The Thrifty Traveler Podcast

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 podcast@thriftytraveler.comGet 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 podcast@thriftytraveler.comGet 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 podcast@thriftytraveler.comGet 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 podcast@thriftytraveler.comGet 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 podcast@thriftytraveler.comGet 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 podcast@thriftytraveler.comGet 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 podcast@thriftytraveler.comGet 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 podcast@thriftytraveler.comGet 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 podcast@thriftytraveler.comGet 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 podcast@thriftytraveler.comGet 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.

Airport lounges aren’t just for the rich, the elite, and the bougie – we think they’re a crucial money-saving strategy for (nearly) all everyday travelers. Gunnar and Kyle argue that lounges are actually a thrifty way to travel, not to mention a fun way to start your trip! They talk about the best, cheapest ways to get into the lounge, some expert tips to maximize your lounge access, and run through some of their absolute favorite lounges around the world. Plus, they talk about using AI chatbots in trip planning, a new welcome offer on their favorite premium credit card, and finally answer the question: Did Gunnar get overserved at the company retreat last month?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 - Our airport lounge order of operations: where to sit, what to do, and Gunnar’s (possibly illegal?) signature move02:40 - Send us a voicemail! Have a trip to brag about? A question for us? Leave us a voicemail at thriftytraveler.com/voicemail03:15 - What AI chatbots are helpful for trip planning (Gunnar ranks his top 5) and tips for using AI 08:15 - Something Hot: The Capital One Venture X Card big new bonus offer13:00 - Something Cold: Federal plan to compensate travelers for delays and cancellations is officially dead17:10 - Something Colder: United walks back award rate decreases … except for cardholders18:30 - A word from our sponsor: HotelSlash, the easiest way to book a cheaper hotel stay - & rebook when prices drop19:30 - The Extra Mile: Airport Lounges ARE Thrifty29:00 - How to get lounge access – the tickets, status, or credit cards you need to get in, and our favorite airport lounges around the world58:25 - Listener Question: Xander needs business class flights to his wedding, but prices are crazy right now. What would we do? 01:02:15 - On the spot: Did Gunnar get too drunk at the company retreat last month? His official statementProduced 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 podcast@thriftytraveler.comGet 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.

Almost everything went wrong in air travel over the past week and change - including for Gunnar and Kyle’s own flights - as the shutdown took a nasty turn with thousands of delays and cancellations. Shutdown or not, the guys dig into all the strategies they use to get through air travel disruptions (relatively) unscathed. Tune in for tips for booking, tracking your flights, and how to get things back on track. They also discuss what’s next after the shutdown (hopefully) ends, give some kudos to Bilt 2.0, chastise Qatar for going “basic”, and review their Palm Springs company retreat!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 and Kyle both survived some brutal delays02:36 - Government shutdown update: Recapping a brutal week in the skies & what’s ahead08:50 - Something Hot: Bilt Rewards is making more big moves with Bilt 2.014:45 - Something Cold: Qatar Airways begins charging for seat selection in business class19:04 - A word from our sponsor: HotelSlash, the easiest way to book a cheaper hotel stay - & rebook when prices drop20:00 - What to do when things go wrong in travel: Everything we do to protect ourselves during meltdowns, shutdowns, bad weather & bad luck. 55:00 - Listener Question: A recap of our team trip to Palm Springs & an important book in our studio1:00:30 - On the Spot: Kyle’s trip to NYC and our impressive friends & listenersProduced and edited by Sylvia 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 podcast@thriftytraveler.comGet 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 another news breakdown! This week on the show, we dig into eight big news stories in travel, from Southwest’s newest lounge (including our suggestions for what Southwest should offer), more new lounges in Salt Lake City, the dramatic return of Australia and New Zealand business class points deals, and some surprisingly good news from both United and Hilton. Plus, Gunnar finally finds a workaround to talk about Canada on the pod … while giving Kyle some editorial control. Teamwork!