On episode 98, Micah and Brian talk about the decision making process in booking his trip to Africa in September. 

But first, we hear from Listener Hendrik. He comments on our "whining" about American's having to pay a fee to visit Europe.

Then Listener Lu wants to know if we have heard about the Pan Am Experience and the extensive aviation collection of Anthony Toth. 

For the main segment, Brian and Micah talk about flight planning. First Brian talks about the decisions and choices made for his trip to Africa, along with some of the tools he used. Then Micah talks about his process and decisions he had to make for the ticket he is getting for his brother Rick.

The opening and closing music is provided by the Madalitso Youth Choir as they sing their Welcome song and their Good By song, recorded at the lobby of The Royal Livingston Hotel in Zambia.

And if you would like to hear them sing live, get in touch with us at [email protected] to learn about the group trip we are planning in late September, 2025.

We hope you enjoy the show!

On episode 97, Micah and Brian continue our talk with Eric the Mapmaker about his recent trip to Italy on a new airline, Neos. Well, a new airline to us even though they have been in business since 2001.

As there was so much to talk about, we dive right into the continuation of episode 96 and learn more about Eric and Bella's trip to Italy. Therefore, there is no listener mail or Listener Lu question.

The opening and closing songs are provided by the Madalitso Youth Choir as they sing their Welcome song and their Good By song, recorded at the lobby of The Royal Livingston Hotel in Zambia.

And if you would like to hear them sing live, get in touch with us at [email protected] to learn about the group trip we are planning in late September or October, 2025.

We hope you enjoy the show!

On episode 96, Micah and Brian talk with Eric the Mapmaker about his receint trip to Italy on a new airline, Neon. Well, a new airline to us even though they have been in business for a while.

But first, we hear from Listener Mike who joins us from the Airplane Geeks podcast. Mike writes in and wants to know about Premium Economy seating and how they differ between airlines. (Check out this article for more information. ⁠https://www.businesstraveller.com/features/which-airlines-have-the-best-premium-economy/⁠) 

Listener subway Mark writes in about taking public transportation to the airport. Micah and I agree that it's a good idea, just not very convenient in most US cities. 

Listener Lu wants to know our thoughts on people who stand up as soon as the plane lands and the flight attendant turns off the seatbelt sign. 

For the main segment, Brian and Micah talk with Mapmaker Eric about his trip on Neos to Italy. 

Well, there was so much to talk about, we had to break this up into two episodes... so check out the second part of the conversation on episode 97.

The opening and closing music is provided by the Madalitso Youth Choir as they sing their Welcome song and their Good By song, recorded at the lobby of The Royal Livingston Hotel in Zambia.

And if you would like to hear them sing live, get in touch with us at [email protected] to learn about the group trip we are planning in late September or October, 2025.

We hope you enjoy the show!

On episode 95, Micah and Brian talk about Brian's flight up to the capital of California, Sacramento. Well, actually the town of Lodi, but close enough. 

But first, we hear from Eric the Mapmaker. Eric tells us about a translation app called DeepL.

Sadly, there was no question from Listener Lu this episode. 

For the main segment, Brian and Micah talk about flying out of Burbank airport. He was also able to check out a new long term parking lot. Then it's all about unpacking his friend’s apartment and picking up some long lost forgotten Central Valley wine from the Klinker Brick winery.

The opening and closing music is provided by the Madalitso Youth Choir as they sing their Welcome song and their Good By song, recorded at the lobby of The Royal Livingston Hotel in Zambia.

And if you would like to hear them sing live, get in touch with us at [email protected] to learn about the group trip we are planning in late September or October, 2025.

We hope you enjoy the show!

On episode 94, Micah and Brian talk about Brian's media review flight on Aero from the Van Nuys, CA airport to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.  

But first, we hear from Listener Mike who tells us his tips on having a second wallet when he travels and what cards, including duplicates, he packs with him.

Sadly, there was no question from Listener Lu this episode. 

For the main segment, Brian and Micah talk about the incredible flight he was able to experience on Aero.  Yes, the flight was provided free of charge to Brian.  However, this does not stop him from expressing his views on the flight and service.  As he will say… it’s all about the Passenger Experience.

In addition to reviewing the flight, Brian was also able to interview Liz Mazzei, Head of Marketing, and Mikael Pelet, Chief Operating Officer at Aero.

The opening and closing music is provided by the Madalitso Youth Choir as they sing their Welcome song and their Good By song, recorded at the lobby of The Royal Livingston Hotel in Zambia.

And if you would like to hear them sing live, get in touch with us at [email protected] to learn about the group trip we are planning in late September or October, 2025.

We hope you enjoy the show!

On episode 93, Micah and Brian talk about the Pacific Airshow Huntington Beach that didn't really happen. 

Sadly, there was not any listener feedback or questions this episode. However, we did hear from Listener Lu.

Listener Lu wants to know if we heard about the brawl on a Ryanair flight. Micah and I ask which one and talk about how some people don't know how to behave on flights. 

