How to plan a multi-generational trip without breaking the bank — or your relationships — and make it truly memorable.

How do you plan a budget-friendly vacation for multiple generations of family? And how do you keep everyone — from toddlers to grandparents — happy without overspending or over-planning? Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle explain how you can overcome the challenges of multi-generational travel. But first, they break down the latest travel news, including Capital One Venture X cutting free lounge access for guests, Southwest’s new international partnership with China Airlines, Starlux launching a luxe new route out of Ontario Airport, and American Airlines debuting its flagship suite on the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. They also highlight where to find five-star hotel stays under $200 and share cruise recaps from Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas.

Then, they dive into how to plan a multi-generational family trip that’s both affordable and fun. Sally shares how she pulled off a three-day reunion for family members from multiple states by using surveys to gather input, encouraging everyone to book their own lodging, and organizing inclusive, low-cost activities like a DIY 5K and family trivia night. She and Meghan discuss budgeting strategies, food planning, and choosing the right kind of trip — whether that’s a cruise, all-inclusive resort, or vacation home setup — to balance structure with flexibility. They wrap up by answering a listener’s question about whether it’s cheaper to book international flights while abroad or in advance from the U.S.

Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews:

Capital One Venture X Review: A Worthy Option Among Premium Cards https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/capital-one-venture-x 

Resources discussed in this episode:

Venture X Card to Drop Free Lounge Access for Guests, Authorized Users https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/capital-one-venture-x-lounge-access-for-authorized-users-guests 

First Look: American Airlines Unveils Its Newest Flagship Business Class https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/first-look-american-airlines-unveils-its-newest-flagship-business-class 

Royal Caribbean Cruises: The Ultimate Guide https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/royal-caribbean-the-complete-guide 

The Guide to Chase Transfer Partners https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/chase-transfer-partners-guide 

In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: how to plan a family vacation, multi-generational travel tips, budget travel with kids and grandparents, best way to book international flights, cruise travel for families, all-inclusive resorts for large groups, cruise vs all-inclusive for families, travel with extended family, vacation home vs hotel, booking flights in Asia, Priority Pass changes, planning family reunions, using surveys for trip planning, food hall dining on vacation, family trivia night ideas, photo scavenger hunt for travel, flexible family trip itineraries, indoor skydiving on cruise ships, Royal Caribbean Ovation of the Seas, and booking travel with points and miles.

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Learn what’s worth it (and what to skip) at Universal’s new theme park Epic Universe, with money-saving tips and sneak peeks of top rides.

Is Epic Universe worth the higher ticket price compared to Universal’s other parks? How can you save money on theme park food, drinks, and add-ons without sacrificing fun? Hosts Meghan Coyle and Sally French discuss the newest and most expensive addition to Universal Orlando—Epic Universe—and help you decide what’s worth the splurge, what’s skippable, and how to enjoy a top-tier experience without breaking your budget. But first, they break down the latest travel news, including United and JetBlue’s new BlueSky partnership, United’s downgrade of elite perks, and Southwest’s introduction of bag fees.

Then, Sally recaps her experience at Epic Universe, including Dark Universe, Super Nintendo World, Isle of Berk, and a new Wizarding World of Harry Potter. She shares what to expect from the rides, dining, and vibe of each area, which locations offer the best rides and food, whether pricey extras like interactive wands and power-up bands are worth it, and smart ways to enjoy the park without overspending. 

Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews.