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 - What’s a staple of a Southwest lounge? Wrong answers only02:35 - Australia/New Zealand lie-flat award availability is back!07:35 - A shutdown update: Ground stops, long TSA lines, and all the latest10:35 - United makes some of its best MileagePlus redemptions cheaper!14:00 - Southwest gets approval to open a lounge…in Hawaii18:15 - A word from our sponsor: Bilt Rewards! Earn points on rent and make your entire neighborhood more rewarding with Bilt. Head to joinbilt.com/thrifty so they know we sent you! 19:34 - Salt Lake City opens a new SkyClub and Centurion Lounge…and Gunnar’s rant on the “Digital Immersion Wall”25:22 - RIP to the best way to book vacation rentals using points27:45 - Chase news: New benefits & upgrade offers 31:45 - Hilton lowers rates on some of its most egregiously expensive redemptions34:00 - Introducing the Canada Button – our new way to control Gunnar’s obsession with Canada36:40 - Billy Bishop Airport in Toronto gets more flights to the U.S., making it the best way to fly to and from Toronto39:35 - Listener Question: Upgrading to Premium Economy? 42:55 - On the Spot: You can only visit one Canadian province forever, which one takes the Kokanee, eh?Produced and edited by Sylvia 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 podcast@thriftytraveler.comGet 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.

On this week’s podcast, Kyle recaps a whirlwind trip that included an overwater villa in Bora Bora, driving the wild landscapes of New Zealand, scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef, and a  10-seat mezcal bar in Sydney - booked almost entirely using points and miles … including several business class flights! The guys walk through how he did it, cover some highlights and hard lessons, too. Plus, they talk about some stellar SkyMiles sales to Mexico, an update on how the ongoing government shutdown is affecting travel, and debrief from the Thrifty Traveler team’s recent retreat in Palm Springs.Watch us on YouTube!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!00:00 - Gunnar has been to all seven continents…right? Is Oceania a continent? 03:15 - Finding Something Out: A quick government shutdown update06:05 - Something Hot: Delta SkyMiles deals to Mexico from just 7,000 roundtrip!10:10 - Something Cold: One new Delta route we’re not thrilled about…13:25 - A word from our sponsor: HotelSlash, the easiest way to book a cheaper hotel stay - and rebook when prices drop14:20 - The Extra Mile: How to book a trip to Bora Bora, New Zealand, and Australia using points, just like Kyle!18:00 - Bora Bora on points and miles (including the Conrad Bora Bora!)31:45 - Highlights from New Zealand, including Milford Sound!39:35 - Getting to the Great Barrier Reef for less46:45 - Other highlights from Australia, including a ride home in Delta One Suites59:03 - On the Spot: The latest update from TT’s coolest employeeProduced and edited by Sylvia 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 podcast@thriftytraveler.comGet 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 finally time for a mistake fare episode! Kyle and Gunnar talk about the most exciting fares in the world of flight deals, when airlines accidentally sell tickets at ridiculous discounts. The guys talk through their favorite mistake fares from over the years, how to find and book the next one, and what you need to watch for. Plus, they discuss why holiday flight deals are so much better this year, their new favorite mileage program that might not be on your radar, and Delta’s possibly problematic credit card rule.Watch us on YouTube!