How to Get Free Flights Without a Credit Card (Yes, It’s Totally Possible)

You don’t need a credit card to fly for free. Here’s how to earn airline miles and score free flights with no plastic required.

1. Sign Up for Airline Loyalty Programs

Join:
- Delta SkyMiles
- United MileagePlus
- Southwest Rapid Rewards
- Alaska Mileage Plan
- JetBlue TrueBlue
- American AAdvantage

Always add your member number when booking or checking in.

2. Use Airline Shopping Portals

Earn miles by shopping online through:
- AAdvantage eShopping
- United MileagePlus Shopping
- Delta SkyMiles Shopping

Click through the portal before buying from retailers like Walmart, Best Buy, or Sephora.

3. Take Surveys for Miles

Join survey programs:
- Miles for Opinions
- e-Rewards
- Opinion Miles Club

Earn 50–250 miles per survey. It adds up over time.

4. Refer Friends for Travel Credits or Miles

Airlines and platforms offer referral bonuses:
- Booking.com
- Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan
- Hopper and travel apps

Share referral links to earn credits or miles.

5. Join Dining Programs

Link a debit card and dine out at partner restaurants:
- SkyMiles Dining (Delta)
- MileagePlus Dining (United)
- AAdvantage Dining (American)

Miles post automatically after eligible dining.

6. Check Airline Promos and Contests

Watch for:
- Double mile promos
- Free flight sweepstakes
- Status match offers

Stay subscribed to airline newsletters.

7. Volunteer for Flight Bumps

Airlines sometimes overbook flights and need volunteers. Perks include:
- Travel vouchers
- Hotel and food credit
- Priority rebooking

Ask about terms before accepting.

8. Leverage Low-Cost Carrier Rewards

Earn free flights via:
- Spirit Free Spirit
- Frontier Miles
- Sun Country Rewards

Sometimes they offer 5,000-mile bonuses for minimal activity.

9. Earn While You Work

Gig workers can earn miles:
- Uber = Marriott Bonvoy + United
- Lyft = Delta SkyMiles
- Instacart = loyalty integrations (coming soon)

Check app reward sections.

10. Final Tip

Credit cards help, but aren’t required. Stack programs, stay consistent, and fly free — the old-fashioned way.