People with status are often very loud about it (we’re looking at you Delta Medallions and Hyatt Globalists), but chasing airline and hotel loyalty isn’t smart for most travelers. It’s something we’re decidedly out on in 2026 and beyond.
In “These Bros Ain’t Loyal”, we’re laying out the case against chasing status by identifying who status is for, and why it’s not the best way (for most) to travel more for less.
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Show Notes
- 00:00 – What should we call this episode?
- 01:55 – John Melson introduces the show
- 03:00 – The best airline & hotel statuses
- 07:15 – The worst airline & hotel statuses
- 11:25 – Thrifty Traveler Premium Flight Deal Quiz!
- 13:44 – Why we’re out on travel loyalty
- 22:30 – Who is loyalty for?
- 26:15 – Who is travel “free agency” for?
- 28:45 – How to get status perks without status
- 37:45 – Listener Question: What about credit card points loyalty?
- 41:30 – On the Spot: Gunnar’s 2027 list
Produced and edited by Sylvia Thomas
Video editing by Kyle Thomas
Show music: “All That” by Benjamin Tissot
*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.