As the end of the year approaches, you may hear about travelers doing mileage runs. These miles are typically run to complete a challenge (such as JetBlue’s “25 for 25” promotion) or to secure the final points, dollars, or segments needed to secure a specific elite status. However, some travelers also go mattress running for similar reasons.
If you’re considering buying one, here’s what you should know about mattresses.
What is Mattress Run?
A mattress run is a hotel stay you book just for the sole purpose (or at least primarily) of earning rewards or elite status. For example, you can book AAdvantage hotel stays to earn loyalty points toward higher American Airlines elite status. Or, if you’re only a few nights away from achieving globalist status, you could book a short-term stay at a nearby Hyatt Category 1 hotel that you don’t really need.
It doesn’t matter whether you plan your travel around accommodations; if you wouldn’t book a stay if it weren’t for the number of nights or points you can earn, then that’s a mattress run.
RELATED: On the hamster wheel of chasing hotel elite status? buy it instead
Mattresses compete for elite status
The most common reason travelers book a mattress run is to achieve hotel elite status. In previous years, some TPG employees have booked accommodations close to home to earn the final few nights needed for elite status at a particular hotel. Likewise, I know several Nevada travelers who book low-priced midweek mattresses at Las Vegas hotels, primarily to get elite-qualifying stays.
Most hotel elite tiers require you to earn a specific number of elite-qualifying nights, points, or nights each calendar year. If you need to advance to the elite status you desire, check out the following stories for more program-specific options:
However, mattresses aren’t just for travelers striving to achieve elite hotel status. After all, the AAdvantage Hotels portal has become a great way to earn American Airlines Elite loyalty points. Earn up to 15,000 loyalty points per booking, and some American Airlines loyalists have found the AAdvantage Hotels mattress run to be the easiest and cheapest way to earn loyalty points.
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RELATED: Last-minute tips for locking in hotel elite status before the end of the year
Run a mattress and earn points or a free night
Sometimes, you’ll find a hotel promotion worth a mattress run. For example, Choice Privileges often runs promotions where travelers can earn 8,000 points for every two hotel stays. So if you’ve already stayed once but don’t plan on returning and will therefore be left with points on your score sheet without ever returning, it might be worth it to spend a night at a nearby hotel with a cheap mattress. But the cost of an overnight stay must be less than the value of the points, which can be difficult to find in many destinations.
Alternatively, if you’re just one brand away from winning another free night award with the Hyatt Brand Explorer promotion, a mattress run might be worth it. However, unless you desperately need a free night award for an upcoming stay, it’s generally best to build this promotion’s brand organically based on the stays you need.
Related: The World’s Best Hotel Rewards Programs: Which One Is Right for You?
Other mattress operating considerations
Before booking a mattress run, consider the following factors.
Additional out-of-pocket expenses
First, there are some additional costs associated with almost every mattress run. Even if you book accommodation near your home, you’ll still need the extra time and gas to drive to and from the hotel. Of course, if you stay at a hotel that includes breakfast, you can recoup at least some of the cost that way.
Turn a mattress run into a vacation
In many cases, it makes sense to turn a mattress run into a vacation. Whether you choose to vacation nearby or travel further afield, your mattress run can provide some alone time or a quick getaway with friends or family.
There’s almost always some interesting place nearby, and a mattress run might give you an excuse to visit. Of course, you may pay more if you choose a property with an attractive location or with specific facilities, such as a swimming pool or breakfast included. However, if you can get real value by turning a mattress run into a vacation, the added cost may be worth it.
RELATED: The Best New Points-Based Hotels for Families
You may need to check in and stay
Finally, plan to check in and stay while you’re on your mattress run. It can be tempting to book cheap accommodation in a far-off destination and try to check in remotely. But the terms and conditions of most hotel loyalty programs state that you only earn Elite Night points and earnings when you actually stay at the hotel. So if you rely on nights or points, book your stay at a location where you can check in and use the room in person.
bottom line
Mattress Run can be useful if you just need a few more nights or points to earn valuable elite status before the qualification period ends. However, before you start using a mattress, it’s important to consider whether the costs you’ll incur are worth the incremental benefits you’ll enjoy in the future.
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