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 row 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 at what they are, how there are many different types, and why they exist. What amenities and features can you expect in an airport lounge? Which perks at lounges are the most common and which ones are the most valuable? These are just some of the questions that Andrew explores in this episode. Be sure to follow or subscribe to Flying Smarter on your podcast platform so that you get new episodes right when they’re released!Connect with Flying Smarter: Facebook: Flying Smarter Podcast Instagram: @flyingsmarter X (Twitter): @flying_smarterLinkedIn: Flying SmarterWebsite: www.flyingsmarter.com

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 can be some discomfort in the cabin when a plane hits some rough air. But what happens in the flight deck when a flight encounters turbulence? Learn all about it in this episode.Should passengers be worried about turbulence breaking the wings off a plane or sending the aircraft into a dive? Andrew asks Owen about some worst-case scenarios that passengers might consider.There are lots of ways that pilots can anticipate, avoid, and remove planes from turbulence, but we sometimes hear of incidents of severe turbulence causing injuries. Owen explains how these types of scenarios usually happen and how you can keep yourself safe onboard.  Owen Zupp is an airline pilot an awarding-winning author. You can check out his work on his website at www.owenzupp.com. There you can find various articles that he’s written, as well as details on his books and how you can get them. You can also find him on his YouTube channel and on social media: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter.Follow us on social media for the latest updates and sneak peeks!  Connect with Flying Smarter: Facebook: Flying Smarter Podcast Instagram: @flyingsmarter X (Twitter): @flying_smarterLinkedIn: Flying SmarterWebsite: www.flyingsmarter.com

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 analytics and consumer insights firm J.D. Power. He joins Andrew to talk about the drivers of passenger satisfaction in the air travel experience. From personal and friendly service to clean bathrooms, Mike provides insight on what travelers care about the most. J. D. Power produces the annual North American Airline Satisfaction Survey and Mike shares the results in this episode. Find out which airlines did the best and what the key findings were.  Michael Taylor is the Senior Managing Director, Travel, Hospitality, Retail and Customer Service at data analytics and consumer insights firm J.D. Power. Mike is responsible for providing industry thought leadership and advice to the company’s clients in the airline and airport segment, and has worked with a whole host of airlines and airports across North America and around the world to measure and manage customer satisfaction and loyalty. J.D. Power conducts the annual North American Airline Satisfaction study: Learn More HereEnjoying the podcast? Follow us on social media for additional content, updates, sneak peeks, and more! Connect with Flying Smarter: Facebook: Flying Smarter Podcast Instagram: @flyingsmarter Twitter: @flying_smarterLinkedIn: Flying SmarterWebsite: www.flyingsmarter.com

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 of special experiences in the world of air travel. As a follow-up to Episode 31, Andrew looks at five of these unique journeys. When you fly with certain airlines, you don’t have to go through the typical airport processes. Andrew talks about how there are no security lines or crowded terminals with helicopter airlines and public charters.   Materials mentioned in this episode:I flew on a major airline’s Pokémon-themed plane. The unforgettable experience didn’t cost extra — and it came with souvenirs. (Business Insider) Be sure to follow or subscribe to Flying Smarter on your podcast platform so that you get new episodes right when they’re released! Connect with Flying Smarter: Facebook: Flying Smarter Podcast Instagram: @flyingsmarter X (Twitter): @flying_smarterLinkedIn: Flying SmarterWebsite: www.flyingsmarter.com

This episode contains the second part of our conversation with Joelle Cuvelier from global travel technology company Amadeus. Plus, Andrew takes a look at whether a plane can fly with only one engine. Can a plane fly with only one engine? Most commercial aircraft today have two engines, but what happens if there is an engine failure? Find out in this episode. We continue our interview with Joelle Cuvelier, Senior Vice President of Customer Success Management at global travel technology company Amadeus. In this episode, she discusses the exciting technological developments in the air travel world. The airport experience can be stressful and unpleasant. But there is a movement towards frictionless travel to help remove pain points in our travels. From biometrics to artificial intelligence to wayfinding technology, Joelle shares what is being done to improve our air travel journeys.Joelle Cuvelier is the Senior Vice President of Customer Success Management at Amadeus, a global travel technology company that provides solutions for airlines, hotels, travel agencies, and other travel businesses. Joelle started her career as a check-in agent and issued the first paper ticket produced by Amadeus. After working in various roles throughout the industry, she rejoined Amadeus in 2013 and has been with the company ever since. Learn more about Amadeus: Website | Facebook | X (Twitter) | LinkedIn | YouTube | InstagramIf you’re enjoying Flying Smarter, please take a minute to leave a five-star review for the podcast if you’re listening on a platform that allows you to do so like Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It helps the grow the podcast and convince guests to come on the show and we would greatly appreciate it!Connect with Flying Smarter: Facebook: Flying Smarter Podcast Instagram: @flyingsmarter Twitter: @flying_smarterLinkedIn: Flying SmarterWebsite: www.flyingsmarter.com

