Okay, we're exaggerating, but only to make the point.
This trip started when Kathy found us a bargain fare YVR-MSP. The $88 base price added up to about $153 all-in. Flying YVR-DEN-MSP-SFO-YVR will add 4179 Elite Qualifying Miles to our Mileage Plus accounts. With our 100% bonus as 1Ks, we'll each have a total of about 8300 miles in our account for this quick trip.
Since we flew in F, there were no meal costs on the ground. Our $75 stay at the MSP Airport Hilton was a "bed-and-breakfast" rate that included a full buffet breakfast. The hotel shuttle to the airport and the Mall of America are free of charge.
It's been a pleasant outing and, in return, we're 4000 miles closer to the prize we covet: Million Mile status on UA. As well, we've earned enough miles to cover about 1/3 of a domestic saver award ticket, and Brian will officially requalify for 2011 1K status by the time we get off in YVR. Kathy's already 1K for 2011 due to the UA flights she's bought on her UA Visa card.
It's a tough job earning points, but somebody gets to do it.
Kathy and Brian
Two retired educators alternating joyfully between seeing the world and enjoying our eight grandchildren (in order of birth), Jake, Avery, Taegan, Lily, Peyton, Riley, Blane, and Jace.
Kathy and Brian met in the clarinet section of the University of California (Santa Barbara) Symphony Orchestra several decades ago.
Brian's Western Canadian roots and Kathy's Colorado ties resulted in their making beautiful music together along with producing a cross-border crop of descendants.
Kathy spent a year studying in Vienna at the Institute for European Studies and the University of Vienna.
Brian started the school band program in Hope, British Columbia, and later became the high school's vice-principal for 6 years and subsequently principal for 15 years before retiring in 2001.
Kathy, in between raising our three children, taught kindergarten and first grade, middle school, and high school - mathematics, computer studies, ESL, and her first love, band, before retiring in 2001.
We enjoy sharing our travel experiences and providing the odd travel tip to friends, relatives, and visitors.
