The Most Embarassing Thing I've Ever Done to Get Miles
Jun 4, 1999, 2:12 pm
#31
Join Date: Apr 1999
Location: South Florida USA
Programs: DL-MM/FC/FO AA-EXP/MM Starwood-Platinum Marriott-Platinum Hilton-Gold Hyatt-Diamond
Posts: 1,515
Around '89 USAir ran a promo offering a 1k bonus, if you flew into and or out of Charlotte and Baltimore. You did not need to do both cities, just either one. I flew FLL-MCO (just because) MCO-CLT (1k) CLT-RIC (1K) RIC-BWI (1K) BWI-BOS (1K), the return was the same routing backwards. 8k bonus, plus minimum mileage plus first class upgraded on all segs for F class bonus (when they used to do that). The cost of the tkt was $129.00
Jun 4, 1999, 3:12 pm
#32
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: May 1999
Posts: 46,817
About 10 years ago, when Hilton started their frequent stayer club, I checked out of the Hilton downtown Seattle a day early and drove a rental car out to stay at the Hilton Bellevue for a night before going on to stay at the airport Hilton, all in order to qualify as Gold. Sadly, I learned after getting my statement that the Hilton Bellevue did not participate in the Honors program! I'm still only Silver today!
God only knows why they define a stay as they do!
God only knows why they define a stay as they do!
Jun 4, 1999, 3:31 pm
#33
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Pasadena, CA. USA
Posts: 1,438
Not really embarassing (a bit opportunistic maybe): convinced fiancee's family to take a trip to Hawaii and bring me along. Made Premier Executive.
Jun 4, 1999, 9:54 pm
#34
Suspended
Original Poster
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Seattle
Programs: Ephesians 4:31-32
Posts: 10,690
I wonder if richard Brodie is taking notes?
Jun 5, 1999, 4:00 am
#35
In Memoriam
Join Date: May 1999
Location: San Francisco UA1K; AA Gold
Posts: 937
1. Years ago I needed either one segment or 500 miles - forget which one - on United. So I booked San Francisco to Oakland one way, checked in, and didn't even take the flight (suspect they're checking more due to security concerns these days).
2. Similarly, when my lover needed extra segments and I was heading out on business, I'd book two tickets, seats next to each other, and check in twice (no problem back then for two guys, but now I'd need ID). It ensured getting an aisle AND the seat next to me vacant, even on a full flight.
3. In nearly the same category as Geo1004, earlier this year I flew a United e-fare ($471 total) SFO to Taipei for the weekend. 17,000 miles including my Premier & online bonuses, plus 13,000 miles towards Premier Executive (which I made May 4 based solely on personal travel!)
2. Similarly, when my lover needed extra segments and I was heading out on business, I'd book two tickets, seats next to each other, and check in twice (no problem back then for two guys, but now I'd need ID). It ensured getting an aisle AND the seat next to me vacant, even on a full flight.
3. In nearly the same category as Geo1004, earlier this year I flew a United e-fare ($471 total) SFO to Taipei for the weekend. 17,000 miles including my Premier & online bonuses, plus 13,000 miles towards Premier Executive (which I made May 4 based solely on personal travel!)
Jun 5, 1999, 12:29 pm
#36
Suspended
Join Date: Mar 1999
Location: Half the World & More and then some.
Programs: BA, SQ, AA, QF, CX, VS
Posts: 1,202
Remember in late 1997, UA came up with a promo to fly 6 Star Alliance carriers and you can get 100,000 bonus miles? Yep, I did those flights in mid Nov '97 - in about 2 days.
Started with :
TG , from BKK to HKG. Connected to:
UA , from HKG to DEL. Connected to:
AC , from DEL to LHR. Connected to:
RG , from LHR to CPH. Stayed overnight CPH.
SK , from CPH to FRA. Connected to:
LH , from FRA to LHR.
I was also aiming to get the Fly5Get5 promo from SAS Eurobonus. Fly 5 Star Alliance carriers by Nov 30 and get 2 tickets from EACH star alliance carrier to anywhere they flew in the world! So, I stayed for 2 days in London and did the reverse:
LH , from LHR to FRA. Connected to:
SK , from FRA to CPH. Connected to:
SK , from CPH to LHR. Stayed overnight LHR.
