Gunnar Olson ✈️
@gunnarolson.bsky.social
🏔️ Flatlander with mountain envy. ✈️ Writing about airlines and flight deals for Thrifty Traveler. 🏡 Minneapolis.
Google released its top trending Thanksgiving destinations. No. 1 is a head-scratcher...until it isn't...
September 9, 2025 at 2:26 PM
Google released its top trending Thanksgiving destinations. No. 1 is a head-scratcher...until it isn't...
Outstanding piece in the Sunday Times from S.L. Price about the Haudenosaunee's fight to compete under their own flag when lacrosse debuts at the L.A. Olympics in 2028.
It's simple to me. They must be included.
www.nytimes.com/2025/05/13/m...
It's simple to me. They must be included.
www.nytimes.com/2025/05/13/m...
They Invented the Game. Will They Be Allowed to Play It in the Olympics?
www.nytimes.com
May 18, 2025 at 2:08 PM
Outstanding piece in the Sunday Times from S.L. Price about the Haudenosaunee's fight to compete under their own flag when lacrosse debuts at the L.A. Olympics in 2028.
It's simple to me. They must be included.
www.nytimes.com/2025/05/13/m...
It's simple to me. They must be included.
www.nytimes.com/2025/05/13/m...
It's going to be another one of those days, Thrifty Traveler Premium subscribers...
...but only if you like flights to Rome for $384 roundtrip...
The deal will be out shortly. In our system, it's currently titled: "SMOKING HOT EUROPE sub-$399."
...but only if you like flights to Rome for $384 roundtrip...
The deal will be out shortly. In our system, it's currently titled: "SMOKING HOT EUROPE sub-$399."
May 14, 2025 at 1:39 PM
It's going to be another one of those days, Thrifty Traveler Premium subscribers...
...but only if you like flights to Rome for $384 roundtrip...
The deal will be out shortly. In our system, it's currently titled: "SMOKING HOT EUROPE sub-$399."
...but only if you like flights to Rome for $384 roundtrip...
The deal will be out shortly. In our system, it's currently titled: "SMOKING HOT EUROPE sub-$399."
A super fun episode to record. I got to interview @kpottermn.bsky.social and I learned a lot about my friend and coworker that I never knew before.
(Watch the YouTube for a photo from his punk/hardcore days!)
He gets to flip the script on me next week.
thriftytraveler.com/podcasts/epi...
(Watch the YouTube for a photo from his punk/hardcore days!)
He gets to flip the script on me next week.
thriftytraveler.com/podcasts/epi...
The Thrifty Traveler Podcast, Ep. 9: Punk, Politics & Travel w/ (Failed Uber Driver) Kyle Potter
You've read and heard plenty from Thrifty Traveler's Kyle Potter, but do you really know him? Gunnar grills Kyle on his path to travel writing and much more!
thriftytraveler.com
May 8, 2025 at 5:09 PM
A super fun episode to record. I got to interview @kpottermn.bsky.social and I learned a lot about my friend and coworker that I never knew before.
(Watch the YouTube for a photo from his punk/hardcore days!)
He gets to flip the script on me next week.
thriftytraveler.com/podcasts/epi...
(Watch the YouTube for a photo from his punk/hardcore days!)
He gets to flip the script on me next week.
thriftytraveler.com/podcasts/epi...
Absolutely floored by this NYT story about finding love in airport lounges. It's an incredible piece.
Some takeaways:
- There's an inflight dating app called "Wingle"
- Someone got married at the BNA Admirals Club
- and so much more.
www.nytimes.com/2025/04/28/t...
Some takeaways:
- There's an inflight dating app called "Wingle"
- Someone got married at the BNA Admirals Club
- and so much more.
www.nytimes.com/2025/04/28/t...
