Podcast Summary: All the Hacks – Family Travel on Points: Tips, Tricks and Tactics with Nick Reyes

Host: Chris Hutchins
Guest: Nick Reyes (Frequent Miler)
Date: October 29, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode, Chris Hutchins and family points travel expert Nick Reyes dive deep into the world of booking family trips on points and miles. They demystify the challenge of finding multiple award seats, share lesser-known tools and strategies, and discuss how mindset, flexibility, and planning can turn seemingly impossible trips—like business class for eight to Europe—into reality. Nick offers actionable advice forged from years of traveling with kids, highlighting the hacks, logistics, and broad lessons that can empower listeners to make ambitious travel accessible and joyful for the entire family.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Family Travel Mindset

Flexibility is Essential: Rigid date or destination preferences (e.g., only Paris on July 16) make booking harder. Openness (“Europe in the summer”) increases opportunities. (Nick, [01:05])
It’s Not Hard, Just Different: Traveling with kids isn’t harder, but requires changed expectations and planning styles. (Nick, [01:05])
“Most people get tripped up…thinking it has to be difficult…It’s not hard, it’s just different.” – Nick Reyes [01:55]

2. Real-World Family Points Success Stories

Epic European Trip Example: Eight family members flew round-trip business class to Milan and home from Athens, cruised multiple destinations, all on points and a surprisingly low cash outlay (under $6,000 for flights and hotels). Retail value would have topped $50,000. (Nick, [03:14])

3. Award Booking Strategies

Award Availability Secrets: Search by “region” not route, use partner miles, and search broadly using new award tools.
Tools and Tactics: Modern award aggregators make searching for 4–8 seats practical—scattershot search by destination or date. (Nick, [06:43])
Use of Partner Programs: Booking Air France seats via Virgin Atlantic saves substantial points versus booking direct. (Nick, [06:43])
Flexibility in Travel Dates: Securing seats may involve booking the available days and planning the rest of the trip around the flights found. (Nick, [09:45])

4. Cabin Class Considerations

Economy vs. Premium/Business: Economy is easiest and cheapest, but the jump to business, especially for families with points, sometimes isn’t as steep as it looks; flexibility yields deals. (Nick, [09:57])
Sometimes, business class awards cost less than economy: “I did an award search. The business class award ticket was actually cheaper than economy.” – Chris Hutchins [13:55]

5. Philosophy on Kids in Premium Cabins

Rest Trumps Fancy: The main benefit of business class with kids is rest, not pampering. (Nick, [14:38])
“Everybody gets a bed; they can fall asleep…That's super valuable when you're traveling with kids.” – Nick Reyes [14:38]
Financial Education: Using points is framed as a special, hard-earned experience, not entitlement. (Nick, [14:38])

6. Advanced Booking Tactics

Booking Multiple Seats: When all seats aren’t available, book in segments or split the family across flights with overlapping arrival times; set award alerts for seats as they open. (Nick, [18:59])
Buy an Extra Seat: Sometimes, buying 6 seats in economy for 4 people is cheaper than upgrading to business: extra space, easier sleep, less hassle, and can work with points. (Chris, [21:32])
SkyCouch & Unique Products: Evaluating airline family-friendly seating products, e.g., Air New Zealand’s SkyCouch. (Chris, [22:35])
Mixing Cash and Points One-Ways: Book one way with points, the other with a cheap business cash fare from Europe; may net the best deal and even earn miles. (Nick, [22:35])

7. Jet Lag & Flight Timings

Sleep Timing: Aim for departures at or near kids’ bedtime for smoother adjustment.
Pre-Trip Screen Time Detox: Remove screen time before travel so in-flight entertainment remains a treat. (Nick, [28:54])

8. Kids’ Discounts & Lap Infants

Discounted Redemption Rates: Some programs (e.g., Air France/KLM Flying Blue) give 25% off award rates for kids.
Lap Infant Price Hacks: Key programs like Air Canada Aeroplan and Virgin Atlantic offer exceptional lap infant rates (flat fee or low percentage).
Be Strategic with Programs: Book awards through the program with the best infant policy; sometimes splitting the parent/lap infant makes sense across programs. (Nick, [30:57]–[34:39])

9. Family-Friendly Airlines

Asian & European Carriers Shine: International airlines, especially in Asia and Europe, often offer special amenities, gifts, and leniency for families. (Nick, [34:39])
Family Seating: Some carriers assist with accommodating families together or provide bassinets (always check size restrictions first).

