Cyber Monday is here!

The Monday after Thanksgiving is a special day for mileage/points junkies.   Earning rewards at great prices  at your favorite online retailers, like Target, Best Buy, Macy's, Groupon, Nike, Sephora, Ulta, Nordstrom, Kohl's etc.,is a win for everyone!  Not only do you get great savings and often free shipping on Cyber Monday, opportunities for bonus miles will get you even closer to your next vacation. I'm ALWAYS ready for the next vacation!

If you plan to put a dent in your holiday shopping today, don't forget to take that extra step and visit your reward program's online shopping portal to earn miles or points for all your purchases! (I have my favorite shopping portals bookmarked and saved as my homepage.) Several coupon codes are floating around for even more savings. You can find a coupon code by visiting www.evreward.com or www.retailmenot.com. 

Happy shopping! And, happy Mileage Junkie Day!! Enjoy.

Online Shopping Portals:

• American Airlines Aadvantage:  Advantage eshopping
• United Mileage Plus:  Mileage Plus Shopping
• US Airways: Dividend Miles Storefront
• Delta: SkyMiles Shopping
• Southwest: Rapid Rewards Shopping
• JetBlue: ShopTrue

Think Pink, Earn AA Miles.

Have boobs? Know someone who has boobs? Then, by now, when you see the color pink, you think breast cancer awareness.  October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and your generosity to the cause can pay off. 

Now through October 31, you can donate to Miles for the Cure and American Airlines will reward you with double AAdvantage^® miles — 20 miles per dollar, with a minimum of $25 donation. Donate now.  Your donation can help save lives and get you several miles closer to your next travel destination.  

Check out AA's Be Pink campaign to see their other activities in support of breast cancer awareness and research.

FACTS ABOUT BREAST CANCER IN THE U.S.A.

• One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.
• Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women.
• Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death among women.
• Each year it is estimated that over 220,000 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer and more than 40,000 will die.
• Although breast cancer in men is rare, an estimated 2,150 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer and approximately 410 will die each year.

A New Year Means New Opportunities

Happy New Year and Hello 2012! I don't know about you; but I'm on a mission. I have resolved to check off at least two places on my bucket list in 2012; but I don't want to spend a lot.  So, that means I will need to make sure my mileage is on point.

After my fabulous vacay to Costa Rica for which I cleared my AAdvantage account, and the holiday season where I took advantage of mileage bonuses for all my online shopping, I am starting the new year with 9,019 AAdvantage miles and 9,006 US Air Dividend Miles. 

This mileage diva is determined to get back to the 100,000 mile mark.  I am up for the challenge.  You'll see... I will pursue mileage opportunities with extreme diligence (like a nut!); miles for dining out, everyday shopping, day to day business, traveling, charitable donations, and more.  I will share all the tips and bonus opportunities I come across so that you too can take build up your frequent flyer mileage.  Resolve to travel more, see the world. Bring it on 2012... I've got my eye on the prize!

Costa Rica...Mileage Diva Style

First class flight to Liberia, Costa Rica en route to the Pacific coast...continental breakfast on the first leg; Greek salad, broiled fish and potatoes with a glass of sauvignon blanc on the second. All using mileage!!

After a nice ride from the airport, we checked in to the  Flamingo Beach Resort in Guanacaste.  Mind you, I used miles to book our hotel reservation so the net cost of this trip less was than $120 per person!! All we had to do was pay the taxes on the airfare and the difference for the hotel that the miles didn't cover.  (I was just shy of the amount of miles needed to cover the entire hotel stay.)

When we checked in at the reception area, we were greeted with friendly smile and a fruity welcome drink. Now that's how you say "welcome!"  The Flamingo Beach Resort is a beautiful hotel right on the white sands of Flamingo Beach. The staff so far, have been very nice and helpful.  I definitely get to work on my Spanish.

After a rejuvenating volcanic mud body wrap treatment at the spa, a hike in the rain forest, a dip in the natural hot springs near the Arenal volcano, we enjoyed a relaxing sun-filled, beach day to get our vacation in gear.

