TravelStories Episode 37: Menagerie of Travel Topics

Episode 37: Show Notes In today’s organic, stream-of-consciousness episode, we take a look at some of our recent travel experiences, explore current industry trends, and share our take on what we think may happen in the not-so-distant future. Our menagerie of travel stories begins with Thomas’s experience of the Rio Las Vegas before diving into the mileage run that took him to Nevada. Then, we explore the current state of the airline industry, possible mergers to look forward to (or be worried about), the lifestyle choices that influence our travel choices, and the implausible airline merger that would be a match made in heaven. We also discuss the evolution of standard airport lounges, asses how they weigh up against membership and rewards lounges, and examine how Trevor’s trip to Charlotte reminds us of the real cost of inflation. For a laid-back, conversational episode that is both fun and thought-provoking, be sure to tune in today! Key Points From This Episode: [00:00] Thomas’s experience of the Rio Las Vegas. [08:12] How Thomas made his way to Vegas: an OG mileage run.   [10:22] The current state of the airline industry, and possible acquisitions and mergers.  [14:35] Exploring the finer details of Thomas’s Vegas mileage run.   [19:35] Ways that travel styles vary and how lifestyle changes influence travel choices. [23:20] What Thomas thinks about the Chase Sapphire Lounge in Dallas.  [28:55] The pros and cons of standard airport lounges versus membership lounges.  [34:18] Why Alaska Airlines and Jet Blue would be the perfect pairing.  [36:10] What we think about the future of Hawaiian Airlines. [38:00] Trevor’s quick overnight to Charlotte, North Carolina.  [42:55] The true cost of inflation.   Quotes: “The biggest deterrent for me in any environment for me is tobacco smoke.” — @tmount [04:40] “Ultimately, when we travel, we want to have options. That’s number one.” — @tmount [28:48] “Either Jet Blue will have a lounge within the decade or they won’t exist in a decade.” — @TktweetsKim [33:37] “I don’t know of an airline merger that has happened in less than 24 months.” — @TktweetsKim [37:45] “That’s only 4,500 Alaska miles, I mean, why not? Honestly, some of these trips that we take, it’s more expensive to pay for the Uber.” — @TktweetsKim [42:42] “With what it costs to dine out now, it definitely feels like more of a luxury item than it used to.” — @TktweetsKim [44:16] Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Rio Las Vegas&nbsp; But I’m a Diamond Guest Hyatt Hotels&nbsp; Alaska Airline United Airlines&nbsp; <p class="wp-block-para