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...
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."
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...
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.
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's -18 in Minnesota this morning. Here's something you can do about it:
Fly to Mazatlan, Mexico next weekend (Thurs-Tues). Delta. Nonstop.
$441 roundtrip , or $501 in Main Cabin. Eligible for Delta Companion Certificates.
70s and sunny on Mexico's west coast...your call...
Fly to Mazatlan, Mexico next weekend (Thurs-Tues). Delta. Nonstop.
$441 roundtrip , or $501 in Main Cabin. Eligible for Delta Companion Certificates.
70s and sunny on Mexico's west coast...your call...
January 21, 2025 at 1:57 PM
It's -18 in Minnesota this morning. Here's something you can do about it:
Fly to Mazatlan, Mexico next weekend (Thurs-Tues). Delta. Nonstop.
$441 roundtrip , or $501 in Main Cabin. Eligible for Delta Companion Certificates.
70s and sunny on Mexico's west coast...your call...
Fly to Mazatlan, Mexico next weekend (Thurs-Tues). Delta. Nonstop.
$441 roundtrip , or $501 in Main Cabin. Eligible for Delta Companion Certificates.
70s and sunny on Mexico's west coast...your call...
Want to fly to Auckland tonight? $520 RT in Main Cabin from LAX. Tons of last-minute availability to New Zealand. These American planes must be totally empty.
www.google.com/travel/fligh...
www.google.com/travel/fligh...
January 20, 2025 at 5:45 PM
Want to fly to Auckland tonight? $520 RT in Main Cabin from LAX. Tons of last-minute availability to New Zealand. These American planes must be totally empty.
www.google.com/travel/fligh...
www.google.com/travel/fligh...
45 mins of back-breaking shoveling to set up this photo. The 1-3 likes I get on this will make it worth it.
December 21, 2024 at 12:08 AM
45 mins of back-breaking shoveling to set up this photo. The 1-3 likes I get on this will make it worth it.
Last month I reviewed Cathay Pacific Business Class. It was terrific, despite the seat itself lacking amenities of the newer products out there.
The lounges were massive, featured made-to-order noodle bars, and you could order a special beer: The Betsy.
thriftytraveler.com/reviews/flig...
The lounges were massive, featured made-to-order noodle bars, and you could order a special beer: The Betsy.
thriftytraveler.com/reviews/flig...
December 18, 2024 at 7:20 PM
Last month I reviewed Cathay Pacific Business Class. It was terrific, despite the seat itself lacking amenities of the newer products out there.
The lounges were massive, featured made-to-order noodle bars, and you could order a special beer: The Betsy.
thriftytraveler.com/reviews/flig...
The lounges were massive, featured made-to-order noodle bars, and you could order a special beer: The Betsy.
thriftytraveler.com/reviews/flig...
Alaska out with some fun news today about a new premium credit card and new nonstop routes from SEA to Tokyo and Seoul. thriftytraveler.com/news/airline...
But this is the funniest thing I found in the presentation:
How we feeling about the 2-5-4-5-2 economy seat layout on this bad boy?
But this is the funniest thing I found in the presentation:
How we feeling about the 2-5-4-5-2 economy seat layout on this bad boy?
December 10, 2024 at 2:45 PM
Alaska out with some fun news today about a new premium credit card and new nonstop routes from SEA to Tokyo and Seoul. thriftytraveler.com/news/airline...
But this is the funniest thing I found in the presentation:
How we feeling about the 2-5-4-5-2 economy seat layout on this bad boy?
But this is the funniest thing I found in the presentation:
How we feeling about the 2-5-4-5-2 economy seat layout on this bad boy?
Winter is here!
There are 2 types of Minnesotans: The ones who hate it here and the ones who have winter hobbies.
⛸️: Silver Lake, Excelsior
🎿: Welch Village
There are 2 types of Minnesotans: The ones who hate it here and the ones who have winter hobbies.
⛸️: Silver Lake, Excelsior
🎿: Welch Village
December 8, 2024 at 2:16 AM
Winter is here!
There are 2 types of Minnesotans: The ones who hate it here and the ones who have winter hobbies.
⛸️: Silver Lake, Excelsior
🎿: Welch Village
There are 2 types of Minnesotans: The ones who hate it here and the ones who have winter hobbies.
⛸️: Silver Lake, Excelsior
🎿: Welch Village
From Sen. Richard Blumenthal's report on airline junk fees. Thanks for reading, Senator!
December 4, 2024 at 3:21 PM
From Sen. Richard Blumenthal's report on airline junk fees. Thanks for reading, Senator!
Dec. 2: We're calling it .25 inches at the stake overnight in Longfellow, Minneapolis. ❄️
December 2, 2024 at 2:11 PM
Dec. 2: We're calling it .25 inches at the stake overnight in Longfellow, Minneapolis. ❄️
The best sale in skiing starts this AM.
