Welcome to the Thrifty Traveler Podcast – a travel podcast where we dig into the latest travel news and trends and discuss all the best ways to earn and redeem your points and miles! From the ins and outs of booking cheap flights, exploring the best ways to use your airline miles, or diving into other next-level money-saving travel tips, your hosts Gunnar Olson and Kyle Potter will bring you the best of Thrifty Traveler every week! Follow us today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts and learn to travel more for less this year.
The world of all things points and miles is changing rapidly. So to dig into where things are at and what’s ahead, Gunnar and Kyle bring in the man they call “St. Peter” – Thrifty Traveler’s Senior Award Analyst and guru of all things award travel, Peter Thornton – to talk about the state of award availability and spell out the best uses of your points and miles as we enter the second half of 2026. Plus, they recap about some rare business class deals making a comeback, why airlines are throttling award searches … and, for some reason, talk a lot about cycling? Show Notes Thanks to our sponsor, Bellroy! Check out Bellroy’s travel gear and get 10% off using this link . They've got the perfect design for any kind of traveler. Watch us on YouTube! Join the conversation! Sign up for the free Thrifty Traveler Podcast Slack community today. 00:00 - Introducing “St. Peter” and his adventure across Iowa 03:35 - Rami introduces the show from Emirates First Class! 04:35 - Rare business class awards are … back? 09:25 - Airlines are blocking award searches 15:15 - The Extra Mile : The current state of award availability 20:40 - Where to find economy award availability 23:30 - Where to find business class deals 27:15 - R.I.P. to the deals that got away 36:00 - Peter predicts: What’s coming next? 40:20 - A listener asks: How to find award space before calling to book 44:30 - Peter asks: What state would you bike across? 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 podcast@thriftytraveler.com Get 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… Instagram YouTube Facebook Bluesky Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Booking cheap travel starts and ends with Google Flights, which is why Gunnar and Kyle devoted a full episode of the podcast to how to use our favorite website - including some of the advanced features that can help you find the cheapest fares on the planet and help you book flights like a pro. The guys go over the basics before digging into next-level features like Explore, Alerts, and plenty of other details that set Google Flights apart as the best travel tool out there. Show Notes Go to Monarch.com and use code “THRIFTY” to get your first year of Monarch Core half off at just $50! Download SAILY's app and use code THRIFTY at checkout to get an exclusive 15% off your first purchase! For further details go to https://saily.com/thrifty Watch us on YouTube! Join the conversation! Sign up for the free Thrifty Traveler Podcast Slack community today. 00:00 - Elevator pitch: Why should you use Google Flights? 02:50 - Dan & Terry welcome us back from the Andaz Costa Rica 03:40 - The Extra Mile : How to use Google Flights like a pro 23:10 - A word from our sponsor: Saily! 24:10 - A word from our sponsor: Monarch! 25:15 - Google Flights 401: Explore, Price Alerts & and more 41:00 - What about PointsPath or Seats.Aero browser extensions? 45:00 - What did Gunnar use before Google Flights? 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 podcast@thriftytraveler.com Get 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… Instagram YouTube Facebook Bluesky Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Forget what you’ve heard about flight prices: There’s still time to get a great summer flight deal … if you know where to look. That’s what Gunnar and Kyle discussed this week along with a deep dive on where things stand with airfare. Are we going to get a break from high fares soon? Plus, the guys hate Delta’s new “Basic Business” fares, they love Flighty’s latest update, and they get the latest story in the saga of “bougie boyfriend.” Show Notes 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 . This week’s episode is also by Visit Fargo-Moorhead ! Watch us on YouTube! Join the conversation! Sign up for the free Thrifty Traveler Podcast Slack community today. 