Flying Smarter: Air Travel Explained

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 check out Andrew’s chat with airline pilot Owen Zupp about turbulence in Episode 8 for more.  
• JFK, LHR, SYD – these airport codes clearly represent New York’s JFK Airport, London Heathrow, and Sydney Airport. But these airports also have the codes of KJFK, EGLL, and YSSY. Why is this, what are these codes used for, and what do they mean? Find out more in this episode. 
• Did you know that there’s a single airport with three airport codes? Andrew talks about where this unique airport is located and why it has so many codes.

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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 episode.  
• Mark Ross-Smith brings his wealth of knowledge and experience with airline loyalty programs to this episode of Flying Smarter. He talks with Andrew about how the airline loyalty business works, why airline loyalty programs can be worth more than the airlines themselves, and much more.  
• What are the trends and challenges with loyalty programs these days? What are some of the top programs out there? Mark shares valuable insights, tips, and advice for travelers when it comes to airline loyalty. 

Mark Ross-Smith is the CEO of StatusMatch, which creates customer acquisition technology for airlines while helping travellers enjoy the full potential of their loyalty and status. He is also the Editor of Travel Data Daily, a resource for loyalty program owners including airlines, hotels and other industry professionals. He was previously the head of Malaysia Airlines’ Enrich Loyalty Program, where he managed the program to the most successful point in the history of the airline. You can find Mark on LinkedIn.

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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 an airline that allows you to shower in flight? What’s it like and how does it work? Andrew explores onboard showers in this episode. 
• How does Southwest Airlines’ open seating policy work? What is the Island Hopper route? There are so many fascinating experiences in the world of air travel and this episode takes a close look at a few of them.

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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 episode.
• Lara Ketterman is a flight attendant with a major US airline. In this episode, she talks about long-haul flying from a flight attendant’s perspective, covering things from crew scheduling to what flight attendants get up to during long flights. 
• Have you ever wondered about people getting frisky in the aircraft lavatory? Or are you curious about what pilots and flight attendants eat on board? Lara talks about all this and more in this episode. 

Lara Ketterman is a Phoenix-based flight attendant with a major US airline. She is one of the co-hosts of Non-Rev Lounge, an airline employee travel and aviation podcast. She has flown all over the world and has a wealth of airline and travel experience. She also writes for an online travel magazine called Travel Awaits. You can find Lara on Twitter and Instagram. Non-Rev Lounge is also on Twitter and Instagram and you can find the show wherever you listen to podcasts.

If you’re enjoying Flying Smarter, please take a minute to leave a five-star review for the podcast if you’re listening on a platform that allows you to do so like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Goodpods. It helps the grow the podcast and convince guests to come on the show and we would greatly appreciate it!

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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 doubt that lavatory door handles are covered in germs and one airline has a solution. 
• Perhaps one of the most frustrating things that can happen during air travel is a flight delay. In this episode, Andrew explores some of the most common reasons that your flight could be delayed and then talks about what you can do when your flight is delayed.

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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 and gotten worried? Airlines don’t actually use the household product to repair their aircraft. Find out more in this episode.  
• Did you know that some airlines have rear-facing seats? In this episode, learn more about how you could end up facing the back of the plane.
• Andrew continues his conversation with Dave Grossman, the founder and editor of points and miles website MilesTalk. In this episode, Dave talks about finding the right credit cards, addressing concerns on how credit cards affect your credit score and how to use them responsibly, some of his most memorable redemptions, and more. 

Dave Grossman is the founder of MilesTalk, a website with the latest on how to best earn and spend credit card rewards, frequent flyer miles, and hotel points. As part of MilesTalk, he has also created a resource called Your Best Credit Cards which is designed to give consumers a data-driven answer to the question of which credit card is best for them. He has run seminars at South by Southwest and the New York Times Travel Show and is also the author of the book MilesTalk: Live Your Wildest Travel Dreams Using Miles and Points. You can find Dave and MilesTalk on Facebook (group and page), Instagram, and Twitter. 

If you’re enjoying Flying Smarter, please take a minute to leave a five-star review for the podcast if you’re listening on a platform that allows you to do so like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Goodpods. It helps the grow the podcast and convince guests to come on the show and we would greatly appreciate it!

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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 its departure slot. What is this all about? Learn all about how airport slots work and what they mean for your journey.
• With some airlines, a portion of your itinerary could be operated by a bus or train. Find out how your “flight” could actually be a trip on the ground. 
• Andrew talks with Dave Grossman, the founder and editor of MilesTalk, a website that is dedicated to helping people learn more about airline miles, credit card points, and other rewards programs. In this episode, Dave talks about the importance of building a points and miles strategy, some of the things to consider when doing so, how to determine whether a particular redemption is a good one, and much more. 

Dave Grossman is the founder of MilesTalk, a website with the latest on how to best earn and spend credit card rewards, frequent flyer miles, and hotel points. As part of MilesTalk, he has also created a resource called Your Best Credit Cards which is designed to give consumers a data-driven answer to the question of which credit card is best for them. He has run seminars at South by Southwest and the New York Times Travel Show and has been quoted in countless publications. He is also the author of the book MilesTalk: Live Your Wildest Travel Dreams Using Miles and Points. You can find Dave and MilesTalk on Facebook (group and page), Instagram, and Twitter. 

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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 largest passenger plane, with a maximum capacity of over 850 passengers. It’s brought things never seen before in the world of air travel. In this episode, Andrew explores this mammoth aircraft.
• In the main segment for this episode, Andrew shares the story of the Airbus A380, going over how it brought wonder and new possibilities, what it meant for passengers, how its production came to an abrupt but somewhat predictable end, and how you can fly on an Airbus A380 today.

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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 airlines now offer grab and go lounge concepts? Find out which airlines have this offering.  
• Tom Bunn is a licensed therapist, retired airline captain and ex-United States Air Force fighter pilot. He has spent decades helping people address their fears and anxiety surrounding flying. He joins Andrew to talk about the causes behind a fear of flying, how to address fears and anxieties around flying, how you can help those around you, and much more.

Tom Bunn is the President and founder of SOAR, which has helped over 10,000 fearful fliers control anxiety, panic, and claustrophobia when flying. He is also the author of the award-winning book Panic Free: The 10-Day Program to End Panic, Anxiety, and Claustrophobia. You can learn more about Tom, his book, and SOAR’s fear of flying program at www.fearofflying.com.

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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 and even “third world” by travelers and public figures alike. Why is this the case and why might this reputation be a thing of the past?
• Even within an airline, the seating products out there can vary greatly. For example, your seat may or may not have a seatback personal entertainment screen. Or your business class seat may be a recliner seat or a lie-flat suite. There are tools that you can use to find out more about the specific seat that you’ll be flying on. Find out more in this episode.  
• Did you know that there are ways that you can learn more about desirable and undesirable seats on your flight? Or that seating assignments and selections aren’t guaranteed? Join Andrew as he shares more advice about seat selection. 

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