Flowers for your sweetheart, frequent flyer miles for you

With Valentine’s Day looming, thoughts naturally turn to flowers. And as they do regularly in the run-up to February 14, online florists are offering bouquets of frequent flyer miles to spur sales.

Sending flowers has never been easier. Browse online, place orders either on the merchant’s website or by phone, and flowers or gifts will be delivered to the recipient. Good news for procrastinators: Same-day delivery is typically available, provided the order is placed before 2 p.m.

The news is good for mileage earners as well. All major airline and hotel programs partner with one or more online florists, making it possible to earn 20 to 25 miles for every dollar spent on floral arrangements and other gifts.

Several sample offers include:

• Through February 15, members of American’s AAdvantage program can earn 25 miles per dollar spent at FTD. You’re not limited to flowers—the offer also applies to chocolates, candles, spa sets, and other romantic gifts.
• Through the end of February, Delta SkyMiles members can earn 20 miles per dollar spent at Teleflora. Use promo code “DTJ87H” when ordering.
• Both Florist.com and FTD are offering US Airways’ Dividend Miles program members 20 miles per dollar spent.

You might want to compare your neighborhood flower purveyor’s prices to the online merchants. Once you’re confident you’re not overpaying to earn miles, pressing the “Buy” button will simultaneously communicate your affection and add to your frequent flyer account. Both Saints Valentine and Christopher (once venerated as the patron saint of travel) will approve.

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