Single Travelers Are Finding Love in Airport Lounges
For some people, the calmer, semi-exclusive spaces away from the deadening realities of modern air travel have become a prime place to find romance.
www.nytimes.com
April 28, 2025 at 2:35 PM
Absolutely floored by this NYT story about finding love in airport lounges. It's an incredible piece.
Some takeaways:
- There's an inflight dating app called "Wingle"
- Someone got married at the BNA Admirals Club
- and so much more.
www.nytimes.com/2025/04/28/t...
Some takeaways:
- There's an inflight dating app called "Wingle"
- Someone got married at the BNA Admirals Club
- and so much more.
www.nytimes.com/2025/04/28/t...
How big is Canada?
Well, WestJet just announced transcontinental Halifax (YHZ) to Vancouver (YVR) flights, which is ~200 miles longer than its transatlantic Halifax-Dublin (DUB) flights.
Data from Great Circle Mapper, collected by @kpottermn.bsky.social
Well, WestJet just announced transcontinental Halifax (YHZ) to Vancouver (YVR) flights, which is ~200 miles longer than its transatlantic Halifax-Dublin (DUB) flights.
Data from Great Circle Mapper, collected by @kpottermn.bsky.social
April 22, 2025 at 4:06 PM
How big is Canada?
Well, WestJet just announced transcontinental Halifax (YHZ) to Vancouver (YVR) flights, which is ~200 miles longer than its transatlantic Halifax-Dublin (DUB) flights.
Data from Great Circle Mapper, collected by @kpottermn.bsky.social
Well, WestJet just announced transcontinental Halifax (YHZ) to Vancouver (YVR) flights, which is ~200 miles longer than its transatlantic Halifax-Dublin (DUB) flights.
Data from Great Circle Mapper, collected by @kpottermn.bsky.social
Ew. Ew. Ew. Ew. Ew.
WestJet just tacked on these "Ultrabasic" fares (that don't even include a carry-on) on many of its Canada-US routes. These fares were not there just a week ago.
A new leader in the race to the bottom.
WestJet just tacked on these "Ultrabasic" fares (that don't even include a carry-on) on many of its Canada-US routes. These fares were not there just a week ago.
A new leader in the race to the bottom.
April 9, 2025 at 8:22 PM
Ew. Ew. Ew. Ew. Ew.
WestJet just tacked on these "Ultrabasic" fares (that don't even include a carry-on) on many of its Canada-US routes. These fares were not there just a week ago.
A new leader in the race to the bottom.
WestJet just tacked on these "Ultrabasic" fares (that don't even include a carry-on) on many of its Canada-US routes. These fares were not there just a week ago.
A new leader in the race to the bottom.
Free flight deal for ya, MSP!
Wake up to snow on the ground this AM? Book a nonstop Delta flight to Cancún THIS WEEKEND for $375 roundtrip. You can even leave today.
Wide open availability. Book this so I don't have to.
www.google.com/travel/fligh...
Wake up to snow on the ground this AM? Book a nonstop Delta flight to Cancún THIS WEEKEND for $375 roundtrip. You can even leave today.
Wide open availability. Book this so I don't have to.
www.google.com/travel/fligh...
April 2, 2025 at 12:29 PM
Free flight deal for ya, MSP!
Wake up to snow on the ground this AM? Book a nonstop Delta flight to Cancún THIS WEEKEND for $375 roundtrip. You can even leave today.
Wide open availability. Book this so I don't have to.
www.google.com/travel/fligh...
Wake up to snow on the ground this AM? Book a nonstop Delta flight to Cancún THIS WEEKEND for $375 roundtrip. You can even leave today.
Wide open availability. Book this so I don't have to.
www.google.com/travel/fligh...
Reposted by Gunnar Olson ✈️
It's official: We have a podcast! 🥳🎙️
Tune into The Thrifty Traveler Podcast each and every Thursday morning, hosted by @gunnarolson.bsky.social and yours truly. Our first episode focuses on cheap destinations for 2025.
Let us know what you think!
thriftytraveler.com/podcasts/epi...
