Aegean Airlines Mileage Run 2018: Four segments towards Star Alliance Gold

Some might shake their heads at the idea of spending an afternoon on a Greek holiday taking four flights. For many, flying to the island of Chios for just 25 minutes makes no sense. For me, however, this mileage run with Aegean Airlines was precisely the missing piece of the puzzle to extend my Star Alliance Gold status for another year through the Miles+Bonus program.

I was four segments short. And since I was in Thessaloniki anyway, a short, efficient mileage run within Greece seemed like a good option – cheap, manageable in terms of time, and with maximum status benefits.

Planning the mileage run with Aegean Airlines

The planning began in March 2018 on the Aegean Airlines website. The goal was to fly four segments from Thessaloniki in one day, as cheaply as possible. After about an hour of research, I found an ideal combination via Athens to the island of Chios.

The routing consisted of two separate tickets, which kept the price low while still providing sufficient buffer for the connections.

Routing overview

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, the second €48.24. Collecting four segments for less than €100 and thus securing Star Alliance Gold status was a very fair deal.

Flight 1: Thessaloniki to Athens

Around 3:30 pm, we set off from the hotel in our rental car to Thessaloniki Airport. We parked in an inexpensive parking lot, only about a five-minute walk from the terminal – absolutely no hassle.

Thanks to Gold Track, I got through security quickly and then visited the Aegean Business Lounge. It had been significantly expanded and modernized since my last visit. Behind the reception area were now the buffet and dining area, and in front of that, a spacious lounge area with armchairs and a view of the apron. A long work table with power outlets completed the space.

A real highlight in Thessaloniki: Boarding took place directly from the lounge. Since there were no jet bridges at the airport yet, we went down stairs and then by bus with the other guests to the Airbus A319.

The flight to Athens was almost fully booked and uneventful. On the short flight, passengers were offered only a drink and a sweet, but in return, they had a magnificent view of the Greek islands from seat 14A.

Flight 2: Athens to Chios

After landing on time in Athens, I had to go through security again as a connecting passenger. Thanks to Fast Track, that was also done quickly. Afterwards, I went through the duty-free area to the renovated Aegean Business Lounge in the terminal.

The lounge offered plenty of space, a long buffet with a very good selection, and a separate dining area. What I particularly remember is the onboard trolley with its impressive selection of spirits – a detail you don't see everywhere.

Boarding for the flight to Chios began about 15 minutes late. The flight was operated by Olympic Air on an ATR 42. Since these aircraft are boarded exclusively via the rear door, it quickly became clear to me that my originally reserved seat, 2A, would have been impractical for the extremely short layover on Chios.

I deliberately boarded as the last passenger, spotted an empty row 13, and sat in 13A. For the return flight, I immediately changed seats to 12A. The plan: to get in and out as quickly as possible.

Flight 3: Chios to Athens – 21-minute island visit

Chio's airport is extremely compact. After arrival, I went through a glass door on the left, through security on the right – and I was already back at the gate. The whole process was so efficient that I even had to wait about 15 minutes for boarding.

A direct turnaround is therefore easily possible in Chios.

With a friendly "Hello again!" I took my seat in 12A once more. After exactly 21 minutes on the island, the ATR 42 took off again for Athens. A small snack and a candy were served on this flight as well; drinks were not offered on the short route.

Flight 4: Athens to Thessaloniki

After arriving back in Athens, we went to the business lounge again, which was now pleasantly empty. Time for a strong coffee and some Greek snacks before the last flight of the day.

The return flight to Thessaloniki took about 35 minutes and was – surprisingly – also almost fully booked. I landed back in Thessaloniki shortly after midnight without any incidents, picked up the rental car, and reached our hotel about 45 minutes later.

Conclusion: Efficient mileage run with maximum benefit

This mileage run with Aegean Airlines was perfectly planned, affordable, and surprisingly relaxed. Four flights in one afternoon, a short stopover in Chios, and ultimately an extended Star Alliance Gold status – a mileage run couldn't have gone much better.

Just one day later, all four segments were credited to the Miles+Bonus account. Mission accomplished.

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