The Thrifty Traveler Podcast

This episode dives into the surprising drop in one-way international fares and the reasons behind it, including competition from budget airlines. The hosts discuss Allegiant's bold acquisition of Sun Country and its implications for Minnesota travelers. Bilt's new offerings are reviewed, along with updates on American Airlines' free Wi-Fi and changes to their basic economy ticket policies. Hawaiian Airlines is planning exciting updates, and Delta's order for new Dreamliners highlights their growth. Plus, they tackle a listener question on dealing with flight swaps.

Gunnar shares his unforgettable journey to Finnish Lapland, revealing the cozy serenity of the polar night. He discusses flying Finnair Business Class with his infant daughter, sharing tips for traveling with kids. The magic of Santa Claus Village comes with a candid review of its overwhelming crowds. Listeners will love his captivating anecdotes about viewing the Northern Lights from a hot tub and exploring the wilderness. With insights on enjoying the quiet moments and local treasures, this trip report is packed with travel inspiration.

This episode heats up with a lively debate on travel pet peeves and hot takes. Gunnar rants about slow deplaners and the absurdity of ‘free’ travel, while Kyle criticizes loud speakerphones and the NFL apparel invasion at airports. They also defend Chicago O'Hare and clear boarding systems. Hot takes include a case for fish on flights and the benefits of lesser elite upgrades. Plus, a listener question about credit card cancellations brings practical advice. Buckle up for a fiery discussion that’s cheaper than therapy!

Discover where to score the best flight deals in 2026, including tips on Delta SkyMiles flash sales and increasing low-cost carrier competition. Tune in for insight on significant travel trends driven by events like the Olympics and a potential government shutdown. Explore exciting destinations such as Thailand, Vietnam, and Spain, especially with the upcoming solar eclipse. Learn practical advice on booking award tickets and navigating the evolving airline landscape. Get ready for a thrilling travel year ahead!

Dive into a holiday celebration with lively listener voicemails and unforgettable travel stories! Hear about jaw-dropping booking brags, including luxury deals and unique destinations. The hosts tackle travel blunders, sharing their own mistakes and offering sage advice. Curious about Canada? Get the scoop on travel deals and discussions that sparked some playful banter. Plus, explore what travel goals and bucket list destinations await in 2026. Join the holiday cheer with laughter and learning!

Gunnar and Kyle dive into 2025 travel superlatives, naming winners like 'Class Clown' for Hilton's devaluations and the 'Most Popular' for the Amex Platinum's comeback. They unveil incredible flight deals, including ultra-cheap fares to Japan and Europe. The duo also discusses the 'Best Dressed' award for American Airlines’ new livery and critiques Chase's high-fee Sapphire Reserve. Plus, they highlight the quirky branding of Ryanair and celebrate the best and worst award winners in their First Class & Lavatory Awards.

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!

Join Alex Payne, co-founder of the Points Talk Squad, and Jess Field, a seasoned travel content creator, as they dive into family travel strategies. They talk about their journey from the Travel Mom Squad to the Points Talk Squad and discuss why female voices matter in travel content. Discover essential tips for surviving flight delays with kids, the benefits of transferable points, and their favorite family vacation spots like Hyatt Ziva Cancun and Japan. Get ready for practical advice that makes family travel a breeze!

Kasey DellaPenna, a backpacking digital nomad and travel influencer known for her adventures between Guatemala and Disney parks, shares her journey in this engaging discussion. She reveals her best travel hacks, like routing through Hawaii to find cheaper flights. Kasey recounts her most embarrassing travel blunder—a missed flight in Orlando—and offers tips for budget-friendly Disney visits. She also shares insights from her recent trip to China, ranking Disney parks worldwide and highlighting must-see destinations.

Airport lounges offer more than luxury; they can save travelers money on food and provide a calm atmosphere. The hosts share the best ways to gain lounge access, including tips on using credit cards and elite status. They also review their favorite lounges worldwide and discuss recent airline compensation changes. Listeners can find value in leveraging AI chatbots for trip planning and stay updated on exciting credit card offers. Plus, there's a humorous glimpse into Gunnar's business retreat mishap!