United Basic Economy Fares are Getting (A Bit) Better
United basic economy fares are the worst in the industry, bar none. Fortunately for travelers in a hurry, they're about to get a little bit better.| Thrifty Traveler
United basic economy fares are the worst in the industry, bar none. Fortunately for travelers in a hurry, they're about to get a little bit better.| Thrifty Traveler
Travelers looking to get free seat selection and baggage on the way to Europe will now have to pay $200 roundtrip (or more) to avoid basic economy.| Thrifty Traveler
Wow, this is brutal. Starting today, Delta basic economy tickets booked for next year will no longer earn Delta SkyMiles nor build toward elite status.| Thrifty Traveler
Not sure how to use United miles? It's tricky with any airline, but we've got a few suggestions for how to redeem United MileagePlus miles.| Thrifty Traveler
Major U.S. airlines give you free checked luggage if you hold their co-branded credit card. But do you need to pay for your flight with that card to get it?| Thrifty Traveler
United airlines baggage fees increased again this year, up to at least $35 each way. But there are still great ways to save on your checked bags.| Thrifty Traveler
Basic economy fares are here to stay, and they're unavoidable. But the three major airlines handle them differently. So we set out to compare them.| Thrifty Traveler
Disclaimer: Thrifty Traveler and its website, thriftytraveler.com, strives to keep all information up to date and accurate. The information here may differ from what you see on a financial institution, service provider, or specific product site. We’re not investment advisers, financial planners, or legal professionals - you shouldn’t rely on us for expert, individual financial guidance.| Thrifty Traveler
The Conrad Bora Bora Nui blends Polynesian flair with five-star luxury, but lackluster dining options. Check out our full review of this top Hilton property.| Thrifty Traveler
Capital One is making a splash with a brand new Capital One Travel Portal, laden with unique features that could sway cardholders to book.| Thrifty Traveler
Capital One is giving nearly all cardholders new ways to redeem their miles - or cash back - for merchandise from top brands like Apple, Bose, Kate Spade, and more.| Thrifty Traveler
There is no doubt about it: Disney theme park tickets are expensive. But if you've got Capital One miles, there is a sneaky way to cover part (or all) of that cost.| Thrifty Traveler
Alaska Airlines miles can take you all over the world. We show you where you can go and which redemptions have the best value - plus tips on how to book.| Thrifty Traveler
Capital One provides cardholders with three different ways to use Venture Miles. But in theory, there isn't much value in using them directly in the Capital One Travel Portal. Here's why.| Thrifty Traveler
Capital One Venture Miles are incredibly versatile thanks largely to the ability to cover travel purchases with them. Here are some of the best ways to put them to use.| Thrifty Traveler
Wondering if you might be able to open a business credit card? It might be much easier than you think. Read our guide for what you need to know.| Thrifty Traveler
While many travel cards will award you bonus points for booking a stay with Airbnb or Vrbo, only Capital One gives you a path toward redeeming them for stays with either company.| Thrifty Traveler
The Escape Lounge Phoenix provides just that - an escape from the busy Centurion Lounge next door. Its got ample seating, delicious food, and fewer crowds.| Thrifty Traveler
Amex officially unveiled the new Amex Platinum Card, with a host of new benefits and a much higher annual fee. But is it new and improved, or a dud?| Thrifty Traveler
Three-plus years after it was announced and nearly two years overdue, the Amex Centurion Lounge in Washington, D.C.-Reagan (DCA) is ready to open.| Thrifty Traveler
American Express' largest (and long-awaited) Centurion Lounge is set to open its doors in Atlanta (ATL) on Wednesday, Feb. 14.| Thrifty Traveler
Major changes to Delta's SkyMiles loyalty program appear to be coming next week and it seems likely to impact how travelers can earn Delta Medallion Elite status with the airline.| Thrifty Traveler
Wondering if the extra cost of flying Delta Comfort Plus is worth it? Here's a detailed review of what to expect when you upgrade.| Thrifty Traveler
Delta's latest and greatest 21,000-square-foot Sky Club located near Gate G17 officially opens for business on Wednesday morning April 19. Check out our sneak peek of the new space.| Thrifty Traveler
