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:

The 14 Things We Never Travel Without (& the 1 Thing We Hate) Apr 28, 2026

Show notes

It’s amazing how a pair of headphones, a pillow, or a carry-on bag can make or break your trip. That’s why we’re going through all of our favorite travel gear in this week’s special bonus episode. The list includes strollers, luggage, eye masks, neck pillows, earplugs, and more. Plus, we help a listener use his Capital One miles, and the guys answer: What’s the one piece of travel gear you want if money (or shame) were no object?

Watch us on YouTube!

00:00 - Gunnar’s travel etiquette proposal

03:06 - Jeff and Angie at the Alila Ventana Big Sur welcome us to the show!

04:15 - Gunnar’s Half-Day Garment Duffel Bag

06:30 - Kyle’s headphones and AirFly adapter

08:12 - Kasey’s headphones, backpack, and toiletry kit

10:10 - Gunnar’s Patagonia Black Hole Duffel Bag

11:30 - Tracey’s MiFold Booster Seat

13:15 - Kyle’s Tumi Backpack

16:10 - Join us at the Thrifty Traveler Podcast … Live on June 12!

17:10 - Gunnar’s Mzoo Eye Mask and Turtl Pillow

20:20 - Katie’s Bose Quiet Comfort Headphones

22:35 - Kyle’s Epicka adapter … and the new, better one from Anker

25:50 - Gunnar’s BabyJogger travel stroller

28:05 - Kyle’s pill and contact case and Mack’s earplugs

31:10 - Jon’s Ostrich Pillow

33:40 - What would you do with 125,000 Capital One Miles?

37:55 - Your dream piece of travel gear

Produced and edited by Sylvia Thomas

Video editing by Kyle Thomas

Show music: “All That” by Benjamin Tissot

Support the show by leaving us a rating and a review wherever you get your podcasts!

Have a question you want answered on-air or an idea for the show? Let us know at podcast@thriftytraveler.com

Get 20% off your first year of cheap flights and points and miles deals with Thrifty Traveler Premium - use promo code TTPOD to save even more!

See what we’re all about at https://thriftytraveler.com - or subscribe to our free weekly points and miles newsletter, The Extra Mile!

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

The Dirty Little Secrets of Points & Miles Apr 23, 2026

Show notes

Not everything is as easy as travel and points and miles influencers make it look. Have you ever wondered, “How are these people earning all of these points?” Or, “How are these people taking so many business class flights?” They’re good questions, because people in the travel world (including sometimes us) haven’t always been so forthcoming about some of the secret strategies they use to travel like they do. Join us as we unveil them all!

Show Notes

Thanks to Surfshark for sponsoring this week’s episode! Go to https://surfshark.com/thrifty4 or use code THRIFTY4 at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN!

Thank you to our sponsor, Bilt Rewards! Earn points on rent and make your entire neighborhood more rewarding with Bilt. Sign up at joinbilt.com/thrifty.

Watch us on YouTube!

00:00 - What it’s like to be a travel professional

03:10 - Melissa from Cappadocia, Turkiye, introduces the show!

05:10 - Quarterly airfare check-in: Where to find cheap flights

11:35 - Where not to find cheap flights right now

16:00 - Listener Question: How are influencers earning all these points?

20:30 - The dirty little secrets of points and miles

52:00 - On the Spot: What can we do better?

Produced and edited by Sylvia Thomas

Video editing by Kyle Thomas
Show music: “All That” by Benjamin Tissot

Support the show by leaving us a rating and a review wherever you get your podcasts!

Have a question you want answered on-air or an idea for the show? Let us know at podcast@thriftytraveler.com

Get 20% off your first year of cheap flights and points and miles deals with Thrifty Traveler Premium - use promo code TTPOD to save even more!

See what we’re all about at https://thriftytraveler.com - or subscribe to our free weekly points and miles newsletter, The Extra Mile!

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

Mistake Fares, Merger Murmurs & Battling Bag Fees Apr 16, 2026

Show notes

We’re shining a spotlight on baggage (both travel and emotional …) this week as airlines raised bag fees almost in unison. So the guys talk through what happened, why, and - most importantly - what you can do to avoid paying those higher fees altogether. Plus, we dig into some Delta One news, break down a recent business class mistake fare, and sift through some (ridiculous) United/American merger chatter.

Thanks to Surfshark for sponsoring this week’s episode! Go to https://surfshark.com/thrifty4 or use code THRIFTY4 at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN!

Watch us on YouTube!

00:00 - “Pitiful & Pathetic:” Feedback on the travel mistakes episode

04:05 - Nate, Mo, & Koko introduce the show from New Zealand!