00:00 - Ranking World Cup countries as travel destinations 02:05 - Katie welcomes us back to the show from London! 03:00 - The new-look Thrifty Traveler Podcast! 03:20 - Flighty’s new connection assistant update 06:23 - Sounding off on Delta “Basic Business” 15:40 - A word from our sponsor Bilt Rewards! 16:40 - A word from our sponsor Visit Fargo-Moorhead! 18:15 - What’s happening with airfare? 29:00 - Where to (still) find summer deals 38:50 - A listener’s “bougie boyfriend” 41:20 - How many Chase cards is too many? 44:45 - Kyle’s ideal place for a race route 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 podcast@thriftytraveler.com Get 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… Instagram YouTube Facebook Bluesky 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 halfway point in 2026, so Gunnar ranked up the 10 best flight deals (and three best hotel deals) of the year so far … and Kyle got to air all of his gripes and grievances about Gunnar’s list. In a six-month span that will surely be remembered for high airfare, we’re celebrating the deals that just kept coming – from flights to Asia in the $300s roundtrip to a business class mistake fare, and more. Plus, we help a listener with their “phantom” space problem, and Gunnar revisits the Taco Bell Cantina at DEN … again … Thanks to our sponsors: Download SAILY's app and use code THRIFTY at checkout to get an exclusive 15% off your first purchase! For further details go to https://saily.com/thrifty ⛵ Book your next flight at FargoAirport.com ! Watch us on YouTube! Join the conversation! Sign up for the free Thrifty Traveler Podcast Slack community today. 00:00 - What’s the big story from the first half of 2026? 04:00 - And why is that the Taco Bell Cantina DEN … 05:05 - Dana, Clayton, & Stan from White Sands, New Mexico 06:15 - A new best way to book Hawaiian Airlines Biz Class 09:30 - Qantas Biz Class on one of the world’s longest flights 11:25 - A rare sale on Delta’s flights to South Africa 13:05 - Delta One SkyMiles sale to Hong Kong 15:55 - Flights to Tahiti for $463 roundtrip 17:34 - A word from our sponsor: Fargo Airport (FAR)! 18:25 - A word from our sponsor: Saily! 19:18 - Some love for hotels, starting with Hermitage Bay Antigua 20:35 - Availability at the renovated Park Hyatt Tokyo 21:30 - The new Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica 22:45 - The first widespread Qsuites availability in years 26:50 - Delta One to Europe from 97k SkyMiles each way 31:10 - Flights to Asia from $359 … roundtrip! 33:15 - Turkish Airlines Biz Class mistake fare 35:50 - The best deal of the year … so far … 39:00 - How did Gunnar do on his top 10 list? 39:50 - Kyle’s honorable mentions 41:15 - What is “phantom” award space? 45:10 - What’s the best thing we’ve booked in 2026? 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 podcast@thriftytraveler.com Get 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… Instagram YouTube Facebook Bluesky Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Gunnar and Kyle brag about gettin’ booksy before diving into a busy week of news: The single best redemption using Southwest miles, translating an airline CEO’s infuriating airfare comments, applaud a true sicko’s way of transferring points to Hilton, and more. Plus, the guys draft their favorite new routes debuting this winter and play the World Cup … of flight deals. Show Notes Watch us on YouTube! Join the conversation! Sign up for the free Thrifty Traveler Podcast Slack community today. 00:00 - Gunnar & Kyle both got “booksy” 02:24 - The Larsons welcome us back from Machu Picchu! 03:50 - Is this the best Southwest Rapid Rewards redemption ? 08:55 - Translating Delta CEO’s (gross) comments on airfare 16:45 - A new Delta One Lounge ATL … eventually 21:15 - Transferring points from Chase to Hilton 24:25 - A Thrifty Traveler Premium flight deal World Cup 27:50 - Delta SkyMiles premium snack benefit extended! 29:30 - & T-Mobile customers get a free drink ! 