Kinglobjaw's Blog

Posts Tagged ‘dividend miles’

I’ve had the hardest time buying tickets for my upcoming trip. You see, I am going to Hawaii in April and I need to fly into HNL. My plan was to purchase a revenue coach ticket on US Airways and upgrade using my Dividend Miles as it’s just 17,500 miles each way. The good thing about the mileage upgrade is that it clears you into First at the time of ticketing, and more importantly from the city of origin, which in my case would be Chicago- ORD.

US Airways Hawaii flights are all operated by America West B757′s which offer 14 First Class seats. I say not bad, given that the East B757′s have only 8 in First or 12 Envoy if configured with Envoy!

I planned a simple ORD-PHX-HNL-PHX-ORD, but as you know with my trips, the way they are booked resembles nothing how they were planned. PHX-HNL has two flights a day per direction on US and there were absolutely no upgrade seats. None! I’m not flexible at all, so I politely declined the agent’s offer to look around.

Now the good part. US flies nonstop to four cities in Hawaii: HNL, Maui (OGG), Kona (KOA) & Lihue (LIH) are all daily from PHX. US Airways used to offer LAS (Las Vegas)-OGG, but let’s not get into that. It’s just no longer there and what a shame!  Anyway, PHX-HNL/OGG are both double daily. In fact, last year, when I needed three upgrade seats to HNL and back I had to return from Maui, since HNL-PHX had none.

What I did differently this year. I looked at everything. When you’re desperate, you’re desperate. Or may I should call it creative?

The good thing about Hawaii is that the islands are relatively close to each other, and while competition is no longer the same without Aloha Airlines, inter-island fares are still pretty low if booked ahead of time. In addition, Hawaiian Airlines (HA) codeshares with almost every USA based airline and quite a few international ones too. They have baggage and ticketing agreements, and most importantly during these times of a-la carte pricing, they do not charge for the first bag you check. After all, if they did, tourists would not hop around the islands, HA would loose customers and islands would loose potential tourists and the revenue they could scrape off of them. In return, the Hawaiian Islands would be pretty upset with HA.

Another idea to digest is that US Airways (and I’m sure many other carriers) will allow HA segments at no extra charge (aside from a few $ in taxes). I mean, if the ORD-HNL fare basis is, say $505 round trip, in most cases US Airways will let you route it via multiple stops, meaning you don’t have to fly ORD-PHX-HNL, you can fly ORD-PHX-OGG-HNL using US up to OGG and then HA on OGG-HNL. It depends on the fare rules, but sometimes you can do 3 or 4 stops, meaning ORD-PHX-OGG-KOA-HNL and the base fare is still $505. Remember, all you end up paying extra is a few more dollars in airport and other taxes.

On my dates, only PHX-KOA had upgrade availability, so my outbound was ORD-PHX-KOA-HNL. Of course, as with all mileage upgrades, they only upgrade you on your frequent flyer carrier, so in my case US Airways. Still, I don’t mind a short KOA-HNL where, as a preferred, I still earn 500 miles and another 500 miles bonus for being a Chairman’s Preferred. Return wise, HNL-PHX was also not avalable for upgrades. Only OGG-PHX and LIH-PHX were available for that evening. The LIH schedule fit me better so I routed myself HNL-LIH on HA, and then US from LIH-PHX-PHL-ORD. Why not nonstop from PHX-ORD? Not available, but PHX-PHL-ORD was and the fare only went up by a few dollars, again due to taxes.

In conclusion, I booked ORD-PHX-KOA-HNL-LIH-PHX-PHL-ORD while confirming everything in First instantly (except KOA-HNL and HNL-LIH since it’s operated by HA). What is good is that I paid only $31 dollars more in taxes than I would have paid for ORD-PHX-HNL-PHX-ORD and would have to ride in coach. Plus, think of all the miles I will earn! I told you, the way I plan flights is never similar to how I book them.

Makes me think of last year’s ORD-LAS-SEA-LAS-PHX-HNL-OGG-PHX-SEA-PHL-ORD method of getting to Hawaii.

