Looking to make your holiday shopping more rewarding? Want to earn extra while buying gifts? Concerned about your American Airlines miles expiring after 24 months of inactivity? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, read on.
As you prepare for a season of giving and receiving, you can also ensure that your frequent flyer miles are thriving and ready to take you on your next adventure. Several major airlines, including Alaska, American, Delta, Southwest, and United are currently running special promotions that offer bonus miles when you shop through their online portals. This could be a fantastic opportunity for many of you.
Why Use Airline Shopping Portals?
Shopping through airline portals is a clever way to make your holiday season even more rewarding. Here are some strategic approaches:
- Rescue Your Miles: When your frequent flyer miles are at risk of expiring, using shopping portals can give them a lifeline. Every purchase keeps your miles active, ensuring they won’t go to waste. For the major US carriers, this does not really apply as most of their miles do not expire other than AA miles but just be aware of the expiration rules of your loyalty program.
- Alaska Airlines (Mileage Plan): Mileage Plan miles do not expire. However, if your Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan account has been inactive for more than two years and is locked, simply call Guest Care to verify your identity, and they’ll reactivate the account for you. All your miles will still be there, ready for your use.
- American Airlines (AAdvantage): Your AAdvantage miles are valid for 24 months, and any qualifying activity will extend their expiration. It’s essential to note the exception for customers under 21.
- Delta Air Lines (SkyMiles): No need to worry about your Delta SkyMiles—they don’t expire.
- Southwest Airlines (Rapid Rewards): Your Rapid Rewards points are safe; they don’t come with an expiration date.
- United Airlines (MileagePlus): Good news—MileagePlus miles don’t have an expiration date either.
- Boost Your Points Balance: Need a few more points for that upcoming trip or upgrade? Airline shopping portals can help you achieve this goal.
- Holiday Bonus Offers: Take advantage of special promotions, like holiday bonus offers, to earn extra rewards. These limited-time deals can significantly boost your miles or points.
- Double-Dip Rewards: Combine portal shopping with your rewards credit card to maximize your rewards. You can earn both airline miles or points and credit card rewards simultaneously.
- Routine Expenses: Make portal shopping a habit for routine expenses. By doing so, you’ll effortlessly accumulate more miles without altering your spending habits.
- Exclusive Deals: Always keep an eye out for exclusive deals and limited-time events offered through these portals. They can provide even more value.
Airlines and Their “Holiday Bonus” Offers:
- Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan Shopping: Earn up to 1,500 bonus miles based on your cumulative qualifying purchases. Tiered bonuses include:
- Tier 1 (Up to 300 miles) for qualifying purchases of at least $150.
- Tier 2 (Up to 750 miles) for qualifying purchases of at least $350.
- Tier 3 (Up to 1,500 miles) for qualifying purchases of $650 or more.
- American Airlines AAdvantage eShopping: Offers up to 4,000 bonus miles in three tiers:
- Tier 1 (500 bonus miles) for qualifying purchases of at least $200.
- Tier 2 (1,500 bonus miles) for qualifying purchases of $700.
- Tier 3 (4,000 bonus miles) for qualifying purchases of $1,600 or more.
- Delta SkyMiles Shopping: Get up to 2,000 bonus miles with tiered bonuses:
- Tier 1 (Up to 400 miles) for qualifying purchases of at least $200.
- Tier 2 (Up to 800 miles) for qualifying purchases of at least $500.
- Tier 3 (Up to 2,000 miles) for qualifying purchases of at least $1,000.
- Southwest Rapid Rewards Shopping: Offers a maximum of 4,000 bonus points, divided into three tiers based on purchase amounts:
- Tier 1 (400 points) for purchases of $100-$399.99.
- Tier 2 (1,200 points) for purchases of $400-$999.99.
- Tier 3 (4,000 points) for purchases of $1,000 or more.
- United MileagePlus Shopping: Provides a maximum of 5,000 bonus miles in three tiers:
- Tier 1 (500 bonus miles) for qualifying purchases of at least $150.
- Tier 2 (2,000 bonus miles) for qualifying purchases of at least $600.
- Tier 3 (5,000 bonus miles) for qualifying purchases of $1,200 or more.
In a Nutshell
Using airline shopping portals for miles and points is a great strategy, but remember to pay your credit card balance in full each month to avoid interest charges. Shop responsibly, stick to your budget, and don’t overspend just for the sake of earning points. It’s a smart way to maximize rewards while staying financially responsible.
These airline shopping portals are your ticket to a more rewarding holiday shopping season. By taking advantage of their tiered bonus miles or points offers and exclusive deals, you can effortlessly accumulate more rewards while making the most of your holiday shopping. Remember to read the terms and conditions for each offer and shop responsibly within your budget. For additional insights, you may find my articles on easy methods to earn miles and points [link] quite valuable. If you’re new to this, I also have a guide on credit card points and miles that can provide a great starting point. Enjoy your shopping and happy holidays!
Disclaimer: This article is neither sponsored nor paid, and I am not affiliated with any of the mentioned programs at the time of writing.