04:50 - $410 business class fares to Europe: A mistake fare breakdown

12:20 - Translating Delta CEO’s statements about rising airfare

17:30 - New Delta One Suites & a new Delta One Lounge at MSP

22:55 - United’s (gross) new basic business class tickets

25:20 - Something Stupid: United & American merger murmurs

29:08 - Baggage fees are up … but why?

34:35 - How to avoid baggage fees

44:40- Listener Question: Would you fly east to Asia?

47:40 - On the spot: What is Kyle’s favorite piece of baggage?

Produced and edited by Sylvia Thomas

Video editing by Kyle Thomas
Show music: “All That” by Benjamin Tissot

Support the show by leaving us a rating and a review wherever you get your podcasts!

Have a question you want answered on-air or an idea for the show? Let us know at podcast@thriftytraveler.com

Get 20% off your first year of cheap flights and points and miles deals with Thrifty Traveler Premium - use promo code TTPOD to save even more!

See what we’re all about at https://thriftytraveler.com - or subscribe to our free weekly points and miles newsletter, The Extra Mile!

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

Our Biggest, Most Embarrassing Travel Mistakes Apr 09, 2026

Show notes

Travel isn’t always perfect and we certainly aren’t either. This week on the show, Gunnar and Kyle cop to the worst travel mistakes they’ve made over the year. From rehashing Gunnar’s Avianca last name fiasco to entering birthdates wrong to over-scheduling trips, getting fleeced at an expensive restaurant, and even timing bathroom breaks on the road, the guys have screwed up a lot over the years. Join us as we discredit, debase, and humiliate ourselves!

Watch us on YouTube!

00:00 - What’s the biggest mistake travelers make?

02:50 - Sylvia welcomes us to the show from Zion National Park

05:15 - The Gunnar Olson Olson Olson story

07:10 - Not checking airfare from more than one airport

09:20 - Think before you swipe: Using the wrong card to book flights

11:55 - Over-scheduling travel – Kyle’s slightly-too-much trip

14:00 - Not paying attention to open hours

16:15 - Birthday fiascos and infant reservations: Don’t wait until the airport!

19:40 - Getting a ski trip shuttered by the weather

22:30 - A word from our sponsor: Don’t miss the next great flight deals with Thrifty Traveler Premium

24:20 - Letting e-credits expire

26:15 - Leaving something in the overhead bin

28:30 - Swiping the same old credit card

30:40 - Check the menu: A crazy expensive meal in Singapore

32:35 - The pre-boarding bathroom break

34:40 - A listener asks: Why the “Yo?”

36:12 - Another listener asks: More on our rebooking strategy

43:05 - The biggest mistake Gunnar has made at Thrifty Traveler

Produced and edited by Sylvia Thomas

Video editing by Kyle Thomas
Show music: “All That” by Benjamin Tissot

Support the show by leaving us a rating and a review wherever you get your podcasts!

Have a question you want answered on-air or an idea for the show? Let us know at 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.

Bag Fees Go Up, United Throws Down & 10 More News Stories Apr 02, 2026

Show notes

The news has been relentless to kick off the spring, so the guys spend the show tackling a dozen different stories. There’s an update on those awful TSA lines, JetBlue already raised its baggage fees, and Air France/KLM just raised surcharges on award tickets. We also look into United’s splashy new “Relax Row” seats, discuss why American is reversing course on seatback screens, and throw out some quick takes on news like rule changes around Delta’s 20-minute baggage guarantee. Plus, a listener dubs Gunnar “The Redheaded Clown.” Brutal.

Watch us on YouTube!

00:00 - When do you start packing for a trip?

01:43 - Rosie’s daughter introduces the show from Costa Rica!

02:20 - We’re a finalist for the 2026 Shorty Awards! Vote now at thriftytraveler.com/vote

03:26 - Are we out of the woods with TSA issues?

06:40 - JetBlue raises baggage fees, when will the other airlines follow?

09:15 - Womp, womp: Flying Blue raises fuel surcharges on award tickets

12:15 - United’s buzzy new Relax Row – would we book it?

16:50 - American wants to reinstall seatback screens

20:40 - Two new nonstop routes to the Philippines?!

23:25 - A word from our sponsor (us): Sign up for the Extra Mile newsletter today!

24:00 - Delta’s 2,500 bonus SkyMiles bags on time rule change

23:35 - Delta inks new inflight Wi-Fi deal with Amazon

27:00 - We love Flighty’s new update

28:35 - Amex ditches Saks, adds ChatGPT credits

30:20 - Attention, skiers: Epic and Ikon passes are now on sale

32:15 - Buying MLB tickets with Capital One miles is back

33:40 - What seat on the plane is best for your skin?

