Podcast
Layovers - Air Travel podcast
Hosted by Paul Papadimitriou · EN
The Air Travel podcast
by Paul Papadimitriou, with Alex Hunter & Vinod Viswalingam — #1 in 50+ countries
Listen anywhere, watch on YouTube.
17episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
159 HEL - Finnair cocoon, Air North to Kelowna, boarding zone police, Dubai plane spotting, tug slippage
1w ago02:36:56Tap to summarizeTwo sagas of snow and ice: going to Dubai via Helsinki, in that unconventional (revolutionary?) cocoon seat by Finnair, and to Kelowna (YLW) with the appropriately named Air North — snowy take offs, blueberry juice and de-icing drama (no blueberry juice was used to de-ice, but an in-flight magazine was taken).Would you fly to Dubai now? Where we stand (that jet fuel price), and where to stand in Dubai to plane spot (Paul did not say it: the metro station is called Abu Baker Al Siddique Metro Station 2).Starlink everywhere, what it means for in-flight calls, TikTok challenges, and our general quiet in an airplane (oh boy). Boarding lane clogging, and the boarding zone police (main syndrome character much?). We both want to fly that ITA 321 business class, have you? More questions, and stories, on this episode which you can now watch on video on Apple Podcasts (bragging rights: we were one of the first ones to get video on Apple, all episodes from 150 are there now)._____A show created and hosted by Paul Papadimitriou: Instagram - LinkedInThe show is on Instagram - Facebook - Bluesky - more links on the websiteVideo and audio on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube and wherever you podcast.
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158 LIN - American Flagship hopes, Cortina Olympics ride, Flighty Intelligence, crew cosplay, LH on-demand cleaning
Apr 1602:17:53Tap to summarizeVinod's Olympics adventure: Flagship lounge, Flagship upgrade, Flagship Wifi (err), Flagship chicken, Flagship plane (well…), all the hopes and expectations of American Airlines Flagship were placed into that trip. And that Black Card! That vintage boarding pass! Does the British Airways return compete with that? Yes (that shortbread biscuit does a lot of heavy lifting). Milan finally gets the airport it deserves, with a tasteful redesign. Flighty introduces Airport Intelligence (Paul had to bight his tongue for so long on that one). Get that on the biggest TV you can buy. Dallas DFW, where you can cosplay as crew and confuse everyone (what's a jump seat?).And yes, we are entering the era of "Bring Your Jet Fuel".Plus many questions, such as:How do you expect to be recognize for your loyalty?Do you leave your stuff unattended in the lounge? Where do you put your trash when aboard? Would you like to get cleaning on demand in an aircraft? (Lufthansa does, but not in the way you might expect). Mentioned in the show -Flighty Airport Intelligence: https://flighty.com/airportsStardrift Starlink search: https://stardrift.ai/starlink_____A show created and hosted by Paul Papadimitriou: Instagram - LinkedInThe show is on Instagram - Facebook - Bluesky - more links on the websiteVideo and audio on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube and wherever you podcast.
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157 KMJ - Japan by air, 17 hours to Perth, tensions and airfare rising, uniforms and identity, Qsuite ganache
Mar 1702:33:36Tap to summarizeEver wondered what it’s like to fly 17+ hours straight? Matt Drinkwater comes to share his experience with Qantas on the near-Kangaroo route to Perth (we talk the past and present of that route), and more, onto Brisbane. Matt and Paul share a deep bond with Japan, and discuss the beauty, and quirkiness, of flying within Japan, from small airports, to the smell of Kansai International (yes, airports have a smell!). Qsuite to Bali, it doesn't get much better than this (especially with that chocolate ganache). There's a certain allure in epic journeys, a remnant of our forefathers' explorations, this also requires you to get lost, something that Japan or China still offer (don't resist, do let go). Do you research the food you'll have on-board? Matt does (that salt and pepper squid at the Heathrow Qantas lounge!). Can one love British Airways in 2026? Matt does, and makes a great case why it stays relevant, in spite of its IT woes (but, do you smash into people at Heathrow?!). When technology meets emotion (Star Wars, anyone?), and when it doesn't (that gimmicky hologram… IYKYK). The same goes with crew uniforms, and Matt works in fashion (also, American Airlines, please watch Forks, the episode of The Bear). The global tensions, jet fuel woes, and the inflation of air travel fares in the very near future (a sensitive topic …and book that trip now!). Follow Matt on his instagram: @matthewdrinkwaterLearn more about his work(Matt, let go, and learn to love The Last Jedi!)_____A show created and hosted by Paul Papadimitriou: Instagram - LinkedInThe show is on Instagram - Facebook - Bluesky - more links on the websiteVideo and audio on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube and anywhere you listen to your podcasts.
