Hungry for miles? Dining bonuses abound

Miles-for-dining continues to be one of the most dependably generous day-to-day mileage-earning opportunities. And when there are bonuses involved, the earning rate gets better still.

There are currently dining miles promotions in effect for most of the airline programs which offer miles for meals, as listed below. All require registration, using the links provided.

Through July 31, Alaska Mileage Plan members who set up an online Mileage Plan Dining account will earn 250 bonus miles for every qualified dine of $15 or more, up to a maximum of 3,000 bonus miles during the promotion period. By only offering the bonus to members who have not already established online dining accounts, Alaska has severely limited the availability of this promotion.

Members of American’s AAdvantage program who participate in AAdvantage Dining can earn 250 bonus miles for every qualifying dine of $15 or more through May 31. Unlike the other airlines’ offers, there’s no maximum limiting the number of bonus miles that can be earned with this promotion.

The offers from Midwest, United, and US Airways are identical: between May 1 and June 30, program members earn 250 bonus miles for meals costing $25 or more, including tax and tip, up to 5,000 bonus miles during the promotion.

Between May 1 and June 28, Delta SkyMiles members will earn triple miles for every qualifying dine—Thursdays through Sundays only—up to a maximum of 3,000 bonus miles during the promotion period. The no-weekend bonus and lower cap make this less desirable than the offers from American, Midwest, United, and US Airways.

The offers from Midwest, United, and US Airways are identical: between May 1 and June 30, program members earn 250 bonus miles for meals costing $25 or more, including tax and tip, up to 5,000 bonus miles during the promotion.

Do remember to register in advance. And consider switching from one offer to another after you’ve reached the bonus cap in your primary program to take full advantage of the offers.