How to Spend Less on Big Sports Trips in 2026: FIFA World Cup 2026, PGA Championship and More

Learn how to save on flights, hotels, and tickets when you travel for major sporting events like the FIFA World Cup, the PGA Championship, or the Olympics.

Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle discuss the ins and outs of planning travel for major sporting events. But first, Sally breaks down this week’s headlines with producer Tess Vigeland, including what TSA’s long-delayed pay could mean for airport security lines, Sally’s experience using Touchless ID at JFK, United’s new Dreamliner cabins and Relax Row seats, United’s MileagePlus earning changes, Bilt adding Wyndham Rewards as a transfer partner, and new Royal Caribbean cruise credit cards.

Then, Sally and Meghan discuss how to travel for sporting events without going broke, with tips and tricks on when to stay farther from the venue, how to use public transit and alternate airports, when vacation packages can beat booking everything separately, how to think about ticket presales and premium card perks, and when it might be smarter to skip the stadium and enjoy the fan festivities instead. They also look ahead to the FIFA World Cup, the PGA Championship, Formula 1 races, the NBA All-Star Game, the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, and future Super Bowls. Plus: they answer a listener’s question about cash-back cards versus points cards.

Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews:

• Wells Fargo Active Cash Card Review: 2% Cash Back With a Bonus

• Wells Fargo Autograph Review: Big Rewards, No Annual Fee

• Chase Sapphire Preferred Review: Strong Option for Travel Rewards

• Chase Sapphire Reserve Review: A High-End, High-Maintenance Card

• American Express Platinum Review: Top-Notch Lounge Access, Big Credits

• 10 Things to Know About the AmEx Centurion Black Card

Resources discussed in this episode:

• First Look: United’s Most Premium Plane With Polaris Studios

• United Makes Major Changes to Miles Earning Rates

• 28 Benefits of the Chase Sapphire Reserve

Want even more tips and tricks to get the most out of your travel dollars? Subscribe to TravelNerd, our free newsletter designed to help you crack the code on spending less on your travel. 

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