36:00 - Gunnar (finally) gets roasted in the reviews

38:15 - On the spot: Start, bench or cut Delta’s new transpacific routes?

Produced and edited by Sylvia Thomas

Video editing by Kyle Thomas
Show music: “All That” by Benjamin Tissot

Support the show by leaving us a rating and a review wherever you get your podcasts!

Have a question you want answered on-air or an idea for the show? Let us know at 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.

WTF is Happening with Flight Prices & What We’re Doing Mar 26, 2026

Show notes

Gunnar is back from a rain-soaked trip to Hawaii to talk about oil prices, airfare, and what’s next for flight prices - plus, an update on what’s happening at TSA checkpoints across the country as the partial government shutdown drags on. But Gunnar can’t stop talking about his vacation, so he gives a review of Hawaiian Airlines First Class, reveals his grand theory of travel, and the guys pitch a visit to Minneapolis for the Thrifty Traveler Podcast Live Show in June!

The Thrifty Traveler Podcast is going LIVE: Join us Friday, June 12 in Minneapolis! Buy your tickets now!

Thanks to our sponsor, Saily! Download Saily in your app store - use our code THRIFTY at checkout to get an exclusive 15% off your first purchase

https://saily.com/thrifty 🌍

Watch us on YouTube!

00:00 - Recapping Gunnar’s trip to Hawaii

04:40 - Marcus welcomes us back to the show from Cabo

05:00 - A review of Hawaiian’s fancy first class suites

10:32 - Gunnar’s Grand Theory of Travel

14:45 - TSA News: Lines, ICE agents & more

20:12 - A word from our sponsor: Travel abroad with an eSim from Saily!

21:25 - Oil prices (and airfare) are going up. What’s next?

34:30 - What you should do now & where to find deals

45:50 - Gunnar gets spotted & pitching Minneapolis

52:20 - On the Spot: What’s the most you’ve paid for a flight?

Produced and edited by Sylvia Thomas

Video editing by Kyle Thomas

Show music: “All That” by Benjamin Tissot

Support the show by leaving us a rating and a review wherever you get your podcasts!

Have a question you want answered on-air or an idea for the show? Let us know at 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.

Ask Us Anything: Biz Class to Australia, How We Earn Points & Big Pod News! Mar 19, 2026

Show notes

Against all odds, our baby - this humble travel podcast - is one year old! So the guys are celebrating the best way they know how: by turning the show over to you listeners for another mailbag episode. What’s the best way to book a business class seat all the way to Australia - or Hawaii? Why do airlines charge more per ticket for more passengers? How do we rack up more points? Plus, we’ve got huge news about the show that at least four of you have been waiting for…

The Thrifty Traveler Podcast is going LIVE: Join us Friday, June 12 in Minneapolis! Buy your tickets now!

Thanks to our sponsor, Saily! Download Saily in your app store - use our code THRIFTY at checkout to get an exclusive 15% off your first purchase

https://saily.com/thrifty 🌍

Watch us on YouTube!

0:00 - Celebrating one year of the pod & our sunscreen strategies

05:41 - Mike welcomes us to the show from the Milford Sound

06:10 - Big news: Buy your tickets for the TT Podcast Live in June!

07:50 - What’s the key to booking biz class awards to Australia?

12:50 - How to rack up more points day to day

18:51 - The best lie-flat seats you can fly to Hawaii on points

22:22 - Why do more passengers = higher fares?

26:30 - And why we love beating the airlines at their silly games

27:15 - Strategies & best bets for cheap upgrades

31:37 - A word from our sponsor: Travel abroad with an eSim from Saily!

32:50 - How we track price drops and deals to rebook & save more

35:57 - And how to cancel your first flight for free

39:09 - Points to earn & lie-flat options to Europe for the family

42:29 - Would we ever use travel agents?

45:39 - An amazing sighting in the Delta Sky Club

47:59 - On the spot: A beautiful proposal … at the O’Hare Chili’s

Produced and edited by Sylvia Thomas
Video editing by Kyle Thomas
Show music: “All That” by Benjamin Tissot

Support the show by leaving us a rating and a review wherever you get your podcasts!

Have a question you want answered on-air or an idea for the show? Let us know at 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.

More Flights, Fewer Points: 5 Underrated Mileage Programs Mar 12, 2026

Show notes

Sure, you can earn and redeem SkyMiles and Rapid Rewards points to your heart’s content. We won’t stop you. But it’s the next level of points and miles programs that help you save even more and turn regular travelers into “sickos” like us. So the guys devote the show to spelling out five underrated airline mileage programs even everyday travelers can use to maximize their credit card points. Plus, a listener suggests a new nickname for fans of the show (there are dozens of you, we swear!) and Gunnar puts his all-time favorite airline programs on the Olympic podium.

