The Thrifty Traveler Podcast Mistake Fares & Award Availability: Insider Tips from Peter Thornton
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Sep 11, 2025 In this conversation with Peter Thornton, Senior Award Deal Analyst at Thrifty Traveler, discover his extensive journey in the travel industry, starting as a flight attendant to unearthing mistake fares. He shares the quirks of the worst airline websites and recounts unforgettable flight deals from his career. Learn insider tips on securing award travel and navigating the frustrating world of airline customer service. Plus, enjoy stories of how childhood road trips and memorable experiences in Rio shaped his passion for travel.
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Foreign Airline Websites Are Broken
- Many international airline websites are buggy and add anti-fraud obstacles that break booking flows.
- Peter warns these glitches often block partner award searches and frustrate new award bookers.
The $48 Delta Frenzy
- In 2013 Delta briefly showed $48 round-trip fares nationwide, including NYC-LAX nonstop and cheap routes to Hawaii and Europe.
- Peter says the fares were honored and it was the biggest system-wide mistake fare he remembers.
Don't Put 'Friend's House' On Immigration
- Peter once wrote 'my friend's house' on a UK immigration form before cell phones were common and got held up at immigration.
- He later paid a hefty towing fee after misreading parking signs in London and recommends not driving in central London.