Tune into The Thrifty Traveler Podcast each and every Thursday morning, hosted by @gunnarolson.bsky.social and yours truly. Our first episode focuses on cheap destinations for 2025.
Let us know what you think!
thriftytraveler.com/podcasts/epi...
The Thrifty Traveler Podcast, Ep. 1: The Best Bets for Flight Deals in 2025
The first episode of The Thrifty Traveler Podcast delves into your best bets for finding a cheap flight in 2025, how Chase is winning the lounge wars, and more!
thriftytraveler.com
March 14, 2025 at 2:00 PM
It's official: We have a podcast! 🥳🎙️
Tune into The Thrifty Traveler Podcast each and every Thursday morning, hosted by @gunnarolson.bsky.social and yours truly. Our first episode focuses on cheap destinations for 2025.
Let us know what you think!
thriftytraveler.com/podcasts/epi...
Tune into The Thrifty Traveler Podcast each and every Thursday morning, hosted by @gunnarolson.bsky.social and yours truly. Our first episode focuses on cheap destinations for 2025.
Let us know what you think!
thriftytraveler.com/podcasts/epi...
Reposted by Gunnar Olson ✈️
The Thrifty Traveler Podcast is here! Now streaming on YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts.
Tune into Episode 1 for a deep dive into cheap destinations, why Chase is winning the airport lounge wars, and more!
Tune into Episode 1 for a deep dive into cheap destinations, why Chase is winning the airport lounge wars, and more!
The Thrifty Traveler Podcast, Ep. 1: The Best Bets for Flight Deals in 2025
The first episode of The Thrifty Traveler Podcast delves into your best bets for finding a cheap flight in 2025, how Chase is winning the lounge wars, and more!
thriftytraveler.com
March 13, 2025 at 12:04 PM
The Thrifty Traveler Podcast is here! Now streaming on YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts.
Tune into Episode 1 for a deep dive into cheap destinations, why Chase is winning the airport lounge wars, and more!
Tune into Episode 1 for a deep dive into cheap destinations, why Chase is winning the airport lounge wars, and more!
For the Not-So-Thrifty Traveler: White Lotus Private Jet Experience
20 days, all 3 "White Lotus" hotels (plus Singapore, Marrakech, Maldives, Nevis & Mexico City), and travel on the (insane-looking) Four Seasons Private A321.
Price: $188k per person.
www.fourseasons.com/privatejet/j...
20 days, all 3 "White Lotus" hotels (plus Singapore, Marrakech, Maldives, Nevis & Mexico City), and travel on the (insane-looking) Four Seasons Private A321.
Price: $188k per person.
www.fourseasons.com/privatejet/j...
www.fourseasons.com
February 26, 2025 at 8:08 PM
For the Not-So-Thrifty Traveler: White Lotus Private Jet Experience
20 days, all 3 "White Lotus" hotels (plus Singapore, Marrakech, Maldives, Nevis & Mexico City), and travel on the (insane-looking) Four Seasons Private A321.
Price: $188k per person.
www.fourseasons.com/privatejet/j...
20 days, all 3 "White Lotus" hotels (plus Singapore, Marrakech, Maldives, Nevis & Mexico City), and travel on the (insane-looking) Four Seasons Private A321.
Price: $188k per person.
www.fourseasons.com/privatejet/j...
Who wants to fly to New Zealand tonight? $747 roundtrip on United. One stop.
February 25, 2025 at 1:27 PM
Who wants to fly to New Zealand tonight? $747 roundtrip on United. One stop.
Here's the key: Avoid the "mushy middle."
Booking way, way in advance or the last-minute are the best ways to get good spring break fares.
You're either setting the market, or gobbling up empty seats at the end.
And expert mode is doing both...
Booking way, way in advance or the last-minute are the best ways to get good spring break fares.
You're either setting the market, or gobbling up empty seats at the end.
