Welcome to episode 127 of The Journey Is the Reward!

On this episode, Brian and Micah are joined by Carlos, the founder of Plane Talking UK, for a deep dive into the world of aviation podcasting from a UK perspective. 

Before the guys get to the main event, they start with some essential ground handling from listener Marc. He checks in to discuss the legendary durability of Kirkland Signature luggage and gives us the lowdown on the new location for Geno’s Steaks in Hampton, Virginia—a destination definitely worth the detour.

The conversation then moves to the airport lounge, as listener Tonya writes in about the perks of buying an annual Priority Pass membership. It’s a savvy move for anyone who wants the VIP treatment without being forced to carry a credit card with a "heavy-lift" annual fee. 

We also tackle a question from listener Lu regarding the ever-expanding world of Basic Economy. Lu wants to know if Micah and Brian would ever actually book one of those "no-frills" seats, and Carlos chimes in with his two pounds of thought, noting how the fare wars look a bit different across the pond.

In the spirit of the season, Brian celebrates a successful delivery of Dubai chocolate for Christmas, while another listener proposes a massive trip to India for 2027. We want to know if you’re ready to join the crew, so please write in and let us know if you’d be interested in a listener trip to the subcontinent!  [email protected].

Finally, the boys sit down with Carlos to celebrate a milestone that’s definitely cleared for departure: the 600th episode of PTUK. Micah and Brian reminisce about attending the 200th and 400th shows, but sadly, Brian has a "maintenance day" for this particular milestone. Because of Momma Coleman’s 91st birthday party, Brian will be staying local—after all, family always gets priority boarding.

And as always, our ears are blessed by the utterly soul-stirring, goosebump-inducing sounds of the Madalitso Youth Choir! Their Welcome and Goodbye songs, recorded straight from the Royal Livingston Hotel in Zambia, are pure magic.