Mount Bohemia is a hidden gem on the Upper Peninsula. Biggest terrain in the Midwest, best snow, and pristine vibe.
Best of all: Season pass is $109. $99 if you exclude Saturdays. And you have to be a passholder to ski Saturdays at all.
Mount Bohemia is a hidden gem on the Upper Peninsula. Biggest terrain in the Midwest, best snow, and pristine vibe.
Best of all: Season pass is $109. $99 if you exclude Saturdays. And you have to be a passholder to ski Saturdays at all.
November 27, 2024 at 1:06 PM
The best sale in skiing starts this AM.
Mount Bohemia is a hidden gem on the Upper Peninsula. Biggest terrain in the Midwest, best snow, and pristine vibe.
Best of all: Season pass is $109. $99 if you exclude Saturdays. And you have to be a passholder to ski Saturdays at all.
Mount Bohemia is a hidden gem on the Upper Peninsula. Biggest terrain in the Midwest, best snow, and pristine vibe.
Best of all: Season pass is $109. $99 if you exclude Saturdays. And you have to be a passholder to ski Saturdays at all.
Let's play Best Flight, Worst Flight:
Here's the best way we could find to get from San Francisco to Sao Paolo, Brazil for our Thrifty Traveler Premium members. $447 on Delta.
And then there's the worst:
- 2 consecutive red-eyes on COPA with a 16-hour daytime layover in Panama City 🫠
- $903...
Here's the best way we could find to get from San Francisco to Sao Paolo, Brazil for our Thrifty Traveler Premium members. $447 on Delta.
And then there's the worst:
- 2 consecutive red-eyes on COPA with a 16-hour daytime layover in Panama City 🫠
- $903...
November 26, 2024 at 8:54 PM
Let's play Best Flight, Worst Flight:
Here's the best way we could find to get from San Francisco to Sao Paolo, Brazil for our Thrifty Traveler Premium members. $447 on Delta.
And then there's the worst:
- 2 consecutive red-eyes on COPA with a 16-hour daytime layover in Panama City 🫠
- $903...
Here's the best way we could find to get from San Francisco to Sao Paolo, Brazil for our Thrifty Traveler Premium members. $447 on Delta.
And then there's the worst:
- 2 consecutive red-eyes on COPA with a 16-hour daytime layover in Panama City 🫠
- $903...
Going back to Revelstoke, Kicking Horse, and Lake Louise this winter. Went last year for the first time. Revvy & KH are by far the best places I've ever skied.
Skiing in B.C. and Albert, Canada is...
- Way cheaper (flights, lift tickets, food, & beer)
- Way snowier
- Way less crowded
Skiing in B.C. and Albert, Canada is...
- Way cheaper (flights, lift tickets, food, & beer)
- Way snowier
- Way less crowded
November 25, 2024 at 4:21 PM
Going back to Revelstoke, Kicking Horse, and Lake Louise this winter. Went last year for the first time. Revvy & KH are by far the best places I've ever skied.
Skiing in B.C. and Albert, Canada is...
- Way cheaper (flights, lift tickets, food, & beer)
- Way snowier
- Way less crowded
Skiing in B.C. and Albert, Canada is...
- Way cheaper (flights, lift tickets, food, & beer)
- Way snowier
- Way less crowded
And this is all happening as Austin (AUS) is re-allocating and adding a bunch of new lounge space.
Delta opened the AUS SkyClub five years ago (our review linked), but AUS wants an airline tenant to snag this bigger space by 2030.
Is AUS a Delta hub by then?
thriftytraveler.com/reviews/airp...
Delta opened the AUS SkyClub five years ago (our review linked), but AUS wants an airline tenant to snag this bigger space by 2030.
Is AUS a Delta hub by then?
thriftytraveler.com/reviews/airp...
November 25, 2024 at 2:24 PM
And this is all happening as Austin (AUS) is re-allocating and adding a bunch of new lounge space.
Delta opened the AUS SkyClub five years ago (our review linked), but AUS wants an airline tenant to snag this bigger space by 2030.
Is AUS a Delta hub by then?
thriftytraveler.com/reviews/airp...
Delta opened the AUS SkyClub five years ago (our review linked), but AUS wants an airline tenant to snag this bigger space by 2030.
Is AUS a Delta hub by then?
thriftytraveler.com/reviews/airp...
Delta added another Austin (AUS) route to its schedule with Jacksonville (JAX) starting in May.
After American pulled out of AUS as a focus city, Delta has swooped in with service to Nashville, Panama City, Harlingen, Indy, JAX, Vegas, Midland, Orlando, Memphis, McAllen, Nola, SFO, & Tampa.