And expert mode is doing both...
Whether you're scrambling for a last-minute trip or giving up on 2025, this story has everything you need to find a cheap flight for spring break
Our Tried-and-True Strategy to Find Cheap Spring Break Flights
Finding cheap spring break flights is hard ... but not impossible. Follow our strategy and stop overpaying for a trip to the beach this spring.
thriftytraveler.com
February 21, 2025 at 7:53 PM
Here's the key: Avoid the "mushy middle."
Booking way, way in advance or the last-minute are the best ways to get good spring break fares.
You're either setting the market, or gobbling up empty seats at the end.
And expert mode is doing both...
Booking way, way in advance or the last-minute are the best ways to get good spring break fares.
You're either setting the market, or gobbling up empty seats at the end.
And expert mode is doing both...
The worst markets for "hub captives":
Charlotte (CLT) – 87% American
Atlanta (ATL) – 73.3% Delta
Salt Lake City (SLC) – 73% Delta
Detroit (DTW) – 71% Delta
Minneapolis (MSP) – 69% Delta
Philadelphia (PHL) – 68% American
Dallas (DFW, DAL) – 63% American
thriftytraveler.com/guides/trave...
Charlotte (CLT) – 87% American
Atlanta (ATL) – 73.3% Delta
Salt Lake City (SLC) – 73% Delta
Detroit (DTW) – 71% Delta
Minneapolis (MSP) – 69% Delta
Philadelphia (PHL) – 68% American
Dallas (DFW, DAL) – 63% American
thriftytraveler.com/guides/trave...
Flights Expensive From Your Airport? How to Break Free as a 'Hub Captive'
While hub captives have it tougher than travelers in cities with lots of healthy competition, not all is lost. Here's how to break free and book low fares.
thriftytraveler.com
February 5, 2025 at 4:32 PM
The worst markets for "hub captives":
Charlotte (CLT) – 87% American
Atlanta (ATL) – 73.3% Delta
Salt Lake City (SLC) – 73% Delta
Detroit (DTW) – 71% Delta
Minneapolis (MSP) – 69% Delta
Philadelphia (PHL) – 68% American
Dallas (DFW, DAL) – 63% American
thriftytraveler.com/guides/trave...
Charlotte (CLT) – 87% American
Atlanta (ATL) – 73.3% Delta
Salt Lake City (SLC) – 73% Delta
Detroit (DTW) – 71% Delta
Minneapolis (MSP) – 69% Delta
Philadelphia (PHL) – 68% American
Dallas (DFW, DAL) – 63% American
thriftytraveler.com/guides/trave...
Update: For Delta Reserve cardholders, you can also now see your tracker in the Delta app.
No dice for Amex Platinum cardholders – you still have to go through Amex for your counter.
No dice for Amex Platinum cardholders – you still have to go through Amex for your counter.
Unlimited Delta Sky Club access with your Amex card is now officially a thing of the past.
At least Amex will keep track of your allotted (10 or 15) visits for you, I guess?
thriftytraveler.com/news/airport...
At least Amex will keep track of your allotted (10 or 15) visits for you, I guess?
thriftytraveler.com/news/airport...
Delta Sky Club Access Limits Have Arrived: Here's How to Track Your Visits
American Express cardholders are now limited to a certain number of Delta Sky Club visit days. Here's how to find your Delta Sky Club visit tracker.
thriftytraveler.com
February 4, 2025 at 6:45 PM
Update: For Delta Reserve cardholders, you can also now see your tracker in the Delta app.
No dice for Amex Platinum cardholders – you still have to go through Amex for your counter.
No dice for Amex Platinum cardholders – you still have to go through Amex for your counter.
Unlimited Delta Sky Club access with your Amex card is now officially a thing of the past.
At least Amex will keep track of your allotted (10 or 15) visits for you, I guess?
thriftytraveler.com/news/airport...