Watch us on YouTube!

00:00 - Our “gateway drug” into points & miles

01:55 - TG welcomes us back to the show from snowy Niseko, Japan

03:45 - What airline programs are actually getting better?

06:50 - And which are overrated?

11:10 - A word from our sponsor: Sign up for our Extra Mile Newsletter

11:45 - Framing a discussion on top five “underrated” airline programs

15:10 - #1: Avios … but maybe not the one you’re thinking of

23:20 - #2: A newcomer full of sweet spots

32:05 - #3: Another quirky Japanese program loaded with value

40:10 - #4: The popular SkyTeam program that’s not rated high enough

47:30 - #5: The U.S. airline with the best miles

55:25 - Listener Question: “Thrifties” & changing loyalty numbers on bookings

59:50 - On the Spot: What’s your airline mileage program podium

Produced and edited by Sylvia Thomas

Video editing by Kyle Thomas

Show music: “All That” by Benjamin Tissot

Support the show by leaving us a rating and a review wherever you get your podcasts!

Have a question you want answered on-air or an idea for the show? Let us know at 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.

More Southwest Drama, United’s Bold Move & More Big News Mar 05, 2026

Show notes

This week, we round up all the recent travel news that’s fit to podcast! That includes Kyle’s experience with CLEAR’s (honestly amazing) new e-gates, what United’s up to with its credit card moves, a shocking-but-welcome move to require headphones onboard, Southwest’s carry-on bag problems literally everyone should have seen coming, hot and cold news from Avios, and much more! Plus, we help a listener get a refund and Gunnar declares whether he’ll ever fly Southwest again.

Thank you to our sponsor Bilt Rewards! Earn points on rent and make your entire neighborhood more rewarding with Bilt. Sign-up at joinbilt.com/thrifty.

Watch us on YouTube!

00:00 - Kyle’s weekend in Phoenix & using CLEAR’s new e-gates

03:35 - Richard from Florida welcomes us back to the show!

04:00 - United’s credit card changes make them essential

09:55 - Hallelujah: United mandates headphones onboard

12:45 - Hot and Cold in the Avios program: A new transfer bonus & new rules

18:42 - Another way to earn JAL miles

23:45 - A word from our sponsor Bilt Rewards

24:55 - Southwest makes seating, boarding, and baggage adjustments

29:45 - A new Southwest lounge at AUS?

31:38 - Updates from the Middle East and Puerto Vallarta

38:05 - Combined Resy & Tock restaurant list turns heads

41:10 - A sweet new Capital One Shopping promo

43:25 - Can you get refunded for a seat upgrade bought with cash?

46:55 - On the Spot: Would Gunnar ever fly Southwest again?

Produced and edited by Sylvia Thomas

Video editing by Kyle Thomas
Show music: “All That” by Benjamin Tissot

Support the show by leaving us a rating and a review wherever you get your podcasts!

Have a question you want answered on-air or an idea for the show? Let us know at 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 Best (& Worst) Business Classes in the World Mar 03, 2026

Show notes

Kyle and Gunnar are joined by Thrifty Traveler Chief Flight Deal Analyst (and Domino’s elite member) Jon Shallbetter, who helps them put the 37 combined business class seats they’ve flown into tiers so you can tell what flights are worth your points and which ones may not be. From the best of the best to the experiences that are missing something to the flights that were flat-out forgettable, the guys break it all down, Qsuites to Icelandair and everything in between. Plus, they admit what they haven’t flown and Kyle and Jon reflect on their (romantic?) dinner in Qatar First Class.

Watch us on YouTube!

00:00 - Why it’s always surreal to fly business class

02:25 - Our flight deal guru Jon introduces the show!

02:45 - Tier 1: The best of the best

10:30 - Tier 2: Outstanding business classes

22:30 - Tier 3: Good, but missing something

32:42 - Sign up for Thrifty Traveler Premium to fly biz class for less!

35:20 - Tier 4: The Almost good

44:20 - Tier 5: Disappointing business class flights

52:23 - On the Spot: Jon & Kyle’s romantic Qatar First Class flight

Produced and edited by Sylvia Thomas

Video editing by Kyle Thomas
Show music: “All That” by Benjamin Tissot

Support the show by leaving us a rating and a review wherever you get your podcasts!

Have a question you want answered on-air or an idea for the show? Let us know at 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.

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