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.
----
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:
----
*"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
Oct 29, 2022, 10:47 pm
#616
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 1,895
JFK - LIH will get you about 10,200 MQMs. Tickets are available as low as $638 (MC). Several dates in December available at this price.
e.g.
Oct 29, 2022, 10:52 pm
#617
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 1,895
Pick up the remaining miles with a cheap flight somewhere ...... e.g. ATL-MDW, $192, 1100 MQMs, Dec. 7, similar prices to FLL
Last edited by canuck_traveler; Oct 29, 2022 at 11:00 pm
Oct 30, 2022, 8:24 am
#618
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 1,895
Departure Airport: ATL (could reposition if needed)
Miles Needed: 14k MQD
Required Spend or Budget: All set on MQD, just need MQM. Looking to spend as little as possible (FC/D1 not required)
Available Travel Dates: Late Nov and All Dec
Required Metal or Codeshares okay*: N/A
Trying to squeeze out Platinum Medallion by the end of the year for the first time. New to mileage runs, assuming that finding good MQM deals out of ATL is as hard as finding good priced deals, but open to suggestions from folks! Thanks!
Miles Needed: 14k MQD
Required Spend or Budget: All set on MQD, just need MQM. Looking to spend as little as possible (FC/D1 not required)
Available Travel Dates: Late Nov and All Dec
Required Metal or Codeshares okay*: N/A
Trying to squeeze out Platinum Medallion by the end of the year for the first time. New to mileage runs, assuming that finding good MQM deals out of ATL is as hard as finding good priced deals, but open to suggestions from folks! Thanks!
Oct 30, 2022, 8:34 am
#619
Join Date: Mar 2022
Programs: Delta
Posts: 33
Why is LIH such a popular milage run option? Also ideally I'd like to turn around same night and get back +1. However the layover is about a hour. Do you guys think that's an acceptable amount of time?
Oct 30, 2022, 9:58 am
#620
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 1,895
I think that's what the plan is. I'm going to JFK 11/4 so that should fill the gap.
Why is LIH such a popular milage run option? Also ideally I'd like to turn around same night and get back +1. However the layover is about a hour. Do you guys think that's an acceptable amount of time?
Why is LIH such a popular milage run option? Also ideally I'd like to turn around same night and get back +1. However the layover is about a hour. Do you guys think that's an acceptable amount of time?
LIH is a pretty small airport. One hour should be fine. (most likely the same plane that you just got off)
Oct 30, 2022, 10:59 am
#621
Join Date: Oct 2022
Posts: 2
Thanks! I'll look into that. There's also some good deals on KLM economy light flights to Copenhagen ("V" fares). If I understand correctly, those would earn 100% MQM, but reduced MQD's (which is fine with me). Is that correct?
Oct 30, 2022, 11:26 am
#622
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 1,895
Also bookable on Delta.
e.g.
Oct 30, 2022, 3:01 pm
#623
Join Date: Mar 2022
Programs: Delta
Posts: 33
I guess just deplane. Bio break reload snacks. Go back to same gate, hopefully. Thanks for all the help.
Oct 30, 2022, 3:35 pm
#624
Join Date: Oct 2014
Programs: DL DM
Posts: 239
How about ............
1. YVR - LIM, Aeromexico Business class, Nov 22 - 23, $1326, earns about 15,000 MQMs, $4000 MQDs, long layover in MEX on inbound and outbound. Google Flight Link
2. Reposition to LAX, about 1900 MQMS
3. Virgin Atlantic, Dec 1 - 4, LAX - CPT, $1995, earns about 28,500 MQMs, $5700 MQDs, one night in Cape Town, overnight in London on return
Instead of the YVR - LIM run, you can do two runs to Hawaii (KOA,LIH) for about the same mileage routing through LAX for around $1000 in MC ($470 per trip)
1. YVR - LIM, Aeromexico Business class, Nov 22 - 23, $1326, earns about 15,000 MQMs, $4000 MQDs, long layover in MEX on inbound and outbound. Google Flight Link
2. Reposition to LAX, about 1900 MQMS
3. Virgin Atlantic, Dec 1 - 4, LAX - CPT, $1995, earns about 28,500 MQMs, $5700 MQDs, one night in Cape Town, overnight in London on return
Instead of the YVR - LIM run, you can do two runs to Hawaii (KOA,LIH) for about the same mileage routing through LAX for around $1000 in MC ($470 per trip)
Do you have any other recommendations? I don't need MQD, all I need is to get 35k with less trips.
