@thriftytraveler.bsky.social
ICYMI: Our latest podcast was news, news, and more news - breaking down all the big recent headlines in travel
The Thrifty Traveler Podcast, Ep. 35: Biz Class Bonanza, New Lounges & 6 Big News Stories
It's a news roundup! We cover eight big travel stories, from new lounge openings to some of the best business class awards we've seen.
thriftytraveler.com
November 10, 2025 at 9:05 PM
ICYMI: Our latest podcast was news, news, and more news - breaking down all the big recent headlines in travel
Whether you're a diehard American flyer or swear you'll never set foot on an AA jet, their miles can be incredibly valuable
8 Great Ways to Use 100K American AAdvantage Miles ... & How to Earn Them Quickly
From bougie business class flights to quick getaways to the Caribbean, AAdvantage miles are key to traveling more for less. And right now, you can earn 100,000 of them with a single sign-up bonus!
thriftytraveler.com
November 10, 2025 at 9:00 PM
Whether you're a diehard American flyer or swear you'll never set foot on an AA jet, their miles can be incredibly valuable
Shame on us for thinking an airline might make a positive change to its mileage program, I guess
Bummer: United Reverses Price Cuts on Partner Awards for Non-Cardmembers
Turns out United wasn't cutting MileagePlus members a better deal at all - it was trying to juice co-brand credit card signups with discounted award rates.
thriftytraveler.com
November 10, 2025 at 7:25 PM
Shame on us for thinking an airline might make a positive change to its mileage program, I guess
Hilton’s playful Instagram post all but confirms that big changes are on the horizon for the Hilton Honors program.
Hilton Confirms Major Loyalty Program Overhaul with New ‘Diamond Reserve’ Tier on the Way
Hilton’s playful Instagram post all but confirms that big changes are on the horizon for the Hilton Honors program. While full details haven’t been announced, the leaked “Diamond Reserve” tier appears to be real - and could reshape Hilton’s elite landscape starting as early as 2026.
thriftytraveler.com
November 10, 2025 at 4:40 PM
Hilton’s playful Instagram post all but confirms that big changes are on the horizon for the Hilton Honors program.
Congress is moving to end the federal government shutdown. But that doesn't mean that the delays and cancellations plaguing millions of travelers will subside anytime soon.
The Latest on Shutdown Travel: End in Sight, But Disruptions Will Continue
One month into the government shutdown, problems are mounting as unpaid air traffic controllers and TSA agents call out sick.
thriftytraveler.com
November 10, 2025 at 2:34 PM
Congress is moving to end the federal government shutdown. But that doesn't mean that the delays and cancellations plaguing millions of travelers will subside anytime soon.
NEW: Flyers counting on their travel credit card insurance to cover extra expenses from shutdown disruptions could be in for an uphill battle...
Shutdown Delays Could Expose a Big Gap in Travel Insurance Protections
As the shutdown drags on, travelers are facing growing uncertainty - not just from canceled flights and long airport lines, but from the fine print of their credit card benefits, too.
thriftytraveler.com
November 7, 2025 at 8:06 PM
NEW: Flyers counting on their travel credit card insurance to cover extra expenses from shutdown disruptions could be in for an uphill battle...
We rounded up all your questions about the current air travel chaos and tried our best to answer them.
Spoiler alert: There are more questions than answers.
Spoiler alert: There are more questions than answers.
Will My Flight be Canceled & What About Thanksgiving? FAQs on FAA Flight Reductions
Airlines have begun cutting flights after a federal mandate to cope with the ongoing government shutdown. Still, there are more questions than answers.
thriftytraveler.com
November 7, 2025 at 7:38 PM
We rounded up all your questions about the current air travel chaos and tried our best to answer them.
Spoiler alert: There are more questions than answers.
Spoiler alert: There are more questions than answers.
ICYMI: From the shutdown to a resurgence in lie-flat deals to Australia to rare good news from Hilton and United, we broke down some big travel news on our latest podcast
The Thrifty Traveler Podcast, Ep. 35: Biz Class Bonanza, New Lounges & 6 Big News Stories
It's a news roundup! We cover eight big travel stories, from new lounge openings to some of the best business class awards we've seen.
thriftytraveler.com
November 7, 2025 at 3:25 PM
ICYMI: From the shutdown to a resurgence in lie-flat deals to Australia to rare good news from Hilton and United, we broke down some big travel news on our latest podcast
What flights are being canceled? What can I do to prepare? How long will this go on?