Resources discussed in this episode:

Best Southwest Airlines Credit Cards of June 2025 https://www.nerdwallet.com/best/credit-cards/southwest-airlines-cards 

The Best Days to Fly Around July Fourth in 2025 https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/fourth-of-july-travel 

The Cheapest Ways to Visit Universal’s Epic Universe in 2025 https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/epic-universe-cheapest 

Universal Epic Universe: How to Plan Your Trip To One Of Orlando’s Top Theme Parks https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/epic-universe 

In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: Epic Universe, Universal Orlando theme park, Universal Studios Epic Universe, how to save money at theme parks, best rides at Epic Universe, Epic Universe food prices, Universal Orlando ticket cost, Universal vs Epic Universe, Harry Potter Land Epic Universe, Ministry of Magic ride, Monsters Unchained ride, How to Train Your Dragon ride, Super Nintendo World Orlando, Epic Universe power-up bands, Universal wand prices, theme park loyalty programs, United JetBlue BlueSky, United Excursionist Perk ending, United Premier upgrade changes, Southwest Airlines bag fees, Marriott Emirates transfer, Marriott summer hotel deals, Fourth of July travel flights, Universal Studios ride tips, Epic Universe restaurants, best theme park desserts, Florida theme parks 2025, Universal Studios new park tips, Universal Orlando 2025, Epic Universe bar drinks, DK Crush Float, and theme park spending tips.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn how to plan travel itineraries that save you money, skip tourist traps, and make the most of your points.

How can you plan a travel itinerary that saves money without missing out? What travel credit cards are worth it if you don’t want to pay an annual fee? Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle talk about how to plan a smart, budget-conscious travel itinerary without sacrificing memorable experiences. But first, Sally breaks down the latest travel news with NerdWallet’s Tess Vigeland, including rising summer flight volumes, the high cost of theme park vacations, Hyatt’s expansion into Croatia, the end of an AmEx points transfer workaround, and a devaluation of Bilt Rewards for rent payments.

Then, Meghan joins Sally to discuss how to build a personalized travel itinerary that aligns with your interests, budget, and travel style. They cover how to score deals on big-ticket attractions, use combo passes wisely, find local hidden gems, and get recommendations you’ll actually enjoy. They also answer a listener’s question about whether it’s worth opening no-annual-fee travel cards just for the signup bonuses — and which ones are still worth a look if you’re not ready to splurge on a premium card.

Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews:

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card Review: https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/chase-sapphire-preferred 

Chase Freedom Unlimited® Review: https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/chase-freedom-unlimited 

Chase Freedom Flex Review: Multiple Bonus Rewards Wrapped in One Card https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/chase-freedom-flex 

Hilton AmEx Review: Solid Rewards for No Annual Fee https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/hilton-amex-review 

Resources discussed in this episode:

How to Avoid Hotel Resort Fees (and Which Brands Are the Worst) https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/hotel-resort-fees 

Hotel Resort Fees: Why They Exist, and How to Avoid Them For Max Savings [Video] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DpB4R54lutM 

The Best Travel Credit Card Welcome Bonus Offers Right Now https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/top-rewards-credit-card-offers 

In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: how to plan a travel itinerary, travel itinerary tips, avoiding tourist traps, budget travel tips, free things to do on vacation, how to find cheap museum tickets, combo passes for museums, travel planning with points, travel credit card recommendations, best travel cards for beginners, American Airlines shopping portal, how to use GetYourGuide for points, Hyatt points value, Hyatt Regency Croatia, Bilt Rewards changes, how to earn travel rewards without spending more, travel tips for Europe, Universal Epic Universe tips, walking tours in Europe, free walking tours, when to use a hotel concierge, ChatGPT for trip planning, how to avoid bad restaurants when traveling, map-based restaurant planning, hidden gems travel tips, how to travel on points, what credit cards earn bonus travel points, credit cards for booking attractions, public transportation travel savings, smart cruise shore excursions, free hotel amenities, and resort fee benefits.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get the most out of your next Disney trip with tips for saving on tickets, spending less time in lines, and finding legitimate discounts.

When is the cheapest time to go to Disney parks? How can you save money and avoid long lines once you're there? Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle talk all things Disney, including when to go, how to find legit ticket discounts, and the best ways to save time and money once you're inside the parks. But first, producer Tess Vigeland joins Sally to break down the latest travel headlines, including the new Orlando theme park Epic Universe, Southwest’s upcoming baggage fee changes, Delta’s shift from cabin classes to “travel experiences,” and lower airfare prices in 2025.

