Jan 2, 2022, 1:46 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
Need 4000+ MQDs?
If based in a city that is served by Virgin Atlantic such as IAD, JFK, BOS, MIA, LAS, LAX, SFO one of the best options is to fly to JNB or CPT via LHR. This can be done in a weekend and you can usually earn 4-5000 MQDs for under 1300-1600. You need to select Economy Delight which is similar to regular economy but with more legroom and the possibility of earning 20% of distance as MQDs. This is the most common way to earn large chunks at a cheap price.
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
Need 4000+ MQDs?
If based in a city that is served by Virgin Atlantic such as IAD, JFK, BOS, MIA, LAS, LAX, SFO one of the best options is to fly to JNB or CPT via LHR. This can be done in a weekend and you can usually earn 4-5000 MQDs for under 1300-1600. You need to select Economy Delight which is similar to regular economy but with more legroom and the possibility of earning 20% of distance as MQDs. This is the most common way to earn large chunks at a cheap price.
DL/Sky Team: 2022 Consolidated Mileage/Status/Challenge Runs help needed
Jan 27, 2022, 5:32 pm
#31
Join Date: Jan 2022
Posts: 90
My bigger concern is that each country has its own COVID laws that constantly change. So far flying back to US is the worst and I have no idea where I’m going to get my 24Hr Covid test in JNB.
Jan 27, 2022, 7:48 pm
#32
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 1,895
Doing the same trip with the 12 H layover in JNB. My original plan was to stay in the airport and just bypass customs all together but I see no reason why you can’t walk in and out through customs like any other international flight.
My bigger concern is that each country has its own COVID laws that constantly change. So far flying back to US is the worst and I have no idea where I’m going to get my 24Hr Covid test in JNB.
My bigger concern is that each country has its own COVID laws that constantly change. So far flying back to US is the worst and I have no idea where I’m going to get my 24Hr Covid test in JNB.
e.g.
Next+Biosciences (1 hour Antigen - 350 RAND; 2 hour PCR rapid test for 1250 Rand)
Navomix Health (Rapid Antigen - 400 RAND; Rapid PCR - 1100 Rand)
Last edited by canuck_traveler; Jan 27, 2022 at 8:01 pm
Jan 27, 2022, 11:51 pm
#33
Join Date: Jan 2022
Posts: 90
Man you are amazing. Thanks for the route and the tips.
Can't wait for the 42 hour flight
Can't wait for the 42 hour flight
Jan 28, 2022, 5:35 am
#34
Join Date: Aug 2020
Location: COS
Programs: DL Diamond, AS 100K, Marriott Titanium, Hilton Diamond, IHG Diamond Elite, Hertz Presidents Circle
Posts: 50
Doing the same trip with the 12 H layover in JNB. My original plan was to stay in the airport and just bypass customs all together but I see no reason why you can’t walk in and out through customs like any other international flight.
My bigger concern is that each country has its own COVID laws that constantly change. So far flying back to US is the worst and I have no idea where I’m going to get my 24Hr Covid test in JNB.
My bigger concern is that each country has its own COVID laws that constantly change. So far flying back to US is the worst and I have no idea where I’m going to get my 24Hr Covid test in JNB.
I carry some of the Binex rapid tests with me. Make an appointment, take the test when you land in JNB, fly back to the US.
When are you flying the JNB route?
For those of you here that have done it, do you just hang out in the airport for the 12 hours or leave and go explore? I’m considering doing this milage run as my usual go to, Aeromexico, isn’t letting me book international fares from the US still.
Jan 28, 2022, 12:16 pm
#35
Join Date: Jan 2022
Posts: 90
Flying the JNB route April.
I have Priority Pass but 12 hours is a long time. Thinking about taking a guided tour after I get tested in the airport.
I have Priority Pass but 12 hours is a long time. Thinking about taking a guided tour after I get tested in the airport.
Jan 28, 2022, 2:19 pm
#36
Join Date: Aug 2020
Location: COS
Programs: DL Diamond, AS 100K, Marriott Titanium, Hilton Diamond, IHG Diamond Elite, Hertz Presidents Circle
Posts: 50
Feb 2, 2022, 2:47 pm
#37
Join Date: Oct 2019
Location: ATL
Programs: DL DM
Posts: 30
I traveled to JNB on VS in November. Customs lines were long but moved fairly quickly. I believe the lounge I waited in for departure was Shongololo Lounge. It was comfortable and super clean. They had a pretty good amount of food and drink choices. I would guess after 20hrs of traveling a shower would be nice but I don't recall showers open there. I plan on going back this year again not just for a "mileage run" but I really do like Johannesburg and Cape Town. I hope Cape Town will open back up on Virgin.
Feb 2, 2022, 6:42 pm
#38
Join Date: Jan 2022
Posts: 90
How long did you stay in Johannesburg? I only have 12 hrs of stoppage and was looking for a guided tour like the Rhino and Lion from Moafrika or something
Feb 3, 2022, 3:17 am
#39
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: NY, or anywhere
Programs: Delta MM+ DM trusted traveler, goes, Marriott, IHG SPG. NH Hyatt, Hilton
Posts: 72
I flew on VS to JNB in January of 2020!
