Arline miles and points are often HIDING!  You just know have to know where to find them!  Let me show you…

In a previous post about FREE traveling, I made a list of ways you can earn miles and points without even flying; this is another great way!  You’ll soon find there are many ways to earn airline miles and points on regular purchases you were already making!

I’m sure you’ve heard of Groupon and Living Social.  These are websites that offer amazing deals by offering local activities, travel, goods and services at a reduced price. Unless you’re like me and FORGET to use the deals you’ve purchased (Doh!), they are a screaming deal!  I’m all about trying new things, so when I’m stumped on ideas I head to either site to scan the deals!

Miles and points are earned by accessing Groupon and Living Social deals through your airline or credit card shopping portal! 

SHOPPING PORTALS:

Most airlines and credit cards have what is known as “Loyalty Program Shopping portals”, these are online “malls” that you can shop directly though to earn points and miles! All have name brand stores and services!  Keep an eye on these programs through your e-mails because they will often send HUGE promotions (example: earn 11 points for every $1 spent)

• Alaska has hefty awards and options through their Mileage Plan Shopping
• Delta has amazing deals at SkyMiles Shopping
• Southwest has Rapid Rewards Shopping with pretty awesome featured bonus shopping
• Virgin America offers the Elevate Fly Store
• Jetblue rewards points though Shop True and their Thanks Again store
• United offers Mileage Plus Shopping, as well as limiited retailers that are part of the Thanks Again store
• US Airways offers the Dividend Miles Store Front
• Chase Ultimate Rewards Shopping Portal  

Here’s a few examples of how I recently earned miles and points by purchasing Groupon and Living Social deals through the Chase Ultimate Reward Shopping Portal:

• Purchasing a hot air balloon ride for my mom’s annual Spring Break visit
• Treating myself to massage therapy
• Trying new things such as floating (the jury is out on this, I’ve yet to make my appointment)
• Lakefront camping trip in Wenatchee, Washington
• Paintball sessions for my husband and son

Use Credit Cards To Earn Even More Points

Shopping through the portal will earn you a chunk of extra miles and points, however, you can earn even more by making your purchases on a credit card that will reward you on its own. (it’s a two-fer!).  Some of us in the travel hacking world call this “stacking”.   This is when you’re earning points from the purchase, AND, through the type of payment you use.  I used this same trick when I filed my taxes through H&R Block; they were offering a shopping portal promotion AND I used my Chase Sapphire Business Ink Visa to pay for it.  This earned me “stacked” points and miles!

Here’s a few of my FRUGAL and FREE Travel Deals!  

• 3 Roundtrip to Maui for $33
• 3 Roundtrip to Chicago for $33
• Roundtrip to Seattle for $11
• Cancun Girlfriend Getaway for $90
• 4 Nights, 5 Days at All Inclusive Hyatt Zilara in Cancun, Mexico FREE
• Just Starting Out?  Learn to FLY FREE Here! 

What have you purchased using an airline or credit card shopping portal?

Happy Miles & Points Earning!
-Serena