Comments on: Mileage Running with Dan Pierson

By: aairlines v 4 « Article Directory

aairlines v 4 « Article Directory — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 12:18:48 +0000

[...] Mileage Running with Dan Pierson | the 9 to 5 alternative Meet Dan Pierson, an entrepreneur/digital nomad currently planning world domination. … is only good for one year if the frequent flyer does not use AAirlines during that year. … [...]

By: Dan Pierson

Dan Pierson — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 01:59:35 +0000

I’m sorry I haven’t gotten to these comments earlier!

@Mark-You’re right, the value of time must be factored into this equation, and it would seem mine is worthless if you take this into account! I basically gave up a week of my life, running an office from the air and an hour of layover at LAX. Unfortunately, this was about 6 months before they laid out the in-flight wireless, which would have made life much easier.

I was actually able to get a lot of work done (it’s way easier to get off track when you have WiFi), but I did feel disgusting after a week of sitting on planes.

In the end, it’s a hobby for me, and one that works well in a life that more or less revolves around frequent travel. Others mileage may vary. No pun intended. =)

@Graham-I am definitely a big Chris Guillebeau fan (in fact, he lent me an upgrade coupon that I used to get to Spain, where I was when this was first published). Bottom line, anyone can find some semblance of freedom, regardless of their situation—it’s all about hacking the system to find personal success. This is one great example (and you’ll find many more at Chris’s site).

@Dave and Deb-Thanks! I follow your interesting journeys on Twitter.

@Colin-Hit me up anytime you want to chat! I also lived in BA (where I think you’re headed/are now) for 6 months last year, so if you have any questions, let me know.

@Jason-I hit Executive Platinum on June 14, 2009, and it will be good until February, 2011, so roughly 20 months. It will be way easier to maintain this status for various reasons (first and foremost, the fact that I’m upgraded to first 99% of the time I fly domestically and internationally), and I get a 100% bonus on miles flown, which makes mileage runs much more appealing.

At the same time, the airlines have these programs for a reason; a couple of months ago, I found myself stuck in Dallas at 3AM because I had chosen to AA over a direct flight on United.

One possible way to mitigate this risk/negative is with a “status match”. I used my AA status to acquire similar status on Delta.

@All-If you’re interested in this stuff, the end all and be all resource is Flyertalk. At your own risk. =)

By: Best Lifestyle Design and Travel Articles | JetSetCitizen.com

Best Lifestyle Design and Travel Articles | JetSetCitizen.com — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 10:32:47 +0000

[...] Gaming Frequent Flyer Miles An interesting post on how to use air mile programs to your advantage. [...]

By: John Bardos

John Bardos — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 03:50:41 +0000

Awesome post! It is great to hear real numbers for these frequent flier mile programs. I am seriously jealous, Japan doesn’t have anything as near as generous as you folks in the States.

I have never heard of promotions with lower mileage requirements. I wonder if that is also only in America?

Thanks for the post!

By: Jason

Jason — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 15:10:24 +0000

I could be wrong, but I believe that Platinum status, executive status, gold status, etc… with AAdvantage is only good for one year from date inducted or one calendar year. It’s possible there is a stipulation that is only good for one year if the frequent flyer does not use AAirlines during that year. If this stipulation is false, and if, in fact this Executive status is only good for a year, is it still worth it??

By: Colin Wright

Colin Wright — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 14:15:17 +0000

Well I think now I’ll definitely have to get in touch with Dan to find out what’s what. I haven’t heard of this tactic, either, but I can definitely see the value in it (though I imagine it can get hectic when the airlines change their FFM policies)…

By: Dave and Deb

Dave and Deb — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 19:27:40 +0000

Good on you for making it work.

By: Graham

Graham — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 13:38:40 +0000

I’ve never heard of anything like this, but it sounds awesome. It’s true that not everyone has the opportunity to make the best use of their frequent flyer miles, but for those who do it seems like a fantastic advantage. Perhaps the problem for “most folks with 9 to 5 jobs” is that they’re are not living the optimal lifestyle? Maybe some people enjoy the rat race and the 9 to 5, but to me nothing sounds sweeter than the open road and endless opportunities of freedom.

All in all, this is a great look at a different kind of traveling scheme that really works. This reminds me a lot of Chris Guillebeau’s Frequent Flyer Mile Challenge.

By: Mark

Mark — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 22:34:50 +0000

This idea is really cool – I’m all about taking advantage of the system and going against the 9 to 5 lifestyle. I’m gonna play devil’s advocate though and act like one of the Freakonomics dudes: while the price is much much lower, what is the value of all the TIME you’re spending traveling across the country? Not to mention scouring deals and talking to horrible airline people. Obviously you’re not losing money from missed work, but just in general what is a day off worth? I don’t necessarily believe all these questions but thought I’d keep the discussion going.