AA Status Run - Nice little earner

[rockyroad]

Thinking out loud, probably the best way is to search returns for each sector, find the most cost effective YUPPs and then choose those flight numbers on a multi-city (assuming the same flights are available on multi-city).

Getting close to $1 / SC is not easy else everyone would be doing it. However for those dedicated SC runners it is possible to retain QF WP (1,200 SCs) for around $2,500 and 6 - 8 days of sitting / sleeping in aircraft seats, including the trip across the Pacific in a Y exit row. Doable but enough said.

 

[DC3]

I have a screen shot if anyone is interested. Just PM me your email.

Have PM'd you, rockyroad. The best that I could find was $US685 for 420 SC, one way.

 

[rockyroad]

Have PM'd you, rockyroad. The best that I could find was $US685 for 420 SC, one way.

You have email but expect to do some work to get the best deal. IMHO, this is a very powerful SC run but it is not for beginners or those who object to possible "Cavity Searches" or full body scanners on re-entry to the US. Would suggest this SC run is best done with NO check-in luggage and a lot of sleep before you start.

 

[DC3]

You have email but expect to do some work to get the best deal. IMHO, this is a very powerful SC run but it is not for beginners or those who object to possible "Cavity Searches" or full body scanners on re-entry to the US. Would suggest this SC run is best done with NO check-in luggage.

OK. Thanks rockyroad. That looks like my routing, so I'll just have to play around with the dates. Definitely agree on carry-on only for this.

 

[rockyroad]

OK. Thanks rockyroad. That looks like my routing, so I'll just have to play around with the dates. Definitely agree on carry-on only for this.

Credit goes to Crum. I just made a screen shot from his routing.

 

[DC3]

Credit goes to Crum. I just made a screen shot from his routing.

Yes, much appreciated, crum. When I managed to come up with the best routing that I could, it was based on the original clues, and subsequent input. I didn't imagine that my routing would turn out to be the exact crum routing. It's just the dates/fares that I need to explore.

Thanks again for the screenshot rockyroad, and for your input and hints as well.

 

[rockyroad]

Yes, much appreciated, crum. When I managed to come up with the best routing that I could, it was based on the original clues, and subsequent input. I didn't imagine that my routing would turn out to be the exact crum routing. It's just the dates/fares that I need to explore.

Thanks again for the screenshot rockyroad, and for your input and hints as well.

It's called Team AFF. I suggest we name this the "Crum Run"

 

[mrfreeze]

It's called Team AFF. I suggest we name this the "Crum Run"

I must try and work the Crum Run out, just getting started with all this and getting up to speed.
I am still on the North clue, though am thinking chapter 11, and the home state is what is meant.

Will be a year or 2 before heading to the US, thats if I can get a VISA first.
By then I should be able to work out the runs in my sleep

 

[rockyroad]

I must try and work the Crum Run out, just getting started with all this and getting up to speed.
I am still on the North clue, though am thinking chapter 11, and the home state is what is meant.

Will be a year or 2 before heading to the US, thats if I can get a VISA first.
By then I should be able to work out the runs in my sleep

You get a US Visa on entry. You do need to register you passport details before you leave.

 

[ozbeachbabe]

You have email but expect to do some work to get the best deal. IMHO, this is a very powerful SC run but it is not for beginners or those who object to possible "Cavity Searches" or full body scanners on re-entry to the US. Would suggest this SC run is best done with NO check-in luggage and a lot of sleep before you start.

Would it not be better to stay in MIA on an overnight transit stop (leaving your luggage in your hotel room) then do a same day return MIA/xx_/MIA. Then when you return same day to the US & are asked by Customs "why did you go to xx_ & back" you can just say "I only wanted to go to MIA but the airfare to xx_ was cheaper.

Having a copy of your eticket itinerary receipt with you saying you only paid $900.00 for all your flights would help otherwise they're going to wonder how you can afford to travel First Class everywhere which could otherwise have them thinking a drug cartel is funding your trips.

 

[rockyroad]

Would it not be better to stay in MIA on an overnight transit stop (leaving your luggage in your hotel room) then do a same day return MIA/xx_/MIA. Then when you return same day to the US & are asked by Customs "why did you go to xx_ & back" you can just say "I only wanted to go to MIA but the airfare to xx_ was cheaper.

Having a copy of your eticket itinerary receipt with you saying you only paid $900.00 for all your flights would help otherwise they're going to wonder how you can afford to travel First Class everywhere which could otherwise have them thinking a drug cartel is funding your trips.

Probably not a good idea for US customs to know you are doing 4 x F flights inbound all over the US and you did 4 more earlier to get to MIA on the outbound leg.

