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ICYMI: For our latest podcast, the guys enlisted some help from the gurus of all things family travel - Jess & Alex of the Points Talk Squad
The Thrifty Traveler Podcast, Ep. 39: Family Travel Tips with the Moms of Points Talk Squad
The guys break up the bro fest by bringing on two thirds of Points Talk Squad (formerly known as Travel Mom Squad) to counsel Gunnar on all things family travel.
thriftytraveler.com
December 9, 2025 at 9:42 PM
ICYMI: For our latest podcast, the guys enlisted some help from the gurus of all things family travel - Jess & Alex of the Points Talk Squad
While it's never fun paying an annual fee, the key is figuring out whether you can get more out of it than what you're paying in.
For us, the Amex Gold is a clear winner! How about you?
For us, the Amex Gold is a clear winner! How about you?
Amex Gold Card Annual Fee: Is it Worth $325 a Year?
The Amex Gold Card annual fee now clocks in at $325. But with the benefits it offers, new and old, is it worth the hefty price tag?
thriftytraveler.com
December 9, 2025 at 5:42 PM
While it's never fun paying an annual fee, the key is figuring out whether you can get more out of it than what you're paying in.
For us, the Amex Gold is a clear winner! How about you?
For us, the Amex Gold is a clear winner! How about you?
Alaska's Atmos points are among the most valuable in the world of points and miles - and this booking quirk might just be the best way to put them to use.
A Neat Trick to Book Biz Class for Fewer Alaska Atmos Points
Airline loyalty programs are full of quirks that you can exploit and use to your advantage. Here's a fun (and possibly accidental) one using Alaska's Atmos points.
thriftytraveler.com
December 9, 2025 at 4:37 PM
Alaska's Atmos points are among the most valuable in the world of points and miles - and this booking quirk might just be the best way to put them to use.
From Florida sunshine to SoCal sunsets - and hundreds of sub-$100 routes in between - consider this your official permission slip: Take the trip!
Sub-$100 Roundtrip Flights: How to Find and Book the Cheapest Domestic Fares
We're seeing more and more cheap domestic flights popping up lately for winter and spring trips, and for less than $100 roundtrip in some cases!
thriftytraveler.com
December 9, 2025 at 4:14 PM
From Florida sunshine to SoCal sunsets - and hundreds of sub-$100 routes in between - consider this your official permission slip: Take the trip!
United won't increase spending requirements to earn status next year - and while that's a big win, there's other bad news on the horizon.
United Holds the Line on Status Requirements, Complicates Biz Class Awards
United won't increase spending requirements to earn status next year - and while that's a big win, there's other bad news on the horizon.
thriftytraveler.com
December 8, 2025 at 8:05 PM
United won't increase spending requirements to earn status next year - and while that's a big win, there's other bad news on the horizon.
Got a stash of transferable points, but find yourself still shy of that dream getaway? Use one of these transfer bonuses to boost your balance and take that dream trip sooner.
Get Up to 70% More Points With the Current List of Transfer Bonuses!
Got a stash of transferable points but find yourself still shy of that dream getaway? Use one of these transfer bonuses to boost your balance and take that dream trip sooner.
thriftytraveler.com
December 8, 2025 at 7:31 PM
Got a stash of transferable points, but find yourself still shy of that dream getaway? Use one of these transfer bonuses to boost your balance and take that dream trip sooner.
Amex is downgrading points transfers to Cathay Pacific ... but it's what could come next that scares us.
Amex Points Transfers to Cathay Pacific Will Take a Big Hit in the New Year
American Express is slashing the value of transfers to Cathay Pacific Asia Miles, starting March 1, 2026, from a 1:1 ratio to a significantly less favorable ratio.
thriftytraveler.com
December 8, 2025 at 6:10 PM
Amex is downgrading points transfers to Cathay Pacific ... but it's what could come next that scares us.
Longer flight. Higher costs. A quarter of the price.
We're putting "hub" penalties under the microscope.
We're putting "hub" penalties under the microscope.
This Obscene Delta Fare is Why 'Skiplagging' Exists
A one-way fare from Atlanta to Minneapolis at $699. But a longer journey (with higher costs) connecting through Minneapolis to Fargo is ... a lot cheaper?
thriftytraveler.com
December 8, 2025 at 3:09 PM
Longer flight. Higher costs. A quarter of the price.
We're putting "hub" penalties under the microscope.
We're putting "hub" penalties under the microscope.
Behold: Our annual holiday gift guide, with all the best presents (big, small, and everything in between) for the travelers in your life!
Our 2025 Holiday Gift Guide: The Best Gifts for Travelers
Stressing over what to get your jet-set friends or globetrotting family members? Behold, the best travel gifts for travelers on your list.
thriftytraveler.com
December 5, 2025 at 2:45 PM
Behold: Our annual holiday gift guide, with all the best presents (big, small, and everything in between) for the travelers in your life!
Looking for a new card to fuel your travels in 2026 & beyond?
