Dropping Airfare, Thailand & The Case Against Points & Miles

It’s the episode where we all get to be jealous of Kyle’s trip to Thailand. Luckily, he tells us how to book it and why his inkling to avoid using points and miles (for part of it) made the trip that much better. Plus, the guys make a bold prediction about airfare, wonder if the lounge overcrowding problem is solved, and ask the question: are hotel points and status even worth it anymore? Thank you to our sponsor, Bilt Rewards! Earn points on rent and make your entire neighborhood more rewarding with Bilt. Sign up at joinbilt.com/thrifty.  Watch us on YouTube! 00:00 - Post-trip clarity: Getting home from vacation 02:18 - Kyle welcomes us back from the pool in Thailand 02:45 - Are we heading for an airfare cliff? 10:00 - SkyMiles & Airbnb: More earnings, weird rules 12:20 - Points & miles rates aren’t rising with airfare 14:38 - United cardholder discounts are getting better 18:30 - Why Jackson is souring on hotel loyalty 21:40 - Is the lounge overcrowding problem solved? 27:25 - A word from our sponsor: Bilt Rewards!  28:40 - Everything about Koh Kood in Thailand 37:00 - Kyle’s Thailand trip logistics: Flights, hotels, Hong Kong & more 45:14 - Vote for our live podcast topic at thriftytraveler.com/vote!  46:00 - A listener asks: Should you avoid London due to high fees? 49:00 - What is Gunnar’s Koh Kood?  Produced and edited by Sylvia Thomas Video editing by Kyle Thomas Show music: “All That” by Benjamin Tissot Support the show by leaving us a rating and a review wherever you get your podcasts! Have a question you want answered on-air or an idea for the show? Let us know at podcast@thriftytraveler.comGet 20% off your first year of cheap flights and points and miles deals with Thrifty Traveler Premium - use promo code TTPOD to save even more!See what we’re all about at https://thriftytraveler.com - or subscribe to our free weekly points and miles newsletter, The Extra Mile!Follow us on…InstagramYouTubeFacebookBluesky Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.