In this episode, Andrew starts off by talking about mileage runs. Then for the main segment, he looks at tools that you can use to find flight deals and cheap flights.  What is a mileage run and should you consider doing one for airline status or for points and miles? Learn more about this tactic in this episode. Finding an inexpensive flight is often a goal for travelers. And there are lots of tools and resources out there to help us find cheap flights. In this episode, Andrew talks about the features of these different tools, exploring the pros and cons, and sharing some general insights.Google Flights is a powerful tool with a lot of great features. Andrew talks about some of his favorites, and also takes a look at other websites and services that you can use to find flight deals.  Be sure to follow or subscribe to Flying Smarter on your podcast platform so that you get new episodes right when they’re released!Connect with Flying Smarter: Facebook: Flying Smarter Podcast Instagram: @flyingsmarter X (Twitter): @flying_smarterLinkedIn: Flying SmarterWebsite: www.flyingsmarter.com

Andrew starts this episode by talking about some exciting innovations in the onboard experience. The main segment for this episode features Joelle Cuvelier from travel technology company Amadeus. Last week was the 2024 edition of the annual Aircraft Interiors Expo, and there were some exciting announcements at the event. From a high-tech business class suite to an all-business class turboprop, Andrew shares some highlights.  Did you know that there’s one state that has been without scheduled air service for roughly 20 out of the last 35 years? Learn more in this episode. Joelle Cuvelier is the Senior Vice President of Customer Success Management at global travel technology company Amadeus. She joins Andrew to discuss the business of travel selling, talking about what goes on behind the scenes when you search for flight options and buy a ticket, how travel selling will evolve in the coming years, and much more. Joelle Cuvelier is the Senior Vice President of Customer Success Management at Amadeus, a global travel technology company that provides solutions for airlines, hotels, travel agencies, and other travel businesses. Joelle started her career as a check-in agent and issued the first paper ticket produced by Amadeus. After working in various roles throughout the industry, she rejoined Amadeus in 2013 and has been with the company ever since. Learn more about Amadeus: Website | Facebook | X (Twitter) | LinkedIn | YouTube | InstagramEnjoying the podcast? Follow us on social media for additional content, updates, sneak peeks, and more!Connect with Flying Smarter: Facebook: Flying Smarter Podcast Instagram: @flyingsmarter Twitter: @flying_smarterLinkedIn: Flying SmarterWebsite: www.flyingsmarter.com

In this episode, Andrew starts by looking at how you can get your Global Entry or NEXUS membership revoked. Then he explores Tokyo’s two international airports, looking at what you need to know about each of the facilities. A listener sent in a question asking how your Global Entry can be revoked. Learn about the different ways that this can end up happening. Japan is a hot travel destination, and Tokyo’s two airports are the gateway for most international travelers. In this episode, we delve into what you need to know about Tokyo Haneda Airport versus Narita International Airport. From observation decks to shower rooms, Tokyo’s airports have so much to offer. Andrew takes a look at some of the amenities available at each of the two airports. Be sure to follow or subscribe to Flying Smarter on your podcast platform so that you get new episodes right when they’re released! Connect with Flying Smarter: Facebook: Flying Smarter Podcast Instagram: @flyingsmarter X (Twitter): @flying_smarterLinkedIn: Flying SmarterWebsite: www.flyingsmarter.com

