When I first heard about “travel hacking,” it sounded a little intimidating – credit cards, points, sign-up bonuses, blackout dates. But once I started? Game. Over.

I used to overpay for everything – from checked bags to overpriced airport snacks. Now I get opportunities to fly for free, stay in family-friendly hotels for pennies, and breeze through security with my kids in tow. And the best part? Most of it comes from credit card points.

Here are 5 things that changed for me when I started using credit card points to travel – especially as a mom – plus how you can do the same.

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1. ✅ TSA PreCheck – Security is So Much Easier With Kids

Traveling with kids means juggling snacks, stuffies, a stroller and emotions. The last thing you need is wrestling their shoes off in a security line or unpacking their entire bag for an iPad they can’t touch yet.

TSA PreCheck changed everything. And bonus – kids 12 and under go through with you for free.

Why it’s a must:

• Shorter, faster line
  
• No shoes off for you or your kids
  
• No pulling out snacks or tablets, so you avoid the “can I have it now?” meltdown
  
• Stroller stays intact in most cases
  
• You’re through security faster, calmer, and with your stuff still organized
  

Card tip:

My Chase Sapphire Preferred® reimbursed the PreCheck fee – and it’s my go-to for points because it transfers 1:1 to Hyatt (great for families).

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2. 🛋️ Airport Lounge Access – A Calm Place Before Boarding

Ever tried keeping kids still at a crowded gate for an hour? Same. Now we head straight to a lounge.

With certain credit cards, you get access to airport lounges, and the benefits for families are everything:

• Comfy seating and space to spread out
  
• Free snacks and drinks (hello, kid snacks without airport prices)
  
• Clean bathrooms and changing tables
  
• Free Wi-Fi for tablets if needed
  
• A chance for you to sit down, breathe and charge your things!
  

Card tip:I use the Capital One Venture, which gets me into Capital One Lounges and Priority Pass locations. Totally worth it for the sanity alone.

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3. 🏨 Free Hotel Stays – Family-Friendly Rooms for Zero Dollars

Booking hotels used to be one of the biggest expenses of a trip. Now we stay in clean, reliable hotels for free using points.

My favorite? Hyatt. Their rooms are spacious, clean, and often include breakfast – perfect for families.

Why it’s great with kids:

• Low point redemption (Hyatt often requires fewer points than other chains)
  
• Family suites, connecting rooms, and cribs available
  
• Lots of Hyatt Places and Hyatts with pools (kid win)
  
• Locations near theme parks, airports, and cities
  

Here’s what “low point redemption” actually means:

• I recently stayed at Hyatt Place Miami Airport East for just 9,500 points per night
  
• A similar Marriott nearby would have cost 123,000 points for one night
  
• That’s over 13x more points for a very similar stay!
  

When you’re using Chase Ultimate Rewards points, you can transfer them 1:1 to Hyatt, which stretches their value way further than using them through a travel portal or with another hotel brand.

Card tip:

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® is the best starter card for families who want free hotels. Hyatt is a 1:1 transfer partner, and redemptions go a long way.

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4. 👯‍♀️ The Southwest Companion Pass – Bring Anyone With You for Free

This is the holy grail of family travel perks. If you fly Southwest, the Companion Pass is a total game changer.

Once you qualify, you get to name a companion who flies free with you – on every flight, whether you pay in cash or points.

Why it’s a big deal:

• Bring anyone – your partner, a child, a friend – for free (just pay taxes and fees)
  
• Valid for up to two full calendar years depending on when you earn it
  
• Works for unlimited flights during that time
  
• Can change your companion up to 3 times per year – perfect if you’re alternating travel with kids or a partner

New baggage policy update:

Southwest used to offer 2 free checked bags per person, but that has changed. Now, if you hold a Southwest credit card, you get 1 free checked bag per ticket purchased. Still a solid perk for family travel – especially when you’re bringing car seats, strollers, or extra kid gear.

And remember:

• No change or cancellation fees
• Open seating (great for boarding early with little ones)
• They offer family boarding which happens after Group A

Card tip:

The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Credit Card helps you earn the Companion Pass faster through sign-up bonuses and regular spending. Plus, it unlocks that free checked bag and earns points toward future flights.

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5. 🛫 Free Flights – Saving Hundreds, Every Time

Flying with kids adds up fast. Even short flights can cost $200+ per person roundtrip – multiply that by 3 or 4 and you’re spending vacation money before you even land.

With points, I’ve booked free flights for myself and my kids again and again.

Why this helps families:

• Book flights entirely with points
  
• Only pay minimal taxes (usually under $11 roundtrip)
  
• Great for last-minute bookings during school breaks
  
• You can even use points to book your partner or caregiver
  

Card tip:

• Chase Sapphire Preferred® – great for transferring points to Southwest, United, JetBlue, and more
• Capital One Venture – lets you book directly or transfer to partners like Air Canada or British Airways
• Southwest Card – ideal for flexible, family-friendly flying (especially with Companion Pass)
  

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How to Start

1. Pick a card that fits your family’s travel style – hotels, flights, or flexibility
   
2. Use it for everyday spending (groceries, gas, daycare, etc.)  ** Remember not to spend more on the credit card than you can pay off that month – it can defeat the purpose of credit card travel hacking.
   
3. Hit the bonus, then start stacking points
   
4. Redeem for your first free flight or hotel
   
5. Breathe – you’re now that mom who travels smart

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Coming Soon to The Travel Edit:

Master Travel Hacking like a Pro

Don’t miss out –  subscribe  for updates on insider travel tips, including:

💳 Credit Card Strategy (Affiliate Potential)

• The Best Starter Travel Card for Families
  
• How to Hit the Sign-Up Bonus Without Overspending
  
• Top 3 Cards I Actually Use (and Why I Ditched the Rest)

✈️ Booking Flights with Points

• How I Book $800 Flights for $11 With Points
  
• Using Points for Family Travel Without Losing Your Mind

🏨 Hotels + Stays on Points

• The Easiest Hotel Chains to Use Points (With Kids!)
  
• Best Hyatt Redemptions for Families in the U.S.
  
• How to Stay in a $400 Hotel for Free (with Screenshots)

👩‍👧‍👦 Family-Focused Travel Hacking

• Travel Hacking With Kids: What No One Tells You

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Final Thoughts

You don’t need a huge budget to give your kids unforgettable experiences – just the right credit card strategy. Travel hacking made our family trips easier, cheaper, and way more fun. If I can do it, you can too.

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