Families Fly Free

Southwest ends free checked bags and announced other MAJOR changes recently, including a new "Basic" fare. While much of these changes are very disappointing, in reality, they only requires a few minor adjustments for those of us flying Southwest using travel rewards. I explain the changes and what shifts you need to make in this episode.

After recording this podcast, Southwest did confirm that they will "introduce variable redemption rates across higher-demand and lower-demand flights." My best guess is that points will be worth less for higher demand flights, pushing the points prices higher, and points will be worth more for lower demand flights, pushing the points price lower. I think it means more variability in the value of the points, so it will cost more points to book high-demand routes and less points for low-demand routes.

✨ Join me inside my Secrets of a Travel Journalist Club, where I’m pulling back the curtain on 25+ years of insider travel know-how to help you fly smarter, score luxury perks and unlock unforgettable experiences for less.

👉 Grab your spot + start planning your smartest trip yet: https://www.secretsofatraveljournalist.com/club

✈️ Want even more travel tips? Visit SecretsofaTravelJournalist.com for guides, resources and insider advice.

Got questions about the Club? Text me at 844-403-2263.

Music Credit:
Inspiring Optimistic Upbeat Energetic Guitar Rhythm by Free Music | 
https://soundcloud.com/fm_freemusic
Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

Is Southwest's surprise reduction in the number of points you can earn on certain fares when you book paid flights a big deal? It's not, trust me. I explain in this episode...

✨ Join me inside my Secrets of a Travel Journalist Club, where I’m pulling back the curtain on 25+ years of insider travel know-how to help you fly smarter, score luxury perks and unlock unforgettable experiences for less.

👉 Grab your spot + start planning your smartest trip yet: https://www.secretsofatraveljournalist.com/club

✈️ Want even more travel tips? Visit SecretsofaTravelJournalist.com for guides, resources and insider advice.

Got questions about the Club? Text me at 844-403-2263.

Music Credit:
Inspiring Optimistic Upbeat Energetic Guitar Rhythm by Free Music | 
https://soundcloud.com/fm_freemusic
Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

If you follow my simple system to use travel rewards to fly for free, you know that Chase cards are some of my favorite travel cards. That makes doing all, or most of, your banking at Chase a no-brainer. As a longtime Chase banker, I explain some of the benefits of banking with Chase, especially if you use travel rewards on the regular.

If you decide to open a checking account at Chase, you can use my referral link to earn $300 after making a direct deposit of $500 or more within the first 90 days. By using my referral link, you get the current bonus and you support the podcast as well -- thanks! The $300 bonus arrives in only 15 days after your deposit. Free money!

Chase Banking $300 Bonus Link → https://familiesflyfree.com/ChaseBanking

You might also like these episodes...
Episode 87 | The Chase 5/24 Rule Explained!
Episode 19 | 5 Reasons to Make Friends With Chase Ultimate Rewards Points to Travel Free With Your Family
Episode 25 | Chase Sapphire Preferred, the "King" of Travel Cards: 10 Reasons to Add It to Your Wallet
Episode 59 | Funding Your Free Travels with Your Small Business
Episode 103 | 5 Ways to Simplify Your Travel Rewards Strategy

✨ Join me inside my Secrets of a Travel Journalist Club, where I’m pulling back the curtain on 25+ years of insider travel know-how to help you fly smarter, score luxury perks and unlock unforgettable experiences for less.

👉 Grab your spot + start planning your smartest trip yet: https://www.secretsofatraveljournalist.com/club

✈️ Want even more travel tips? Visit SecretsofaTravelJournalist.com for guides, resources and insider advice.

Got questions about the Club? Text me at 844-403-2263.

Music Credit:
Inspiring Optimistic Upbeat Energetic Guitar Rhythm by Free Music | 
https://soundcloud.com/fm_freemusic
Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

A lot of people have mistaken assumptions about travel rewards that simply aren’t true. In this episode, Lyn lays out what you “think” travel rewards involves, versus the reality of what is actually the case.

✨ Join me inside my Secrets of a Travel Journalist Club, where I’m pulling back the curtain on 25+ years of insider travel know-how to help you fly smarter, score luxury perks and unlock unforgettable experiences for less.

👉 Grab your spot + start planning your smartest trip yet: https://www.secretsofatraveljournalist.com/club

✈️ Want even more travel tips? Visit SecretsofaTravelJournalist.com for guides, resources and insider advice.

