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
26 snips
Apr 2, 2026 • 41min
Bag Fees Go Up, United Throws Down & 10 More News Stories
They run through a dozen travel news items, from rising checked bag fees to bigger award ticket surcharges. United’s new flat “Relax Row” seating and American’s return to seatback screens spark debate. Delta’s rules, new Wi‑Fi deals, and possible new Manila nonstop routes get quick takes. Plus travel app updates, Amex benefit changes, and a brutal listener roast.
31 snips
Mar 26, 2026 • 55min
WTF is Happening with Flight Prices & What We’re Doing
Rain-soaked Hawaii tales and a flashy review of Hawaiian Airlines first class. A grand theory of travel and real accounts of lost bags and check-in chaos. TSA checkpoint turmoil amid a partial shutdown. A deep dive into rising jet fuel costs and why fares may climb. Practical tips on when to book and routes to watch as airlines chase premium travelers.
6 snips
Mar 19, 2026 • 51min
Ask Us Anything: Biz Class to Australia, How We Earn Points & Big Pod News!
They celebrate a year and answer listener mailbag questions about scoring business class awards to Australia and lie-flat options to Hawaii. They explain how to earn and track points, when to book awards, and strategies for cheap upgrades and rebooking. A surprise live show announcement and a quirky O'Hare Chili's proposal add fun moments.
31 snips
Mar 12, 2026 • 1h 1min
More Flights, Fewer Points: 5 Underrated Mileage Programs
They break down five underrated airline mileage programs that deliver big value for everyday travelers. Expect deep dives into Avios options, Japan Airlines’ distance pricing, ANA’s Star Alliance sweet spots, Flying Blue’s transfer-friendly perks, and American AAdvantage partner bargains. The conversation also covers booking quirks, transfer timing, and which programs are actually getting better.
16 snips
Mar 5, 2026 • 50min
More Southwest Drama, United’s Bold Move & More Big News
They dig into CLEAR’s new e-gates and how they speed security. United’s credit card changes, award discounts, and a new headphone mandate get plenty of attention. Avios transfer bonuses and new verification rules cause excitement and headaches. Southwest’s boarding, baggage, and seating chaos and a possible Austin lounge spark debate. Plus updates on Middle East airspace, Puerto Vallarta service, and dining and shopping promos.
15 snips
Mar 3, 2026 • 57min
The Best (& Worst) Business Classes in the World
Jon Shallbetter, Thrifty Traveler’s Chief Flight Deal Analyst who hunts flight deals and rates cabins. They rank the best and worst business-class products worldwide. Conversations cover QSuites, ANA The Room, EVA and Starlux standouts. They also call out dated cabins, inconsistent carriers, and surprising transatlantic bargains.
28 snips
Feb 26, 2026 • 43min
RIP World of Hyatt? Dissecting Big, Bad Changes
They dig into Hyatt’s major award-chart shakeup and which top properties face steep point jumps. They warn about a likely booking rush and explain timing to lock in current rates. There’s also a breakdown of recent TSA PreCheck and Global Entry chaos and advice for travelers after Puerto Vallarta disruptions.
13 snips
Feb 19, 2026 • 48min
How We Find Cheap Flights: Inside Thrifty Traveler with Founder Jared Kamrowski
Jared Kamrowski, founder and CEO who turned a 2015 startup into a tech-forward flight-deal business. He reveals how that viral sale changed everything. They talk Delta’s new Hawaii routes and seat quality. They cover real award availability, how Thrifty finds and vets deals, the company’s pandemic pivot, AI tools and CardPilot, and planning a family Thanksgiving trip to Europe.
48 snips
Feb 12, 2026 • 45min
Sneaky Delta Perks, Summer Travel Slowdown & 8 Other News Stories
They dig into a little-known Delta SkyMiles card perk that gets you a free premium snack on long flights. They break down shifting summer demand to Europe and why fares may be easing. New credit card offers and rumors surface, including a potential Capital One dining card and a juicy transfer bonus to Japan Airlines. They also react to big changes in premium card spending requirements.
27 snips
Feb 5, 2026 • 44min
“These Bros Ain’t Loyal”: Why You Shouldn’t Chase Elite Status in 2026
They debate why chasing airline and hotel loyalty is rarely worth it anymore. They pick the few statuses that still matter and call out the mid-tier traps to avoid. They explain who actually benefits from status and how to get similar perks with credit cards and transferable points. The takeaway: prioritize flexibility and deals over chasing loyalty.
