The 10 Commandments of Points & Miles
Gunnar and Kyle go back to basics on the pod: It’s not the Five D’s of Dodgeball, it’s the 10 Commandments of Points and Miles. Whether you’re just getting started with travel rewards or consider yourself a pro, this (only slightly irreverent) list can help you take things to the next level with your points. The guys also break down a troubling trend in frequent flyer programs … and Kyle roasts Gunnar for his clothes.
(00:00) Making memes & fun new airline routes
(04:15) Something hot: Revisiting that huge new 100K bonus
(08:27) Something cold: U.S. airlines are pulling the strings with devaluations
(13:10) A word from our sponsor (us … and our really cool tool that’ll help you pick your next travel card!)
(14:51) The Extra Mile: The 10 Commandments of Points & Miles
(17:30) 1. Start slow
(20:03) 2. Learn about how your credit score really works
(24:04) 3. Don’t rule out cards with annual fees
(28:52) 4. Stop before you swipe - maximize your spending
(32.41) 5. & stop swiping your airline credit card everywhere
The 3 Kinds of Credit Cards I Have (But Don’t Always Use)
(37:06) 6. Honor transferable points and airline alliances
(39:53) 7. But don’t transfer your points without a purpose
(42:42) 8. Use services (like ours) and other tools to help you get ahead
Travel Freely, our favorite tool to stay organized
(48:33) 9. Travel is not a contest
(51:03) 10. Resist points paralysis: Earn and burn
(55:04) A listener wonders how to tackle points & miles with a spouse - aka “two-player mode”
(59:13) Kyle puts Gunnar on the spot about his outfit
Produced by Gunnar Olson & Nick Serati
Edited by David Strutt
Show music: “All That” by Benjamin TissotSupport 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 [email protected]
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See what we’re all about at https://thriftytraveler.com - or subscribe to our free weekly points and miles newsletter, The Extra Mile!
The Thrifty Traveler Podcast
Welcome to the Thrifty Traveler Podcast – a travel podcast where we dig into the latest travel news and trends and discuss all the best ways to earn and redeem your points and miles! From the ins and outs of booking cheap flights, exploring the best ways to use your airline miles, or diving into other next-level money-saving travel tips, your hosts Gunnar Olson and Kyle Potter will bring you the best of Thrifty Traveler every week! Follow us today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts and learn to travel more for less this year.
- No. of episodes: 20
- Latest episode: 2025-07-10
- Society & Culture Leisure Aviation Places & Travel
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