Experience 072. Complicated Connections. Multiple Stops for Cheaper Fares.

The Seat 1A Podcast

In this experience we discuss the fact that this summer many people will be flying but the prices for direct connections are often fairly expensive. Often multiple connections are a way people find to save costs.

These multi-stops remind Vinod when planes had to stop due to the lack of range. But unlike times in the past today you can see all the travel details related to your trip.

As people change their ticket purchasing habits, it can mean a change in the way that they layover. Iceland was one of the first countries that promoted a free layover.

Sometimes you can’t find the flight to book even though you have been able to find it on a booking site.

There have been some pretty cool milk runs.

Vinod shares his experience with the Hawaii Interchange, as passengers from the North American West Coast all changed in Honolulu on their way to Australia and New Zealand.

Geoff shares his experience from northern Norway on Public Service Obligation flights flying along the coast.

We look at double stop flights and how Dutch airlines have connected to Alberta this way.

There is also the Pacific Island Hopper, which led to Vinod wondering how a United 737 made it to Tokyo.

A former route that was well beloved was Cathay Pacific's flight from Hong Kong to Vancouver to New York JFK.

When you see a cheap flight, pay attention to how long the connection time is. Do you have a chance to get out of the airport to see the city? Will your passport or visa allow you to do so? Will your layover get eaten up by a terminal or airport switch? Are you travelling alone or with family?

When you add it all together, even if the ticket is cheaper, how much are you spending to manage through it? Are two one ways cheaper? If you’re connecting to a smaller airport is it easy to take another form of transport if things go sideways?

Airlines are doing their best to figure out load factors without the last few years of data.

If you're liking this episode experience, you may also enjoy Experience 024. "Into the mailbag - Part 1. Inflight meal service and free overnight accommodation." It's available wherever you listen to your podcasts.

We also look at Europe to Asian runs, with a critical moment that did not go well. Vinod shares his family connection with it.

News Items:

• simpleflying.com article Pairing Music With Food: The Story Of British Airways' Sensory Menus
• flyertalk.com article United Reveals Historic Expansion of Service in South Pacific

If you have a story about complicated connections, upcoming trips, or other experiences that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. If you wish to support the show financially, we are on Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/