My Year In Review
Posted by Rick Wednesday, December 28, 2011, No Comments
by Andrew Ingersoll
It seems fitting, as I look back upon my year of frequent flier travel hacking, that I’m naturally away from my home and living out of a carry-on bag. I’m currently in Miami, Florida, getting ready for my new Godson’s Christening. Thanks, Oneworld, Skyteam, and StarAlliance and your frequent flier programs that provide the opportunity to travel over and over again.
For me, 2011 was a year of traveling with a purpose. My purpose was to see those who are the most important to me — friends and family.
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| Queenstown, New Zealand, photo by Andrew Ingersoll |
In March I was able to bring my mother to Australia flying on Delta. I actually purchased her a fare from Michigan to Sydney via Detroit and LA, continuing on to Queenstown, New Zealand, and returning to Michigan from Christchurch via Sydney, LA, and Detroit (New Zealand flights with Virgin Australia). Total price: $1200USD on a sale fare from Cheaptickets.com. This yielded mileage accrual of 5 cents per mile, which one can argue may or may not be of good value, but for me, this provided my mother enough miles to bump her up to elite status for the year.
In May I redeemed American Airlines AAdvantage miles to return to Florida to say goodbye to my late grandmother and to spend my 30th birthday surrounded by my friends. For this award ticket, I flew from Sydney to the expensive Sarasota/Bradenton Airport via LA and Atlanta. I returned to Australia from Miami via LA. Had I purchased this last-minute ticket, it would have cost well over $2000 in economy. Thanks to the opening up of award seats, I was able to get a ticket with 75,000 miles + $150. I’m at peace knowing I was able to spend some quality alone time with my Gran in her last days.
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| Myself, Katy and Rick, Forbidden City, Beijing, China |
June brought on China and the opportunity to see the Great Wall and the Terracotta Warriors with dear old Dad and “the Bug.” Again I used American Airlines AAdvantage miles to fly from Sydney to Beijing via Hong Kong on Cathay Pacific, returning to Sydney from Shanghai on Qantas. If only we would have been able to accrue miles on the train from Beijing to Xian. I know to some the idea of traveling with one’s parents may seem a bit crazy, but I’m lucky I have crazy parents who enjoy seeing new places as much as I do!
A few domestic Australian trips later brings me to the all-important, current holiday travel season. I had a wonderful time in Kauai, Hawaii, again with Rick and Katy and also reuniting with my younger brother Aaron, whom I’d not seen in three years.
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| The Kauai Grand Hyatt, photo by Andrew |
Now I’ve made it to Miami to spend time with my dear friends. I feel blessed to call their first born my Godson.
Reflecting and flipping through old photos is always a treat for me. I feel so blessed and thankful for the opportunities I’ve had this past year and sincerely look forward to the adventures of the new year.
Wishing you all a Happy New Year!
30,000 Delta Miles No First Year Fee