30:20 - We’re hiring ! What it’s like to work with us … 31:45 - Drafting our favorite new winter routes 37:45 - A listener asks: How to use Google Flights for award travel? 41:05 - On the spot: Advice for getting into the travel industry 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 podcast@thriftytraveler.com Get 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… Instagram YouTube Facebook Bluesky Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Don’t dwell on the bad stuff, the guys remind themselves … because there’s plenty to be excited about in travel right now! So this week on the pod, Gunnar and Kyle outline all the things that are going well in travel right now: flight deals, new routes and airplane seats, big improvements for airport security, bigger and better lounges, massive credit card offers, and more. Plus, the guys help a listener decide on an airline from a Midwestern city and see if Kyle can stay positive for an entire 45 minutes! Thanks to our sponsors: Check out Bellroy’s travel gear and get 10% off using our link: https://bit.ly/4djV6u7 Head to Saily.com/Thrifty for 15% off your first purchase! Get 50% off your first year of Monarch with promo code “THRIFTY” Watch us on YouTube! Join the conversation! Sign up for the free Thrifty Traveler Podcast Slack community today. 00:00 - A word from our sponsor, Bellroy! 01:19 - Is it actually “The Golden Age of Points and Miles”? 03:18 - Shiloh welcomes us back from Costa Rica! 03:50 - Flight deals are still good 07:00 - Delta SkyMiles deals keep getting better 09:45 - A bevy of (fun) new route announcements 14:10 - An exciting newcomer: Japan Airlines Mileage Bank 18:05 - Touchless kiosks & CLEAR improvements are changing TSA lines 21:40 - Credit card bonuses are better than ever 24:25 - A word from our sponsor, Saily! 25:30 - A word from our sponsor, Monarch! 26:45 - New, more lucrative ways to earn points 29:40 - New seats, new planes & new hotels 33:20 - Airline loyalty gets you further (sometimes) 36:45 - Bigger, better lounges & more of them 40:00 - An Indy listener weighs American vs. Delta 43:22 - What positive trend impacts Gunnar the most? 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 podcast@thriftytraveler.com Get 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… Instagram YouTube Facebook Bluesky Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
An audience of close to 300 travelers joined us at the Parkway Theater in Minneapolis for an unhinged episode and the very-first (but not last) live recording of the podcast. The guys dish out some hot takes, take a look at the state of flight deals right now, and then share some stories of the highs and lows of travel, because travel isn’t always pretty … and sometimes, it’s downright disgusting. Plus, the guys take some questions from the audience, chastise the travelers for their airport arrivals behavior, and so much more. Show Notes Thank you to Meet Minneapolis for sponsoring this special episode of the Thrifty Traveler Podcast! Watch us on YouTube! Join us for the next live show in Fargo, North Dakota on Wednesday, July 29! Get your tickets now. 00:20 - TV personality Jason Matheson intros your hosts! 01:50 - When did Kyle think this show would end? 05:09 - Our live audience welcomes us back! 05:28 - Hot takes: Delta SkyMiles is climbing the ranks 09:40 - Gunnar’s airport walking solution 10:52 - Are credit cards the best or worst thing to happen to air travel? 14:35 - The current state of flight deals 22:40 - The arrivals pickup area at MSP is a disaster 24:27 - Thanks to our sponsors: MSP Airport, Sun Country Airlines, & Meet Minneapolis! 26:38 - Acknowledging our listeners who traveled to join us – including the Netherlands! 27:34 - The highs and lows of travel 28:20 - Kyle’s trip to Vietnam that started it all 33:50 - Gunnar’s $10k travel day to impress his cool, hot wife 36:48 - Kyle’s travel low: Back to Vietnam 39:35 - Gunnar desecrates the world’s most beautiful beach 45:10 - Our biggest travel pet peeves 46:42 - The biggest biz class booking mistakes 48:20 - How has travel hacking changed our personalities? 50:35 - Kyle puts Gunnar on the spot 53:55 - Thank you to our audience, listeners & sponsors! Produced and edited by Sylvia Thomas Audio and video recording by Jon Camp 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 podcast@thriftytraveler.com Get 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… Instagram YouTube Facebook Bluesky Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
