The Thrifty Traveler Podcast Bye Basic Economy, How Hilton Screwed Us & Other Huge Travel News
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Sep 25, 2025 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.
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Park Hyatt Tokyo Reopening Memories
- Gunnar described his memorable Park Hyatt Tokyo stay and noted the hotel reopens December 9, 2025.
- He warned award availability and cash rates will be very competitive at reopening.
Hilton Points Devaluation Trend
- Hilton raised award rates multiple times, with top properties now up to 250,000 points per night.
- These devaluations hit luxury redemptions hardest while some mid-tier hotels also increased award costs.
Audience Attention Can Inflate Redemptions
- Hosts wrestled with whether travel media attention accelerates points inflation and award devaluations.
- They concluded sharing deals helps people but can contribute to broader demand-driven price rises.