The Thrifty Traveler Podcast

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.

Latest Episodes:

With Record Card Bonuses, Banks are Going Crazy (in a Good Way!) Jun 18, 2026

Show notes

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!

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Airline Alliances: The Key to Booking Flights for Fewer Points Jun 11, 2026

Show notes

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!

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Surprise: Chase Souped Up the Sapphire Preferred Card! Jun 10, 2026

Show notes

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!

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Booking 5-Star Hotels in Italy, Airline Upgrade Scams & More News Jun 04, 2026

Show notes

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!

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Biggest Winners & Losers from Hyatt’s Massive Changes May 28, 2026

Show notes

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!

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Roasting YOUR Worst Travel Mistakes May 26, 2026

Show notes

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!

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Cheap Flights Are Still Out There: How to Find Them May 21, 2026

Show notes

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!

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dropping Airfare, Thailand & The Case Against Points & Miles May 14, 2026

Show notes

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!

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

How to Earn a Million Points & Fly Delta One for Less May 07, 2026

Show notes

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!

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Bilt Has Us Wondering: Is Chase Still King of Travel Rewards? Apr 30, 2026

Show notes

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?