Is there anyway to do the following itin. in Oct-Nov without paying big bucks? I have been playing with this forever and it is a big PIA!!!!

SEA/SFO
SFO/SAF
SAF/DEN
DEN/STL
STL/RSW
RSW/TLH
TLH/ATL
ATL/RDU
RDU/DCA
DCA/EWR

Stay in each place would be 3-5 days.

I know it's tough but I would appreciate any help

DLSIZE, if you could provide some additional information as to just what type of help you are looking for regarding this itinerary, some of us perhaps could be of assistance. What are your specific priorities, goals and objectives for this trip including your airline and lodging preferences? Do you wish any sightseeing recommendations? With this length of trip, it doesn't appear to me that you are in it just for the miles??? I also noticed that you are not returning to your departure city??? Bring it into focus for us please and we'll try to assist you "...without paying big bucks?" One-way segments, as per your stated itinerary, are usually not the most cost effective way to travel.

Actual Flight Miles Per Segment[*] SEA/SFO 678 mi [*] SFO/SAF 914 mi [*] SAF/DEN 302 mi [*] DEN/STL 769 mi [*] STL/RSW 978 mi [*] RSW/TLH 309 mi [*] TLH/ATL 223 mi [*] ATL/RDU 355 mi [*] RDU/DCA 226 mi [*] DCA/EWR 198 mi
Total.........4952 miles

[This message has been edited by MRLIMO (edited 07-23-2000).]

I was just looking for an inexpensive way to do the travel. Lined up for all the accomodations and free time. Thanks.

Here are a few suggestions - savings vary depending on exactly where you are headed and whether you will be renting a car.

1) SEA/OAK and SEA/SJC are about $40 less than SEA/SFO
2) SFO/ABQ is about $40 less than SFO/SAF and departing out of OAK or SJC to either one is less than from SFO
3) ABQ/DEN is less than SAF/DEN
(If you a renting a car in New Mexico anyway, ABQ is only a hour from SAF.)
4) For DEN/STL purchase connecting flights thru MCI - DEN/STL 1 way is more than $600 on nonstops but connecting flights thru MCI are as low as $139.
5) STL/TPA is about $140 on Southwest, much less than STL/RSW
6) TPA/TLH is significantly less than RSW/TLH.
Rent a car in TPA and drive to RSW.
7) RDU/DCA - try RDU/IAD or RDU/BWI as alternatives.
8) DCA/EWR - try Amtrak - less money and more convenient.

I did a `round the U.S.` trip last summer where I did my 1st live trip report. I found my best way was to pick a hub and do round-trips to each city (believe it or not) as some cities are controlled by a carrier more or less. My hub was Toronto and most segments on AC as I am Canadian...and a *A guy.


Dorian

DLSIZE, a useful resource is the Flight Wizard/Multiple Stops Search function of http://www.expedia.com/ I would research various flight possibilities using this tool, and for comparison purposes, round trip pricing using Flight Wizard/Roundtrip Search. I would also secure the services of competent travel agents for their best pricing and professional assistance.

Due to the lead time of your itinerary and advance RT purchase discounts available, I believe I would save considerably, booking round trips vs one-way segments. I'm not positive though. In the end, I would probably purchase round trips, with the "intent" of using the return segments at later dates, coordinated, for a reverse trip. Just a thought! Do your homework and Good Luck for a safe and successful journey!

[This message has been edited by MRLIMO (edited 07-24-2000).]