It’s official: The banks are losing their minds … with some of the best welcome bonuses we’ve ever seen, all at once. The guys start the show by debating whether the Chase Sapphire Preferred’s record-tying 100,000-point bonus is the GOAT before digging into a slew of other new offers that can quickly replenish your stash of points. Plus, they look into some bad news at CLEAR and wonder if the TSA PreCheck line is about to get busier. And Gunnar unveils the new sign-up bonus on his (completely made up) airline credit card … Heads up: We talk about credit card offers that may no longer be available as you listen to or watch this episode of the podcast. Show Notes Head to https://cozyearth.com and use code THRIFTY for up to 20% off! Watch us on YouTube ! Join the conversation! Sign up for the free Thrifty Traveler Podcast Slack community today. 00:00 - A word from our friends at Cozy Earth! 00:58 - A quick recap of our live show! 03:18 - Lauren welcomes us back from Sevilla, Spain 03:43 - Chase Sapphire Preferred : The best sign-up bonus … ever? 10:43 - CLEAR prices are up & PreCheck lines may get longer 15:38 - A word from our sponsor: Cozy Earth! 16:38 - A slew of new credit card bonus offers 23:36 - What’s with all these huge offers at once? 30:28 - And what’s going on with Amex’s “ As High As ” offers? 32:23 - Showing off our new Shorty Award! 33:38 - A listener asks: Getting around Chase’s 5/24 rule & reconsideration 36:43 - What we do after opening a new credit card 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 podcast@thriftytraveler.com Get 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… Instagram YouTube Facebook Bluesky Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
SkyTeam and Star Alliance might seem like boring corporate brands, but understanding airline alliances - and how to use them to your advantage - is absolutely critical for leveling up your travels. That’s why the guys devote an the hour-long to breaking down alliances: what they are, why you should care, some of the best redemptions using those alliances, and even coming up with their own alliance … headed up by Gunnar’s namesake, “Gunair.” Head to https://cozyearth.com and use code THRIFTY for up to 20% off! Show Notes Watch us on YouTube! Join the conversation! Sign up for the free Thrifty Traveler Podcast Slack community today. 00:00 - A word from our sponsor, Cozy Earth! 01:00 - Gunair starts an airline alliance 02:33 - Kyle’s Thailand trip, made possible by alliances 06:00 - Jen welcomes us back from Meteora, Greece! 06:40 - Breaking down the alliances: Star Alliance, SkyTeam & Oneworld 26:15 - What is the (funky) fourth airline alliance? 34:50 - Our favorite airline alliance is… 38:30 - A word from our sponsor, Cozy Earth! 39:00 - The power of airline alliances: Our favorite redemptions 55:00 - Is it really this easy to use points and miles with partners? 58:45 - A listener asks: Why don’t more airlines charge for carry-ons? 01:01:30 - On the spot: If you could add an airline to any alliance, what would you do? 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 podcast@thriftytraveler.com Get 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… Instagram YouTube Facebook Bluesky Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
