Fly free faster by dining out at participating restaurants

You don’t have to fly to earn airline frequent flyer miles, and my favorite way of accruing miles for free is by doing something that I would’ve done anyway.

Today’s case in point: dining out. American Airlines’ AAdvantage Dining program, for example, makes eating out a way to earn miles — up to five miles for every dollar spent at participating restaurants such as Catania Family Style Restaurant in Wellington, Frank & Dino’s Ristorante or the Corner Bakery Café in Boca Raton, Gelato Gourmet in Weston, Pizza Loft in Davie, Buca di Beppo in Coral Springs, Seafood World in Lighthouse Point, and the Denny’s at 1661 S. Federal Highway in Fort Lauderdale. In all, more than 300 participating restaurants fall within 30 miles of downtown Fort Lauderdale, according to the central website where you can see the list (aa.rewardsnetwork.com).

Other major airlines offer a similar deal. But to get the miles, you must first register a credit card — any credit card you already hold — to the free programs.

To enroll in your favorite airlines’ program, call American Airlines’ AAdvantage Dining (800-479-5981), Alaska Airlines’ Mileage Plan Dining (888-419–6683), Delta’s SkyMiles Dining (800-818-8339), United’s MileagePlus Dining (800-555-5116), JetBlue’s TrueBlue Dining (800-634-9633), Spirit’s program (866-530-3463; freespiritdining.com) or Southwest Rapid Rewards Dining (800-771-7579; rapidrewardsdining.com). All of these programs also are reachable via links from RewardsNetwork.com, their shared partner.

There are no coupons involved, nor special cards to present at the eateries. You simply use your enrolled credit card as normal.

I joined years ago and I am occasionally surprised to see on my frequent flyer statements that I earned points for a restaurant that I was going to anyhow. It’s a no-fuss, welcome way to boost my stash of airline miles — and ultimately, combined with, say, actual flights or other efforts, earn a free plane ticket.

$7 Saturdays: Normally adults pay $19.95 to visit the botanical gardens and wildlife sanctuary of Flamingo Gardens in Davie (954-473-2955), but on Saturdays in September the admission drops to $7 for all adults and kids (age 3 and up). The narrated tram tour is included.

Cutting Corners appears on Sundays in Community News. Have a tip? Email cutcorner@aol.com.