Traveling with a family is expensive. Four tickets, extra bags, snacks, and everything in between can turn a simple getaway into a major budget hit.

The good news is that families can use points to cover most or even all of their flights. With the right setup, it is completely possible to book trips for four or more people without paying cash for airfare.

Here is how to make it work.

Step 1: Choose the Right Cards

Families need a solid points foundation. That starts with a card that offers a large welcome bonus, ideally in the 60,000 to 100,000 point range after meeting the required spending. Transferable points are the most flexible, which makes cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or options that earn American Express® Membership Rewards especially helpful.

A moderate annual fee can be worth it if the perks exceed the cost.

Larger households often spend enough on groceries, fuel, school items, and regular bills to meet minimum spending requirements without changing habits. Many couples split expenses across two cards to build a strong points balance quickly, while staying mindful of application limits like Chase’s 5/24 rule.

Step 2: Build Points with Everyday Spending

Once the cards are in place, route as many routine expenses as possible through them. This includes household shopping, subscription services, kids’ essentials, travel expenses, and more. Paying the balance in full keeps interest from diluting the value.

Bonus categories such as dining or travel make earning even faster. Timing large purchases with a new card can add another substantial boost. Families aiming for roughly 100,000 to 150,000 points are usually in a good position to cover four round trip domestic tickets.

Step 3: Find Family Friendly Award Options

Award space for four travelers is not always available on every flight. Flexibility makes a big difference.

Start with destinations that offer strong award availability. Domestic options like Orlando, Denver, or coastal cities work well. Airlines such as Southwest and United offer straightforward award searches and often release more than two seats at a time. Searching with flexible dates helps uncover options that meet the family’s needs.

If direct flights do not have four seats, splitting the group into two bookings on flights that depart close together can be an easy workaround. Some programs also include stopover options, which can stretch points even further.

Domestic round trip awards often fall in the 20,000 to 30,000 point range per person. International flights may require around 50,000 points or more depending on the destination.

Step 4: Transfer and Book with Care

After finding flights with four available seats, transfer points to the airline program that offers the best option. Transfers are usually final, so confirming availability before moving points is essential.

Booking 60 to 90 days ahead often works well for domestic trips. International trips usually benefit from more lead time.

Southwest remains one of the most convenient choices for families. Award prices simply follow the cash fare, early boarding with young children is included, and four round trip seats can sometimes cost fewer points than expected during sales.

Travelers aiming for premium cabins will need a larger points balance, but business class awards for families are still possible during promotions or at off peak times.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Favoring cash back over transferable points

• Booking flights through bank portals instead of airline partners

• Losing track of point balances

• Ignoring bonus earning categories

• Missing out on transfer bonuses that increase point value

Managing these details helps families get the most from their rewards.

A Quick Family Travel Checklist

• Pick one or two cards with strong welcome bonuses

• Use everyday spending to reach minimum requirements

• Search award calendars for four seats on flexible dates

• Transfer points only after confirming availability

• Book and enjoy the trip

With consistency and a little planning, points can take a family of four almost anywhere without paying cash for flights.

Talk soon,

Your Maestro Concierge

Editors Note: Opinions expressed here are only the author’s and have not been reviewed, approved, or endorsed by any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity.