I will take the obviously minority stance and say don't post it. T4F, you are brilliant when it comes to finding odd mileage and segment runs, including your 20-something segment run last year. More power to you. But I do think that the more something is exploited, the more likely it is to be shut down. If you truly want to take advantage of something, not only would I not post it, but I wouldn't email it either. If you don't think UA (or any carrier) isn't going to see a dramatic surge of yields in a certain market, think again.

Share it with us via separate emails. Let us come to you and if you feel comfortable that we will not "spill the beans" so to say, then let us share in this new run.
We should all keep it quiet from the airlines. Why spoil a new local U.S. Baht Run?
I was going to contact you for some segment help on a west coast run later this summer. When I read this post, I saw that you had what I wanted already.
You decide what's best for your new run but if I email you, will you help me with a segment run out of Las or LAX and hopefully even this new Baht Run?

------------------

[quote]Originally posted by Ken hAAmer:

Quote:

---

.. we're not talking about taking advantage of a short term publicly announced "special" but taking advantage of something in the fare rules ....

The benefit we're talking about here is not getting an otherwise empty seat for little money, it's about spending little money to obtain a very expensive benefit from the airline that was designed to attract big spenders....

This deal though, is a whole other animal, and qualitatively differnt.

---

Hope you don't mind me macheteing your quotes HAAmer but I share your opinions and thus, also cast a vote for "Silence is Golden". Even if this one run was disclosed and the airlines closed its cheap pricing the following day, I sense the consequences would extend far beyond that one publicized run. The basic principles that caused that one run to be cheap would most likely to apply to many other similar runs available in the USA involving different city pairs, etc. The airlines would probably start rewriting their rules to close down a lot of those runs, which means higher prices. Thus, disclosing a run may help some in the short term but the long term effect would be damaging to us consumers. The Mexican Hat Dancers are gone, but I still wish to do some "California Dreamin" if I need to in December.

P.S. And thanks again for all the PNRs http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

I agree that it's probably best not to overly publicize anything that could be construed by the airline as taking advantage of their system. The hard part if making sure an e-mail list remains safe too.

But please make sure I'm on it!

You guys are ridiculous... don't tell everyone but tell me.. more cliqueness from this bulletin board, it's disgusting.

If tvl4free tells everyone who posted here, and they tell everyone who they know, then eventually someone's going to post it anyway.

As I said in my original post, unless tvl4free has a select group of people (including himself) who he wants to be able to use his mileage run first, he should post publicly.

Finally, I've been in a similar situation where I identified a great mileage run on USAirways (its gone now). I have not posted it here (though I came close once), but I have emailed it to folks who I know could use it -- and because I used it myself. If I didn't need it myself I would have posted it.

No wonder the airlines are posting below-expectations earnings. They are dedicating legions of people to lurking the 100s of aviation-related bulletin boards, websites, chat rooms, etc. on the Internet! And think about how long it takes them to properly cultivate a mole or two with credibility in a given aviation community. After all, they need to be on "The List" to get the *good* intel. Geez, we must be talking about a dedicated department of a couple hundred employees at each airline! Probably more for UAL and AMR!

Good morning!

I apologize for the delay in my response, but 'real work' issues - and a busy travel schedule http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif - are commanding much of my time this week.

Several early posters have questioned my reasoning for placing this post here in 'The Buzz.' The primary focus of my earlier post was really not about a 'THE Mileage Run' or some 'phenomenal deal' that I've discovered, nor was it a request for a personal ego stroke prior to posting, as some have suggested - but rather about an issue which in 'the bigger scope of things' now effects ALL forums and ALL FTers, regardless of ones 'Godiva of Choice!'

'To Post - or Not To Post' - that was the central theme ... and the dilemma that I face! And that is why I chose to place it up for discussion here in 'The Buzz' - for ALL to view and 'chew over' - in what may well be our most central location - and most prominent 'everybody included' forum!

Perhaps, I didn't originally make that clear... but Ken hAAmer certainly picked up on it, and I have him to thank for raising the level of discussion to its intended 'higher plane.' Thanks again for your valued expertise, for the MHD input, and the added perspective, Mr. Ken hAAmer!

What seems to me to be the overwhelming response to this post, is to 'POST IT - and let the chips fall where they may.' But it's interesting to note, that this early prevalent view, seems to be changing as the posting numbers increase. And, my rather extensive e-mail this week tends to include the comment, 'Could you include me on the list?'

