Frequent flier miles are a wonderful way to fly for free or to receive a seat upgrade. Unfortunately, most of us don't fly enough to reach minimum reward levels. Use these tips to earn rewards without flying.
Choose an airline to focus on. It's easier to accrue enough miles if you just stick with one airline and one frequent flier program.
Calculate how many frequent flier miles you'll need to get the tickets you're working towards. Remember that you can often get tickets for fewer miles if you're flexible with the length and dates of your trip.
Identify the program partners. Most frequent flier programs work with other companies, allowing you to earn miles when you shop with these retailers. This might include flower delivery, movie rental stores or other service providers.
Get a credit card with frequent flier benefits. Choose one associated with your airline of choice, or one that awards general frequent flier miles as a bonus. Use the credit card for everything you purchase.
Register for a reward program such as eRewards and MyPoints. Respond to ads, surveys and special offers to earn points that can be redeemed for frequent flier miles. When you join the program, make sure to complete your profile and express a wide range of interests. This will ensure that you have a lot of offers available to you.
Consider buying miles. Many frequent flier programs allow you to purchase a small number of miles to help you meet your goals. They can be expensive, though, so this should be a last resort.