Now for some thoughts about using miles to Hawaii:

• Just like with the upgrades, think about flying into one of the other islands. You may not be able to have HA on your ticket as an award, but purchasing a seperate coach ticket between the islands shouldn’t cost more than $39+ tax one-way if planned in advanced. Check Hawaiianairlines.com for that! Whatever you do, don’t fly Go!
• If using miles and wanting to fly United, think about United’s flights from DEN, LAX, and SFO which are high in frequency. ORD-HNL will be hard to get.
• Soon you will be able to use miles on Continental Airlines as they will join Star Alliance.
• Not many people know this, but USA based members can use their miles on Air Canada. Air Canada flies daily to HNL, OGG, KOA nonstop from Vancouver, Canada (YVR). They use larger B767/A333 aircraft where coach is easier to book, yet business class more difficult. Air Canada’s B767′s and A333′s now feature fully flat business class seats, so they’re considered “hot”!
• Two other Star Alliance carriers server Hawaii. Air New Zealand flies a B767 three times per week from Auckland, NZ (AKL), while ANA flies a B767 daily from Tokyo-NRT. If ever in that region or you want to stop in Hawaii and fly onward, you can use them. Both offer coach and business class on those specific flights.

Have a nice clicK life, Aloha,

-Mark

I’m big on “oldie” stuff, so when I heard about Virgin Atlantic doing a commercial set in 1984 I had to see this. Even in current movies, shows, whenever they do flashback scenes I get very “into” it.

So it seems Virgin Atlantic has been flying for 25 years now. Congrats! Lately, there have been rumors of them merging with BMI and joining Star Alliance under Lufthansa’s coaching. Yeah right! Like Branson is going to let “The Wolf” take things into his own hands.

Virgin Atlantic is uniquely linked to US Airways by way of America West Airlines. America West’s limited international service called for a partnership with British Airways and Virgin Atlantic for transatlantic flights. With the US Airways merger, British Airways was knocked off, but Virgin Atlantic remained.

At this point in time, the relationship between the two has considerably cooled. Dividend Miles members do not earn preferred qualifying miles on any revenue VS (Virgin Atlantic) operated flight and it only gets worse when you want to redeem miles. Dividend Miles members can only miles redeem for economy class, meaning no Upper Class award tickets. Given that US and VS barely compete on the transatlantic market is there are reason why should these ties be severed? Maybe, just maybe if VS and BMI do indeed merge, a Star Alliance membership may be the only path to US and VS getting “cozy” again. ORD-LHR-HKG-SYD in Upper Class is what I wanted to do for a while now! And I wanted to do it using my Dividend Miles.

Anyway, here’s the 25- “Still Red Hot” campaign.

Have a nice clicK life,

-Mark

I was just playing around on Singaporeair.com and pricing fares for “R” class between London Heathrow and Sydney via Singapore for a one way trip I could end up taking in July 2009. 

For those who don’t know, “R” class on Singapore Airlines is the Suites cabin on the Airbus A380. You cannot upgrade into the Suites cabin and you can’t use miles to reserve an award for an A380 Suite. At this point in time, only $ talks when it comes to the A380 Suites.

Naturally, I was wondering how much elite qualifying and redeemable miles I would earn in the Dividend Miles program should I choose to book “R” class. You won’t believe it, NOTHING! Iwas stunned!

I will have to look into this and probably contact someone from Tempe. I find it very odd- I’m just not sure whether it’s a typo or if they are serious. I understand no earning miles/ less miles earned on cheaper fares like the BMI “V” fare, but “R” class on SQ? Come on! I’m sure it’s just a typo. Well, I’m hoping! Should report back soon.

Have a nice clicK life,

-Mark

I haven’t really looked into it to see whether it can be done round-trip or just one-way, but I found really cheap fares on USAirways.com for a DUB-ORD fare basis. Fare is $123 US dollars + tax.

The most interesting part is that these fares are available for as early as today morning (it is 6:49AM in Dublin as I type this), or even February 6 or 7, 2009. I’m pretty sure if you look further back you can find similar fares. Funny, I always thought last minute fares would be rocket sky high!

While this is great for any traveler, the mileage runner can “score” big time on one of these fares. For example, let’s try fitting in more segments along the way.