. I asked the concierge if she could help me and she suggested a good taxi driver to drive around some sightsit worked out well especially cause I was told it is not prudent for a female alone to go around joh… I had a lovely and somewhat disturbing afternoon … the hotel was great. And I walked back to airport I. The morning
Feb 3, 2022, 10:18 am
#40
formerly willbbiddy
Join Date: Nov 2017
Posts: 208
My plan would be: Book economy delight via VA with that number attached, call to upgrade to upper class with miles, change my flight to my DL number, take flights that are then credited to DL at the delight earning rate.
Any input is appreciated. Thanks
Feb 4, 2022, 12:59 am
#41
Join Date: Jan 2022
Posts: 90
Not as great as the LAX-JNB in terms of MQD/dollar ratio, but if you want another LAX route that sits business, LAX - CDG - DXB through AF Business Class (Z)
For 2513 dollars you get 7120 MQD on AF's 777 and 787 Business Class with one day layover in DXB.
For 2513 dollars you get 7120 MQD on AF's 777 and 787 Business Class with one day layover in DXB.
Feb 4, 2022, 2:22 pm
#42
Join Date: Aug 2020
Location: COS
Programs: DL Diamond, AS 100K, Marriott Titanium, Hilton Diamond, IHG Diamond Elite, Hertz Presidents Circle
Posts: 50
Not a bad deal. That’s not a full day layover, you arrive at 2235 on the 14th and leave at 0040 on the 15th. So 2 hours, is that going to be enough time to clear immigrations and come back through?
Feb 9, 2022, 1:03 pm
#43
Join Date: Sep 2019
Programs: DL
Posts: 20
Departure Airport: Any NYC Airport. Willing to reposition if needed/not too expensive.
MQM Needed: 10-15k
No MQD needed - Credit Card Waiver
Required Spend or Budget: Ideally under 1k
Available Travel Dates: Preferably weekends, but could do a Friday departure or maybe Monday return
Required Metal or Codeshares okay*: DL or any code share partner
Current Medallion Level: Gold
Just need MQMs. Would prefer not to go all the way to South Africa. Any ideas for getting MQMs from NYC that don't involve flying to JNB? I've done Aeromexico business class runs before and enjoyed them, especially on their 787s. I'm likely going to need to get between 20-25k MQMs to hit Platinum. Any ideas welcome!
MQM Needed: 10-15k
No MQD needed - Credit Card Waiver
Required Spend or Budget: Ideally under 1k
Available Travel Dates: Preferably weekends, but could do a Friday departure or maybe Monday return
Required Metal or Codeshares okay*: DL or any code share partner
Current Medallion Level: Gold
Just need MQMs. Would prefer not to go all the way to South Africa. Any ideas for getting MQMs from NYC that don't involve flying to JNB? I've done Aeromexico business class runs before and enjoyed them, especially on their 787s. I'm likely going to need to get between 20-25k MQMs to hit Platinum. Any ideas welcome!
Feb 9, 2022, 8:34 pm
#44
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 1,895
Departure Airport: Any NYC Airport. Willing to reposition if needed/not too expensive.
MQM Needed: 10-15k
No MQD needed - Credit Card Waiver
Required Spend or Budget: Ideally under 1k
Available Travel Dates: Preferably weekends, but could do a Friday departure or maybe Monday return
Required Metal or Codeshares okay*: DL or any code share partner
Current Medallion Level: Gold
Just need MQMs. Would prefer not to go all the way to South Africa. Any ideas for getting MQMs from NYC that don't involve flying to JNB? I've done Aeromexico business class runs before and enjoyed them, especially on their 787s. I'm likely going to need to get between 20-25k MQMs to hit Platinum. Any ideas welcome!
MQM Needed: 10-15k
No MQD needed - Credit Card Waiver
Required Spend or Budget: Ideally under 1k
Available Travel Dates: Preferably weekends, but could do a Friday departure or maybe Monday return
Required Metal or Codeshares okay*: DL or any code share partner
Current Medallion Level: Gold
Just need MQMs. Would prefer not to go all the way to South Africa. Any ideas for getting MQMs from NYC that don't involve flying to JNB? I've done Aeromexico business class runs before and enjoyed them, especially on their 787s. I'm likely going to need to get between 20-25k MQMs to hit Platinum. Any ideas welcome!
e.g.
Feb 12, 2022, 8:38 am
#45
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Amsterdam
Programs: Flying Blue Platinum, Oneworld pleb, Accors Hotel Gold
Posts: 163
How to maximise this route
Hi everyone, I found a good flight ARN-BKK business for 1240 eur. However, I wonder if there's a way for me to max out the XP to gain more? Trying to get to platinum so any suggestion would be highly appreciated. Thanks