Two weeks after unveiling an unpopular overhaul of its elite status program, Delta is reconsidering. So why did the airline do it - and why did it backfire?| Thrifty Traveler
Delta's long-awaited Sky Club in Tokyo-Haneda (HND) opened its doors on Friday. And by the looks of it, this new lounge is a stunner - with a made-to-order noodle bar!| Thrifty Traveler
Delta has been under pressure for weeks to walk back its proposed changes to earning status and getting Sky Club access. But that doesn't mean it'll revert to the old ways.| Thrifty Traveler
Two weeks after prompting an outcry with major changes to its elite status and lounge access policies, Delta's CEO says they're listening.| Thrifty Traveler
Alaska Airlines is out with a big status match targeting frequent Delta flyers who may have soured on Delta after the recent SkyMiles Medallion program changes.| Thrifty Traveler
JetBlue is the latest airline offering a status match directed specifically at frequent Delta fliers who may be reconsidering their loyalty.| Thrifty Traveler
The Delta One Suite on the Airbus A350-900 has earned accolades for its privacy and style, but just how good is it? We put it to the test on a 15-hour flight.| Thrifty Traveler
Delta Premium Select is a middle ground between flying economy and business class. Read our review of Delta's premium economy seats flying to and from Europe.| Thrifty Traveler
Delta is doing it again. With some substantial changes to who can get into Sky Clubs (and how much it will cost) the airline is aiming to tackle overcrowded lounges.| Thrifty Traveler
Delta Platinum and Diamond Medallion status holders can now use both regional and global upgrade certificates online for new bookings.| Thrifty Traveler
Like clockwork, frequent Delta flyers worry when they wake up in the New Year to a status tracker set to zero. Relax: The Delta MQM rollover is underway.| Thrifty Traveler
Without understanding How Delta SkyMiles work, they can be frustrating. But with some basic groundrules you can get great value out of your Delta miles.| Thrifty Traveler
Think SkyMiles are worthless? Hardly, and the massive Delta SkyMiles flash sales are why. They're your ticket to huge discounts on a trip using miles.| Thrifty Traveler
If you're a regular Delta flyer, you likely know and love (or maybe loathe) SkyMiles. But there's another thing you're earning on nearly every Delta flight:| Thrifty Traveler
There are many factors that go into determining the Delta medallion upgrade order for the airline's most loyal passengers. Read on to learn more.| Thrifty Traveler
Delta's latest flash sale to Tokyo has fares from just 58,000 SkyMiles roundtrip. That's the lowest rate we've seen in years!| Thrifty Traveler
It doesn't get much cheaper than this. Book this Delta SkyMiles flash sale to the beaches of Mexico this winter for as low as 16,000 SkyMiles round-trip!| Thrifty Traveler
You can't fly to London much cheaper than this newest Delta SkyMiles flash sale. It's available nationwide starting from 34,000 SkyMiles roundtrip!| Thrifty Traveler
For nearly a decade, the Chase Sapphire Reserve has been one of the best premium, travel rewards credit cards on the market. How's it holding up?| Thrifty Traveler
Points and miles, miles and points. You've heard both terms, maybe interchangeably. But there's a critical difference between them to understand.| Thrifty Traveler
Chase credit cards that earn Ultimate Rewards are the perfect starting point for travelers. And with big limited-time bonus offers, it's more important than ever to prioritize Chase.| Thrifty Traveler
One of the steepest parts of the learning curve in the points and miles world is understanding the best time to use points vs. paying cash. We'll help.| Thrifty Traveler
Citi's ThankYou Points program has 14 airline transfer partners and now four hotel transfer partners. Learn how to get the most value out of your Citi ThankYou Points.| Thrifty Traveler
Basic economy fares typically leave you stuck in a middle seat. But with Delta, there are two ways where you can pick - including a free method.| Thrifty Traveler
JetBlue introduced new peak and off-peak checked baggage prices, raising the cost of a bag if you want to fly during certain times.| Thrifty Traveler
Starting in September, travelers flying JetBlue's lowest Blue Basic fares will again be able to bring a free carry-on bag.| Thrifty Traveler
Not only did JetBlue hike its baggage fees this year, it now charges you more based on when you fly. But there are still plenty of ways to save when flying JetBlue.| Thrifty Traveler
Rakuten is the best shopping portal in the game. Earn cashback or Amex points on all your online shopping.| Thrifty Traveler