Start here 👇
Start here 👇
The 10 Best Credit Card Offers for Travelers in December 2025
The new month is bringing yet another set of massive credit card offers for travelers - some of the best ever, in fact. Here's our complete list of the best credit card offers.
thriftytraveler.com
December 5, 2025 at 2:28 PM
Looking for a new card to fuel your travels in 2026 & beyond?
Start here 👇
Start here 👇
Whether you're looking to keep things simple by covering nearly any travel purchase or get maximum value through transfer partners, there are plenty of incredible ways to redeem Capital One miles.
Here are some of our favorites.
Here are some of our favorites.
How to Redeem Capital One Miles for Max Value
Capital One has stormed onto the scene recently, making Capital One miles indispensable. Here are the best ways to use them.
thriftytraveler.com
December 4, 2025 at 10:13 PM
Whether you're looking to keep things simple by covering nearly any travel purchase or get maximum value through transfer partners, there are plenty of incredible ways to redeem Capital One miles.
Here are some of our favorites.
Here are some of our favorites.
Struggling to finish up your Global Entry enrollment? We're here to help.
6 Ways to Get a Global Entry Appointment Faster
Global Entry is a game changer, getting you through the airport fast. But scheduling a Global Entry interview to finalize enrollment can be a chore. Here's how.
thriftytraveler.com
December 4, 2025 at 8:44 PM
Struggling to finish up your Global Entry enrollment? We're here to help.
When it comes to using points and miles, there are good redemptions, better redemptions, and the best. These are the cream of the crop.
9 of the Best Deals and Sweet Spots in the World of Points & Miles
There's using your points and miles wisely, and then there's this. Of the many amazing ways to use points and miles, these nine options stand out.
thriftytraveler.com
December 4, 2025 at 4:59 PM
When it comes to using points and miles, there are good redemptions, better redemptions, and the best. These are the cream of the crop.
From day-of travel routines to earning and redeeming points, traveling as a family changes the game.
We enlisted Alex and Jess from Points Talk Squad (formerly known as Travel Mom Squad) to show us (& you!) the way
We enlisted Alex and Jess from Points Talk Squad (formerly known as Travel Mom Squad) to show us (& you!) the way
The Thrifty Traveler Podcast, Ep. 39: Family Travel Tips with the Moms of Points Talk Squad
The guys break up the bro fest by bringing on two thirds of Points Talk Squad (formerly known as Travel Mom Squad) to counsel Gunnar on all things family travel.
thriftytraveler.com
December 4, 2025 at 1:26 PM
From day-of travel routines to earning and redeeming points, traveling as a family changes the game.
We enlisted Alex and Jess from Points Talk Squad (formerly known as Travel Mom Squad) to show us (& you!) the way
We enlisted Alex and Jess from Points Talk Squad (formerly known as Travel Mom Squad) to show us (& you!) the way
Airline trip insurance looks like peace of mind, but the devil is in the details. We dug through the fine print of the optional insurance policies sold by Delta, United, and American. Here’s what we found.
Should You Buy Your Airline’s Add-On Travel Insurance? Here's What You Actually Get
Before you can book your flights, airlines will ask if you want to add on travel insurance. Countless Americans do so automatically. But should you?
thriftytraveler.com
December 3, 2025 at 9:50 PM
Airline trip insurance looks like peace of mind, but the devil is in the details. We dug through the fine print of the optional insurance policies sold by Delta, United, and American. Here’s what we found.
Pour one out, travelers.
Without a word of warning, Turkish Airlines more than doubled the price of United flights to Hawaii, killing one of the greatest points and miles sweet spots of all.
This one hurts...
Without a word of warning, Turkish Airlines more than doubled the price of United flights to Hawaii, killing one of the greatest points and miles sweet spots of all.
This one hurts...
RIP to the Cheapest Way to Fly to Hawaii on Points: Turkish Hikes Award Rates by 150%
It was fun while it lasted. The days of flying to Hawaii for just 10,000 miles each way are officially over after a nasty devaluation from Turkish Airlines.
thriftytraveler.com
December 3, 2025 at 5:16 PM
Pour one out, travelers.
Without a word of warning, Turkish Airlines more than doubled the price of United flights to Hawaii, killing one of the greatest points and miles sweet spots of all.
This one hurts...
Without a word of warning, Turkish Airlines more than doubled the price of United flights to Hawaii, killing one of the greatest points and miles sweet spots of all.
This one hurts...
Chase's newest lounge is officially open in Las Vegas, and it's a beaut ... with one big (or little) problem.
Chase’s New Las Vegas Sapphire Lounge: Big on Style, Short on Space
Chase is betting big in Las Vegas with the bank’s newest Chase Sapphire Lounge officially opening for business. This adds another premium space to an airport already packed with lounges from American Express, Capital One, Priority Pass, and more.
thriftytraveler.com
December 3, 2025 at 4:05 PM
Chase's newest lounge is officially open in Las Vegas, and it's a beaut ... with one big (or little) problem.
