Landings and Layovers

This week on Landings and Layovers , we cover everything from government-mandated flight chaos to one of the boldest hotel promotions ever attempted. Marty breaks down the recent air traffic control disruptions, what travelers are actually entitled to when flights get canceled, and how airline agreements affect your rerouting options. Then we're joined by Sten Christiansen, an attorney by day, eli...

In this reflective year-end wrap-up, Marty and Matthew talk through everything 2025 threw at travelers—from new airline plays and loyalty shakeups to surprise wins, frustrating fare rules, and the gear that saved our sanity. It's equal parts therapy session and future-facing strategy sesh. We don't just look back—we take notes so you don't have to. 📌 In This Episode: The single most chaotic momen...

From free suite upgrades to turning daily spending into first-class flights, this episode is a crash course in making luxury travel accessible — even on a budget. ✈️ Fare of the Week: SAS Deals to Europe This week's Fare of the Week (powered by Notiflyr.com ): Roundtrip flights from major U.S. cities (Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, LA, Miami, NYC, San Francisco, Seattle, Washington D.C.) to European hu...

✈️  Landings and Layovers | Season 2, Episode 5 🎙 Hosted by Matt Fleischman & Marty Paz 🗒 Quick Note Since we recorded, the Turkish Airlines million-mile promotion has been suspended without notice . Still, the strategies, planning, and points talk are timeless—so we're keeping the conversation going. ✈️ Fare of the Week: NYC to Eastern Europe for Under $500 LOT Polish Airlines is slinging serious...

From Vegas to Vietnam for $700? Plus: JetBlue's Insane Promo and Traveling With Teens   🎟️ Fare of the Week (Sponsored by Notiflyr.com) Las Vegas → Bangkok or Ho Chi Minh City on Korean Air | ~$700–800 roundtrip One stop via Seoul, excellent availability (Jan–May, Jul–Dec 2026), and great connections make this a steal. Whether you're craving Thai food in Bangkok or street coffee in Vietnam, this l...

From springbok biltong and A380 landings to navigating the world solo as a woman, this episode packs in travel chaos, comedy, and a whole lot of smart advice. 🧳 This Week on Landings and Layovers We're back with a packed episode featuring travel misadventures, smart gear upgrades, some very real talk about traveling as a woman, and a jaw-dropping fare from Vancouver to Aruba that's making us reth...

From missed connections in Rome to surprise upgrades and baby sleep battles at 30,000 feet, this episode is a wild ride. Plus, our guest shares travel hacks that could shave serious money off your next big trip. ✈️ This Week on Landings and Layovers After a short hiatus, we're back with an episode that's part travel therapy, part fare-hunter's dream, and 100% relatable if you've ever had a flight—...

  Welcome to Season 2 of Landings and Layovers ! We're kicking things off with a deep dive into budget-friendly European travel and the latest airfare deals . Matt and Marty break down an incredible United Airlines sale to Europe with round-trip fares starting at just $427 , plus a look at how low-cost carriers are reshaping transatlantic travel. We also welcome special guest MattNav , a European...

Welcome to the final episode of Landings and Layovers for 2024! In this exciting end-of-year episode, hosts Matthew Fleischman and Marty Paz reflect on the year in travel. From thrilling deals and unforgettable adventures to major milestones and travel tips, this episode is packed with insights for every traveler. Highlights from the Episode: Fare of the Week : Los Angeles to Bangkok or Ho Chi Min...

Episode Summary: Join us for an extraordinary journey with Kenneth, a globetrotting guest undertaking the SAS Mileage Millionaire quest. Kenneth shares his ambitious plan to conquer 15 airlines, his insider tips for international travel, and his experiences flying through exotic locations like Dubai, Jeddah, and Jakarta. Marty and Kenneth dive into the highs and challenges of long-haul travel, fro...

In this inspiring episode, we chat with Harriet and Clarence, the dynamic duo behind  Sweet Potato Corn . This globetrotting family shares their adventures of traveling with their young son, from exploring 45 U.S. states to visiting South Korea, Japan, Paris, and beyond. With a unique perspective on balancing work, family, and the joys of travel, Harriet and Clarence provide practical tips and hea...

In this episode, Landings and Layovers host Matthew Fleischman is joined by seasoned travelers Marty Paz and special guest David Ocamb. Together, they share valuable travel insights, tips, and stories: Fare of the Week: Marty highlights a discounted business class fare from Europe to Asia on Finnair, featuring their innovative eco-friendly loveseat design. Million Mile Challenge: Marty discusses h...

In this exciting episode of Landings and Layovers , hosts Matthew Fleischman and Marty Paz dive into the vibrant travel landscape of Southeast Asia with special guest Scott Waldstein , an expat living in the Philippines. Scott shares his unique journey, from managing call center outsourcing to owning a pizza shop during the pandemic. Get inspired by his adventures and learn about his favorite dest...

In this episode of  Landings and Layovers , hosts  Matthew Fleischman  and  Marty Paz  welcome experienced traveler and marathon enthusiast  Kathy Kass . Kathy shares invaluable insights on how to maximize your hotel stays, find the best loyalty programs, and navigate both budget and luxury travel with ease. With a track record of visiting over 75 countries and completing 140 marathons across the...

In this episode of  Landings and Layovers , hosts Matthew Fleischman and Marty Paz welcome travel expert Sten Kristiansen to discuss the intricacies of airline alliances, frequent flyer programs, and travel hacks. Sten shares his insights on SkyTeam , SAS Gold status , and how to maximize your travel experience through strategic use of airline partnerships. Episode Highlights : UnderStending Airli...

In this episode of Landings and Layovers , hosts Matthew Fleischman and Marty Paz sit down with travel expert Emilia Rutigliano to discuss how to prepare children for independent travel. Emilia shares valuable tips from her experience speaking at Chicago Seminars , highlighting key steps to set kids up for success as they navigate the world of frequent flyer miles, travel credit cards, and the imp...

This week on  Landings and Layovers , hosts Matthew Fleischman and Marty Paz sit down with Ari Charlestein from Competitours to explore the exciting world of adventure travel competitions . Ari reveals how Competitours creates thrilling, challenge-based trips that turn your travels into unforgettable adventures. Hear behind-the-scenes stories about teams racing across Europe, taking on spontaneous...

In this episode of Landings and Layovers , hosts Matthew Fleischman and Marty Paz take you on a journey from the sunny shores of Abu Dhabi to the bustling travel community of the Chicago Seminars . Marty recounts his recent birthday trip to the United Arab Emirates , where he experienced both the luxury of a five-star hotel and the challenges of travel mishaps like a canceled car rental. The conve...

Episode Summary: Join host Matt Fleischman and world traveler Marty Paz in a lively discussion about their recent travel experiences, from unexpected airline deals to memorable mishaps. In this episode, they explore affordable travel opportunities, share personal anecdotes from trips to Africa and the unexpected events on a cruise, and delve into the pros and cons of traveling with family. Feature...

Show Notes Episode Description: Welcome to "Landings and Layovers," the podcast for affordable travel adventures. I'm your host, Matt, and with me today, as always, is Marty. We have a special guest, Jody Nichols, who will share his invaluable insights on traveling with kids. From managing long-haul flights with a four-year-old to preparing for a new addition on the way, Jody's experiences and tip...

Episode Description: Welcome to "Landings and Layovers," WIth Hosts Matt Fleischmand and Marty Paz your ultimate guide to affordable travel adventures! In this episode, we're thrilled to have international logistics and political consultant Seth Levy with us. Seth will share his expert tips on staying organized while traveling extensively. Plus, we have an amazing Deal of the Week: an incredible r...