In this episode, we have our 2024 year-in-review. Hear from our guests about why they love air travel and their role in the aviation industry. Plus, pull back the curtain to share behind-the-scenes statistics and insights. Flying Smarter will be back in a few months with a series of all-new episodes! Our 2024 guests:Christie Hudson, Expedia US (E52)Unpack ’25, Expedia's 2025 travel trends reportDoug Morris, Airline Captain & Certified Meteorologist (E54)Books and Blog | Li...

In this episode, points and miles expert Ben Komenkul joins Andrew to share expert tips and insights to help you maximize your points and miles. But first, Andrew talks about USO lounges and airline charter divisions. You may have seen or heard about USO Lounges when travelling across the United States. What are these spaces? Learn more in this episode. This episode’s guest is Ben Komenkul, the points and miles expert behind Ben’s Big Deal, a leading platform that helps travelers un...

This episode contains the third and final part of our series on airport lounges. Plus, Andrew takes a look at why airlines skip seat letters. We’ve previously covered why airlines sometimes skip row numbers, but why do they also do the same with seat letters? Find out in this episode. Did you know that Uber once offered a helicopter service called Uber Copter? Learn more about how this special service worked. From private rooms to swimming pools to golf simulators, there are t...

In this episode, Andrew starts by looking at airline status and the US government’s airline for transporting prisoners. Then he continues our airport lounge series by looking at how to access lounges. What is alliance status? Flying Smarter has covered airline status before but this episode will look at how that translates to alliance-wide benefits.The United States government has its own airline for transporting prisoners around the country. Learn more about the Justice Prisoner and Ali...

In this episode, Andrew starts off by talking about why some airplanes skip row numbers and what airlines do to recognize “million milers.” Then for the main segment, he starts the first of a two-part series on airport lounges. Why do some airlines choose to skip numbers? The rows on an airplane could be numbered from one to six and then jump to nine. Learn more in this episode. Airport lounges are increasingly popular and accessible. We’re delving into the world of lounges, looking...

We have to take a week off unfortunately, but we’re revisiting Episode 8 instead of skipping this week altogether! Flying Smarter will be back with an all-new Episode on September 9th. ---This episode is special because it doesn’t follow the normal episode format. Andrew spends the entire episode chatting with airline pilot Owen Zupp about turbulence and what you need to know about it. Topics discussed in this episode include: Turbulence makes some passengers a bit nervous and there...

Andrew starts this episode by talking about aircraft painting and secret crew rest areas. The main segment for this episode features Michael Taylor from data analytics and consumer insights firm J.D. Power. How often do aircraft get repainted? And why is the process so important? Find out more in this episode. Plus, did you know that some airliners have hidden crew rest areas? Michael Taylor is the Senior Managing Director, Travel, Hospitality, Retail and Customer Service at data a...

In this episode, Andrew starts by looking at why airlines and aircraft sometimes struggle in hot temperatures. Then he explores five unique air travel experiences. Why do planes have trouble taking off in hot temperatures? The answer has to do with science. Learn more about why this happens and what airlines and travelers can do about it. From a “milk run” through the rugged Alaska wilderness to sipping champagne in your own private suite with a bathroom and bedroom, there are lots...