Originally Posted by
MaximusDecimusMeridius
Thanks for the replies. The whole concept of Mileage Runs is new to me. I have only just started collecting airmiles in a determined way, having previously just picked them up here and there when available. Saying that I have had some good trips over the years out of them, several European flights and two Far east Business flights for my partner and myself.
But since The New year i have been a bit more pro-active in collecting. Currently i am saving for Virgin Atlantic flights to Tokyo or Hong Kong and have just booked flights to the south of france for June.
Now the idea of spending a few days flying city to city for no reason other than to fly does appeal. I love flying, find airports fascinating and being sat for hours watching films and using my laptop or reading is kind of my idea of a good time.
I see people on here post run itineraries. Do you just take these to a travel agent and book? The example above would appear to get you to BA Gold in a matter of days!
It depends on what your goal is though.
Many programs status is directly tied to mileage earn, however BA's program has separated the program currency (avios) with status earn (Tier Points).
If you want to simply gain avios the cheapest way (traditional mileage run) then economy flights on BA/AA will be best especially if you are Silver/Gold and so earn a 100% bonus.
If you want to gain BA status and thus efficient TP runs, then business/first flights on any oneworld carrier works. This is what the TP run thread is geared towards.
Of course a TP run will earn avios but may have a higher £/avios ratio than an 'avios run' in economy, although it would be a lot more comfortable.
How to book depends on the fare. As I said above, AA's can usually be priced up directly through AA.com.
Others you may need to call the carrier to book (common if you want a BA fare but have some segments as AA flight code).
Others you need to book through a TA.