The Thrifty Traveler Podcast

Inside The Premium Travel Boom: Airlines Are Going All In on the 1%

25 snips
Oct 16, 2025
Gunnar and Kyle explore the implications of the government shutdown on travelers and the booming trend of premium travel offerings by airlines. They dissect Alaska Airlines' cheeky jibes at competitors, while highlighting United’s exciting new routes. The duo dives into how premium seating is reshaping the travel landscape, debating its impact on budget travelers. Tune in for practical tips on navigating potential travel disruptions and a lively discussion about the future of premium demand amidst economic uncertainties.
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ANECDOTE

Alaska Exec's Reddit AMA Sparks Drama

  • Brett Catlin from Alaska Airlines did an AMA on Reddit and defended allowing all seats to be bookable with points.
  • He also criticized competitors for blackout-style award practices and showed deep familiarity with loyalty programs.
ADVICE

Prefer First Flights For Reliability

  • Book the first flight of the day to reduce the chance of delays and cancellations during air traffic control strain.
  • Change to the earliest departure now if possible because morning flights clear issues faster than afternoon ones.
ADVICE

Insist On Cash Refunds When Flights Cancel

  • Know your rights: if an airline cancels or significantly delays your flight you can request a full cash refund, not just a voucher.
  • Cancel and get your money back if the trip clearly won't work instead of accepting an expiring credit.
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