The Thrifty Traveler Podcast
Society & Culture
About
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.
Episodes
- How to Earn a Million Points & Fly Delta One
This episode of The Thrifty Traveler Podcast features Kyle Thomas discussing how to earn a million points and miles as a college student. The discussion includes details on flying Delta One business class and notable credit card offers.
- Bilt Has Us Wondering: Is Chase Still King of Travel Rewards?
This episode of The Thrifty Traveler Podcast discusses if Chase is still the top travel rewards program, examining the role of Bilt. It covers various points and miles topics and travel-related news.
- The 14 Things We Never Travel Without (& the 1 Thing We Hate)
This episode of The Thrifty Traveler Podcast discusses essential travel items such as headphones, luggage, and neck pillows. It also addresses a listener's query about using Capital One miles.
- The Dirty Little Secrets of Points & Miles
This episode of The Thrifty Traveler Podcast explores strategies for earning points and miles for travel. The hosts discuss how influencers accumulate points and provide information on finding affordable flights.
- Mistake Fares, Merger Murmurs & Battling Bag Fees
This episode of The Thrifty Traveler Podcast covers mistake fares, airline merger rumors, and strategies for avoiding baggage fees. The hosts also discuss recent Delta One news.
- Our Biggest, Most Embarrassing Travel Mistakes
Gunnar and Kyle share their biggest and most embarrassing travel mistakes, such as booking errors, over-scheduling trips, and costly dining experiences. They also discuss listener questions and offer tips for avoiding common travel pitfall…
- Bag Fees Go Up, United Throws Down & 10 More News Stories
The Thrifty Traveler Podcast covers recent travel news, including increases in bag fees by JetBlue and surcharges on award tickets by Air France/KLM. They also discuss United's new "Relax Row" seats and American Airlines' decision to reins…
- WTF is Happening with Flight Prices & What We’re Doing
Gunnar discusses flight prices, oil prices, and TSA checkpoint updates. The episode includes a review of Hawaiian Airlines First Class, Gunnar's "Grand Theory of Travel," and advice on finding flight deals.
- Ask Us Anything: Biz Class to Australia, How We Earn Points & Big Pod News!
The Thrifty Traveler Podcast is one year old and hosts a listener Q&A episode. Topics include booking business class flights to Australia and Hawaii, strategies for earning travel points, and details about the upcoming live show in Minneap…
- More Flights, Fewer Points: 5 Underrated Mileage Programs
The Thrifty Traveler Podcast discusses five underrated airline mileage programs that offer better value than mainstream options for maximizing credit card points. The hosts also review listener suggestions and share their personal airline…
- More Southwest Drama, United’s Bold Move & More Big News
This episode covers recent travel news including Uniteds credit card changes and headphone mandate, Southwest airline
- The Best (& Worst) Business Classes in the World
Kyle and Gunnar, with guest Jon Shallbetter, rank 37 business class flights into tiers, discussing which are worth using points for and which were disappointing. They cover experiences from Qatar First Class to Icelandair.
- RIP World of Hyatt? Dissecting Big, Bad Changes
The Thrifty Traveler Podcast discusses significant upcoming changes to the World of Hyatt program, such as increased award rates and a confusing new pricing system. The episode also includes a review of Southwest Airlines and advice for li…
- How We Find Cheap Flights: Inside Thrifty Traveler with Founder Jared Kamrowski
In the 50th episode of The Thrifty Traveler Podcast, founder and CEO Jared Kamrowski discusses the history of the company, how the team finds flight deals, and the future of travel. He also shares his take on new Delta Hawaii routes and he…
- Sneaky Delta Perks, Summer Travel Slowdown & 8 Other News Stories
The Thrifty Traveler Podcast covers travel news including a hidden Delta credit card perk, a summer slowdown in European travel demand, new credit card offers, and listener questions. The episode also features a review of the Park Hyatt Lo…
- “These Bros Ain’t Loyal”: Why You Shouldn’t Chase Elite Status in 2026
This episode of The Thrifty Traveler Podcast argues against pursuing elite status with airlines and hotels in 2026. The hosts discuss who status benefits and why alternative strategies might be more effective for traveling more while spend…
- Our 5-Step Checklist: What We Do After Booking Flights
Gunnar and Kyle outline a 5-step post-flight booking process for The Thrifty Traveler Podcast, covering organization, price tracking, and logistics. They also discuss a new airline partnership and a listener's Japan trip.
- Is the Points Party Ending in 2026?
