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There are several strategies to rapidly accumulate airline miles, but one of the quickest methods is to enroll in a co-branded travel or airline credit card. By doing so, you can collect miles from your everyday purchases and often gain access to a signup bonus that could equate to a few free flights. Additional methods for earning miles include registering for frequent flyer programs, consistently flying with your preferred airline, utilizing airline shopping portals for rewards, and taking advantage of promotional offers.
Surprisingly, there’s yet another avenue for earning miles — and it could be the simplest of all. With airline dining rewards programs, you can earn miles for every dollar spent dining at your preferred restaurants.
Understanding Airline Dining Rewards Programs
The principle of earning miles through dining programs is fairly straightforward, although the stipulations of each program may differ. Notable dining rewards initiatives include Southwest Rapid Rewards Dining, Delta SkyMiles Dining, United MileagePlus Dining, and American Airlines Dining, in addition to similar programs offered by other airlines.
Every airline dining program collaborates with numerous restaurants nationwide, making it convenient to locate eligible venues whether you’re at home or traveling. After signing up for a dining rewards account, you simply need to use a credit or debit card linked to your account when dining at a participating restaurant, and the miles you accumulate will typically be credited to your account within 60 days.
Maximizing Your Miles
The potential miles you can earn varies based on the program you select and various other elements, but you can anticipate earning at least one mile for every dollar spent at participating restaurants, with possibilities for higher returns.
Accumulate More Miles with Elite Status
Certain dining programs enable you to earn additional miles once you reach specific levels of engagement within the program. For instance, with Delta SkyMiles Dining, you can qualify as a “VIP Member” after dining out 11 times or more by the end of the year. This VIP status allows you to earn five miles per dollar spent at program-participating restaurants.
Boost Earnings by Opting into Emails
Participating in email communications can enhance your miles with programs like Southwest Rapid Rewards Dining, where members who consent to receive emails can earn three miles for every dollar spent instead of the standard one mile for every two dollars. Similarly, opting into emails with the American AAdvantage and United MileagePlus Dining programs can qualify you for additional miles.
Explore Signup Bonuses
To encourage new members, many airline dining programs provide signup bonuses that can yield several thousand miles. For example, Delta SkyMiles Dining offers 3,000 bonus miles when you sign up and spend a minimum of $30 (including taxes and tips) at participating restaurants within your first 30 days. Similar bonuses are available with other programs such as American AAdvantage, United MileagePlus, and Southwest Rapid Rewards Dining.
Maximize Rewards with Your Credit Card
The advantage of airline dining initiatives is that you can earn extra rewards by paying with a travel or airline credit card when settling your restaurant bill. Keep in mind that dining rewards are earned in addition to any points or miles accrued through a rewards credit card.
Link Multiple Cards to Your Account
Most airline dining initiatives allow you to connect several credit and debit cards to your account, so it’s wise to link all the cards you frequently use. By doing this, you can ensure you always earn miles whenever you choose to eat out.
Flexible Payment Options
Most dining programs allow you to use any credit card connected to your account for payment. This means you aren’t restricted to using just an American AAdvantage card when dining at American AAdvantage restaurants. Instead, you can opt for a rewards card that grants you better miles or cash back for dining expenses.
Consider Joining Multiple Programs
If you are a participant in more than one frequent flyer program, there’s no reason to limit yourself to joining just one dining rewards initiative. Opportunities for free miles, including signup bonuses, abound, so take advantage of each program to maximize your free travel potential. (See also: How I’ve Scored Free Travel for 5 Years Straight)
If you believe joining a dining rewards program for your preferred airline could be beneficial, you’re likely correct. Enrollment is free, and you could gain more than expected if local restaurants are part of the network.
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