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156 JFK T1 - Lufthansa Allegris Tetris, Air Canada A330, JFK faster than fast-track, 100th liveries, JetClock, how to choose a seat
Feb 2202:33:57Tap to summarizeThe road that Lufthansa took to get to their new business class seemed somewhat long and convoluted, Paul is finally able to tell you if it was worth the wait (choosing a seat on Allegris might be as long and convoluted a process though).And hey, there are no less than 5 outside cameras on their 350!How to strike gold after gold at JFK Terminal 1 and be faster than fast-track. Vinod finally gets the satisfaction of flying aboard an Air Canada A330, do the nuances of in-flight service and crew dynamics hit him then? We opine on a few anniversary liveries, there's one we love ("DEADLY"), there's one we're not sure about. Ever wanted a flight tracker on your desk? Jetclock is a pretty cool one.What Vinod prioritizes when he chooses a seat in business class (which he kinda goes against when he chooses a seat in premium economy!)Tasting thousands of wine for an airline? Where do we apply?Air Canada, please introduce those lesley stowe raincoast crisps on-board (and for the love of God. someone import them to the UK, says Paul!)We mentioned: JetClock (The link Paul promised is here, but the live ATC feeds sadly do not seem to work anymore: https://listentothe.cloud/ )See you in the next one, happy flying!_____A show created and hosted by Paul Papadimitriou: Instagram - LinkedInThe show is on Instagram - Facebook - Bluesky - more links on the websiteVideo and audio on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube and anywhere you listen to your podcasts.
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155 FLIGHTY - Flighty: Reinventing Flight Tracking and the air travel experience, with Ryan Jones, Founder CEO at Flighty
Jan 2002:04:40Tap to summarizeFlighty has changed how we experience air travel. The flight tracking app, which obsessively focuses on the user experience and data accuracy, has been mentioned in nearly all our episodes since Paul got on the beta in early 2019, and we're so pleased to welcome Ryan Jones, the Founder CEO of Flighty, for an entertaining chat on everything Flighty, and more. Ryan shares the journey of creating this epic app, the importance of design, the challenges of data acquisition, the commitment to providing real-time information and how the three founders prioritize new innovative features.We learn who uses Flighty the most (can you guess?) and the role of the community in shaping the app's development and future directions for Flighty (Ryan loves feedback!).We realize how intricate it is to track a flight, and the challenges of providing timely information and flight statuses (and what to surface when, during our flying journeys). Not everything is equal, some territories are better than others, some airports or airlines better than others (there's one that doesn't seem to care). And yes, Paul asks Ryan about his favorite airport, and he tells us which one he hates hahaha (Paul and Ryan find a commonality in hating carpets!), and his plan to change the IATA code for Austin. We had tremendous fun talking to Ryan, and the two hours flew by. Thank you, Ryan, and your two co-founders, for creating such a beautifully designed experience. You should try Flighty:https://flighty.comFlighty on Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/flighty/Flighty on X: https://x.com/FlightyFlighty on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flightyapp/Flighty on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flightyapp/Flighty on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flighty/This episode is on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5DttBKTF-gHappy flying!_____A show created and hosted by Paul Papadimitriou: Instagram - LinkedInThe show is on Instagram - Facebook - Bluesky - more links on the websiteVideo and audio on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube and anywhere you listen to your podcasts.
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154 LGA - United fairly tale, Qatar-ish premium economy, SeatGuru farewell, Hanoi underground tension, ORD forever taxiing
Dec 2502:29:57Tap to summarizeAlex finally boards a Qatar Airways flight, and finds how to get a premium economy seat in this airline that doesn't have premium economy (not through that ethernet port though). Paul completely changes his mind about United, a true Christmas miracle (and a possible playbook for BA), what an incredible crew. Farewell to SeatGuru, nothing truly replaces you (AeroLOPA is the nearest). When your boarding pass gets denied at Hanoi airport, and you unwillingly discover the bowels of Hanoi airport (a gripping tale by Alex!). And more.Merry Christmas and happy holidays to you all. See you in 2026!_____A show created and hosted by Paul Papadimitriou: Instagram - LinkedInThe show is on Instagram - Facebook - Bluesky - more links on the websiteVideo and audio on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube and anywhere you listen to your podcasts.
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153 ROLLS-ROYCE - Inside Rolls-Royce: engineering excellence, how airplane turbine blades are born at the edge of science
Nov 3002:20:53Tap to summarizeWe are at Rolls-Royce, exploring the engineering marvels behind aviation engines, the inner workings behind the quiet hums of those incredible machine. We dive into the importance of expertise, heat management, and innovation in ensuring engine durability and performance.Most importantly, we talk to the people, as this is as much craftsmanship as it is the absolute edge of science — and the people are absolute gems, it has been such a highlight listening to them all talk about what they do with such enthusiasm and love for what they do.We also take a voyage through the intricate support systems in place for engine operations, the real-time monitoring of all those engines that fly you around, and the collaboration with aircraft manufacturers and airlines.We delve into the future of aviation, focusing on the development of next-generation engines, the importance of efficiency, the importance of research and development, the collaboration within the industry to tackle sustainability issues, and the role of sustainable aviation fuels.Our thanks to all of you at Rolls-Royce, your dedication to the craft is why we, the traveling public, tend to forget about engines (they always work, which is why a podcast like ours where we mostly talk, or moan, about a seat or a choice of food instead!).Special thanks to Ben Todd for having welcomed us with open arms, you're a star — it is connections like those that fuel the passion for air travel that we, and the audience, share.Learn more about our discussion here.Check Veritasium's video at Rolls-Royce for the science of this all: Veritasium on YouTube You can follow Rolls-Royce here: LinkedIn - Facebook - X - Instagram_____A show created and hosted by Paul Papadimitriou: Instagram - LinkedInThe show is on Instagram - Facebook - Bluesky - more links on the websiteVideo and audio on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube and anywhere you listen to your podcasts.
