The news has been relentless to kick off the spring, so the guys spend the show tackling a dozen different stories. There’s an update on those awful TSA lines, JetBlue already raised its baggage fees, and Air France/KLM just raised surcharges on award tickets.
We also look into United’s splashy new “Relax Row” seats, discuss why American is reversing course on seatback screens, and throw out some quick takes on news like rule changes around Delta’s 20-minute baggage guarantee. Plus, a listener dubs Gunnar “The Redheaded Clown.” Brutal.
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Show Notes
00:00 – When do you start packing for a trip?
01:43 – Rosie’s daughter introduces the show from Costa Rica!
02:20 – We’re a finalist for the 2026 Shorty Awards! Vote now at thriftytraveler.com/vote
03:26 – Are we out of the woods with TSA issues?
06:40 – JetBlue raises baggage fees, when will the other airlines follow?
09:15 – Womp, womp: Flying Blue raises fuel surcharges on award tickets
12:15 – United’s buzzy new Relax Row – would we book it?
16:50 – American wants to reinstall seatback screens
20:40 – Two new nonstop routes to the Philippines?!
23:25 – A word from our sponsor (us): Sign up for the Extra Mile newsletter today!
24:00 – Delta’s 2,500 bonus SkyMiles bags on time rule change
23:35 – Delta inks new inflight Wi-Fi deal with Amazon
27:00 – We love Flighty’s new update
28:35 – Amex ditches Saks, adds ChatGPT credits
30:20 – Attention, skiers: Epic and Ikon passes are now on sale
32:15 – Buying MLB tickets with Capital One miles is back
33:40 – What seat on the plane is best for your skin?
36:00 – Gunnar (finally) gets roasted in the reviews
38:15 – On the spot: Start, bench or cut Delta’s new transpacific routes?
Produced and edited by Sylvia Thomas
Video editing by Kyle Thomas
Show music: “All That” by Benjamin Tissot
Gunnar, Really disappointed to see You use the three letter abbreviation for such an offensive word in the title of this podcast. I’m sure you could have found a more respectful way to ask the question what is happening with flight prices. I hope you consider keeping things clean in the future.
Tell Kyle no one cares he is a straight white male and continually bringing it up is offensive. If he was a blind blonde lesbian african american pacific islander no one would care. Grow up people tune in to get the information and couldn’t care less about someone’s gender and ethnic make up.
I was just poking fun at myself/trying to show some self-awareness about the privilege of complaining about flying business class … but yeah, probably dropped that line one or two too many times.
Hey! Don’t knock the Hyatt Place Northwest/Medical Center. It is the closest and most convenient Hyatt for visiting Six Flags Fiesta Texas! 😉
*As a Globalist*…
But really, as a Globalist who travels with two kids and basically only ever uses points (other than Platinum credits for THC) I do think there are aspects that can’t really be replicated elsewhere unless you’re independently wealthy. As Gunnar pointed out the footprint is a challenge and may prevent me from requalifying this year, but there’s just so much that being a Globalist allows me to do that wouldn’t be possible without it unless I drained all of my Amex MRs at 1c each to book via FHR/THC. The combination of milestone rewards and straight Globalist benefits is second to none for a family – I can use 25k points per night (or less) and a suite upgrade award to put our whole family into a great room at a nice hotel with free breakfast and parking. And sometimes I can throw a Guest of Honor award at my extended family so that the cousins can come too! We just wouldn’t be able to travel as much or as well as we do – and with the people we love – with the other disloyal hotel options you mentioned*.
*The Edit with a Points Boost might be the next best thing for our needs but I’ve lost count of my rejections from the CSR personal card.