More Flights, Fewer Points: 5 Underrated Mileage Programs
Sure, you can earn and redeem SkyMiles and Rapid Rewards points to your heart’s content. We won’t stop you. But it’s the next level of points and miles programs that help you save even more and turn regular travelers into “sickos” like us. So the guys devote the show to spelling out five underrated airline mileage programs even everyday travelers can use to maximize their credit card points. Plus, a listener suggests a new nickname for fans of the show (there are dozens of you, we swear!) and Gunnar puts his all-time favorite airline programs on the Olympic podium.
Episode 53 of the The Thrifty Traveler Podcast podcast, hosted by Thrifty Traveler, titled "More Flights, Fewer Points: 5 Underrated Mileage Programs" was published on March 12, 2026 and runs 61 minutes.
March 12, 2026 ·61m · The Thrifty Traveler Podcast
Summary
Sure, you can earn and redeem SkyMiles and Rapid Rewards points to your heart’s content. We won’t stop you. But it’s the next level of points and miles programs that help you save even more and turn regular travelers into “sickos” like us. So the guys devote the show to spelling out five underrated airline mileage programs even everyday travelers can use to maximize their credit card points. Plus, a listener suggests a new nickname for fans of the show (there are dozens of you, we swear!) and Gunnar puts his all-time favorite airline programs on the Olympic podium.
Episode Description
Sure, you can earn and redeem SkyMiles and Rapid Rewards points to your heart’s content. We won’t stop you. But it’s the next level of points and miles programs that help you save even more and turn regular travelers into “sickos” like us. So the guys devote the show to spelling out five underrated airline mileage programs even everyday travelers can use to maximize their credit card points. Plus, a listener suggests a new nickname for fans of the show (there are dozens of you, we swear!) and Gunnar puts his all-time favorite airline programs on the Olympic podium.
00:00 - Our “gateway drug” into points & miles
01:55 - TG welcomes us back to the show from snowy Niseko, Japan
03:45 - What airline programs are actually getting better?
06:50 - And which are overrated?
11:10 - A word from our sponsor: Sign up for our Extra Mile Newsletter
11:45 - Framing a discussion on top five “underrated” airline programs
15:10 - #1: Avios … but maybe not the one you’re thinking of
23:20 - #2: A newcomer full of sweet spots
32:05 - #3: Another quirky Japanese program loaded with value
40:10 - #4: The popular SkyTeam program that’s not rated high enough
47:30 - #5: The U.S. airline with the best miles
55:25 - Listener Question: “Thrifties” & changing loyalty numbers on bookings
59:50 - On the Spot: What’s your airline mileage program podium
Produced and edited by Sylvia Thomas
Video editing by Kyle Thomas
Show music: “All That” by Benjamin Tissot
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