Dear Joel,

My husband and I would like to travel to Germany this summer. I recently heard about the offer that Healthy Choice food company had running to earn the frequent flier miles. Unfortunately this has expired. Do you know of any other similar offers going on right now? Any information on how to earn miles would be appreciated. I am also looking into earning miles through either Sprint or MCI long distance.

Thank you,
Heather Peterson

Dear Heather,

Since you want to travel to Germany this summer, the fastest way to earn miles is with a credit card. I determine which airline offers the most flights and best schedule in accordance with your destination, and see if they offer a mileage earning credit card (keep in mind, however, that free tickets in the summer months can be hard to come by). Healthy Choice each Healthy Choice dinner was redeemable for 500 was great; unfortunately, I know of no similar offers at this time. Many programs exist for earning miles, some which require long-term planning, such as buying a house, and would not help towards a summer flight. As you mentioned, Sprint and MCI offer mile in that case, just talking on the phone can help you towards your ticket. For more detailed information on earning miles, check out the Penny Pincher column "Earning Frequent Flyer Miles," from October 4, 1999. The trick here is to be focused and plan that equation will yield you a nice trip.

Good luck,
Joel