Currently, given the rest of the known flying this year and cc bonuses, I am 9k EQMs short this year from UA 1k, therefore, I have been considering flying a MR to get me over the hump. Ignoring the inherent value of reaching the 1k mark, what is a good deal for EQMs? I know many will count all sorts of RDM's, status bonus, and other RDM bonuses into the $$/mile figure, but just counting EQM--what is a good deal?

I have considered a Europe run that will net me the 9k I need in two quick days and will cost about 6.5c/mile. I would like to do this as cheaply as possible but looking for tips and tricks on how to handle this dilema.

Another item of interest...I considered flying another *A carrier on either a domestic or int'l run, but there seems to be even greater value in staying on UA metal.......to earn the next set of CR-1s, some more 500s, and flying E+ or upgraded.

I'm going to move this to the MilesBuzz forum where you may get better answers.

Thank!

bhatnasx
Mileage Run Moderator

UA seems to have a lot of competitive rates to SFO. If you can do 2 coast-to-coast trips to SFO, you'll get your 9k EQMs

Ignoring the value of reaching status, EQMs are worthless, since that's all they're good for. You can't redeem them for awards or anything else. They're just a counter that gets you to this elite level or that one when it hits a certain number. The only way to put a value to EQMs is to put a value on the status they qualify you for, so if you ignore that, you aren't left with anything at all.

I'd probably do the UA Platinum Visa (5,000 EQM sign-up bonus) plus one domestic R/T. (One transcon would easily do it.) That will probably save you $200-300 total and, more importantly, one full day.

(This assumes you were thinking of Europe purely as a MR, not as a destination you where you actually want to spend some time there.)