Mileage Run Discussion - How do you respond when people think you're insane doing a mileage run?

I've done a MR twice, now, and both times, people think I'm from Mars. They are like, "You're getting on the plane only to come back on the same day? Are you crazy?" It's not just family, but it's friends, also. People are like, "I hope it's worth it," or "Don't you want to spend your time doing other things?" or "Why would you want to do that?"

It is almost embarassing to tell people what you're doing because they give me such a hard time, especially when you just go to the airport & come back. It's also embarassing to tell them that you're going to Europe for 1 day, then coming back. I wonder how other people handle this situation.

"Are you crazy?"

Answer: "Yes."

Cuts down on the time wasted.

Paying very much attention to what other people think is usually a mistake.

[QUOTE=toomanybooks;11207486]"Are you crazy?"

Answer: "Yes."

QUOTE]

^ +1.

If you feel a bit battered

a - remember you have thought it through and MR's work for you.

b - read FT for 20 minutes and realise that your MR's are a lot less crazy than some others.

Smile!

I leave a trail of dead in my wake.

No, wait... that skews the ratio of non-status to status in a bad way... ummm... I tell them that I have a habit of losing things on planes and want to be sure I have the chance to look for lost items.

Actually I've never done a MR per se as at least creative routing has allowed me to eek out enough status to make my life better for the past few years, so I'm in the "i see what you're doing but i don't think you're crazy" crowd

People who ask me that usually sit in coach, and pay to check their bags, so I'm not so concerned about what they think... :)

"Are you crazy?"

Answer: "Yes."

Cuts down on the time wasted.

Paying very much attention to what other people think is usually a mistake.

Or

"Either I am, or you're missing out on something."

"My dog told me to do this. Want to sit next to me? I have some extra balloon animals, if that helps."

There's usually no follow-up question.

Or

"Either I am, or you're missing out on something."

It means I sit in F while you sit between Jethro and Fat Albert in row 32. It means I don't pay to check bags, wait in a long line at check in or Security, you do. It means when irregular operations occur I am usually taken care of quickly, you are not. It means I have enough miles to go to Australia, it means you will spend another cold winter in New York. It means I have a discount that allows me to afford a lounge membership while you sit at the crowded gate with screaming babies and people who look and act like they have spent their lives living in a cave, with nothing to eat or drink might I add.

Shall I continue?

Yeah, I actually kind of like this question. I find that bullet points work for me. So I will say:

1. I get upgraded to first class on most of my business flights and many of my pleasure flights.

2. When I don't get upgraded to first class, I get a complimentary boozy drink in coach.

3. I have my own fast security line at the airport.

4. I have my own phone number to call when I need when I need something from the airline.

5. I pay no change fees. That means I can book cheap pleasure flights months in advance, and then change them if I need to and it costs me nothing.

6. On at least two flights a year, my spouse and kid also get upgraded to first class.

When I come out with these in a pretty quick succession, it seems to have the required impact. Yay.

Yeah, I actually kind of like this question. I find that bullet points work for me. So I will say:

5. I pay no change fees. That means I can book cheap pleasure flights months in advance, and then change them if I need to and it costs me nothing.

When I come out with these in a pretty quick succession, it seems to have the required impact. Yay.

did i miss something here? how do you not pay change fees? everytime i've tried to make a change, i can't because of change fees. i'm 1k w/united - do you need some other special status for that?

I usually respond that the cost of doing the MR's (including time and utility) to accrue miles favorably balances against the cost of buying a Business of First ticket to an international destination. Sometimes I mention how nice it is (relatively speaking) to have high status.

"did i miss something here? how do you not pay change fees? everytime i've tried to make a change, i can't because of change fees. i'm 1k w/united - do you need some other special status for that?"

Ooops, for some reason I thought I was still on the Alaska Airlines board. No change fees when you're Alaska Air MVP Gold.

Sorry.

"Like a fox!"

or

"Oh, come on. If I were insane, I probably wouldn't realize it, right?"

or

“Of course I'm crazy, but that doesn't mean I'm wrong.”

or

"TSA confiscated my meds."

or

"I fly a lot to minimize my chances of being earth-bound when the rapture comes. Wanna sit next to eachother?!"

or

"I have bad gas pains. The pressurized cabin really helps me work that out and it's cheaper than visiting the doctor."

peace,
~Ben~

Paying very much attention to what other people think is usually a mistake.


That is one of the most profound things I have ever read.

Not that you care.....:D

I just tell them:

1) I love to fly (which is true), and
2) I get more work done on day of MRing (no cell phone/email/etc) than I do during a typical day at the office (which is also true).