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152 ZNZ - Is Premium Economy premium, when BA was Emirates, Precision Air approximation, caravaning Cessna, Emirates A350
Nov 1002:26:08Tap to summarizePaul & Paolo are guinea pigs, they enter a bar, only that it's Paul's living room (but there's actual beer!), to talk, in length, about the state of BA, what is premium about their premium economy, and if it can compare to Emirates' one (or Virgin's for that matter). Paul calls BA the Emirates of the 80/90s (he felt inadequate flying them back then!) — were there enough headphones and food in that era? Paolo flies a brand new Emirates A350 (that includes the water cannon baptism!) and defines what is a part-time terminal. What do you do when ill in an aircraft with sickness bag available? And is there anything precise about Precision Air?Happy flying!(The next episode should be epic, be ready!)_____A show created and hosted by Paul Papadimitriou: Instagram - LinkedInThe show is on Instagram - Facebook - Bluesky - more links on the websiteVideo and audio on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube and anywhere you listen to your podcasts.
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151 WDH - Skeleton Coast driving, Canada wide-body bingo, Namibia airfields, Airlink Embraer, SWISS chocolate, ZRH dance
Oct 1502:59:37Tap to summarizePaul goes to Namibia to check the cute WDH airport, and drive 3000km+ — and yes, before you all ask, driving the Skeleton Coast is everything you dream it to be (this country is stunning, and the NamibRand is perhaps the most beautiful place he has ever seen). He falls in love with Airlink (from their Embraer to their extensive safety talk, and they serve something called food, a forgotten art in Europe/North America), maybe with JNB a bit less (but that lounge there, woah!). Should you board when an aircraft is refueling? Maybe better than staying in front of it like Paul wanted (but the words of the catapion overrule him). Vinod does wide body bingo in Canada (there's one route always on time, listen to discover which!), and shares his South African Airways memories (the current one is a shadow of its former self). The last 777-300ER has left the factory, meanwhile the 777x is delayed, again (dire when compared to the speed of delivery of earlier designs), but it will be a success. SWISS is selling its famous on-board chocolates in stores, but be quick, it's only temporary (you can always dance the extra chocolate off at the Zurich Airport wave, which seems easier to access than the Narita raves we discussed in 149). Hacking the airplane wifi? Well, not really, but... And yes, like in every episode, we talk BA, and we mention FRA haha.We're on video if you listen to us to Spotify, or YouTube (this is nearly 3 hours, our record, so prepare to see our faces for that long!)Thank you to long time listener Garett Gaudet for his insights, here's his latest (excellent) MixCloudSee you in the next episode, happy flying!_____A show created and hosted by Paul Papadimitriou: Instagram - LinkedInThe show is on Instagram - Facebook - Bluesky - more links on the websiteVideo and audio on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube and anywhere you listen to your podcasts.
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150 CND - cookware security, voltage chaos, airline excellence truths, boarding Tetris, the one real European business class
Aug 3102:22:19Tap to summarizeThanks to everyone who have stuck with us for 150 episodes, you're the air beneath our wings — as a gift to you, and since so many have asked for it, we've brought you VIDEO: subscribe on Spotify or YouTube (or YouTube Music)Landing at an abandoned primary school netball court. Power banks safety, because nothing says "relaxing flight" like monitoring your electronics for spontaneous combustion. A true business class in Europe (but via LHR? We're too old for this lol). The never-ending boarding experience, aka playing angry Tetris. 380 landing interrupted, and a Beluga. When life gives you lemons (oranges, in that case), make it a Swiss stopover (listen to the end of the episode!). The soft and hard truth or airline customer service (that chat bot flight rebooking, woah). An AvGeek is always and AvGeek, even in holy places (what would you have said, if anything?). Iberia premium economy and the infinite legroom. A beautiful ode to airlines' years past (and that one technical stop that should still be one haha). The incredible growth of Istanbul Airport. Would you cook mid-flight?And yes, Paul could not remember the title of the movie "Airplane!", wtf.The website Paul mentioned: Tickets to EverywhereThe book Alex mentioned: Airline Maps: A Century of Art and Design____A show created and hosted by Paul Papadimitriou: Instagram - LinkedInThe show is on Instagram - Facebook - Bluesky - more links on the websiteVideo and audio on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube and anywhere you listen to your podcasts.
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