Elite frequent fliers have been known to purchase cheap airplane tickets and even sometimes cheap vacation packages simply to earn enough miles to re-qualify for top tier frequent flier elite status.
Mileage enthusiasts call such purchases mileage runs. Elite flyers periodically purchase tickets from cities such as Los Angeles and then fly though Washington Dulles International Airport to connect to San Juan, Puerto Rico only to turn around and leave one hour later, arriving back in Los Angles less than 24 hours after first departing.
The usual goal of a mileage run is to earn the minimum miles needed at the lowest possible cost. However sometimes fliers decide to make a vacation out of such trips.
Hundreds of fliers take mileage runs each year to qualify for elite frequent flier status. For them the perks earned by such trips are well worth the cost in time and money taken to earn them.
The following (which is what Uniteds highest level of frequent fliers are awarded) gives you an idea of the value of earning top tier status on an airline is worth:
25 percent additional bonus miles for each flight taken during 2013.
Elevated priority for free upgrades, waitlists, and standby clearance.
Upgrades to first class on mid priced coach domestic tickets.
Access to a dedicated call center line staffed by U.S. based airline representatives.
A $60 credit on Uniteds MileagePlus Chase Visa credit card.
Six Global Premier Upgrades that can be redeemed on international flights.
The difference between flying coach and business class on international flights can be as much as $3,900 roundtrip. Global Premier Upgrades allow fliers to upgrade coach seats for free.
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