For the seasoned mileage runner or leisure traveler, United has had some killer deals out of San Diego this year and today’s Atlanta – San Diego r/t for $169+ takes the cake. Heck, even business travelers may wish to make speculative bookings based on this cheap price (noting that with United’s increased changes fees, there would be no value for a cancelled ticket).
Route via Washington and San Francisco for maximum miles and you are looking at 6,798 base miles for $180. If you are a MileagePlus Premier 1K, you would earn nearly 14,000 redeemable miles after factoring in the 100% RDM bonus and 500-mile minimums. Put another way, make eight of these trips ($180 x 8 = $1,440) and you’ll have enough miles for a business class award to anywhere in Europe from the mainland USA.
Start from scratch and you’ll earn top-tier 1K status on United in 15 trips at a cost of $2,700. Not bad at all…
As always with these deals, the low fares will likely be pulled by the end of the day. As long as you are not using a travel credit or voucher, you will have 24 hours to cancel your ticket without penalty if booked on united.com. Use multi-city search or Kayak/Hipmunk to force in the connections you want. FareLock is also an option if you are undecided.
Now I feel like I may have to play host. Lots of cheap Hyatt and SPG properties here in ATL too for anyone needing mattress runs as well.
Damn, if only i lived in either of those cities, i’d definitely book a couple trips for $hits and gigs….and miles.