The single-best travel credit card - the one we recommend most, especially for beginners - somehow just got even better. Chase just unveiled some shockingly positive changes this week that merited a bonus podcast. We break down all the good news, a few bad bits, and ask the question: Why is Chase doing this? Show Notes Watch us on YouTube! The Thrifty Traveler Podcast is going LIVE: Join us Friday, June 12 in Minneapolis! Buy your tickets now ! Join the conversation! Sign up for the free Thrifty Traveler Podcast Slack community today. 00:00 - When we first opened our Chase Sapphire Preferred cards 01:34 - Danielle from Greensboro (GSO) introduces the show 03:00 - The new perks on the Chase Sapphire Preferred we love 12:00 - The changes to the card we hate (ahem, Hyatt …) 17:38 - Join the Thrifty Traveler Podcast Slack Community today ! 18:30 - What on earth is Chase doing here? 23:35 - Where does this card rank among all travel rewards card? 24:40 - Will there be another big welcome offer? 25:10 - Kyle’s best Chase Ultimate Rewards redemption 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 podcast@thriftytraveler.com Get 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… Instagram YouTube Facebook Bluesky 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 Italy (and he’s completely insufferable about it …), so the guys break down his trip through Rome and beyond and how he booked some amazing stays - via Hilton. Plus, they recap some big news around Bilt 2.0, woes getting into Europe, a handy new tool for using your credit card perks, and the monumental news … about an airport Taco Bell. Show Notes 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! Join the conversation! Sign up for the free Thrifty Traveler Podcast Slack community today. 00:00 - Kyle goes whale-watching (?) in Minnesota 02:25 - Jake welcomes us back from the Six Senses Kyoto 03:00 - Fun news: Join the Thrifty Traveler Podcast Slack Community ! 04:10 - Bilt 2.0 gets grilled by a top Democratic lawmaker 08:02 - Europe’s Entry/Exit system issues 12:12 - Our all new credit card benefit tracker ! 15:50 - RIP to the best Amex airline fee credit workaround 20:10 - Airlines are over-charging you for seat upgrades 24:55 - 1-month warning for the SkyMiles credit card snack benefit 26:50 - Live Más: Taco Bell Cantina opens at DEN 30:16 - Thanks to our sponsor, Bilt Rewards! 31:27 - Recapping Gunnar’s Hilton-and-SLH-fueled Italian vacay 51:00 - Revisiting our Hilton vs. Hyatt debate 57:40 - A listener asks: What’s it worth to fly Emirates First Class? 01:02:00 - On the Spot: Regional cuisine in airports 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 podcast@thriftytraveler.com Get 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… Instagram YouTube Facebook Bluesky 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 Brave (?) New World … of Hyatt. The hotel chain (almost) everybody loves officially brought down the hammer with some sweeping and painful changes to its award program. So with Gunnar overseas - probably crying into his Italian red wine - Nick joins Kyle to delve deep into the data behind what’s changed: the good, the bad, and the ugly. And yes, there is good news here. Plus, they try to answer the most important question: What does this mean now for Hyatt and your transferable credit card points? Thanks to Bellroy for sponsoring this episode! Get 10% off your next great Bellroy travel bag with our special link! Watch us on YouTube ! 01:20 - Nick fills in to catch you up on Hyatt 06:13 - Cali & Waverly welcome us back from a Hyatt in Hawaii! 08:00 - The nuts & bolts of Hyatt’s big changes 10:15 - Analyzing 1,200+ Hyatt properties , before & after… 12:24 - Our big-picture takeaways 15:35 - How Hyatt handled the changeover 18:40 - The big winners in the new World of Hyatt 22:46 - & the bigger losers 31:38 - Get your tickets for our live podcast event now! 32:38 - Big surprises: Availability & top-priced nights 34:56 - What’s next? Will this get worse? 36:35 - An introspective conversation about hotels 40:51 - What to do to maximize your Hyatt points now 44:58 - & what to do with your transferable points 48:46 - Helping Jessica pick the right hotel booking 52:04 - On the Spot: Nick’s Hyatt hotel that got away 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 podcast@thriftytraveler.com Get 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… Instagram YouTube Facebook Bluesky Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Gunnar and Kyle have already made fools of themselves with their most embarrassing travel mistakes. Now it’s your turn in the spotlight. After a deluge of emails, the guys share your big mishaps and goofs … plus a few more of their own, for good measure. What have we learned? Check your dates and reservations closely, don’t book a 10-hour bus ride in Cambodia, and definitely don’t eat nickels. Watch us on YouTube! 