It’s another news breakdown! This week on the show, we dig into eight big news stories in travel, from Southwest’s newest lounge (including our suggestions for what Southwest should offer), more new lounges in Salt Lake City, the dramatic return of Australia and New Zealand business class points deals, and some surprisingly good news from both United and Hilton. Plus, Gunnar finally finds a workaround to talk about Canada on the pod … while giving Kyle some editorial control. Teamwork!

This week’s episode is brought to you by Bilt. Earn points on rent and around your neighborhood by visiting joinbilt.com/thrifty. Make sure to use our link so they know we sent you!

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00:00 - What’s a staple of a Southwest lounge? Wrong answers only

02:35 - Australia/New Zealand lie-flat award availability is back!

07:35 - A shutdown update: Ground stops, long TSA lines, and all the latest

10:35 - United makes some of its best MileagePlus redemptions cheaper!

14:00 - Southwest gets approval to open a lounge…in Hawaii

18:15 - A word from our sponsor: Bilt Rewards! Earn points on rent and make your entire neighborhood more rewarding with Bilt. Head to joinbilt.com/thrifty so they know we sent you!

19:34 - Salt Lake City opens a new SkyClub and Centurion Lounge…and Gunnar’s rant on the “Digital Immersion Wall”

25:22 - RIP to the best way to book vacation rentals using points

27:45 - Chase news: New benefits & upgrade offers 31:45 - Hilton lowers rates on some of its most egregiously expensive redemptions

34:00 - Introducing the Canada Button – our new way to control Gunnar’s obsession with Canada

36:40 - Billy Bishop Airport in Toronto gets more flights to the U.S., making it the best way to fly to and from Toronto

39:35 - Listener Question: Upgrading to Premium Economy?

42:55 - On the Spot: You can only visit one Canadian province forever, which one takes the Kokanee, eh?

Produced and edited by Sylvia Thomas
Show music: “All That” by Benjamin Tissot

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Of Ancient Star-Gazers and Story-Spinners - Dr. Raj Vedam