The Thrifty Traveler Podcast

Travel isn’t always perfect and we certainly aren’t either. This week on the show, Gunnar and Kyle cop to the worst travel mistakes they’ve made over the year. From rehashing Gunnar’s Avianca last name fiasco to entering birthdates wrong to over-scheduling trips, getting fleeced at an expensive restaurant, and even timing bathroom breaks on the road, the guys have screwed up a lot over the years. Join us as we discredit, debase, and humiliate ourselves! Watch us on YouTube! 00:00 - What’s the biggest mistake travelers make? 02:50 - Sylvia welcomes us to the show from Zion National Park 05:15 - The Gunnar Olson Olson Olson story 07:10 - Not checking airfare from more than one airport 09:20 - Think before you swipe: Using the wrong card to book flights 11:55 - Over-scheduling travel – Kyle’s slightly-too-much trip 14:00 - Not paying attention to open hours 16:15 - Birthday fiascos and infant reservations: Don’t wait until the airport! 19:40 - Getting a ski trip shuttered by the weather 22:30 - A word from our sponsor: Don’t miss the next great flight deals with Thrifty Traveler Premium 24:20 - Letting e-credits expire 26:15 - Leaving something in the overhead bin 28:30 - Swiping the same old credit card 30:40 - Check the menu: A crazy expensive meal in Singapore 32:35 - The pre-boarding bathroom break 34:40 - A listener asks: Why the “Yo?” 36:12 - Another listener asks: More on our rebooking strategy 43:05 - The biggest mistake Gunnar has made at Thrifty Traveler Produced and edited by Sylvia Thomas Video editing by Kyle Thomas Show music: “All That” by Benjamin Tissot Support the show by leaving us a rating and a review wherever you get your podcasts! Have a question you want answered on-air or an idea for the show? Let us know at [email protected] 20% off your first year of cheap flights and points and miles deals with Thrifty Traveler Premium - use promo code TTPOD to save even more!See what we’re all about at https://thriftytraveler.com - or subscribe to our free weekly points and miles newsletter, The Extra Mile!Follow us on…InstagramYouTubeFacebookBluesky Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The news has been relentless to kick off the spring, so the guys spend the show tackling a dozen different stories. There’s an update on those awful TSA lines, JetBlue already raised its baggage fees, and Air France/KLM just raised surcharges on award tickets. We also look into United’s splashy new “Relax Row” seats, discuss why American is reversing course on seatback screens, and throw out some quick takes on news like rule changes around Delta’s 20-minute baggage guarantee. Plus, a listener dubs Gunnar “The Redheaded Clown.” Brutal. Watch us on YouTube! 00:00 - When do you start packing for a trip? 01:43 - Rosie’s daughter introduces the show from Costa Rica! 02:20 - We’re a finalist for the 2026 Shorty Awards! Vote now at thriftytraveler.com/vote 03:26 - Are we out of the woods with TSA issues? 06:40 - JetBlue raises baggage fees, when will the other airlines follow? 09:15 - Womp, womp: Flying Blue raises fuel surcharges on award tickets 12:15 - United’s buzzy new Relax Row – would we book it? 16:50 - American wants to reinstall seatback screens 20:40 - Two new nonstop routes to the Philippines?! 23:25 - A word from our sponsor (us): Sign up for the Extra Mile newsletter today! 24:00 - Delta’s 2,500 bonus SkyMiles bags on time rule change 23:35 - Delta inks new inflight Wi-Fi deal with Amazon 27:00 - We love Flighty’s new update 28:35 - Amex ditches Saks, adds ChatGPT credits 30:20 - Attention, skiers: Epic and Ikon passes are now on sale 32:15 - Buying MLB tickets with Capital One miles is back 33:40 - What seat on the plane is best for your skin? 36:00 - Gunnar (finally) gets roasted in the reviews 38:15 - On the spot: Start, bench or cut Delta’s new transpacific routes? Produced and edited by Sylvia Thomas Video editing by Kyle Thomas Show music: “All That” by Benjamin Tissot Support the show by leaving us a rating and a review wherever you get your podcasts! Have a question you want answered on-air or an idea for the show? Let us know at [email protected] 20% off your first year of cheap flights and points and miles deals with Thrifty Traveler Premium - use promo code TTPOD to save even more!See what we’re all about at https://thriftytraveler.com - or subscribe to our free weekly points and miles newsletter, The Extra Mile!Follow us on…InstagramYouTubeFacebookBluesky Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Gunnar is back from a rain-soaked trip to Hawaii to talk about oil prices, airfare, and what’s next for flight prices - plus, an update on what’s happening at TSA checkpoints across the country as the partial government shutdown drags on. But Gunnar can’t stop talking about his vacation, so he gives a review of Hawaiian Airlines First Class, reveals his grand theory of travel, and the guys pitch a visit to Minneapolis for the Thrifty Traveler Podcast Live Show in June! The Thrifty Traveler Podcast is going LIVE: Join us Friday, June 12 in Minneapolis! Buy your tickets now! Thanks to our sponsor, Saily! Download Saily in your app store - use our code THRIFTY at checkout to get an exclusive 15% off your first purchase https://saily.com/thrifty 🌍 Watch us on YouTube! 00:00 - Recapping Gunnar’s trip to Hawaii 04:40 - Marcus welcomes us back to the show from Cabo 05:00 - A review of Hawaiian’s fancy first class suites 10:32 - Gunnar’s Grand Theory of Travel 14:45 - TSA News: Lines, ICE agents & more 20:12 - A word from our sponsor: Travel abroad with an eSim from Saily! 