00:00 - Turning the mirror on your big, embarrassing travel mistakes 01:15 - But first, Gunnar has another one 04:20 - Kurt welcomes back the show from Emirates’ spa 05:18 - Watching Heated Rivalry at 35,000 feet 08:01 - Bryan’s booking blunder to Paris 09:28 - How Liz’s boyfriend won the hotel lottery in London 11:04 - Peter’s too-close connection in Madrid 13:29 - Gunnar coins “The Trojan Rule” 13:56 - Travis & his trash bag in Costa Rica 15:58 - Learn from Gauri’s husband: Double-check your wallet 18:03 - Claudia’s flipped dates & a miracle in Ireland 20:32 - Rick roasts his boneheaded son-in-law 21:47 - Gunnar’s big revelation 23:40 - Buy your tickets for The Thrifty Traveler Podcast … Live! 24:28 - Jon got too thrifty in Cambodia 26:17 - Jennifer forgot to check her schedule 29:40 - Dana goes full “sicko” after a booking error 31:45 - Ranking Rachel’s 6 mistakes 35:06 - Katie’s grueling & traumatic road trip 38:30 - Learn from Nita: Souvenir passport stamps are a no 40:48 - Melissa & her hubby doubled down 45:11 - On the spot: The mistakes Kyle fears most 48:01 - Dan shares his favorite Gunnar gem 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 podcast@thriftytraveler.com Get 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… Instagram YouTube Facebook Bluesky Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
We know, we know: The flight prices have gotten rough out there, travelers … but not everywhere. So on this week’s pod, Gunnar and Kyle devote the show to spelling out the quintessential steps to take to find cheaper fares this summer, fall, and beyond. Plus, some exciting news about our (now officially award-winning!!!) show, an update on Hyatt’s dastardly deeds, and perhaps the strangest hotel-restaurant collab nobody asked for. Thanks to Cozy Earth for sponsoring this episode! Head to https://cozyearth.com and use code THRIFTY for up to 20% off! Watch us on YouTube ! 01:02 - Are the guys still gettin’ booksy? 03:54 - Michelle welcomes us back from Taipei! 04:30 - Something Hot: We won the Shorty Award + live show updates! 10:15 - Something Cold: Hyatt drops the hammer 15:29 - Something Stupid: Room service … from Applebees? 18:29 - A word from our sponsor, Cozy Earth 22:41 - Why Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Saturdays are key 19:28 - The Extra Mile: How we’re finding cheaper fares now 20:25 - The #1 tool to save on travel: Be flexible with your dates 23:43 - Why Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Saturdays are key 25:45 - #2: Use those points! 27:59 - #3: & use partner award programs for big savings 29:56 - #4: Do some inventory & maximize your travel card credits 33:10 - #5: Follow the deal, use Google Flights Explore & “unplan” your trip 36:03 - #6: Book earlier (or much later) than normal 40:32 - Heelys in the airport & the “Bevledge” on the plane 43:00 - A listener asks about when positioning flights go wrong 46:03 - Kyle’s on the spot about his upcoming trip to Tokyo 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 podcast@thriftytraveler.com Get 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… Instagram YouTube Facebook Bluesky 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 episode where we all get to be jealous of Kyle’s trip to Thailand. Luckily, he tells us how to book it and why his inkling to avoid using points and miles (for part of it) made the trip that much better. Plus, the guys make a bold prediction about airfare, wonder if the lounge overcrowding problem is solved, and ask the question: are hotel points and status even worth it anymore? 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 - Post-trip clarity: Getting home from vacation 02:18 - Kyle welcomes us back from the pool in Thailand 02:45 - Are we heading for an airfare cliff ? 10:00 - SkyMiles & Airbnb : More earnings, weird rules 12:20 - Points & miles rates aren’t rising with airfare 14:38 - United cardholder discounts are getting better 18:30 - Why Jackson is souring on hotel loyalty 21:40 - Is the lounge overcrowding problem solved ? 27:25 - A word from our sponsor: Bilt Rewards! 