Mileage Run
A cheap flight booked specifically to earn status-qualifying miles or segments, not for the trip itself.
Full definition
A mileage run (MR) is a trip where the flight itself is the point — earning elite-qualifying miles or segments to reach the next status tier. Common during the end of a qualification year when travelers need a few thousand more miles.
As airlines have moved toward spend-based status (AA Loyalty Points, Delta MQDs, United PQF + PQP), mileage runs have become less valuable. A dollar-based "mattress run" equivalent — spending money on a hotel you don't use — serves a similar purpose for hotel programs.
Related terms
Elite Status
Tiered loyalty levels (Silver/Gold/Platinum, etc.) that grant benefits like upgrades, loun...PQP (United Premier Qualifying Points)
United Airlines' elite status qualification metric, earned through spend + flights.Loyalty Points (AAdvantage)
American Airlines' qualification currency for elite status, earned via spending, partner a...
Tiered loyalty levels (Silver/Gold/Platinum, etc.) that grant benefits like upgrades, loun...PQP (United Premier Qualifying Points)
United Airlines' elite status qualification metric, earned through spend + flights.Loyalty Points (AAdvantage)
American Airlines' qualification currency for elite status, earned via spending, partner a...
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