The Thrifty Traveler Podcast
Thrifty Traveler
Welcome to the Thrifty Traveler Podcast – a travel podcast where we dig into the latest travel news and trends and discuss all the best ways to earn and redeem your points and miles! From the ins and outs of booking cheap flights, exploring the best ways to use your airline miles, or diving into other next-level money-saving travel tips, your hosts Gunnar Olson and Kyle Potter will bring you the best of Thrifty Traveler every week! Follow us today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts and learn to travel more for less this year.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Sep 18, 2025 • 56min
The New Amex Platinum Card: The Good, The Bad & The Oura Ring
Nick Cerati, co-founder of Thrifty Traveler and a savvy expert on points and miles, joins the discussion on the revamped Amex Platinum Card. They dissect its shiny new features, including the hefty $895 annual fee and various credits like the $600 hotel benefit and $300 for Lululemon. The team explores whether these perks justify the cost, shares essential tips to maximize value, and debates the best points transfer options. Plus, find out if the Platinum card is a worthy choice for travelers!
Sep 17, 2025 • 1h 5min
Why Flighty is Our Favorite Travel App, with CEO Ryan Jones
Ryan Jones, CEO of Flighty, offers insights into the must-have flight tracking app designed for travelers. He discusses how Flighty provides real-time flight updates and accurate delay predictions, making air travel less stressful. The conversation highlights new iOS features and underrated functionalities like Friends Flights and previous flight history. Ryan also shares anecdotes about the app’s evolution, the airline industry's performance, and tips for using Flighty Pro effectively, making it an essential tool for both casual and frequent flyers.
10 snips
Sep 11, 2025 • 50min
Mistake Fares & Award Availability: Insider Tips from Peter Thornton
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.
26 snips
Sep 4, 2025 • 1h 15min
Ask Us Anything: Amex Credits, Delta Upgrades, and Personal Questions
In this engaging mailbag discussion, the hosts dive into flight strategies like positioning for upgrades and maximizing Amex Platinum credits. They share personal tales about destinations that delighted them and discuss the evolving dynamics of airline loyalty programs. Curious about travel advice? Discover tips on cash back versus travel rewards and effective award travel strategies for popular spots like Thailand and Athens. Plus, hear about picking the perfect travel backpack and the importance of taking those vacation days!
38 snips
Aug 28, 2025 • 1h 5min
All Our Best Tricks & Tools to Find the Cheapest Flight, Every Time
Discover top strategies for booking the cheapest flights every time. Flexibility in travel plans is crucial, with tips like the 24-hour cancellation rule and considering alternative airports. Learn the best tools, from Google Flights Explore to price alerts, and debunk common myths about flight booking. Understand when to use points versus cash and the importance of timing for securing deals. Plus, hear about the perks of positioning flights for international travel and why loyalty to one airline might cost you more.
47 snips
Aug 21, 2025 • 60min
Upgrade Prices, RIP Alaska Miles & More Big Travel News You Need
Delve into the latest travel news, including Alaska Airlines' new award program and a game-changing Amex Platinum Card update. Discover Google's innovative flight search enhancements and the importance of booking early to avoid delays. Learn about new Uber pricing strategies and how your choice can impact your fare. Plus, hear all about the expansion of the Amex Centurion Lounge and the evolution of airline upgrade pricing. Get ready for valuable tips and insights to enhance your travel adventures!
11 snips
Aug 14, 2025 • 34min
A Family Trip to the 2026 Winter Olympics w/ TT’s Tracey Burtch
In this engaging talk, Tracey Burtch, Thrifty Traveler's Product Manager and former Team USA figure skater, shares her journey from the ice rink to travel planning. She dishes out essential tips for booking a family trip to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy, discusses her embarrassing travel mishap, and reveals her favorite travel deals. Tracey also tackles the unique challenges of flying with kids while injecting humor into the conversation. Her insights blend nostalgia with practical advice for potential Olympic goers!
23 snips
Aug 7, 2025 • 48min
Lie-Flat for Less: 9 Biz Class Seats You Can Easily Book with Points
Discover how to book lie-flat business class seats with points and miles effortlessly. The hosts reveal the easiest airlines and routes for premium travel, highlighting Finnair as a standout choice. They discuss rising surcharges on award tickets, making it essential to navigate costs effectively. Plus, learn about exciting deals from American Airlines and strategies for using credit cards to optimize your travel experience. Tune in for practical tips on pairing award and cash bookings for group trips!
13 snips
Jul 31, 2025 • 1h 7min
Delta One to Hawaii & a Love-Hate of Cruises with TV’s Jason Matheson
Join the hilarious Jason Matheson, a seasoned morning talk show host and avid traveler, as he dives into his passion for Hawaii and Disney. He reveals that Vancouver sparked his travel obsession and explains why Oahu holds a special place in his heart. Jason passionately pitches cruising, shares tips for making the most of Disney adventures, and offers insights into his love-hate relationship with Delta Airlines. Expect laughs as he discusses his bougiest travel habits and the perks of being Thrifty Traveler’s #1 fan!
26 snips
Jul 24, 2025 • 49min
Will AI Wreck Air Travel?
Airfare is undergoing a dramatic transformation as airlines utilize AI to personalize pricing, potentially penalizing solo travelers. Discover why this is the year to travel to Costa Rica with hot deals available. Learn about the surprising resurgence of one-way airfare penalties and how airlines are shifting their strategies. Kyle and Gunnar reflect on the airlines they've somehow never flown, inviting laughs and travel nostalgia. The discussion also tackles consumer protection against AI's impact on pricing, raising important ethical questions.
