People with status are often very loud about it (we’re looking at you Delta Medallions and Hyatt Globalists), but chasing airline and hotel loyalty isn’t smart for most travelers. It’s something we’re decidedly out on in 2026 and beyond. In “These Bros Ain’t Loyal”, we’re laying out the case against chasing status by identifying who status is for, and why it’s not the best way to travel more for less. 

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00:00 - What should we call this episode?

01:55 - John Melson introduces the show

03:00 - The best airline & hotel statuses

07:15 - The worst airline & hotel statuses

11:25 - Thrifty Traveler Premium Flight Deal Quiz!

13:44 - Why we’re out on travel loyalty

22:30 - Who is loyalty for?

26:15 - Who is travel “free agency” for? 

28:45 - How to get status perks without status

37:45 - Listener Question: What about credit card points loyalty?

41:30 - On the Spot: Gunnar’s 2027 list

Produced and edited by Sylvia Thomas

Video editing by Kyle Thomas

Show music: “All That” by Benjamin Tissot

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