Southwest has long been a favorite airline for budget-minded travelers — but with recent changes to fares, seating, and baggage rules, many people are wondering: Is it still worth it?

In this episode, Genni sits down with Max Craig, a long-time Southwest expert who’s held the Companion Pass for 18 years straight, to break down what’s changed, what hasn’t, and how everyday travelers can still get outsized value from the Rapid Rewards program — without overcomplicating things.

You’ll learn how the Companion Pass really works, who it’s best for (and who should skip it), and smart strategies for earning and keeping it year after year.

In this episode, we cover:

• What the Southwest Companion Pass is — and why it’s still one of the best deals in domestic travel
• The recent Southwest changes (basic fares, assigned seating, baggage rules) and what actually matters
• Who Southwest works best for — and when it doesn’t make sense
• How Companion Pass works on both cash and points bookings
• Smart ways to earn the Companion Pass using credit card sign-up bonuses
• Why starting in January is not “too late” — and may actually be better
• The difference between chasing elevated bonuses vs. going at your own pace
• Year-round strategies to maintain the Companion Pass without constant card churning

Timestamps:

• 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
• 00:57 Max Craig's Journey into Points and Miles
• 02:16 Understanding the Southwest Companion Pass
• 04:23 Southwest's Domestic and International Reach
• 06:45 Recent Changes to Southwest's Fare Types and Policies
• 18:38 Strategies for Earning and Maximizing the Companion Pass
• 21:13 Timing and Tips for Achieving the Companion Pass
• 26:27 Temporary Promotions and Final Thoughts
• 29:20 Maximizing the Two Card Method
• 30:02 Maintaining the Companion Pass
• 30:24 Spoiling Your P2
• 32:11 Churning Southwest Cards
• 33:40 Common Mistakes and Misconceptions
• 40:24 Real World Examples of Companion Pass Benefits
• 43:40 Southwest's New Seating Policy
• 46:58 Rapid Fire Questions
• 49:55 Where to Find Max Craig
• 51:05 Conclusion and Farewell

Where to Find Max Craig

You can connect with Max primarily on Facebook:

• Facebook account: Max Craig
• Facebook groups: Optimize Southwest and Optimized Transferrable Points
• Website: https://pointstothemax.com/

Support the show

Full episodes, including video, are available on Youtube.

Check out more from Genni:

• Join the Lazy Budget Travel Tips Facebook Group
• Grab the FREE Budget Travel 101 Course
• Follow Genni on Instagram
• Traveling Franklins Blog
• Get the Weekly Newsletter!

P.S. If you’re loving the podcast, buying me a coffee (or burrito… iykyk) is a simple way to support the show and help it grow.

Are Capital One miles actually worth it—or are they just the “easy but low value” option people love to hate on?

In this episode, Genni sits down with Jamie @jamie.travel.tips to do a full deep dive into the Capital One ecosystem, breaking down exactly how to earn Capital One miles, the easiest ways to redeem them, and why this program is far more powerful (and flexible) than many travelers realize.

Jamie shares real-life examples of trips she’s booked using Capital One miles—including Hawaii, Disney (yes, even Aulani), theme park tickets, and everyday travel expenses—to show how these points work in real life, not just in theory.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by transfer partners, confused by “cents per point,” or just want a lazy, low-stress way to save money on travel, this episode is for you.

