The idea of free travel is so enticing that airline miles are becoming a value-added incentive to many types of businesses. You used to get frequent flier points for taking to the skies, but now you can collect miles without even stepping on a plane. Hotels, rental car companies and credit cards all offer travel-related loyalty schemes, but so do a wide range of other businesses you might not be aware of. Granted, keeping up with the complex details, bonus promotions, restrictions, blackout dates and constant devaluation of these mileage programs can be a challenge, but it’s ultimately worth it if you work it right. Want to know how to get free airline miles without flying? Here are 14 easy tips, most of which take little time, effort or cost. Specifics change all the time, so consult the various websites for the latest details.
1. Get a Charge from Credit Cards
Learning the ins and outs of ever-changing travel credit card deals takes some work, but there are some “hackers” milking this system to the fullest and getting all sorts of upgrades, hotels stays and free flights. You have to read the fine print regarding annual fees, minimum spends, sign-up bonus requirements etc, but if you channel most of your expenses through a good card, the airline miles can really take off. Some flexible rewards cards like Chase Sapphire let you redeem points on multiple airline and hotel rewards programs. Other co-branded cards are affiliated with specific airlines. Be aware, these credit card companies aren’t gifting you points for nothing – they try to stick it to you with steep interest rates. Only partake in this strategy if you are disciplined enough to pay off your monthly balance in full or else the interest may negate any points accrued.
2. Go on an Online Shopping Spree
Why not let your everyday household shopping needs translate into airline miles? Shop online through airline-affiliated shopping portals and watch your points add up. These e-commerce sites link into regular retailers like Walmart, Sears and Macy’s, among others. Double-dip by using a travel credit card for these transactions to collect even more points. Don’t overbuy just to rack up points, of course, but if you’re going to purchase certain products anyways (sheets, socks, toilet paper, you name it) you might as well get a little something extra for it. As an example, check out Southwest‘s or Air Canada‘s e-store.
3. Eat Your Way to the Skies
Here’s how to get free airline miles in a delicious way. You can rack up loyalty points just for chowing down at specific restaurants. Sign up for an airline dining program and watch those miles add up. For example, American Airline’s Aadvantage Dining Program gives you 3 Aadvantage miles for every dollar spent at over 11,000 restaurants across the US. There’s even a sign-up bonus of 2000 points just for joining, and double-miles are offered at select restaurants. If you eat out regularly, this can add up over time. Delta Skymiles, US Airways and other airlines have similar dining programs.