Got questions about the Club? Text me at 844-403-2263.

Related Episodes:

• Episode 143 | Using Your Points However You Want With Pam Howard 
• Episode 39 | How to Shift From a Vacation Mindset to a Year-Round Travel Mindset
• Episode 103 | How to Simplify Your Travel Rewards Strategy
• Episode 31 | Top 10 Mistakes People Make Flying Free
• Episode 38 | 5 Priceless Reasons to Start Traveling More With Your Kids
• Episode 63 | Yes! You Can Fly Free Around School Schedules

Music Credit:
Inspiring Optimistic Upbeat Energetic Guitar Rhythm by Free Music | 
https://soundcloud.com/fm_freemusic
Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

Lyn shares the latest about the changes coming to Southwest Airlines this year and next year, including assigned and extra legroom seating, their partnership with Icelandair, credit card changes, hotel partnerships and more.

✨ Join me inside my Secrets of a Travel Journalist Club, where I’m pulling back the curtain on 25+ years of insider travel know-how to help you fly smarter, score luxury perks and unlock unforgettable experiences for less.

👉 Grab your spot + start planning your smartest trip yet: https://www.secretsofatraveljournalist.com/club

✈️ Want even more travel tips? Visit SecretsofaTravelJournalist.com for guides, resources and insider advice.

Got questions about the Club? Text me at 844-403-2263.

LINKS:

• Download my free Southwest Companion Pass ebook: https://www.familiesflyfree.com/CompanionPass
• Follow along with Southwest's changes: https://www.southwest.com/customer-enhancements/ 
• How to add your Southwest account # to your Icelandair reservation: https://www.southwest.com/icelandair/

RELATED EPISODES:

• BONUS Episode | Is Southwest's Surprise Reduction in Points Earned on Flights a Big Deal?
• Episode 179 | Southwest Airlines Ends Free Checked Bags + Other MAJOR Changes: What You Need to Know…
• Episode 165 | Southwest Just Announced These BIG Changes: My Thoughts and Analysis

Music Credit:
Inspiring Optimistic Upbeat Energetic Guitar Rhythm by Free Music | 
https://soundcloud.com/fm_freemusic
Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

When you start flying more because you're using miles and points, having access to airport lounges can be a nice perk of traveling! In this episode, Lyn shares the easiest way to get access to airport lounges - by holding the right travel cards - and her favorite card options to help you do so most affordably.

Resources:
Capital One Venture X referral link - https://familiestravelfree.com/capitalonepodcast
Chase Sapphire Reserve affiliate link - https://familiestravelfree.com/ReservePodcast
Capital One Lounges

AMEX Lounge Search

Chase Sapphire Lounges

✨ Join me inside my Secrets of a Travel Journalist Club, where I’m pulling back the curtain on 25+ years of insider travel know-how to help you fly smarter, score luxury perks and unlock unforgettable experiences for less.

👉 Grab your spot + start planning your smartest trip yet: https://www.secretsofatraveljournalist.com/club

✈️ Want even more travel tips? Visit SecretsofaTravelJournalist.com for guides, resources and insider advice.

Got questions about the Club? Text me at 844-403-2263.

Music Credit:
Inspiring Optimistic Upbeat Energetic Guitar Rhythm by Free Music | 
https://soundcloud.com/fm_freemusic
Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

Learn how Amy Heffern, a mom of 2, has used travel rewards and Southwest Airlines specifically to not only save on the cost of flights for travel sports for her son's travel lacrosse tournaments, but also how flying Southwest is a more flexible and convenient option for her family.

✨ Join me inside my Secrets of a Travel Journalist Club, where I’m pulling back the curtain on 25+ years of insider travel know-how to help you fly smarter, score luxury perks and unlock unforgettable experiences for less.

👉 Grab your spot + start planning your smartest trip yet: https://www.secretsofatraveljournalist.com/club

✈️ Want even more travel tips? Visit SecretsofaTravelJournalist.com for guides, resources and insider advice.

Got questions about the Club? Text me at 844-403-2263.

