News, news, and more breaking travel news.
There have been so many big stories in the travel world lately, Gunnar and Kyle blew up the normal show format and spent the latest episode going beyond the headlines, breaking down everything you need to know. There’s more on new pricing shenanigans from airlines and Uber, the ins and outs of Alaska’s new loyalty program, a big upgrade for Google Flights, and much, much more.
Join us for all the travel news that’s fit to podcast!
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Show Notes
- 00:00 – A self-indulgent review of Gunnar’s favorite hotel in the world: Under Canvas in Glacier (now bookable with Hyatt points!)
- 05:13 – PSA: Global entry interviews are easier to find than ever
- 09:20 – Alaska/Hawaiian’s new award program and why we won’t call it by its name. Plus, the new Alaska/Hawaiian Atmos premium credit card and some new routes to Europe.
- 17:40 – A leak of what’s coming for the Amex Platinum Card in September
- 20:50 – Chase-to-Emirates transfers have an expiration date
- 23:10 – A new worst way to use Delta SkyMiles – insurance!
- 25:10 – Google Flights adds a basic economy filter and unveils an interesting new AI function
- 31:20 – The data couldn’t be clearer: Book the earliest flight of the day to avoid delays and cancellations
- 35:40 – A word from our sponsor (us): Stay up on all the news with our free Daily Beat newsletter
- 36:30 – One simple choice for your Uber ride will affect your price
- 39:25 – The Amex Centurion Lounge in Dallas is getting a big expansion
- 43:00 – Delta and other airlines are overcharging for upgrades
- 48:00 – The Tulum bubble has burst as airlines keep pulling out
- 52:10 – A listener wants to branch out from Delta but doesn’t know what card to start with
- 56:30 – On the spot: The biggest stories from Kyle’s career
Produced by Gunnar Olson & Nick Serati
Edited by David Strutt
Show music: “All That” by Benjamin Tissot
Episode #19 – Kyle, I feel ya big time RE: standing in line for security and people are not prepared or act surprised that they need to remove metal, liquids, etc. Hello… what have you been looking at for the last 20 minutes while waiting? Paying attention to your surroundings and taking social cues helps everyone. Phew, exits soapbox! (I think this can apply to the check-out line in the grocery store too! :-))
We loved Oban. We went to Oban by train from Glasgow. We took a boat tour to Mull, Iona, Staffa, and Lunga. We went during puffin nesting season and saw so many puffins. I highly recommend this tour company.
https://westcoasttours.co.uk/tours/tour-mull-iona-and-staffa/
Fellow travel enthusiast from the Midwest here!
Just wanted to share my travel social media username/handle – @TravelSizeBudget on Facebook and Instagram. I attended Thrifty Traveler University a few years ago regularly follow TT’s amazing content. I started @TravelSizeBudget last year to offer my own unique spin on travel – from the usual (points and miles, affordable fares) to the less common (savings and convenience on food, souvenirs and more). Thanks for continuing to inspire me, Thrifty Traveler!
Great podcast! Thanks for all the great information.
Hello Gunnar,
I am enjoying and appreciating all you travel savings information. Would you please help us finding an appropriate venue to get results form lost bag by United? In June last yWe re senior citizens 1K United. Last year in June we checked 6 bags from LAX to HNL. One of the bags never arrived and we filled a claim at HNL. There was lack or no communication from United including corporate. We provided photos and invoices for 4 pro racing high end OZONE kites $12,500.00. The bag never made it “downstairs” after being check at 1K counter at LAX. I wrote countless letters , got a lots of lying and contradicting run around or no responses. Now we found out someone is selling our stolen kites on E-Bay because they all have serial numbers and person who bought one of the kites very ‘cheap” called Ozone co. to ask why is someone selling a $4,000.OO kite for $1,500.00 and the company contacted us since they have record of us paying a full price. E-Bay is not taking any responsibility. Now United finally e-mailed us claiming they do not cover “sports equipment”. Our bags were handed to United employees and they should be responsible. Would you have any suggestions how can we recover our losses? I would appreciate any suggestion you could provide. I know its not what you are about but since you have lots of travel experience maybe you know something that can help us. Keep up the good work.