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For my upcoming trip to SEA in June, my wingman and I paid 110,000 miles (each) for 1st class tickets from Florida to BKK with American Airlines. It was 70,000 miles for a coach seat, plus an additional 40,000 miles to upgrade to 1st. But we're flying with AA's code-share partners - Cathay Pacific on the way over, and Japan Airlines on the return. If we had to "purchase" these tickets, we would've paid somewhere between $8,000 to $10,000 each. For that kinda money, it's certainly worth using up some FF miles!!!

Actually, now that I think about it.... we did have to fork over some actual $$$. The taxes (per ticket) were $62 each!!

Damn, I guess I just don't travel enough. The flight miles to CR for me is pretty low and I don't need another credit card. So how the hell are you accruing so many miles?

Just checked and I can do round trip to San Jose from Chicago Ohare for under $300. That said; I have enough miles on Delta and on American for a freebie. Should I pay with miles or save them for when fares go up?

For my upcoming trip to SEA in June, my wingman and I paid 110,000 miles (each) for 1st class tickets from Florida to BKK with American Airlines. It was 70,000 miles for a coach seat, plus an additional 40,000 miles to upgrade to 1st. But we're flying with AA's code-share partners - Cathay Pacific on the way over, and Japan Airlines on the return. If we had to "purchase" these tickets, we would've paid somewhere between $8,000 to $10,000 each. For that kinda money, it's certainly worth using up some FF miles!!!

Actually, now that I think about it.... we did have to fork over some actual $$$. The taxes (per ticket) were $62 each!!

..So how the hell are you accruing so many miles?

Helpa brotha out!

If I recall correctly, MG does it by putting all his business expenses on his credit card.

Keep in mind -- if you're not going to fly any more than you are now, you will probably NOT get elite status. That is based almost entirely on actual flying miles (credit card miles, etc. rarely count towards elite status).

I was not aware that AA was allowing you to earn miles on an award ticket -- that's a nice perk that Northwest, Delta, and Continental certainly don't have.

Yes, that's a nice benefit. AA puts 1,117 miles on my account for the flight from MIA to SJO, and the same on the return flight - whether I paid with cash or FF miles.

Delta has a "million mile" program, but it will only get you the lowest elite level (although it is a lifetime elite tag). Northwest and I am almost sure, Continental, have nothing like this.

...and you'll never have the highest level on any airline that I am aware of. Of course, once you have it, you have it forever.

Lifetime Flight Miles and the Million Miler Program
Lifetime Flight Miles
You'll notice that we are now tracking your lifetime miles as a Continental OnePass member. Lifetime Flight Miles include any mileage that count toward Elite status, otherwise known as "Elite Qualification Miles." Lifetime Flight Miles are based on cumulative flight miles in the OnePass program and do not include certain airline partner*, bonus, purchased or other non-flight miles.

*Elite Qualification Miles earned on most airline and rail partners will count toward your Lifetime Flight Mile balance. For more information about partner Elite Qualification Mile earning, please see our Airline Partners page and Other Partners page.

Million Miler Program
As a Continental Airlines OnePass member, if you have flown over one million Lifetime Flight Miles, we want to welcome you to our Million Miler program. This program comes with some unique benefits that we have reserved for our most loyal customers:

Lifetime Elite status
As part of this program, we'll see to it that you will never lose your Elite status, even if you fly less in the future.

Million Miler: Earn at least one million lifetime flight miles and your Elite status will never fall below our Silver Elite level.
Two Million Miler: Earn at least two million lifetime flight miles and your Elite status will never fall below our Gold Elite level.
Four Million Miler: Our highest honor. Earn at least four million flight miles and you will always be a Platinum Elite.

Companion Elite status
As a Million Miler you will also be able to invite your spouse or significant other residing at your same address to share your Elite status and enjoy the exact same benefits as you, including upgrades, mileage bonuses and EliteAccess airport services. This membership is non-transferable and will automatically renew each year unless you let us know otherwise.

FAQ
How far back does the Lifetime Flight Mile calculation go?
The Lifetime Flight Mile calculation includes all flight miles earned since the introduction of OnePass. As a bonus, for those of you who were members of the original Continental Airlines TravelBank Frequent Flyer program (from the 1980s) and/or the Eastern Airlines Frequent Flyer Bonus program, we have also included the mileage balance from these accounts based on the date they were merged into the OnePass program.
If I am a Million Miler, will I receive anything in the mail?
Yes. If you are a Million Miler you will receive a new Elite card with your Million Miler designation and a personalized luggage tag. These will begin mailing in August 2008. If you reach a Million Miler level after August 2008, you will receive your mailing within 3-4 weeks of qualification.
If I am a Million Miler, when can I call to enroll my spouse or significant other to have my same Elite status?
If your Lifetime Flight Mile balance is one million miles or more, you are considered a Million Miler and may contact the OnePass Service Center to request your companion Elite status. You can do this even if you have not yet received anything in the mail from us. For members residing within the 50 United States and Canada, please call 713.952.1630 (Monday - Friday 6:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Central Time). For all other members, please use of our worldwide OnePass contact numbers.
Will my companion's Elite status be exactly the same as mine?
Yes.
Can I change the designation of my companion Elite status?
Yes, but any changes you make will not take effect until the following Elite year (which begins March 1st of each year).
When I reach the next Million Miler level (e.g. Two Million Miler), do I get to designate an additional Elite companion?
No, we will only allow one Elite companion per Million Miler, regardless of the level reached.
Will the extra Elite Qualification Miles earned by purchasing certain types of fares count?
Yes, for more information on earning Elite Qualification Miles, please see our Elite Qualification Requirements page.
Will Elite Qualification Miles earned by flying on airline and rail partners count?
Yes, Elite Qualification Miles earned on most airline and rail partners will count toward your Lifetime Flight Mile balance. For more information about partner Elite Qualification Mile earning, please see our Airline Partners page and Other Partners page.
Will Flexible Elite Qualification Miles count?
Yes, any flexible Elite Qualification Miles you deposit into your account will count. Currently, Flexible Elite Qualification Miles may only be earned and redeemed by Continental Airlines Presidential Plus cardmembers.
If I am an Infinite Platinum Elite member and a Million Miler, what status will apply to my companion Elite?
Yes. If you are a Million Miler member and also an Infinite Platinum Elite member (from our discontinued program) your companion Elite level will be Platinum as well.
If I do not have a spouse or significant other, can I designate one of my Ch*ldren as my companion Elite?
No. The companion Elite benefit is only intended for your spouse or significant other.
Can I see the detail of my Lifetime Flight Miles?
No. We do not currently have the ability to furnish this level of detail.

Terms and Conditions
Both the Million Miler program and the Elite program are extensions of the OnePass frequent flyer program. All OnePass terms and conditions apply.