• 66 - Five More Unique Air Travel Experiences
    Jul 29 2024

    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)

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    24 mins
  • 65 - The Future of Technology in the Air Travel Experience with Joelle Cuvelier
    Jul 1 2024

    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 | Instagram

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    24 mins
  • 64 - Tools for Finding Flight Deals & Cheap Flights
    Jun 18 2024

    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.

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    25 mins
  • 63 - A Look Behind Your Ticket Purchase with Joelle Cuvelier
    Jun 3 2024

    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 | Instagram

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    21 mins
  • 62 - The Two Airports of Tokyo
    May 20 2024

    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.

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    27 mins
  • 61 - Flight Attendant Tales with Ally Murphy
    May 6 2024

    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)).

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    29 mins
  • 60 - Understanding Airline Loyalty Program Status
    Apr 22 2024

    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!

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    23 mins
  • 59 - Designing an Airline Brand with Edmond Huot
    Apr 8 2024

    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) | Vimeo

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    30 mins