Frequent Flyer Miles: How Earn Points to Fly in Style

frequent flyer miles

You’re looking for a way to travel in first-class or business at the lowest price point possible. Awesome! You’ve come to the right place.

If you’re a frequent traveler, you may have noticed that first-class and business class passengers get extra perks and pampering. This may include Michelin-star inflight-meals, flatbeds, a bigger selection of in-flight entertainment options and unlimited drinks.

On long-haul flights, all of those perks may start to seem like necessities. This is especially true if you’re sandwiched in a middle seat next to someone who forgot their deodorant and a mother trying desperately to comfort a screaming baby.

But you’re not doomed to travel in the plebeian class forever. Instead, you can learn to harness the power of frequent flyer miles and programs to your advantage.

After reading this article, you’ll be gearing up to implement a strategy that will have you headed straight for first class.

Use Airline Credit Cards for Frequent Flyer Miles

You should always exercise caution when opening a new line of credit, but they’re a great way to collect frequent flyer miles. And as most airlines have them available, you should be able to find one for an airline carrier you use frequently.

The secret to using airline credit cards is to never spend more than you can afford, but use them often. For example, make everyday purchases on them that you can afford, but then immediately transfer funds from your checking account to the card.

This will help you avoid having to pay huge credit card bills each month and stop your card from collecting interest.

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With online card payments and management, this shouldn’t be too much of an issue.

Be mindful that some credit card frequent flyer miles programs require you to spend a certain amount a year to be eligible for the miles. If you use the cards frequently, this also shouldn’t be too much of a problem.

Dining Rewards

Dining Rewards are a delicious way to earn miles on your airline of choice. Several major airlines have Dining Rewards programs, so check and see if your favorite provider participates.

In most of these programs, you simply register a credit card and then eat at participating restaurants. When you use that credit card, you’ll automatically earn miles toward your next big trip.

Send Someone Flowers

You can earn frequent flyer miles while you earn points with your sweetheart. While it can be a bit pricey to send flowers via the Internet, it is a great way to rack up mileage points. And these services are fantastic if you’re far away from your loved ones or on an extended holiday or business trip.

Several major US airlines have partnered with FTD, Teleflora, and 1-800-Flowers so that you can earn as you send gifts.

This has always been a rather popular way to earn reward points, as the payoffs are big and you get to treat someone special.

Donate to Charity

Some charities, like the National Foundation for Cancer Research, Susan G. Komen and the USO offer you miles for every dollar donated. The three charities mentioned are partnered with American airlines, but other airlines and charities may also work together to help reward their patrons.

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Go See Sports Events, Concerts or Attend a Cultural Event

Attending a cultural event can be a crucial part of a vacation or a way to unwind at home. Many ticket providers and venues offer rewards programs so that for every dollar spent, you can earn a certain amount of points for your next vacation.

Putting these events on your frequent flyer credit card will also help you earn even more as you enjoy a night out.

Check Hotels for Rewards Programs Upon Booking

Many hotels work closely with the airline industry, and working to provide airline miles to their patrons is common. Always ask the hotel you are booking is participating in any deals at the moment, or check to see if the specific chain is partnered with any airlines.

Your airline of choice may also advertise that they are partnered with a specific hotel chain or local hotels. If that’s the case, it makes the most sense to try and book there as frequently as possible.

Fly as Much as You Can

Although this may not be the most cost-efficient way to earn airline miles, you are probably looking to earn them because you are a frequent traveler. Make sure that you always enter your frequent flyer account number when you book your flights.

Some airlines are also partnered with one another, so you can get rewards while traveling on another airline. Check and see who is partnered with whom so you can get the most for your money.

Upgrade on Flights

When you can swing it, upgrade on your flights. This gives you even more frequent flyer miles, as the miles you travel are worth more at a higher price or service point. Even just paying $50 to $75 to upgrade to the premium economy can get you up to 50 percent more points for each mile you fly.

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Check Which Stores and Outlets the Airline Works With

You can earn frequent flyer miles by shopping at select stores. Your airline of choice may offer you a certain amount of miles for every dollar you spend. There could be thousands of miles you’re missing out on that you could earn just from shopping where you normally do.

Many malls and online portals offer these rewards programs, so keep your eyes peeled whenever you use the Internet to shop.

Finding the Best Airline to Collect Miles

The best airline to collect frequent flyer miles with is the one you fly with most frequently. This could be for school, work or leisure, but is an airline that typically flies out of your home airport often.

For more tips on how you can travel in both style and luxury, head to our website at Swiss123 for travel hacks and tidbits. You can also pick up some great tips for things like solo travel, vacation ideas, and ways to see the wonders of the world on a shoestring budget.