In this episode, former flight attendant Ally Murphy joins Andrew to share fascinating stories and lessons from the skies. But first, Andrew talks about requalifying for elite status. How does requalifying for elite status in an airline’s loyalty program work? Different airlines have different requirements, with some making it easier for existing status holders to requalify. Learn more in this episode. Ally Murphy is a former flight attendant turned voice actress and podcaster. She joins Andrew to talk about everything ranging from cautionary tales, to frightening experiences, to bad passenger habits and air travel tips. Not all interesting inflight stories are bad though, and Ally also covers one of her best memories from her time as cabin crew. Ally also shares some of her best tips for flying with children, based on her experiences as a flight attendant and as a mother. Ally Murphy is a podcast host and former flight attendant who worked in the industry for fourteen years. Ally started as a cabin crew member with Virgin Atlantic in 2002 and worked her way up to the position of Cabin Supervisor. She is now a voice actor and the host of The Red Eye, a storytelling podcast that came about when she realized that cabin crew have a lifetime of stories from their days of flying around the world. The Red Eye tells stories from the sky, covering everything from life-changing stories of love to unbelievable stories of passenger interactions. You can learn more about Ally on her website and on social media (Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter) | LinkedIn). You can find The Red Eye on all major podcast platforms, on the podcast website, and on social media (Instagram | X (Twitter)). Enjoying the podcast? Follow us on social media for additional content, updates, sneak peeks, and more! Connect with Flying Smarter: Facebook: Flying Smarter Podcast Instagram: @flyingsmarter X (Twitter): @flying_smarter LinkedIn: Flying SmarterWebsite: www.flyingsmarter.com

In this episode, Andrew starts off by talking about the longest domestic flights in the world. Then for the main segment, he looks at airline loyalty program status. There are domestic flights out there that are over ten hours long. And the longest regularly scheduled flight ever was a domestic route. Learn more in this episode. What is airline status and how does it work? How have frequent flyer programs evolved? And what are the benefits? Andrew addresses these questions and much more in this episode’s main segment. In addition to covering how earning and benefits work with airline loyalty program status, this episode also looks at whether or not it’s worth chasing status and what the business rationale is for airlines when it comes to offering status. For more air travel content, check out the Insights section of the Flying Smarter website! Connect with Flying Smarter: Facebook: Flying Smarter Podcast Instagram: @flyingsmarter X (Twitter): @flying_smarterLinkedIn: Flying SmarterWebsite: www.flyingsmarter.com

This episode starts by looking at why you shouldn’t inflate your life jacket until you are about to leave the aircraft. Andrew then talks with Edmond Huot about airline design and branding.Why are we told not to inflate our life jackets until we are about to exit the plane? There are some important reasons that could mean the difference between life or death. Learn more in this episode.  An airline once planned to charge passengers to use the onboard toilets. Find out more about the carrier that wanted to install coin-operated lavatories on their aircraft. Forward Studio Chief Creative Officer and aviation geek Edmond Huot joins Andrew to talk about what it takes to design an airline brand. They talk about the creative process, the relation between branding and the passenger experience, examples of projects that Edmond has worked on, and much more. Edmond Huot is the Chief Creative Officer and founding partner at digital marketing agency Forward Media and their airline branding and public relations agency, Forward Studio. The company’s clients have included airlines like Canada Jetlines and New Pacific Airlines, as well as other transportation companies, insurance businesses, and professional and financial services. Edmond has more than 25 years of progressive experience in the advertising and digital media space and also harbors a lifelong passion for aviation. You can learn more about Forward Studio and their airline branding and public relations agency Forward Studio on their website and social media pages: Forward Media | Forward Studio | LinkedIn (Forward Media) | LinkedIn (Forward Studio) | Instagram | X (Twitter) | VimeoEnjoying the podcast? Follow us on social media for additional content, updates, sneak peeks, and more! Connect with Flying Smarter: Facebook: Flying Smarter Podcast Instagram: @flyingsmarter X (Twitter): @flying_smarter LinkedIn: Flying SmarterWebsite: www.flyingsmarter.com

In this episode, Andrew starts by looking at whether you can get your expired points and miles back. Then he talks about aviation safety, looking at recent incidents and news as well as the bigger historical picture. If your points and miles are expired, can you get them back? Learn more about reinstating your points in this episode. There has been a lot of negative press around commercial aviation safety, and it seems like the number of incidents has increased. What’s going on and should we be concerned? Andrew delves into the recent developments in aviation safety. Has flying gotten safer or more dangerous over time? This episode also explores aviation safety more broadly, looking at historical trends and developments. Here are the Andrew’s two appearances on other podcasts mentioned in this episode:Non-Rev Lounge (Episode 167, March 2024): Apple Podcasts | SpotifyHad To Be There (Episode 52, February 2023): Apple Podcasts | Spotify Be sure to follow or subscribe to Flying Smarter on your podcast platform so that you get new episodes right when they’re released! Connect with Flying Smarter: Facebook: Flying Smarter Podcast Instagram: @flyingsmarter X (Twitter): @flying_smarterLinkedIn: Flying SmarterWebsite: www.flyingsmarter.com