From car rental insurance to lost luggage reimbursement and even trip delay coverage, no credit card provides better travel protections at a lower price than the Capital One Venture X.
Capital One Venture X Travel Insurance: What You Get & How it Works
From car rental insurance to lost luggage reimbursement and even trip delay coverage, no credit card provides better travel protections at a cheaper price point than the Capital One Venture X.
thriftytraveler.com
December 2, 2025 at 8:44 PM
From car rental insurance to lost luggage reimbursement and even trip delay coverage, no credit card provides better travel protections at a lower price than the Capital One Venture X.
If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to jump on a new travel card, this might be it. We’re in a rare stretch with a dozen-plus six-figure bonuses on the table.
Take a look for yourself! 👇
Take a look for yourself! 👇
18 Offers of 100K Points (or More): The Biggest Travel Card Bonuses Right Now
If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to jump on a new travel credit card, this might be it. We’re in a rare stretch with dozens of six-figure bonuses on the table.
thriftytraveler.com
December 2, 2025 at 7:52 PM
If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to jump on a new travel card, this might be it. We’re in a rare stretch with a dozen-plus six-figure bonuses on the table.
Take a look for yourself! 👇
Take a look for yourself! 👇
Japan flight deals are going crazy right now. Cash fares, points redemptions, even lie-flats — all available at prices we haven't seen in years.
Don't believe us? We brought receipts.
Don't believe us? We brought receipts.
From $377 Roundtrips to Lie-Flat Seats: Japan Flight Deals are Back ... & Better Than Ever
Cheap flights, low points and miles rates, and business class award availability to Japan are heating up, making it a great time to find a good deal.
thriftytraveler.com
December 2, 2025 at 5:46 PM
Japan flight deals are going crazy right now. Cash fares, points redemptions, even lie-flats — all available at prices we haven't seen in years.
Don't believe us? We brought receipts.
Don't believe us? We brought receipts.
Capital One has been offering bigger bonuses on three of its best no-annual-fee cards for months now. But if adding one of these cards to your wallet has been on your to-do list, the end is drawing near.
Last Chance: 3 No-Annual-Fee Capital One Cards Offering $300 in Value
Capital One sweetened the deal on three of its best no-annual-fee cards, adding a $100 travel credit to the $200 cash bonus (or 20,000 miles). But you'll have to hurry: These limited-time offers end Dec. 8!
thriftytraveler.com
December 2, 2025 at 4:32 PM
Capital One has been offering bigger bonuses on three of its best no-annual-fee cards for months now. But if adding one of these cards to your wallet has been on your to-do list, the end is drawing near.
Delta fancies itself America's premium airline ... yet the majority of Delta's business class seats were designed and installed more than a decade ago – positively ancient compared to the competition.
Despite 'Premium' Brand (& Prices), Many Delta Biz Class Seats Are Relics
Delta calls itself America's premium airline and prices business class accordingly. Yet half of its long-haul business class cabins feature seats that are more than a decade old - and look like it.
thriftytraveler.com
December 2, 2025 at 4:04 PM
Delta fancies itself America's premium airline ... yet the majority of Delta's business class seats were designed and installed more than a decade ago – positively ancient compared to the competition.
This is it: Our big 50% off sale on a full year of cheap flight alerts ends TONIGHT!
Ends Tonight! Get 50% Off Your First Year of Thrifty Traveler Premium Deals!
It's our best sale of the year! For Cyber Monday, you can lock in a full year of travel savings for 50% off. Start getting the best flight deals straight to your inbox today.
thriftytraveler.com
December 2, 2025 at 1:12 PM
This is it: Our big 50% off sale on a full year of cheap flight alerts ends TONIGHT!
Southwest Airlines has undergone a complete transformation in 2025, but one thing hasn’t changed: the Southwest Companion Pass.
Here's how to get nearly two full years of BOGO flights!
Here's how to get nearly two full years of BOGO flights!
Still the Best Deal in Travel: How to Earn (& Use) the Southwest Companion Pass
The Southwest Companion Pass is one of the most lucrative benefits in the world of travel. If you can earn it, there is no better way to save on flights ... for nearly two full years.
thriftytraveler.com
December 1, 2025 at 9:31 PM
Southwest Airlines has undergone a complete transformation in 2025, but one thing hasn’t changed: the Southwest Companion Pass.
Here's how to get nearly two full years of BOGO flights!
Here's how to get nearly two full years of BOGO flights!
Heads up, travelers: Beginning Feb. 1, the TSA will charge a $45 identity verification fee if you reach security without a Real ID or passport — a big jump from the $18 fee the agency proposed just last month.
Traveling Without a Real ID? TSA Will Soon Charge You $45 to Fly
Starting Feb. 1, 2026, the TSA will charge travelers $45 if they arrive at the airport without a Real ID or another approved form of identification.
thriftytraveler.com
December 1, 2025 at 5:58 PM
Heads up, travelers: Beginning Feb. 1, the TSA will charge a $45 identity verification fee if you reach security without a Real ID or passport — a big jump from the $18 fee the agency proposed just last month.