10. Frequent Flyer Miles for Kids

Enroll Children: Kids should have their own accounts for all major carriers; some airlines allow pooling or require an adult to call to set up accounts for minors. (Nick, [39:28])
Pooling Miles: Programs like Air Canada Aeroplan make it easy to combine family miles.

11. Companion Pass Hacks

Southwest: “Buy two, get two free” for families with two companion passes—a major savings driver for domestic travel. (Nick, [42:25])
Alaska & American: Other passes exist but are less flexible than Southwest’s.

12. Packing & Gear

Team Carry-On vs. Team Checked Bag: Many prefer carry-on, but with family, checked bags are often practical—lost luggage is rare. Bring collapsible/compact gear, like inflatable car seats or travel vests. (Nick, [45:11]; Chris, [46:14])
Travel Light, Buy Local: Don’t overpack baby essentials; most can be found at your destination. (Chris, [47:25]; Nick, [48:12])
Pro Tips: Travel router for baby monitors, portable high chair, compact stroller (GB Pocket or YoYo), window cling stickers as unique toys. (Chris & Nick, [83:10]–[85:20])

13. Dealing with Delays & Airport Logistics

Mindset: Issues are rare—don’t overplan for worst-case.
Have Points for Backup: Points can get you out of a jam fast.
Lounge Access: Essential during long delays (via credit cards/Priority Pass with guesting benefits).
Global Entry for Kids: Children need their own profile, or use Mobile Passport for U.S. reentry. (Chris & Nick, [55:08])

14. Hotel Booking Tips

Room Capacities Vary in Europe/Asia: Many rooms max out at three people—contact the hotel directly or book for two and ask about fees/upgrades.
Suite Upgrades: Hyatt is a standout for affordable, points-based suite upgrades; Hilton sometimes allows connecting room guarantees.
Vacation Rentals: Sometimes book with points (Wyndham for Vacasa or Cottages.com in the UK).
Kids Clubs: Increasingly common at resorts worldwide for kids ages 5+, providing parent flexibility. (Chris, [66:54])
Pro Tip: Email the General Manager directly for upgrades/requests (find contacts via TripAdvisor or hotel chain patterns).

15. Transportation

Rental Cars: Leverage work/association codes for discounts, especially on one-ways; National and Hertz status perks.
Autoslash: Use for price tracking and booking.

16. Cruises as a Family Hack

Unpack Once, See More: Cruises—especially in Europe—let families see many cities with minimal logistics and kid stress, and food/lodging is simplified. River cruises dock closer to city centers. (Nick, [73:14]; Chris, [76:40])

17. Broad Family Travel Advice

One Big Thing Per Day: Manage expectations, avoid overload, maximize enjoyment.
Involve Kids: As they get older, let them help plan; engage with local playgrounds, hunt for child-geared experiences at major attractions. Prep with books or shows about destinations. (Nick, [77:44])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

“Booking travel with points for just one person is hard enough…but today's guest, Nick Reyes, proves that with the right strategy, most of this absolutely is possible.” – Chris Hutchins [00:00]
“You have to adjust your way of thinking…keep my planning as open as possible…it's not hard, it's just different. It requires a different outlook.” – Nick Reyes [01:05]
"The magic of miles and points makes a world possible that's not realistic for people who aren't playing that game." – Nick Reyes [14:38]
“You don’t need most of what you think you need…less is more.” – Nick Reyes [83:47]
"One big thing a day is what I always tell people." ... "If you try to pack too many activities into a day...someone’s going to drop something, or something’s going to go wrong and...more than one person is likely to end up being upset." – Nick Reyes [77:44]
"It's not always the details that are important for the kids. It's more so the how to think than it is what to think." – Nick Reyes [82:25]
"Travel might look a little different than before you had kids, but it's not over. Just different in a different way." – Nick Reyes [88:44]

