Fastest Way to Earn Air Miles

Travel, but travel smartly

• Obviously, the best way to get lots of miles is to travel. With most frequent flyer programs, you earn one flyer mile for each mile actually flown. However, most airlines offer regular promotions that allow you to earn extra miles, sometimes even doubling them. Typically, these include flying at specified times, flying preferred routes, or flying first class. You can also earn extra miles by staying at partner hotels or using preferred rental car companies. Check with your carrier for a list of these preferred companies.
  
  

Focus on one program

• According to FrequentFlier.com, racking up a large number of miles on one program can gain you elite status and special benefits, where racking up smaller mileage on several carriers does not. To maximize your benefits, select one program that best suits your travel needs and focus your energy on earning miles with that carrier. Take advantage of promotions; sign up for the airline's credit card (if they have one) and use it religiously. Find out what merchants are partnering with your carrier, and shop with them as often as possible to earn extra miles. Use your airline's credit card with those partners, and earn even more. Using strategies like these, you'll rack up miles at a surprising rate.
  
  

Miles with credit cards

• Besides the airlines offering their own credit cards, many other banks offer free miles as part of their credit card rewards programs. According to FrequentFlier.com, using credit cards are the next best way to earn miles quickly other than traveling. Find out what banks are offering reward miles with your carrier, sign up for their cards, and use them responsibly.