AC , from LHR to DEL. Stayed overnight DEL.
UA , from DEL to HKG. Connected to:
TG , from HKG to BKK.
I got my 100,000 bonus miles plus the 10 tickets from all the Star alliance carriers! But I think I aged 20 years from that experience!
[This message has been edited by Celestar340 (edited 06-06-99).]
Started with :
TG , from BKK to HKG. Connected to:
UA , from HKG to DEL. Connected to:
AC , from DEL to LHR. Connected to:
RG , from LHR to CPH. Stayed overnight CPH.
SK , from CPH to FRA. Connected to:
LH , from FRA to LHR.
I was also aiming to get the Fly5Get5 promo from SAS Eurobonus. Fly 5 Star Alliance carriers by Nov 30 and get 2 tickets from EACH star alliance carrier to anywhere they flew in the world! So, I stayed for 2 days in London and did the reverse:
LH , from LHR to FRA. Connected to:
SK , from FRA to CPH. Connected to:
SK , from CPH to LHR. Stayed overnight LHR.
AC , from LHR to DEL. Stayed overnight DEL.
UA , from DEL to HKG. Connected to:
TG , from HKG to BKK.
I got my 100,000 bonus miles plus the 10 tickets from all the Star alliance carriers! But I think I aged 20 years from that experience!
[This message has been edited by Celestar340 (edited 06-06-99).]
Jun 5, 1999, 12:31 pm
#37
Commander Catcop
Join Date: May 1998
Posts: 10,259
If you read Mr. Brodie's post in response to MY question...he's elite on Alaska and several other airlines.
If you are reading Richard, I'm wondering if YOU have done anything unusual to earn extra miles (renew elite status.) I have a feeling maybe to you it's NOT embarassing but logical.
DJLawman makes an excellent point -- you can take the extra flight and see friends or family... that's the best reward!
I think if I have to take an extra flight or a few hotel stays I think it's more logical than embarassing. And think back everyone... did you have a GOOD TIME doing what you did.
Just realized my most recent case: Staying at five Starwood hotels to get the 10K point bonus. It's bound for the Westin Maui, a free night with points already built up.
I find our behavior perfect normal.
------------------
MEOW! MEOW! MEOW!!!
[This message has been edited by Catman (edited 06-05-99).]
If you are reading Richard, I'm wondering if YOU have done anything unusual to earn extra miles (renew elite status.) I have a feeling maybe to you it's NOT embarassing but logical.
DJLawman makes an excellent point -- you can take the extra flight and see friends or family... that's the best reward!
I think if I have to take an extra flight or a few hotel stays I think it's more logical than embarassing. And think back everyone... did you have a GOOD TIME doing what you did.
Just realized my most recent case: Staying at five Starwood hotels to get the 10K point bonus. It's bound for the Westin Maui, a free night with points already built up.
I find our behavior perfect normal.
------------------
MEOW! MEOW! MEOW!!!
[This message has been edited by Catman (edited 06-05-99).]
Jun 5, 1999, 6:05 pm
#38
Join Date: Apr 1999
Posts: 422
1-Check in and out of a different Hyatt nightly, especially in the Chicago area, qualifying each night as a "stay" worth at least 500 miles, but during promotions, each "stay" is worth at least 1500 miles, like the June 1-Aug 31, 1999 deal.
2-When flying Alaska Air between SFO and SEA or SEA and PHX, always change planes in Portland to increase miles, while applying 2X credit to NWA gold elite program.
3-When flying NWA from midwest, fly through DTW rather than MSP when flying west, and fly through MSP rather than DTW when flying east; this gives you about 1000 actual miles extra per round trip, and 2000 credited at gold elite level. If you do this 10 times a year you've earned enough extra for a free 20M ticket. Usually the fare is the same flying through either MSP or DTW.
4-Buying and eating all this Healthy Choice low fat, low sodium stuff. Just sent in 150 product codes for 15 certificates worth 7500 miles, but right after mailing same went thru the Hardees drive thru and had 2 serious double cheeseburgers as a reward.
5-Eating sometimes at places I don't like in order to get 10miles/$ on NWA or DELTA dining programs, probably 5000 miles since 1/99.
