Bag Fees Go Up, United Throws Down & 10 More News Stories episode artwork

EPISODE · Apr 2, 2026 · 41 MIN

Bag Fees Go Up, United Throws Down & 10 More News Stories

from The Thrifty Traveler Podcast · host Kyle Potter, Gunnar Olson

The news has been relentless to kick off the spring, so the guys spend the show tackling a dozen different stories. There’s an update on those awful TSA lines, JetBlue already raised  its baggage fees, and Air France/KLM just raised surcharges on award tickets. We also look into United’s splashy new “Relax Row” seats, discuss why American is reversing course on seatback screens, and throw out some quick takes on news like rule changes around Delta’s 20-minute baggage guarantee. Plus, a listener dubs Gunnar “The Redheaded Clown.” Brutal. Watch us on YouTube! 00:00 - When do you start packing for a trip?  01:43 - Rosie’s daughter introduces the show from Costa Rica! 02:20 - We’re a finalist for the 2026 Shorty Awards! Vote now at thriftytraveler.com/vote 03:26 - Are we out of the woods with TSA issues? 06:40 - JetBlue raises baggage fees, when will the other airlines follow? 09:15 - Womp, womp: Flying Blue raises fuel surcharges on award tickets 12:15 - United’s buzzy new Relax Row – would we book it?  16:50 - American wants to reinstall seatback screens 20:40 - Two new nonstop routes to the Philippines?! 23:25 - A word from our sponsor (us): Sign up for the Extra Mile newsletter today!  24:00 - Delta’s 2,500 bonus SkyMiles bags on time rule change 23:35 - Delta inks new inflight Wi-Fi deal with Amazon 27:00 - We love Flighty’s new update 28:35 - Amex ditches Saks, adds ChatGPT credits 30:20 - Attention, skiers: Epic and Ikon passes are now on sale 32:15 - Buying MLB tickets with Capital One miles is back 33:40 - What seat on the plane is best for your skin? 36:00 - Gunnar (finally) gets roasted in the reviews 38:15 - On the spot: Start, bench or cut Delta’s new transpacific routes? 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 [email protected] 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 newsletter, The Extra Mile!Follow us on…InstagramYouTubeFacebookBluesky Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Apr 2, 2026

Embed this episode

The news has been relentless to kick off the spring, so the guys spend the show tackling a dozen different stories. There’s an update on those awful TSA lines, JetBlue already raised its baggage fees, and Air France/KLM just raised surcharges on award tickets. We also look into United’s splashy new “Relax Row” seats, discuss why American is reversing course on seatback screens, and throw out some quick takes on news like rule changes around Delta’s 20-minute baggage guarantee. Plus, a listener dubs Gunnar “The Redheaded Clown.” Brutal.

Distinct summary based on available episode metadata or transcript content.

Ready to play

Bag Fees Go Up, United Throws Down & 10 More News Stories

0:00 41:12

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

No similar episodes found.

No similar podcasts found.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of The Thrifty Traveler Podcast?

This episode is 41 minutes long.

When was this The Thrifty Traveler Podcast episode published?

This episode was published on April 2, 2026.

Can I download this The Thrifty Traveler Podcast episode?

Yes. Use the download control on the episode player to save the publisher-provided media file.
URL copied to clipboard!