Of course, they probably still think that I'm crazy, but I'm laughing all the way to the FF bank.

Don't worry, OP. The rest of the world might not understand...but that's why there's FlyerTalk.

I would amend 4 to "The airline takes really good care of me, getting me on other flights when things go bad, even have a special number to call for all sorts of help."

My experience is limited to AA and AAdvantage, at all levels (GLD, PLT, and now EXP). I usually get some traction with "I like getting upgraded for free, especially on overnight transoceanic flights)" and "Status is very helpful for getting home on a Friday night when the wheels come off".



Yeah, I actually kind of like this question. I find that bullet points work for me. So I will say:

1. I get upgraded to first class on most of my business flights and many of my pleasure flights.

2. When I don't get upgraded to first class, I get a complimentary boozy drink in coach.

3. I have my own fast security line at the airport.

4. I have my own phone number to call when I need when I need something from the airline.

5. I pay no change fees. That means I can book cheap pleasure flights months in advance, and then change them if I need to and it costs me nothing.

6. On at least two flights a year, my spouse and kid also get upgraded to first class.

When I come out with these in a pretty quick succession, it seems to have the required impact. Yay.

I usually laugh it off then wait till someone who called me crazy for it travels with me or takes me to the airport and sees how I get treated. This is especially true of a few really tall or big friends who wish they could pre-book Y+ or the exit row.

1). I say "Yes, I am crazy. However, I'm only gonna live once, I gotta be somewhere."
2). I get treated better by the airline and get free stuff.
3). I get to meet interesting people.
4.) I like to fly.

(posted as I am doing a WAS-SEA MR)

They're the same people who say:

"Wow you're really lucky"
"Wow you lead such a glamorous life"

They're not GOING to get it so I don't bother explaining. Also, I only tell people I'm MRing who would actually MR themselves or who are also addicted to their status/miles.

Of course if you really feel like you MUST explain, tell them something like "I just took two Saturdays and spent $450 to get enough FF miles for a free First Class ticket to Hawaii and I'm taking my wife there for our anniversary." The @:-) sometimes goes off then...

Or...."because of what I'm doing this weekend, I get to fly First Class for all of next year, and you know how much I travel.", which is probably a little more accurate but you don't get to see that look of intense jealousy on their face while they're thinking about how they'll never fly further than Peoria, IL.

This is why I try not to tell anyone :D

Yeah, I actually kind of like this question. I find that bullet points work for me. So I will say:

1. I get upgraded to first class on most of my business flights and many of my pleasure flights.

2. When I don't get upgraded to first class, I get a complimentary boozy drink in coach.

3. I have my own fast security line at the airport.

4. I have my own phone number to call when I need when I need something from the airline.

5. I pay no change fees. That means I can book cheap pleasure flights months in advance, and then change them if I need to and it costs me nothing.

6. On at least two flights a year, my spouse and kid also get upgraded to first class.

When I come out with these in a pretty quick succession, it seems to have the required impact. Yay.


With all due respect, those reasons don't do it for me. The time lost doing MRs is not even close to the value listed above IMO. When you take into account that you'd have at least some of the above (presumably) without the MRs, doing them seems like a waste to me. Clearly, others feel differently though.

did i miss something here? how do you not pay change fees? everytime i've tried to make a change, i can't because of change fees. i'm 1k w/united - do you need some other special status for that?

Alaska Airlines MVP golds pay no change fee's!

DTW-SIN for 2 nights. What do you mean I'm crazy??

Thanks for starting this thread, there are some great one in here!

When you take into account that you'd have at least some of the above (presumably) without the MRs, doing them seems like a waste to me. Clearly, others feel differently though.
I'm one of those who feel differently! ;)
I was no longer flying for business but I still liked to travel, especially using all those points I'd collected. After a year without even Prestige status I was missing all those little things that we take for granted when we always have 60k or 120k /year in status miles.
No seats, no flights, no bag tags, no priority check-in, no priority baggage, no upgrade certs, no lounges and no boarding ahead of the Mob.
Actually USING points was a pain.

So I'm going to do minimal MRs every year to get Elite.

Commander Bob
Yes, I'm a bit crazy.

I just tell people I am a travel ninja. A travel ninja does not explain, a travel ninja simply does. It is the travel ninja way.

Although, I did have an FA make a big deal out of it once and all the other passengers looked at me like I was NOT a travel ninja, but a dork with nothing better to do than read a SkyMall magazine. Travel ninja hates when that happens.

