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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 show 03:00 - The best airline & hotel statuses 07:15 - The worst airline & hotel statuses 11:25 - Thrifty Traveler Premium Flight Deal Quiz! 13:44 - Why we’re out on travel loyalty 22:30 - Who is loyalty for? 26:15 - Who is travel “free agency” for?  28:45 - How to get status perks without status 37:45 - Listener Question: What about credit card points loyalty? 41:30 - On the Spot: Gunnar’s 2027 list 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] 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…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] 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…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 challenge 04:15 - 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, too 27:45 - A word from us: Stay on top of your points & miles with The Extra Mile Newsletter 28:15 - What’s driving the shift in award travel?  33:00 - Are we being too negative?  36:30 - The great (& new) redemption opportunities out there 42:00 - How to fight back against the changing award travel landscape 44:28 - 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 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 [email protected] 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…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 City 04:45 - What’s in our wallets? 23:15 - Something cold: Annual fees are going up 28:15 - Something colder: Bilt fumbles its 2.0 rollout 39:03 - A word from our sponsor: CardPilot, the best way to pick a credit card 40:00 - What cards should you get in 2026? 48:00 - Listener Question: Cards for Eurotrips 51:20 - The perfect 2-card combo 52:20 - On the Spot: Our physical wallets 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] 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…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 matters 23:15 - Bilt 2.0 is here, with good and bad news 30:00 - A word from our sponsor: us! Get Thrifty Traveler Premium today 33:10 - American Airlines (kinda) launches free Wi-Fi 34:10 - No mileage or status on AA basic economy tickets 35:10 - 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 lounge 38:40 - 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 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] 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…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 like 14:30 - A stopover in Helsinki: Hotel Kamp and Christmas markets 17:30 - Flying to the Arctic Circle’s Ivalo & experiencing polar night 20:00 - A special Airbnb stay on Lake Inari & and watching the Northern Lights from a hot tub 22:45 - Inari: the Janiskoski bridge hike, Sami Museum & a day trip to Saariselka 26:00 - Rovaniemi: the capital of Lapland with another lovely Airbnb stay 30:00 - 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 travels 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] 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…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 bat 03:00 - 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 drop 16:10 - 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 quiz Get 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 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] 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…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 sales 14:15 - What deals won’t survive 2026?  18:33 - A word from our sponsor: Us & our Thrifty Traveler Premium service 20:19 - 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 & more 40:35 - What about credit cards? Bilt 2.0 & the uncertain future of the Venture X 45:30 - Where to go in 2026? Thailand, Vietnam, Finland, Spain, and beyond 51:45 - Listener Question: When & how you should call the airline to book award tickets 57:40 - On the Spot: Big news ahead for the podcast? 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] 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…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 bookings 20:30 - 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 drop 25:35 - 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 lounges 41:20 - Oh, Canada: Are Gunnar’s days with the company numbered?  47:30 - Sylvia puts us on the spot about our biggest mistake … and her own 52:10 - Some special holiday thank-yous to our colleagues and listeners 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] 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…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 year 14:29 - A word from our sponsor: HotelSlash, the easiest way to book a cheaper hotel stay - & rebook when prices drop 15:23 - The rest of our 2025 travel superlatives, including “Cutest Couple,” “Most Ambitious” & more 21:11 - The Worst Glow Up (… is that a thing?) of 2025 26:31 - The Best Dressed Airline of 2025  30:06 - A back-to-back “Best Hair” winner & Most Likely to Cheer You Up 37:17 - 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 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] 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…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 Brisbane 05:00 - 2 troubling new trends in points and miles: Will they get worse? 12:00 - The 2025 End of Year Checklist 17:40 - Why it’s the best time of year to open a new credit card 20:00 - The TSA’s new $45 fee you’ll (soon) pay if you don’t have Real ID 24:40 - A word from our sponsor: HotelSlash, the easiest way to book a cheaper hotel stay - & rebook when prices drop 25:30 - More Delta One check-ins are open now - including a mini-review of the Minneapolis Delta One check-in 30:10 - 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 miles 39:14 - 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 wins 42:55 - 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 abroad 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] 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…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 miles 04:15 - Something hot: How “Travel Mom Squad” became the “Points Talk Squad” and how it all began 11:15 - Something cold: Surviving delays and cancellations when flying with a family 15:50 - A word from our sponsor: Bilt Rewards! Earn points on rent and make your entire neighborhood more rewarding with Bilt 17:30 - 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 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] 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…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 episode 00:40 - 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 abroad 07:50 - Kasey’s biggest travel mistake: An embarrassing missed flight in Orlando 11:45 - A word from our sponsor: HotelSlash, the easiest way to book a cheaper hotel stay - & rebook when prices drop 12:35 - Kasey’s travel origin story – and becoming a backpacker and digital nomad 24:20 - How she wound up living in Guatemala half the year and her pitch for the perfect Guatemala vacation 32:00 - A Disney expert’s tips on how to travel to the parks on a budget 36:18 - Walking us through her epic trip through China and Hong Kong – including flying Delta Premium Select 42:00 - The Disney parks in Shanghai and Hong Kong & how they compare 44:00 - The official ranking of Disney Parks worldwide 49:30 - Listener Question: Our most jaw-dropping “wow” destinations 53:00 - On the Spot, Haters Edition: Places we don’t need to go back to… Produced by Gunnar Olson and Sylvia Thomas Audio editing 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] 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…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 move 02:40 - Send us a voicemail! Have a trip to brag about? A question for us? Leave us a voicemail at thriftytraveler.com/voicemail 03:15 - 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 offer 13:00 - Something Cold: Federal plan to compensate travelers for delays and cancellations is officially dead 17:10 - Something Colder: United walks back award rate decreases … except for cardholders 18:30 - A word from our sponsor: HotelSlash, the easiest way to book a cheaper hotel stay - & rebook when prices drop 19:30 - The Extra Mile: Airport Lounges ARE Thrifty 29:00 - How to get lounge access – the tickets, status, or credit cards you need to get in, and our favorite airport lounges around the world 58:25 - 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 statement 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] 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…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 delays 02:36 - Government shutdown update: Recapping a brutal week in the skies & what’s ahead 08:50 - Something Hot: Bilt Rewards is making more big moves with Bilt 2.0 14:45 - Something Cold: Qatar Airways begins charging for seat selection in business class 19:04 - A word from our sponsor: HotelSlash, the easiest way to book a cheaper hotel stay - & rebook when prices drop 20:00 - 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 studio 1:00:30 - On the Spot: Kyle’s trip to NYC and our impressive friends & listeners Produced and edited by Sylvia 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] 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…InstagramYouTubeFacebookBluesky Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.