It’s a December news roundup! On the latest Thrifty Traveler Podcast Gunnar and Kyle run through eight major news stories in travel and points and miles, including breaking down the latest Unicorn alert for Delta One flights to Brisbane, a pair of troubling trends in points and miles, a hefty fee if you don’t have Real ID, some lounge and check-in openings, and more! 

Thanks to HotelSlash for sponsoring this episode of the show! Try it out today: Use promo code THRIFTYTRAVELER for a free 90-day trial – plus, get $20 off your first prepaid booking!

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00:00 - Gunnar’s strange clothes habit and a Delta One Unicorn deal to Brisbane

05:00 - 2 troubling new trends in points and miles: Will they get worse?

12:00 - The 2025 End of Year Checklist

17:40 - Why it’s the best time of year to open a new credit card

20:00 - The TSA’s new $45 fee you’ll (soon) pay if you don’t have Real ID

24:40 - A word from our sponsor: HotelSlash, the easiest way to book a cheaper hotel stay - & rebook when prices drop

25:30 - More Delta One check-ins are open now - including a mini-review of the Minneapolis Delta One check-in

30:10 - Chase’s Sapphire Lounge in Las Vegas (LAS) is now open…but is it big enough?

35:30 - RIP: The cheapest way to fly to Hawaii using points and miles

39:14 - Listener Feedback: Brian tells Gunnar not to worry about traveling with kids…yet, Karla recommends a travel baby carrier, and Jessica brags about her rebooking wins

42:55 - Kyle puts Gunnar on the spot: What did Gunnar learn from last week’s Points Talk Squad interview about traveling with kids before his first big trip abroad

Produced and edited by Sylvia Thomas

Video editing by Kyle Thomas
Show music: “All That” by Benjamin Tissot

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