Cheaper Fares Abroad, Big Bilt News, a Merger & 7 Other Big News Stories

The Thrifty Traveler Podcast · Jan 15, 2026 · 49m

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00:00 - About Gunnar’s controversial “Chicago-O’Hare is good” take…

02:55 - Are airlines ditching higher one-way fares for international flights?

12:45 - Why Allegiant’s surprise acquisition of Sun Country matters

23:15 - Bilt 2.0 is here, with good and bad news

30:00 - A word from our sponsor: us! Get Thrifty Traveler Premium today

33:10 - American Airlines (kinda) launches free Wi-Fi

34:10 - No mileage or status on AA basic economy tickets

35:10 - No status changes for American this year, but is bad news ahead?

36:20 - Hawaiian Airlines’ big plans for aircraft upgrades…