Mileage run

A mileage run is a type of trip that a traveler takes primarily to earn frequent flyer miles and achieve or maintain a higher status level in an airline’s loyalty program.

A higher frequent flyer status often has perks like free upgrades, priority boarding, lounge access, free checked bags, and bonus miles on future flights.

Travelers close to losing their elite level often take a mileage run toward the end of the qualification year to secure their benefits for another period.

The destination itself is largely irrelevant here. As a result, a mileage run might involve flying to a distant city and returning almost immediately, because the true goal is status or reward accumulation, not the location visited.