We came across a great AeroMexico mileage run from Chicago O’Hare to Quito, Ecuador. It can earn you over $3,000 MQD — and costs only $786.
It gets even better: plenty of dates are available now-ish through early 2022.
But wait, there’s more: a bunch of weekends are also available. (Plus, weekdays, too.)
The run travels ORD-MEX-UIO-MEX-GDL-ORD. It’s a turn, so no overnight in Quito is required.
The Unofficial SkyMiles Calculator estimates the trip will travel 7,561 miles. Because of how Delta awards MQD on partner airlines (40% of distance flown, in this case), you can expect about $3024 MQD. The going rate is just $786. That’s about a 3.84X MQD return.
Heck, take five of these runs. It’ll get you Diamond Medallion status for about $4,000 total in airfare (at current prices).
The trip is also projected to earn 11,652 MQM and 15,534 redeemable SkyMiles before any applicable Medallion bonuses.
Here’s the itinerary:
Here’s a Google Flights link to get you started.
I also saw similar itineraries available on Chase’s travel portal. If you don’t have a Chase Sapphire card, this is why I highly encourage you to take advantage of the current Chase Sapphire Preferred offer.
If you have The Platinum Card® from American Express or The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, you can enjoy the Centurion Lounge in Mexico City. (Read Rene’s review here.) You can visit the Sala VIP lounge in Quito with your Priority Pass Select membership available through several travel credit cards. (I think the Sala lounge is also available to AeroMexico business class passengers, too.)
COVID Stuff
As of right now, you’ll need proof of being vaccinated against COVID-19 or be able to produce a negative COVID-19 test. Here are more details.
Keep in mind you may need a negative COVID-19 test before re-entering the United States. You can probably get that done on the day of departure.
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 which is great if you pay with The Platinum Card® from American Express or the American Express® Gold Card.
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 Chase Ink Preferred (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? Don’t stress! You’re not the only one.
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.
@ Chris — Right now, AF has SFO/LAX – CDG – BCN – CDG – SFO/LAX available in Z transatlantic /J intra-Europe from Aug 2021 through Feb 2022. Earns nearly $5k MQD for $1860-ish. For those who have the AF $200 off $1000 AMEX offer, that can be knocked down to $1660. Seems to require 2 nights minimum in BCN.
Thanks Chris! Love seeing these and I still see a few dates that might work out!
How does 5 of these trips get you Diamond status?
@John – 5 of this would earn you enough MQD to have THAT part of the 2 part requirement to be Diamond. You would also still need 125,000 MQMs as well but these runs give you a great head start on those as well.
$3024 MQD x 5 = $15,120 MQD, which is enough for Diamond. You still need the 125,000 MQM or 140 MQS.
Please email me and let me know how it’s possible to attain Diamond Medallion Status using this flight 5 times. Very interested in doing this.
Thanks
@John – Reach out to our friends at Juicy Miles for help.