Podcast Summary: La veta cultureta: Pasajero sin billete en el Plus Ultra
Podcast: Más de uno
Host: OndaCero (Carlos Alsina)
Date: February 17, 2026
Overview
In this episode of "La veta cultureta," Carlos Alsina narrates a fascinating and humorous slice of aviation history: the story of Emilio Herrero, the daring journalist who stowed away on the legendary flight of the Plus Ultra in 1926. Alsina paints a vivid picture of Herrero’s nighttime subterfuge, his camaraderie with Ramón Franco, and his unique place as the only reporter to have covered a key leg of the historic journey from within the plane. The segment blends historical detail, character-driven storytelling, and playful wit, reviving the spirit of early 20th-century adventure.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Setting the Scene – The Night at Melilla
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[00:08]
- A seaplane, the Plus Ultra, is anchored in Melilla’s harbor at night, quiet before its legendary Atlantic crossing.
- All sleep—except for one clandestine passenger hiding among the aircraft's equipment.
"Hay un hidroavión posado en el puerto de Melilla de noche, mecido por el mar. Mañana será el gran día de este aparato que ya duerme como todos. Todos salvo un hombre a bordo..." —Narrator ([00:08])
2. Emulating a Captain – The Disguise
- Herrero smuggles himself aboard with two bottles of Rioja, sandwiches, a fake captain’s jumpsuit, and medals.
- The disguise is so convincing even the harbor soldiers salute him, allowing him to sneak onto the plane.
3. The Revelation in the Air
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As the plane takes off from Melilla, Herrero remains hidden.
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In mid-flight over the Strait, he reveals his presence, causing laughter among the small group of passengers and his friend, pilot Ramón Franco.
"El falso capitán emerge de su escondite. Los poquísimos pasajeros allí presentes lo reconocen enseguida y se ríen pese a su desobediencia, sobre todo su amigo Ramón Franco." —Narrator ([00:44])
4. Historical Context – The Plus Ultra’s Feat
- The Plus Ultra becomes the first aircraft to cross the South Atlantic, flying from Spain to South America with several stops in 1926.
- This journey is a milestone for both aviation and Spanish exploration narratives.
5. The Real Story – Details & Distinctions
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Common retellings credit Herrero as being on the full journey, but actually, he only stowed away on the initial "prologue" leg from Melilla to Palos de la Frontera. From there, regular coverage resumed via press airplanes following the route.
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The journalists' chase plane broke down that night, so Herrero’s stunt made him the only firsthand air witness for that mysterious early segment.
"El engaño de Herrero solo comprendió apenas la etapa prólogo de la travesía de Melilla a Palos de la Frontera, verdadera línea de salida de la epopeya..." —Narrator ([01:18])
6. The Arrival – Reception & Wit
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In Huelva, the mayor mistakenly celebrates Herrero first upon landing, as he emerges before the heroic crew.
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Herrero humorously corrects him:
"Vivan los héroes, dijo el corregidor. Los héroes vienen detrás, respondió el reporter. Yo soy pasajero sin billete y me fui a un bar a escribir mi crono." —Narrator ([02:12])
7. The Legacy – Herrero’s Chronicle
- Herrero is recognized as the best chronicler of the Plus Ultra feat, having lived a portion of the adventure as a true insider, thanks to his audacity and quick thinking.
8. Musical/Poetic Reflection
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[02:34]
- The segment closes with a poetic stanza extolling the Plus Ultra’s legendary transatlantic crossing and global amazement.
"El Plus Ultra con raudo bueno, mirando al cielo rumbo a la Ciudad del Plata, El orbe entero sigue estremecido y el entusiasmo en todas partes sensata." —Voice C ([02:34])
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
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On Herrero’s boldness:
"Por una noche capitán y lo que hiciera falta." —Narrator ([01:49])
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On journalistic ingenuity:
"El avión de los periodistas se averió a última hora y nadie pudo cubrir nada desde el aire. Nadie salvo Emilio Herrero..." —Narrator ([01:39])
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On humility and wit at the arrival:
"Yo soy pasajero sin billete y me fui a un bar a escribir mi crono." —Emilio Herrero (as quoted, [02:12])
Timestamps for Key Segments
- 00:08 – The story begins: Melilla, night before takeoff
- 00:44 – Herrero emerges and camaraderie in the air
- 01:18 – Clarification about the actual events and journalistic details
- 01:49 – The role of the only airborne journalist
- 02:12 – The humorous arrival in Huelva
- 02:34 – Poetic reflection closes the segment
Tone & Style:
The episode maintains a witty, insightful, and narrative-driven tone, blending detailed historical recounting with playful asides and colorful descriptions, evocative of adventure reporting of the era.