About this episode
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. Watch us on YouTube!00:00 - What should we call this episode?01:55 - John Melson introduces the show03:00 - The best airline & hotel statuses07:15 - The worst airline & hotel statuses11:25 - Thrifty Traveler Premium Flight Deal Quiz!13:44 - Why we’re out on travel loyalty22:30 - Who is loyalty for?26:15 - Who is travel “free agency” for? 28:45 - How to get status perks without status37:45 - Listener Question: What about credit card points loyalty?41:30 - On the Spot: Gunnar’s 2027 listProduced and edited by Sylvia ThomasVideo editing by Kyle ThomasShow music: “All That” by Benjamin Tissot
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