Dublin, Ireland to Chicago, IL: Duration- 16 hrs 35 min
	US Airways Flight US723 on a Boeing 757 (jet) in coach class (lunch, snack)
	Departs Dublin, Ireland (DUB)	Fri, Feb 6	10:55a
	Arrives Philadelphia, PA (PHL)	7 hrs 50 min	1:45p
	Layover in Philadelphia- 1 hr 40 min
	US Airways Flight US4247 on a De Havilland Dash-8 (prop plane) in coach class (operated by US Airways Express – Piedmont Airlines)
	Departs Philadelphia, PA (PHL)	Fri, Feb 6	3:25p
	Arrives Baltimore, MD (BWI)		4:13p
	Layover in Baltimore- 1 hr 2 min
	US Airways Flight US788 on a Boeing 757 (jet) in coach class
	Departs Baltimore, MD (BWI)	Fri, Feb 6	5:15p
	Arrives Charlotte, NC (CLT)		6:41p
	Layover in Charlotte- 1 hr 39 min
	US Airways Flight US1624 on an Airbus A321 (jet) in coach class
	Departs Charlotte, NC (CLT)	Fri, Feb 6	8:20p
	Arrives Chicago, IL (ORD)

Price including all taxes? $182.80. Great deal!

Anyway, miles earned the above listed flights? 4,872 miles- assuming you are Preferred with US Airways Dividend Miles (PHL-BWI; BWI-CLT count as 500 miles only if you are Preferred).

I also found a one-way for of $200+tax ($260.80) between DUB-SFO. Routing is crazy. Earns you 6,839 miles on way (compared to only 5,098 you would earn if you flew nonstop).

Dublin, Ireland to San Francisco, CA: Duration- 30hrs 58 min
	US Airways Flight US723 on a Boeing 757 (jet) in coach class (lunch, snack)
	Departs Dublin, Ireland (DUB)	Wed, Feb 4	10:55a
	Arrives Philadelphia, PA (PHL)		1:45p
	Layover in Philadelphia- 1hr 50 min
	US Airways Flight US1451 on a Boeing 757 (jet) in coach class
	Departs Philadelphia, PA (PHL)	Wed, Feb 4	3:35p
	Arrives Charlotte, NC (CLT)		5:17p
	Layover in Charlotte- 33 min
	US Airways Flight US306 on an Airbus A320 (jet) in coach class (food for purchase)
	Departs Charlotte, NC (CLT)	Wed, Feb 4	5:50p
	Arrives Las Vegas, NV (LAS)		7:48p
	Layover in Las Vegas- 1 hr 52 min
	US Airways Flight US117 on an Airbus A320 (jet) in coach class
	Departs Las Vegas, NV (LAS)	Wed, Feb 4	9:40p
	Arrives Phoenix, AZ (PHX)		11:50p
	Layover in Phoenix- 8 hrs 55 min
	US Airways Flight US403 on an Airbus A319 (jet) in coach class
	Departs Phoenix, AZ (PHX)	Thur, Feb 5	8:45a
	Arrives San Francisco, CA (SFO)		9:53a

Makes me want to go mileage running. I can’t though, too busy! Heh, one can dream!

Have a nice clicK life,

-Mark

It’s almost hidden to the public eye, yet if you dig deep enough, you will find one link on the old website that will connect you with part of the new US Airways website. Many of us have waited anxiously for the new USAirways.com which was supposed to debut in early 2008, but has been pushed back to late Winter/ early Spring 2009. Even though it was first tested in Spring/Summer of 2007, US Airways is making us wait a while.  Worth the wait? All signs point in that direction, and while this sneek preview won’t let you book tickets, check schedules or login to your Dividend Miles account, you can decide yourself by viewing all the informational content. In my opinion, the new website is well organized and very appealing to the eye. I will go as far to say- this is one of the best looking airline websites out there.

Start exploring by finding the banner pictured below. To find this banner visit the baggage section on the old US Airways website, pretend you want to track your bag, and select the 10 or more characters option. This is essentially the same as http://baggage.usairways.com/. That is how you find this banner, and once you found it, you will have to click it. That is your doorway to the new USAirways.com

There’s a lot of content to sift through, so I’ll let you explore on your own.

Some highlights which I found interesting/important:

• Detailed upgrade policy
• Option of buying Club day passes online
• Easy access to international editions of USAirways.com
• A redone route map (showcasing all possible connections including Star Alliance + codeshare services)
• US Airways fleet page now shows the Airbus A330-200 and A350 with seat count (however sketch of plane is innacurate for A350)

If you find anything else that’s interesting, make sure to leave a comment and include a link. Thanks!

Have a nice clicK life,

-Mark

December maybe the time for egg nog, holiday lights, kisses underneath the mistletoe, but it’s also a time when most mileage runs take place.

This year Kinglobjaw is running after some miles all the way to Dublin, London, New York and San Juan.

