Do you collect Air Miles? If you do, you'll know that Air Miles is a loyalty program whereby you earn points for doing business with program sponsors. These points can be used towards airfare, other travel purchases or redeemed for prizes (gift certificates, coffeemakers... you name it). The program is free to enroll in: you can either pick up a collector card at a local sponsor (such as Safeway or Metro grocery stores) or sign up online on the Air Miles website.
If you don't collect Air Miles because it's "just another card to carry around" or "the points won't accumulate quickly enough for it to feel like an incentive", I encourage you to reconsider. If you already do any of the following actions on a regular basis, you could be accumulating Air Miles credit. This can really help to cut down the cost of travel. For example, in the past seven months I've been able to cover almost two flights (one somewhat local and the other cross-country). My spending patterns haven't changed; I just carry my card on my at all times. And in the meantime, money saved on flights turns into additional disposable income and savings.
Other than "keep your card on you at all times", here are some helpful ways to rack up the Air Miles as quickly as possible without changing your monthly spending patterns:
1. Do you visit Safeway for groceries? If you live out west, make sure to pop by Safeway on the first Tuesday of every month. Reason: there tend to be more Air Miles deals throughout the store than on average. Plus, you have the opportunity to take 10% off your bill or add 10x the Air Miles base to your total upon check out. Normally, you earn 1 Air Mile for every $20 spent at Safeway. I have walked out with over 400 points in a single trip having made few to no changes to my intended grocery list. Before you go, be sure to sign up for the Safeway e-mail direct listserv and check their flyer and facebook page for special Air Miles coupons that can't be found in store.
2. Do you buy things online? If so, log in to airmileshops.ca first and allow the website to re-direct you to a store of your choosing (chapters.indigo.ca, amazon.ca, clothing stores, Apple and the list goes on). On average, you will earn 1 Air Mile for every $20 spent (see website for details). During certain periods of the year, Airmilesshops.ca will offer 5x and 10x the points events. At the moment, you can earn 5x the points on purchases made through Airmilesshops.ca (until June 14th, 2011). Register your card number on their website and let the points accumulation begin!
3. Do you use a Mastercard or American Express Card? If so, both companies offer credit cards that allow you to earn Air Miles on your purchases.
4. Do you travel? If you book on Expedia.ca or Marlin Travel, you can earn Air Miles on your purchases (visit Airmilesshops.ca and redirect to either site). If you book a flight on Air Canada on either of these sites, you can earn both Air Miles and Aeroplan points on your purchase! = even more free travel! It's also a good idea to check the Air Miles website for offers on rental cars and hotel stays: you can often earn hundreds of bonus Air Miles!
5. Do you ever visit a Shell station for gasoline or car washes? If so, swipe your blue card (and credit card if you have it) because you'll be earning Air Miles on your purchase.
6. Do you have to ship Christmas presents? Make your purchases online and send the gift directly to the recipients. Even if you will be joining them, it saves you having to pack them in your luggage. By making your purchases online, you're eligible to earn Air Miles by first visiting Airmilesshops.ca and allowing the site to redirect you to desired retailers. Often before Christmas, there is a 10x the points event! Definitely a great opportunity to take advantage of.
7. Do you need to purchase furniture from Sears or Sears.ca? Get your blue card ready... because furniture tends to be expensive, you're guaranteed to receive a number of points for your purchase. If purchasing from Sears.ca, be sure to visit Airmilesshops.ca first and re-direct to the Sears.ca website so you can earn your points.
8. Do you garden? How about do-it-yourself home repairs and upgrades? If so, Rona will help you find all the supplies you need. And give you Air Miles!
9. Do you visit the LCBO? (Ontario) Whether you need to pick up a bottle of wine for dinner or a 12 pack of beer for the cottage, believe it or not, you can earn Air Miles on your purchase. Why not?
These are just some of the many examples that outline how easy it is to accumulate Air Miles in a short period of time. Please let me know if you have any questions: I'd be happy to elaborate. I also plan to go into some of these points in more detail in future posts. In the meantime, I'm really excited about being able to fly home for the holidays for free :o) (well minus the taxes... you still have to pay taxes)
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