Timestamps for Important Segments

[00:00]–[03:14]: Introduction & myth-busting
[03:14]–[06:43]: Case study: Eight-person business class trip to Europe
[06:43]–[09:45]: Award search tools, partner booking, strategy/flexibility
[09:57]–[14:38]: Economy vs. business/premium, travel philosophy with kids
[18:59]–[22:35]: Finding multiple award seats, splitting parties, buying extra seats
[22:35]–[24:37]: One-way cash fares, alternatives to U.S. award redemptions
[28:54]–[30:57]: Jet lag, flight timing, screen time tricks
[30:57]–[34:39]: Discounts for kids/lap infant award hacks
[39:28]–[41:38]: Kids’ frequent flyer accounts, pooling, bonus tip
[42:25]–[44:54]: Southwest, Alaska, and AA companion passes
[45:11]–[48:12]: Packing light, gear hacks, buying local
[53:19]–[55:36]: Delays, lounge tips, Global Entry/Mobile Passport for families
[57:47]–[66:54]: Hotel room challenges in Europe/Asia, upgrade tactics, kids clubs, vacation rentals
[69:57]–[72:58]: Rental car hacks, status, free cancellations
[73:14]–[77:28]: How cruises changed family travel
[77:44]–[83:10]: Broad family travel tips, prepping kids, building engagement
[83:10]–[85:20]: Non-obvious packing tips & gear
[85:34]–[87:38]: Favorite family-friendly destinations
[88:44]: Closing thoughts – “It doesn’t have to be impossible or over – it’s just different.”

Additional Resources

Find all of Nick’s content:

By embracing flexibility, leveraging the right tools, and adjusting expectations, families can unlock remarkable value and bring the joy of travel to kids without breaking the bank. Let this episode inspire you: the world is wide open, even with children in tow.

Podcast Summary: All the Hacks – Family Travel on Points: Tips, Tricks and Tactics with Nick Reyes

Host: Chris Hutchins
Guest: Nick Reyes (Frequent Miler)
Date: October 29, 2025

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Family Travel Mindset

Flexibility is Essential: Rigid date or destination preferences (e.g., only Paris on July 16) make booking harder. Openness (“Europe in the summer”) increases opportunities. (Nick, [01:05])
It’s Not Hard, Just Different: Traveling with kids isn’t harder, but requires changed expectations and planning styles. (Nick, [01:05])
“Most people get tripped up…thinking it has to be difficult…It’s not hard, it’s just different.” – Nick Reyes [01:55]

2. Real-World Family Points Success Stories

Epic European Trip Example: Eight family members flew round-trip business class to Milan and home from Athens, cruised multiple destinations, all on points and a surprisingly low cash outlay (under $6,000 for flights and hotels). Retail value would have topped $50,000. (Nick, [03:14])

3. Award Booking Strategies

Award Availability Secrets: Search by “region” not route, use partner miles, and search broadly using new award tools.
Tools and Tactics: Modern award aggregators make searching for 4–8 seats practical—scattershot search by destination or date. (Nick, [06:43])
Use of Partner Programs: Booking Air France seats via Virgin Atlantic saves substantial points versus booking direct. (Nick, [06:43])
Flexibility in Travel Dates: Securing seats may involve booking the available days and planning the rest of the trip around the flights found. (Nick, [09:45])

4. Cabin Class Considerations

Economy vs. Premium/Business: Economy is easiest and cheapest, but the jump to business, especially for families with points, sometimes isn’t as steep as it looks; flexibility yields deals. (Nick, [09:57])
Sometimes, business class awards cost less than economy: “I did an award search. The business class award ticket was actually cheaper than economy.” – Chris Hutchins [13:55]

5. Philosophy on Kids in Premium Cabins

Rest Trumps Fancy: The main benefit of business class with kids is rest, not pampering. (Nick, [14:38])
“Everybody gets a bed; they can fall asleep…That's super valuable when you're traveling with kids.” – Nick Reyes [14:38]
Financial Education: Using points is framed as a special, hard-earned experience, not entitlement. (Nick, [14:38])

