In 2016, I earned 49,640 redeemable American Airlines Aadvantage Miles and 23,820 Elite-qualified miles on a $804 round trip mileage. This mileage was key to winning the Platinum status of the top Aadvantage executive back then-but there would be much less running the same mileage in 2025, as I would make money based on fares rather than distance.
The mileage running now looks very different from the distance traveled in 2016 or even a few years ago. For some airline loyalty programs, mileage running has completely disappeared due to the changes in your rewards and elite identity. But this is still a profitable option for others – for certain specific situations.
So let’s discuss the running of mileage, including what they are, whether you should book one and how to find the right itinerary.
What is mileage?
Mileage runs are one or more flights you primarily earn rewards, progressing towards higher elite status or both.
Pulps might argue that if you actually want to visit your destination and will spend time there, a trip is not a mileage, but I believe that if you mainly book a trip to win a reward or identity, it is a mileage. In other words, if you don’t book a trip at all, it’s a mileage, if not for the reward or status of the trip.
Related: The Best Credit Cards to Achieve Elite Identity
Should you book a mileage?
Each airline’s loyalty program has different policies on earning rewards and elite identities. However, it is usually only worth considering that one of the most profitable ways to earn rewards or status involves one of the plans for flying.
For example, American Airlines Aadvantage’s partners earn charts still make certain OneWorld Partners profitable. However, you have to choose the right carrier, fare, fare level and route for mileage, which makes more sense than using some other method to earn loyalty.
Miles run takes time and money, so – especially if you are running for status – it is worth considering whether a higher status is worth the cost. It is also worth checking if there are other strategies available before the end of the current eligibility period.
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Here are some of the most popular airline elite identities, including how to win each:
Sometimes booking miles is really the best choice. If booked correctly, mileage runs can prove to be a cheap way to get the last bit needed for more valuable status before the end of the eligibility period.
Several recent promotions, such as the JetBlue’s “25 for 25” promotion and Scandinavian Airlines’ Eurobonus challenge, have also encouraged some travelers to make their miles. For the Turkish Airlines challenge of 1 million miles, I continued on the mileage and since I had already had to book a trip to North America, South America and Europe, it was promoted to 1 million miles.
Related: Why I Don’t Care about Airline Elite Identity
How to book a mileage
If you think the mileage run is right for you, the next step is to calculate your needs based on other trips you made before the end of your qualification. It is also a good idea to double check your eligibility period.
Then, find the fun that fits your schedule and gives you the metrics you need. In the recent Türkiye challenge, I need to find flights that are marketed and operated in Istanbul or transition and land in cities that Türkiye defines as part of each continent. Even so, it took a while between my schedule and various potential destinations.
I found the best value flights using Google Flights’ flexible destination features and filters. Google Flights does not provide a way to eliminate online travel agencies from search results, so if you need (or need) you need to check the booking method to book directly.
If you need to book a specific fare course to increase your income rate, finding the best mileage run becomes even more complicated. Even if booking directly with an airline, fare courses are often difficult to find. Sometimes you have to book without knowing the fare course and want your e-ticket or booking confirmation to be displayed. At least on flights that touch the United States, you can usually cancel and receive a refund within the set time of your booking.
Finally, in mileage, turn around quickly at your destination, I recommend spending at least 24 hours on any stop. This gives you quick access to your destination and gives you valuable time to recover from any delays so as not to miss your forward flights.
Related: 6 key tools and tips to find the cheapest flights
Bottom line
Some programs offer many different ways to win rewards and elite identities. But in some programs, mileage runs are still the most profitable way to get rewarded or reach the next elite identity tier. Just consider the value you get from mileage to make sure it proves to be reasonable. Also check the calculations carefully to make sure the mileage run you booked will bring you the rewards you need.
