With only three days remaining until the end of the year, many travelers are wondering if a last minute mileage run for airline elite status or a mattress run for hotel elite status might be worth it. Realistically speaking, you do not have much time if you still want to get a flight or two in before the end of the year – and you don’t have many nights left for hotel stays either.
The more important question to ask yourself is when is a mileage run worth it? There are, of course, specific metrics you could follow in order to determine the value of points and status you will be receiving and how you can use a mileage run or mattress run to your advantage. Generally speaking, if you are over 75% of the way to your desired elite level and don’t think you will be able to complete more, it may make sense to push for those last elite credits.
End of Year Mileage Run (90-95% Range)
Have you collected 90-95% of the required elite credits this year already for elite status with an airline or hotel? If so, going for the additional 5-10% could be worth it in the next few days. If you are close to the next elite status level or if you haven’t quite re-qualified for your current status but are really close, it definitely makes sense to go for it if you can find a good deal for a flight or hotel.
Ideally, you wouldn’t want to have waited this long, but life does get in the way. Since there are still 3 days left, you could hop on a flight as early as today – last minute tickets probably won’t be cheap or mileage run-worthy, but it can make sense to spend a bit more to secure another year of status. Similarly with hotels, if you need 1 or 2 more nights, you can still get them this year – you can take a look at the cheapest hotels in your area and do the math if it makes sense.
75% To Elite Status
In normal circumstances during the year or near the end of the year if you find yourself at around 75% of the way to elite status, a mileage run does make sense. Ideally, you will have 2-3 months to plan and fly or stay and won’t save it until the last minute. You should be able to book a decently priced mileage or mattress run if you are flexible on the dates and plan ahead.
That being said, everyone has their own valuation of how much elite benefits are worth it and if they are willing to spend a certain amount of money to extend them for next year. If you are 75% of the way there and won’t be able to organically get the rest of the elite credits, a run is definitely worth it – especially if you can find a good deal.
4 Cents-Per-Mile Mileage Run Rule
When booking flights for the purpose of a mileage run, you generally want to only be booking flights through a value of around 4 cents spent per mile earned. This is usually the golden standard – you don’t really want to be paying more than necessary since the only purpose of these flights will be to earn miles and elite credits. That being said, if you are in a pinch and willing to spend more, then you will have more options for flights.
$70-85 Mattress Run Rule
If you are short of hotel elite qualifying nights and are wanting to mattress run to re-qualify for or elevate your elite status, you ideally want to be paying around $70-85 (or less) for a hotel night if the only purpose of it is to earn elite credits. Ideally, you will find a super cheap hotel and earn qualifying nights there, but it is acceptable to pay for a hotel night in this range if your only intention is a mattress run. As with flights, if you are willing to spend a bit more to secure status, then you will have more options.
All in All
While there are certain valuations available for both milage and mattress runs and metrics that can be used to identify if they are worth it or not, in the end, it is all up to you to decide how much you want to pay to secure another year of elite status. Depending on the airline or hotel, your elite status can come with powerful benefits that can truly elevate your travels and provide you with another year of seamless experiences – both in the air and on the ground.
In any year, if you are around 75% of the way to elite status and don’t think you will be able to earn the rest naturally, then a run is definitely worth it. Be sure to plan ahead and find the best deals for flights and hotels – book early and be flexible to find the best runs, and get creative – perhaps turn your milage runs into mini getaways to make them worth even more.