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!00:00 - Previewing the next edition of the (in)famous Thrifty Traveler company retreat02:10 - Holiday flight deals are really good this year, but why?06:35 - Something Hot: Is this our new favorite mileage program? All about Japan Airlines Mileage Bank13:55 - Delta’s little-known and possibly problematic credit card rule17:16 - A word from our sponsor: HotelSlash, the easiest way to book a cheaper hotel stay – and rebook when prices drop.18:15 - Mistake fare draft: Our six favorite mistake fares of all time25:30 - Everything you need to know about mistake fares: How to book them, where to find them, and how they happen in the first place46:50 - Listener Question: Maximizing credit card spend on a big house project51:30 - On the spot: The flight deal that got awayProduced and edited by Sylvia 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 podcast@thriftytraveler.comGet 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, Gunnar and Kyle (who both coincidentally wore fresh Lululemon gear on the pod, courtesy of new $75 credits) spend some extra time digging into the ongoing government shutdown and what it means for travelers heading to airports today, tomorrow, next week and beyond. But the big topic of the day is diving into the premium travel boom, as airlines install fancier seats, build new airport lounges, and generally cater to the upper crust. Gunnar and Kyle debate whether or not that’s good news for budget travel. Plus, they enjoy an Alaska Airlines executive’s recent jab at his competitors and chat about United’s exciting new routes. 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!00:00 - Gunnar and Kyle discover they’re both wearing their $75 Lululemon Amex Platinum credits01:36 - An Alaska Airlines executive provides some reality TV drama to the airline industry by poking his competitors on Reddit08:08 - Something Hot: Breaking down all of United’s new routes for 202613:00 - Something Cold: The federal government shutdown, how it’s affecting travel, and how to protect yourself23:40 - A word from our sponsor: Bilt Rewards! Earn points on rent and make your entire neighborhood more rewarding with Bilt. Head to joinbilt.com/thrifty so they know we sent you! 24:45 - Behind the premium travel boom: What it means, why it’s happening, and whether that’s good or bad news for everyday travelers51:00 - Listener Question: Do Alaska Airlines credit cards make sense if you don’t live near an Alaska hub?54:38 - On the spot: Our favorite podcasts (besides this one!)Produced and edited by Sylvia 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 podcast@thriftytraveler.comGet 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, a bonafide travel hacker and self-proclaimed “bad boy of the travel industry” joins the show to discuss his two services that help millions travel more for less.Jonathan Weinberg is the founder and CEO of our beloved AutoSlash and, more recently, HotelSlash. So who better to hop on the podcast and make both Gunnar and Kyle smarter about the worlds of hotel and car rental booking? Jonathan talks about his career before getting into travel – including his firsthand experience being in the Twin Towers on 9/11 – and then walks us through how and why he founded the two money-saving booking platforms that Gunnar and Kyle use all the time. Plus, we chat about Georgia (the country, not the state) and get a little giddy about a handful of new Park Hyatt properties in the pipeline.Watch us on YouTube!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!00:00 - A quick note about today’s episode00:18 - Introducing AutoSlash and HotelSlash CEO, Jonathan Weinberg!01:48 - Ruffling feathers in the travel industry06:55 - Something Hot: Why we can’t stop talking about Georgia (the country, not the state) and a flight deal to get you there12:45 - Something Hotter: Park Hyatts are renovating, opening, and expanding all over the world - our favorites are…16:40 - A word from our sponsor: HotelSlash, the easiest way to book a cheaper hotel stay - and rebook when prices drop17:47 - Jonathan’s path into the travel industry: A travel-filled childhood, working on Wall Street, finding flight deals, & more24:00 - A harrowing experience inside World Trade Center Tower 2 on Sept. 11, 2001 - read Jonathan’s firsthand account29:20 - The how & why behind AutoSlash33:43 - Pivoting to HotelSlash and how it’s different from other hotel booking sites41:10 - Becoming “bad boys of the travel industry” 47:15 - International driver’s permits: Do you need them?50:35 - Listener Feedback: Amy’s wins in Montana,including a sweet rental car deal53:00 - On the spot: Gunnar and Kyle’s thoughts on hidden city ticketing (or “Skiplagging”)Produced and edited by Sylvia 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 podcast@thriftytraveler.comGet 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.

