Giveaway time.

I like Southwest for many reasons. You always get to fly with two checked bags for free. No other US carrier has that lenient of a domestic baggage policy. Flights booked with enough anticipation (or during frequent sales) can be super cheap, with points as well as cash. They have one of the best and most flexible change and cancellation policies. In general they tend to put customers first more than other US carriers.

This week one lucky reader will win a $200 Southwest gift card. Southwest gift cards are fully transferable and don’t expire.

Update 12/7/18: THANKS EVERYONE FOR PARTICIPATING! I just emailed the winner. Have a great weekend. 

Longtime and generous reader CaveDweller is offering one lucky reader a $100 Southwest gift card. Southwest gift cards are fully transferable and don’t expire. There are two ways to enter:

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GIVING AWAY A $100 GIFT CARD ON SOUTHWEST AIRLINES. FOLLOW AND RETWEET TO WIN.

In the context of food, an omnivore eats all types of energy sources: animals and plants, and even algae, fungi, and bacteria. In the context of travel rewards, a points omnivore collects any mile or point they can to get more travel. Their motto is a dollar saved is a dollar saved.

This post is for all my points omnivores out there and particularly for those who strive to be one and are just starting to collect rewards cards.

If you're just starting to collect miles and points, possibly the single best piece of advice is to sign up for five Chase cards before moving on to any other bank's rewards cards. This post is going to talk about which five cards you should choose, depending on a few factors, and why.

The fact of the matter is that Chase will cut you off from eligibility for their travel rewards credit cards once you've opened five credit cards from any bank whatsoever in the last 24 months (not counting most business cards).

Southwest held a meeting in Honolulu yesterday that revealed approximate dates Southwest flights will go on sale and commence service. We also learned that Southwest will keep its awesome two free checked bags/free flight change policies for flights between Hawaii and the mainland.

Executive Vice President; Chief Revenue Officer Andy Watterson told the Beat of Hawaii that the announcement of flights will come by October at the latest, and service would "begin possibly just weeks thereafter".

Thanks to everyone who participated. A winner has been randomly selected. Congratulations to Erika Riddle! Safe travels.

Happy Friday MileValue readers! Longtime and ever generous reader CaveDweller is once again offering one lucky reader a $51 Southwest gift card. Southwest gift cards are fully transferable and don’t expire. There are two ways to enter:

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GIVING AWAY A $51 GIFT CARD ON SOUTHWEST AIRLINES. FOLLOW & RETWEET TO WIN.

Thanks to everyone who participated. A winner has been randomly selected. Congratulations to Mike Reitsma! Safe travels.

Happy holidays! Longtime and ever generous reader CaveDweller is once again offering one lucky reader a $51 Southwest gift card. Southwest gift cards are fully transferable and don’t expire. There are two ways to enter:

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GIVING AWAY A $51 GIFT CARD ON SOUTHWEST AIRLINES. FOLLOW & RETWEET TO WIN.

United, American, and Southwest are all offering bonuses for shopping through their portals. The bonuses are in addition to what you’d already be earning by shopping through the portal. Shopping portals allow you to earn miles by making your normal online purchases through your favorite online stores. Just by starting at the loyalty program’s portal and using its link to your favorite online retailer, you can get extra miles for your purchases.

With each holiday shopping promotion, the more you spend, the higher your return is.

If you live in California, fly Southwest, and aren't locked out by Chase's 5/24 rule, then please take advantage of this insane offer.

California residents can open any one Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card and make one purchase with it before November 30, 2017, and they will qualify for a Companion Pass for all of 2018.

Aloha! A few days ago Southwest announced that they will begin service to Hawaii from the mainland United States some time in 2018. Specific routes and when they begin have not been announced as Southwest is still awaiting government approval.

This is fantastic news as the flight market to Hawaii can be quite expensive. The introduction of a low cost airline like Southwest will surely increase competition and drive prices down.