At least Amex will keep track of your allotted (10 or 15) visits for you, I guess?
thriftytraveler.com/news/airport...
Delta Sky Club Access Limits Have Arrived: Here's How to Track Your Visits
American Express cardholders are now limited to a certain number of Delta Sky Club visit days. Here's how to find your Delta Sky Club visit tracker.
thriftytraveler.com
February 3, 2025 at 4:14 PM
Unlimited Delta Sky Club access with your Amex card is now officially a thing of the past.
At least Amex will keep track of your allotted (10 or 15) visits for you, I guess?
thriftytraveler.com/news/airport...
At least Amex will keep track of your allotted (10 or 15) visits for you, I guess?
thriftytraveler.com/news/airport...
Here's the definitive answer: There's no reason to wait to book flights.
thriftytraveler.com/guides/fligh...
thriftytraveler.com/guides/fligh...
Should I Book Flights Now or Wait? Here's the Answer
We finally have an answer to the question that's been plaguing travelers for decades: "Should I book flights now, or wait to see if the price drops?"
thriftytraveler.com
January 29, 2025 at 9:47 PM
Here's the definitive answer: There's no reason to wait to book flights.
thriftytraveler.com/guides/fligh...
thriftytraveler.com/guides/fligh...
At New Orleans (MSY) this past weekend, I got to try out the new CLEAR "Lane of the Future" pods.
Maybe I'm naive, but I think they could solve a lot of CLEAR's big and growing problems with speed and efficiency. Take a look.
thriftytraveler.com/news/travel/...
Maybe I'm naive, but I think they could solve a lot of CLEAR's big and growing problems with speed and efficiency. Take a look.
thriftytraveler.com/news/travel/...
Will CLEAR's Lane of the Future Pods Fix Its Woes? Our Firsthand Look
CLEAR recently unveiled its new Lane of the Future, and in our brief experience, the facial scanning process was faster and easier to use than the old verification kiosks.
thriftytraveler.com
January 29, 2025 at 5:44 PM
At New Orleans (MSY) this past weekend, I got to try out the new CLEAR "Lane of the Future" pods.
Maybe I'm naive, but I think they could solve a lot of CLEAR's big and growing problems with speed and efficiency. Take a look.
thriftytraveler.com/news/travel/...
Maybe I'm naive, but I think they could solve a lot of CLEAR's big and growing problems with speed and efficiency. Take a look.
thriftytraveler.com/news/travel/...
Forgot to mention: Pictured is my sweet, sweet boy Wallie whose trip to Orlando a few years ago led me to first write this story.
I might be late to this, but it appears Delta has lowered the price of a carry-on pet from $125 to $95 each way.
Delta is now the cheapest of the major U.S. airlines to carry a pet onto. Alaska is close behind at $100.
thriftytraveler.com/guides/trave...
Delta is now the cheapest of the major U.S. airlines to carry a pet onto. Alaska is close behind at $100.
thriftytraveler.com/guides/trave...
How to Fly with a Carry-On Pet on Your Next Trip
With careful and proactive planning, flying with a carry-on pet can easily be done. But it depends on the pet...
thriftytraveler.com
January 28, 2025 at 4:22 PM
Forgot to mention: Pictured is my sweet, sweet boy Wallie whose trip to Orlando a few years ago led me to first write this story.
I might be late to this, but it appears Delta has lowered the price of a carry-on pet from $125 to $95 each way.
Delta is now the cheapest of the major U.S. airlines to carry a pet onto. Alaska is close behind at $100.
thriftytraveler.com/guides/trave...
Delta is now the cheapest of the major U.S. airlines to carry a pet onto. Alaska is close behind at $100.
thriftytraveler.com/guides/trave...
How to Fly with a Carry-On Pet on Your Next Trip
With careful and proactive planning, flying with a carry-on pet can easily be done. But it depends on the pet...
thriftytraveler.com
January 28, 2025 at 4:21 PM
I might be late to this, but it appears Delta has lowered the price of a carry-on pet from $125 to $95 each way.
