Frequent Miler's latest team challenge, Million Mile Madness, is happening now! Follow us as Greg, Nick, and Stephen compete to earn 1 Million SAS miles by flying 15 airlines before November 23rd. Who will complete the challenge with the most Speed, Affordability, and Style?
| Sorry, this deal is no longer available. Do you want to be alerted about new deals as they’re published? Click here to subscribe to Frequent Miler's Instant Posts by email. |
Both the American Airlines AAdvantage eShopping portal and the United Mileage Plus Shopping portal are offering “mystery bonuses” right now that add a little sweetener to the pot if you’re shopping online this week.
The Offers
Note that both American Airlines and United Airlines are dubbing these as “mystery offers”, so your offer may vary, but most offers are usually the same. Here are the offers I received:
American Airlines AAdvantage eShopping
- Valid: 4/8/24 to 4/15/24
- Spend $200 or more, earn 500 bonus miles
- Direct link to this deal
United MileagePlus eShopping
- Valid: 4/8/24 to 4/15/24
- Spend $100 or more, earn 500 bonus miles
- Direct link to this deal
Key Terms
- Keep in mind that spend thresholds are usually based on purchase price prior to taxes, fees, and shipping costs
- Portal bonuses tend to post many weeks after the bonus period has ended
- Check individual retailer terms for specific exclusions
Quick Thoughts
I always try to keep these bonuses in mind when comparing portal payouts, particularly when I’m making a purchase that’s right around the spending threshold to trigger a bonus. With the American Airlines bonus, you’re effectively earning an additional 2.5 miles per dollar spent on a $200 purchase. With the United offer, it’s like an additional 5x on a $100 purchase. I’ll keep those added payouts in mind if I end up needing to make a purchase in one of those ranges.
American Airlines loyalists should keep in mind that while the miles you ordinarily earn for your purchase, like the typical 6x or 12x or miles that are associated with the purchase itself do count as both redeemable miles and Loyalty Points with American Airlines, the 500 bonus miles from a portal-wide bonus like this one do not count as Loyalty Points.
Overall, these bonuses are small potatoes, but I like to take advantage of them when it makes sense to do so.
Want to learn more about miles and points? Subscribe to email updates or check out our podcast on your favorite podcast platform.
Will be using this to buy a gift card with Amex Gold Business at Staples.com to trigger the $20 monthly credit.