Podcast
The Thrifty Traveler Podcast
Hosted by Thrifty Traveler · EN
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.
30episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
How to Earn a Million Points & Fly Delta One for Less
1w ago01:02:26Tap to summarizeThis 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.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.
Transcribe →Bilt Has Us Wondering: Is Chase Still King of Travel Rewards?
2w ago00:59:26Tap to summarizeThrifty Traveler Co-Founder Nick Serati helps us answer a pressing points and miles question: Is Chase still the most important travel rewards program? After running the numbers, he’s changed his tune about Chase and wonders if newcomer Bilt has something to do with it. Plus, we talk about a potential government-owned Spirit Airlines, some devaluations, and the White Lotus choosing Hyatt! Plus, how to use points and miles on golf and a hilarious new travel mistake story. Thanks to Surfshark for sponsoring this week’s episode! Go to https://surfshark.com/thrifty4 or use code THRIFTY4 at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN! Watch us on YouTube! 00:00 - Nick’s travel mistake: A $600 shirt in Vegas 04:45 - Nick’s daughter Elin introduces the show from Sedona! 05:15 - Thanks to our sponsor Surfshark VPN! 06:45 - The Hyatt Lotus & how to book it 10:20 - LifeMiles and Aeroplan hike award rates 15:55 - Something Stupid: A government-owned Spirit? 21:40 - Is Chase Still the King of Travel Rewards? 25:40 - The 5/24 rule & how Chase became king 29:15 - The Chase Sapphire Reserve isn’t helping 32:15 - Is Bilt’s complicated system worth it? 40:00 - Is the Bilt Palladium Card right for Gunnar? 46:00 - Is Chase still king? Our verdict 48:15 - A listener’s lap infant conundrum 52:30 - How to use points and miles on golf trips Produced and edited by Sylvia Thomas Video editing by Kyle Thomas Show music: “All That” by Benjamin Tissot Support the show by leaving us a rating and a review wherever you get your podcasts! Have a question you want answered on-air or an idea for the show? Let us know at podcast@thriftytraveler.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.
Transcribe →The 14 Things We Never Travel Without (& the 1 Thing We Hate)
3w ago00:42:44Tap to summarizeIt’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.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.
Transcribe →The Dirty Little Secrets of Points & Miles
3w ago00:54:42Tap to summarizeNot 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.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.
Transcribe →Mistake Fares, Merger Murmurs & Battling Bag Fees
Apr 1600:50:06Tap to summarizeWe’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.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.
Transcribe →Our Biggest, Most Embarrassing Travel Mistakes
Apr 900:45:05Tap to summarizeTravel 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.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.
Transcribe →Bag Fees Go Up, United Throws Down & 10 More News Stories
Apr 200:41:12Tap to summarizeThe 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.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.
Transcribe →WTF is Happening with Flight Prices & What We’re Doing
Mar 2600:55:12Tap to summarizeGunnar 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.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.
Transcribe →Ask Us Anything: Biz Class to Australia, How We Earn Points & Big Pod News!
Mar 1900:51:29Tap to summarizeAgainst 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.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.
Transcribe →More Flights, Fewer Points: 5 Underrated Mileage Programs
Mar 1201:01:21Tap to summarizeSure, 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.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.
Transcribe →