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
10 snips
Oct 30, 2025 • 1h 2min
A Trip to Bora Bora, New Zealand & Australia — (Almost) All on Points!
This week, the hosts dive into an incredible journey covering Bora Bora, New Zealand, and Sydney, all booked on points. Experience a luxurious overwater villa and thrilling adventures like scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef. They share budget-friendly travel tips, including awesome Delta SkyMiles deals and insights on navigating a government shutdown's impact on travel. Plus, discover hidden gems like a mezcal bar in Sydney, and hear about what went right (and what could improve) on this ambitious trip!
29 snips
Oct 23, 2025 • 54min
Mistake Fares 101: How to Snag the Cheapest Flights on Earth
Dive into the world of mistake fares, where airlines accidentally offer outrageous discounts! Discover the best ways to find and book these elusive deals. The hosts share their all-time favorite mistake fares, from absurdly priced flights to secret tips for snagging them. Plus, learn about the strong holiday flight deals this season and the intriguing Japan Airlines Mileage Bank. Don't miss insights on Delta's credit card rule and how to maximize your travel rewards!
25 snips
Oct 16, 2025 • 58min
Inside The Premium Travel Boom: Airlines Are Going All In on the 1%
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.
10 snips
Oct 9, 2025 • 58min
Beating the Rental Car Companies & Hotel Chains, with AutoSlash’s Jonathan Weinberg
Jonathan Weinberg, founder and CEO of AutoSlash and HotelSlash, shares his journey from Wall Street to travel tech. He reveals how AutoSlash disrupts the rental car industry with price tracking and coupon testing. The conversation touches on Georgia's rising popularity as a travel destination and the exciting expansion of Park Hyatt properties worldwide. Jonathan discusses the impact of his 9/11 experience on his career and emphasizes the importance of consumer-first strategies in the travel sector.
43 snips
Oct 2, 2025 • 53min
Tools of the Trade: How We Earn, Organize & Redeem Points Smarter
Explore the art of earning and redeeming travel points with clever tips! Discover the Amex Platinum Lululemon credit and its surprising uses. Learn about the Park Hyatt Tokyo's newfound availability and who should consider the Amex Business Platinum. The hosts introduce useful tools like CardPilot for credit card selection and Cashback Monitor for comparing cash back offers. Plus, hear about savvy techniques for tracking card benefits and maximizing rewards, all while navigating the ups and downs of travel planning!
17 snips
Sep 25, 2025 • 50min
Bye Basic Economy, How Hilton Screwed Us & Other Huge Travel News
Gunnar and Kyle discuss their exciting travel plans, highlighting new airline routes that could save travelers money. They introduce the playful ‘Stoke Scale’ to rank these routes and cover big news like Delta's expansion into Sardinia and the Park Hyatt Tokyo's reopening. Hilton faces scrutiny over rising award rates, while credit card enthusiasts will love the revamped Amex Platinum and Chase Sapphire Reserve's new hotel credits. The duo also touches on the drama of the DOT's decision on Delta’s joint venture and a heartfelt tribute to Gunnar's grandmother.
29 snips
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!
18 snips
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.
20 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.
39 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!
