking for the best ways to maximize MQD per dollar spent in Q1 of next year plus actually make a vacation out of these flights.
I've seen recommendations to fly Aeromexico business class as a way to get a lot of MQDs. I set about trying to find the Aeromexico routes that I can take from NYC airports that are long (in distance). What tools do you recommend to try to find the routes that would be the most optimal (especially if you don't have a destination in mind)? I've tried the explore feature in Google flights and it isn't bad. Any other suggestions?
For next year, I am looking to take advantage of the MQM carry over and get Platinum for 2023 (and the rest of 2022) as quickly as possible. I will have about 60k MQM rollover so it shouldn't be hard to get to 75k. I'm looking for the best ways to maximize MQD per dollar spent in Q1 of next year plus actually make a vacation out of these flights.
I've seen recommendations to fly Aeromexico business class as a way to get a lot of MQDs. I set about trying to find the Aeromexico routes that I can take from NYC airports that are long (in distance). What tools do you recommend to try to find the routes that would be the most optimal (especially if you don't have a destination in mind)? I've tried the explore feature in Google flights and it isn't bad. Any other suggestions?
Also, take a look at the Flyertalk Premium Fare Deals forum
I would also add Virgin Atlantic to the list of airlines you should investigate. While business class is fairly expensive, Economy Delight class gives a pretty good price/earnings ratio - flights to JNB or HKG from JFK in Economy Delight will earn you around $4700 MQDs and cost around $1100.
You may also consider China Eastern (once they start flying regularly to the US again.) Flights from JFK to places like SIN, MLE, CMB, SYD, AKL are usually priced reasonably and are interesting places to visit.
Dec 23, 2021, 1:40 pm
#340
Join Date: Dec 2021
Programs: Delta
Posts: 1
Segment run from TYS
Need 2 segments on Delta to get to gold and I believe I need to do these by the end of the year. Travel on 12.30 and/or 12.31. Any suggestions on how to find the cheapest one day round trip ticket on Delta?
Dec 23, 2021, 3:15 pm
#341
Join Date: Dec 2021
Posts: 5
Thanks for the advice. I am still getting used to ITA Matrix. I have friends in HKG and SIN so it is definitely time for a visit. I haven't flown VA yet so that will be something to try next year.
Dec 24, 2021, 7:42 am
#342
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 23,059
Yes, you must earn the segments by the end of the year as they will reset to zero on 1/1. You can use Google Flights in "map" view by setting the destination to "United States" to find cheapest flights. The cheapest option from TYS looks like a roundtrip to STL on 12/31 for $353. You can also do TYS-CLE for $359 roundtrip for 12/30 - 12/31 trip with an overnight at CLE (this would be somewhat safer than trying to fit in all travel the last day of year with all the DL cancellations). There look to be a number cheap hotel options near CLE. If you drive to ATL, you can do ATL-LGA roundtrip for $257 on 12/30 or ATL-FLL for $192 on 12/31.
Last edited by xliioper; Dec 24, 2021 at 9:10 am
Dec 25, 2021, 8:11 am
#343
Join Date: Dec 2021
Posts: 1
Departure Airport: Any NYC
Miles Needed: 5,203 MQM
Required Spend or Budget: $500 - $1,000
Available Travel Dates: 12/29/21 - 12/31/21
Required Metal or Codeshares okay*: Yes
Thanks for your help!
Miles Needed: 5,203 MQM
Required Spend or Budget: $500 - $1,000
Available Travel Dates: 12/29/21 - 12/31/21
Required Metal or Codeshares okay*: Yes
Thanks for your help!
Dec 25, 2021, 10:47 am
#344
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 1,895
e.g Dec. 29, JFK-LAX, $531 (MC), 7426 MQMs, a little over an hour in LAX, get back to NYC in the early evening
e.g. Dec. 29, JFK-SLC, $489 (MC), 5499 MQMs, a little over an hour in SLC, get back to NYC around 8:30pm
Last edited by canuck_traveler; Dec 25, 2021 at 12:08 pm Reason: add SLC option
Dec 26, 2021, 5:38 pm
#345
Join Date: Aug 2016
Programs: WOH Globalist | IHG Platinum | HH Gold | MB Gold
Posts: 230
I recently received DL PM status challenge. Need to make 18,750 MQM and $2,250 in 3 months to keep the status. New to this and still figuring the calculation of MQMs and MQDs and with the current acceleration promo.
* I flew in Y from SFO - JFK - DL Marketed / LA operated - SCL - PUQ. I paid $709 in cash. So far it shows like this, the remaining part of the trip is yet to be posted.
* I have a return from SCL.- MIA - DTW - IAD. I paid $313 in cash. I have a separate booking from IAD - SFO. Paid using a eCredit for $170. I want to optimize/reschedule these two tickets to travel from SCL - SFO with max MQM / MQD possible.
* Open dates between Jan 8 - Jan 22 with any amount of stops any where.
Any suggestions or tips?
* I flew in Y from SFO - JFK - DL Marketed / LA operated - SCL - PUQ. I paid $709 in cash. So far it shows like this, the remaining part of the trip is yet to be posted.
* I have a return from SCL.- MIA - DTW - IAD. I paid $313 in cash. I have a separate booking from IAD - SFO. Paid using a eCredit for $170. I want to optimize/reschedule these two tickets to travel from SCL - SFO with max MQM / MQD possible.
* Open dates between Jan 8 - Jan 22 with any amount of stops any where.
Any suggestions or tips?
Last edited by pichalite; Dec 26, 2021 at 5:53 pm