More Southwest Drama, United’s Bold Move & More Big News

More Southwest Drama, United’s Bold Move & More Big News

49:56 Mar 5, 2026
About this episode
This week, we round up all the recent travel news that’s fit to podcast! That includes Kyle’s experience with CLEAR’s (honestly amazing) new e-gates, what United’s up to with its credit card moves, a shocking-but-welcome move to require headphones onboard, Southwest’s carry-on bag problems literally everyone should have seen coming, hot and cold news from Avios, and much more! Plus, we help a listener get a refund and Gunnar declares whether he’ll ever fly Southwest again.  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 - Kyle’s weekend in Phoenix & using CLEAR’s new e-gates 03:35 - Richard from Florida welcomes us back to the show! 04:00 - United’s credit card changes make them essential 09:55 - Hallelujah: United mandates headphones onboard 12:45 - Hot and Cold in the Avios program: A new transfer bonus & new rules 18:42 - Another way to earn JAL miles 23:45 - A word from our sponsor Bilt Rewards 24:55 - Southwest makes seating, boarding, and baggage adjustments 29:45 - A new Southwest lounge at AUS?  31:38 - Updates from the Middle East and Puerto Vallarta 38:05 - Combined Resy & Tock restaurant list turns heads 41:10 - A sweet new Capital One Shopping promo 43:25 - Can you get refunded for a seat upgrade bought with cash? 46:55 - On the Spot: Would Gunnar ever fly Southwest again? 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 newsle
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