I am a person who always wanted to learn how to obtain the perks that a frequent flyer enjoys. I thought that these perks were out of reach for me because I don’t fly frequently. I don’t have a job that requires me to travel a lot. During my entire working life, I have only had to fly for work two times! So far this post sounds like a downer
but what I discovered was that frequent flyer privileges can be obtained by anyone who can harness the power of the points game.
While many have learned how to leverage credit card sign-on bonuses to their advantage this particular post will be focused on using the shopping portals of major airlines. When I discovered how to receive miles through online shopping I was hooked.
Because airlines such as American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, British Airways, Delta, and United all have shopping portals. When you make online purchases through their portals at your favorite retailers you receive miles on your airline reward account.
Unquestionably my favorite shopping portal is Southwest. But I have accounts with Delta, American, and British Airways as well. When I want to make an online purchase at a retailer, I check to see how many miles per dollar spent each portal is offering for that retailer and go with the portal offering the most miles. If they are all offering the same number of miles then I go with the account that has the most points in it. The goal is to top off the account closest to qualifying for an award flight.
Example: I want to purchase something at Macy’s. I check all the portals for how many points per dollar they are offering at Macy’s. I see Southwest is offering 7 miles per dollar spent at Macy’s. I sign on to Southwest Rapid Reward Shopping portal. I select Macy’s. It takes me to the Macy’s website. I complete my purchase on the website and it is registered with Southwest. I receive 7 miles for every dollar spent with Macy’s in my Southwest Rapid Rewards account.
In order to use these portals, you need to have a frequent flyer account prior to registering on the shopping portal. Obtaining frequent flyer loyalty numbers are free and don’t require a flight so there is nothing stopping you. Go get your miles!
SIDE NOTE: THIS IS ALSO A GREAT WAY TO KEEP MILES FROM EXPIRING.