We're answering all your questions on our Instagram today - get your questions in now and tune in at 12 p.m. CT!
https://www.instagram.com/thriftytraveler
We're answering all your questions on our Instagram today - get your questions in now and tune in at 12 p.m. CT!
https://www.instagram.com/thriftytraveler
November 7, 2025 at 2:13 PM
What flights are being canceled? What can I do to prepare? How long will this go on?
We're answering all your questions on our Instagram today - get your questions in now and tune in at 12 p.m. CT!
https://www.instagram.com/thriftytraveler
We're answering all your questions on our Instagram today - get your questions in now and tune in at 12 p.m. CT!
https://www.instagram.com/thriftytraveler
NEW: Traveling soon and worried about the looming chaos with mass cancellations?
It's time to get prepared. We've got you.
It's time to get prepared. We've got you.
Flying Soon? What to Do to Prepare for Thousands of Cancellations
The federal government's directive to cut up to 10% of flights will lead to thousands of cancellations and countless delays. It's time to prepare.
thriftytraveler.com
November 6, 2025 at 7:03 PM
NEW: Traveling soon and worried about the looming chaos with mass cancellations?
It's time to get prepared. We've got you.
It's time to get prepared. We've got you.
Delta Air Lines just made good on a promise it’s been teasing for more than a year: unbundling its premium cabins with the introduction of a new "Comfort Basic" fare class.
Delta Officially Launches ‘Comfort Basic,’ Its First Step Toward Unbundled Premium Fares
Delta Comfort Basic is the first unbundled premium fare to hit the U.S. airlines, and the clearest sign yet that “Basic Business Class” and “Basic Premium Select” fares aren’t far behind.
thriftytraveler.com
November 6, 2025 at 7:03 PM
Delta Air Lines just made good on a promise it’s been teasing for more than a year: unbundling its premium cabins with the introduction of a new "Comfort Basic" fare class.
Bilt and Rakuten's recently rumored partnership is now live, allowing shoppers to earn ultra-valuable Bilt points when shopping online.
Bilt and Rakuten Launch New Partnership, Letting You Earn Points for Online Shopping
The rumored Bilt and Rakuten partnership is now official. Starting today, Thursday, Nov. 6, Rakuten users can now link their Bilt and Rakuten accounts to opt into earning Bilt Points.
thriftytraveler.com
November 6, 2025 at 2:27 PM
Bilt and Rakuten's recently rumored partnership is now live, allowing shoppers to earn ultra-valuable Bilt points when shopping online.
This week on the show, we dig into eight big news stories in travel, from Southwest's lounge plans to some surprisingly good news from both United and Hilton.
The Thrifty Traveler Podcast, Ep. 35: Biz Class Bonanza, New Lounges & 6 Big News Stories
It's a news roundup! It's 8 big travel stories, from some new lounge openings to some of the best business class awards we've seen.
thriftytraveler.com
November 6, 2025 at 1:45 PM
This week on the show, we dig into eight big news stories in travel, from Southwest's lounge plans to some surprisingly good news from both United and Hilton.
You can reach five different continents with roundtrip airfare in the $300s this winter ... if you know where to look.
From Tokyo to Morocco: Everywhere You Can Fly Under $399 Roundtrip This Winter
You can reach five different continents with roundtrip airfare in the $300s this winter ... if you know where to look.
thriftytraveler.com
November 5, 2025 at 9:17 PM
You can reach five different continents with roundtrip airfare in the $300s this winter ... if you know where to look.
Bummer: Qatar Airways is now charging for advance seat selection on business class award tickets and Avios upgrades.
Qatar Airways is Now Charging to Pick Seats on Business Class Award Flights
Qatar Airways has started charging for advance seat selection on business class award tickets and Avios upgrades, effective Nov. 3, 2025.
thriftytraveler.com
November 5, 2025 at 4:34 PM
Bummer: Qatar Airways is now charging for advance seat selection on business class award tickets and Avios upgrades.
Bilt Rewards is rewriting the playbook once again – and it’s not just renters who should pay attention.
New: Bilt Card 2.0 & Point-Earning on All Mortgages Launches in February!
Bilt is once again expanding the definition of what it means to earn rewards - first with rent, and now with mortgages. The shift to Cardless and the launch of Bilt Card 2.0 mark a huge leap for both renters and homeowners alike.
thriftytraveler.com
November 5, 2025 at 3:55 PM
Bilt Rewards is rewriting the playbook once again – and it’s not just renters who should pay attention.
The ongoing federal government shutdown is now in its 36th day, making it the longest stoppage in U.S. history, and the problems for travelers seem to keep worsening every day.