Micah and Brian then talk about the Pacific Airshow that didn't really happen. However, I was able to talk with the PIO of the USAF Thunderbirds, the Chief Commercial Officer of Clay Lacy Aviation and a member of the Civil Air Patrol.

Brian was also able to add in two interviews he conducted at the ground breaking ceremony of the new Clay Lacy Aviation FBO / MRO at the John Wayne Airport in Orange County, CA. He was able to rerecord some questions with Joe Barber and he was able to talk with the current CEO's mom, Sharron, who has an interesting aviation story of her own.

The opening and closing music is provided by the Madalitso Youth Choir as they sing their Welcome song and their Good By song, recorded at the lobby of The Royal Livingston Hotel in Zambia.

And if you would like to hear them sing live, get in touch with us at [email protected] to learn about the group trip we are planning in late September or October, 2025.

We hope you enjoy the show!

On episode 92, Micah and Brian talk about Brian's participation in the APEX (Airline Passenger Experience Expo) in Long Beach, California.  

But first, we hear from Listener Eric who tells us that we were wrong about where the Flintstones visited. But Yogi Bear comes to the rescue.

Then Listener Lu wants to know about gate lice and our thoughts on how American Airlines is introducing some new technology to deal with it. 

For the main segment, Brian plays some pre-recorded interviews he conducted at the Food and Beverage section of the APEX show.

The opening and closing music is provided by the Madalitso Youth Choir as they sing their Welcome song and their Good By song, recorded at the lobby of The Royal Livingston Hotel in Zambia.

And if you would like to hear them sing live, get in touch with us at [email protected] to learn about the the group trip we are planning in late September or October, 2025.

We hope you enjoy the show!

On episode 91, Micah and Brian continue their discussion of Brian's trip to Korea and return home via San Francisco. 

But first, we hear from Listener Rich who writes to [email protected]. However, it turns out he really isn't offended.

Listener Ernie also writes in and talks about the golf course at Pease Air Force Base.

Then Listener Lu wants to know our thoughts on JetBlue's decision to stop serving hot food on transatlantic flights. 

Micah and Brian then talk about the rest of Brian’s trip to Korea and the return flights home. They also discuss another visit to a National Park and a side trip to Jeju Island and how Listener Matt provided some additional activities for the Korean adventure.  There is also a mini review of the three Asiana and Singapore Airlines lounges at Inchon airport.

The show closes with some lessons learned and a not so surprising flight / schedule change by United. 

The opening and closing music is provided by the Madalitso Youth Choir as they sing their Welcome song and their Good By song, recorded at the lobby of The Royal Livingston Hotel in Zambia.

And if you would like to hear them sing live, get in touch with us at [email protected] to learn about the the group trip we are planning in late September or October, 2025.

We hope you enjoy the show!

On episode 90, Brian seems to disagree with Micah on several items before they get into the main topic of the show... Brian's trip to Korea.

But first, we hear from Listener Grant of the Plane Crazy Downunder Podcast as he talks about golf courses on air bases.

Then Listener Caroline asks how she can make a onetime contribution to the show. (Brian replied to her but his email bounced! Sorry Caroline, but he really did reply.)

Then Listener Hendrik sends in some audio feedback talking about public transportation to airport, international VISAs, and tracking flights in applications.

Listener Lu asks about canned wine and if Brian had any on his trip to Korea?

Micah and Brian then talk about the first part of his trip to Korea. They also start a list of lessons learned because not everything went according to plan.

The opening and closing music is provided by the Madalitso Youth Choir as they sing their Welcome Song and their Good By song, recorded at the lobby of The Royal Livingston Hotel in Zambia.

And if you would like to hear them sing live, get in touch with us at [email protected] to learn about the the group trip we are planning in late September or October, 2025.

We hope you enjoy the show!

On episode 89, Micah and I talk about my road trip to some of the National Parks in the Western United States.

But first, we hear from Listener Shannon, who is offended that she isn't offended???

There isn’t a Listener Lu segment this show so this gives us more time to jump into the main topic, my National Parks road trip.

I call it a road trip but I was able to fly into Sioux Falls and meet up with John Mollison, the producer of Old Guys and Their Airplanes. In addition, I got to learn about his podcast called, The Linebackers II Libraries, which is a series of shows dedicated to the B-52 pilots and crews that supported the Linebacker campaign of the Vietnam war. They are an amazing collection of interviews so please check them out!

As for my trip, I got to see The Corn Palace, Wall Drug, The Badlands, Yellowstone National Park, The Grand Tetons and a whole bunch more.  Oh, and I get to fly home from Salt Lake City on Southwest airlines.

The opening and closing music is provided by the Madalitso Youth Choir as they sing their Welcome Song and their Good By song, recorded at the lobby of The Royal Livingston Hotel in Zambia.

And if you would like to hear them sing live, get in touch with us at [email protected] to learn about the the group trip we are planning in late September or October, 2025.

We hope you enjoy the show!