Look out for pictures in the next few days... Great times in Costa Rica so far.  Pura Vida!

M&Ms are good for you... Magazines and Mileage that is.

Laying out on the couch with a good magazine sounds good... Laying out poolside or on the beach with a magazine in some tropical location?  Well, that sounds even better.  You can earn up to 2,000 miles with U.S. Airways Dividend Miles for purchasing a magazine subscription for some of your favorite magazines with Magazine Mileage Awards.  Reading the latest entertainment news, checking out the top 100 places to live in Money magazine, or seeing this season's fashion trends can get you several hundred miles closer to your next vacation. It's worth checking out.

Double Dipping Ain't That Bad...

Double dipping your tortilla chip in the salsa at your company holiday party... no bueno.  Double dipping for miles, on the other hand, es muy bueno!  (read: Great!  for my Spanish challenged folks.) So, you're probably wondering how the whole "double dipping" thing works... 

In my first blog post, I mentioned that there were several ways to get miles besides traveling.  One of those ways is signing up for your bank's debit or credit card affiliated with a frequent flyer program.  I bank with both Citibank and Bank of America to earn Aadvantage and U.S. Airways Dividend Miles, respectively with my debit cards.  These credit and debit cards are accepted worldwide (Mastercard and Visa logo) – and can help you travel worldwide too. You'll earn miles quick and easy on every purchase you make.  So, here's how you double dip.

First dip: sign up for your favorite program's dining rewards program.  You can register up to 5 credit or debit cards so that you get at least 3 miles per dollar spent at participating restaurants including tax and tip... (Do you see where this is going??) Make sure one of those cards that you register with the dining program is a debit or credit card affiliated with another frequent flyer account and when you dine at a participating restaurant and use the card that you've registered and voila... you have just double dipped without getting the side eye from grossed out party goers.

I'll use myself to further illustrate the point.  I am registered with Aadvantage's Dining Rewards Program and I have registered my Bank of America Visa debit card which earns me 1 mile for every $2 spent with US Airways Dividend Miles program.  As a VIP Dining Rewards member (a status you obtain after 12 dines each a calendar year), I earn 5 miles per dollar with Aadvantage.  Last week, I treated someone to lunch at Thai Tanic in Washington, D.C.(a participating rewards network restaurant) and spent $50 after tax and tip using my US Airways debit card.  As a result, I got 250 miles with American's Aadvantage program for dining with a participating restaurant, and I got 25 miles for my US Airways Dividend miles account... double dipping and earning miles for BOTH programs in a single transaction.  

Another double dipping opportunity presents itself when you shop online.  Visit any one of your frequent flyer program's online shopping malls and make a purchase with a debit or credit card for a different frequent flyer program and there you go again, double dipping.  If I purchase a $20 Groupon through the Aadvantage shopping mall, I get 10 miles per dollar with American (200 miles), and 10 Dividend miles when I pay with my Bank of America US Airways debit card. It's a win win win.  :)

This works for points programs as well and any other goods and services that you purchase through your favorite frequent flyer program's various opportunities to earn miles  that require credit card payment i.e. plane tickets, vacations, car rentals. Double dipping helps you keep your frequent flyer accounts active and beef up the number of miles/points you get and you'll be a step closer to more travel.  You just can't beat it.

 

Great miles for good deals...

It seems that everywhere you turn nowadays there's a deal to be had.  Deals are advertised online, in print, and on television. You have livingsocial, buywithme,  groupon, jasmere, dealfind, travelzoo, beyondtherack, and countless other deal websites that boast savings of 70-90% off everything from fancy restaurants to designer apparel and accessories.  Loving deals the way I do, of course I have signed up with all of the previously mentioned deal sites and then some.  However, I have to admit that I'm a bit partial to Lifesta, Groupon, and beyondtherack.  