21:25 - Oil prices (and airfare) are going up. What’s next? 34:30 - What you should do now & where to find deals 45:50 - Gunnar gets spotted & pitching Minneapolis 52:20 - On the Spot: What’s the most you’ve paid for a flight? Produced and edited by Sylvia Thomas Video editing by Kyle Thomas Show music: “All That” by Benjamin Tissot Support the show by leaving us a rating and a review wherever you get your podcasts! Have a question you want answered on-air or an idea for the show? Let us know at [email protected] 20% off your first year of cheap flights and points and miles deals with Thrifty Traveler Premium - use promo code TTPOD to save even more!See what we’re all about at https://thriftytraveler.com - or subscribe to our free weekly points and miles newsletter, The Extra Mile!Follow us on…InstagramYouTubeFacebookBluesky Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Against all odds, our baby - this humble travel podcast - is one year old! So the guys are celebrating the best way they know how: by turning the show over to you listeners for another mailbag episode. What’s the best way to book a business class seat all the way to Australia - or Hawaii? Why do airlines charge more per ticket for more passengers? How do we rack up more points? Plus, we’ve got huge news about the show that at least four of you have been waiting for… The Thrifty Traveler Podcast is going LIVE: Join us Friday, June 12 in Minneapolis! Buy your tickets now! Thanks to our sponsor, Saily! Download Saily in your app store - use our code THRIFTY at checkout to get an exclusive 15% off your first purchase https://saily.com/thrifty 🌍 Watch us on YouTube! 0:00 - Celebrating one year of the pod & our sunscreen strategies 05:41 - Mike welcomes us to the show from the Milford Sound 06:10 - Big news: Buy your tickets for the TT Podcast Live in June! 07:50 - What’s the key to booking biz class awards to Australia? 12:50 - How to rack up more points day to day 18:51 - The best lie-flat seats you can fly to Hawaii on points 22:22 - Why do more passengers = higher fares? 26:30 - And why we love beating the airlines at their silly games 27:15 - Strategies & best bets for cheap upgrades 31:37 - A word from our sponsor: Travel abroad with an eSim from Saily! 32:50 - How we track price drops and deals to rebook & save more 35:57 - And how to cancel your first flight for free 39:09 - Points to earn & lie-flat options to Europe for the family 42:29 - Would we ever use travel agents? 45:39 - An amazing sighting in the Delta Sky Club 47:59 - On the spot: A beautiful proposal … at the O’Hare Chili’s Produced and edited by Sylvia Thomas Video editing by Kyle Thomas Show music: “All That” by Benjamin Tissot Support the show by leaving us a rating and a review wherever you get your podcasts! Have a question you want answered on-air or an idea for the show? Let us know at [email protected] 20% off your first year of cheap flights and points and miles deals with Thrifty Traveler Premium - use promo code TTPOD to save even more!See what we’re all about at https://thriftytraveler.com - or subscribe to our free weekly points and miles newsletter, The Extra Mile!Follow us on…InstagramYouTubeFacebookBluesky Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Sure, you can earn and redeem SkyMiles and Rapid Rewards points to your heart’s content. We won’t stop you. But it’s the next level of points and miles programs that help you save even more and turn regular travelers into “sickos” like us. So the guys devote the show to spelling out five underrated airline mileage programs even everyday travelers can use to maximize their credit card points. Plus, a listener suggests a new nickname for fans of the show (there are dozens of you, we swear!) and Gunnar puts his all-time favorite airline programs on the Olympic podium. Watch us on YouTube! 00:00 - Our “gateway drug” into points & miles 01:55 - TG welcomes us back to the show from snowy Niseko, Japan 03:45 - What airline programs are actually getting better? 06:50 - And which are overrated? 11:10 - A word from our sponsor: Sign up for our Extra Mile Newsletter 11:45 - Framing a discussion on top five “underrated” airline programs 15:10 - #1: Avios … but maybe not the one you’re thinking of 23:20 - #2: A newcomer full of sweet spots 32:05 - #3: Another quirky Japanese program loaded with value 40:10 - #4: The popular SkyTeam program that’s not rated high enough 47:30 - #5: The U.S. airline with the best miles 55:25 - Listener Question: “Thrifties” & changing loyalty numbers on bookings 59:50 - On the Spot: What’s your airline mileage program podium Produced and edited by Sylvia Thomas Video editing by Kyle Thomas Show music: “All That” by Benjamin Tissot Support the show by leaving us a rating and a review wherever you get your podcasts! Have a question you want answered on-air or an idea for the show? Let us know at [email protected] 20% off your first year of cheap flights and points and miles deals with Thrifty Traveler Premium - use promo code TTPOD to save even more!See what we’re all about at https://thriftytraveler.com - or subscribe to our free weekly points and miles newsletter, The Extra Mile!Follow us on…InstagramYouTubeFacebookBluesky Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week, we round up all the recent travel news that’s fit to podcast! That includes Kyle’s experience with CLEAR’s (honestly amazing) new e-gates, what United’s up to with its credit card moves, a shocking-but-welcome move to require headphones onboard, Southwest’s carry-on bag problems literally everyone should have seen coming, hot and cold news from Avios, and much more! Plus, we help a listener get a refund and Gunnar declares whether he’ll ever fly Southwest again. Thank you to our sponsor Bilt Rewards! Earn points on rent and make your entire neighborhood more rewarding with Bilt. Sign-up at joinbilt.com/thrifty. Watch us on YouTube! 