In this episode, we sit down with airline industry veteran Cory Garner to discuss the complex world of airline distribution and frequent flyer programs. Cory shares his insider perspective on how airlines are using new technologies and strategies to compete for customer loyalty in an increasingly dynamic market. We also dive into the pros and cons of splitting your loyalty between airlines to maximize benefits.

Highlights:

(0:00) Introduction

(1:23) Airlines using new tech to influence loyalty

(5:54) NDC gives airlines more control over distribution

(11:25) Leisure agencies adapted to NDC, corporate lags

(14:58) Airlines mark up fares in legacy channels

(17:52) Loyalty programs drive 15-20% of airline revenue

(22:28) Cash + points offers usually a worse deal

(26:45) Split loyalty in competitive markets to maximize benefits

(33:55) Made pizza, saw Sophia Loren filming location

NTA Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/notouristsallowed321/

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https://www.youtube.com/@notouristsallowed-aninside7994

NTA Podcast Links:

https://podfollow.com/no-tourists-allowed-an-insiders-guide-to-travel

NTA LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/no-tourists-allowed

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Produced by Podcast Studio X.

Are you sitting on a pile of airline miles but feel like you can never use them effectively? In this episode, we uncover the dirty secrets of airline loyalty programs with Julian Kheel, CEO of Points Path. Julian exposes the ways airlines have devalued your miles over time and shares unconventional strategies for beating them at their own game. If you're ready to stop being a sucker and start traveling smarter, this is a must-listen episode.

Highlights:

(0:00) Introduction

(1:27) Julian Kheel, CEO of Points Path, introduced

(3:04) Hyatt has the best hotel loyalty program

(5:12) Mal de debarquement syndrome from cruising

(9:21) Points Path solves when to use miles

(11:06) Points Path provides live airline point prices

(16:00) Points plus cash usually a bad deal

(18:15) Lose 6-12% points value during holidays

(22:32) Users find great international business class deals

(24:29) Newsletter covers top 5 weekly travel deals

(27:21) DOT pressuring airlines on miles transparency

NTA Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/notouristsallowed321/

NTA YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@notouristsallowed-aninside7994

NTA Podcast Links:

https://podfollow.com/no-tourists-allowed-an-insiders-guide-to-travel

NTA LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/no-tourists-allowed

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Produced by Podcast Studio X.

Join us as we discuss the role of AI in travel planning and whether it can be trusted to handle the complexities of crafting the perfect trip. We also delve into the realities faced by flight attendants, including low pay and surprising insider secrets about airline food and water safety.

Highlights:

(0:00) Introduction

(2:29) AI lacks human touch for travel planning

(4:35) Recommendation engines give unqualified suggestions

(6:32) AI agents can't handle complex travel logistics

(11:25) Many flight attendants face poverty wages

(15:46) Unhappy airline employees hurt customer service

(20:57) Avoid airplane coffee/tea, says flight crew

(22:58) Plane food often overcooked or over-processed

(29:33) Fall foliage cruise to Canada/New England

NTA Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/notouristsallowed321/

NTA YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@notouristsallowed-aninside7994

NTA Podcast Links:

https://podfollow.com/no-tourists-allowed-an-insiders-guide-to-travel

NTA LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/no-tourists-allowed

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Produced by Podcast Studio X.