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/

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