00:00 - Kyle’s weekend in Phoenix & using CLEAR’s new e-gates 03:35 - Richard from Florida welcomes us back to the show! 04:00 - United’s credit card changes make them essential 09:55 - Hallelujah: United mandates headphones onboard 12:45 - Hot and Cold in the Avios program: A new transfer bonus & new rules 18:42 - Another way to earn JAL miles 23:45 - A word from our sponsor Bilt Rewards 24:55 - Southwest makes seating, boarding, and baggage adjustments 29:45 - A new Southwest lounge at AUS? 31:38 - Updates from the Middle East and Puerto Vallarta 38:05 - Combined Resy & Tock restaurant list turns heads 41:10 - A sweet new Capital One Shopping promo 43:25 - Can you get refunded for a seat upgrade bought with cash? 46:55 - On the Spot: Would Gunnar ever fly Southwest again? Produced and edited by Sylvia Thomas Video editing by Kyle Thomas Show music: “All That” by Benjamin Tissot Support the show by leaving us a rating and a review wherever you get your podcasts! Have a question you want answered on-air or an idea for the show? Let us know at [email protected] 20% off your first year of cheap flights and points and miles deals with Thrifty Traveler Premium - use promo code TTPOD to save even more!See what we’re all about at https://thriftytraveler.com - or subscribe to our free weekly points and miles newsletter, The Extra Mile!Follow us on…InstagramYouTubeFacebookBluesky Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Kyle and Gunnar are joined by Thrifty Traveler Chief Flight Deal Analyst (and Domino’s elite member) Jon Shallbetter, who helps them put the 37 combined business class seats they’ve flown into tiers so you can tell what flights are worth your points and which ones may not be. From the best of the best to the experiences that are missing something to the flights that were flat-out forgettable, the guys break it all down, Qsuites to Icelandair and everything in between. Plus, they admit what they haven’t flown and Kyle and Jon reflect on their (romantic?) dinner in Qatar First Class. Watch us on YouTube! 00:00 - Why it’s always surreal to fly business class 02:25 - Our flight deal guru Jon introduces the show! 02:45 - Tier 1: The best of the best 10:30 - Tier 2: Outstanding business classes 22:30 - Tier 3: Good, but missing something 32:42 - Sign up for Thrifty Traveler Premium to fly biz class for less! 35:20 - Tier 4: The Almost good 44:20 - Tier 5: Disappointing business class flights 52:23 - On the Spot: Jon & Kyle’s romantic Qatar First Class flight Produced and edited by Sylvia Thomas Video editing by Kyle Thomas Show music: “All That” by Benjamin Tissot Support the show by leaving us a rating and a review wherever you get your podcasts! Have a question you want answered on-air or an idea for the show? Let us know at [email protected] 20% off your first year of cheap flights and points and miles deals with Thrifty Traveler Premium - use promo code TTPOD to save even more!See what we’re all about at https://thriftytraveler.com - or subscribe to our free weekly points and miles newsletter, The Extra Mile!Follow us on…InstagramYouTubeFacebookBluesky Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We’re all too accustomed to hotels and airlines making negative changes, but Hyatt genuinely broke our hearts this week. So Gunnar and Kyle devote the show to diving into some massive changes on tap for what is (or perhaps was?) the most popular and valuable hotel points program. We’re talking nasty award rate increases, confusing pricing systems, a few silver linings, and what you should do before the hammer falls. Plus, Gunnar reviews his experience on the new (& improved?) Southwest Airlines, plus they help a listener navigate the dreaded Chase 5/24 credit card rule. Watch us on YouTube! 00:00 - Gunnar’s review of the “new” Southwest 03:20 - Welcome back … from the Park Hyatt Tokyo! 04:30 - The “Goat Rodeo” with TSA PreCheck and Global Entry 10:30 - Puerto Vallarta chaos & what to do about your upcoming Mexico trip 15:25 - A word from our sponsor: Sign up for The Extra Mile Newsletter today! 16:14 - World of Hyatt’s positively nasty new award chart changes 35:00 - Listener Question: How far above “5/24” should you go? 40:20 - On the Spot: How 2 hockey fans celebrated a golden weekend Send us your “Welcome Back to the Thrifty Traveler Podcast” video! Keep it short, tell us who you are and where you are, and say “Welcome Back to the Thrifty Traveler Podcast.” Then, upload it to thriftytraveler.com/voicemail so we can feature your video on the show! Produced and edited by Sylvia Thomas Video editing by Kyle Thomas Show music: “All That” by Benjamin Tissot Support the show by leaving us a rating and a review wherever you get your podcasts! Have a question you want answered on-air or an idea for the show? Let us know at [email protected] 20% off your first year of cheap flights and points and miles deals with Thrifty Traveler Premium - use promo code TTPOD to save even more!See what we’re all about at https://thriftytraveler.com - or subscribe to our free weekly points and miles newsletter, The Extra Mile!Follow us on…InstagramYouTubeFacebookBluesky Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

How do we find flight deals? How do you start a travel business? What’s next for Thrifty Traveler? For episode 50 of the show, we bring on Founder and CEO Jared Kamrowski to show how the Thrifty Traveler sausage is made! Plus, Jared reacts to some new Delta routes to Hawaii, discusses the reality of points and miles availability, and helps a listener plan their first Europe trip. Send us your “Welcome Back” video at ThriftyTraveler.com/Voicemail.Watch us on YouTube!00:00 - Thrifty Traveler’s Founder & CEO gets Booksy, too!03:30 - Timmy from Santa Monica welcomes us to the show! 04:15 - Delta’s new Hawaii routes – and their crappy biz class seats08:05 - Traveler pain points: The reality of availability12:55 - Sign up for The Extra Mile Newsletter today! 