6-Letting my Wall Street Journal subscription expire, waiting 30 days, and then resubscribing to get 2000 NWA miles.
7-SUBSCRIBING TO INSIDE FLYER FOR TWO YEARS AT HALF PRICE TO GET 2000 NWA MILES, AND BECAUSE OF THAT ENDING UP SPENDING TOO MUCH TIME ON WEBFLYER!
8-Last summer Delta had a promo where I think I had to eat 15 times at selected places to get 3000 miles- ugh!
9-Changing my MCIWorldcom airline program from NWA to UAL to MIDWEST EXPRESS and now to DELTA and AMERICAN in one year, probably earning(?) 75,000 extra miles.
Now you know all the secrets. I think I should set up my own website and sell ads.
KNOWITALL
[This message has been edited by knowitall (edited 06-05-99).]
[This message has been edited by knowitall (edited 06-06-99).]
2-When flying Alaska Air between SFO and SEA or SEA and PHX, always change planes in Portland to increase miles, while applying 2X credit to NWA gold elite program.
3-When flying NWA from midwest, fly through DTW rather than MSP when flying west, and fly through MSP rather than DTW when flying east; this gives you about 1000 actual miles extra per round trip, and 2000 credited at gold elite level. If you do this 10 times a year you've earned enough extra for a free 20M ticket. Usually the fare is the same flying through either MSP or DTW.
4-Buying and eating all this Healthy Choice low fat, low sodium stuff. Just sent in 150 product codes for 15 certificates worth 7500 miles, but right after mailing same went thru the Hardees drive thru and had 2 serious double cheeseburgers as a reward.
5-Eating sometimes at places I don't like in order to get 10miles/$ on NWA or DELTA dining programs, probably 5000 miles since 1/99.
6-Letting my Wall Street Journal subscription expire, waiting 30 days, and then resubscribing to get 2000 NWA miles.
7-SUBSCRIBING TO INSIDE FLYER FOR TWO YEARS AT HALF PRICE TO GET 2000 NWA MILES, AND BECAUSE OF THAT ENDING UP SPENDING TOO MUCH TIME ON WEBFLYER!
8-Last summer Delta had a promo where I think I had to eat 15 times at selected places to get 3000 miles- ugh!
9-Changing my MCIWorldcom airline program from NWA to UAL to MIDWEST EXPRESS and now to DELTA and AMERICAN in one year, probably earning(?) 75,000 extra miles.
Now you know all the secrets. I think I should set up my own website and sell ads.
KNOWITALL
[This message has been edited by knowitall (edited 06-05-99).]
[This message has been edited by knowitall (edited 06-06-99).]
Jun 5, 1999, 6:53 pm
#39
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Ormond Beach, FL USA
Programs: Delta Flying Colonel, Lifetime Silver Medallion, Million Miler
Posts: 621
Punki, How about changing car rental companies three times in a week for miles(when it was 1000 per rental). Of course it helps if you stay near the airport!
Jun 5, 1999, 7:32 pm
#40
Join Date: Apr 1999
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Million Miler (mostly earned on CO)
Posts: 2,599
Punki, great thread! I have really gotten a good belly laugh at some of the posts. (And I assure you all that's not meant in any as a knock - I'm laughing with you, not at you!)
Plus, the things people have described don't seem strange at all - to me. But a mileage "normie" reading the thread probably wouldn't get it.
That's why I'm glad to have found this group of people who are as crazy about getting miles as I am. Finally, some folks who can relate.
For example: there was recently a deal to get 20,000 SkyMiles for signing up for an AmEx card. I immediately thought "2/3 of a free trip on Delta," so I signed up for it. Worth the $75 dollars a year in my book. Plus, now CO wants to give me all sorts of bonuses for buying tickets on-line with the AmEx card.
My Mom is flying MIA-PDX-SFO-MIA in a couple of months and I told her about the deal. She has enough miles on DL to almost get the free trip. But she couldn't get past "but I don't need the American Express card."
I don't have much shame about "the things I do for miles." Maybe it is due to a weak moral compass, as Dr. Laura would say. Two thing I have done lately that I don't feel embarrassed about (should I?) are:
(1) Buy two one way tickets instad of a round trip ticket to get 2K miles instead of 1K for booking on-line? (Price is the same for the two one ways.)