Hosts Gunnar and Kyle discuss the changing landscape of award travel, examining airline mileage program tweaks and their potential impact on travelers. They explore current trends, offer guidance on navigating 'pointsflation,' and discuss…
- What’s in Our Wallets & Our 2026 Points Planners
The Thrifty Traveler Podcast, with guest Nick Serati, discusses travel credit card strategies for 2026. Topics include wallet contents, annual fees, Bilt's rollout, and planning trips to Europe.
- Cheaper Fares Abroad, Big Bilt News, a Merger & 7 Other Big News Stories
This episode of The Thrifty Traveler Podcast covers potential shifts in international airfare pricing, Allegiant's acquisition of Sun Country, and updates to the Bilt Rewards program. It also touches on American Airlines' Wi-Fi policy, Haw…
- Biz Class to See Santa in Finnish Lapland: Gunnar’s Trip Report
Gunnar recaps his trip to Finnish Lapland, detailing his Finnair Business Class experience, challenges of traveling with an infant, and his visit to Santa Claus Village.
- Let Us Cook: Our Spiciest Travel Pet Peeves & Hot Takes
In this episode of The Thrifty Traveler Podcast, hosts Gunnar and Kyle discuss their travel pet peeves and share controversial takes on topics including airports, points and miles, and airport etiquette. They also answer a listener questio…
- Where You’ll Find the Best Flight Deals in 2026
The Thrifty Traveler Podcast discusses predictions for travel in 2026, covering where to find the best flight deals, emerging travel trends, potential challenges like government shutdowns, and news related to airlines and credit cards. The…
- Our Ho-ho-holiday Mailbag, ft. Voicemails, Travel Mistakes, Canada & More
The Thrifty Traveler Podcast hosts a holiday mailbag episode, reacting to listener voicemails about the year's biggest travel stories, booking successes, personal travel mistakes, and opinions on Canada. The episode also includes discussio…
- Who Wins Our First Class & Lavatory Awards? Plus More 2025 Superlatives
Gunnar and Kyle present their 2025 travel superlatives, including categories like "Class Clown" and "Most Popular," alongside the second-annual First Class and Lavatory Awards to recognize the best and worst travel experiences of the year.
- 2 Ugly New Points Trends & 7 Other Big News Stories
Gunnar and Kyle discuss eight travel news stories on The Thrifty Traveler Podcast. Topics include Delta One deals, troubling trends in points and miles, Real ID fees, lounge openings, and listener feedback.
- Family Travel Tips with the Moms of Points Talk Squad
Alex and Jess from the Points Talk Squad share insights on traveling with an infant, managing family travel delays, and optimizing points and miles for larger groups. The episode also addresses listener questions about Capital One credit c…
- From Guatemala to China & Ranking All the Disney Parks with Kasey DellaPenna
Guest Kasey DellaPenna shares her experiences as a digital nomad splitting time between Guatemala and world travel. She recounts a trip to Hong Kong and Shanghai, culminating in a ranking of all Disney Parks worldwide.
- Is Lounge Access … Underrated? (& How to Get In for Less)
Gunnar and Kyle discuss airport lounges as a thrifty travel strategy, covering cost-effective access, tips for maximizing benefits, and favorite lounges. They also touch on using AI for trip planning and a new credit card offer.
- What We Do When Travel Goes Wrong: How to Survive Delays & Cancellations
Hosts Gunnar and Kyle discuss strategies for managing air travel disruptions like delays and cancellations. The episode also covers updates on the government shutdown, Bilt 2.0 rewards, Qatar Airways seat selection policies, and a recap of…
- Biz Class Bonanza, New Lounges & 6 Big News Stories
This episode of The Thrifty Traveler Podcast covers eight significant travel news stories, including new lounges, business class deals to Australia and New Zealand, and updates from United and Hilton. The hosts also discuss Southwest's pla…
- A Trip to Bora Bora, New Zealand & Australia — (Almost) All on Points!
Kyle shares details of a trip to Bora Bora, New Zealand, and Australia, booked using points and miles, covering an overwater villa, New Zealand landscapes, and the Great Barrier Reef. The episode also touches on Delta SkyMiles sales, gover…
- Mistake Fares 101: How to Snag the Cheapest Flights on Earth
This episode of The Thrifty Traveler Podcast covers mistake fares, including how to find and book them. It also touches on current holiday flight deals, a new mileage program, and a Delta credit card rule.
- Inside The Premium Travel Boom: Airlines Are Going All In on the 1%
The Thrifty Traveler Podcast discusses the premium travel boom, where airlines are investing in better seats and lounges. Hosts Gunnar and Kyle debate the implications for budget travelers and cover topics including the government shutdown…
- Beating the Rental Car Companies & Hotel Chains, with AutoSlash’s Jonathan Weinberg
Jonathan Weinberg, founder of AutoSlash and HotelSlash, joins The Thrifty Traveler Podcast to share travel hacking strategies. He discusses his career, the founding of his booking platforms, and tips for saving money on car rentals and hot…
- Tools of the Trade: How We Earn, Organize & Redeem Points Smarter
This episode of The Thrifty Traveler Podcast covers the essential tools hosts Gunnar Olson and Nick Serati use for earning, organizing, and redeeming points and miles. They discuss strategies for maximizing travel awards and share personal…
- Bye Basic Economy, How Hilton Screwed Us & Other Huge Travel News
Gunnar and Kyle discuss recent travel bookings and a busy week of travel news. They cover new flight routes ranked on a 'Stoke Scale,' issues with Hilton, Delta's future in Mexico City, Park Hyatt Tokyo's reopening, and updates on credit c…
- The New Amex Platinum Card: The Good, The Bad & The Oura Ring
The Thrifty Traveler Podcast episode reviews the new American Express Platinum Card, detailing its updated features, credits like hotel and Lululemon, and the significant $895 annual fee. Hosts explore strategies to make the fee worthwhile…
- Why Flighty is Our Favorite Travel App, with CEO Ryan Jones
The Thrifty Traveler Podcast features an interview with Ryan Jones, CEO of the Flighty app. The discussion covers Flighty's features, new iOS updates, delay predictions, and compares host delay data. They also touch on other travel apps an…
- Mistake Fares & Award Availability: Insider Tips from Peter Thornton
Thrifty Traveler senior award deal analyst Peter Thornton discusses his career in travel, insights into finding mistake fares and award travel, and experiences from his time as a flight attendant. The episode also covers travel industry tr…
- Ask Us Anything: Amex Credits, Delta Upgrades, and Personal Questions
In their first mailbag episode, the hosts answer listener questions on topics including maximizing Amex Platinum credits, Delta One upgrade costs, flight positioning strategies, and favorite destinations.
- All Our Best Tricks & Tools to Find the Cheapest Flight, Every Time
This episode of The Thrifty Traveler Podcast covers practical strategies for finding the cheapest flights, including how to use Google Flights, the importance of flexibility, and tips for leveraging points and miles. The hosts also debunk…
- Upgrade Prices, RIP Alaska Miles & More Big Travel News You Need
Gunnar and Kyle break down recent travel news, covering topics such as the Alaska/Hawaiian loyalty program, Google Flights features, airline pricing strategies, and tips for avoiding travel delays.
- A Family Trip to the 2026 Winter Olympics w/ TT’s Tracey Burtch
This episode features Tracey Burtch, Thrifty Traveler Product Manager and former Team USA figure skater, who shares insights on planning a trip to the 2026 Winter Olympics. The discussion includes her favorite travel deals, a recent travel…
- Lie-Flat for Less: 9 Biz Class Seats You Can Easily Book with Points
Gunnar and Kyle discuss how to find and book lie-flat business class seats using points and miles, focusing on easier-to-book airlines and routes. They also cover rising award ticket surcharges and a new credit card opportunity.
- Delta One to Hawaii & a Love-Hate of Cruises with TV’s Jason Matheson
Jason Matheson, host of The Jason Show, discusses his travel experiences with The Thrifty Traveler Podcast, including Delta One flights to Hawaii, his opinions on cruising and Disney, and his personal travel stories. He also shares tips fo…
- Will AI Wreck Air Travel?
This episode discusses the increasing use of AI by airlines to set airfares, the potential for personalized pricing, and changes in airfare strategies like penalizing one-way and solo travelers. Hosts also touch on travel deals to Costa Ri…
- Travel Like Gunnar & Kyle - The Tips, Tricks & Apps We Swear By
Gunnar and Kyle offer a travel survival guide for the summer season, sharing tips to avoid delays and cancellations. They discuss essential apps, TSA policies, and strategies for smoother travel, including booking alerts and using tools li…
- Is Award Travel Actually Getting … Easier?
Award travel is becoming easier, with trends like dropping airfare and increased availability of award tickets, including lie-flat options. Hosts Gunnar and Kyle explore the reasons behind this trend and highlight current deals.
- Have Banks Lost the Plot with Premium Travel Cards? Ft. Nick Serati
Thrifty Traveler co-founder Nick Serati discusses the escalating annual fees and benefits of premium travel credit cards from Chase, Amex, and Capital One with hosts Gunnar and Kyle. They question if the high costs are becoming excessive a…