I’m booked on more US Airways widebodies within 7 days than I was aboard in the last 7 months. My SJU runs all involve widebodies as PHL and CLT schedules send a mix of 767’s and A330’s to SJU. Not to mention Europe, which is all widebody except Dublin (a 757 ETOPS).

Many firsts for me on this trip:

• First lenghty flight on an US Airways 767 in Envoy (CLT-PHL is nice but something longer would be nicer)
• First visit to the PHL US Airways ‘F’ terminal club while I wait for my PHL-LGA which is opearated by a US Airways Express Piedmont DASH-8
• First US Airways 757 ETOPS flight
• First ever flight on Star Alliance partner bmi
• First ever visit to the London Heathrow’s Star Alliance Terminal (1)

The good news is the fares are so low I won’t even have to leave milk and cookies for Santa. Santa may give you great gifts, but he won’t get you that low cpm (cents per mile) with a fun and creative routing.

As always flying gets me all excited, and like all the other times, I am thrilled and can’t wait for my upcoming trips.

It’s December and I was able to book some mileage runs to secure my status, but can I get the other things December has to offer? I think so! Hopefully I’ll be able to find egg nog at one of the airports where I transit. I’ll see the beautiful holiday lights New York or London, and if I’m very lucky I’ll get a kiss underneath the mistletoe. But first, I have to find that mistletoe.

Have a nice, while not getting drunk on egg nog, clicK life,

-Mark

As most of you will soon find out, US Airways Dividend Miles has just taken the time machine to early 2008.

Early 2008 when business travellers enjoyed their 500 miles per segment, preferred customers earned their bonuses and mileage runners thought nothing about where they would stand in terms of eqm’s/eqs’ in late 2008.

Not long after this peaceful state of mind, came a dark could. The 500 miles everyone had come to enjoy on short hops like the US Airways Shuttle or BUF-ROC would soon vanish. Moments later, someone announced the preferred bonus miles would too become history. Everyone panicked! Soon, the reality would sink in. Getting awards would take so much longer and reaching your desired elite level would be so much tougher.

*****************************
Yesterday Afternoon
*****************************

It happened at the oddest of times- 3:05 PM. A rumor had been posted on FlyerTalk.com, that US would be changing a Dividend Miles related policy on how miles would be earned. And something happened.

There are moments when you feel your internet, altough racingly fast, is slow. For just a brief time, between your click on the link, and the visuals of the web page loading, your heart wants to jump out of your chest. It’s like standing in a court room charged with a crime you are sure you did not commint and the jury reading your verdict, but they still didn’t get to the part regarding if your are guilty or not. You want to grasp it, but you cannot. I felt like that!

Upon reading the post, a funny and strange feeling told me this would be one credible source. And it was. Upon waking up today I got an email, a chance to view US Airways’ updated Dividend Miles secition and an opportunity to read US Airways’ Press Release regarding this matter.

And the best news is that it is retroactive. This is truly a great way to start Thanksgiving celebrations. Let’s be thankful for our miles!

Now, mileage running can be so much more rewarding and fun!

Have a nice “miles full” clicK life,

-Mark

What has Windows XP SP 3, an 8.9 inch LCD screen and a full QWERTY type keyboard?

Answer:  A Dell Inspiron Mini 9! A truly blogable device that will even fit in smallest book bag or purse. They’re coming out with a 12, but if you want to keep it small, go with the 9. And while in the aviation world bigger is better and more fun, when you mix blog writing, laptops and travel- smaller does turn out to be wiser.

So it has been a while since I’ve talked to all you fine folks and I wanted to assure you I have not turned my back on you. What has changed? The last time you thought about me, I was 18- now not so much. 19 here and every flight I take less people consider me the “brat” who stole their last available upgrade seat. I sure miss those days!

What’s new, you ask?

A lot has happened since my few hours in PIT. Aside from fuel going sky high and falling down low, one of the best TV series fast forwarding 5 long years into the future, world’s longest all-business class legacy airline flight making it’s way from EWR to SIN and a few other things, I’m still good!

What’s coming, you ask?

I think my tiny photography hobby might be growing in the upcoming months. I’ve upgraded my simple digital point and shoot camera to the Canon EOS 50D. Get ready for some nicer, higher quality travel photos.

Back in September five airlines allocated in two opposing teams fought for the honor of giving up 2 of their highly coveted “O” and “I” class award seats in First/Business Class for Kinglobjaw’s 150,000 (X2) US Airways Dividend Miles Award from USA to Africa.

