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Air travel can be confusing and frustrating. At the same time, the world of commercial flying is absolutely fascinating. In each episode, this podcast will answer your questions and explore different topics to expand your horizons and make you a smarter and savvier air traveler. Whether you are looking to make the most of your next flying experience or are a naturally curious learner who wants to know more about how air travel works, Flying Smarter is the podcast for you.
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Revisited: Talking Turbulence with Owen Zupp
27:15
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We have to take a week off unfortunately, but we’re revisiting Episode 8 instead of skipping this week altogether! Flying Smarter will be back with an all-new Episode on September 9th. --- This episode is special because it doesn’t follow the normal episode format. Andrew spends the entire episode chatting with airline pilot Owen Zupp about turbule…
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67 - Keeping Travelers Satisfied with Michael Taylor
29:54
29:54
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29:54
Andrew starts this episode by talking about aircraft painting and secret crew rest areas. The main segment for this episode features Michael Taylor from data analytics and consumer insights firm J.D. Power. How often do aircraft get repainted? And why is the process so important? Find out more in this episode. Plus, did you know that some airliners…
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66 - Five More Unique Air Travel Experiences
23:51
23:51
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23:51
In this episode, Andrew starts by looking at why airlines and aircraft sometimes struggle in hot temperatures. Then he explores five unique air travel experiences. Why do planes have trouble taking off in hot temperatures? The answer has to do with science. Learn more about why this happens and what airlines and travelers can do about it. From a “m…
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65 - The Future of Technology in the Air Travel Experience with Joelle Cuvelier
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23:36
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23:36
This episode contains the second part of our conversation with Joelle Cuvelier from global travel technology company Amadeus. Plus, Andrew takes a look at whether a plane can fly with only one engine. Can a plane fly with only one engine? Most commercial aircraft today have two engines, but what happens if there is an engine failure? Find out in th…
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64 - Tools for Finding Flight Deals & Cheap Flights
24:42
24:42
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24:42
In this episode, Andrew starts off by talking about mileage runs. Then for the main segment, he looks at tools that you can use to find flight deals and cheap flights. What is a mileage run and should you consider doing one for airline status or for points and miles? Learn more about this tactic in this episode. Finding an inexpensive flight is oft…
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63 - A Look Behind Your Ticket Purchase with Joelle Cuvelier
21:15
21:15
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21:15
Andrew starts this episode by talking about some exciting innovations in the onboard experience. The main segment for this episode features Joelle Cuvelier from travel technology company Amadeus. Last week was the 2024 edition of the annual Aircraft Interiors Expo, and there were some exciting announcements at the event. From a high-tech business c…
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In this episode, Andrew starts by looking at how you can get your Global Entry or NEXUS membership revoked. Then he explores Tokyo’s two international airports, looking at what you need to know about each of the facilities. A listener sent in a question asking how your Global Entry can be revoked. Learn about the different ways that this can end up…
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61 - Flight Attendant Tales with Ally Murphy
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29:14
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29:14
In this episode, former flight attendant Ally Murphy joins Andrew to share fascinating stories and lessons from the skies. But first, Andrew talks about requalifying for elite status. How does requalifying for elite status in an airline’s loyalty program work? Different airlines have different requirements, with some making it easier for existing s…
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60 - Understanding Airline Loyalty Program Status
23:03
23:03
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23:03
In this episode, Andrew starts off by talking about the longest domestic flights in the world. Then for the main segment, he looks at airline loyalty program status. There are domestic flights out there that are over ten hours long. And the longest regularly scheduled flight ever was a domestic route. Learn more in this episode. What is airline sta…
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59 - Designing an Airline Brand with Edmond Huot
29:32
29:32
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29:32
This episode starts by looking at why you shouldn’t inflate your life jacket until you are about to leave the aircraft. Andrew then talks with Edmond Huot about airline design and branding. Why are we told not to inflate our life jackets until we are about to exit the plane? There are some important reasons that could mean the difference between li…
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In this episode, Andrew starts by looking at whether you can get your expired points and miles back. Then he talks about aviation safety, looking at recent incidents and news as well as the bigger historical picture. If your points and miles are expired, can you get them back? Learn more about reinstating your points in this episode. There has been…
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57 - Behind the Scenes of Airline Maintenance with Brian Bermudez Part 2
27:03
27:03
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27:03
This episode features the second part of Andrew’s chat with aircraft maintenance engineer and professor Brian Bermudez. Plus, he looks at whether your points and miles will expire. Do your points and miles expire? If you’re collecting airline loyalty points, you will want to know the answer to this question. With some loyalty programs, the points n…