14:07 - A brief history of Thrifty Traveler18:10 - The flight deal that started it all (& crashed the site)22:00 - The evolution of Thrifty Traveler26:45 - How do we find Thrifty Traveler Premium flight deals31:00 - Tracking changes over the years at Thrifty Traveler36:00 - What’s next for Thrifty Traveler – where’s the future of travel going?39:45 - Helping a listener plan a (first-time!) Thanksgiving Europe trip for four44:45 - Jared plays the airport code initials game45:55 - What episode does our boss want us to do next?Produced and edited by Sylvia ThomasVideo editing by Kyle ThomasShow music: “All That” by Benjamin Tissot Support the show by leaving us a rating and a review wherever you get your podcasts! Have a question you want answered on-air or an idea for the show? Let us know at [email protected] 20% off your first year of cheap flights and points and miles deals with Thrifty Traveler Premium - use promo code TTPOD to save even more!See what we’re all about at https://thriftytraveler.com - or subscribe to our free weekly points and miles newsletter, The Extra Mile!Follow us on…InstagramYouTubeFacebookBluesky Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Kyle is back from Costa Rica where he was breaking news from the beach! So the guys get caught up on all the latest travel news including a little-known Delta credit card perk he unearthed, some new credit card offers and rumors, some good news for travelers who love cheaper fares to Europe (but bad news for airlines) this summer, and more! Plus, a listener challenges our recent take … and the guys come up with a new bit. Yes, another one.Thank you to our sponsor Bilt Rewards! Earn points on rent and make your entire neighborhood more rewarding with Bilt. Sign-up at joinbilt.com/thrifty. Watch us on YouTube!00:00 - Recapping Kyle’s Costa Rica trip02:30 - Brian kicks off the show from Kenya03:25 - Summer travel demand to Europe is dropping … and we love it10:00 - A PSA to book (or re-book) your spring break flights13:30 - Introducing our new daily (and free!) Extra Mile newsletter15:35 - New Delta SkyMiles card sign-up offers …a nd upgrade offers19:40 - Sky Club visits reset – plus our favorite way to add a few extras22:00 - Kyle discovers the sneaky SkyMiles card premium snack perk24:47 - A word from our sponsor: Bilt Rewards25:50 - Rumors swirl about a souped-up Capital One dining card: The Savor X29:05 - Boo: The Amex Platinum increased its spend requirement by 50%31:25 - A sweet transfer bonus to Japan Airlines from Capital One34:00 - Reviewing the Park Hyatt London River Thames36:20 - Listener Question: Why no love for the Bilt Palladium Card (& our “U-Turn”)42:10 - On the Spot: What are your airport code initials?Send us your “Welcome Back to the Thrifty Traveler Podcast” video! Keep it short, tell us who you are and where you are, and say “Welcome Back to the Thrifty Traveler Podcast.” Then, upload it to thriftytraveler.com/voicemail so we can feature your video on the show! Produced and edited by Sylvia ThomasVideo editing by Kyle ThomasShow music: “All That” by Benjamin Tissot Support the show by leaving us a rating and a review wherever you get your podcasts! Have a question you want answered on-air or an idea for the show? Let us know at [email protected] 20% off your first year of cheap flights and points and miles deals with Thrifty Traveler Premium - use promo code TTPOD to save even more!See what we’re all about at https://thriftytraveler.com - or subscribe to our free weekly points and miles newsletter, The Extra Mile!Follow us on…InstagramYouTubeFacebookBluesky Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

People with status are often very loud about it (we’re looking at you Delta Medallions and Hyatt Globalists), but chasing airline and hotel loyalty isn’t smart for most travelers. It’s something we’re decidedly out on in 2026 and beyond. In “These Bros Ain’t Loyal”, we’re laying out the case against chasing status by identifying who status is for, and why it’s not the best way to travel more for less. Watch us on YouTube!00:00 - What should we call this episode?01:55 - John Melson introduces the show03:00 - The best airline & hotel statuses07:15 - The worst airline & hotel statuses11:25 - Thrifty Traveler Premium Flight Deal Quiz!13:44 - Why we’re out on travel loyalty22:30 - Who is loyalty for?26:15 - Who is travel “free agency” for? 28:45 - How to get status perks without status37:45 - Listener Question: What about credit card points loyalty?41:30 - On the Spot: Gunnar’s 2027 listProduced and edited by Sylvia ThomasVideo editing by Kyle ThomasShow music: “All That” by Benjamin Tissot Support the show by leaving us a rating and a review wherever you get your podcasts! Have a question you want answered on-air or an idea for the show? Let us know at [email protected] 20% off your first year of cheap flights and points and miles deals with Thrifty Traveler Premium - use promo code TTPOD to save even more!See what we’re all about at https://thriftytraveler.com - or subscribe to our free weekly points and miles newsletter, The Extra Mile!Follow us on…InstagramYouTubeFacebookBluesky Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

If you want to take your travels to the next level (and who doesn’t?), it’s not about what you do before booking a flight – it’s what you do after that matters most. So Gunnar and Kyle are diving in on this week’s pod, spelling out the five crucial steps they take after booking each and every flight to ensure they get the best deal and set themselves up for success. Plus, the guys got a little “booksy,” discuss a new airline partnership that’s piqued their interest, and help out a traveler planning a trip to Japan. Thank you to our sponsor Bilt Rewards! Earn points on rent and make your entire neighborhood more rewarding with Bilt. Sign-up at joinbilt.com/thrifty. Watch us on YouTube! 00:00 - Gunnar & Kyle’s recent (fancy) lie-flat bookings 02:39 - Roger introduces the show from Komodo, Indonesia! 