Pursuing Platinum

13

Good at constructing mileage runs? Please help!

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I’ve obtained Delta Gold Elite status each of the past several years and I’ve enjoyed the perks: shorter security lines, priority boarding, elite seat selection, a voucher for a free snack or drink on most flights, and the occasional upgrade to first class. This year, though, I want more.

Through flying on Delta, using Delta credit cards, and taking advantage of numerous Delta promotions, I’ve amassed a huge “fortune” of Delta SkyMiles and I’d like to start making good use of them (I know, “good luck with that!”). One of the perks of Platinum status, which is the next level higher than Gold, is that award ticket reservations can be changed for free at any time up to 72 hours prior to departure. As Gold elite, I would have to pay $150 for each change. So, with Platinum, I would be able to book awards for pretty far out into the future even when I’m not sure whether the dates or destinations would work for me. This would help tremendously toward making good use of those miles!

I currently have 55,742 MQMs for the year. MQMs are “Medalion Qualifying Miles” and I need 75,000 of them to reach Platinum. To help get there, I booked a family mileage run that will give me 3,840 MQMs. Another planned flight will give me 1,130 MQMs. I also signed up for the American Express Delta Reserve card which will give me a signup bonus of 10,000 MQMs. All of those efforts add up to a grand total of 70,712 MQMs. I’m still short 4,288 MQMs. That’s where I need some help.

The Mileage Run

If you know how to construct mileage runs, please help me find one that will earn at least 4,288 Delta MQMs. The ideal run will leave from and return to Detroit, MI (DTW) in one day. An overnight trip would be OK, though, especially if there’s an available Radisson hotel near the airport (so that I can qualify for the current Club Carlson promotion). To help me out, use the comments feature at the bottom of this post to enter the details of any mileage run you recommend. Ideally, give precise dates, airport codes, and any other info needed to book the route. When listing airport codes, please also list the city name to make it easier for those like me who haven’t memorized them all!

As to dates of travel: I’m pretty flexible, except that I can’t travel Thanksgiving weekend, December 2-4, or any time after December 23.

I don’t have a set timeframe for this other than I need the MQMs before the end of the year. So, the first mileage run I see that I really like, I’ll book. Since Delta allows free cancelations until midnight the day after a reservation, I will continue to monitor suggestions and will switch if a better one comes along while the change can still be made. Once I’m locked into a particular reservation, I’ll post an update here, and you’ll earn my undying gratitude! Note that the winner of my undying gratitude can swap that gratitude for a Boarding Area t-shirt, or a couple of Delta snack/drink vouchers if they prefer.

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