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.

Travel hacking isn’t just about earning points — it’s about learning how to use your money intentionally. In this episode, Genni Franklin is joined by Betsy, creator of Become Travel Rich, to explore why financial literacy and travel rewards go hand in hand — and how mastering one naturally improves the other.

We break down how learning points and miles forces you to understand your spending, credit score, and money habits in a way most people never do.

We also dive deep into Atmos Rewards, the new loyalty program combining Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, including:

• What changed with the new Atmos program
• How points vs. status points work
• Major sweet spots for international travel
• Why Atmos points can unlock incredible business-class redemptions

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Why points & miles are financial literacy in action
• How tracking spending naturally improves money habits
• The truth about credit cards and credit scores
• How to speak the “bank language” to get approvals
• Why loyalty programs can outperform flexible points (for the right traveler)
• What Atmos Rewards is and why it’s a big deal
• How to earn elite status on award flights
• Alaska Airlines’ best partner redemptions (Japan, Thailand, Europe & more)
• How to travel internationally in business class for fewer points
• Why organization and account security matter more than ever

Resources & Mentions

• Atmos Rewards (Alaska + Hawaiian Loyalty Program)
• Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan partners
• Starlux, Condor, Japan Airlines
• Hyatt Hotels
• Bilt Rewards
• Rakuten
• 1Password (for account security & organization)

Connect With Betsy

Instagram: @becometravelrich
Betsy shares real-life redemptions, loyalty program insights, and behind-the-scenes strategies for building a travel-rich life.

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.

Most people in the points and miles world love to warn you away from adding authorized users… but what if that advice is missing the full picture?

In this episode, Genni sits down with Jackie Swayze (@maximizingmypto) to unpack why authorized users are one of the most misunderstood strategies in travel rewards — and how adding Player Two can actually help you earn faster, simplify your setup, and unlock redemptions you couldn’t book alone.

Jackie also shares the story of her recent trip to Bhutan, including how she used points to fly her dad in Qatar business class, how Avios played into the strategy, and why one-way awards gave her the flexibility she needed.

Whether you’re new to points or ready to level up your strategy, this episode will challenge a lot of the “groupthink” floating around online.

What You’ll Learn

• When adding a Player Two as an Authorized User actually accelerates earning
• Situations where authorized users don’t make sense (fees, trust, 5/24 logistics)
• Point flow tactics across partners so two people can book from one account
• Avios 101: why moving Avios between BA/Qatar/Iberia/Finnair is a superpower
• How one-way award tickets keep your plans flexible
• Bhutan travel basics: sustainable tourism fee, tour operators, timing, vibe

Timestamps

00:00 Intro — Why AU strategies get hate (and why we’re pro in many cases)
02:00 Jackie’s origin story: Southwest → Companion Pass → flexible currencies
04:00 Authorized Users 101 (P1/P2, transfers, benefits, pitfalls, trust)
08:30 When AU doesn’t make sense (fees, 5/24 nuance, behavior risks)
11:30 Perks P2 can get: lounge access, TSA Pre/Global Entry credits, protections
14:45 Real-life use: consolidating points so two seats can be booked together
18:00 Bhutan overview: why go, how to book (local tour operator), daily fee
21:00 Flights: booking Dad in Qatar biz with Avios; reworking plans on points
26:00 Aeroplan + Thai biz, vouchers, and why one-way awards win
31:00 Avios explained: moving points across partner programs for the best price
35:00 Bhutan surprises: hydro power, crypto, cultural preservation
36:30 Takeaways: flexibility > perfection; be strategic about which cards get AUs
37:30 Rapid-fire + where to find Jackie

Follow Jackie

• Jackie on Instagram: @maximizingmypto
• Blog & YouTube: Maximizing My PTO

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, I’m joined by Mari from Mari on the Map to talk about one of the easiest, most underrated ways to earn more points right now: shopping portals.

With banks tightening welcome offers and approvals getting harder, portals let you earn thousands of extra points on purchases you’re already making — no new cards required.