This episode features the second part of Andrew’s chat with aircraft maintenance engineer and professor Brian Bermudez. Plus, he looks at whether your points and miles will expire. Do your points and miles expire? If you’re collecting airline loyalty points, you will want to know the answer to this question. With some loyalty programs, the points never expire, but others have expiration policies and ways to prevent your points from expiring. Find out more in this episode. Andrew continues his discussion with Brian Bermudez, an aircraft maintenance technician and professor of aviation maintenance. In this episode, Brian talks about how maintenance operations keep track of parts and ensure the rights ones are used, what it takes to be an “A&P” and much more. Did you know that an aircraft can fly with multiple items that don’t work? Andrew and Brian discuss the concept of deferred items, the minimum equipment list, and the redundancies and technological improvements in aircraft design and maintenance. Brian Bermudez is an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer and a Professor of Aviation Maintenance. Having worked for two major US airlines as an Aircraft Maintenance Technician, he now teaches aviation maintenance and runs CraftoftheAir, an aviation maintenance initiative involving multiple aspects like consulting and tutoring. Brian also hosts the CotACasT, an aviation podcast where he explores various facets of maintenance and brings his experiences and knowledge to listeners who share his enthusiasm for this field. You can learn more about Brian, his work, and his podcast at www.craftoftheair.com and on social media: Instagram | LinkedIn | X (Twitter)Looking for the post about where you can find airline snacks? Check it out on the Insights section of the Flying Smarter website by clicking here.If you’re enjoying Flying Smarter, please take a minute to leave a five-star review for the podcast if you’re listening on a platform that allows you to do so like Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It helps the grow the podcast and convince guests to come on the show and we would greatly appreciate it!Connect with Flying Smarter: Facebook: Flying Smarter Podcast Instagram: @flyingsmarter X (Twitter): @flying_smarterLinkedIn: Flying SmarterWebsite: www.flyingsmarter.com

Andrew starts this episode by talking about airline flight numbers. The main segment for this episode features aircraft maintenance technician and professor Brian Bermudez. How do flight numbers get assigned? It depends, but there are some common practices and conventions. Learn more about how airlines choose their flight numbers in this episode. Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Brian Bermudez joins Andrew in this episode to dive into the world of aviation maintenance. He talks about what’s going on when you see maintenance engineers boarding your flight, the most common reasons that maintenance puts your aircraft out of service, and much more. What parts of a plane can an aircraft maintenance technician work on? Do they specialize in certain parts of the plane? How often do aircraft go in for maintenance? How does maintenance work at outstations? Brian takes us behind the scenes of airline maintenance operations. Brian Bermudez is an Aircraft Maintenance Technician and a Professor of Aviation Maintenance. Having worked for two major US airlines as an Aircraft Maintenance Technician, he now teaches aviation maintenance and runs CraftoftheAir, an aviation maintenance initiative involving multiple aspects like consulting and tutoring. Brian also hosts the CotACasT, an aviation podcast where he explores various facets of maintenance and brings his experiences and knowledge to listeners who share his enthusiasm for this field. You can learn more about Brian, his work, and his podcast at www.craftoftheair.com and on social media: Instagram | LinkedIn | X (Twitter)Enjoying the podcast? Follow us on social media for additional content, updates, sneak peeks, and more!Connect with Flying Smarter: Facebook: Flying Smarter Podcast Instagram: @flyingsmarter X (Twitter): @flying_smarterLinkedIn: Flying SmarterWebsite: www.flyingsmarter.com

