Episode Details

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 choosing Hyatt! Plus, how to use points and miles on golf and a hilarious new travel mistake story.

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!

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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

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