In this episode of Revolutionizing Your Journey, DeAndre Coke interviews Brian Mullins, a family travel enthusiast and Southwest Airlines expert, to unpack the evolving landscape of airline rewards. Brian shares his journey into the points and miles world, offering insights on how he balances family travel with maximizing loyalty programs. The discussion covers the recent changes at Southwest Airlines, how these adjustments affect traveler loyalty, and why the Companion Pass remains one of the most powerful tools for cost-effective flying.

Listeners will also discover Brian’s unique “gardening” strategy—a method of patiently monitoring and optimizing travel plans to capture the best opportunities. Beyond strategy and airline changes, Brian emphasizes the importance of flexibility, adaptability, and community knowledge sharing when it comes to rewards travel. This episode not only demystifies the value of Southwest’s offerings but also provides families with actionable tips for creating memorable trips while making the most of points and miles.

Key Highlights:

• Brian’s expertise: A Southwest Airlines and family travel specialist with deep experience in points and miles.
• Companion Pass value: One of the most powerful perks in the industry, allowing significant savings for travelers.
• Airline changes: Recent shifts at Southwest Airlines have affected traveler loyalty and booking habits.
• Gardening strategy: A proactive approach to monitoring and optimizing travel plans.
• Flexibility matters: Adapting to new airline policies can create better travel opportunities.
• Community connection: Travel rewards thrive when knowledge and strategies are shared.
• Memorable family trips: Points and miles can transform family vacations into unforgettable experiences.
• Points value depends on goals: Each traveler’s best option varies based on personal circumstances.

Resources:

• Book a Free 30 minute points & miles consultation
• Start here to learn how to unlock nearly free travel
• Sign up for our newsletter!
• BoldlyGo Travel With Points & Miles Facebook Group

Interested in Financial Planning?

• Truicity Wealth Management

Some of Our Favorite Tools For Elevating Your Points & Miles Game:

Note: Contains affiliate/sponsored links

• Card Pointers (Saves the average user $750 per year)
• Zil Money (For Payroll on Credit Card)
• Travel Freely
• Point.me
• FlightConnections.com
• Thrifty Traveler Premium
• LTH Online Points & Miles In Depth Course: 
• Use coupon code "BOLDYGO" for a 50% discount!

Connect with DeAndre & Taryn: 

• Instagram: BoldlyGo.world
• TikTok: BoldlyGo.world 
• Website: BoldlyGo.world
• YouTube: BoldlyGoWorld
• YouTube: BoldlyGo.Travels

Connect with Brian Mullins: 

• Instagram: findawaytravel

Mentioned in this episode:

Check out the new Smart Travel Podcast!

This week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel at the Link below:

Smart Travel Podcast