(2) Return tickets I bought with my Visa card, then repurchase the same tickets with the new AmEx card so I can get the extra 3K miles for using AmEx?
BTW, johna, welcome to the board. I heard of many people flying SFO-OAK-SFO for mileage or segment purposes, especially back in the days when UA was still giving 500 miles per segment instead of actual mileage flown. Do they still even fly that route?
Plus, the things people have described don't seem strange at all - to me. But a mileage "normie" reading the thread probably wouldn't get it.
That's why I'm glad to have found this group of people who are as crazy about getting miles as I am. Finally, some folks who can relate.
For example: there was recently a deal to get 20,000 SkyMiles for signing up for an AmEx card. I immediately thought "2/3 of a free trip on Delta," so I signed up for it. Worth the $75 dollars a year in my book. Plus, now CO wants to give me all sorts of bonuses for buying tickets on-line with the AmEx card.
My Mom is flying MIA-PDX-SFO-MIA in a couple of months and I told her about the deal. She has enough miles on DL to almost get the free trip. But she couldn't get past "but I don't need the American Express card."
I don't have much shame about "the things I do for miles." Maybe it is due to a weak moral compass, as Dr. Laura would say. Two thing I have done lately that I don't feel embarrassed about (should I?) are:
(1) Buy two one way tickets instad of a round trip ticket to get 2K miles instead of 1K for booking on-line? (Price is the same for the two one ways.)
(2) Return tickets I bought with my Visa card, then repurchase the same tickets with the new AmEx card so I can get the extra 3K miles for using AmEx?
BTW, johna, welcome to the board. I heard of many people flying SFO-OAK-SFO for mileage or segment purposes, especially back in the days when UA was still giving 500 miles per segment instead of actual mileage flown. Do they still even fly that route?
Jun 5, 1999, 8:08 pm
#41
Join Date: Apr 1999
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
Programs: Hyatt LT Globalist, Marriot LT Titanium, UA 2.4MM, HH Gold, AS MVPG
Posts: 3,400
Unfortunately they don't fly that route anymore. So we end up having to fly to Monterey or LAX, or something to get those darn extra segments. I'll probably be doing a SFO-LAX-PSP-LAX-SFO in August to stay on track with the segments. I think it is worth it to keep those confirmed o/w upgrades coming 
Jun 6, 1999, 12:25 am
#42
Join Date: May 1998
Posts: 6,790
Well, aside from charging gas purchases of under $10 to Diners Club instead of paying cash, the main thing I (and apparently others, judging from this thread) do is take wierd routings solely to increase miles or segments.
Probably the wierdest occurred during the Year of the Triple Miles (1987, give or take a year - I could look it up, but I'm traveling and my records aren't with me). I was then posted in Europe and had to attend a meeting in Rock Island, Illinois, which is served by MLI. Normal routing would be through Chicago or St. Louis to MLI (about 160 miles away), with that segment bringing 500 miles (tripled to 1500).
From overseas there are certain "bulk" fares (Rudi has referred to them from time to time) which permit a number of "segments" at a certain price. Coming from the East Coast, I managed to work out a routing that included Seattle! Hey, triple miles meant an extra 6600 miles.
Now-a-days I just buy 66 cans of Heathy Choice soup. Knowitall, it's amazing how much the judcious use of garlic salt can improve the "bland" taste.
Probably the wierdest occurred during the Year of the Triple Miles (1987, give or take a year - I could look it up, but I'm traveling and my records aren't with me). I was then posted in Europe and had to attend a meeting in Rock Island, Illinois, which is served by MLI. Normal routing would be through Chicago or St. Louis to MLI (about 160 miles away), with that segment bringing 500 miles (tripled to 1500).
From overseas there are certain "bulk" fares (Rudi has referred to them from time to time) which permit a number of "segments" at a certain price. Coming from the East Coast, I managed to work out a routing that included Seattle! Hey, triple miles meant an extra 6600 miles.
Now-a-days I just buy 66 cans of Heathy Choice soup. Knowitall, it's amazing how much the judcious use of garlic salt can improve the "bland" taste.