Then, Meghan and Sally talk about how to maximize your Disney trip, with strategies like where to buy discounted tickets, how to use multi-passes to skip the longest lines, and options to save on food. They also share when you might find fewer crowds and how to take advantage of those hours, what to eat (and skip), and how to enjoy Disney magic without even entering the parks, from scenic hotel views to free rides on the monorail and Skyliner.

Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews:

Target Red Card: https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/target-redcard 

Resources discussed in this episode:

Universal Epic Universe: How to Plan Your Trip for the Opening https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/epic-universe 

Southwest Ditches Free Bags, Adds Basic Fares https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/southwest-announces-bag-fees-and-other-negative-changes 

Delta’s New Fares Hint at Bigger Changes Ahead https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/deltas-new-fares-hint-at-bigger-changes-ahead 

Travel Inflation Report: May 2025 https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/travel-price-tracker 

 The 8 Best Ways to Buy Disney Tickets https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/best-ways-to-buy-disney-tickets 

In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: cheapest time to visit Disney World, Disneyland ticket prices, Disney World discounts, how to skip lines at Disney, Lightning Lane vs Multi Pass, Disney Premier Pass cost, Disney dynamic pricing, Delta travel experience, Disney World September prices, Disney World summer discounts, Disney credit card perks, Target Disney gift card trick, Disney ticket resellers, Undercover Tourist tickets, Get Away Today Disney tickets, Disney dining plan, Disney dining deals, Disney rope drop strategy, Disney World hotel benefits, Disneyland mobile ordering, Disney World free activities, how to save at Disney, Disney character meals without ticket, Disney gift cards at Target, when to buy Disney tickets, Disney crowd calendar, Disneyland Lightning Lane explained, Disney World 3-day 3-park pass, Disney World kids ticket offer, and how to eat cheap at Disneyland.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn how to use award search tools, when it’s worth it to pay for one, and how to use alerts and filters to save time and get better redemptions.

What are the best tools to find award flight availability using points or miles? Is it worth paying for premium travel tools to simplify the booking process? Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle discuss the newest features in airline loyalty programs and award redemption platforms to help you save time—and points—on your next trip. Joined by NerdWallet travel writer Craig Joseph, they break down exactly how to use powerful, lesser-known tools that streamline complex points transfers and redemptions.

But first, Meghan and Sally break down the latest travel news, including Disney's new Abu Dhabi park, Frontier's new companion pass, and Marriott’s expansion. Then, Craig joins Sally and Meghan to discuss award booking platforms, including Seats.aero, PointsYeah, Point.me, and Points Path. They explore how to compare award availability across programs, when paying for a tool might save you more in the long run, and why alert features are a must-have. If you’ve got points across multiple cards or loyalty programs, this episode could help you make sense of how and where to use them for real value.

Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews:

Chase Sapphire Reserve®: https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/chase-sapphire-reserve

Bilt World Elite Mastercard® Credit Card: http://nerdwallet.com/article/travel/bilt-mastercard

Resources discussed in this episode:

Top Airline Credit Cards With Companion Tickets https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/credit-cards/airline-credit-cards-companion-tickets 

The Real ID Alternatives Travelers Might Already Have https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/the-real-id-alternatives-travelers-might-already-have 

My Favorite Tools for Booking Cheap Travel https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/my-favorite-tools-for-booking-cheap-travel 

5 Best Credit Card Points Programs and Who They Partner With https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/heres-how-you-can-transfer-your-points-from-any-major-credit-card-issuer

Lounge Review: Inside Air Canada’s Maple Leaf Lounge at SFO https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/air-canada-lounge-sfo 

In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: award flight search tools, points and miles travel, best award booking tools, how to use points for flights, travel credit card points, seats.aero review, PointsYeah guide, how to find airline award availability, Bilt rewards travel, how to compare flight redemptions, award seat alerts, best travel rewards tools, Points Path Chrome extension, how to use Bilt rewards, transfer credit card points, airline transfer partners, Real ID airport enforcement, how to find hotel award availability, Southwest vs Frontier companion pass, how to avoid phantom award availability, great circle mapper flights, AeroLopa seat maps, how to set award seat alerts, award wallet for tracking miles, how to use Google Flights for points, how to add kids as authorized users, and family airport lounge access tips.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is a cruise actually cheaper than a land vacation? Learn how to sail smarter and save big on your next getaway.

