Summary

  • Focus on flying with airlines that offer greater mileage benefits on your intended routes.
  • Join frequent flyer programs within global airline alliances to earn miles on partner airlines.
  • Utilize credit cards to earn bonus miles, but choose wisely, pay balances on time, and strategically stack benefits.

There was a time when airline miles could be earned only by flying the airline you want to boost your miles. Then came the flexibility to fly with partner airlines to earn (and redeem) miles across the partner network. Today, there are several ways to boost your airline miles without needing to fly. This article provides some tips to boost your airline miles this year.

1

Focus on the value of miles

Focused flying

Investopedia highlights that flying with the airline remains one of the most consistent ways of earning miles. However, researching which airlines offer greater mileage benefits on the routes you intend to fly can significantly boost your mile balance. Most airlines show how many miles are earned during booking. That generally depends on the fare type and class of travel. Earning a large chunk on a single journey is better than earning smaller amounts from multiple airlines.

Moreover, researching what those miles will be worth when you are ready to redeem will go a long way in adding actual value to your miles balance. It is fairly straightforward to know how many miles would cover your next one-way trip with the airline to learn the value of your earned miles. Note that some airline miles expire after a certain period (12 to 18 months), so plan the earnings and redemption accordingly.

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2

Partner airlines

Global airline alliance networks

Many large airlines are parts of the global airline alliances, including oneworld, SkyTeam, and Star Alliance. When you join the frequent flyer program with your airline, which is part of the global alliance, you automatically earn miles on other airlines within the network. Once again, research which alliance your preferred airline belongs to (if any) and what partner opportunities are available for earning and redeeming miles.

Airline alliance and partner network information, including detailed information about earning restrictions, can be acquired from the airline’s website. The same goes when you are ready to redeem those miles. A partner airline may offer better value for your miles (across the network) than your primary airline.

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3

Experienced a mishap during your flight?

Turn it into an opportunity to earn miles

Examples include

  • Unexpected delays and flight cancellations
  • Airline-related inconvenience, particularly when traveling with children or the elderly
  • Damaged, delayed, or lost luggage
  • Severely affected by fellow passengers

With the amount of air travel, particularly during peak summer seasons, mishaps happen. If you are on the receiving end of the mishap and your journey is affected by the airline, contacting the airline for compensation is always a good idea. While it is an unconventional way to earn miles, it can work wonders for your miles balance.

Passenger and traveler waiting for boarding at boarding gate Hong Kong International Airport

Photo: ShutterStockStudio | Shutterstock

For example, when you talk to the airline’s customer support team (at the airport or over the phone) to complain about your flight experience or rebook a canceled flight, you should also ask for compensation through miles.

Airline support teams usually have the authority to credit your account with 5,000 to 10,000 bonus miles for unusual experiences. While an unconventional way to boost your balance, it can work wonders when you need those few extra miles to cover your next trip.

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4

Credit card spendings

Choosing the right credit card can make a big difference

  • Bonus miles on signup
  • Annual bonuses
  • Promotions with specific vendors
  • Paying off the balance on time

While there are unlimited co-branded credit cards out there, choosing which one is right for you can make a big difference in your miles earnings. Some cards offer greater earning potential but have very high annual fees (up to $695 for several high-tier cards). Others may not earn you too quickly, but you can get away with a $99 annual fee or even no annual fee on some basic cards.

Also, look out for bonus miles offers on sign-up, which are there to entice you. Read the fine print and determine which card works best for your spending habits. It goes without saying, but you must pay all your credit card dues on time to avoid any interest charges. Otherwise, you pay more interest than you desire to earn in miles.

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5

Strategically stack your benefits

Triple-dipping in mile earnings

  • Rewards-earning credit cards
  • Online shopping portal that offers miles
  • Shop from the card’s bonus categories to earn miles
  • Fulfill the welcome bonus criteria

The bottom line of increasing your miles balance is through traveling and spending. Online spending on specific categories is even better for your miles balance. Can you combine all of these in one transaction? You sure can. An example of stacking your benefits can be to (1) use your co-branded credit card to (2) make a purchase of the item in the reward-receiving category (3) through the online shopping portal, all while working on your eligibility to earn a welcome bonus.

Note: Most co-branded credit cards require you to spend a certain amount (e.g., $3,000) within a certain period (e.g., the first three months) to be eligible for the welcome bonus (cash or miles).

Air Canada shopping portal

Image: Air Canada

In the above example, you can triple-dip your mile earnings by combining the things you need with how you make the purchase. While it would require some research, these instances can boost your miles balance.

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What are your thoughts on the top ways to boost your airline’s miles balance this year? What methods do you use to earn airline miles? Share your experiences in the comments section.

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