The Seat 1A Podcast: Recent Episodes

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Geoff checks in from Germany, while in the middle of another Round-the-World trip

Firstly, thanks to millionpodcasts.com who have recognized Seat 1A as one of their 25 Best Travel Hacking Podcasts.

Geoff checked in from central Germany, a day after arriving in Frankfurt from Bangkok via Muscat, Oman.

Geoff had started planning this Round-the-World trip in October 2024, when a terrific points flight offer showed up on Aeroplan to fly from Bangkok to Frankfurt via Muscat.

The trip included Geoff’s longest ever flight from Toronto to Taipei, Taiwan; an A330 to Da Nang, Vietnam; flying the long way around a massive storm in Hanoi, Vietnam; a flight to the new terminal at Siem Reap/Angkor, Cambodia; an ATR72 flight to Bangkok and First and Business class service via Oman.

If you have trip plans or experiences that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Bluesky, Threads and Instagram. If you wish to support the show financially, we are on Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/

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The podcast is back, and Geoff is flying solo for the first time in 6 years. Thanks Vinod for everything you brought to the podcast.

Geoff takes a look back at his 2024 round-the-world trip and other Canadian aviation experiences.

Geoff checked the Island Hopper off his bucket list, travelling from Honolulu to Guam via the Marshall Islands and Micronesia. He forced a long layover in Honolulu to allow a visit to the city before heading out on the Island Hopper.

The Island Hopper planes are old with some of the oldest Inflight Entertainment Systems Geoff has seen in years. Majuro airport and The Marshall Islands are in the middle of the Pacific on various atolls.

This particular routing took Geoff via Kwajalein (no pictures at this stop!), Pohnpei and Chuuk (you can get passport stamps in Micronesia even if you are in transit) before landing in Guam. Geoff is a much bigger fan of the south side of Guam than the north side.

Geoff took one of the last flights with United from Guam to Fukuoka. If you’re flying to FUK, take the time to enjoy the observation deck. He then headed to Osaka via Hiroshima with the Shinkansen.

Flight boarding in Japan is super efficient, and Geoff tried it first domestically from Osaka-Itami to Tokyo-Haneda.

After spending time in Tokyo, Geoff flew onward to Copenhagen via Singapore. There is a wonderful 7-11 after security airside at Haneda that sells all sorts of Japanese treats. The Jewel in Singapore is lovely but is super busy on a summer Saturday night.

A beach layover in Copenhagen is possible with a quick metro journey.

Geoff enjoyed his first ever fifth freedom flight from Frankfurt to New York JFK on Singapore Airlines.

If you're liking this episode experience, you may also enjoy Experience 2. "International Megahubs and Flight Ticketing." It's available wherever you listen to your podcasts.

Geoff had some interesting domestic experiences in the second half of 2024. A widebody flight on a route not normally served by that plane, and subsequent upgrades. And then there was a massive storm system and hailstorm chaos in Calgary. Geoff also visited Canada’s easternmost international airport in St. John’s.

And to build his knowledge, Geoff is now a successful student with distinction for IATA’s training course on passenger fares and ticketing.

If you have trip plans or experiences that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Bluesky, Threads and Instagram. If you wish to support the show financially, we are on Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/

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In this experience we review some recent travel along with a overview of our summer travel plans.

Severe turbulence has been in the news recently in various locations around the world. Turbulence is always there and always has been there and always will be there. Remember the words that Vinod would tell passengers concerned about turbulence "The people flying the plane have families they need to get home to tonight."

If you are concerned about the wings during turbulence, there are numerous wing flex test videos for all airplane manufacturers. Here is an example from Airbus.

We want to give a shoutout to the Layovers Podcast. Vinod was a guest interviewee of Paul on Episode 139.

Vinod tried out a Canadian ultra low-cost carrier, Flair, for the first time from Vancouver to Calgary. He shares his thoughts about the experience. Find out why Vinod says they held to the ultra of ultra low cost. Vancouver to Calgary is often a turbulent flight as flights cross the Rocky Mountains.