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56 - Behind the Scenes of Airline Maintenance with Brian Bermudez Part 1
23:17
23:17
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23:17
Andrew starts this episode by talking about airline flight numbers. The main segment for this episode features aircraft maintenance technician and professor Brian Bermudez. How do flight numbers get assigned? It depends, but there are some common practices and conventions. Learn more about how airlines choose their flight numbers in this episode. A…
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55 - Flying Around the Globe: Round-the-World Itineraries
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27:32
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27:32
In this episode, Andrew starts off by talking about what the different cabin class names mean. Then he looks at round-the-world tickets and how you can take a trip around the globe. Club World, Delta One, Signature Class, and Mint. These are all names of airlines’ lie-flat business class products. What’s with all the different names? What does the …
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54 - All About Aviation Weather with Doug Morris
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24:11
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This episode starts by looking at why involuntary downgrades happen and what to do if you get involuntary downgraded. Andrew then talks to airline captain Doug Morris about aviation weather and how it affects your flight. Nobody likes purchasing a premium cabin ticket and then being downgraded to a worse seat. Why might this happen and what should …
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53 - How the Global Air Travel System Works Together
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25:33
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Andrew starts this episode by talking about how much airliners weigh and important takeaways from recent aviation incidents. Then he looks at the international organizations that exist to keep the world of air travel functioning seamlessly. It’s no secret that the aircraft that we fly on are massive, but how much do they actually weigh? Andrew delv…
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52 - When to Book Your Flight: Travel Hacks & Trends with Christie Hudson
24:01
24:01
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24:01
In this episode, Andrew starts by looking at how you can fly on the world’s largest airliner – the Airbus A380 – these days. The main segment features Expedia travel expert Christie Hudson who is here to share data-driven air hacks and travel trends. Have you ever wanted to fly on the Airbus A380? Nicknamed the superjumbo, it’s the largest passenge…
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51 - Travel Tips: 2023 Year-in-Review Part 2
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22:04
This is the second part of our 2023 year-in-review. Our guests from throughout the year are sharing their travel tips and insights in a series of previously unaired clips. What are some essential items to pack according to a flight attendant? Episode 30 guest Lara Ketterman shares her thoughts. What is the Southwest Companion Pass? Episode 36/37 gu…
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50 - Celebrating 50 Episodes & 2023 Year-in-Review Part 1
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20:49
Flying Smarter is celebrating 50 episodes! This episode contains some special announcements as well as the first part of our 2023 year-in-review. What training do flight attendants get for dealing with panicked passengers? Former flight attendant and Episode 45 guest Carrie Bradley answers this question in this episode. Air traffic controller Andy …
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49 - Why Flying is Miserable with Ganesh Sitaraman
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24:45
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24:45
Andrew starts this episode by talking about why we board and deplane from the left side of the aircraft. Afterwards, the main segment of this episode features law professor Ganesh Sitaraman, who joins Andrew to talk about why flying is miserable and what we can do about it from a regulatory perspective. In the last episode, we talked a lot about bo…
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48 - Boarding and Deplaning: How We Get On and Off the Plane
23:21
23:21
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In this episode, Andrew starts off by talking about whether you can sleep overnight in an airport terminal. Then he looks at the different ways we board and deplane our flights. Can you sleep overnight in an airport terminal? The answer depends on where you are and there are a lot of factors at play. Some airports have facilities to help travelers …
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47 - On the Airport Ramp with Tyler Crook
26:58
26:58
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26:58
This episode starts by looking at how to ensure that you are within your baggage allowances so that you avoid surprise fees at the airport. Andrew then talks to ramp agent Tyler Crook to get a look at what goes on outside your plane on the airport ramp. Have you ever been surprised by extra bags fees at the airport? Or have you had a carry on that …
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In this episode, Andrew starts off by talking about where airliners are assembled. Then he looks at schedule changes and how to deal with them. The planes that we fly are on are huge and aircraft manufacturers therefore have massive facilities to produce them. Find out where these aircraft assembly facilities are located around the world. Did you k…
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45 - Flying with a Baby with Carrie Bradley
25:01
25:01
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Andrew starts this episode by talking about airline seat map websites. The main segment for this episode features family travel expert and former flight attendant Carrie Bradley. Where can you find airline seat maps? The ones provided by the airlines often don’t have much information. Learn about third-party websites that provide valuable details a…
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44 - The Lasting Impacts of the September 11 Terrorist Attacks
25:14
25:14
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25:14