Are cruises really a budget-friendly alternative to land vacations? What’s the best credit card to use for travel and Costco expenses? Hosts Meghan Coyle and Sally French discuss cruise travel, pricing strategies, and credit card hacks to help you understand how to get the most value out of your next vacation. But first, they break down the latest travel headlines, including Southwest Airlines’ newly rebranded fare classes and upcoming assigned seating; United Club’s updated lounge access rules; transfer bonuses from Chase Ultimate Rewards and Citi ThankYou Rewards; and a limited-time Hyatt-American Airlines promo for national parks glamping.

Then, Meghan and Sally talk about cruise travel in 2025 and why it might be your smartest trip yet. They explore two brand-new ships — MSC World America and Norwegian Aqua — and break down how cruise vacations can be surprisingly cost-effective, especially when factoring in bundled perks like entertainment and dining. Sally shares additional knowledge from recent interviews, including veteran cruise reporter Matt Roseboom giving his best money-saving tips for cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line CMO Adam Malone offering insights on the unique value of cruise elite status. Plus: how to save with cruise-friendly credit cards, when to use general travel rewards versus co-branded cards, and how solo travelers can benefit from cruise line perks designed just for them.

Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews:

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card: https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/southwest-rapid-rewards-priority

World of Hyatt credit card: https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/world-of-hyatt 

Chase Sapphire Reserve: https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/chase-sapphire-reserve 

Citi Costco Anywhere Visa® Card: https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/costco-anywhere-visa 

Wells Fargo Active Cash: https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/wells-fargo-active-cash 

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card: https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/bankofamerica-cash-rewards 

Norwegian Cruise Line® World Mastercard®: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/credit-cards/norwegian-cruise-line-card 

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/capital-one-venture-x 

Chase Freedom Flex card: https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/chase-freedom-flex 

Resources discussed in this episode:

Current Credit Card Transfer Bonuses: May 2025 https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/credit-card-transfer-bonuses 

Hyatt’s Under Canvas Offer: https://world.hyatt.com/content/gp/en/offers/under-canvas-american-airlines.html?icamp=woh_undercanvasamericanairlinesoffer_Q22025_offerspage_en 

A First Look at MSC World America: A Family-Friendly Cruise https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/msc-world-america-review

Norwegian Aqua Review: ‘Slidecoaster’ Steals the Show https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/ncl-aqua-review 

Icon of the Seas: Floating Bliss or a Horror at Sea? https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/icon-of-the-seas-floating-bliss-or-a-horror-at-sea 

Which Is Cheaper: Disney World or a Disney Cruise? https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/disney-cruise-cheaper-than-disney-world 

Cash Back Credit Cards https://www.nerdwallet.com/h/category/cash-back-credit-cards 

In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: how to save money on cruises, best cruise credit cards, travel credit cards for cruises, Norwegian Aqua review, MSC World America review, Virgin Voyages Brilliant Lady, Disney cruise vs Disney World, cruise vacation budget tips, best solo cruise lines, and credit cards with travel insurance.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Explore your options for spending 100,000 credit card points, with tips on redemptions for luxury flights, hotels, and hidden travel perks.

What are the best ways to use 100,000 credit card points for travel? How do you transfer points to airlines or hotels to get the most value? Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle discuss top redemptions across Chase, AmEx, and Capital One to help you stretch your points for luxury flights, high-end hotels, and memorable experiences. But first, they break down the latest travel headlines, including Bilt Rewards adding Southwest as a transfer partner, Citi devaluing transfer ratios for Emirates Skywards, JetBlue allowing point redemptions for Japan Airlines, Chase Travel now listing cruise itineraries online, and a new Disney World dining deal that lets kids eat free when bundled with resort stays.

