Thrifty Traveler Co-Founder Nick Serati helps us answer a pressing points and miles question: Is Chase still the most important travel rewards program? After running the numbers, he’s changed his tune about Chase and wonders if newcomer Bilt has something to do with it.
Plus, we talk about a potential government-owned Spirit Airlines, some devaluations, and the White Lotus ditching Four Season in favor of … Hyatt! Plus, how to use points and miles for golf trips and a hilarious new travel mistake story.
Tune in now on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts! And be sure to subscribe now to get each new episode every Thursday morning (plus the occasional Tuesday bonus episode!)
Have a question you want answered on-air or an idea for the show? Let us know at [email protected]. Or help us kick off the next episode of the pod: Leave your “Welcome Back to the Thrifty Traveler Podcast” video message at thriftytraveler.com/voicemail today!
Please consider supporting the show by spreading the word and leaving us a rating and a review wherever you get your podcasts! That helps other travel lovers, like yourself, find our podcast.
The Thrifty Traveler Podcast is going LIVE: Join us Friday, June 12 in Minneapolis! Buy your tickets now!
Show Notes
Thanks to Surfshark for sponsoring this week’s episode! Go to https://surfshark.com/thrifty4 or use code THRIFTY4 at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN!
00:00 – Nick’s travel mistake: A $600 shirt in Vegas
04:45 – Nick’s daughter Elin introduces the show from Sedona!
05:15 – Thanks to our sponsor Surfshark VPN!
06:45 – The Hyatt Lotus & how to book it
10:20 – LifeMiles and Aeroplan hike award rates
15:55 – Something Stupid: A government-owned Spirit?
21:40 – Is Chase Still the King of Travel Rewards?
25:40 – The 5/24 rule & how Chase became king
29:15 – The Chase Sapphire Reserve isn’t helping
32:15 – Is Bilt’s complicated system worth it?
40:00 – Is the Bilt Palladium Card right for Gunnar?
46:00 – Is Chase still king? Our verdict
48:15 – A listener’s lap infant conundrum
52:30 – How to use points and miles on golf trips
Produced and edited by Sylvia Thomas
Video editing by Kyle Thomas
Show music: “All That” by Benjamin Tissot
What Savvy Travelers Read Every Morning
Get the Extra Mile newsletter for the latest travel news, points & miles strategies, and everything you need to know to travel smarter and spend less.
