Who doesn’t love getting free stuff for normal activities? That’s why airline mileage malls are such an exciting prospect. Nearly every airline has some type of mileage program. Most consumers earn miles by flying or by using a credit card.
However, the biggest secret that airlines keep is that many airlines also have mileage malls, where consumers can buy stuff online through normal retailers and earn miles (sometimes up to 4 miles per dollar spent!).
These are websites that consumers usually shop through, such as Target, Nordstrom, Apple, etc. You can even earn additional miles in-store by registering your credit card or debit card number with the mileage plus mall. You will then earn points every time your registered card is used at participating stores.
How Online Airline Mileage Malls Work
Airline mileage malls reward you with miles for doing the spending you would normally do anyway. Almost every airline in operation has some type of partnership agreement where you can earn airline miles of some kind of shopping.
Some restrict miles-earning to a few select partners while others allow you to shop just about anywhere online or in stores. It's easy to see how these airline miles can add up quickly with your regular shopping!
Best Airline Mileage Malls
Ready to learn about this easy way to earn airline miles for shopping you already do? Let’s take a closer look at some of my favorite airline mileage malls.
United MileagePlus Shopping
United MileagePlus Shopping allows you to earn miles towards your next flight when you shop at over 900 stores. Through the United MileagePlus Shopping program, you’ll be able to earn points through in-person and online purchases.
With each dollar you spend, you’ll earn between 0.5 to 12 miles. Here are a few of the places where you can earn points for shopping as of writing:
According to United MileagePlus Shopping, members earn an average of 3,123 miles each year.
American AAdvantage eShopping
American AAdvantage eShopping offers miles for AAdvantage members that make purchases at over 950 stores. However, this program only offers miles for online purchases.
For each dollar spent, you can earn between 1 to 5 miles. Here's how much you can earn right now at a few stores:
On average, members earn 3,238 miles per year.
Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan Shopping
Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan Shopping allows you to earn miles for purchases made at over 850 stores. Like American AAdvantage eShopping, the rewards are only offered for online shoppers.
For each dollar spent, you can earn between 0.5 to 20 miles. Here's how much you can presently earn at a few popular retailers:
Members of the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan Shopping earn an average of 1,840 miles each year.
Delta SkyMiles Shopping
Delta SkyMiles Shopping offers you the opportunity to earn miles at over 1,000 stores. Like most of these mileage malls, you’ll have to make online purchases to enjoy the rewards.
For each dollar spent, you can earn between 0.5 to 20 miles. Here are a few current examples:
According to Delta, members earn an average of 2,373 miles each year.
HawaiianMiles
HawaiianMiles offers a different experience than other airline malls. Instead of providing you the opportunity to earn points with hundreds of mainland retailers, you’ll have the opportunity to support Hawaiian businesses and earn miles.
Currently, you can make purchases in the islands or online to enjoy the best of what Hawaii has to offer. For each dollar spent, you can earn between 1 to 4 miles. Here are a few examples:
Although you’ll have to use your Hawaiian Airlines credit card, it could be worth it if you are planning a trip to Hawaii.
British Airways Avios Miles eStore
British Airways Avios Miles Mall allows you to earn between 1 to 13 miles AKA Avios for every dollar spent. You’ll have to make online purchases, but you’ll have over 400 retailers to choose from. Here are some examples:
With a wide selection of stores to choose from, it's possible to rack up miles quickly.
JetBlue TrueBlue Shopping
JetBlue TrueBlue Shopping offers the opportunity to earn points for your spending. Plus, the program offers exclusive coupon opportunities to help you save.
You can earn between 1 to 3 points for every dollar spent. Here’s a few examples of current earning opportunities:
The earning possibilities are seemingly limitless with hundreds of stores available.
Final Thoughts
Remember, airline mileage deals and promotions are always changing. We strive to keep this list as up to date as possible. It was last updated in June 2021. But you'll want to periodically visit the sites listed above to stay abreast of all the best ways to earn airline miles for shopping that you already do!
Also, keep in mind that if you use a rewards credit card to purchase items from any of the above mileage malls, you can essentially double up on the amount of miles you earn per dollar spent. That's a pro-level travel hack! See our favorite rewards cards for maximizing travel rewards >>>
Robert Farrington is America’s Millennial Money Expert® and America’s Student Loan Debt Expert™, and the founder of The College Investor, a personal finance site dedicated to helping millennials escape student loan debt to start investing and building wealth for the future. You can learn more about him on the About Page, or on his personal site RobertFarrington.com.
He regularly writes about investing, student loan debt, and general personal finance topics geared towards anyone wanting to earn more, get out of debt, and start building wealth for the future.
He has been quoted in major publications including the New York Times, Washington Post, Fox, ABC, NBC, and more. He is also a regular contributor to Forbes.
