Google Flights is making a big move into the points and miles game, United’s CEO’s made some (more) egotistical comments, Delta’s out with a weird (but arguably the best ever?) credit card offer, and a bevy of new Europe routes all headline a big news roundup to close out the summer.
Tune in as Gunnar and Kyle dole out advice about transferring points to Hyatt, analyze the boom in flights to the slopes, look into some puzzling Chase Sapphire Lounge news and review the Delta One Lounge in Seattle, KLM’s Premium Comfort seats, and Gunnar’s latest glamping adventure!
Tune in now on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts! And be sure to subscribe now to get each new episode every Thursday morning (plus the occasional extra bonus episode, like our new Starter Kit series!)
Thanks to our sponsor, Saily! Download Saily’s app and use code THRIFTY at checkout to get 15% off your first purchase. Learn more at saily.com/thrifty
Have a question you want answered on-air or an idea for the show? Let us know at [email protected]. Or help us kick off the next episode of the pod: Leave your “Welcome Back to the Thrifty Traveler Podcast” video message at thriftytraveler.com/voicemail today!
Please consider supporting the show by spreading the word and leaving us a rating and a review wherever you get your podcasts! That helps other travel lovers, like yourself, find our podcast.
In This Episode
Join the conversation: Sign up for the free Thrifty Traveler Podcast Slack community today.
- 00:00 – & the winner of the credit card draft is …
- 02:15 – What’s going on with Gunnar’s voice?
- 03:10 – Staley welcomes us back from South Africa!
- 04:20 – Google Flights gets into the points game
- 08:40 – United’s cardholder discounts: Solid, but no slam dunk
- 15:20 – Let’s Play: Translate! That! Airline CEO! (ft. United’s Scott Kirby)
- 22:55 – Delta’s weird (but awesome) credit card offer
- 27:00 – New route nerd out: Europe flying goes sky high
- 33:20 – A word from our sponsor Saily!
- 34:25 – Will this be the end of pre-departure drinks?
- 36:40 – Chase drops its only lounge reservation system
- 38:00 – American’s new (& worse?) premium card
- 39:05 – Analyzing the flight boom to ski resorts
- 42:30 – Delta One Lounge Seattle review
- 44:00 – KLM: Premium Comfort vs. Biz Class
- 47:05 – Gunnar’s latest glamping adventure
- 48:45 – Most and least expensive airports for a beer
- 51:20 – A listener asks: Should you speculatively transfer from Chase to Hyatt?
- 55:35 – On the spot: The ideal number of travel beers
Produced and edited by Sylvia Thomas
Video editing by Kyle Thomas
Show music: “All That” by Benjamin Tissot
Do you think there is a chance Delta releases any additional award deals or deals in general for flights from nyc-europe again. Im hoping for a RT deal in Prem Select or D1 or at least one way to LHR or CDG from NYC. I wasn’t able to snag a deal a few weeks ago because I didn’t have enough miles, but now I do.
TBH this is closer than I imagined. Kyle has the best earning setup in my opinion, while Nick arguably would have the best year 1 setup. I wouldn’t be surprised if this is a draw, or close to a draw.
We were in Japan for over a month this spring and when we tallied up our 10 favorite experiences none were in Tokyo and only one was in Kyoto. We loved Takayama, Nagano, wild areas in Shikoku and the Japanese Alps, and the rural areas in Western Honshu. For onsens that aren’t crazy crowded try the area around the Shin-Hotaka Ropeway in the mountains near Kamikochi.
BTW, before you go to Japan go online and listen to Japanese pronunciation of place names. Narita, Haneda, and even Kyoto and Tokyo aren’t pronounced the way you probably think and Japanese speakers might not understand you if you use English pronunciation. (For example, Tokyo and Kyoto are both two-syllables.)
Can I have more info about the vpn to use for getting more points?
Hi Mary, search Rakuten for “Express VPN” or “Nord VPN.” Both regularly offer close to 100% back – 100x points when you have your Rakuten account set up that way – for these purchases. At 100% cash back (100x points), you’re essentially buying points for 1 cent apiece if you don’t plan to use the service. Just don’t forget to cancel before the promo rate expires!