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.

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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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