Top 15 Innovative Strategies to Maximize Airline Miles

You’re likely familiar with earning rewards through flying, hotel reservations, or car rentals. However, you may be missing out on other simple methods to increase your miles through loyalty programs. Even frequent flyers who enjoy accumulating miles through flights may not be aware of the numerous loyalty and reward options available outside of flying.

By making some everyday purchases, treating yourself, using your debit card, or selecting gifts, you can quickly collect miles. Here are 15 of the best ways to earn airline miles while staying on the ground.

1. Sign Up for an Airline Credit Card

Airline credit cards provide one of the most efficient ways to earn miles. By using a mileage-earning card for your shopping needs, you can accumulate at least one mile for every dollar spent. Additionally, many cardholders earn bonus points when purchasing airfare, adding authorized users, or referring friends. Always consider comparing the best airline credit cards to find the right fit for you.

2. Sign up for an Airline Dining Program

Incorporate your airline credit card for restaurant purchases, as major airlines in the U.S. offer dining programs. These programs allow you to earn extra points by linking your favorite debit or credit card and dining at partnered locations. Explore options for different dining programs, such as:

• Alaska MileagePlan Dining
• American AAdvantage Dining
• Delta SkyMiles Dining
• Southwest Rapid Rewards Dining
• United MileagePlus Dining

3. Shop Through an Airline Shopping Mall

Consider shopping through an airline’s online portal rather than typical malls. This way, you can earn bonus points at your favorite stores, often receiving two to five miles per dollar spent, with some promotions offering as many as 20 miles per dollar. Simply begin at the airline’s shopping portal and then navigate to your chosen retailers.

• Alaska MileagePlan Shopping
• American AAdvantage eShopping
• Delta SkyMiles Shopping
• Southwest Rapid Rewards Shopping
• United MileagePlus Shopping

4. See a Broadway Show

You can also earn miles while enjoying entertainment options. Airlines have collaborated with Audience Rewards, allowing frequent flyer members to earn miles when purchasing tickets for Broadway productions. This creates an opportunity to accumulate miles during a fun-filled weekend in New York City.

• American AAdvantage Audience Rewards
• United MileagePlus Audience Rewards

5. Book a Hotel Room

While hotel chains may provide best price guarantees when booked directly, consider options that focus on earning miles. Platforms like Agoda PointsMAX, PointsHound, and RocketMiles grant extra miles for hotel bookings across various partners.

6. Take Advantage of Crossover and Partner Hotel Rewards

If you prefer one hotel program, explore ways to maximize your points and miles through crossover programs. For instance, booking through your airline may allow you to earn miles with your preferred airline, even without being a frequent flyer with them.

• Alaska Mileage Plan Hotel Partners
• American AAdvantage Hotel Partners
• Delta SkyMiles Hotels and Airbnb

7. Book a Rental Car With a Preferred Partner

For rental car needs, always start on your airline’s website to search for discounts or earning opportunities. Often, airlines provide extra miles for rental cars booked through them.

• Alaska Mileage Plan Car Rental Partners
• American AAdvantage Car Rental Partners
• Delta SkyMiles Car Partners
• United MileagePlus Car Rental Partners

8. Sign Up for a Mileage Debit Card

Debit cards are a viable option for accumulating miles, sometimes without credit checks or fees. When combined with direct deposit and other features, using a debit card can earn you miles through everyday purchases.

• ufb Direct Airline Rewards Checking
• SunTrust Delta SkyMiles Debit Card
• Bankoh Hawaii Airlines Visa Debit Card
• United MileagePlus GO Debit Card

9. Book a Vacation Package

Your airline can assist with more than just airfare; they can facilitate vacation packages that accompany significant bonus miles to reward you further.

• Alaska Airlines Vacations
• American Airlines Vacations
• Delta Vacations
• Southwest Vacations
• United Vacations

10. Pay Bills With Your Airline Credit or Debit Card

Many regular bills allow for credit card payments. For those that do not, using platforms like Plastiq enables payments through credit cards, subsequently earning mileage points despite a small transaction fee.

11. Do Business With Preferred Partners

Considering various purchases beyond flights can lead to extra miles as well. Shopping for a new energy provider, for instance, can yield bonus miles through preferred partners associated with the airlines.

• Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan Everyday Partners
• American AAdvantage Financial and Business Partners
• Delta SkyMiles Everyday Partners
• Southwest Airlines Home and Lifestyle Partners
• United MileagePlus Everyday Earnings Partners

12. Send Flowers to Loved Ones

Sending flowers can yield substantial rewards through loyalty programs since many airlines partner with florists to offer extra miles for deliveries. This is a simple yet effective way to accumulate miles.

• Alaska Airlines: 1-800-Flowers.com
• American AAdvantage eShopping: All Flowers
• Delta SkyMiles: FTD
• Southwest Rapid Rewards: 1-800-Flowers.com
• United MileagePlus: 1-800-Flowers.com, FTD and Teleflora

13. Join a Monthly Wine Club

Participating in wine clubs offers frequent flyers an enjoyable way to earn extra points and miles. Members receive bonus offers upon signing up as well as rewards for purchasing wine.

• Alaska Mileage Plus: Vinesse Wine Club
• American AAdvantage: Vinesse Wine Club
• Delta SkyMiles: Vinesse Wine Club
• Southwest Rapid Rewards: Laithwaite’s Wines
• United MileagePlus: Vinesse Wine Club

14. Take a Survey

Individuals can monetize their opinions through surveys, participating in platforms that provide miles in exchange for feedback. Programs like eMiles or e-Rewards allow customers to earn miles that may be transferred to various loyalty programs.

15. Transfer Your Points

If you’re close to reaching enough points for your next trip, consider utilizing your existing points. Many loyalty rewards, such as American Express Membership Rewards, can often be converted to preferred airline programs, maximizing your travel opportunities.

Since loyalty programs are not one-size-fits-all, it’s crucial to identify the methods to earn points that best suit your lifestyle. Embrace these strategies and discover unique and creative avenues for accumulating rewards!