Here's why (pay close attention - mileage alert).  Beyond the Rack offers great deals on designer and high end products and you can get 3 miles per dollar with AAdvantage eshopping.  Lifesta allows you to buy deals and sell back deals you won't use.  Plus, you get 2 miles per dollar spent with US Airways Dividend Miles Shopping Mall.  Not only does Groupon offer multiple deals that give you several days to take advantage of the discounted rates, you can earn 8 miles per dollar spent on AAdvantage eshopping and 4 miles per dollar with US Airways Dividend Miles Shopping Mall.   

Not long ago, I purchased a Groupon deal for an executive one-bedroom suite at the pricey Gaylord National Harbor hotel in Maryland that earned me 1,192 miles. So, I banked a great deal, on a great hotel, and I fattened my mileage Aadvantage account. Winning!

In these tight economic times, we're all looking for ways to stretch a dollar.  These sites offer great deals and some allow you to earn miles.  Be sure to check your favorite frequent mileage program's online shopping site and see if and which deal sites allow you to earn miles while you save money.  Can't beat it. 

Miles for Every Day Purchases... Can't Beat It

You'll be surprised how quickly frequent flyer mileage adds up with every day purchases.  Although, I am registered with just about every major airline's frequent flyer program, I focus the majority of my mileage accrual on American's Aadvantage program.  I find that I accrue Aadvantage mileage rapidly without setting foot on an airplane.  Here's how...

I mentioned before that I have a bit of a shopping problem... It's not that I can't control myself when I hear or see a shopper's favorite word... "SALE".  It's that I pretty much refuse to make a purchase without getting something for my every day purchases.  Whether it's groceries, clothing, gas, travel, gifts etc., it doesn't matter; for every single purchase that I make, I get miles.  I use my mileage debit cards (Citibank and Bank of America) which allow me to accrue 1 mile for every $2 spent on all purchases including bill payment! 

Not only do I get miles for using my mileage debit cards for every transaction, I earn miles for shopping on the Aadvantage eShopping Mall website.

SPECIAL MILEAGE ALERT: From now through May 13, 2011, you can earn 500 bonus miles for all purchases of $75 or more using the Aadvantage eShopping Mall.  Now that's a sweet deal!

Using the Aadvantage eShopping Mall, I frequent online merchants like Best Buy, Target, Macy's, iTunes, ProFlowers, Groupon, and Restaurant.com earning, in some cases, up to 18 miles for every dollar spent!  Trust me, it adds up.  Since January, I have earned 2,252 miles for making basic purchases.  Since I've discovered getting mileage for feeding my shoe fetish and avoiding lines in stores, I have earned close to 40,000 miles.    So not only do I enjoy online sales, I search for promo codes online to get free shipping and additional discounts, plus the mileage to boot! If I can do it, you can do it.

Mother's Day is right around the corner.  Why not use the Aadvantage eShopping website to order mom some flowers? Or a gift from Macy's or Red Envelope? There are so many options to choose from.  Just visit the website and review the list of online retailers for ideas.  You're sure to find many of  your mom's favorites and while you're at it, I'm sure you can find a little something for yourself. *wink*

Word to the wise...bookmark the Aadvantage eShopping Mall website.  Get in the habit of going to the Aadvantage eShopping Mall for all online purchases and you'll see how quickly the miles add up.  Happy Shopping!

Note: Frequent flyer programs with Delta, United, Continental, and US Airways also have online shopping malls that allow you to earn frequent flyer mileage for purchases. So, if you have a preference for a frequent flyer program, do not hesitate to bookmark their online shopping website to earn more miles.

Get the Ball Rolling...

Although I have traveled since I was in diapers, I was not a believer.  Like many others, I enjoyed an occasional vacation but figured I didn’t travel enough to justify joining a frequent flyer program.  What was the point?? 

