You carefully booked the perfect flights for your family trip. Then weeks (or even months) later, that dreaded email hits your inbox:
“Your Southwest flight schedule has changed.”

Flying budget airlines with kids might sound like a disaster waiting to happen—but it doesn’t have to be. On one of our recent trips, I had all four kids, snacks, tablets, and backpacks in tow. We boarded a low-cost airline, and honestly? It was one of the smoothest flights we’ve ever had. The trick is knowing what to pack (and what not to), and which travel hacks and credit cards will help get you there without overspending.

Advertiser Disclosure: The Rewards Mom has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. The Rewards Mom and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.Editorial Disclosure: Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities. “How Are Families Affording […]

Hawaii is a bucket list trip for so many families—and for good reason. The beaches, volcanoes, and island adventures feel a world away, but you don’t need a passport to get there. The catch? Flights to Hawaii can be pricey, especially when you’re booking for a whole family. That’s why using points strategically can make this trip go from “maybe someday” to “booked!”

Frontier just launched a limited-time promotion they are calling ‘Divorce your old airline’ (ha ha) where you can book summer flights with a free carry-on bag and free seat selection—a rare deal for this ultra-low-cost airline.

Even though Alaska Airlines isn’t the largest carrier, its generous earning structure, valuable partnerships, and free stopovers make it one of the best programs for family travelers. Plus, with the Hawaiian Airlines merger, there’s a limited-time (well, we think it’s limited) chance to rack up even more miles.

Why I Always Save My Points for These Two Travel Programs One of the biggest frustrations with points and miles? Figuring out how to actually use them for good redemptions. Some airline and hotel programs make it unnecessarily complicated—blackout dates, unpredictable pricing, and sneaky fees can turn what should be a nearly free trip into […]

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.

If you’ve ever had that moment where you’re staring at flight prices and wondering if your dream trip is even possible—been there. Especially with a big family, airfare can feel like the biggest barrier. That’s where the Virgin Atlantic Flying Club comes in. It’s one of the most underrated ways to stretch your points further—especially for international trips.

One of the best ways to maximize your points is through positioning flights. These flights can help you get from your local airport to a major hub where you have better access to award flights and deals. Below is my go-to list of major U.S. airports and their primary airline hubs to help you stretch your points and book smarter trips.