People who ask me that usually sit in coach, and pay to check their bags, so I'm not so concerned about what they think... :)

Classic! ^

I still feel a little silly trying to explain it to people, but who cares? The people who know me just smile and shake their heads in bemusement, and the people who don't ... well, they don't know me anyway, so I don't care too much about what they think. :cool:

I arrive on FRA at 10:15am and depart at 12:45pm same day. What do I tell immigration without raising a red-flag? Can I stay within security and go to RCC or something?

I arrive on FRA at 10:15am and depart at 12:45pm same day. What do I tell immigration without raising a red-flag? Can I stay within security and go to RCC or something?

Just tell them that you're insane and have nothing better to do with your time except sit on airplanes and hang out in airports... :eek:

No seriously, you have to go through immigration. Just tell them the truth--that you need the miles & status, etc. Try to got to the senator lounge, not the RCC. The RCC at FRA sucks big time. the senator lounge has good food & wine. Then sit in the business lounge, which is much more spacious than the senator lounge, which can be very cramped.

Just tell them that you're insane and have nothing better to do with your time except sit on airplanes and hang out in airports... :eek:

No seriously, you have to go through immigration. Just tell them the truth--that you need the miles & status, etc. Try to got to the senator lounge, not the RCC. The RCC at FRA sucks big time. the senator lounge has good food & wine. Then sit in the business lounge, which is much more spacious than the senator lounge, which can be very cramped.

It may have changed, but you used to be able to avoid immigration in FRA when doing a MR (this was true a year ago anyway). If that is no longer the case, I totally agree about telling the truth (and going to the LH Sen lounge).

Yes, and so is my wife and three teenage sons, well almost teenage!

My friends are intrigued by my travels. They often greet me with, "Where have you been lately?" or "Where is your next trip to?"

Some were puzzled but quite intrigued with my 11 day MR to get platinum status on NW the first part of January (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/mileage-run-discussion/908983-mr-10-days-achieve-pe-status-75k-eqm-nw-skyteam-2-years.html).

They could not believe that 8 transatlantic trips back-to-back, all but one of which was in business class, would be worth it. But I easily explained how it was. They figure since I am single, I have extra time on my hands and no commitments.

They figure since I am single, I have extra time on my hands and no commitments.

I get this too. But then I come back with:

1. Yeah, but ten years down the road when I have a wife and kids, they'll be glad that they have a husband/father who has millions of miles in his account with elite status for life :D

MR is an investment. You'll wife and kids will definitely appreciate and more easier to understand this whole "MR thing" if they are first hand to know what benefits they come with.


...The only problem? I don't have/am not meeting a S.O. these days :(

My friends are intrigued by my travels. They often greet me with, "Where have you been lately?" or "Where is your next trip to?"

Some were puzzled but quite intrigued with my 11 day MR to get platinum status on NW the first part of January (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/mileage-run-discussion/908983-mr-10-days-achieve-pe-status-75k-eqm-nw-skyteam-2-years.html).

They could not believe that 8 transatlantic trips back-to-back, all but one of which was in business class, would be worth it. But I easily explained how it was. They figure since I am single, I have extra time on my hands and no commitments.

Whoah, that is incredible! Truly amazing. How do you have the time to do that? Did you use vacation? How did you get it down to 4cpm? Bravo to you!

1. Yeah, but ten years down the road when I have a wife and kids, they'll be glad that they have a husband/father who has millions of miles in his account with elite status for life :D

I don't like hoarding miles - they are constantly being devalued. So I use them for myself, family, friends to come along with me on trips, gifts, etc.

Whoah, that is incredible! Truly amazing. How do you have the time to do that? Did you use vacation? How did you get it down to 4cpm? Bravo to you!

If I have an internet connection I can work when I travel. DXB has free wifi, SVO had 3 computers with internet access.

The low cpm is due to the very low DXB-YYZ fare from SU. Apparently it was a mistake.

I arrive on FRA at 10:15am and depart at 12:45pm same day. What do I tell immigration without raising a red-flag? Can I stay within security and go to RCC or something?

I've done the FRA same-day turn twice already this year. I went through immigration once just so I could walk around the airport; the second time, I stayed airside. Neither time was I questioned in Germany or the US.