In this episode, Andrew starts off by talking about what the different cabin class names mean. Then he looks at round-the-world tickets and how you can take a trip around the globe. Club World, Delta One, Signature Class, and Mint. These are all names of airlines’ lie-flat business class products. What’s with all the different names? What does the term first class really mean? Andrew unpacks it all at the beginning of this episode.   There’s something special about circumnavigating the world in a single trip. And airline alliances offer you the ability to book a round-the-world itinerary on a single ticket. Andrew looks at the Star Alliance and oneworld round-the-world ticket options.What if you want to book your own itinerary to go around the planet? This episode looks at your other circumnavigation options as well, comparing the different ways in which you can book a round-the-world ticket and talking about how you can save money to find the cheapest option. For more air travel content, check out the Insights section of the Flying Smarter website! Connect with Flying Smarter: Facebook: Flying Smarter Podcast Instagram: @flyingsmarter X (Twitter): @flying_smarterLinkedIn: Flying SmarterWebsite: www.flyingsmarter.com

This episode starts by looking at why involuntary downgrades happen and what to do if you get involuntary downgraded. Andrew then talks to airline captain Doug Morris about aviation weather and how it affects your flight.Nobody likes purchasing a premium cabin ticket and then being downgraded to a worse seat. Why might this happen and what should you do if it does? Find out more in this episode.     Doug Morris joins Andrew to talk about aviation weather, drawing from his experiences and expertise as an airline captain and as a meteorologist. He talks about the most common misconception about weather, the differences between aviation products worldwide, and much more. Extreme and unusual weather phenomenon undoubtedly make passengers nervous. Doug and Andrew talk about some different ones, ranging from thunderstorms to low visibility and winds. Plus, Andrew asks Doug what weather phenomena make pilots nervous. Doug Morris is a Boeing 787 Dreamliner captain for Air Canada. He is also a certified meteorologist and worked as a weather forecaster for four years during his early pilot days. He is a longtime teacher of aviation weather to new and aspiring pilots and is the author of four books and a blog. His latest book, titled This is Your Captain Speaking, draws from his extensive experiences and goes through the A to Z of airline travel with a bit of humor, covering things ranging from whether airliners have keys to what aircrew get up to on layovers to how to become a pilot. Longtime Air Canada flyers will also recognize him as the author of the aviation page in Air Canada’s enRoute magazine for over two decades. You can find Doug on his blog and on LinkedIn and Instagram. Enjoying the podcast? Follow us on social media for additional content, updates, sneak peeks, and more! Connect with Flying Smarter: Facebook: Flying Smarter Podcast Instagram: @flyingsmarter X (Twitter): @flying_smarter LinkedIn: Flying SmarterWebsite: www.flyingsmarter.com

Andrew starts this episode by talking about how much airliners weigh and important takeaways from recent aviation incidents. Then he looks at the international organizations that exist to keep the world of air travel functioning seamlessly. It’s no secret that the aircraft that we fly on are massive, but how much do they actually weigh? Andrew delves into aircraft weights to give you an idea of how heavy the objects that we fly on are. Did you know that Gibraltar International Airport has a road that intersects the runway? Yes, you can walk or drive right across the runway! How do pilots safely operate all around the world? How do bags transfer seamlessly across airlines and airports? The answers to these questions show how we have created a miraculous system of standards and practices that keep global aviation functioning. The main segment of this episode delves into the international organizations that makes this interconnectedness possible. Be sure to follow or subscribe to Flying Smarter on your podcast platform so that you get new episodes right when they’re released! Connect with Flying Smarter: Facebook: Flying Smarter Podcast Instagram: @flyingsmarter Twitter: @flying_smarterLinkedIn: Flying SmarterWebsite: www.flyingsmarter.com

In this episode, Andrew starts by looking at how you can fly on the world’s largest airliner – the Airbus A380 – these days. The main segment features Expedia travel expert Christie Hudson who is here to share data-driven air hacks and travel trends.Have you ever wanted to fly on the Airbus A380? Nicknamed the superjumbo, it’s the largest passenger aircraft ever built. Find out more about where the A380 currently flies in this episode and then check out Episode 26 for more about this engineering marvel.Christie Hudson shares data-driven tips and trends from Expedia’s air travel hacks. She reveals the cheapest days to book a flight and to fly and how far in advance to book to get a good deal.  What are some trending destinations for air travel (and travel more broadly) in 2024? Christie shares the findings of Expedia’s 2024 travel trends report. From “set-jetting” to “dupe” destinations, tune in to this episode for lots of travel data and inspiration.  Christie Hudson is a travel expert, data correspondent and Head of PR for Expedia US. She is a pro at turning travel data into tips and advice to help travelers get the most out of their travels. You can find Expedia’s latest Air Travel Hacks and Travel Trends reports online (links provided to the United States versions). Enjoying the podcast? Follow us on social media for additional content, updates, sneak peeks, and more! Connect with Flying Smarter: Facebook: Flying Smarter Podcast Instagram: @flyingsmarter Twitter: @flying_smarter LinkedIn: Flying SmarterWebsite: www.flyingsmarter.com