03:35 - Something Hot: The new American & Aer Lingus partnership 08:00 - Something Hotter: New & improved travel credit card tracking 11:15 - A word from our sponsor: Bilt Rewards 12:30 - The 5 Things We Do After Booking a Flight 12:35 - 1st: Forward your trip to TripIt – an essential travel tool 16:05 - 2nd: Clean-up & manage your booking 19:15 - 3rd: Set up Google Flights price alerts and award tracking 28:10 - 4th: A quick look at major logistics (using the 24-hour rule!) 31:00 - 5th: Asking your wife, requesting PTO and other “life stuff” 37:00 - Listener Question: A mea culpa & how to approach booking a Japan trip 43:40 - On the Spot: Kyle’s Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge gameplan Produced and edited by Sylvia Thomas Video editing by Kyle Thomas Show music: “All That” by Benjamin Tissot Support the show by leaving us a rating and a review wherever you get your podcasts! Have a question you want answered on-air or an idea for the show? Let us know at [email protected] 20% off your first year of cheap flights and points and miles deals with Thrifty Traveler Premium - use promo code TTPOD to save even more!See what we’re all about at https://thriftytraveler.com - or subscribe to our free weekly points and miles newsletter, The Extra Mile!Follow us on…InstagramYouTubeFacebookBluesky Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A year ago, we saw signs award travel was on the upswing … but in 2026, we’re not so sure. Airlines’ constant tweaks to their mileage programs - not just for the rates they charge, but who can even book - have us posing the question: Is the points party ending? Are we on a sinking ship? Not to get too negative, but it’s time for a reality check. So Kyle and Gunnar break down the new trends shaping award travel while offering some hope and guidance for travelers worried about their rewards. Watch us on YouTube!00:00 - What deals are on our "Endangered Redemptions” list? 03:05 - Kyle from a mountaintop & Gunnar’s roast review challenge04:15 - The road ahead in points and miles: This is more than “Pointsflation”07:20 - Are partner redemptions on their way out? 12:30 - What is United doing with their credit cards? 17:45 - Are U.S. travelers getting boxed out?24:00 - (Annoying) transfer ratios are shifting, too27:45 - A word from us: Stay on top of your points & miles with The Extra Mile Newsletter28:15 - What’s driving the shift in award travel? 33:00 - Are we being too negative? 36:30 - The great (& new) redemption opportunities out there42:00 - How to fight back against the changing award travel landscape44:28 - Real talk: Is the points party over? 46:40 - Listener Question: How many points should you hoard?50:40 - On the Spot: The redemption that got awayProduced and edited by Sylvia ThomasVideo editing by Kyle ThomasShow music: “All That” by Benjamin Tissot Support the show by leaving us a rating and a review wherever you get your podcasts! Have a question you want answered on-air or an idea for the show? Let us know at [email protected] 20% off your first year of cheap flights and points and miles deals with Thrifty Traveler Premium - use promo code TTPOD to save even more!See what we’re all about at https://thriftytraveler.com - or subscribe to our free weekly points and miles newsletter, The Extra Mile!Follow us on…InstagramYouTubeFacebookBluesky Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

New year, new you, new travel card strategy? With the help of an extra special guest - TT co-founder Nick Serati - the guys answer the age-old question: What’s in our wallets? They tackle rising annual fees, Bilt’s botched rollout, and other travel credit card trends shaping the year ahead. Plus, Gunnar recaps a romantic hot air balloon ride and the guys help a listener plan a card strategy around taking two trips to Europe with her best friend.Watch us on YouTube!00:00 - What’s our “desert island” card - the last one we’d give up?02:13 - A special shout out from a hot air balloon near Mexico City04:45 - What’s in our wallets?23:15 - Something cold: Annual fees are going up28:15 - Something colder: Bilt fumbles its 2.0 rollout39:03 - A word from our sponsor: CardPilot, the best way to pick a credit card40:00 - What cards should you get in 2026?48:00 - Listener Question: Cards for Eurotrips51:20 - The perfect 2-card combo52:20 - On the Spot: Our physical walletsProduced and edited by Sylvia ThomasVideo editing by Kyle ThomasShow music: “All That” by Benjamin Tissot Support the show by leaving us a rating and a review wherever you get your podcasts! Have a question you want answered on-air or an idea for the show? Let us know at [email protected] 20% off your first year of cheap flights and points and miles deals with Thrifty Traveler Premium - use promo code TTPOD to save even more!See what we’re all about at https://thriftytraveler.com - or subscribe to our free weekly points and miles newsletter, The Extra Mile!Follow us on…InstagramYouTubeFacebookBluesky Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Watch us on YouTube!00:00 - About Gunnar’s controversial “Chicago-O’Hare is good” take…02:55 - Are airlines ditching higher one-way fares for international flights? 12:45 - Why Allegiant’s surprise acquisition of Sun Country matters23:15 - Bilt 2.0 is here, with good and bad news30:00 - A word from our sponsor: us! Get Thrifty Traveler Premium today33:10 - American Airlines (kinda) launches free Wi-Fi34:10 - No mileage or status on AA basic economy tickets35:10 - No status changes for American this year, but is bad news ahead?36:20 - Hawaiian Airlines’ big plans for aircraft upgrades and a fancy new Honolulu lounge38:40 - The next Capital One Lounge: Charlotte (CLT)40:15 - Delta orders 787 Dreamliners 42:20 - Listener Question: What to do if you’re “product-swapped”? 