The Thrifty Traveler Podcast 2 Ugly New Points Trends & 7 Other Big News Stories
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Dec 11, 2025 Get ready for a travel news roundup filled with excitement! Discover a rare Delta One award deal to Brisbane and two troubling trends affecting points and miles. December is shaping up to be a prime time for opening new credit cards, especially with double welcome bonuses. Watch out for the new TSA fee of $45 for those without a Real ID. Plus, check out the expansion of Delta One check-ins and the new Chase Sapphire Lounge in Las Vegas. Lastly, get the scoop on the end of an affordable way to fly to Hawaii using points!
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Pre-Trip Burner Clothes Habit
- Gunnar wears only his old/back-of-closet clothes the week before a trip to save his best items for travel. Kyle and Gunnar compare this to packing 'burner' clothes or packing bad underwear to discard on trips.
Why Brisbane Delta One Unicorn Appeared
- Delta offered rare Delta One awards to Brisbane as both a SkyMiles-value play and to fill seats on a weaker new route. Gunnar and Kyle call it a standout 'Unicorn' deal worth booking for people with large Delta miles balances.
Foreign Airlines Pulling Back On Transfers
- Foreign carriers like Cathay Pacific and Emirates are changing transfer ratios and award access, signaling a broader retrenchment. Kyle warns this may presage more airlines limiting partner value for transferable points.