28:40 - Everything about Koh Kood in Thailand 37:00 - Kyle’s Thailand trip logistics: Flights, hotels, Hong Kong & more 45:14 - Vote for our live podcast topic at thriftytraveler.com/vote ! 46:00 - A listener asks: Should you avoid London due to high fees? 49:00 - What is Gunnar’s Koh Kood? 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 podcast@thriftytraveler.com Get 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… Instagram YouTube Facebook Bluesky 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 go in-depth on Delta One business class from a person who is too young to know this much about flying Delta’s premier product around the world. Thrifty Traveler’s Kyle Thomas joins the show to talk about how he earned more than a million points and miles as a college student. We break down all the best Delta One deals, how to book them, and also touch on some news about credit card offers and wonder why it is we got so wistful about Spirit’s demise? Thanks to Cozy Earth for sponsoring today's episode! Head to https://cozyearth.com and use code THRIFTY for up to 20% off! Watch us on YouTube! 00:00 - Cool Kyle earning a million points as a college student 02:17 - Kyle welcomes us back from the Great Barrier Reef! 03:30 - Start, Bench, Cut: 3 new credit card offers to know 10:20 - Getting wistful about the official end of Spirit Airlines 15:13 - Thanks to our sponsor Cozy Earth! 16:10 - Flying Delta One to Tokyo, Seoul, Paris, Brisbane, and more 17:15 - The Delta One experience at check-in & the lounge 18:50 - Making sense of Delta’s different Delta One seats (Always use Aerolopa ) 23:15 - Delta’s new suites are coming and other upgrades 26:20 - What it’s like onboard Delta One – meals & service 32:10 - The best ways to book Delta One 36:40 - Are Delta One bookings through partners officially dead? 38:30 - The Best Delta Skymiles deals we’ve sent in 2026 (so far!) 41:00 - Thrifty Traveler Premium Destination Filters 43:20 - How to earn a million points as a college student 51:15 - Kyle’s Australia trip: Qantas, scuba certification, and more 54:00 - Helping worried listeners with their Europe trips 58:00 - Kyle’s 23 countries in 23 years adventure 59:20 - What would Gunnar do with a million miles? Catch Kyle’s brand new Delta One Review to Brisbane on YouTube! 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 podcast@thriftytraveler.com Get 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… Instagram YouTube Facebook Bluesky Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Thrifty Traveler Co-Founder Nick Serati helps us answer a pressing points and miles question: Is Chase still the most important travel rewards program? After running the numbers, he’s changed his tune about Chase and wonders if newcomer Bilt has something to do with it. Plus, we talk about a potential government-owned Spirit Airlines, some devaluations, and the White Lotus choosing Hyatt! Plus, how to use points and miles on golf and a hilarious new travel mistake story. Thanks to Surfshark for sponsoring this week’s episode! Go to https://surfshark.com/thrifty4 or use code THRIFTY4 at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN! Watch us on YouTube! 00:00 - Nick’s travel mistake: A $600 shirt in Vegas 04:45 - Nick’s daughter Elin introduces the show from Sedona! 05:15 - Thanks to our sponsor Surfshark VPN! 06:45 - The Hyatt Lotus & how to book it 10:20 - LifeMiles and Aeroplan hike award rates 15:55 - Something Stupid: A government-owned Spirit? 21:40 - Is Chase Still the King of Travel Rewards? 25:40 - The 5/24 rule & how Chase became king 29:15 - The Chase Sapphire Reserve isn’t helping 32:15 - Is Bilt’s complicated system worth it? 40:00 - Is the Bilt Palladium Card right for Gunnar? 46:00 - Is Chase still king? Our verdict 48:15 - A listener’s lap infant conundrum 52:30 - How to use points and miles on golf trips 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 podcast@thriftytraveler.com Get 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… Instagram YouTube Facebook Bluesky Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