Then, Benjamin Din, lead travel writer at NerdWallet, joins Sally and Meghan to discuss how to make the most of 100,000 credit card points. They share tips for booking premium cabins on airlines like Lufthansa, ANA, and Virgin Atlantic, scoring great hotel stays with Hyatt and Choice Privileges, and stacking perks like complimentary breakfast, resort credits, and early park access through AmEx’s Fine Hotels & Resorts collection. Whether you’re planning a European getaway, a theme park weekend, or an all-inclusive escape, this episode explores flexible, high-value ways to use your points strategically.

Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews:

Resources discussed in this episode:

Cruises Now Searchable on Chase’s Travel Portal 

11 Things to Do with 100K Chase Ultimate Rewards Points 

Loews Portofino Bay at Universal Studios: The Best Way To Use The Amex $200 Hotel Credit 

5 Best Ways to Use Delta SkyMiles 

5 Best Credit Card Points Programs and Who They Partner With

In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: best travel credit card redemptions, Chase Ultimate Rewards Hyatt transfer, Capital One transfer partners, American Express fine hotels and resorts, best hotel redemptions with points, using AmEx points for Universal hotels, Lufthansa first class on points, ANA first class with points, best transfer partners for credit card points, Hyatt award chart, Virgin Atlantic upper class points, flying blue promo rewards, Air Canada Aeroplan redemptions, Iberia Avios business class, Choice Privileges points value, hotel points vs flight points, Bilt rewards southwest transfer, Citi Emirates transfer ratio, JetBlue Japan Airlines points, cruises with Chase points, AmEx Platinum hotel perks, vacation rentals with points, Virgin Red vs Virgin Atlantic, British Airways Avios redemptions, Delta SkyMiles deals, redeem points for Europe flights, stackable Disney deals 2026, Universal Studios hotel rewards, Marriott vs Hyatt redemptions, award travel sweet spots, short haul Avios flights, and theme park travel rewards.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn when it’s worth transferring credit card points — and how to avoid costly mistakes that waste your rewards.

When should you transfer your credit card points to an airline or hotel loyalty program? What are your options if you no longer want to pay the annual fee on a travel card you’ve held for years? Hosts Meghan Coyle and Sally French discuss how to get the most value from your travel rewards and what to do when a credit card no longer fits your needs. But first, they break down the latest travel headlines, including free Wi-Fi rolling out on American, Delta, and United flights, how to prepare for the fast-approaching Real ID deadline, a $40 status match deal between Southwest and Frontier, and how demand for international flights and premium seats is shaping airline strategies.

Then, Meghan and Sally discuss point transfer strategies, with tips and tricks on comparing portal vs. partner redemptions, understanding transfer ratios and bonuses, and choosing the right partner based on your destination. Then, Meghan and Sally discuss how to keep your credit history intact when a card’s annual fee no longer feels worth it. They explore how to downgrade a card, when to ask for a retention offer, and what to expect when calling your issuer to explore product changes.

This show references limited-time offers from the following programs:

For up-to-date offers, see NerdWallet’s list of current transfer bonuses: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/credit-card-transfer-bonuses 

Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our review:

• American Express Gold Card Review: https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/american-express-premier-rewards-gold 

Here are links to resources mentioned in this episode:

In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: credit card point transfers, best travel transfer partners, airline point transfer bonuses, hotel point transfer bonuses, how to downgrade a credit card, keeping credit history, avoiding credit card annual fees, travel portal vs transfer partner, how much are credit card points worth, best points redemptions, credit card reward strategies, transfer bonus deadlines, NerdWallet point valuations, what is a transfer ratio, credit card sweet spots, how to book flights with points, hotel loyalty programs, how to book hotels with points, airline alliances and point transfers, free airline Wi-Fi trends, Real ID flight deadline, Points Path Chrome plugin, and award flight search tools.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn strategic ways to save on wedding travel — whether you're planning the big day or flying in to celebrate someone else's.

