When it comes to travel rewards, people are willing to try crazy things for a free night or VIP perks. Enter the “mattress run,” a trend that sounds like a craze for luxury linens but is actually about booking hotel rooms you don’t plan on using — just to rack up loyalty points.

But here’s the problem: This can completely backfire. Let’s discuss this trend, its risks, and whether it’s worth gambling on.

Travel forums are full of hilarious (and sad) stories mattress moveHas gone wrong. One traveler took to Reddit and asked, “Hyatt Mattress Run – Has anyone ever been penalized for doing a mattress run through digital check-in and never arriving? Does that work?” One person replied, “Yes, they didn’t give me credit for the stay, and they charged me the cash rate. It’s very hit or miss.” Another Reddit user thought they had hacked the system with digital check-in — only to be hit with a “Please go to the front desk” message. Another swore they had passed, but were nervously waiting to see if the scores were posted.

Does it really work?

Sure, the promise of travel allowances sounds irresistible, but running a mattress is always a gamble.

The fine print has been designed to crack down on secret tactics at many loyalty programs like Hyatt and Hilton, Fox News reports. If you don’t physically check-in – or worse, skip the stay altogether – you may get no points and no qualifying credits.

For example, Hilton makes it clear: If you’re a no-show, forget about points or status credits, even if your credit card is charged. Hyatt’s rules echo the sentiment.

Also read: From roadlogging to dark tourism: the strangest travel trends of 2024

Alston Causey, vice president of US-based travel agency Travelmation, told Fox News that people love hotel points and status, but you can’t and shouldn’t get them by abusing the system. He said, “In the travel business, there are few things worse than hotel rooms or vacations that are paid for and not used… The ‘mattress run’ is more for those who are on the brink and every times find themselves there every year.”

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