Jun 7, 1999, 9:27 am
#43
Join Date: Apr 1999
Location: San Francisco, CA
Programs: NW Platinum Elite, United PE, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 399
In order to get the last 3 rapid reward credits I needed to qualify for a free companian pass for my wife I booked myself the cheapest roundtrip from San Jose to Reno and rented a Hertz rental car to drive from Reno airport to downtown Reno, gambled for one hour, drive the 3 miles back and flew back home.
The rental car cost me about 45 dollar instead of a 14 dollar taxi ride (roundtrip incl tips) but I did qualify and I did win in the casino. YES, I go the miles!!
"It's an obsession, but it's pleasing"
[This message has been edited by BA Fan (edited 06-07-1999).]
The rental car cost me about 45 dollar instead of a 14 dollar taxi ride (roundtrip incl tips) but I did qualify and I did win in the casino. YES, I go the miles!!
"It's an obsession, but it's pleasing"
[This message has been edited by BA Fan (edited 06-07-1999).]
Jun 7, 1999, 10:32 am
#44
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Massachusetts, USA; AA Plat, DL GM and Flying Colonel; Bonvoy Platinum
Posts: 24,233
Maybe not embarrassing, but extreme? Around 1989-91 I had to fly BOS-ORD about once a month. I was then committed to Delta, which didn't have non-stops. What's more, probably reasoning that nobody in his/her right mind would connect on that route with so many non-stops on other airlines, they didn't bother to make it an easy connection, so I had a 3+ hour layover in Cincinnati. I'd take the shuttle to the local Hilton (had to call to get it; I'm shameless); change clothes in the pool locker room, leave my bags with the porter (told you I'm shameless!), go for my daily run through the countryside (probably not countryside today ...), collect my bags, tip the porter (I'm not THAT shameless!), shower and take the shuttle back.
In those days Delta had a 1,000-mile minumum per segment, so the round trip got 4,000 in coach. Plus, they based the class-of-service bonus on class flown, not class paid (they've wised up since) so an upgraded trip was worth 8,000 miles. Since Medallion members could get round-trip upgrades for 2,500 miles, the total was 5,500 (4,000 toward elite status) and first-class flights at coach fare.
And, you can add me to the group that asked "what's the cheapest flight you've got?" the last week in December at least once. In my case it was a Delta Express commuter hop from Manchester, N.H., to one of the NYC airports. Same flight attendant both ways. Since the aircraft was an empty 34-seater, she recognized me and asked what was going on. She had a good laugh. I made it to 50,000.
In those days Delta had a 1,000-mile minumum per segment, so the round trip got 4,000 in coach. Plus, they based the class-of-service bonus on class flown, not class paid (they've wised up since) so an upgraded trip was worth 8,000 miles. Since Medallion members could get round-trip upgrades for 2,500 miles, the total was 5,500 (4,000 toward elite status) and first-class flights at coach fare.
And, you can add me to the group that asked "what's the cheapest flight you've got?" the last week in December at least once. In my case it was a Delta Express commuter hop from Manchester, N.H., to one of the NYC airports. Same flight attendant both ways. Since the aircraft was an empty 34-seater, she recognized me and asked what was going on. She had a good laugh. I made it to 50,000.
Jun 7, 1999, 12:24 pm
#45
Join Date: Apr 1999
Posts: 3,709
I wouldn't call it embarassing, but it sometimes drives my wife nuts. Using my affinity card in place of cash whenever possible.
We pay off my credit card monthly, so it never carries a balance. I use it anytime I can, even if I have the cash in my wallet.
The routine purchases over the course of a month (gas, groceries, etc.) add up to about $750/mo. for me. Over the course of a year, that's 9,000 miles - nothing to sneeze at.
I also have a company AMEX, which I use for all my business purchases, and the standard routine in the office is to use my # to order. It is good for about $3000/mo.
Sure, it doesn't count towards elite status, but it is still 1 free first-class ticket per year.
We pay off my credit card monthly, so it never carries a balance. I use it anytime I can, even if I have the cash in my wallet.
The routine purchases over the course of a month (gas, groceries, etc.) add up to about $750/mo. for me. Over the course of a year, that's 9,000 miles - nothing to sneeze at.
I also have a company AMEX, which I use for all my business purchases, and the standard routine in the office is to use my # to order. It is good for about $3000/mo.
Sure, it doesn't count towards elite status, but it is still 1 free first-class ticket per year.