We found a fun Delta partner “mileage run” (more like a mini-vacation) from Chicago to Amsterdam. And this trip may be especially appealing for Chicago Seminars attendees.
There are plenty of departure dates in August, one in September (18), and a handful in October (6, 7, 9, 17).
The cost is currently about $1682. The trip is projected to earn about $5924 Delta MQD and 22,438 MQM when you book through AeroMexico and credit it to your Delta SkyMiles number. (Or if you see it on KLM, the same figures should apply.) Plus, the Unofficial SkyMiles Calculator figures you’ll haul in about 29,916 redeemable SkyMiles before any applicable Medallion bonuses.
That’s over 3.5X MQD earning, which is very nice. The CPMQM is about 7.5 — nothing outstanding but better than a kick to the head.
To get this price, you’ll have to stay two nights in Amsterdam (or somewhere else). Then spend a night in Mexico City. (Hopefully, you have one of these credit cards that may help you save a few bucks when having to stay overnight in Mexico City.) This definitely isn’t a “mileage run” in the traditional sense. But it gives you a chance to see Amsterdam. Maybe you’ll have time to enjoy a nice dinner in Mexico City before getting a decent night’s sleep.
Here’s why I say some Chicago Seminars attendees might like this trip. This year’s event takes place Friday, October 15 through Sunday, October 17. So if you attend the Seminars, you’re already in Chicagoland — and only about 15 minutes from O’Hare.
You could enjoy Sunday morning breakfast at the hotel, maybe pop into a session, then leave for the airport. Take your trip to Amsterdam and Mexico City. Then return to ORD a few days later and go home (wherever that is).
Or you could take the October 9 departure and get back to Chicago a few days before the Seminars. But if you don’t live in Chicago, that could be pricy, as you’ll have to find your own lodging.
COVID Stuff
Keep in mind you may need a COVID-19 test before re-entering the United States.
Plus, keep an eye on this Dutch government page. It keeps people up to date about any COVID-related travel issues.
Hurry!
AeroMexico isn’t exactly shy about killing these deals soon after we post them. So book quickly if you want to do the run.
Where to Book
René usually starts TopCashback and then books through JustFly or Priceline. (Why not get a few extra bucks back, right?)
AeroMexico flights purchased through those OTA generally code as AeroMexico tickets. That’s great if you pay with The Platinum Card® from American Express or the card_name.
The Platinum Card® from American Express earns 5X Membership Rewards points on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel. (That’s capped at $500,000 in airline and Amex Travel purchases each calendar year. The American Express® Gold Card earns 3X Membership Rewards points on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel.
Or maybe consider using a Chase Sapphire Reserve or Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card (3X on travel), to name but a few.
Don’t pay for seats. Once you book your trip, take your AeroMexico PNR and go into AeroMexico’s website to select your seats.
Too Complicated?
Nervous about booking the right itinerary and making sure you get the correct credit? You’re not the only one. Don’t worry!
Our friends at Juicy Miles are mileage run masters and can do all that work for you. Plus, they’ll monitor your itinerary for any flight changes, help arrange your hotels, and assist with COVID-19 testing if you’d like. I’ve known one of their expert travel agents for several years. I trust him and everyone at Juicy Miles to take care of our readers.
- Don’t miss a single run. Subscribe HERE mileage run email alerts!
- Need to learn how to find a run? See THIS Rookie post for a how-to guide!
- Want a custom-built run from your home airport? You can find one here.
- To see rates and fees for The Platinum Card® from American Express, please visit this link. Terms apply.
- To see rates and fees for The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, please visit this link. Terms apply.
- To see rates and fees for the American Express® Gold Card, please visit this link. Terms apply.
Responses are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser's responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
Oy Vey such a head ache trying to follow all this
TAP is matching the price ORD-AMS on some dates.
There is an error on the description. The post states “First, here are the basics. AeroMexico takes you between Chicago and Mexico City. KLM ferries you between MEX and Amsterdam.”
The flight from MEX to AMS is AeroMexico 25 which is operated by AeroMexico not KLM
Good catch, thanks. I made the correction.
Hey im booked on this for a vacation in Aug! After I booked I also found that MAD tended to be cheaper ($1500 total) with more yield from JFK. SEEMS LIKE aeromexico is the new china eastern for earning status!
Can you help me understand more yield from JFK to MAD? Possible to post sample itinerary and projected MQDs/ MQM? Thanks for any help?
Check out this post: https://eyeoftheflyer.com/2021/05/07/new-york-jfk-madrid-business-class-mileage-run-january-2022/
Ah! I remember this … I found a one day Jan 7 (arrive Jan 8) return Jan 9 on Virgin Atlantic in Z which has the same breakdowns as AeroMexico I class … it’s $1795 so up a little bit but should net the same as the JFK-MAD, correct? AM I class and VA Z class are same breakdown for rewards
If it’s the same flights, then yes.
Priceline and JustFly code as AeroMexico purchase for 5x AmEx?
Only used direct airline booking or AmEx Travel Portal but Priceline would be great
It’s worked for us.
Looking at purchasing …. JustFLY or Priceline code as AeroMexico flights? I have never used my Platinum outside of AmEx Travel Portal airline directly … if Priceline codes as an AM flight then winning for sure. Any issues with it not coding for the 5x and if so how to resolve?
Amex says 5X on airfare purchased directly through airlines. So if you buy something through an OTA and Amex doesn’t give 5X, then you really don’t have much of a case. It’s a gamble that’s paid off in our experience.
Interested in booking … Priceline and JustFly code as AM flights?
1000 apologies for the multiple posts about the coding! It wasn’t showing on my browser so I thought there was an error,
I am having trouble with this … Fully vaccinated any issues connecting through MEX for this trip? Will AMS have issues with me coming from MEX? can’t find anything through AM or AMS websites. I am assuming we should be ok? get a PCR before departure?
Comments are moderated for spam, “four-letter-words,” etc. So it occasionally takes a while for us to go through everything.
The Netherlands has this page regarding COVID travel. You’d likely have to get a COVID test completed while you’re in Amsterdam (or wherever you decide to go in Europe).
Juicy Miles can help handle booking, hotels, and COVID tests. They charge a fee but it can very much worth it.
Would NOT recommend using JustFLY. Booked this itinerary with JustFly and they charged and sent confirmation of booking Business Class but AeroMexico insists and shows this is a Main Cabin purchase. On hold almost three hours with JustFly … customer service is not their strong suit.
@Mike – I have never had an issue but JustFLY, if you pay an upcharge, gives you 24 hours to cancel. Clearly Priceline is a better choice as they offer 24 hours free cancelations (counting from the moment you book). You should have a ticket pop up on AeroMexico’s website inside that time.
Totally agree the CS is not very good at all. They are a booking tool and nothing more.