3 Zone Trips

[Long Train Runnin']

I keep reading these crazy threads about how you can spend 5 nights and 6 days on a train using a two zone award. I know your not really creating a loophole when you pay to be in all three zones, but I am curious. What is the most creative, out of the way, zig-zagging way to spend a 3 zone award. Starting from anywhere and ending anywhere.

(Note: The_Travler is the man to beat when it comes to discovering crazy routings)

 

[the_traveler]

What is the most creative, out of the way, zig-zagging way to spend a 3 zone award. Starting from anywhere and ending anywhere.
(Note: The_Travler is the man to beat when it comes to discovering crazy routings)

Note, I have NEVER used a 3 zone award! By doing the crazy routings, I can get a 2 zone roomette and a 1 zone coach (overnight ) award - and travel for 3+ zones - for 25,500 points (or 23,000 points + some cash - and earn more AGR points ) instead of 35,000 points for a 3 zone award! B) And if I wanted a bedroom, it would cost 35,500 points (or 33,000 + some cash) this way instead of 50,000 points!

 

[Rail Freak]

What is the most creative, out of the way, zig-zagging way to spend a 3 zone award. Starting from anywhere and ending anywhere.
(Note: The_Travler is the man to beat when it comes to discovering crazy routings)

Note, I have NEVER used a 3 zone award! By doing the crazy routings, I can get a 2 zone roomette and a 1 zone coach (overnight ) award - and travel for 3+ zones - for 25,500 points (or 23,000 points + some cash - and earn more AGR points ) instead of 35,000 points for a 3 zone award! B) And if I wanted a bedroom, it would cost 35,500 points (or 33,000 + some cash) this way instead of 50,000 points!

YEAH??? AND ......????

 

[the_traveler]

YEAH??? AND ......????

... And it saves me many AGR points that I can use for my NEXT trip (and next and next and ...)!

 

[ALC Rail Writer]

And nobody answers the OP's question...

The problem with three-zone "loopholes" is that if you punch in almost any destination that are three zones apart you will find the traditional LD Western train, all off in CHI, and a direct train to your destination.

 

[the_traveler]

Without measuring the mileages, I would guess the longest 3 zone trips are Miami, FL to either San Diego or Pomona, CA. Or maybe Miami to Chico, CA. But some 2 zone routings are longer!

 

[Long Train Runnin']

Without measuring the mileages, I would guess the longest 3 zone trips are Miami, FL to either San Diego or Pomona, CA. Or maybe Miami to Chico, CA. But some 2 zone routings are longer!

Well if could get routed MIA -> WAS -> CHI -> PDX -> LAX -> SAN (San Deigo? I think thats the code). Thats quite a trip but your right traveler its not much longer then a 2 zone (loophole) reward

 

[the_traveler]

Without measuring the mileages, I would guess the longest 3 zone trips are Miami, FL to either San Diego or Pomona, CA. Or maybe Miami to Chico, CA. But some 2 zone routings are longer!

Well if could get routed MIA -> WAS -> CHI -> PDX -> LAX -> SAN (San Deigo? I think thats the code). Thats quite a trip but your right traveler its not much longer then a 2 zone (loophole) reward

If you request MIA-SAN (yes, it's the right code ), you will get routed on the SWC from CHI to LAX! Thats why I said maybe to Pomona (from CHI via SAS on the TE) or to Chico (up on the CS). But I still think that a 2 zone award from SDL to either is longer - and cheaper!

 

[Long Train Runnin']

Without measuring the mileages, I would guess the longest 3 zone trips are Miami, FL to either San Diego or Pomona, CA. Or maybe Miami to Chico, CA. But some 2 zone routings are longer!

Well if could get routed MIA -> WAS -> CHI -> PDX -> LAX -> SAN (San Deigo? I think thats the code). Thats quite a trip but your right traveler its not much longer then a 2 zone (loophole) reward

If you request MIA-SAN (yes, it's the right code ), you will get routed on the SWC from CHI to LAX! Thats why I said maybe to Pomona (from CHI via SAS on the TE) or to Chico (up on the CS). But I still think that a 2 zone award from SDL to either is longer - and cheaper!

I think you may be crowned the winner. Thats right folks, The_Traveler can get further on a 2 zone award then you can if your willing to shell out the extra points for a 3 zone award! I am thoroughly impressed!

 

[Ispolkom]

This isn't a three-zone trip, but rather three one-zone trips:

1) MSP-PDX-SAC-DEN

2) DEN-CHI-WAS-NOL

3) NOL-CHI-MSP

Even though this would be starting out from and returning to my home town, I know I'm not man enough to do it.

 

[the_traveler]

Hey - that gives me an idea for my next-next trip! (I've already got one planned for August, so it will have to wait a few months! )

 

[Long Train Runnin']

This isn't a three-zone trip, but rather three one-zone trips:
1) MSP-PDX-SAC-DEN

2) DEN-CHI-WAS-NOL

3) NOL-CHI-MSP

Even though this would be starting out from and returning to my home town, I know I'm not man enough to do it.

That is a good routing to bad MSP is 1500 miles away from me :lol: :lol: