Now that you have followed my easy steps to getting setup to start earning points/miles, let's get started with your first free flight!
It's important to remember that becoming a vacation hacker is a marathon, not a sprint, so it does take time and consistent effort to sustain an ample supply of miles that will allow you to travel to destinations all over the world. However, on this blog post I will walk you through a scenario where you can quickly earn a flight from Detroit to Honolulu, Hawaii. The American Airlines flight used in this example will be for travel in October 2016. A screenshot of the flight is below:
 |
| Flight departs Detroit 10/27/2016 and returns 11/3/2016. |
As you can see, it will take 35,000 American Airlines miles to earn your flight. See below for a quick way to earn the necessary miles to redeem your flight.
On the market for a new cable television provider? Switch to DirecTV and earn 25,000 American Airlines miles.
Need a Valentine's Day gift for a significant other? Use 1-800-FLOWERS through the AA shopping portal and earn 15/miles per dollar spent. $150 = 2,250 miles. While you're at it, earn an additional 2,000 miles by taking your significant other to a registered AAdvantage Dining restaurant and spend a minimum of $30.
Have Verizon Wireless and need to upgrade your phone? Earn 4,300 miles by upgrading and turning in your old phone.
Signup for a Vinesse Wines Club shipment (6 bottles @ $6.99/each + free shipping) and earn 1,700 miles. You can cancel at any time.
Participate in the above listed offers and you will have accumulated 35,250 miles which will cover your roundtrip flight from Detroit to Honolulu!!
As I mentioned earlier, think of mileage/point collection as a marathon and not a race. Not everyone will be able to signup for the offers listed above but the offers are constantly changing and the earning potential is unlimited. Stick with it and you will be on your way to your dream location in no time!
Disclaimer - I am not compensated by any of the companies that are referenced in my blog posts. I'm simply trying to help people travel on a budget like I've been able to for years.