Introduction to Mileage Running
A California man recently achieved United Airlines’ coveted Platinum status by taking six flights in one day for around $500. This feat, known as a "mileage run," allowed him to gain the necessary miles and status to unlock perks like free checked bags, automatic Group 1 boarding, and priority check-in.
The Mileage Run Challenge
The man, a self-described "aviation geek," took flights from San Francisco to Reno and back, back and forth from San Francisco to Sacramento, and finally from San Francisco to Los Angeles and back, all within 12 hours. He chose this route to maximize his mileage earnings while minimizing costs. The first flight departed at 8:40 a.m. and the last flight arrived at 8:29 p.m.
Motivation Behind the Mileage Run
The man’s motivation for taking on this challenge was to use the perks that come with Platinum status to upgrade himself and his wife to business class on an international flight. He also wanted to see if it was possible to achieve this status inexpensively. As a frequent flyer and Mileage Plus member since 2002, he was curious about the logistics and feasibility of such a challenge.
Qualifying for Platinum Status
To qualify for Platinum status, one must complete 45 Premier Qualifying flights and earn 15,000 Premier Qualifying Points (PQP) or 18,000 Premier Qualifying Points (PQP). The man needed a combination of 60,000 miles and $500 to complete this challenge, which is significantly less than the normal cost of around $1,100.
The Route and Experience
The man initially considered flying to Los Angeles and then to Palm Springs and on to Las Vegas, but ultimately decided on a series of short flights from San Francisco to Reno and back. He found the flights to be surprisingly comfortable, with plenty of room on the Bombardier jet and Starlink WiFi available. The ground stop delays at San Francisco International Airport were also manageable, as the connections were rescheduled to maintain a consistent schedule.
Reactions to the Mileage Run
While some people praised the man’s dedication and creativity, others questioned the value of achieving Platinum status. Some commenters felt that the benefits were not worth the effort and cost, while others shared their own experiences with mileage running. The man himself saw the challenge as a fun and exciting experience, rather than just a means to an end.
The World of Mileage Running
Mileage running is not unique to this individual, as many frequent flyers engage in similar activities to gain or maintain airline status. Some people plan elaborate routes and itineraries to maximize their mileage earnings, while others take advantage of error fares or other opportunities to accumulate miles. The man’s story highlights the creativity and resourcefulness of frequent flyers in pursuit of their goals.
