Frequent flyer miles are a traveller’s best friend when it comes to saving money and unlocking premium travel experiences. If you’re looking to maximize your miles and enjoy perks like free flights, upgrades, and lounge access, understanding how to earn them efficiently is key. Traveloka will help you learn how to earn frequent flyer miles quickly, elaborated for your benefit.

The most traditional way to earn frequent flyer miles is by flying with an airline and its network of partners. Most major airlines belong to global alliances such as Star Alliance, SkyTeam, or Oneworld, enabling you to earn miles across multiple carriers under one loyalty program.

By choosing flights strategically within these alliances, you can accumulate miles faster. For example, if you’re a member of United Airlines’ MileagePlus program, flying with Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, or Singapore Airlines will also earn you United miles.

It’s essential to ensure that your frequent flyer number is attached to your booking before your flight. Additionally, keep an eye on promotional offers from airlines that often provide bonus miles for specific routes, classes, or seasonal travel. Business and first-class tickets usually earn more miles than economy fares, so upgrading when feasible can significantly boost your mileage.

To maximize the value of your frequent flyer points, focus on accumulating them with a limited number of airlines that align with your typical travel routes.

For instance, having 100,000 points with a single airline offers significantly more earning potential and redemption flexibility compared to dispersing 10,000 points across ten different carriers. This strategy allows you to more readily attain rewards like free flights or upgrades.

An exception to this rule arises when you can seamlessly transfer points between loyalty programs at a 1:1 ratio. This flexibility enables you to leverage points across a wider network of airlines. It's crucial to remember that frequent flyer points may expire if your account remains inactive for an extended period, usually between 12 and 18 months.

Pro Tip: The secret on how to earn frequent flyer miles quickly earn points is to fly often and with the same carrier. Book your flights only in Traveloka.

One of the fastest ways to rack up miles is by signing up for and using co-branded airline credit cards. These cards are tied to specific frequent flyer programs and allow you to earn miles on everyday purchases.

For instance, the Delta SkyMiles American Express card earns miles on groceries, dining, and travel expenses. Many cards also offer lucrative sign-up bonuses, such as 50,000 or more miles after meeting a minimum spending requirement within the first few months.

In addition to earning miles, these credit cards often provide other travel perks like free checked bags, priority boarding, and lounge access. To maximize your earnings, use the card for all eligible expenses and pay off the balance each month to avoid interest charges. Some cards also offer bonus categories, such as double miles on dining or triple miles on airline tickets, which can further accelerate your mileage accumulation.

Airlines often have online shopping portals that reward you with miles for purchases made at partnered retailers. These portals feature a wide range of brands, from fashion and electronics to home goods and travel services.

To use these portals, simply log into your frequent flyer account, access the shopping section, and click through to the retailer’s website before making your purchase. The number of miles you earn varies by retailer and promotion, with some offering up to 10 miles per dollar spent during special events.

Regularly checking these portals for deals can help you earn miles on items you were already planning to buy. Additionally, stacking promotions—using your co-branded airline credit card through these portals—can multiply your earnings.

Many frequent flyer programs allow you to earn miles when booking accommodations or renting cars through their partners. Some airlines have partnerships with hotel chains like Marriott, Hilton, or Hyatt, as well as car rental companies like Hertz, Avis, and Budget. By entering your frequent flyer number during the booking process, you can earn miles for every dollar spent on your stay or rental.

Some programs even have exclusive booking platforms where you can earn bonus miles for reservations. For instance, American Airlines’ AAdvantage program offers extra miles when you book through its hotel and car rental portals.

Be sure to compare the benefits of earning miles versus hotel loyalty points, as some bookings allow you to choose between the two. Combining both can yield the best rewards, especially for frequent travellers.

Pro Tip: Connect your Frequent Flyer account with Traveloka! You can directly add your frequent flyer account during booking in Traveloka. No more hassle, just the benefits.

A lesser-known way to earn miles is by participating in surveys and promotional activities. Many airlines partner with market research companies, allowing members to earn miles by completing online surveys. Programs like e-Rewards or Opinion Miles Club offer a straightforward way to turn your opinions into travel currency.

Additionally, airlines frequently run promotions where you can earn bonus miles for activities such as dining at specific restaurants, joining partner programs, or subscribing to newsletters. Signing up for email alerts from your frequent flyer program ensures you don’t miss these opportunities. While the miles earned through surveys and promotions might be smaller in volume, they can add up over time, especially when combined with other earning strategies.

Many frequent flyer programs offer dining rewards where you can earn miles by eating at participating restaurants. These programs often require you to register your credit or debit card with the airline’s dining program, and then you earn miles automatically whenever you dine at a partnered establishment. For example, Delta SkyMiles Dining or American Airlines AAdvantage Dining are excellent options for earning extra miles while enjoying a meal out.

To maximize your rewards, look for restaurants offering bonus miles for new members or promotional periods. Regularly check the list of participating restaurants in your area, as they frequently update. Combining this with a co-branded airline credit card can double your earnings, making every meal an opportunity to boost your miles.

Some airlines partner with subscription services, allowing you to earn miles when you sign up for streaming platforms, newspapers, or magazines. For instance, programs like United MileagePlus often provide miles for subscribing to The Wall Street Journal or Hulu. These promotions are an easy way to earn miles for services you may already use.

Look out for special offers where signing up for an annual plan yields a higher mileage reward. Additionally, periodically review your subscriptions for opportunities to switch to a partner service that offers miles. This approach ensures you’re earning rewards for expenses you’d incur anyway.

If you are a member of hotel loyalty programs like Marriott Bonvoy or Hilton Honors, you can often transfer your points to airline frequent flyer programs. While the transfer ratios vary, this is a great way to consolidate your rewards if you’re planning a big trip. Some programs even offer bonuses for transferring points during promotional periods.

To make the most of this strategy, calculate the value of the transfer compared to redeeming the points for hotel stays. If the miles will help you reach a valuable award ticket or upgrade, transferring points can be a smart move. Keep an eye on transfer bonuses to maximize the value of your points.

Airlines occasionally offer promotions where you can purchase miles at a discount or with bonus miles. While buying miles is generally not the most cost-effective way to earn them, it can be useful if you need a small number of miles to reach an award level. For example, if you’re just a few thousand miles short of a free flight, purchasing miles during a sale can be worth it.

Before purchasing, compare the cost of the miles to the value of the award ticket or upgrade you’re aiming for. This strategy works best when used sparingly and in conjunction with other earning methods.

Frequent flyer programs offer a variety of benefits to travellers. But it’s important tp note that the specific benefits and eligibility requirements vary depending on the airline and the tier level within their frequent flyer program.

Now that you know the strategies and tips on how to earn frequent flyer miles quickly, you can turn routine activities into opportunities to earn frequent flyer miles. Most importantly, you can easily connect your Frequent Flyer Account during booking in Traveloka after filling in the passenger details.

Traveloka simplifies your journey by letting you book flights, hotels, and unforgettable experiences like thrilling theme park tickets or serene temple visits, all in one place. Imagine a seamless travel experience, from soaring through the clouds to exploring hidden gems, effortlessly planned and booked. Your dream vacation awaits, let’s travel the world with Traveloka!