Flying Smarter: Air Travel Explained

This episode starts by looking at how to ensure that you are within your baggage allowances so that you avoid surprise fees at the airport. Andrew then talks to ramp agent Tyler Crook to get a look at what goes on outside your plane on the airport ramp. Have you ever been surprised by extra bags fees at the airport? Or have you had a carry on that is allowed on one airline but doesn’t fit in the b...

In this episode, Andrew starts off by talking about where airliners are assembled. Then he looks at schedule changes and how to deal with them.  The planes that we fly are on are huge and aircraft manufacturers therefore have massive facilities to produce them. Find out where these aircraft assembly facilities are located around the world.   Did you know that Lufthansa has a series of collectible...

Andrew starts this episode by talking about airline seat map websites. The main segment for this episode features family travel expert and former flight attendant Carrie Bradley.  Where can you find airline seat maps? The ones provided by the airlines often don’t have much information. Learn about third-party websites that provide valuable details about the plane that you’re flying on. Some airpor...

In this episode, Andrew starts off by talking about why airplane cabins are so dry and what you can do about it. Then he looks at the lasting impacts of the 9/11 attacks on air travel today.  Why do aircraft cabins feel so dry? If you’ve ever felt this way, you’re not wrong. Find out why this is the case and what you can do about it in this episode.  This episode has been released on September 11...

Andrew starts by talking about why fares are so cheap in Europe when compared to North America. Then, the main segment for this episode looks at how you can avoid getting bumped from your flight.  Why are fares in Europe cheaper than those in North America? It comes down to a bunch of factors, including geography and government legislation. Learn more in this episode.    Flying Smarter’s 50th epis...

This episode of Flying Smarter starts off by talking about Real ID and which plane has lavatories on the cargo hold level. Aviation writer and video producer Joey Gerardi then joins Andrew to talk about the United States Essential Air Service.  In the last episode of Flying Smarter, we covered trusted traveler programs including Global Entry. A listener brought up a great point about another use f...

In this episode, Andrew starts off by talking about the future of jumbo jets. Then he looks at trusted traveler programs that can help you save time at the airport.  The Airbus A380 and Boeing 747 are both out of production, so what is the future of jumbo jets? Listen to what Andrew has to say in response to this listener question.   Want to save time when going through airport security? This epis...

Andrew starts by talking about whether or not you should build your own connection. Then, the main segment for this episode looks at the airports of New York City.  Should you book connecting flights on two separate tickets? This is a practice that could save you money when booking your flight but also comes with substantial risks. This episode takes a look at why building your own connection migh...

This episode starts by looking at which planes have an upper deck. Andrew then talks with air traffic controller Andy Watson to get an inside look at what goes on inside the world of air traffic control. Have you ever seen a double-decker aircraft? Or have you ever been on one? Find out how to tell what they are in this episode.    Andy Watson shares insights from his experiences as an air traffic...

In this episode, Andrew talks about why flights often don’t divert to the nearest airport. For the main segment, he looks at the story of the infamous Boeing 737 MAX. Why do flights sometimes divert to an airport that hours away? Doesn’t make it the most sense to land at the nearest airport? There are lots of considerations that go into diversions. Learn more in this episode. Did you know some air...

This episode has the second part of a two-part discussion about travel hacking and budget travel with Kendyl Grender. In this episode, Andrew continues his talk with her, covering points and miles, how budget travel can include luxury experiences, and more. Plus, he looks at airplane age.  How old is the plane that you’re flying on? How do you find out? And does it even matter? Learn all about it...

Andrew starts this episode by talking about birds in airport terminals. The main segment for this episode is the first part of a conversation with Kendyl Grender, a budget traveler and creator of Kendyl Travels.  Have you ever seen a bird flying around the interior of an airport terminal? Learn about why this is fairly common and what airports do about it. Andrew talks with Kendyl Grender, a budge...

In this episode, Andrew talks about an essential piece of airport infrastructure: runways. Plus, he looks at airline codes.  In Episode 33, we covered airline codes. But what about airline codes? Learn more in this episode. Did you know that there’s a secretive US government airline that flies people to places like Area 51? Find out about this airline in this episode. Runways play a critical role...

Andrew starts by talking about why flight deck doors are often open during boarding. The main segment for this episode features previously unaired clips from our 2022 guests.  If you board through the front door of an aircraft, you may have noticed that you can often catch a glimpse of the cockpit through the open flight deck door. Why is this door open? Find out in this episode.  Our guests have...

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 Zup...

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 knowledg...

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...

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...

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 germ...

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...

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? Lea...

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 o...

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 o...

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 fig...

Andrew starts by talking about border preclearance and the world’s longest flights. The main segment for this episode is the first part of a two-part series on seat selection.  What is border preclearance? These arrangements between countries allow passengers to clear border processes before departure on an international flight. Learn about the implications and benefits for travelers.   Would you...