Get Your Free Frequent Flyer Miles Here!

Normally, my focus in this blog is on major loyalty program promotions—offers that are particularly rich and apply to large numbers of travelers; that are worth my readers' time to earn; or worth my time to discuss because they offer lessons applicable to purchasing travel generally.

Turning that approach on its head, I'm beginning this week with a handful of lesser offers, related only in that they require little time or effort to participate in, and offer similarly modest rewards.

How 'bout 1,000 free miles in

Delta's

program? All you have to do is sign up as a new SkyMiles member and the miles are yours.

Need an easy 500 points in

InterContinental's Priority Club Rewards

program? Follow the link to an online "test," answer four easy questions, and you're done. Hint: In each case, the answer is what you'd hope it would be.

Through October 31,

United Mileage Plus

members who make two or more purchases at FTD.com will earn 2,000 bonus miles in addition to the 25 miles per $1 spent on flowers or other items.

If you're an

American AAdvantage

member, or have been thinking of becoming one, you should supplement your earning from flights with dining miles—usually five miles per $1 spent at thousands of participating restaurants. If you enroll in AAdvantage Dining by November 30, you'll earn a 1,500-mile bonus after the first dine of $25 or more, including tax and tip.

Among travel rewards credit cards, the

Starwood Preferred Guest

card, issued by American Express, has been a favorite of the loyalty program cognoscenti for years. Cardholders can now earn 1,000 bonus Starpoints by adding another cardholder to the existing account, for up to 2,000 extra points for two new cardholders.

None of the above is a headliner, mileage-wise. But each represents an opportunity to increase one's frequent flyer account balance with minimal effort and, in most cases, without spending a dime.