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
13 snips
Jul 31, 2025 • 1h 7min
Delta One to Hawaii & a Love-Hate of Cruises with TV’s Jason Matheson
Join the hilarious Jason Matheson, a seasoned morning talk show host and avid traveler, as he dives into his passion for Hawaii and Disney. He reveals that Vancouver sparked his travel obsession and explains why Oahu holds a special place in his heart. Jason passionately pitches cruising, shares tips for making the most of Disney adventures, and offers insights into his love-hate relationship with Delta Airlines. Expect laughs as he discusses his bougiest travel habits and the perks of being Thrifty Traveler’s #1 fan!
26 snips
Jul 24, 2025 • 49min
Will AI Wreck Air Travel?
Airfare is undergoing a dramatic transformation as airlines utilize AI to personalize pricing, potentially penalizing solo travelers. Discover why this is the year to travel to Costa Rica with hot deals available. Learn about the surprising resurgence of one-way airfare penalties and how airlines are shifting their strategies. Kyle and Gunnar reflect on the airlines they've somehow never flown, inviting laughs and travel nostalgia. The discussion also tackles consumer protection against AI's impact on pricing, raising important ethical questions.
31 snips
Jul 17, 2025 • 54min
Travel Like Gunnar & Kyle - The Tips, Tricks & Apps We Swear By
Gunnar and Kyle share their travel survival guide packed with tips to avoid delays and cancellations. They discuss the new TSA policy allowing shoes to stay on during security, and critique the rising costs of expedited services like CLEAR. The hosts delve into using apps like Google Flights and TripIt for flight alerts and itinerary management. They also reveal smart packing strategies with packing cubes and highlight their favorite apps for real-time flight tracking, making your journeys smoother and more enjoyable.
16 snips
Jul 10, 2025 • 54min
Is Award Travel Actually Getting … Easier?
Award travel has taken a delightful turn for the better, with exciting new flight options emerging. The hosts explore 'Hot Flight Summer,' highlighting spectacular deals and a dip in cash airfare, including sub-$300 round-trip flights to Europe. They tackle the challenges, like Virgin Atlantic's raised fees, while celebrating the revival of business class award availability. With tips on navigating partner bookings and a playful commentary on travel compared to reality TV, this episode is a must-listen for all travel enthusiasts!
14 snips
Jul 3, 2025 • 47min
Have Banks Lost the Plot with Premium Travel Cards? Ft. Nick Serati
Nick Serati, co-founder of Thrifty Traveler and credit card expert, joins the discussion on the current state of premium travel credit cards. They explore the escalating annual fees now reaching $1,000 and the allure of new perks offered by major banks. With a focus on Chase, Amex, and Capital One, they debate if these cards deliver true value or merely become glorified coupon books. The conversation also touches on the exciting landscape of ultra-premium offerings and personal anecdotes on the joys of new fatherhood.
8 snips
Jun 26, 2025 • 57min
Delta SkyMiles Aren’t As Good (Or as Bad) as You Think
Discover the secrets to maximizing Delta SkyMiles, from strategic redemptions to leveraging flash sales. Learn how to navigate the complexities of the program and identify the best value for both domestic and international travel. The hosts delve into the challenges of earning miles and highlight the importance of flexibility when booking flights. They also explore Delta's partnerships and how they can enhance your travel experience. Plus, find out if those SkyMiles are really worth your time!
23 snips
Jun 19, 2025 • 48min
Inside the Travel Influencer Boom, with MaxMilesPoints
Max Do, known as MaxMilesPoints, is a prominent travel influencer specializing in points and miles. In this engaging conversation, he shares his journey from a 9-to-5 job to becoming a full-time creator, driven by a $10,000 hotel deal. They discuss the explosive growth of travel influencers, both the perks and drawbacks, and analyze recent changes in premium credit card offerings from American Express and Chase. Plus, Max shares insights on exciting new travel lounges and tips for navigating travel with kids.
Jun 12, 2025 • 37min
Getting Paid to Find Flight Deals, ft. Jon Shallbetter
Join Jon Shallbetter, Chief Flight Deal Analyst and the mastermind behind finding unbeatable flight deals. He shares his obsession with Google Flights, revealing tips for mastering the platform. Jon recounts his favorite flight deal for just $62 and hilariously discusses his worst travel mishap featuring a misguided ostrich pillow. Expect laughs as he addresses rumors about draining Emirates’ champagne supply and treats listeners to an impressive Admiral Ackbar impression. Dive into the secrets of exceptional travel without breaking the bank!
5 snips
Jun 5, 2025 • 37min
Airlines Were Charging Solo Travelers More …Until We Called Them Out
The show dives into the shocking practice where major U.S. airlines charged solo travelers higher fares, only to reverse course after consumer backlash. It highlights a personal investigation into this pricing discrimination and includes a humorous take on Southwest's failed baggage fee rollout. The hosts also uncover treasure in rare Etihad award space while discussing the ongoing dilemmas of rising cancellation fees and the thrill of snagging cheap flight deals. Finally, they share their thoughts on sleazy airline tactics that frustrate travelers.
11 snips
May 29, 2025 • 50min
How Kyle Booked a Trip to England & Scotland on Points & Miles
Explore how to book dream trips using points and miles with insights from Kyle's adventure to England and Scotland. Discover tips for securing a business class seat for just 29,000 points and unique hotel stays, including a castle in Scotland. From Phoenix's exciting new nonstop flight to Asia to the bittersweet changes in Southwest Airlines, the hosts discuss the evolution of travel. Plus, don't miss Gunnar's hilarious recount of British beer-drinking rules during a Chelsea match!