46:10 - On the Spot: What does Kyle tell people he does for a living? Produced and edited by Sylvia ThomasVideo editing by Kyle ThomasShow music: “All That” by Benjamin Tissot Support the show by leaving us a rating and a review wherever you get your podcasts! Have a question you want answered on-air or an idea for the show? Let us know at [email protected] 20% off your first year of cheap flights and points and miles deals with Thrifty Traveler Premium - use promo code TTPOD to save even more!See what we’re all about at https://thriftytraveler.com - or subscribe to our free weekly points and miles newsletter, The Extra Mile!Follow us on…InstagramYouTubeFacebookBluesky Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Join us for a special bonus episode as Gunnar recaps his recent trip to Finnish Laplan. Gunnar walks through his exceptional experience in Finnair Business Class, some lessons learned flying with his infant daughter overseas for the first time, and he gushes about the stunning quiet, serenity, and “cozy-maxing” of Northern Finland. Plus, he recounts an overwhelming day at Santa Claus Village and talked about what he would do differently next time around. Join us for a trip to the North Pole!Watch us on YouTube!Read our full breakdown of the trip on our website, including links and more details!00:00 - Why should (or shouldn’t) someone take a trip to Finnish Lapland?02:30 - Finnair Business Class: How to book it & what it’s like14:30 - A stopover in Helsinki: Hotel Kamp and Christmas markets17:30 - Flying to the Arctic Circle’s Ivalo & experiencing polar night20:00 - A special Airbnb stay on Lake Inari & and watching the Northern Lights from a hot tub22:45 - Inari: the Janiskoski bridge hike, Sami Museum & a day trip to Saariselka26:00 - Rovaniemi: the capital of Lapland with another lovely Airbnb stay30:00 - Santa Claus Village: an overwhelming experience & what Gunnar would do differently next time. 35:00 - Ice skating on frozen Lake Inari!37:00 - Northern Lights travel & is Finland really that cold?40:30 - On the Spot: One insight Gunnar will take forward in his travelsProduced and edited by Sylvia ThomasVideo editing by Kyle ThomasShow music: “All That” by Benjamin Tissot Support the show by leaving us a rating and a review wherever you get your podcasts! Have a question you want answered on-air or an idea for the show? Let us know at [email protected] 20% off your first year of cheap flights and points and miles deals with Thrifty Traveler Premium - use promo code TTPOD to save even more!See what we’re all about at https://thriftytraveler.com - or subscribe to our free weekly points and miles newsletter, The Extra Mile!Follow us on…InstagramYouTubeFacebookBluesky Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It’s time to ratchet things up on the podcast this week. The guys have been too calm. This week on the pod, Gunnar and Kyle unleash their hottest travel takes and their biggest pet peeves in what turns into a fiery discussion. Why is Gunnar defending a loathed airport? What is Kyle’s case against points and miles? What’s the beef with the NFL? Plus they hate on speakerphone abusers, slow deplaners, and so much more. It’s cheaper than therapy, but it’s clear Gunnar needs both…Thanks to HotelSlash for sponsoring this episode of the show! Try it out today: Use promo code THRIFTYTRAVELER for a free 90-day trial – plus, get $20 off your first prepaid booking!Watch us on YouTube!00:00 - A half-baked hot take right off the bat03:00 - Pet Peeves: Getting worked up about casual deplaning, TSA line procrastinators, “free” travel, speakerphones, and more. 15:14 - A word from our sponsor: HotelSlash, the easiest way to book a cheaper hotel stay & rebook when prices drop16:10 - Hot Takes: Biz class doors, bad Airbnbs, fish on a plane, in defense of CLEAR, and…is award travel even good?41:00 - Listener Question: When should you cancel a credit card?45:00 - On the Spot: Airport code pop quizGet featured on the podcast! Submit a short video (15 seconds or less) with a travel brag, your name, and where you are, and finish it with “Welcome Back to the Thrifty Traveler Podcast” and upload it to thriftytraveler.com/voicemail. We can’t wait to hear from you!Produced and edited by Sylvia ThomasVideo editing by Kyle ThomasShow music: “All That” by Benjamin Tissot Support the show by leaving us a rating and a review wherever you get your podcasts! Have a question you want answered on-air or an idea for the show? Let us know at [email protected] 20% off your first year of cheap flights and points and miles deals with Thrifty Traveler Premium - use promo code TTPOD to save even more!See what we’re all about at https://thriftytraveler.com - or subscribe to our free weekly points and miles newsletter, The Extra Mile!Follow us on…InstagramYouTubeFacebookBluesky Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Where will you find the best flight deals in 2026? Where should you (and we!) travel this year? What else will shape the year of travel ahead - maybe another government shutdown? And who the heck are “Danny & Debbie Delta?” To ring in the New Year, the guys pull out their crystal balls to talk about all things travel in 2026. Plus, a special friend introduces the show and we make a big announcement about what’s ahead for the pod in 2026. Happy New Year, travelers!Watch us on YouTube!00:00 - Where are we traveling in 2026?02:20 - A new tradition to kick off the show! Submit your videos to thriftytraveler.com/voicemail.04:00 - Where to look for the best flight deals in 2026, and why you should keep an eye on the Asia & Delta SkyMiles flash sales14:15 - What deals won’t survive 2026? 