Is Momondo a reliable website? Does it really find the cheapest prices? Find the answers and more in our guide to the popular travel search engine Momondo.| Thrifty Traveler
Mistake fares are the holy grail of flight deals, and your best bet at saving hundreds - if not thousands - of dollars on airfare. This is how to find them.| Thrifty Traveler
Whenever flight prices drop, it can open up a lucrative way to rebook your flights and pocket the difference - if you know how. You're in luck.| Thrifty Traveler
Most major U.S. airlines still allow travelers to freely change or cancel their flights in exchange for a voucher or travel credit. Here's what you need to know.| Thrifty Traveler
Worried about your flight? Booking a backup on another carrier? A small but important wrinkle with how they handle refund rules should make Delta and Southwest your first stop.| Thrifty Traveler
The new Delta Sky Club in Los Angeles (LAX) is massive and a great new option for Delta travelers. Check out our full review from its opening day.| Thrifty Traveler
Just a week after cutting Sky Club access, Delta is backtracking: They'll still allow flyers with lounge access to enter upon arrival after a flight.| Thrifty Traveler
One company built a creative browser extension to show Southwest fares while searching on Google Flights. Just months later, Southwest has moved to shut it down.| Thrifty Traveler
Recently, I've been getting questions about how to use Hopper flights and whether or not it can be useful for finding cheap airfare.| Thrifty Traveler
It's gotten harder to use the airline credits on your Amex Platinum Card. But there are still savvy ways to squeeze every dollar out of your Amex airline credits.| Thrifty Traveler
It may be small, but the reopened Escape Lounge MSP packs a punch. In fact, we'd argue it's the best lounge at Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport. Read on to see why.| Thrifty Traveler
Points and miles can unlock some pretty amazing vacations that we wouldn't otherwise dream of paying for. Teaming up with another person in two-player mode can get you the points needed for that unforgettable vacation even faster.| Thrifty Traveler
From instant hotel status to unrivaled lounge access, the Amex Platinum Card's benefits are some of the best perks you can get from any travel card.| Thrifty Traveler
The Centurion Lounge Las Vegas by American Express has great seating, good food, and top-notch drinks. Just get there at the right time to enjoy it.| Thrifty Traveler
No travel company did more in 2021 than Capital One with a brand new credit card and its first lounge. The company shed light on its lounge plans.| Thrifty Traveler
Chase will build its own Sapphire airport lounge in Las Vegas after winning a bid for a space in the airport's C gates.| Thrifty Traveler
Welcome to Thrifty Traveler and to the world of cheap travel. Daily flight deals, credit card offers, points & miles, destination guides and travel reviews.| Thrifty Traveler
Disclaimer: Thrifty Traveler and its website, thriftytraveler.com, strives to keep all information up to date and accurate. The information here may differ from what you see on a financial institution, service provider, or specific product site. We’re not investment advisers, financial planners, or legal professionals - you shouldn’t rely on us for expert, individual financial guidance.| Thrifty Traveler
Basic economy fares are a pain, but United Airlines takes it even farther. United basic economy fares are the most restrictive by far. Just how bad are they?| Thrifty Traveler
Basic economy fares are a pain, and that's no different with American Airlines basic economy. But what's included, what's not, and how can you beat these pesky fares?| Thrifty Traveler
Disclaimer: Thrifty Traveler and its website, thriftytraveler.com, strives to keep all information up to date and accurate. The information here may differ from what you see on a financial institution, service provider, or specific product site. We’re not investment advisers, financial planners, or legal professionals - you shouldn’t rely on us for expert, individual financial guidance.| Thrifty Traveler
It's not just Delta. The country's three largest airlines are charging some solo travelers higher fares than groups of two or more.| Thrifty Traveler
You don't need to sweat the complex world of points and miles to unlock free travel. It's easy with a handy tool from Capital One allowing you to cover travel purchases with miles.| Thrifty Traveler
Capital One has stormed onto the scene recently, making Capital One miles indispensable. Here are the best ways to use them - and what they're worth.| Thrifty Traveler
