Aegean Airlines Mileage Run 2018 – Four missing segments to Gold status

Some may think I'm crazy to spend an afternoon on four flights during a relaxing holiday in Greece. Sure, for the majority there is no point in flying to the island of Chios for just 25 minutes. However, I need this mileage run with Aegean Airlines to extend my Star Alliance Gold frequent flyer status for another year.

Aegean Airlines Mileage Run Routing

In March, I searched the Aegean website for four cheap flights from Thessaloniki airport. After about an hour of research, I found a very affordable combination to the Greek island of Chios. The routing, which consisted of two separate tickets, looked like this:

Ticket 1:

• Monday, October 1, 2018, 5:25 p.m. to 6:15 p.m.: Thessaloniki to Athens, OA 121
• Monday, October 1, 2018, 8:05 PM to 8:50 PM: Athens to Chios, OA 274

Ticket 2:

• Monday, October 1, 2018, 9:15 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.: Chios to Athens, OA 275
• Monday, October 1, 2018, 11:15 PM to 12:10 AM: Athens to Thessaloniki, OA 136

The first ticket cost €50.53 and the second, at €48.24, only slightly less. For a total price of under €100, this was a very acceptable routing to extend frequent flyer status for another year.

Flight 1 of the Aegean Mileage Run: Thessaloniki to Athens

At 3:30 pm, I set off from our hotel in the rental car towards Thessaloniki Airport. I parked the car in an inexpensive airport parking lot, which was only a five-minute walk from the terminal.

After quickly passing through security thanks to the Gold Track, I visited the Aegean Business Lounge. It had been extensively renovated and expanded since my last visit. Behind the reception area is now the buffet and a seating area for dining. Towards the glass front, overlooking the apron, a large area with armchairs has been created. A long desk with power outlets and computers has been installed between these areas.

The biggest advantage of the Aegean Business Lounge in Thessaloniki, however, is that boarding takes place directly from the lounge. Since there are currently no jet bridges at the airport, I left the lounge via a staircase and was taken to the aircraft with the other guests. Boarding for the Airbus A319 had already begun at that point.

The flight to Athens was almost fully booked and largely uneventful. Aegean Airlines only offered a drink and a candy on this short flight. However, the view of the Greek islands from my seat, 14A, was magnificent.

Flight 2 of the Aegean Mileage Run: Athens to Chios

We landed in Athens on time. Unfortunately, as a transfer passenger, I had to go through security several times. Thanks to the Fast Track, however, this was quickly over. I made my way through the extensive duty-free area to the Aegean Business Lounge. This, too, had undergone a comprehensive makeover. There was a large seating area, a long buffet with a very good selection of food and drinks, and an area with tables and chairs. But the most impressive feature was the trolley with its extensive range of spirits.

Boarding for flight 2 to Chios began 15 minutes late. We were taken by bus to the ATR 42 parked on the tarmac. Once there, I realized my dilemma: unlike other passenger planes, the ATR 42 isn't boarded from the front; boarding is only possible through the rear door, which is the only one. Since I have less than 30 minutes for my connection in Chios, my reserved seat, 2A, would have been quite inconvenient. So, I boarded the plane as the last passenger and saw that row 13 was still empty. I quickly checked with the flight attendant and then took a seat in 13A. Right after that, I also changed my seat for the return flight to Athens to 12A. Should I just leave my backpack in the overhead compartment later? ;)

Flight 3: Chios to Athens

Fortunately, Chios airport consists of only one very small building. After arriving, I simply had to go through a glass door on the left side of the building, through security on the right, and I was already back at my departure gate. The whole process was so quick that I even had to wait 15 minutes for boarding. So, a direct turnaround at Chios airport is easily possible!

With a "Hello again!" I looked into the surprised face of the flight attendant and took a seat in 12A. After just 21 minutes on the island of Chios, the ATR 42 took off again with me heading towards Athens. On the flight to Athens, I was offered another snack and a piece of candy. No drinks were served during the short flight.

After a bumpy approach, I landed at Athens airport for the last time today. I took a bus from the tarmac back to the main terminal. I quickly found my way to the lounge. It was pleasantly empty, so I was able to take a few more photos. Perhaps I'll write a separate lounge review later.

Flight 4: Athens to Thessaloniki

After a strong coffee and some Greek treats in the lounge, I headed to departure gate B13. The 35-minute return flight to Thessaloniki was uneventful. Surprisingly, this flight was also almost fully booked. Immediately upon arrival at Thessaloniki Airport, I went straight to my rental car and reached our hotel 45 minutes later. A fantastic and very time-efficient mileage run!

Just one day later, all four flights were credited to my Miles&Bonus account and my Star Alliance Gold status was extended for another year.