Flying Smarter: Air Travel Explained

Dec 31 2024 74 ep. 24 mins 42
Flying Smarter: Air Travel Explained Podcast artwork

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.

  Education  Society & Culture  Leisure
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72 - Why We Love Air Travel: 2024 Year-in-Review

Dec 31 2024 28 mins  
In this episode, we have our 2024 year-in-review. Hear from our guests about why they love air travel and their role in the aviation industry. Plus, pull back the curtain to share behind-the-scenes statistics and insights. Flying Smarter will be back in a few months with a series of all-new episodes! Our 2024 guests:Christie Hudson, Expedia US (E52)Unpack ’25, Expedia's 2025 trav

71 - Maximizing Your Points and Miles with Ben Komenkul

Oct 21 2024 23 mins  
In this episode, points and miles expert Ben Komenkul joins Andrew to share expert tips and insights to help you maximize your points and miles. But first, Andrew talks about USO lounges and airline charter divisions. You may have seen or heard about USO Lounges when travelling across the United States. What are these spaces? Learn more in this episode. This episode’s guest is Be

70 - The World's Top Airport Lounges

Oct 06 2024 22 mins  
This episode contains the third and final part of our series on airport lounges. Plus, Andrew takes a look at why airlines skip seat letters. We’ve previously covered why airlines sometimes skip row numbers, but why do they also do the same with seat letters? Find out in this episode. Did you know that Uber once offered a helicopter service called Uber Copter? Learn more about ho

69 - How to Access Airport Lounges

Sep 23 2024 24 mins  
In this episode, Andrew starts by looking at airline status and the US government’s airline for transporting prisoners. Then he continues our airport lounge series by looking at how to access lounges. What is alliance status? Flying Smarter has covered airline status before but this episode will look at how that translates to alliance-wide benefits.The United States government ha

68 - A Look at Airport Lounges

Sep 08 2024 25 mins  
In this episode, Andrew starts off by talking about why some airplanes skip row numbers and what airlines do to recognize “million milers.” Then for the main segment, he starts the first of a two-part series on airport lounges. Why do some airlines choose to skip row numbers? The rows on an airplane could be numbered from one to six and then jump to nine. Learn more in this epi

Revisited: Talking Turbulence with Owen Zupp

Aug 25 2024 27 mins  
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 turbulence and what you need to know a

67 - Keeping Travelers Satisfied with Michael Taylor

Aug 11 2024 29 mins  
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 have hidden crew rest areas? Mich

66 - Five More Unique Air Travel Experiences

Jul 28 2024 23 mins  
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 “milk run” through the rugged Al

65 - The Future of Technology in the Air Travel Experience with Joelle Cuvelier

Jul 01 2024 23 mins  
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 this episode. We continue our interv

64 - Tools for Finding Flight Deals & Cheap Flights

Jun 17 2024 24 mins  
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 often a goal for travelers. And there