6. Advanced Booking Tactics

Booking Multiple Seats: When all seats aren’t available, book in segments or split the family across flights with overlapping arrival times; set award alerts for seats as they open. (Nick, [18:59])
Buy an Extra Seat: Sometimes, buying 6 seats in economy for 4 people is cheaper than upgrading to business: extra space, easier sleep, less hassle, and can work with points. (Chris, [21:32])
SkyCouch & Unique Products: Evaluating airline family-friendly seating products, e.g., Air New Zealand’s SkyCouch. (Chris, [22:35])
Mixing Cash and Points One-Ways: Book one way with points, the other with a cheap business cash fare from Europe; may net the best deal and even earn miles. (Nick, [22:35])

7. Jet Lag & Flight Timings

Sleep Timing: Aim for departures at or near kids’ bedtime for smoother adjustment.
Pre-Trip Screen Time Detox: Remove screen time before travel so in-flight entertainment remains a treat. (Nick, [28:54])

8. Kids’ Discounts & Lap Infants

Discounted Redemption Rates: Some programs (e.g., Air France/KLM Flying Blue) give 25% off award rates for kids.
Lap Infant Price Hacks: Key programs like Air Canada Aeroplan and Virgin Atlantic offer exceptional lap infant rates (flat fee or low percentage).
Be Strategic with Programs: Book awards through the program with the best infant policy; sometimes splitting the parent/lap infant makes sense across programs. (Nick, [30:57]–[34:39])

9. Family-Friendly Airlines

Asian & European Carriers Shine: International airlines, especially in Asia and Europe, often offer special amenities, gifts, and leniency for families. (Nick, [34:39])
Family Seating: Some carriers assist with accommodating families together or provide bassinets (always check size restrictions first).

10. Frequent Flyer Miles for Kids

Enroll Children: Kids should have their own accounts for all major carriers; some airlines allow pooling or require an adult to call to set up accounts for minors. (Nick, [39:28])
Pooling Miles: Programs like Air Canada Aeroplan make it easy to combine family miles.

11. Companion Pass Hacks

Southwest: “Buy two, get two free” for families with two companion passes—a major savings driver for domestic travel. (Nick, [42:25])
Alaska & American: Other passes exist but are less flexible than Southwest’s.

12. Packing & Gear

Team Carry-On vs. Team Checked Bag: Many prefer carry-on, but with family, checked bags are often practical—lost luggage is rare. Bring collapsible/compact gear, like inflatable car seats or travel vests. (Nick, [45:11]; Chris, [46:14])
Travel Light, Buy Local: Don’t overpack baby essentials; most can be found at your destination. (Chris, [47:25]; Nick, [48:12])
Pro Tips: Travel router for baby monitors, portable high chair, compact stroller (GB Pocket or YoYo), window cling stickers as unique toys. (Chris & Nick, [83:10]–[85:20])

13. Dealing with Delays & Airport Logistics

Mindset: Issues are rare—don’t overplan for worst-case.
Have Points for Backup: Points can get you out of a jam fast.
Lounge Access: Essential during long delays (via credit cards/Priority Pass with guesting benefits).
Global Entry for Kids: Children need their own profile, or use Mobile Passport for U.S. reentry. (Chris & Nick, [55:08])

14. Hotel Booking Tips

Room Capacities Vary in Europe/Asia: Many rooms max out at three people—contact the hotel directly or book for two and ask about fees/upgrades.
Suite Upgrades: Hyatt is a standout for affordable, points-based suite upgrades; Hilton sometimes allows connecting room guarantees.
Vacation Rentals: Sometimes book with points (Wyndham for Vacasa or Cottages.com in the UK).
Kids Clubs: Increasingly common at resorts worldwide for kids ages 5+, providing parent flexibility. (Chris, [66:54])
Pro Tip: Email the General Manager directly for upgrades/requests (find contacts via TripAdvisor or hotel chain patterns).

15. Transportation

Rental Cars: Leverage work/association codes for discounts, especially on one-ways; National and Hertz status perks.
Autoslash: Use for price tracking and booking.