The best way to redeem your Capital One miles requires a bit more work ... by sending them to Capital One transfer partners.| Thrifty Traveler
There are a handful of travel cards that can cover the entire cost of signing up for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. Here's our list of the best options.| Thrifty Traveler
You want big bonuses and travel perks with low (or no) annual fees. We get it. But travelers need to do the math with their credit card annual fees.| Thrifty Traveler
Disclaimer: Thrifty Traveler and its website, thriftytraveler.com, strives to keep all information up to date and accurate. The information here may differ from what you see on a financial institution, service provider, or specific product site. We’re not investment advisers, financial planners, or legal professionals - you shouldn’t rely on us for expert, individual financial guidance.| Thrifty Traveler
Travel plans in limbo? Join the club. We've whipped up a flowchart to help you make the right decision when it comes time to ditch your trip.| Thrifty Traveler
We're big fans of Delta SkyMiles, and we know you are too. Here are some of the best ways to earn them, from big bonuses to little ways to add on.| Thrifty Traveler
Disclaimer: Thrifty Traveler and its website, thriftytraveler.com, strives to keep all information up to date and accurate. The information here may differ from what you see on a financial institution, service provider, or specific product site. We’re not investment advisers, financial planners, or legal professionals - you shouldn’t rely on us for expert, individual financial guidance.| Thrifty Traveler
Goodbye, Escape Lounges. Hello, Escape Lounge - Centurion Studio Partner Lounges. Amex is putting the Centurion name and some improvements behind U.S. Escape Lounges.| Thrifty Traveler
Delta is making huge changes to both its SkyMiles Medallion Program and Sky Club access starting early next year. Here's everything you need to know.| Thrifty Traveler
A month after causing an outcry with massive changes to earning Medallion Status and getting into lounges, Delta has finally scaled it back. But is it enough?| Thrifty Traveler
At an additional $195 per year, adding additional users to your Amex Platinum isn't exactly cheap. But the perks might be worth it.| Thrifty Traveler
Delta Choice Benefits are the icing on the cake for the airline's top status holders. But which of the many options make the most sense? We got you.| Thrifty Traveler
Delta was the first major U.S. airline to offer basic economy fares - and they've gone farther than most. Here's everything you need to know about Delta basic economy.| Thrifty Traveler
Delta sometimes wants to charge a boatload of SkyMiles for an award flight. But there might be a better way to book those exact same flights: Using Virgin Atlantic instead.| Thrifty Traveler
Yes, you can actually still earn miles for flying on a ticket booked with points. Use your credit card points to book a flight for free, and earn more.| Thrifty Traveler
JetBlue was among the last to introduce basic economy fares with its Blue Basic offering. But what do you get flying JetBlue basic economy?| Thrifty Traveler
Want to slash $30 - $180 off an already cheap flight deal? Cross-check a flight you find in Skyscanner and see if you can score an even better deal.| Thrifty Traveler
Book flights now now, and ask questions later. That's our motto, as the 24-hour flight cancellation rule requires airlines to fully refund fares canceled within 24 hours of booking.| Thrifty Traveler
The Capital One Venture X Card is one of the best premium travel credit cards available. Here's a full review of everything it offers.| Thrifty Traveler
With travel roaring back, Delta will limit Sky Club access to just three hours before departure and no longer allow lounge access upon arrival.| Thrifty Traveler
Retention offers are key to getting more from your credit cards. Before you renew or cancel, call your bank and see if bonus points or discounts are available.| Thrifty Traveler
New to American Express? You may be able to pull up a best-ever 150,000-point offer on the American Express Platinum Card through CardMatch.| Thrifty Traveler
The Capital One Venture X $300 travel credit is incredibly easy to use, but there are a few restrictions you need to be aware of. Read on for everything you need to know.| Thrifty Traveler
Earlier this year, American Express began charging cardholders for bringing guests into Amex Centurion Lounges - but that isn't the case everywhere. Here's where you can still get free guest access.| Thrifty Traveler