BTW, you do not need to go through immigration. You're *G, so head straight to LH SEN (note that the card is required for entry), get your shower, and eat before the flight back.

sorry, double post

I did 1 "real" MR several years ago. (LAX-JFK) for <$200ai. I wasn't planning to renew 1K at that time but with the double EQM, that flight put me over the top at >100K EQM. 6 SWU's, CR1's etc plus other goodies were my rewards. :D I couldn't use all the SWU's so I traded/gave away a few SWU's. At JFK, one of the FA's saw I got off the outbound flight and getting on the return flight. She said, didn't you just get off the inbound flight (LAX-JFK)? Yeah, & I just made 1K! ;)

Back in 2002/2003, I did several 2-3 day turns to SIN. Back when it was less than $500. ^ On one trip, I got 5X miles. ^ I told my boss after one of the trips and her eyes were big as saucers. :D I had fun explaining that trip. :D

Now that I'd been married for the past 2.5 years, my wife enjoy our award trips in Biz. With all the mileage devaluations, I been in the burn mode. Due to very many committments, I don't fly much anymore. I enjoyed it when I did it.

A friend was oh-so-close to gold on CO last year. It was mid-December, so I set up a reservation for a MR for him a week later that was exactly one day - leave ~9am get back ~7pm all in for $140. That would have put him over the threshold. At the last minute he decided not to ticket because he didn't think it was worth his time. :rolleyes:

I just tell them:

1) I love to fly (which is true), and
2) I get more work done on day of MRing (no cell phone/email/etc) than I do during a typical day at the office (which is also true).

Of course, they probably still think that I'm crazy, but I'm laughing all the way to the FF bank.



That's exactly what I say. I LOVE being on airplanes, around airports, etc. I could do it for days on end, and I actually do multiple times a year! I also love receiving the fantastic international service in premium cabins. Flying is my favorite hobby, and keeping my status ensures that it is pleasant most of the time.

I, too, find that I can be much more productive on long-haul flights, compared to being at home or my office, without the distractions of the Internet, email, and phone calls. Last weekend, on my MR to SFO, I managed to write a 10-page draft in a little over 4 hours. It would have taken much longer if I had been sitting at home, with plenty of things to distract me.

I just tell people I am a travel ninja. A travel ninja does not explain, a travel ninja simply does. It is the travel ninja way.

Although, I did have an FA make a big deal out of it once and all the other passengers looked at me like I was NOT a travel ninja, but a dork with nothing better to do than read a SkyMall magazine. Travel ninja hates when that happens.

:D Collect a laugh point!

MR are not something I'd discuss with FA, though.

"I fly a lot to minimize my chances of being earth-bound when the rapture comes. Wanna sit next to eachother?!"


This made me cry with laughter... ^^ :D

The last person who thought that way traveled with me last month. Upon seeing how much more pleasant his trip experience was while traveling with me, he asked me to notify him of my next mileage run, in case he wanted to come along.

The last person who thought that way traveled with me last month. Upon seeing how much more pleasant his trip experience was while traveling with me, he asked me to notify him of my next mileage run, in case he wanted to come along.

I like riding in the front and being catered to. I admit it. It's really nice for longhaul (TATL/TPAC, to/fr SA). Like a quite a few others here I intend to go to Europe this weekend mainly for the purpose of racking up a lot of miles in short order on the cheap. That I'm upgraded the whole way and get to check out AA's Flagship Lounges for first time is the sauce for this dish.

Let's get this party started!

Tell me if this is crazy!

MIA-IAD-SFO-HNL-LAX-SYD-MEL-SYD-LAX-HNL-SFO-HNL-LAX-SYD-MEL-SYD-LAX-HNL-SFO-HNL-LAX-SYD-MEL-SYD-LAX-HNL-SFO-YVR-IAD-MIA

All in 2 weeks time. I am glad I have stops in SFO, HNL and MEL :D

Tell me if this is crazy!

MIA-IAD-SFO-HNL-LAX-SYD-MEL-SYD-LAX-HNL-SFO-HNL-LAX-SYD-MEL-SYD-LAX-HNL-SFO-HNL-LAX-SYD-MEL-SYD-LAX-HNL-SFO-YVR-IAD-MIA

All in 2 weeks time. I am glad I have stops in SFO, HNL and MEL :D

depends on how much it costs

depends on how much it costs

Good point :D

depends on how much it costs

The true MR is the SFO-MEL x 3 for $1756.83 AI. The MIA-SFO-MIA is on a reward tix to reposition myself but if I can find a cheap tix from MIA to SFO, then I will redeposit my miles and make it a pure MR from MIA.

I tell them how I can book 20,000 dollars+ international F tickets for about 100 bucks. Shuts 'em right up.

I arrive on FRA at 10:15am and depart at 12:45pm same day. What do I tell immigration without raising a red-flag?

I'm fairly sure I've never said anything other than "hello" to Germany immigration. They just take my passport, stamp it, and hand it back - no questions asked.