Using points and miles to travel for less is what we’re all about … but even two brilliant, handsome podcasters like us (yes, that’s sarcasm) need some help to earn more of them, get organized, and redeem those awards for better travel. So this week, we open up our toolboxes and run through the tools we use to travel better - including a few tools we created for our listeners to use for free! Come to get smarter about points and miles, stay to hear the rollercoaster that is Gunnar’s self-esteem during this episode.Watch us on YouTube!00:00 - The most annoying person at the party: The person who just got back from vacation01:54 - Recapping Kyle’s trip to England and Scotland (that we previewed in Ep. 12)09:25 - Something Hot: The Amex Platinum Lululemon credit & how to use it on gift cards12:20 - Something Hotter: The Park Hyatt Tokyo was wide-open using Hyatt points!15:00 - Something Cold: Who is the Amex Platinum for Business Card for?17:45 - A word from our sponsor: Get max value from your points with Thrifty Traveler Premium 18:50 - The Extra Mile: Our tools of the trade for next-level award travel19:15 - The tools we use to earn points and miles (Cardpilot, Rakuten, & more)30:00 - The tools we use to organize our cards, points and miles (Card benefit spreadsheets, Travel Freely, & more)38:00 - How we spend our points and miles wisely (Award alerts, award search tools, the guide to transfer bonuses, & more)45:30 - Listener Observation: How to beat AA’s solo passenger tax48:00 - On the Spot: What would Gunnar change about himself … travel-wiseProduced by Nick Serati and Gunnar OlsonEdited by David Strutt (Find him @davidstrutt on Fiverr!)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.comGet 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 and Kyle celebrate their recent travel bookings (a.k.a. “Getting Booksy”) before diving into an extremely busy couple days of travel news. Gunnar introduces an unhinged new “Stoke Scale” to help the guys rank a flurry of new route announcements from Italy to Hong Kong, and more. Plus, they break down stories you need to know about the Park Hyatt Tokyo, Hilton’s woes, Delta’s future in Mexico City, some intriguing new Capital One transfer partners, and more! Watch us on YouTube!00:00 - Kyle and Gunnar both booked something (Kyle to Hong Kong, Gunnar to Italy)03:45 - Routes news: All the new routes you should be excited about, ranked on the brand new “Gunnar Olson Stoke Scale”12:15 - Bad news for consumer rights, worse news for Delta flights to Mexico City (MEX), and some great news from Google Flights20:07 - What’s the easiest way to stay up on the news? The Daily Beat Newsletter! Sign up (for free) today!20:40 - Hotel news: The Park Hyatt Tokyo is reopening, the sorry state of Hilton, and White Lotus France hotel speculation32:00 - Credit card news: The revamped Amex Platinum gets rave reviews, Chase chases Amex with new hotel credits, intriguing new Capital One transfer partners, and Avios news45:00 - On the spot: Kyle tells us more about his dogs!46:45 - A heartfelt tribute to the late Katherine Olson, Gunnar’s grandma who helped spark his life in travelProduced by Erica Kamrowski and Gunnar OlsonEdited by David StruttShow 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.comGet 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 - The new Amex Platinum Card has a new look … but does it matter?02:10 - The nuts and bolts of the new (and improved?) Platinum Card from American Express – and our reaction in 5 words or less04:00 - Something Hot: The Platinum Card credits you love aren’t going anywhere06:45 - Something Cold: An eye-watering $895 annual fee11:15 - Want more travel rewards and credit card news sent straight to your inbox? Sign up for The Extra Mile newsletter today! 11:45 - We go credit-by-credit to see if we can make an $895 annual fee work on the Amex Platinum card work, from $600toward hotels to $300 for Lululemon credit to one serious dud33:00 - How to get organized and recoup that $895 annual fee 36:30 - Time is of the essence: The moves Platinum cardholders need to make ASAP44:00 - “Is the Amex Platinum a good credit card for most travelers?”46:55 - Listener Question: Emily wants some credit card advice before taking a gap year51:30 - Nick puts Gunnar & Kyle On the Spot: If you could only transfer points to one program for the rest of your life, what would it be?Produced by Jackson Newman & Gunnar OlsonEdited by David StruttShow 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.comGet 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.