The 10 Commandments of Points & Miles
Gunnar and Kyle go back to basics on the pod: It’s not the Five D’s of Dodgeball, it’s the 10 Commandments of Points and Miles. Whether you’re just getting started with travel rewards or consider yourself a pro, this (only slightly irreverent) list can help you take things to the next level with your points. The guys also break down a troubling trend in frequent flyer programs … and Kyle roasts Gunnar for his clothes.
Episode 5 of the The Thrifty Traveler Podcast podcast, hosted by Gunnar Olson, Kyle Potter, titled "The 10 Commandments of Points & Miles" was published on April 10, 2025 and runs 61 minutes.
April 10, 2025 ·61m · The Thrifty Traveler Podcast
Summary
Gunnar and Kyle go back to basics on the pod: It’s not the Five D’s of Dodgeball, it’s the 10 Commandments of Points and Miles. Whether you’re just getting started with travel rewards or consider yourself a pro, this (only slightly irreverent) list can help you take things to the next level with your points. The guys also break down a troubling trend in frequent flyer programs … and Kyle roasts Gunnar for his clothes.
Episode Description
Gunnar and Kyle go back to basics on the pod: It’s not the Five D’s of Dodgeball, it’s the 10 Commandments of Points and Miles. Whether you’re just getting started with travel rewards or consider yourself a pro, this (only slightly irreverent) list can help you take things to the next level with your points. The guys also break down a troubling trend in frequent flyer programs … and Kyle roasts Gunnar for his clothes.
(00:00) Making memes & fun new airline routes
(04:15) Something hot: Revisiting that huge new 100K bonus
(08:27) Something cold: U.S. airlines are pulling the strings with devaluations
(13:10) A word from our sponsor (us … and our really cool tool that’ll help you pick your next travel card!)
(14:51) The Extra Mile: The 10 Commandments of Points & Miles
(17:30) 1. Start slow
(20:03) 2. Learn about how your credit score really works
(24:04) 3. Don’t rule out cards with annual fees
(28:52) 4. Stop before you swipe - maximize your spending
(32.41) 5. & stop swiping your airline credit card everywhere
The 3 Kinds of Credit Cards I Have (But Don’t Always Use)
(37:06) 6. Honor transferable points and airline alliances
(39:53) 7. But don’t transfer your points without a purpose
(42:42) 8. Use services (like ours) and other tools to help you get ahead
Travel Freely, our favorite tool to stay organized
(48:33) 9. Travel is not a contest
(51:03) 10. Resist points paralysis: Earn and burn
(55:04) A listener wonders how to tackle points & miles with a spouse - aka “two-player mode”
(59:13) Kyle puts Gunnar on the spot about his outfit
Produced by Gunnar Olson & Nick Serati
Edited by David Strutt
Show music: “All That” by Benjamin Tissot
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