2 Ugly New Points Trends & 7 Other Big News Stories
The Thrifty Traveler Podcast
TSA's $45 Fee for No Real ID
Gunnar and Kyle explain TSA's new fee, enforcement questions, and digital ID/passport alternatives.
It’s a December news roundup! On the latest Thrifty Traveler Podcast Gunnar and Kyle run through eight major news stories in travel and points and miles, including breaking down the latest Unicorn alert for Delta One flights to Brisbane, a pair of troubling trends in points and miles, a hefty fee if you don’t have Real ID, some lounge and check-in openings, and more!
Thanks to HotelSlash for sponsoring this episode of the show! Try it out today: Use promo code THRIFTYTRAVELER for a free 90-day trial – plus, get $20 off your first prepaid booking!
00:00 - Gunnar’s strange clothes habit and a Delta One Unicorn deal to Brisbane
05:00 - 2 troubling new trends in points and miles: Will they get worse?
12:00 - The 2025 End of Year Checklist
17:40 - Why it’s the best time of year to open a new credit card
20:00 - The TSA’s new $45 fee you’ll (soon) pay if you don’t have Real ID
24:40 - A word from our sponsor: HotelSlash, the easiest way to book a cheaper hotel stay - & rebook when prices drop
25:30 - More Delta One check-ins are open now - including a mini-review of the Minneapolis Delta One check-in
30:10 - Chase’s Sapphire Lounge in Las Vegas (LAS) is now open…but is it big enough?
35:30 - RIP: The cheapest way to fly to Hawaii using points and miles
39:14 - Listener Feedback: Brian tells Gunnar not to worry about traveling with kids…yet, Karla recommends a travel baby carrier, and Jessica brags about her rebooking wins
42:55 - Kyle puts Gunnar on the spot: What did Gunnar learn from last week’s Points Talk Squad interview about traveling with kids before his first big trip abroad
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!
Follow us on…
Instagram
YouTube
Facebook
Bluesky
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
The AI-powered Podcast Player