18:33 - A word from our sponsor: Us & our Thrifty Traveler Premium service20:19 - The trends that will shape 2026 travel: The Olympics & other big events, plus troubling signs for award travel 28:00 - Watching out for low-cost carriers - and why “Danny & Debbie Delta in Detroit” should care.35:00 - Airports in 2026: Another shutdown, TSA fees & more40:35 - What about credit cards? Bilt 2.0 & the uncertain future of the Venture X45:30 - Where to go in 2026? Thailand, Vietnam, Finland, Spain, and beyond51:45 - Listener Question: When & how you should call the airline to book award tickets57:40 - On the Spot: Big news ahead for the podcast?Produced and edited by Sylvia ThomasVideo editing by Kyle ThomasShow music: “All That” by Benjamin Tissot Support the show by leaving us a rating and a review wherever you get your podcasts! Have a question you want answered on-air or an idea for the show? Let us know at [email protected] 20% off your first year of cheap flights and points and miles deals with Thrifty Traveler Premium - use promo code TTPOD to save even more!See what we’re all about at https://thriftytraveler.com - or subscribe to our free weekly points and miles newsletter, The Extra Mile!Follow us on…InstagramYouTubeFacebookBluesky Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It’s the Thrifty Traveler Podcast Holiday Party, and what better way than to celebrate than with another mailbag episode?! We listen and react to voicemails from some beloved listeners and colleagues, including questions about the biggest story of the year, a bunch of incredible booking brags, the worst travel mistakes we’ve made, how our listeners (and bosses) really feel about all the Canada stuff. Plus, Gunnar kicks off the show with an extra special (cringe? brutal?) introduction. Happy Holidays, Thrifty Travelers!Thanks to HotelSlash for sponsoring this episode of the show! Try it out today: Use promo code THRIFTYTRAVELER for a free 90-day trial – plus, get $20 off your first prepaid booking!Watch us on YouTube!00:00 - ‘Twas the Pod Before Christmas…02:30 - What’s the biggest story in travel we covered on the pod in 2025? 05:35 - Trip Brags: Our listeners and colleagues brag about their best 2025 bookings20:30 - What deals do we want in 2026? What’s left on our bucket lists? 24:45 - A word from our sponsor: HotelSlash, the easiest way to book a cheaper hotel stay - & rebook when prices drop25:35 - Travel mistakes - Amy learning things the hard way and Grover wants to know if they’re cut out for the points and miles game after all? 33:20 - A hodge-podge of questions: How many credit cards & tipping in lounges41:20 - Oh, Canada: Are Gunnar’s days with the company numbered? 47:30 - Sylvia puts us on the spot about our biggest mistake … and her own52:10 - Some special holiday thank-yous to our colleagues and listenersProduced and edited by Sylvia ThomasVideo editing by Kyle ThomasShow music: “All That” by Benjamin Tissot Support the show by leaving us a rating and a review wherever you get your podcasts! Have a question you want answered on-air or an idea for the show? Let us know at [email protected] 20% off your first year of cheap flights and points and miles deals with Thrifty Traveler Premium - use promo code TTPOD to save even more!See what we’re all about at https://thriftytraveler.com - or subscribe to our free weekly points and miles newsletter, The Extra Mile!Follow us on…InstagramYouTubeFacebookBluesky Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The end of the year is in sight, so it’s time for Gunnar and Kyle to pretend like they’re high schoolers on the pod (honestly, not a stretch) for some 2025 superlatives, yearbook style. Who was the class clown of travel? Most popular? Cutest couple? Best hairline?! Plus, the guys unveil the winners of TT’s second-annual First Class and Lavatory Awards, recognizing the absolute best and rock-bottom worst from the year of travel. Oh, and Kyle shares his unattainable childhood dreams and what he was really like in high school.Watch us on YouTube!0:00 - Kicking off our 2025 travel superlatives with “Class Clown” & “Most Popular”4:14 - Recapping (some) of the 25 best flight deals of the year14:29 - A word from our sponsor: HotelSlash, the easiest way to book a cheaper hotel stay - & rebook when prices drop15:23 - The rest of our 2025 travel superlatives, including “Cutest Couple,” “Most Ambitious” & more21:11 - The Worst Glow Up (… is that a thing?) of 202526:31 - The Best Dressed Airline of 2025 30:06 - A back-to-back “Best Hair” winner & Most Likely to Cheer You Up37:17 - Our second-annual First Class & Lavatory Awards (recognizing the best and worst in travel) go to…47:02 - On the spot: What was Kyle like in high school?Produced and edited by Sylvia ThomasVideo editing by Kyle ThomasShow music: “All That” by Benjamin Tissot Support the show by leaving us a rating and a review wherever you get your podcasts! Have a question you want answered on-air or an idea for the show? Let us know at [email protected] 20% off your first year of cheap flights and points and miles deals with Thrifty Traveler Premium - use promo code TTPOD to save even more!See what we’re all about at https://thriftytraveler.com - or subscribe to our free weekly points and miles newsletter, The Extra Mile!Follow us on…InstagramYouTubeFacebookBluesky Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It’s a December news roundup! On the latest Thrifty Traveler Podcast Gunnar and Kyle run through eight major news stories in travel and points and miles, including breaking down the latest Unicorn alert for Delta One flights to Brisbane, a pair of troubling trends in points and miles, a hefty fee if you don’t have Real ID, some lounge and check-in openings, and more! Thanks to HotelSlash for sponsoring this episode of the show! Try it out today: Use promo code THRIFTYTRAVELER for a free 90-day trial – plus, get $20 off your first prepaid booking!Watch us on YouTube!00:00 - Gunnar’s strange clothes habit and a Delta One Unicorn deal to Brisbane05:00 - 2 troubling new trends in points and miles: Will they get worse?12:00 - The 2025 End of Year Checklist17:40 - Why it’s the best time of year to open a new credit card20:00 - The TSA’s new $45 fee you’ll (soon) pay if you don’t have Real ID24:40 - A word from our sponsor: HotelSlash, the easiest way to book a cheaper hotel stay - & rebook when prices drop25:30 - More Delta One check-ins are open now - including a mini-review of the Minneapolis Delta One check-in30:10 - Chase’s Sapphire Lounge in Las Vegas (LAS) is now open…but is it