What I can tell you at this point is that I am researching all the options - so that at least a few - may benefit from my 'discovery.' But, I would like to make one thing perfectly clear. There's no 'hanky panky' here! It was simply a matter of putting together itineraries which allows one to move smoothly thru the system - in an expeditious manner - at competitive fares and hopefully 'every day' fares - which the airlines themselves have determined to be fair - and then applying coupons which the airlines so graciously offer!

The Baht Run will still remain as my mileage run of choice. Why? Because everything about it is simple! No convoluted advance purchase fares to deal with... just J, Y, and M. And they're available every day! Simple is good! My US idea is complex ... doable, but complex nonetheless. It's more or less a 'topper off-er,' rather than a 10 day vacation.

As an e-mailer so aptly stated to me this morning, ' I have to say that it makes it difficult to create and continue to maintain our community if we have to be restrictive in the LEGAL things we share on the board'. It is for this simple reason - and that being to maintain the community - that I am still leaning towards a post!

And yes, I've come to the sad conclusion that the airlines may well be our enemies! (At least we seem to have to fight with them - all the time - of late!). But then again, from time to time, our wives, husbands, or significant others, can be our enemies as well; but we do love them just the same! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif I can only attribute this to the insane pricing structure which exists in 'our world' today! And, if you think it's getting any better, just price out a few domestic itineraries without a Saturday night stay. I think we're in for an expensive road ahead! At least it's looking like there will be fewer and fewer competitive fares...

I will be traveling into what for me will be 'new territories' for the next several days, and I may be 'out of touch' internetwise. I'm analyzing the options, and will either post my discovery, or let you know of my decision and/or the options I've unraveled, when I return on Friday nite - after the close of the airline business day - in the very late PM.

If in fact the airlines are watching... let 'em get ready... and pay for overtime! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

In the mean time, let the discussion continue! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

Sincerely,


tvl4free


PS I am presently analyzing the associated per segment fees. I would appreciate some comments from members in regard to what YOU consider to be a good deal ... and what YOU consider to be a really great deal, PER SEGMENT... bearing in mind that you and I may not agree. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif In making comments in this regard, please EXCLUDE tax ... as these will vary from ticket to ticket and country to country due to the various taxes and fuel surcharges, etc. (I realize that we are looking at a 30 - 40% additional cost when tax is factored in... but ignore it at present). This will allow for what I consider to be... a better way to compare pricing. I am looking at this as a cost per segment issue, rather than cents per mile. (My preference is for $ 9-16 per segment).


Cya Friday!




[This message has been edited by tvl4free (edited 05-22-2001).]

At least the US run will be legit. I do not know what happened to the baht runs (too many entries to read) but UA made it clear on its Chat night that segments are only good for status if flown in the US and that the baht runs for segments will NOT qualify! You must fly the miles.

You asked for opinions. Here is mine:


Post all the information about your idea in the Buzz and let the community discuss the plan's merit.


- OR -

Keep the information for yourself.


This "Tell me your personal preferences and then I'll decide if you're worthy of hearing my idea..." approach is a load of crap.

For the folks who think the airlines and hotels don't lurk here or that actions of FTers aren't felt and reacted to quickly, a few examples:

Baht run posted to FT with result that those segments no longer count toward status on UA.

Mexicana free sign-up miles with transfer to Hilton idea closed after posted to FT.

Mexican Hat Dance gone.

Hilton multi-profile-change bonus gone, with some now seeing the points deducted.

UA execs on live chat asked about Catman and PremEx by name.

The foreign currency for miles deal through - Citibank was it? - gone.

Continental appears it may be tightening up on who it signs up for targeted promos.

You can sure bet the Latin Pass people wish they'd lurked. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

UA execs also made it clear that once they figure out a way, they will make status revenue based. An effect of our miles runs? Perhaps.

Finally, ever hear of Delta's Revenue Protection Unit? They seem to have no issues with paying people to make sure no one gets more than Delta feels they're entitled to.




[This message has been edited by letiole (edited 05-22-2001).]

I hate to put too fine a point on it, but if you're not going to share Frequent Flyer tips on FT, then what the hell are you doing here????

Add the ex-BUD OW Explorer and the ex-SEL OWE. Budapest has been almost doubled.

kokonutz: Aren't you the one who pointed out that past practice has been that, "if the technique might be revoked/rule changed if too many people heard about it then the practice was to save those tips for FT get-togethers."

I seem to recall you've shared a tip or two and then deleted them.






[This message has been edited by letiole (edited 05-22-2001).]

Shame on you for not letting me have it both ways!!! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/redface.gif

Just consider me your missing conscience. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif