Earning maximum status on velocity LAX - JFK

[nuthq]

Hi everyone

Can anyone recommend the Best way to get from LAX to NYC to earn maximum velocity status credits? I don’t mind doing multi city but I am wondering if it is worth it vs. flying direct (and if it is, does anyone have a recommendation of where I should try and connect through?)

Much appreciated

 

[odysseus]

I'd suggest the best 'value' is with
- Delta
- Premium economy (comfort +)
- 1 stop via MSP (adds ~2 hours to flight)

A direct flight would get you 60 credits (2464 miles). The flight to MSP is 1535 miles so just barely in the same zone getting you the same 60 credits, optimising the break. Thus the flight from MSP to NYC is a free bonus of 45 credits (1008 miles)

As the cherry on top, pricing is actually slightly cheaper than direct e.g. US $274 vs $286

 

[nuthq]

Thansk odysseus! I assume first class is the same but with a higher earn?

 

[Quickstatus]

First class is the best bang for SC.
Multistop is also best

Though it’s more like Australian domestic business without lounge access (VA status gold will give access )

Delta hubs are
LAX
SLC
MSP
DTW
SEA
ATL
LGA
JFK

Just go hub hopping and putting a nonhub city between hubs can give cheaper prices such as SLC-DEN, but it really depends on how much time you got, how much you want to spend

 

[odysseus]

Same routing, better earn, but the pricing I checked was substantially more for first class. e.g. Premium economy added on $1-200, but first was more like $4-500 more without equivalent proportional increase in SC. Better return/$ at the premium economy level.

As for hub hopping it likely increases the cost/$ as well (as flights to/from hubs are generally dearer). Plus the impression was that you planned a single trip, instead of stopovers, which would make a really long day. The one-stop is an offered connection.

 

[serfty]

Yes, C+ is generally the sweet spot these days. Often 150%-200% of the discount fare for 300% on the SC earn.

Certainly LAX-MSP is a good earner.

How much time do you have?

 

[Saab34]

I have posted a lot of delta high earn status runs in the status run thread.

How many SCs are you chasing?

 

[serfty]

One way is to fly to DFW via MSP in C+ to earn 105 SC, overnight at DFW then DFW-xMSP-NYC (separate booking a) to earn another 90 SC.

 

[serfty]

One way is to fly to DFW via MSP in C+ to earn 105 SC, overnight at DFW then DFW-xMSP-NYC (separate booking a) to earn another 90 SC.

You can book this for a couple of midweek dates in July and a few more in August for USD350 all up in air fares. ($172 from LAX, $178 to NYC)

So 195 SC for ~AU$500

 

[nuthq]

Thanks for your replies! I have a whole day available really. I land in LAX at 6am and need to be in NYC that night

 

[nuthq]

I need 800 status credits to maintain platinum for next year. I am currently on 420 SCs and have an upcoming booking SYD - LAX in Y+ booked on a double SC offer