We cover:

• How Mari went from casual points user to running family trips on miles
• What shopping portals are (Rakuten, airline portals, bank offers)
• How to stack: portal → the right card → card-linked offers
• The Rakuten x Bilt (referral links) partnership and when it makes sense
• Common mistakes that break tracking (gift cards, coupon codes, ad blockers, apps)
• How portal earnings can turn into Hyatt nights, domestic flights, or even saver fares to Europe
• Tools that make it easier: SaveWise and CardPointers (my affiliate links)

Quick action steps:

• Check SaveWise (or Cashback Monitor) before you buy
• Install the Rakuten browser extension
• Use a card that earns more than 1X on everyday spend
• Turn on and activate card-linked offers
• Try one stacked purchase this week and watch the points roll in

Find Mari:

• Instagram: @marionthemap
• Website: https://marionthemap.com/
• Course: Mad Miles Masterclass

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.

Season 1 of the Lazy Budget Travel Tips podcast is officially wrapped!

In this short update, I’m sharing why I’m taking a quick break before launching Season 2, what’s on the horizon this fall, and how you can stay connected in the meantime.

Here’s what you’ll hear:

• Why I’m pressing pause to recharge and prep for Season 2
• Our upcoming two-week Florida RV trip (our longest yet—and Sky’s first big adventure 🐾)
• Speaking at the Travelmore Conference in New Orleans this October 3-5th
• Heading to the UK with Brandon—his first overseas trip since 2016—flying Virgin Atlantic Upper Class ✈️
• How you can help shape Season 2 by sharing your episode ideas and questions

👉 Stay connected with me during the break:

• Instagram: @travelingfranklins
  
  
• Facebook Group: Lazy Budget Travel Tips
  
  

Thank you for being part of this community—I’m so grateful for your support. Season 2 is coming soon, and I can’t wait to bring you more tips, stories, and strategies to help you travel more for less.

And as always—keep it simple, keep it fun, and keep exploring!

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.

If you’ve ever booked the cheapest flight… only to find yourself on a three-layover marathon wishing you’d spent a little more, this episode is going to change how you search forever.

I’m joined by Taima Ramsey from Poor in a Private Plane, who’s made a career out of finding luxury travel experiences without the luxury price tag.

Together, we’re breaking down how to find the best flights—not just the cheapest—so you can travel in comfort without blowing your budget.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why “budget” doesn’t have to mean “cheap” (and how to get intentional about your travel choices)
• How to use Google Flights Explore to discover destinations you didn’t even know were possible
• The price tracking trick that saved Taima’s parents $400 in just 24 hours
• The “date grid” feature that can shave hundreds off your airfare
• Hidden tools like the Points Path Chrome extension for points and miles fans
• Why booking direct is usually smarter than third-party sites
• Taima’s “Travel Roulette” method for spontaneous, affordable trips
• Mistakes to avoid when using points & miles so you get the best value

Timestamps:

• 00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Introduction
• 00:56 Taima's Journey to Luxury Travel on a Budget
• 02:43 Defining Budget Travel vs. Cheap Travel
• 04:28 Strategies for Budget Travel
• 08:57 Google Flights: A Powerful Tool for Travelers
• 13:16 Exploring Google Flights Features
• 24:19 Other Travel Search Engines and Tools
• 33:29 Favorite Airlines and Travel Preferences
• 34:22 Traveling to the Philippines: Flight Challenges
• 34:35 Loyalty to Delta and Its Partners
• 35:41 Avoiding Budget Airlines
• 37:25 Budgeting for Better Travel Experiences
• 38:37 Finding the Best Flight Deals
• 40:30 Maximizing Points and Miles
• 40:42 Planning a Trip to Mexico on a Budget
• 42:22 Using Google Flights for Travel Planning
• 47:01 Mistakes to Avoid When Using Points
• 52:11 Rapid Fire Travel Questions
• 56:54 Travel Roulette: Planning Spontaneous Trips
• 58:52 Final Thoughts and Where to Follow

Links & Resources:

• Taima’s Blog: Poor in a Private Plane
• Taima’s Facebook Group: Luxury Travel on a Budget Insider Tips
• Points Path Chrome Extension: Download Here

Follow Taima:
Instagram | YouTube | Facebook | TikTok – @poorinaprivateplane

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.