Here’s the scoop: All the big airlines have a credit card. If you apply for their credit card, you will usually get more than enough miles for a free round trip ticket (25,000) – if you meet their spending requirement in the first few months of having the card. This usually ranges from any purchase (a pack of gum) to hundreds of dollars. This is not difficult. You can even use a credit card to pay cash to people you owe money – without it being a cash advance. Annual fees are usually waived the first year, while you try out the card(s). If you cancel the card(s), the miles are still yours. Here is a way to make sure your miles never expire.