After American pulled out of AUS as a focus city, Delta has swooped in with service to Nashville, Panama City, Harlingen, Indy, JAX, Vegas, Midland, Orlando, Memphis, McAllen, Nola, SFO, & Tampa.
November 25, 2024 at 2:24 PM
Delta added another Austin (AUS) route to its schedule with Jacksonville (JAX) starting in May.
After American pulled out of AUS as a focus city, Delta has swooped in with service to Nashville, Panama City, Harlingen, Indy, JAX, Vegas, Midland, Orlando, Memphis, McAllen, Nola, SFO, & Tampa.
After American pulled out of AUS as a focus city, Delta has swooped in with service to Nashville, Panama City, Harlingen, Indy, JAX, Vegas, Midland, Orlando, Memphis, McAllen, Nola, SFO, & Tampa.
This is Wallie. Today he limped around the house like he tore his ACL. Wouldn’t put his paw down. No weight on it whatsoever. Was literally shaking in pain and suffering.
Until…that is…until I put his Kirkland sweatshirt on him. He’s totally fine. Unbelievable.
Until…that is…until I put his Kirkland sweatshirt on him. He’s totally fine. Unbelievable.
November 22, 2024 at 7:27 PM
This is Wallie. Today he limped around the house like he tore his ACL. Wouldn’t put his paw down. No weight on it whatsoever. Was literally shaking in pain and suffering.
Until…that is…until I put his Kirkland sweatshirt on him. He’s totally fine. Unbelievable.
Until…that is…until I put his Kirkland sweatshirt on him. He’s totally fine. Unbelievable.
From Delta's investor day presentation today:
Unbundled Delta One, Premium Select, 1st Class, & Comfort Plus is coming. This means you might get a lowest Delta One fare with no seat selection or lounge access, etc.
This will spread to all cabins. Can't wait for Comfort Minus...
Unbundled Delta One, Premium Select, 1st Class, & Comfort Plus is coming. This means you might get a lowest Delta One fare with no seat selection or lounge access, etc.
This will spread to all cabins. Can't wait for Comfort Minus...
November 20, 2024 at 1:56 PM
From Delta's investor day presentation today:
Unbundled Delta One, Premium Select, 1st Class, & Comfort Plus is coming. This means you might get a lowest Delta One fare with no seat selection or lounge access, etc.
This will spread to all cabins. Can't wait for Comfort Minus...
Unbundled Delta One, Premium Select, 1st Class, & Comfort Plus is coming. This means you might get a lowest Delta One fare with no seat selection or lounge access, etc.
This will spread to all cabins. Can't wait for Comfort Minus...
Alterra – ski resort owner and the operator of the popular Ikon Pass – just announced a Kids Ski Free week.
Kids under 12 (and under 17 at Stratton, Vermont and Schweitzer, Idaho) get a free ski day between Dec. 7 and Dec. 13 at 15 different ski areas this year.
Destinations in screenshot below.
Kids under 12 (and under 17 at Stratton, Vermont and Schweitzer, Idaho) get a free ski day between Dec. 7 and Dec. 13 at 15 different ski areas this year.
Destinations in screenshot below.
November 18, 2024 at 5:10 PM
Alterra – ski resort owner and the operator of the popular Ikon Pass – just announced a Kids Ski Free week.
Kids under 12 (and under 17 at Stratton, Vermont and Schweitzer, Idaho) get a free ski day between Dec. 7 and Dec. 13 at 15 different ski areas this year.
Destinations in screenshot below.
Kids under 12 (and under 17 at Stratton, Vermont and Schweitzer, Idaho) get a free ski day between Dec. 7 and Dec. 13 at 15 different ski areas this year.
Destinations in screenshot below.
(Free flight deal!)
LAX flyers – Just found these crazy cheap $598 RT fares to New Zealand.
Airline: Air Canada
Route: 1 stop in Vancouver (YVR)
Fare: Basic economy (carry-on/checked bag)
www.google.com/travel/fligh...
LAX flyers – Just found these crazy cheap $598 RT fares to New Zealand.
Airline: Air Canada
Route: 1 stop in Vancouver (YVR)
Fare: Basic economy (carry-on/checked bag)
www.google.com/travel/fligh...
November 18, 2024 at 4:41 PM
(Free flight deal!)
LAX flyers – Just found these crazy cheap $598 RT fares to New Zealand.
Airline: Air Canada
Route: 1 stop in Vancouver (YVR)
Fare: Basic economy (carry-on/checked bag)
www.google.com/travel/fligh...
LAX flyers – Just found these crazy cheap $598 RT fares to New Zealand.
Airline: Air Canada
Route: 1 stop in Vancouver (YVR)
Fare: Basic economy (carry-on/checked bag)
www.google.com/travel/fligh...