In this episode, Andrew starts off by talking about why airplane cabins are so dry and what you can do about it. Then he looks at the lasting impacts of the 9/11 attacks on air travel today. Why do aircraft cabins feel so dry? If you’ve ever felt this way, you’re not wrong. Find out why this is the case and what you can do about it in this episode.…
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43 - How to Avoid Getting Bumped from Your Flight
23:12
23:12
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23:12
Andrew starts by talking about why fares are so cheap in Europe when compared to North America. Then, the main segment for this episode looks at how you can avoid getting bumped from your flight. Why are fares in Europe cheaper than those in North America? It comes down to a bunch of factors, including geography and government legislation. Learn mo…
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42 - Exploring the Essential Air Service with Joey Gerardi
29:25
29:25
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29:25
This episode of Flying Smarter starts off by talking about Real ID and which plane has lavatories on the cargo hold level. Aviation writer and video producer Joey Gerardi then joins Andrew to talk about the United States Essential Air Service. In the last episode of Flying Smarter, we covered trusted traveler programs including Global Entry. A list…
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41 - Talking About Trusted Traveler Programs
24:31
24:31
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24:31
In this episode, Andrew starts off by talking about the future of jumbo jets. Then he looks at trusted traveler programs that can help you save time at the airport. The Airbus A380 and Boeing 747 are both out of production, so what is the future of jumbo jets? Listen to what Andrew has to say in response to this listener question. Want to save time…
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40 - Navigating the Airports of New York City
23:00
23:00
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23:00
Andrew starts by talking about whether or not you should build your own connection. Then, the main segment for this episode looks at the airports of New York City. Should you book connecting flights on two separate tickets? This is a practice that could save you money when booking your flight but also comes with substantial risks. This episode take…
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39 - Inside Air Traffic Control with Andy Watson
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29:14
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This episode starts by looking at which planes have an upper deck. Andrew then talks with air traffic controller Andy Watson to get an inside look at what goes on inside the world of air traffic control. Have you ever seen a double-decker aircraft? Or have you ever been on one? Find out how to tell what they are in this episode. Andy Watson shares …
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In this episode, Andrew talks about why flights often don’t divert to the nearest airport. For the main segment, he looks at the story of the infamous Boeing 737 MAX. Why do flights sometimes divert to an airport that hours away? Doesn’t make it the most sense to land at the nearest airport? There are lots of considerations that go into diversions.…
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37 - Finding Cheap Flights & Traveling on a Budget with Kendyl Grender Part 2
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This episode has the second part of a two-part discussion about travel hacking and budget travel with Kendyl Grender. In this episode, Andrew continues his talk with her, covering points and miles, how budget travel can include luxury experiences, and more. Plus, he looks at airplane age. How old is the plane that you’re flying on? How do you find …
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36 - Finding Cheap Flights & Traveling on a Budget with Kendyl Grender Part 1
21:57
21:57
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Andrew starts this episode by talking about birds in airport terminals. The main segment for this episode is the first part of a conversation with Kendyl Grender, a budget traveler and creator of Kendyl Travels. Have you ever seen a bird flying around the interior of an airport terminal? Learn about why this is fairly common and what airports do ab…
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35 - The Runway: A Mile of Pavement That Will Take You Anywhere
23:01
23:01
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23:01
In this episode, Andrew talks about an essential piece of airport infrastructure: runways. Plus, he looks at airline codes. In Episode 33, we covered airline codes. But what about airline codes? Learn more in this episode. Did you know that there’s a secretive US government airline that flies people to places like Area 51? Find out about this airli…
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34 - Medical Emergencies, Travel Tips & More: Insights from Our 2022 Guests
23:38
23:38
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23:38
Andrew starts by talking about why flight deck doors are often open during boarding. The main segment for this episode features previously unaired clips from our 2022 guests. If you board through the front door of an aircraft, you may have noticed that you can often catch a glimpse of the cockpit through the open flight deck door. Why is this door …
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Andrew starts by talking about one of the aspects of flying that causes the most nervousness: turbulence. Then, the main segment for this episode looks at airport codes. Should we be afraid of turbulence? While turbulence can be nerve-wracking even for frequent flyers, there isn’t all that much to be worried about. Learn more in this episode and ch…
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32 - A Look at Loyalty Programs with Mark Ross-Smith
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28:24
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This episode starts by looking at why you have to put your seat back and tray table up before landing. Andrew then talks with StatusMatch CEO and former airline loyalty program head Mark Ross-Smith about airline loyalty programs. Why do you have to put your seat back and tray table up before landing? It’s all about safety. Learn more in this episod…