It’s amazing how a pair of headphones, a pillow, or a carry-on bag can make or break your trip. That’s why we’re going through all of our favorite travel gear in this week’s special bonus episode. The list includes strollers, luggage, eye masks, neck pillows, earplugs, and more. Plus, we help a listener use his Capital One miles, and the guys answer: What’s the one piece of travel gear you want if money (or shame) were no object? Watch us on YouTube! 00:00 - Gunnar’s travel etiquette proposal 03:06 - Jeff and Angie at the Alila Ventana Big Sur welcome us to the show! 04:15 - Gunnar’s Half-Day Garment Duffel Bag 06:30 - Kyle’s headphones and AirFly adapter 08:12 - Kasey’s headphones , backpack , and toiletry kit 10:10 - Gunnar’s Patagonia Black Hole Duffel Bag 11:30 - Tracey’s MiFold Booster Seat 13:15 - Kyle’s Tumi Backpack 16:10 - Join us at the Thrifty Traveler Podcast … Live on June 12! 17:10 - Gunnar’s Mzoo Eye Mask and Turtl Pillow 20:20 - Katie’s Bose Quiet Comfort Headphones 22:35 - Kyle’s Epicka adapter … and the new, better one from Anker 25:50 - Gunnar’s BabyJogger travel stroller 28:05 - Kyle’s pill and contact case and Mack’s earplugs 31:10 - Jon’s Ostrich Pillow 33:40 - What would you do with 125,000 Capital One Miles? 37:55 - Your dream piece of travel gear 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 podcast@thriftytraveler.com Get 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… Instagram YouTube Facebook Bluesky Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Not everything is as easy as travel and points and miles influencers make it look. Have you ever wondered, “How are these people earning all of these points?” Or, “How are these people taking so many business class flights?” They’re good questions, because people in the travel world (including sometimes us) haven’t always been so forthcoming about some of the secret strategies they use to travel like they do. Join us as we unveil them all! Show Notes Thanks to Surfshark for sponsoring this week’s episode! Go to https://surfshark.com/thrifty4 or use code THRIFTY4 at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN! 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 - What it’s like to be a travel professional 03:10 - Melissa from Cappadocia, Turkiye, introduces the show! 05:10 - Quarterly airfare check-in: Where to find cheap flights 11:35 - Where not to find cheap flights right now 16:00 - Listener Question: How are influencers earning all these points? 20:30 - The dirty little secrets of points and miles 52:00 - On the Spot: What can we do better? 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 podcast@thriftytraveler.com Get 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… Instagram YouTube Facebook Bluesky Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
We’re shining a spotlight on baggage (both travel and emotional …) this week as airlines raised bag fees almost in unison. So the guys talk through what happened, why, and - most importantly - what you can do to avoid paying those higher fees altogether. Plus, we dig into some Delta One news, break down a recent business class mistake fare, and sift through some (ridiculous) United/American merger chatter. Thanks to Surfshark for sponsoring this week’s episode! Go to https://surfshark.com/thrifty4 or use code THRIFTY4 at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN! Watch us on YouTube! 00:00 - “Pitiful & Pathetic:” Feedback on the travel mistakes episode 04:05 - Nate, Mo, & Koko introduce the show from New Zealand! 04:50 - $410 business class fares to Europe: A mistake fare breakdown 12:20 - Translating Delta CEO’s statements about rising airfare 17:30 - New Delta One Suites & a new Delta One Lounge at MSP 22:55 - United’s (gross) new basic business class tickets 25:20 - Something Stupid: United & American merger murmurs 29:08 - Baggage fees are up … but why? 34:35 - How to avoid baggage fees 44:40- Listener Question: Would you fly east to Asia? 47:40 - On the spot: What is Kyle’s favorite piece of baggage? 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 podcast@thriftytraveler.com Get 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… Instagram YouTube Facebook Bluesky Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
