Most people assume earning free flights starts with flying more or collecting airline miles.
Those strategies are certainly important, but they’re only part of the equation. One thing I’ve learned over the years is that many experienced travelers begin earning rewards long before they book a flight. Instead of focusing only on airlines, they look for ways to get more value from the purchases they’re already making.
That’s one reason I started using Rakuten.
It has become part of my travel routine because it lets me earn cash back on qualifying online purchases, and those savings can eventually help cover travel expenses, including future flights.
Step 1: Start Thinking About Your Entire Travel Budget
Most trips involve much more than airfare.
Before you even leave home, you might buy a new suitcase, comfortable walking shoes, travel-size toiletries, a portable charger, or clothing for your destination. Those purchases are already part of your travel budget, so it makes sense to get as much value from them as possible.
Instead of thinking only about earning rewards when booking flights, think about every purchase that happens before your trip even begins.
Step 2: Check Rakuten Before You Shop
This is the habit that made the biggest difference for me.
Whenever I’m shopping online, I check Rakuten first to see if the retailer is participating. If it is, I simply click through Rakuten before completing my purchase.
From there, everything feels exactly the same. I shop on the retailer’s website, pay the normal price, and complete my order as I always would.
The only difference is that I’m earning rewards on a purchase I was already planning to make.
If you have an eligible American Express Membership Rewards account linked to Rakuten, you can choose to earn AmEx points instead of cash back, giving those everyday purchases even more potential value for future flights.
Step 3: Save Your Cash Back for Future Travel
Here’s one habit that has helped me stay focused on my travel goals.
Rather than thinking of my Rakuten earnings as extra spending money, I think of them as part of my travel fund.
Every payment becomes another contribution toward a future trip.
- Maybe it helps pay for airport transportation.
- Maybe it covers baggage fees.
- Maybe it helps with an airport hotel or part of a flight.
The important thing is that it’s money I wouldn’t have earned otherwise.
Step 4: Combine Rakuten With Your Other Travel Rewards
One mistake people make is believing they have to choose between cash back and travel rewards.
You don’t.
The best travel strategies usually combine multiple opportunities to earn value from the same purchase.
For example, you might:
- Start your purchase through Rakuten.
- Pay with a rewards credit card.
- Take advantage of a retailer’s sale.
- Earn loyalty points from the retailer when available.
Step 5: Repeat the Process Every Time You Shop
The real value doesn’t come from using Rakuten once. It comes from turning it into a habit.
Before placing any online order, take a few seconds to see whether the retailer is available through Rakuten.
That’s exactly why so many travelers include shopping portals as part of their overall travel rewards strategy.
Here’s a Simple Example
Let’s say you’re planning a trip to Europe. Before your departure, you decide to buy:
- A new carry-on suitcase
- Packing cubes
- Comfortable walking shoes
- A universal travel adapter
- A portable charger
Those are purchases you probably would have made anyway.
Instead of going directly to each retailer, you start with Rakuten, activate the available cash back offer, and complete your purchase as usual.
You haven’t changed what you bought or where you shopped. You’ve simply created another opportunity to earn money that can later be used toward your travels.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
If you’re new to Rakuten, here are a few habits worth keeping in mind:
- Don’t forget to start with Rakuten. If you shop directly through the retailer, you may miss the opportunity to earn cash back.
- Read the offer details. Some stores have specific terms or exclusions, so it’s always worth checking before you buy.
- Think long term. One purchase won’t pay for an entire vacation, but consistent cash back can grow into meaningful travel savings over time.
Free Flights Start Long Before You Book
One thing I’ve learned from the points and miles community is that free flights rarely come from one strategy alone.
They’re usually the result of lots of smart decisions made over time. Airline miles, hotel points, award sales, and everyday cash back all play a role in making travel more affordable.
That’s why Rakuten has earned a place in my own travel routine. It doesn’t replace airline miles, but it complements them by helping me get more value from purchases I was already planning to make.
Keep Building Your Travel Rewards Strategy
The more you learn about travel rewards, the more opportunities you’ll discover to save on future trips.
That’s why I enjoy being part of the Points & Miles Insider community, where members share practical tips on award travel, loyalty programs, cash back, and other strategies that help make travel more affordable.
If you’re just getting started, don’t worry about mastering every strategy at once. Start with one simple habit, build from there, and let those small wins grow over time.
The right rewards card can make those everyday purchases even more valuable.
The Smart Search tool helps you find cards that match your spending habits, making it easier to earn points, miles, cash back, and travel perks that support your long-term travel goals.
