The first time we flew Southwest Airlines as a family, I had no idea what to expect—and no clue that there wouldn’t be assigned seats. We had four little kids, a diaper bag explosion in the security line, and by the time we boarded, I was sweating and crossing my fingers we’d even get to sit together. Since then, we’ve flown Southwest more times than I can count—and I’ve learned a few tricks that have completely changed the experience.

When I first started earning points for travel, I assumed booking flights with an airline’s own miles was the smartest move. Especially if you’ve been stockpiling Delta SkyMiles—it feels like a win, right? But the more I got into this world, the more I realized those miles aren’t always the best deal. In fact, Delta flights can often be booked for way fewer points through partner programs.

My husband travels often for work, and that’s how we first got deep into the Marriott ecosystem. Once you build loyalty with a single hotel program, the perks start to matter—things like room upgrades, free breakfast, and late checkout can make travel a whole lot smoother, especially for a family.

Ever wonder if you’re actually getting a good deal when you use your points? You’re not alone. I get this question a lot—and the truth is, not all points are created equal. A quick calculation can help you decide whether to hit redeem or save those points for something better.

When it comes to earning American Express Membership Rewards points, most people focus on welcome offers from new credit cards and every day spending. While both strategies are incredibly valuable, there’s a lesser-known yet equally powerful strategy to quickly rack up points—using Rakuten. This method is especially useful given AMEX’s stricter rules on new card sign-ups. Here’s how you can earn a substantial amount of Membership Rewards points without applying for a new card.