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 turbul…

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 a…

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 c…

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 point…

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 yo…

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…

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 A…

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 preclear…

In this episode, Andrew answers the question of why you can’t board a flight after the gate closes even if the plane is still sitting there. He then chats with Michael Hilliard, a conflict journalist…

In this episode, Andrew starts off by talking about departure and arrival times as well as North Korea’s airline. Then he talks about three important safety features that all happen to be yellow, loo…

This episode starts by discussing invitation-only airline loyalty tiers and the difference between non-stop and direct flights. Andrew then chats with former flight attendant and pet travel expert Ga…

In this episode, Andrew answers questions about how airlines determine their scheduled flying times and why they pad their schedules. Then, he dives into the past and future of supersonic air travel.

• …

This episode of Flying Smarter starts off by looking at why you have to take your shoes off when going through airport security in the US. Airline pilot Greg Krino then comes onto the podcast to talk…

In this episode, Andrew starts off by answering the question of why some airplane window shades are “upside down” and retract downwards. Then he talks about who is actually operating your flight by e…

In this episode, Andrew starts off by talking about the return of Flying Smarter before diving into what happens to uneaten airline food. Then he looks at the hectic world of air travel in the summer…

This is a unique episode because it doesn’t follow the normal episode format. Andrew spends the entire episode chatting with flight attendant Jennel Senior about cabin safety. Topics discussed in thi…

This episode starts by covering why airliners don’t have parachutes for passengers. Then, learn about how airports make money, who owns them, and why it matters to travelers.

• Why don’t airlines carry …