On this week’s podcast, Kyle recaps a whirlwind trip that included an overwater villa in Bora Bora, driving the wild landscapes of New Zealand, scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef, and a 10-seat mezcal bar in Sydney - booked almost entirely using points and miles … including several business class flights! The guys walk through how he did it, cover some highlights and hard lessons, too. Plus, they talk about some stellar SkyMiles sales to Mexico, an update on how the ongoing government shutdown is affecting travel, and debrief from the Thrifty Traveler team’s recent retreat in Palm Springs.

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Thanks to HotelSlash for sponsoring this episode of the show! Try it out today: Use promo code THRIFTYTRAVELER for a free 90-day trial – plus, get $20 off your first prepaid booking!

00:00 - Gunnar has been to all seven continents…right? Is Oceania a continent?

03:15 - Finding Something Out: A quick government shutdown update

06:05 - Something Hot: Delta SkyMiles deals to Mexico from just 7,000 roundtrip!

10:10 - Something Cold: One new Delta route we’re not thrilled about…

13:25 - A word from our sponsor: HotelSlash, the easiest way to book a cheaper hotel stay - and rebook when prices drop

14:20 - The Extra Mile: How to book a trip to Bora Bora, New Zealand, and Australia using points, just like Kyle!

18:00 - Bora Bora on points and miles (including the Conrad Bora Bora!)

31:45 - Highlights from New Zealand, including Milford Sound!

39:35 - Getting to the Great Barrier Reef for less

46:45 - Other highlights from Australia, including a ride home in Delta One Suites

59:03 - On the Spot: The latest update from TT’s coolest employee

Produced and edited by Sylvia Thomas
Show music: “All That” by Benjamin Tissot

Support the show by leaving us a rating and a review wherever you get your podcasts!

Have a question you want answered on-air or an idea for the show? Let us know at podcast@thriftytraveler.com

Get 20% off your first year of cheap flights and points and miles deals with Thrifty Traveler Premium - use promo code TTPOD to save even more!

See what we’re all about at https://thriftytraveler.com - or subscribe to our free weekly points and miles newsletter, The Extra Mile!

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Bluesky

It’s finally time for a mistake fare episode! Kyle and Gunnar talk about the most exciting fares in the world of flight deals, when airlines accidentally sell tickets at ridiculous discounts. The guys talk through their favorite mistake fares from over the years, how to find and book the next one, and what you need to watch for. Plus, they discuss why holiday flight deals are so much better this year, their new favorite mileage program that might not be on your radar, and Delta’s possibly problematic credit card rule.

Watch us on YouTube!

Thanks to HotelSlash for sponsoring this episode of the show! Try it out today: Use promo code THRIFTYTRAVELER for a free 90-day trial – plus, get $20 off your first prepaid booking!

00:00 - Previewing the next edition of the (in)famous Thrifty Traveler company retreat

02:10 - Holiday flight deals are really good this year, but why?

06:35 - Something Hot: Is this our new favorite mileage program? All about Japan Airlines Mileage Bank

13:55 - Delta’s little-known and possibly problematic credit card rule

17:16 - A word from our sponsor: HotelSlash, the easiest way to book a cheaper hotel stay – and rebook when prices drop.

18:15 - Mistake fare draft: Our six favorite mistake fares of all time

25:30 - Everything you need to know about mistake fares: How to book them, where to find them, and how they happen in the first place

46:50 - Listener Question: Maximizing credit card spend on a big house project

51:30 - On the spot: The flight deal that got away

Produced and edited by Sylvia Thomas
Show music: “All That” by Benjamin Tissot

Support the show by leaving us a rating and a review wherever you get your podcasts!

Have a question you want answered on-air or an idea for the show? Let us know at podcast@thriftytraveler.com

Get 20% off your first year of cheap flights and points and miles deals with Thrifty Traveler Premium - use promo code TTPOD to save even more!

See what we’re all about at https://thriftytraveler.com - or subscribe to our free weekly points and miles newsletter, The Extra Mile!

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Bluesky

This week, Gunnar and Kyle (who both coincidentally wore fresh Lululemon gear on the pod, courtesy of new $75 credits) spend some extra time digging into the ongoing government shutdown and what it means for travelers heading to airports today, tomorrow, next week and beyond. But the big topic of the day is diving into the premium travel boom, as airlines install fancier seats, build new airport lounges, and generally cater to the upper crust. Gunnar and Kyle debate whether or not that’s good news for budget travel. Plus, they enjoy an Alaska Airlines executive’s recent jab at his competitors and chat about United’s exciting new routes.

This week’s episode is brought to you by Bilt. Earn points on rent and around your neighborhood by visiting joinbilt.com/thrifty. Make sure to use our link so they know we sent you!

00:00 - Gunnar and Kyle discover they’re both wearing their $75 Lululemon Amex Platinum credits

01:36 - An Alaska Airlines executive provides some reality TV drama to the airline industry by poking his competitors on Reddit

08:08 - Something Hot: Breaking down all of United’s new routes for 2026

13:00 - Something Cold: The federal government shutdown, how it’s affecting travel, and how to protect yourself

23:40 - A word from our sponsor: Bilt Rewards! Earn points on rent and make your entire neighborhood more rewarding with Bilt. Head to joinbilt.com/thrifty so they know we sent you!

24:45 - Behind the premium travel boom: What it means, why it’s happening, and whether that’s good or bad news for everyday travelers

51:00 - Listener Question: Do Alaska Airlines credit cards make sense if you don’t live near an Alaska hub?

54:38 - On the spot: Our favorite podcasts (besides this one!)

Produced and edited by Sylvia Thomas
Show music: “All That” by Benjamin Tissot

Support the show by leaving us a rating and a review wherever you get your podcasts!

Have a question you want answered on-air or an idea for the show? Let us know at podcast@thriftytraveler.com

Get 20% off your first year of cheap flights and points and miles deals with Thrifty Traveler Premium - use promo code TTPOD to save even more!

See what we’re all about at https://thriftytraveler.com - or subscribe to our free weekly points and miles newsletter, The Extra Mile!

Follow us on…
Instagram
YouTube
Facebook
Bluesky