'Best investment of my life': This New Jersey man spent $510K for unlimited flights in 1990, has flown 24 million miles since. Here are 3 great ways to earn airline miles today

Fly with the same carrier

Loyalty pays off when it comes to airline travel. Consistently flying with the same airline can significantly increase your mileage earnings.

Many airlines offer loyalty programs that reward frequent flyers with more points per flight as their tier within the program increases.

By concentrating your travel with one carrier, you not only accumulate miles faster but also enjoy additional benefits such as priority boarding, access to exclusive lounges, and free upgrades.

This strategy is especially beneficial for those who travel often, as reaching elite status can multiply the rewards and provide a more comfortable travel experience.

Kiss your credit card debt goodbye

Millions of Americans are struggling to crawl out of debt in the face of record-high interest rates. A personal loan offers lower interest rates and fixed payments, making it a smart choice to consolidate high-interest credit card debt. It helps save money, simplifies payments, and accelerates debt payoff. Credible is a free online service that shows you the best lending options to pay off your credit card debt fast — and save a ton in interest.

Explore better rates

Use airline or travel credit cards

Applying for and using airline-affiliated or travel credit cards is one of the most effective ways to earn miles without even flying. These cards often come with substantial sign-up bonuses and reward high mile returns on airline purchases, and sometimes on other categories like dining, groceries, and gas.

Paying with your travel credit card for regular expenses can rapidly boost your miles balance, and some cards also offer additional perks such as free checked bags, travel insurance, and annual travel credits, making this method highly advantageous for regular and occasional travelers alike.

Just remember, carrying a balance on any credit card typically results in interest charges. If you want to avoid these charges, it’s important to pay off the balance each month.

Leverage partnerships

Airlines frequently partner with a wide array of businesses including hotels, car rental agencies, and retail stores, allowing you to earn miles through these transactions. By booking stays at partner hotels, renting vehicles from affiliated services, or making purchases through airline shopping portals, travelers can conveniently accrue miles on the ground.

Additionally, many airlines collaborate with restaurants, so dining can also earn you miles. Like using co-branded credit cards, spending money with airline-affiliated vendors can substantially boost your mileage earnings by turning routine expenditures into opportunities to accumulate miles, paving the way for discounted or free future travel.

Utilizing these strategies together can significantly accelerate your mileage accrual, unlocking faster access to travel benefits and rewards.