big enough?35:30 - RIP: The cheapest way to fly to Hawaii using points and miles39:14 - Listener Feedback: Brian tells Gunnar not to worry about traveling with kids…yet, Karla recommends a travel baby carrier, and Jessica brags about her rebooking wins42:55 - Kyle puts Gunnar on the spot: What did Gunnar learn from last week’s Points Talk Squad interview about traveling with kids before his first big trip abroadProduced and edited by Sylvia ThomasVideo editing by Kyle ThomasShow music: “All That” by Benjamin Tissot Support the show by leaving us a rating and a review wherever you get your podcasts! Have a question you want answered on-air or an idea for the show? Let us know at [email protected] 20% off your first year of cheap flights and points and miles deals with Thrifty Traveler Premium - use promo code TTPOD to save even more!See what we’re all about at https://thriftytraveler.com - or subscribe to our free weekly points and miles newsletter, The Extra Mile!Follow us on…InstagramYouTubeFacebookBluesky Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week on the show, the guys are joined by Alex and Jess from the Points Talk Squad (formerly Travel Mom Squad) who spend the show teaching (and sometimes counseling) Gunnar how to travel with an infant! They dive into what it’s like having parents who are proficient in points and miles, how to survive delays as a family, how to earn and redeem even more points for bigger groups, and continually reminding Gunnar that everything is going to be OK. Plus, they take a listener question about Capital One Venture card sign-up strategies and get divided by the toughest On the Spot question yet. Leave us a voicemail for our upcoming holiday episode! We want to hear about your trips, big wins, and burning travel questions. Leave us a 1-minute voice message at thriftytraveler.com/voicemail and you might be featured.This week’s episode is brought to you by Bilt. Earn points on rent and around your neighborhood by visiting joinbilt.com/thrifty. Make sure to use our link so they know we sent you!Watch us on YouTube!00:00 - Welcoming the Points Talk Squad & having a parent who’s proficient at points and miles04:15 - Something hot: How “Travel Mom Squad” became the “Points Talk Squad” and how it all began11:15 - Something cold: Surviving delays and cancellations when flying with a family15:50 - A word from our sponsor: Bilt Rewards! Earn points on rent and make your entire neighborhood more rewarding with Bilt17:30 - The Extra Mile: The core truths, best tips & points strategies for traveling families from the experts at the Points Talk Squad!45:00 - Send us a voicemail at thriftytraveler.com/voicemail and you may hear your voice in an upcoming episode! 45:30 - Listener question: Which Capital One card to sign up for first?49:00 - On the Spot: Hotels or flights? Produced and edited by Sylvia ThomasVideo editing by Kyle ThomasShow music: “All That” by Benjamin Tissot Support the show by leaving us a rating and a review wherever you get your podcasts! Have a question you want answered on-air or an idea for the show? Let us know at [email protected] 20% off your first year of cheap flights and points and miles deals with Thrifty Traveler Premium - use promo code TTPOD to save even more!See what we’re all about at https://thriftytraveler.com - or subscribe to our free weekly points and miles newsletter, The Extra Mile!Follow us on…InstagramYouTubeFacebookBluesky Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The guys bring on co-worker and extra special guest Kasey DellaPenna - aka @kaseymeetsworld - to share her story of becoming a backpacking digital nomad and travel influencer … who splits her time between living in Guatemala, the U.S., and traveling the world. After a whirlwind trip, she recaps a visit to Hong Kong, Shanghai to cap off her official worldwide ranking of all the Disney parks. Plus, our most beautiful places on earth - and why Kasey is proudly a Disney adult.Thanks to HotelSlash for sponsoring this episode of the show! Try it out today: Use promo code THRIFTYTRAVELER for a free 90-day trial – plus, get $20 off your first prepaid booking!Watch us on YouTube!00:00 - Explaining our time travel-y episode00:40 - Introducing our friend and colleague Kasey, a self proclaimed Disney adult 02:42 - Kasey’s best travel deals including a Hawaii stopover & her expert tip for finding the cheapest flights abroad07:50 - Kasey’s biggest travel mistake: An embarrassing missed flight in Orlando11:45 - A word from our sponsor: HotelSlash, the easiest way to book a cheaper hotel stay - & rebook when prices drop12:35 - Kasey’s travel origin story – and becoming a backpacker and digital nomad24:20 - How she wound up living in Guatemala half the year and her pitch for the perfect Guatemala vacation32:00 - A Disney expert’s tips on how to travel to the parks on a budget36:18 - Walking us through her epic trip through China and Hong Kong – including flying Delta Premium Select42:00 - The Disney parks in Shanghai and Hong Kong & how they compare44:00 - The official ranking of Disney Parks worldwide49:30 - Listener Question: Our most jaw-dropping “wow” destinations53:00 - On the Spot, Haters Edition: Places we don’t need to go back to…Produced by Gunnar Olson and Sylvia ThomasAudio editing by Sylvia ThomasVideo editing by Kyle ThomasShow music: “All That” by Benjamin Tissot Support the show by leaving us a rating and a review wherever you get your podcasts! Have a question you want answered on-air or an idea for the show? Let us know at [email protected] 20% off your first year of cheap flights and points and miles deals with Thrifty Traveler Premium - use promo code TTPOD to save even more!See what we’re all about at https://thriftytraveler.com - or subscribe to our free weekly points and miles newsletter, The Extra Mile!Follow us on…InstagramYouTubeFacebookBluesky Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.