Team Europe included Lufthansa (LH) and Swiss Intl Airlines (LX) and offered a tempting LAX-FRA-MUC-ZRH-JNB-FRA-LAX which consisted of upper deck 747 First Class on 3 flights, a First Class Terminal visit in FRA, a ride on the rare A300, and exquisite Swiss hospitality service generations have raved about.

Team Asia which included ANA (NH), Singapore Airlines (SQ) and Thai International Airways (TG) offered an exotic ORD-NRT-BKK-JNB-BKK-NRT-ORD involved the elegant Japanease service, the warm and friendly Singapore Girl and the Royal Orchid service by Thai was another excellent choice. NH is known for delicious food and Thai’s First Class lounge at BKK is a true rival for Lufthansa’s FRA First Class terminal due to it’s Royal Orchid Spa.

The winner? Before the decision, only one airline knew it would win regardless of which of the above choices would be selected. Team Africa! Since, JNB isn’t the final destination, there is only one Star Alliance carrier that could fly me from JNB-MRU and back. South African Airways, I’m ready to try your Business Class.

Alright! Alright! You want to know what option was selected between the United States and JNB? Both choices were available in First Class all the way through to JNB, so this decision was tougher than most would expect. In the end Lufthansa and Swiss were chosen. Lufthansa’s ultra private upper deck First Class experience on the B747, the FRA First Class terminal and the option of flying Swiss is what made me choose the two carriers for the July 2009 trip. Plus, I’m dying to fly an A300, especially since Lufthansa is one of the oldest operators of the type and is slowly, but surely beginning to retire them. Therefore, I hope my flight won’t be downgraded to a narrow body. I want to save airlines SQ, NH, TG, and OZ for my next trip to Asia. To my readers, which option would you pick?

A) LAX-FRA (Lufthansa 747) + 1 night in FRA for Zzzz’s…
FRA-MUC (Lufthansa A300), MUC-ZRH (SWISS AVRO RJ100), ZRH-JNB (SWISS A340)

Return: JNB-FRA-LAX (Both 747’s on Lufthansa)

B) ORD-NRT (ANA 777) + 1 night in NRT for Zzzzz’s
NRT-BKK (Singapore Airlines 777), BKK-JNB (Thai A346)

Return: JNB-BKK (Thai A346), BKK-NRT (Thai 777), NRT-ORD (ANA 777)

What else is new, your ask? I’m planning a fun mileage run since I think I can find lower deals than the US Airways’ Buy Up to Preferred program.

I really want to try to find a deal to Seattle, WA (SEA). I love the city and I want to check out the Boeing museum. Plus, if I can get a free night at the Seattle Airport Marriott that would be fantastic. It is my favorite property near the SEA airport. Their indoor pool is amazing. Few airport properties in the USA are this nice. Marriott sure did an excellent job here. Enough with the words, sometimes pictures do indeed speak more than words.

Pretty long post, but totally worth it since I messed up big time by not posting for a few months. I’m really sorry about that, but I won’t forget this blog or my readers- I promise.

Have a nice clicK life,

-Mark

April 30, 2008 was the the last day US Airways offered a minimum of 500 miles per flight segment. I grew accustomed to this generous offer racking up 500 miles (+ Preferred bonus) on short hops such as the US Airways Shuttle, LAS-PHX (and vice versa) as well popular short hops on the East Coast.

I wanted to enjoy the ‘500′ once more and I thought to myself, what better way than to fly to Pittsburgh on US Airways for a few hours? I opted for a routing via Philadelphia. I would fly a same day round trip: ORD-PHL-PIT-PHL-ORD. ORD-PHL-ORD earns 678 in each direction, while PHL-PIT-PHL is about 263 actual miles each way, but when I started the trip I knew I would getting 500 miles two final times.

The fares were very reasonable, and 3 segments would be mainline while PHL-PIT would be a US Airways Express flight operated by a Republic Airways Embraer 170. The trip was ticketed as two separate one-way fares.
Many people, including myself, consider this a mileage run- and it was! I checked no bags (a first for me, and what a pleasure!) and no errands to run in PIT. So what did I do in Pittsburgh? I toured the entire airport, took lots of photos, had lunch, and relaxed in the US Airways Club. I have a whole gallery about my day and what I saw in PIT. I recommend you visit the gallery, even if you have traveled via Pittsburgh International Airport before. It will bring back some nice memories. Visit here: Mileage run to Pittsburgh

I normally don’t write trip reviews, but here are some facts regarding my flights on April 30, 2008.