 

[dfcatch]

Probably not a good idea for US customs to know you are doing 4 x F flights inbound all over the US and you did 4 more earlier to get to MIA on the outbound leg.

IMHO - if challenged (which as rockyroad has mentioned - is more than likely on this routing), I would be straight and honest. And yes, that may mean educating CBP on the merits of a status run.

Having a neat folder with all your FF stuff including BP's, itinerary, FF card etc will be handy as anything less than total upfrontness will likely result in latex glove interaction and a long interview with someone called "Officer Martinez".

I would also do a straight turnaround if possible and not leave the airport (both for lack of adventure reasons but also a true status run doesn't require you to stay in the destination).

 

[ozbeachbabe]

IMHO - if challenged (which as rockyroad has mentioned - is more than likely on this routing), I would be straight and honest. And yes, that may mean educating CBP on the merits of a status run. Having a neat folder with all your FF stuff including BP's, itinerary, FF card etc will be handy as anything less than total upfrontness will likely result in latex glove interaction and a long interview with someone called "Officer Martinez". I would also do a straight turnaround if possible and not leave the airport (both for lack of adventure reasons but also a true status run doesn't require you to stay in the destination).

The CBP officer who processed us in MIA was indeed officer Martinez - no latex glov interaction!

 

[splashin]

Hi All,

Wondering if anyone can help. I am flying into JFK in February. I could stop at SFO instead and make my way there. I am new to making statusrun so not experienced at all. Actually just got into it a few days ago. I don't have high expectation so will be happy to have about 400 SC or so. Would love any suggestions))

 

[crum]

Would love any suggestions))

My guide to making your own "Crum Run"

I was new to doing this the other day also, but just sat down (at the detriment of an assignment I have due tomorrow) and tried all sorts of combinations until I found ones that gave the max sectors for the least $.

1. My first suggestion is just to take some time to "play" with the AA multi-city reservations page:

https://www.aa.com/reservation/multiCitySearchAccess.do?anchorEvent=false&tripType=multi(make sure you tick the "Search by Price" and "Business Class and Higher with restrictions" radio buttons).

​

2. Use the AA route maps from this website to try and find cities that are not linked by direct flights:

American Airlines Route Maps (I tried to use only the cities that showed as a "red dot" on the maps).

​

3. Use MileageMonkey to work out the SC that will accrue for the flights:

MileageMonkey (use the Oneworld Explorer Validator and tick "Ignore Errors).

​

4. Instead of just going with an ending and starting point, throw in some cities to go via and the booking engine will throw up other sector options for you to choose.


5. The cheaper prices seem to come when the sectors for the outward trip end with an international leg (rather than pure domestic trips).


6. Spreading the trip over 4 or 5 days also seems to result in a cheaper price.


Enjoy!:mrgreen:

 

[serfty]

...

Enjoy!:mrgreen:

Thanks for that; I start with Farecompare, so:

0. Fire up "fare compare" ...

See here:

Look here: Discounted First Class and Flyer Talk Fares

Select the origin port you are interested in and start a search.

After it loads, select "[+]Carrier Filters" and click "American (AA)

"

Also check the Caribbean under "[+]Destination Zones"

That will show return travel costs with cheapest first. Then you need to check routing possibilities on AA.com .

Don't tie your self to Los Angeles, look for flights from nearby regions.

See here:

• http://www.australianfrequentflyer....t-flyer-program/aa-instant-upgrade-28280.html
• http://www.australianfrequentflyer....tional-airfares/the-great-sc-chase-29553.html
• http://www.australianfrequentflyer....tatus-run-while-in-usa-31705.html#post465145"
• http://www.australianfrequentflyer....nes-advantage/best-way-book-aa-ex-29112.html"

 

[crum]

Thanks for that; I start with Farecompare, so:

0. Fire up "fare compare" ...

See here:

Thanks Serfty! Worth combining the two into a sticky?

 

[rockyroad]

Thanks for that; I start with Farecompare, so:

0. Fire up "fare compare" ...

See here:

The web site has changed.

 

[serfty]

The web site has changed.

Oh Dear -- making enquiries ...

 

[JohnSydney2000]

Hi serfty and all,
The link does seem to have been changed. Try adapting the following - www. farecompare.com / search / yupfares.html . Please edit as required in the address window.

I want to thank gold member for his kind contribution in starting the thread, and crum and other posters for their posts too.
I still think it very wise not to be too specific, based on many experiences over the years. I note a poster has a solution to a clue from earlier in the year posted in this thread.
John.

Oh Dear -- making enquiries ...

Posted from a computer.