Is the Points Party Ending in 2026?
The Thrifty Traveler Podcast
Intro
Gunnar and Kyle open the episode and introduce the topic: changes and risks in award travel for 2026.
A year ago, we saw signs award travel was on the upswing … but in 2026, we’re not so sure. Airlines’ constant tweaks to their mileage programs - not just for the rates they charge, but who can even book - have us posing the question: Is the points party ending? Are we on a sinking ship? Not to get too negative, but it’s time for a reality check. So Kyle and Gunnar break down the new trends shaping award travel while offering some hope and guidance for travelers worried about their rewards.
00:00 - What deals are on our "Endangered Redemptions” list?
03:05 - Kyle from a mountaintop & Gunnar’s roast review challenge
04:15 - The road ahead in points and miles: This is more than “Pointsflation”
07:20 - Are partner redemptions on their way out?
12:30 - What is United doing with their credit cards?
17:45 - Are U.S. travelers getting boxed out?
24:00 - (Annoying) transfer ratios are shifting, too
27:45 - A word from us: Stay on top of your points & miles with The Extra Mile Newsletter
28:15 - What’s driving the shift in award travel?
33:00 - Are we being too negative?
36:30 - The great (& new) redemption opportunities out there
42:00 - How to fight back against the changing award travel landscape
44:28 - Real talk: Is the points party over?
46:40 - Listener Question: How many points should you hoard?
50:40 - On the Spot: The redemption that got away
Produced and edited by Sylvia Thomas
Video editing by Kyle Thomas
Show music: “All That” by Benjamin Tissot
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