In this episode, we cover:

• How Jamie got into points & miles (and why her hospitality background made it click fast)
• Why Capital One is one of the easiest programs for beginners
• How to earn Capital One miles (including Venture, Venture X, and Spark cards)
• Why 2x everywhere is a game-changer for Player 2s and busy families
• The Capital One Travel Purchase Eraser (and why it’s very much NOT dead)
• Using Capital One miles for:
  • Flights, hotels, rental cars, Uber/Lyft
  • Disney tickets & theme parks (including the workaround you need to know)
  • Cruises (including onboard expenses)
  • Aulani using rented DVC points
• Transfer partners worth knowing (even if you’re “lazy”):
  • Virgin Atlantic
  • British Airways
  • Air Canada Aeroplan
  • Turkish Airlines (including Hawaii sweet spots)
  • Choice Hotels (underrated luxury & international stays)
• Why the cents-per-point obsession is overrated
• How to decide when to pay cash vs use points
• Lounge access changes with Venture X (and why it still may be worth it)
• How points can remove money stress—especially on trips like Disney

Key takeaway:

You don’t need perfect redemptions or insane strategies to win at points and miles. If your points help you travel more, stress less, and spend less cash—you’re doing it right.

Connect with Jamie

• Instagram: @jamie.travel.tips (where she shares most of her tips)
• Website: jamietraveltips.com
• TikTok: @jamie.travel.tips

Support the show

Full episodes, including video, are available on Youtube.

Check out more from Genni:

• Join the Lazy Budget Travel Tips Facebook Group
• Grab the FREE Budget Travel 101 Course
• Follow Genni on Instagram
• Traveling Franklins Blog
• Get the Weekly Newsletter!

P.S. If you’re loving the podcast, buying me a coffee (or burrito… iykyk) is a simple way to support the show and help it grow.

In this episode of the Lazy Budget Travel Tips Podcast, Genni Franklin sits down with Michelle Johnson—an everyday traveler who has built a powerful, flexible points strategy that allows her family to travel internationally without overspending.

Michelle shares how she went from barely affording one family vacation every few years to taking multiple international trips using credit card points. Together, Genni and Michelle break down why relying on just one airline or hotel program can actually limit your travel, and how diversifying across banks gives you more options, better deals, and less frustration when booking.

If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re opening too many cards, not enough cards, or if flexible points really matter—this episode will help you think differently about your strategy.

In This Episode, We Cover:

• How Michelle got started with points and miles as a family of four
• Why going “all in” on one bank or program can backfire
• What credit card velocity is, and how often Michelle applies for cards
• Why getting denied for a card isn’t the end of the world
• How to decide which card to open next
• Why flexible points are more powerful than airline-specific miles
• How families can use points to travel to Europe for $2,000–$4,000 total
• Best transfer partners for family travel (Hyatt, Flying Blue, Choice)
• When it makes sense to use Hyatt Place, Choice Hotels, or luxury stays
• Why waiting for elevated offers usually isn’t the best strategy

Trips & Redemptions Mentioned:

• Europe using Flying Blue (with kid discounts)
• Norway with premium economy flights and Choice Hotels
• Amsterdam and the Netherlands (Hyatt Regency vs Hyatt Place)
• Copenhagen using Hyatt points at a Mr & Mrs Smith property
• Park Hyatt New York City for a family of four

Episode Timestamps

• 0:00 – Intro & why choosing the right card matters
• 3:00 – Michelle’s background & how she got into points and miles
• 6:00 – Biggest mistakes people make when picking a card
• 10:00 – How to match a card to your spending habits
• 15:00 – Welcome bonuses: what to look for (and what to ignore)
• 20:00 – Annual fees: when they’re worth it (and when they’re not)
• 25:00 – Redemption flexibility vs. airline/hotel loyalty
• 30:00 – Long-term strategy vs. chasing shiny offers
• 35:00 – Final tips for beginners
• 38:00 – Where to start if you’re overwhelmed

Where to Find Michelle

• Instagram: @jetsetwithjohnsons

Support the show

Full episodes, including video, are available on Youtube.

Check out more from Genni:

• Join the Lazy Budget Travel Tips Facebook Group
• Grab the FREE Budget Travel 101 Course
• Follow Genni on Instagram
• Traveling Franklins Blog
• Get the Weekly Newsletter!

P.S. If you’re loving the podcast, buying me a coffee (or burrito… iykyk) is a simple way to support the show and help it grow.