US Airways flight US817
Scheduled departure time: 7:15 AM from gate F10
Aircraft type: 737-300 in old US Airways colors
Crews: PHL based, previously in PIT

The 737-300 that will be taking me to PHL.

A neighboring US Airways Airbus A320 departing to Phoenix and continuing on to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

While taking a break between flights at the PHL B/C US Airways Club, I discovered something new- electronic gate displays!

US Airways flight US3433 operated by Republic Airways
Scheduled departure time: 11:37AM from Gate B1
Aircraft type: Embraer 170 in Star Alliance colors. What a treat!
Crews: PIT based for Republic Airways

A special Star Alliance livery just for enthusiast Kinglobjaw?

 
US Airways flight US1607
Scheduled departure time: 5:45PM from Gate B30
Aircraft type: 737-400 in new US Airways ’swoosh’ livery. Looks great!
Crews: DCA based

This 737-400 just came in from FLL, and it’s not overnighting here. Next stop: ‘Crown Jewel Hub’ – Philadelphia.

My 2 return flights back to Chicago. Gotta’ love upgrades!

Philly wants a fair share of navy, or so it seems.

US Airways flight US958
Scheduled departure time: 8:25PM from Gate C21
Aircraft type: Airbus A319 in navy US Airways colors
Crews: A truly fantastic crew. CLT based. Perfect ending to a great trip!

Big heritage “pin” by door 1L. Matches my sports jacket!

A crew that likes their photos taken. How nice!

… even with me!

Another successful and fulfilling trip on US Airways. Miles posted by the morning of May 2nd- relatively fast. I should do one of these mileage runs again. =]

Have a nice clicK life,

-Mark

To be honest I am quite afraid of something. In 2007 I have traveled much less and I need to find a way to catch up on EQM’s (Elite Qualifying Miles) in the US Airways Dividend Miles program.

Mileage run- a concept that is often executed by frequent travelers during the months of October, November and December. It is traveling for no purpose. Wait! There is one purpose, to earn miles. Not just any kind of miles, but special elite qualifying ones that make you a VIP with your carrier of choice.

So here is my EQM situation. I need about 20,000 EQM’s. I never attain status by segments. I may have about 5,000EQM worth of travel in December, so that leaves me with a 15,000 EQM gap. Since US Airways is part of Star Alliance, I can also utilize United and Air Canada services should my mileage run remain in North America. However most of you know me better than that! It’ll definitely be on US Airways!

Let me be blunt, only one routing will work so far and that is LAX-SJU. I am finding same day return fares for early December at around $336 round trip including all taxes and fees. Depending on how I route, I may be able to squeeze in up to 10,000 EQM’s on the roundtrip.

Short segments are helpful to get maximum EQM’s- most airlines will give you 500 miles for them, and the flight itself won’t get you too far from your originating city(for those confused at this point, let me be clear- it is a good thing). For example, one of my potential routings offered: LAX-SFO-PHL-SJU, meaning I would be flying United on my first leg and I would be receive 500 miles towards status. LAX-SFO doesn’t take me any bit closer to PHL, so aside from paying just a few more dollars for taxes and fees, it’s like I get 500 free elite qualifying. Short hops are very helpful, given that the fare will permit it without charging you extra fare aside from taxes.

Staying near the $336 price on the LAX-SJU round trip, the following routing seems to offer a good amount of EQMs:

LAX-LAS-PHX-PHL-SJU-PHL-DCA-CLT-DFW-LAS-LAX.

All flights are mainline and US Airways operated. Big plus! No RJ’s and all flights are eligible for complimentary upgrades (space permitting), but since I’m a Chairman’s there shouldn’t be any problems. The EQM miles I would get for this snazzy trip? 9715. Not bad at all!

Some people also do ”mattress runs” to attain a required amount of nights or stays at a hotel. This is for the purpose of achieving or retaining an elite level in their hotel rewads program. 29 more nights at a Marriott hotel? Thanks, but no thanks! 69 per night(cheapest Courtyard I could find) X 29 would be about $2000. And thats prior to taxes! 3 or 4 nights? Sure, why not! 29? Nope!

Here’s wishing everyone a good 7 more weeks of 2007 mileage and mattress running!

Have a nice clicK life,

-Mark