Delta is now the cheapest of the major U.S. airlines to carry a pet onto. Alaska is close behind at $100.
thriftytraveler.com/guides/trave...
Delta is now the cheapest of the major U.S. airlines to carry a pet onto. Alaska is close behind at $100.
thriftytraveler.com/guides/trave...
I wrote this story in 2022 after my wife realized her passport was invalid about 15 days before our honeymoon to Africa.
Moral of the story: DO NOT pay a service to get a last-minute passport for you. It's actually easier and cheaper to do yourself.
thriftytraveler.com/guides/trave...
Moral of the story: DO NOT pay a service to get a last-minute passport for you. It's actually easier and cheaper to do yourself.
thriftytraveler.com/guides/trave...
How to Get A Last-Minute Passport: Using the Urgent Travel & Same-Day Passport Service
In a rush and need a last minute passport? Getting a same day passport through Urgent Travel Passport Service is easy and cheaper than the third-party couriers.
thriftytraveler.com
January 28, 2025 at 2:20 PM
I wrote this story in 2022 after my wife realized her passport was invalid about 15 days before our honeymoon to Africa.
Moral of the story: DO NOT pay a service to get a last-minute passport for you. It's actually easier and cheaper to do yourself.
thriftytraveler.com/guides/trave...
Moral of the story: DO NOT pay a service to get a last-minute passport for you. It's actually easier and cheaper to do yourself.
thriftytraveler.com/guides/trave...
The Bend, OR community is coming together to buy its resort - Mt. Bachelor. It faces big boy competition from Vail and Alterra. But this movement has legs. I’m rooting for them. I love this place.
www.nytimes.com/2025/01/23/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/01/23/u...
Devotees of Mt. Bachelor Ski Area Are Working to Take Their Mountain Back
Devotees of Mt. Bachelor are putting together a bid to rescue the ski area — and their way of life — from the titans of the industry.
www.nytimes.com
January 25, 2025 at 4:30 PM
The Bend, OR community is coming together to buy its resort - Mt. Bachelor. It faces big boy competition from Vail and Alterra. But this movement has legs. I’m rooting for them. I love this place.
www.nytimes.com/2025/01/23/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/01/23/u...
Last-minute flight to Belize for next weekend, Minnesota. Get some sun. You need it. Everyone says so.
Another free flight deal courtesy of Thrifty Traveler Premium.
Another free flight deal courtesy of Thrifty Traveler Premium.
January 24, 2025 at 2:19 PM
Last-minute flight to Belize for next weekend, Minnesota. Get some sun. You need it. Everyone says so.
Another free flight deal courtesy of Thrifty Traveler Premium.
Another free flight deal courtesy of Thrifty Traveler Premium.
Me: After years of loyalty, I just want to use my SkyMiles to book a reasonable Delta One fare once in my lifetime.
Delta:
Delta:
January 22, 2025 at 9:44 PM
Me: After years of loyalty, I just want to use my SkyMiles to book a reasonable Delta One fare once in my lifetime.
Delta:
Delta:
It may be Dry January for some travelers, but an unprecedented flurry of mistake fares and business class deals already in 2025 makes me think the airlines might be drunk.
thriftytraveler.com/deals/flight...
thriftytraveler.com/deals/flight...
Mistake Fares, Rare Biz Class Award Space & More: Why Flight Deals are Off to a Crazy Start in 2025
The first few weeks of 2025 have been historically good for travelers looking for a cheap flight – in economy, premium economy, or business class.
thriftytraveler.com
January 21, 2025 at 4:31 PM
It may be Dry January for some travelers, but an unprecedented flurry of mistake fares and business class deals already in 2025 makes me think the airlines might be drunk.
thriftytraveler.com/deals/flight...
thriftytraveler.com/deals/flight...