This is the second part of our 2023 year-in-review. Our guests from throughout the year are sharing their travel tips and insights in a series of previously unaired clips.  What are some essential items to pack according to a flight attendant? Episode 30 guest Lara Ketterman shares her thoughts. What is the Southwest Companion Pass? Episode 36/37 guest Kendyl Grender talks about this great budget travel tool. In this episode, you’ll hear from five of our 2023 guests.  Have you ever wondered where Flying Smarter’s listeners are located? Or what the most popular episodes have been? Andrew pulls back the curtain to share some behind-the-scenes statistics and insights. In celebration of the holiday season and 50 episodes of Flying Smarter, we are holding a giveaway for a Flying Smarter luggage tag and a $100 gift card for the airline of the winner’s choice! Enter on our Instagram page throughout the month of December. Plus, check out the Insights section of the Flying Smarter for stories from Andrew’s travels, articles about air travel, and more.   Our 2023 guests featured in this episode:Dave Grossman – founder of MilesTalk and creator of Your Best Credit Cards (Episodes 27 and 28): Facebook (group and page) | Instagram | (X) (Twitter)  Lara Ketterman – flight attendant and Non-Rev Lounge podcast co-host (Episode 30): Lara: X (Twitter) and Instagram |Non-Rev Lounge: X (Twitter) and Instagram Mark Ross-Smith – loyalty expert and CEO of Loyalty Status Co (Episode 32): LinkedIn Kendyl Grender – budget travel blogger, travel hacker and content creator (Episodes 36 and 37): Instagram |www.kendyltravels.com | Southwest Companion Pass Trick: Earn it Quickly! | How I’m Earning the Southwest Companion Pass Tyler Crook – ramp agent and Non-Rev Lounge podcast co-host (Episode 47): Tyler: Instagram and X (Twitter) |Non-Rev Lounge: X (Twitter) and InstagramThank you for a fantastic year! Flying Smarter will be back with an episode on travel hacks and trends on January 1, 2024.  Connect with Flying Smarter: Facebook: Flying Smarter Podcast Instagram: @flyingsmarter Twitter: @flying_smarterLinkedIn: Flying SmarterWebsite: www.flyingsmarter.com

Flying Smarter is celebrating 50 episodes! This episode contains some special announcements as well as the first part of our 2023 year-in-review. What training do flight attendants get for dealing with panicked passengers? Former flight attendant and Episode 45 guest Carrie Bradley answers this question in this episode. Air traffic controller Andy Watson shares a story about Air Force Two. In this episode, you will find unaired clips from some of our amazing 2023 guests. In celebration of Episode 50 of the podcast and the holiday season, we are holding a giveaway for a Flying Smarter luggage tag and a $100 gift card for the airline of the winner’s choice! Enter on our Instagram page throughout the month of December. Plus, check out the Insights section of the Flying Smarter for stories from Andrew’s travels, articles about air travel, and more.  Thank you to all our listeners and friends for your ongoing support. Flying Smarter has grown tremendously over the past 50 episodes and it’s all thanks to our wonderful listeners.  Our 2023 guests featured in this episode:Andy Watson – air traffic controller and author of The Pilot’s Guide to Air Traffic Control (Episode 39): www.atcandy.com  Joey Gerardi – aviation writer, photographer, video producer (Episode 42): AirlineGeeks | X (Twitter) | Instagram | YouTubeCarrie Bradley – family travel expert, founder/editor of Flying with a Baby, former flight attendant (Episode 45): www.flyingwithababy.com | Facebook | Instagram | X (Twitter). Ganesh Sitaraman – law professor and author of Why Flying is Miserable and How to Fix It (Episode 49): www.ganeshsitaraman.com | X (Twitter) The next episode of Flying Smarter will be the second part of our 2023 year-in-review. It will feature travel tips from the rest of our guests from this year, so stay tuned! Connect with Flying Smarter: Facebook: Flying Smarter Podcast Instagram: @flyingsmarter Twitter: @flying_smarterLinkedIn: Flying SmarterWebsite: www.flyingsmarter.com