How can you avoid overspending on wedding travel without sacrificing comfort or memorable experiences? How do you continue earning meaningful travel rewards after you've maxed out your credit card welcome bonuses? Host Meghan Coyle kicks off the episode with Tess Vigeland (filling in for Sally in the news segment) with a roundup of timely travel news, including the opening of the world’s largest cruise terminal in Miami, Delta Air Lines pulling back on its 2025 growth plans, and NerdWallet’s latest Travel Price Index showing a drop in airfare, hotel, and rental car prices.

Then, Meghan is joined by co-host (and bride-to-be!) Sally French for a deep dive into the real cost of attending (and hosting) a wedding. They break down how to strategically book flights and hotels, whether it’s smarter to use points or room blocks, how to handle gift expectations, and how to build a sustainable travel rewards strategy that lasts long after the honeymoon. They offer practical tips to help you travel smart and spend wisely, whether you’re walking down the aisle or just attending the afterparty.

Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews:

In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: how to save on wedding travel, cheapest days to fly, best day to book flights, wedding guest travel budget, hotel vs Airbnb wedding, when to book flights for a wedding, room block savings, using credit card points for weddings, Costco wedding cake, Delta Air Lines 2025 forecast, travel prices dropping, travel price index 2025, booking travel with points, long-term credit card rewards, best travel credit card 2025, how to avoid flight delays, affordable wedding planning, budgeting for destination weddings, travel tips for wedding season, NerdWallet travel study, Ultimate Rewards hotel transfer, platinum card no welcome offer, Amex pop-up warning, maximizing lounge access, sustainable travel rewards, using credit cards for wedding expenses, best time to book international flights, cheap airfare tips, skipping wedding gifts, travel budgeting for friends and family, booking wedding hotels with points, Airbnb group wedding travel, and how to save on wedding lodging.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn why flight delays are getting worse and what airline miles are really worth (hint: it’s not what you think).

Why are flight cancellations and delays happening more often? Are airline miles and credit card travel rewards actually worth it? Hosts Meghan Coyle and Sally French discuss the latest trends in travel spending and how the airline industry evolved into what it is today. They begin with a discussion of the latest travel updates and news, including a slowdown in U.S. travel spending, a drop in international tourism to the U.S., rising outbound international travel, and new airline partnership announcements from Fiji Airways and Icelandair.

Then, Meghan talks to Ganesh Sitaraman, author of Why Flying Is Miserable: And How to Fix It, about how deregulation reshaped flying and what that means for travelers today. He discusses the rise of fortress hubs and fewer route options, how loyalty programs shifted from rewarding frequent flyers to rewarding high spenders, and what consumers can do to get the most out of their points. The episode wraps up with a listener question about whether to upgrade to the Capital One Venture X card before a big international trip, offering insights into welcome bonuses, travel credits, and airport lounge perks.

Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews:

We analyzed the value of 16 different loyalty programs' points and miles to help you make smart money moves: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/airline-miles-and-hotel-points-valuations 

In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: why flights are delayed more often, airline delays 2025, travel trends 2025, domestic travel slowdown, Bank of America travel spending report, international travel 2025, Fiji Airways oneworld alliance, AAdvantage loyalty program, JetBlue Icelandair partnership, airline deregulation 1978, why flying is miserable, Ganesh Sitaraman airline loyalty programs explained, how airline points work, frequent flyer programs history, airline deregulation pros and cons, airline monopoly hubs, how airline credit cards make money, co-branded airline credit cards, spend-based loyalty programs, how much airline points are worth, credit card travel perks, best card for lounge access, travel credit card welcome bonuses, Priority Pass lounge access, using points for international flights, how to get the most out of travel credit cards, airline pricing explained, how deregulation changed flying, airline pricing before and after deregulation, federal regulation of airlines, and the Department of Transportation loyalty program investigation.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices