Where You’ll Find the Best Flight Deals in 2026
The Thrifty Traveler Podcast
New Listener Intro Tradition
Gunnar explains a new tradition inviting listener videos to introduce future episodes.
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!
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
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