16. Cruises as a Family Hack

Unpack Once, See More: Cruises—especially in Europe—let families see many cities with minimal logistics and kid stress, and food/lodging is simplified. River cruises dock closer to city centers. (Nick, [73:14]; Chris, [76:40])

17. Broad Family Travel Advice

One Big Thing Per Day: Manage expectations, avoid overload, maximize enjoyment.
Involve Kids: As they get older, let them help plan; engage with local playgrounds, hunt for child-geared experiences at major attractions. Prep with books or shows about destinations. (Nick, [77:44])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

“Booking travel with points for just one person is hard enough…but today's guest, Nick Reyes, proves that with the right strategy, most of this absolutely is possible.” – Chris Hutchins [00:00]
“You have to adjust your way of thinking…keep my planning as open as possible…it's not hard, it's just different. It requires a different outlook.” – Nick Reyes [01:05]
"The magic of miles and points makes a world possible that's not realistic for people who aren't playing that game." – Nick Reyes [14:38]
“You don’t need most of what you think you need…less is more.” – Nick Reyes [83:47]
"One big thing a day is what I always tell people." ... "If you try to pack too many activities into a day...someone’s going to drop something, or something’s going to go wrong and...more than one person is likely to end up being upset." – Nick Reyes [77:44]
"It's not always the details that are important for the kids. It's more so the how to think than it is what to think." – Nick Reyes [82:25]
"Travel might look a little different than before you had kids, but it's not over. Just different in a different way." – Nick Reyes [88:44]

Timestamps for Important Segments

[00:00]–[03:14]: Introduction & myth-busting
[03:14]–[06:43]: Case study: Eight-person business class trip to Europe
[06:43]–[09:45]: Award search tools, partner booking, strategy/flexibility
[09:57]–[14:38]: Economy vs. business/premium, travel philosophy with kids
[18:59]–[22:35]: Finding multiple award seats, splitting parties, buying extra seats
[22:35]–[24:37]: One-way cash fares, alternatives to U.S. award redemptions
[28:54]–[30:57]: Jet lag, flight timing, screen time tricks
[30:57]–[34:39]: Discounts for kids/lap infant award hacks
[39:28]–[41:38]: Kids’ frequent flyer accounts, pooling, bonus tip
[42:25]–[44:54]: Southwest, Alaska, and AA companion passes
[45:11]–[48:12]: Packing light, gear hacks, buying local
[53:19]–[55:36]: Delays, lounge tips, Global Entry/Mobile Passport for families
[57:47]–[66:54]: Hotel room challenges in Europe/Asia, upgrade tactics, kids clubs, vacation rentals
[69:57]–[72:58]: Rental car hacks, status, free cancellations
[73:14]–[77:28]: How cruises changed family travel
[77:44]–[83:10]: Broad family travel tips, prepping kids, building engagement
[83:10]–[85:20]: Non-obvious packing tips & gear
[85:34]–[87:38]: Favorite family-friendly destinations
[88:44]: Closing thoughts – “It doesn’t have to be impossible or over – it’s just different.”

Additional Resources

Find all of Nick’s content:

Family Travel on Points: Tips, Tricks and Tactics with Nick Reyes

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Summary

Podcast Summary: All the Hacks – Family Travel on Points: Tips, Tricks and Tactics with Nick Reyes

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Family Travel Mindset

2. Real-World Family Points Success Stories

3. Award Booking Strategies

4. Cabin Class Considerations

5. Philosophy on Kids in Premium Cabins

6. Advanced Booking Tactics

7. Jet Lag & Flight Timings

8. Kids’ Discounts & Lap Infants

9. Family-Friendly Airlines

10. Frequent Flyer Miles for Kids

11. Companion Pass Hacks

12. Packing & Gear

13. Dealing with Delays & Airport Logistics

14. Hotel Booking Tips

15. Transportation

16. Cruises as a Family Hack

17. Broad Family Travel Advice

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Important Segments

Additional Resources

Summary

Podcast Summary: All the Hacks – Family Travel on Points: Tips, Tricks and Tactics with Nick Reyes

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Family Travel Mindset

2. Real-World Family Points Success Stories

3. Award Booking Strategies

4. Cabin Class Considerations

5. Philosophy on Kids in Premium Cabins

6. Advanced Booking Tactics

7. Jet Lag & Flight Timings

8. Kids’ Discounts & Lap Infants

9. Family-Friendly Airlines

10. Frequent Flyer Miles for Kids

11. Companion Pass Hacks

12. Packing & Gear

13. Dealing with Delays & Airport Logistics

14. Hotel Booking Tips

15. Transportation

16. Cruises as a Family Hack

17. Broad Family Travel Advice

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Important Segments

Additional Resources