The Latest on Shutdown Travel: Troubling Incidents & More Problems Next Week
One month into the government shutdown, problems are mounting as unpaid air traffic controllers and TSA agents call out sick.
thriftytraveler.com
November 5, 2025 at 3:41 PM
The ongoing federal government shutdown is now in its 36th day, making it the longest stoppage in U.S. history, and the problems for travelers seem to keep worsening every day.
Booking a lie-flat seat on those 14-hour (or longer) flights to Australia and New Zealand is one of the hardest things to do in the world of points...
But not lately.
But not lately.
Rejoice: Business Class Points Deals to Australia and New Zealand Have Returned!
Points and miles can take the sting out of the long, expensive flights Down Under. Luckily, booking these award flights has gotten a lot easier.
thriftytraveler.com
November 4, 2025 at 4:37 PM
Booking a lie-flat seat on those 14-hour (or longer) flights to Australia and New Zealand is one of the hardest things to do in the world of points...
But not lately.
But not lately.
Start getting some of the best cheap fares and points deals in the world, straight to your inbox ... for free!
Sign Up Now: Get Flight Deal Alerts From Your Home Airport ... For Free!
You've seen higher flight prices lately, but trust us: Cheap flights are still out there. Now you can get alerts for cheap flights from your home airport!
thriftytraveler.com
November 4, 2025 at 2:30 PM
Start getting some of the best cheap fares and points deals in the world, straight to your inbox ... for free!
After rolling out powerful new features, Google Flights is better than ever for finding the best flight deals
New Features, Same Low Prices: How to Use Google Flights to Find Cheap Flights
Google Flights is the best online flight booking search service for finding cheap flights. Here's how to use Google Flights to find cheap flights in seconds.
thriftytraveler.com
November 4, 2025 at 2:03 PM
After rolling out powerful new features, Google Flights is better than ever for finding the best flight deals
Trying to pick the best seat on the plane ... and avoid the bad ones?
Say goodbye to SeatGuru (pour one out...) and hello to AeroLOPA!
Say goodbye to SeatGuru (pour one out...) and hello to AeroLOPA!
RIP, SeatGuru: Use AeroLOPA to Find the Best Seats on Your Flight
This little-known site could be a game-changer to help travelers zero in on the best seats on their flight - and avoid the worst ones.
thriftytraveler.com
November 3, 2025 at 9:30 PM
Trying to pick the best seat on the plane ... and avoid the bad ones?
Say goodbye to SeatGuru (pour one out...) and hello to AeroLOPA!
Say goodbye to SeatGuru (pour one out...) and hello to AeroLOPA!
Get more out of your Amex points with this excellent new transfer bonus to Avianca LifeMiles
New: Get a 15% Bonus Transferring Amex Points to Avianca LifeMiles in Nov.
Avianca LifeMiles is out with another stellar transfer bonus, giving you a 15% bonus when sending American Express Membership Rewards points to the airline.
thriftytraveler.com
November 3, 2025 at 9:06 PM
Get more out of your Amex points with this excellent new transfer bonus to Avianca LifeMiles
NEW: Our free travel card tracking tool is bigger and better than ever.
You can now track 40-plus top travel cards in one place ... and track your spouse or travel companion (aka P2)'s cards separately, too!
You can now track 40-plus top travel cards in one place ... and track your spouse or travel companion (aka P2)'s cards separately, too!
Get Our Free Card-Tracking Tool: Now with Twice the Cards + Add Your Player 2!
Keeping track of the growing list of benefits and credits on travel credit cards has become a full-time job. We're here to help.
thriftytraveler.com
November 3, 2025 at 3:15 PM
NEW: Our free travel card tracking tool is bigger and better than ever.
You can now track 40-plus top travel cards in one place ... and track your spouse or travel companion (aka P2)'s cards separately, too!
You can now track 40-plus top travel cards in one place ... and track your spouse or travel companion (aka P2)'s cards separately, too!
Capital One is back with another transfer bonus, and it's one of our favorites.
New Capital One Transfer Bonus: Get 20% More Miles with British Airways
Capital One is back with a brand-new transfer bonus: You'll get 20% more miles when transferring to British Airways. And that's a great deal.
thriftytraveler.com
November 3, 2025 at 2:30 PM
Capital One is back with another transfer bonus, and it's one of our favorites.
Got Amex points? You'll want to give this transfer bonus a long, hard look ... before it ends tonight!
Last Chance: 20% Amex Transfer Bonus to Air France/KLM Flying Blue
American Express is out with a new 20% bonus when you transfer points to Air France/KLM Flying Blue. Be sure to take advantage before this transfer bonus ends on Nov. 10.
thriftytraveler.com
October 31, 2025 at 4:45 PM
Got Amex points? You'll want to give this transfer bonus a long, hard look ... before it ends tonight!