Want some room on your next flight? EZE for 60k miles
I've flown many airlines to EZE, and it's still not bad compared to Asian trips I make. I've had up to 36 hours from takeoff to landing at my final destination. 18 hours is easy, in comparison.
One other nice benefit of being elite, is that you can reserve seats in the front of the plane, and if the plane isn't 100% full, you often end up with an empty seat next to you.
I have an online tool to tell how how many seats are for sale, this will often give you an idea of which days to book, and have the best chance of having an empty seat next to you. If anyone would like it, just PM me.
For instance, it tells me that today, CO flight 51 is 100% full. Now this is actually a good thing, if you want to take a bump on the flight. Airlines pay $300-$1000 if you volunteer your space. Always ask when they will be able to get you there, and make sure if you get a hotel and food if you miss a day.
You can even ask to be upgraded to Business class on the next flight (doesn't mean it will happen, but it never hurts to ask nicely) I did this a couple of years ago on a trip LAX-BKK.
Got a hotel, meals, $500 voucher, and a bump to Biz the next day. For two flights of about 17 hours, plus layover of 4 hours, it's great way to go.
Saturdays flight shows 5 seats, Sunday the same. Monday shows 9 seats (which is the maximum empty seats it ever shows) in both Biz class and Coach. Always shoot for days that show <9's>.
Art, if you got a 50k reward, you're doing good. Try to check in right at the 24 hour mark (before your first flight) This will often give you access to some good seats, such as bulkhead or exit rows.
For my flight next week to EZE, I did a bit of an end run to get down there in Biz for cheap. I booked a cheap Biz fare out of Boston to GRU (Sao Paolo) for about $1k. Then bought a $300 RT GRU-EZE coach ticket on LAN. I'll then fly back to the US on my $550 EZE-NYC Biz ticket on DL. So, even flying to Boston / NY, I'll get two trips, including all connections for about $2400. My domestic flights should be upgraded 80% of the time, given my elite status, and other than the coach LAN section, I'll be sitting in Biz or BizFirst (Continental). I'll get about 50k worth of miles enough for a free coach trip, and worth about $1000.
Now the special deals to South America are rather rare, but I have posted the one way deal they had a couple of months ago, and if you think outside the box, you can often save thousands.
The only thing to look out for the upcoming airline consolidations coming up in the US programs. It looks like Delta and NW will merge, and possibly CO and UA.
And a final tidbit, did you know you can fly from the US to Argentina in Biz class for only 60k miles plus tax, if you know the right frequent flyer plan? If you don't have enough miles, you can even pay 1/2 miles and pay an extra cash payment? This is a European frequent flyer plan that lets you pay 1/2 miles and book a one way ticket too, in case you just want to fly to Argentina, and don't know when you'll come back.
The above deal isn't for people who want quick and easy rewards, since you'll have to call up Europe to book tickets. So not good for people who spout "Cocksucker" all the time. If you have some patience though, you can get some mind blowing deals. I recently booked a inter-Asian ticket on Singapore Air (Usually rated the best in the world) on a one way First Class ticket for only 20k miles, and about $240 in taxes / fees. A purchased ticket would have been $2000.
Common sense often lacking with travelers
Yes, there are a few different "Airline" shows. I think the originals were out of the UK, and showed EasyJet, Air Canada and one other airline.
The fact remains that some people just don't understand how flying works. The whole business of going through security, jamming yourself into a thin tube like a sardine and the costs involved make it pretty fucking stressful.
People also think that just because they brought 4 bags on for free 10 years ago, that it's the same now. Learn the rules of the airline, have a good attitude, and it will get your far.
I flew back from Auckland last month, and as usual, I just had my carry-on and laptop bags with me. Since I was flying Qantas Biz to Sydney, they had a special security desk that stamped your ticket. I didn't know which line to get in going through customs, so went in the obvious one. The bag nazi wanted to weigh my bag (7 kilo max, I think) and give me a hard time. She looked on my pass, and saw that I was precleared, and say, "Oh, just go in the other line". No baggage nazi in the premium line.
One common sense thing, is if you have a large carry-on, or have to have your items with you, get on the plane early! Just because there is a luggage bin above you, doesn't mean it belongs to you! First come, first served!
And you wouldn't believe the retards who check money, cameras, laptops, medicines and other stuff in their checked luggage. If it's valuable, then the airline probably won't pay for it if it's stolen or lost!
One reason why these days I only have a carry-on is because of the chance of losing luggage, and the sometimes long delays in picking up your bags once you arrive. I do bring a large reinforced nylon zippered bag that folds up to a small size. I carry it with me so if I make some nice purchases, or have to take my laundry, I've got something convenient to do it in. It's sturdy enough to even check in. I've done it about 6 times, and no cuts or tears in it.
You can find them for $4-$6.