Oct 30, 2022, 3:46 pm
#625
Join Date: Dec 2019
Posts: 34
Anyone know the quality of the Aeromexico Business class seats? If I was laying flat this would be very doable, if it is like economy seats this schedule would leave you dragging without sleep.
Oct 30, 2022, 4:25 pm
#626
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 1,895
If you fly Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy (K fare), it would earn 1.5 x miles flown. So LAX-LHR-CPT-LHR-LAX would be about 34,000 MQMs. $2800 for the dates I mentioned in the previous post. $2435 for November 24 - 27.
Oct 30, 2022, 4:44 pm
#627
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 1,895
It will depend on the aircraft. For the 737 Max 8, it will not be lie flat - more like a recliner with a leg rest. The Dreamliner offers lie flat seats.
Oct 30, 2022, 9:15 pm
#628
Join Date: Sep 2022
Posts: 9
Departure Airport: LAX (open to repositioning)
Miles Needed: MQM: 35,194 / MQD: $5,388
Required Spend or Budget: $3-4K Max
Available Travel Dates: Looking for any dates M-F, prefer no weekend days (could be open to 1 weekend day if needed). Not available 11/18-12/5.
Required Metal or Codeshares okay*: N/A
- Mileage run for Diamond status
- Looking for the quickest options to accomplish this mileage run / Same-day turn highly preferred
- Premium Economy or Business preferred (understood business is less likely now with said budget/holidays)
- Prefer no Air France 777 Premium Economy product
I understand my availability/budget/preferences might hinder a good option here. Thank you for any insight you may be able to offer! 😊
Miles Needed: MQM: 35,194 / MQD: $5,388
Required Spend or Budget: $3-4K Max
Available Travel Dates: Looking for any dates M-F, prefer no weekend days (could be open to 1 weekend day if needed). Not available 11/18-12/5.
Required Metal or Codeshares okay*: N/A
- Mileage run for Diamond status
- Looking for the quickest options to accomplish this mileage run / Same-day turn highly preferred
- Premium Economy or Business preferred (understood business is less likely now with said budget/holidays)
- Prefer no Air France 777 Premium Economy product
I understand my availability/budget/preferences might hinder a good option here. Thank you for any insight you may be able to offer! 😊
Oct 30, 2022, 11:32 pm
#629
Join Date: Jul 2021
Programs: DL, AF, UA
Posts: 1
DL/ Skyteam End of Year Mileage Run
Hey all, been looking hard for a good MQD run, but can't seem to find great deals. Preferably these would be over a weekend but weekdays are fine too.
All help is SUPER appreciated.
Departure Airport: SFO, SEA, LAX, West Coasts Hubs preferably
MQD Needed: ~4500
Required Spend or Budget: Sub $1800 preferably
Available Travel Dates: Dec 8-Dec 22, Dec 27-31.
Required Metal or Codeshares okay*: DL or any partner. Preferably AF/KLM as there is a good amex offer.
All help is SUPER appreciated.
Departure Airport: SFO, SEA, LAX, West Coasts Hubs preferably
MQD Needed: ~4500
Required Spend or Budget: Sub $1800 preferably
Available Travel Dates: Dec 8-Dec 22, Dec 27-31.
Required Metal or Codeshares okay*: DL or any partner. Preferably AF/KLM as there is a good amex offer.
Last edited by hutch507; Oct 30, 2022 at 11:33 pm Reason: Dates
Oct 31, 2022, 7:19 am
#630
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Amsterdam
Programs: Flying Blue Platinum, Oneworld pleb, Accors Hotel Gold
Posts: 163
Hey guys, I'm trying to organise my trips to Asia next year so was hoping to get some ideas on how to max out XPs.
Departure Airport: ideally AMS or nearby, but can reposition
Destination: Japan/East Asia/possible Southeast Asia like BKK
Miles Needed: 100 XPs
Required Spend or Budget: Most likely economy unless a good deal
Available Travel Dates: Spring 2023
Required Metal or Codeshares okay*: must be credited to KLM/AF Flying Blue scheme
Departure Airport: ideally AMS or nearby, but can reposition
Destination: Japan/East Asia/possible Southeast Asia like BKK
Miles Needed: 100 XPs
Required Spend or Budget: Most likely economy unless a good deal
Available Travel Dates: Spring 2023
Required Metal or Codeshares okay*: must be credited to KLM/AF Flying Blue scheme