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In this episode, Andrew starts off by talking about the dirtiest parts of a plane. Then he explores five unique air travel experiences, sharing some of the most interesting offerings out there. What are the dirtiest parts of a plane? Is it the lavatory or is it closer to where you’re sitting? Find out more in this episode. Did you know that there’s…
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30 - Behind the Scenes of Long-Haul Flying with Lara Ketterman
28:37
28:37
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28:37
This episode of Flying Smarter starts off by looking at why some window seats are missing a window. Flight attendant Lara Ketterman then joins Andrew to provide a behind-the-scenes look at long-haul flying. Why are some window seats missing the window? This can be frustrating for those who choose a window seat to look outside. Learn more in this ep…
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In this episode, Andrew talks about the dreaded problem of flight delays. Plus, he looks at runway incursions. What is a runway incursion? Runway incursions pose a risk to aviation safety but there are systems in place to prevent them. Learn more in this episode. Did you know that one airline has installed hands-free lavatory doors? There’s no doub…
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28 - Building a Points and Miles Strategy with Dave Grossman Part 2
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This episode has the second part of a two-part interview about points and miles with MilesTalk founder and editor Dave Grossman. In this episode, Andrew continues his talk with him, covering credit cards, memorable redemptions, and more. Plus, he looks at why your plane might look like it has duct tape on it. Have you ever seen duct tape on a plane…
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27 - Building a Points and Miles Strategy with Dave Grossman Part 1
22:39
22:39
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Andrew starts by talking about what airport slots are and how they can affect your flight. The main segment for this episode is the first part of an interview with Dave Grossman, the founder of points and miles website MilesTalk. You’re sitting at the gate on a delayed flight and your captain makes an announcement saying that your flight has missed…
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26 - The World's Largest Passenger Airliner: The Airbus A380
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24:52
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In this episode, Andrew starts by talking about what it means if you have SSSS printed on your boarding pass. Then, he looks at the Airbus A380, also known as the super jumbo. What does it mean if you have the letters SSSS printed on your boarding pass? It’s not something you want to see. Find out more in this episode. The A380 is the world’s large…
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25 - Overcoming Your Fear of Flying with Tom Bunn
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This episode starts by looking at the busiest days of year for air travel. Andrew then talks with therapist and retired airline captain Tom Bunn about addressing a fear of flying. What are the busiest days of the year for air travel? The answer actually depends on where you are in the world. Learn more in this episode. Did you know that some airlin…
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24 - Everything You Need to Know About Seat Selection Part 2
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This is the second part of a two-part series on seat selection. In this episode, Andrew talks more about seat selection, providing helpful advice, tips and warnings. Plus, he looks at why LaGuardia Airport in New York has such a bad reputation. New York’s LaGuardia Airport has had a horrible reputation for years. It has been described as horrible a…
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23 - Everything You Need to Know About Seat Selection Part 1
20:59
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20:59
Andrew starts by talking about border preclearance and the world’s longest flights. The main segment for this episode is the first part of a two-part series on seat selection. What is border preclearance? These arrangements between countries allow passengers to clear border processes before departure on an international flight. Learn about the impl…
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22 - Taking the Skies Less Traveled with Michael Hilliard
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24:27
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In this episode, Andrew answers the question of why you can’t board a flight after the gate closes even if the plane is still sitting there. He then chats with Michael Hilliard, a conflict journalist who has travelled to many unconventional destinations around the world, gaining unique experiences and insights on air travel. Why can’t you board a f…
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21 - Yellow Things: Oxygen Masks, Life Jackets and Life Rafts
20:59
20:59
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20:59
In this episode, Andrew starts off by talking about departure and arrival times as well as North Korea’s airline. Then he talks about three important safety features that all happen to be yellow, looking at how they work and what you need to know. What do departure and arrival times actually mean? Do they refer to your gate departure and arrival ti…
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20 - Bringing Pets to the Skies with Gayle Martz
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23:12
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This episode starts by discussing invitation-only airline loyalty tiers and the difference between non-stop and direct flights. Andrew then chats with former flight attendant and pet travel expert Gayle Martz about bringing pets into airline cabins. Some airlines have special tiers in their loyalty programs for their highest spenders and most influ…
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19 - The Past and Future of Supersonic Air Travel
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22:43
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In this episode, Andrew answers questions about how airlines determine their scheduled flying times and why they pad their schedules. Then, he dives into the past and future of supersonic air travel. How do airlines determine flying times for their schedules? It’s a little bit more complicated than doing a calculation with the aircraft speed and ro…
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