Related Episodes:

• Episode 133: $20,000 Saved Flying Free for Travel Sports with Travis Boland
• Episode 127: From Overwhelmed to Confident Using Travel Rewards With Brittany Gartner
• Episode 99: But I Like Delta Better... What You're Saying No to When You Choose Another Airline Over Southwest

Music Credit:
Inspiring Optimistic Upbeat Energetic Guitar Rhythm by Free Music | 
https://soundcloud.com/fm_freemusic
Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

Here are 5 things that banks, airlines, hotels and others DON’T want you to know about travel rewards because it’s not in their best interest for you to know. In this episode, I’m sharing the straight truth to help you fly and travel for free in the most efficient, effective and easiest possible way that’s in YOUR best interest.

✨ Join me inside my Secrets of a Travel Journalist Club, where I’m pulling back the curtain on 25+ years of insider travel know-how to help you fly smarter, score luxury perks and unlock unforgettable experiences for less.

👉 Grab your spot + start planning your smartest trip yet: https://www.secretsofatraveljournalist.com/club

✈️ Want even more travel tips? Visit SecretsofaTravelJournalist.com for guides, resources and insider advice.

Got questions about the Club? Text me at 844-403-2263.

Related Episodes:

• Episode 167: Maximizing Travel Rewards Efficiency with Jon Gombola
• Episode 126: My Fly Free Formula Revealed
• Episode 103: 5 Ways to Simplify Your Travel Rewards Strategy
• Episode 68: Stop Applying for Too Many Travel Cards - There’s a Much Simpler Way
• Episode 31: The Top 10 Mistakes People Make Flying Free
• Episode 11: The ONE Airline Perk That Makes Flying Free Easy for Families

Music Credit:

Inspiring Optimistic Upbeat Energetic Guitar Rhythm by Free Music | 

https://soundcloud.com/fm_freemusic

Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com

Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

Lyn shares how aficionados of Dave Ramsey can still follow his advice and remain debt free, while responsibly taking advantage of travel rewards. 

✨ Join me inside my Secrets of a Travel Journalist Club, where I’m pulling back the curtain on 25+ years of insider travel know-how to help you fly smarter, score luxury perks and unlock unforgettable experiences for less.

👉 Grab your spot + start planning your smartest trip yet: https://www.secretsofatraveljournalist.com/club

✈️ Want even more travel tips? Visit SecretsofaTravelJournalist.com for guides, resources and insider advice.

Got questions about the Club? Text me at 844-403-2263.

Related Episodes:

• PODCAST #80: Chasing FI? An Inspiring Story of Flying Free While Achieving Financial Independence
• PODCAST #140: Talking Travel Rewards With Brad Barrett of Choose FI
• PODCAST #107: Feel Like You’ve Mastered Travel Rewards? Why Trevor & Jen Fiore Say, Like Them, You Probably Haven’t 
• PODCAST #110: Retired by 50 and Traveling the World with Chris Pisciotta
• PODCAST #138: How to Keep Traveling When the Budget Is Tight

Music Credit:

Inspiring Optimistic Upbeat Energetic Guitar Rhythm by Free Music | 

https://soundcloud.com/fm_freemusic

Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com

Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

Lyn shares how her family saved $11,000+ on free flights, hotel and vacation rental stays across six trips in 2024. This included trips to Orlando, Costa Rica, Austin, New Orleans and more.

✨ Join me inside my Secrets of a Travel Journalist Club, where I’m pulling back the curtain on 25+ years of insider travel know-how to help you fly smarter, score luxury perks and unlock unforgettable experiences for less.

👉 Grab your spot + start planning your smartest trip yet: https://www.secretsofatraveljournalist.com/club

✈️ Want even more travel tips? Visit SecretsofaTravelJournalist.com for guides, resources and insider advice.

Got questions about the Club? Text me at 844-403-2263.

Links and Resources:

• PODCAST #132: Last Minute Getaways Using Points
• PODCAST #129: There's No Right Way to Use Your Points 
• PODCAST #143: Using Your Points However You Want With Pam Howard
• PODCAST #131: Why You Need to Have Emergency Points
• PODCAST #86: All About Capital One Venture X
• REGISTER --> How to Fly MORE in 2025 Using FEWER Points Free Webinar, Jan. 15 or 16: https://familiesflyfree.com/2025webinar
• How to Leave a Podcast Review: FamiliesFlyFree.com/Review
• Join the Families Fly Free Email List: FamiliesFlyFree.com/Email
• Learn more about Capital One Venture X: FamiliesFlyFree.com/CapitalOnePodcast

Music Credit:

Inspiring Optimistic Upbeat Energetic Guitar Rhythm by Free Music | 

https://soundcloud.com/fm_freemusic

Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com

Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US