I am on an Australian passport which might make a difference, but I wouldn't have thought so.

I tell them how I can book 20,000 dollars+ international F tickets for about 100 bucks. Shuts 'em right up.

You must get your RDM's very cheaply.

It's also embarassing to tell them that you're going to Europe for 1 day, then coming back. I wonder how other people handle this situation.
1 day? That *is* embarrassing. Try explaining that you went SFO-LHR for breakfast. :D My boss used to tease me until he took his family to NYC in coach while I spent $150 in tax for F to Europe (LH F that is). If you're embarrassed, don't do it.

I arrive on FRA at 10:15am and depart at 12:45pm same day. What do I tell immigration without raising a red-flag? Can I stay within security and go to RCC or something?
-----------
You tell them the truth -- you got a great flight at a great price; a few more and you have an int'l F award for a fraction of the cost. My last couple of immigras at IAD, they rolled their eyeballs.

It's also embarassing to tell them that you're going to Europe for 1 day, then coming back. I wonder how other people handle this situation.

I was in LHR over the weekend for 1 day. The immigration in ORD could not understand why I had to do it. He even wrote down the FT website. I told him, in a couple of weeks, I will be doing it again now to Ireland. ;)

I am affectionately (at least I think so :p) called the "crazy uncle".

I've just started MRing - did my first one last year to save my 2P status (due to a cancelled international business trip) and have done two already this year.

Just refer them to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mileage_run. :D

If I remember correctly there was a thread like this some time ago. Did a search and could not find it.

I have yet to do my first official MR (will be in early March), but if anyone asks, I'm going to respond with absolute astonishment in my voice:

"What, you mean you DON'T do them? Are you stark raving MAD?"


LOL!
:D:D:D:D:D:D:D

Just refer them to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mileage_run. :D

If I remember correctly there was a thread like this some time ago. Did a search and could not find it.

The BoingBoing link mentioned of a $400 business class overseas. When did this happen and on what airline?

When you are boarding early straight to the front with your wonderful status compliments of your mileage runs... Just click your heels and say "this is for all you who think i'm crazy"... Sit in that plush seat and relax like a king or queen on your throne.


They really don't think your crazy, they just wish they could be like you.....:)

+1 to Brituchenite's comment. Tell them they're crazy not to be doing it and risk loosing their status. :)

I have yet to do my first official MR (will be in early March), but if anyone asks, I'm going to respond with absolute astonishment in my voice:

"What, you mean you DON'T do them? Are you stark raving MAD?"


LOL!
:D:D:D:D:D:D:D


^:D

I'll have to remember that for next time... I'll start practicing my haughty, shocked look. :p

People who ask me that usually sit in coach, and pay to check their bags, so I'm not so concerned about what they think... :)


^


-------------

I don't do true MRs as I spend at least one night in the city, but I consider them MRs if the purpose of the trip is for EQMs and double miles. However, when asked I just reply that the perks of award tickets and flying First/Business class is worth it.

+1 to Brituchenite's comment. Tell them they're crazy not to be doing it and risk loosing their status. :)
So true.
I lost my status and after years of even the minimal perks (like boarding early) they were sadly missed. I've done my first MR of the year and have booked the balance of runs for AP Elite already.
I can almost feel welcomed back to all those lounges.

Commander Bob
Who REALLY missed those First Class check-in lines.

:D Collect a laugh point!

MR are not something I'd discuss with FA, though.

This is great. :)

I had to call up AS MP and get them to credit a couple of DL segments that got lost in the ether (something to do with NW ticketing and computers, it matters not). I called up the MVPG line and explained my case and the agent took my flight details over the phone. She seemed confused that I was flying SFO-MSP-CLT-ATL-SFO in the same day and quipped "They couldn't pay me enough to do a..." followed by a long pause and then with a little mischief in her voice almost timidly asked "Are you one of those internet flyer people?".

I proudly said that I was and she laughed and said "I've heard of you lot but never had to deal with one first hand, you must really love to fly.". I agreed, she credited my flights and we had a good laugh about it. When I explained that my MRs this year (considering my business travel has gone down to a big fat zero) were all going to be leisure *and* would top up my account to get me some CX F redemption action she said it made sense and she saw us in a different light now.

It means I sit in F while you sit between Jethro and Fat Albert in row 32. It means I don't pay to check bags,

Jethro and Far Albert, OK. But you DID pay to check bags. Not when you checked the bags, but when you bought the ticket for the MR. In fact, you probably paid a lot more than the checked bag fees would have totaled.