That all changed about 12 years ago when I saw the proverbial light and embraced the frequent flyer philosophy --- get miles, miles, and more miles.   Acquired miles (points or segments – depending on the airline) can be redeemed for free air travel; other goods or services; or increased benefits, such as travel class upgrades, airport lounge access, or priority bookings.  I have adopted a lifestyle that is all about reaping the benefits of frequent flyer programs and have decided to share what I’ve learned over the years.    

I’m a bit of a mileage junkie (to put it mildly) and I’ve learned a few things along the way that I want to share with you.  I've learned that travel is not the only way to get frequent flyer miles and have committed myself to earning miles whenever and wherever possible.

With that said, here are a few tips to get the ball rolling with earning frequent flyer miles and rewards points.

First things, first:

Enroll

Enroll in one, if not all frequent flyer and customer rewards programs.  Just about every airline and hotel has some type of loyalty program.  At minimum, you should enroll in the rewards program for the airline which you are most likely to use when traveling (consider the airline with the most flights out of the airport closest to you).  

Here are a few Airline Frequent Flyer Programs to get you started:

American Airlines: Aadvantage® Program

US Airways: Dividend Miles

Delta: SkyMiles

Southwest: Rapid Rewards

Air Tran: a+ Rewards

United:  Mileage Plus
JetBlue: TrueBlue

How to Earn Miles/Points

Travel  It goes without saying that EVERY time you book a flight you should enter your frequent flyer membership number.  However, there are several ways to earn miles even if you never take a trip! Let me tell you how.

Shop!  I’m a shopaholic that loves a good sale. So when I couple a good deal with an opportunity to earn frequent flyer miles, I am psyched!!  Most airlines have an online shopping mall that give you miles for every dollar you spend.  You don't need a special credit card to use it! 

Simply register on the online shopping mall website with your frequent flyer number; bookmark the website; register a credit or debit card; and use the site to locate popular online  retailers like Groupon, Target, the Gap, Macy’s,  Sephora, Walmart and Best Buy.

Any time you shop online through the online shopping mall or use your registered credit or debit card with participating retailers: online, in-store,  or through catalogs, you'll earn miles or points. Enroll today and earn more rewards than ever before.

• American Airlines Aadvantage:  Advantage eshopping
• United Mileage Plus:  Mileage Plus Shopping
• US Airways: Dividend Miles Storefront
• Delta: SkyMiles Shopping
• Southwest: Rapid Rewards Shopping

Dine out! Register up to 5 credit or debit cards with  your preferred loyalty program’s dining program and get up to 5 miles per dollar each time you dine at a participating restaurant including tax and gratuity.  Use the dining rewards website (or app) to locate restaurants in your city and start getting miles today.

Hotel Stays.   Most hotels have partnered with your favorite frequent flyer program to provide miles for hotel stays.  Many hotel customer rewards programs give you the option to accrue miles versus rewards points for each hotel stay. Register with your favorite hotels’ guest rewards programs for other great perks and travel incentives.

Credit/Debit Cards.   Each airline has a credit card that gives you mileage for each dollar spent many of which include promotional offers up to 30,000 miles when you make a minimum purchase within a specified time frame.  Click here for a listing of various airline/mileage credit cards.

A few banks are affiliated with frequent flyer programs or have their own rewards program so that when you use your debit or bank card you earn miles or points for everyday expenses. Consider opening a checking account and request a debit card to earn miles for everyday purchases. Some debit cards/banks offer basic rewards which allow you to redeem tons of things -- from gift cards to travel rewards.  Ask your bank if they have a debit card affiliated with a mileage program or some other travel rewards.

Here are a few affiliations I know for sure:

Frequent Flyer Program	Affiliated Bank
US Airways Dividend Miles	Bank of America (exp. 9/30/12)
Delta SkyMiles	Sun Trust

These are just a few simple tips to get the ball rolling with earning airline mileage for every day purchases.  The world is too full of beauty and adventure to allow the cost of travel to keep you from it.   As long as you continue to earn miles with some eligible activity (travel, shopping, dining, etc.), your miles do not expire.   So why not earn miles and see the world?  

Get the ball rolling...get it?!