Turbulence can be divided into planned and unplanned turbulence. Flying into hot destinations often brings big thermals for pilots to deal with. Sometimes flights take big detours to avoid large unstable weather systems.

We discuss our 2024 travel plans.

Geoff has an upcoming round-the-world flight. The idea for the flight started when Vinod asked what a United 737 was doing in Tokyo. The trip starts from Toronto to Chicago to Honolulu on United. Then the Island Hopper in the Pacific, eventually ending up in Guam. Then a connection to Japan to one of the world's busiest single runway airports at Fukuoka. Geoff is looking forward to a domestic Japanese flight from Osaka to Tokyo. After enjoying Tokyo, onward to Copenhagen with 19 hours of flying via Singapore. Geoff has a couple of inter-European flights with Norwegian and Lufthansa. Geoff returns to Canada using a Singapore fifth freedom flight to JFK and finally to Toronto with Air Canada.

If you're liking this episode experience, you may also enjoy Experience 74. "Summer Skies. 2023 Plans for Vinod and Geoff." It's available wherever you listen to your podcasts.

Vinod is travelling to Paris to work on the Olympic Games. He is looking forward to his in-flight experience with Air France. Later with family there will be trips to Portugal with TAP, Dublin with Ryanair and Paris with Aer Lingus. Vinod and family will enjoy a return flight to Vancouver together.

Maybe Geoff and Vinod will get a chance to meet up while on their adventures. Stay tuned.

If you have trip plans or experiences that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. If you wish to support the show financially, we are on Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/

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In this experience we are happy to bring you a special interview with senior leadership advisor Marco Villa.

Over three decades Marco has flown more than 2800 flights and 6125000 miles.

Geoff and Marco flew together in 2022 on internal flights in Mozambique complete with a crazy trip to Nampula (listen to experience 64 for more details).

We ask Marco about his alliances and statuses. With all of these flights, Marco has almost achieved lifetime gold status on British Airways. He holds status in three different alliances along with Emirates.

It all started for Marco in the mid-1990s when flying staff standby tickets with Lufthansa, which sponsored AIESEC conferences that Marco (and Geoff and Vinod) attended.

We ask Marco about his business travel and his top “weird” destinations. Eritrea tops the list and Tajikistan being another exotic destination.

We ask about Marco’s pet peeves – he shares his thoughts about issues on the ground, in the air and at the hotel. He also shares an interesting “worst flight on the planet”.

We ask about Marco’s travel hacks and habits and learn what he never gets on a plane without.

What airlines or hotels are at the top of Marco’s list? Marco wishes that customer service comes back at the major airlines at some point in the future.

We ask about what airlines he feels are at the bottom of the list. It is a really populated place for both major carriers and low-cost carriers.

We ask what Marco would like to see in travel for innovation. Marco also shares his emotional attachment to his paper boarding passes.

If you're liking this episode experience, you may also enjoy Experience 61. "A Very Special Interview. Selling Airbus in China." It's available wherever you listen to your podcasts.

If you have other experiences that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. If you wish to support the show financially, we are on Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/

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We’re happy to be back after a few months of hiatus.

In this experience we examine pets and other furry fliers, and Vinod shares a couple of trip reports.

We have talked about animals as cargo in previous experiences. Airlines should know that there is an animal in the plane. Vinod remembers a dog that escaped out of the plane in Edmonton and went missing for weeks. Geoff remembers a poor dog that made a mess of itself in the kennel. Vinod remembers a massive dog that took up a row of seats with a passenger flying from St. John’s to Toronto.

Animal kennels on board need to be able to fit under the seat under the seat in front of you.

Prior to COVID in the US, there was a large number of unique support animals brought onboard.

We saw Dexter the emotional support peacock, Daniel the emotional support duck, Fred the miniature service horse, an emotional support pig, Gizmo the emotional support marmoset and a turkey at security.

Eventually in 2020 a new rule was implemented differentiating between trained support animals and emotional support animals.

Vinod shares a story that his father would share about a passenger feeding a miniature monkey in his jacket.

Vinod shares his experience of rescue dogs flying from Taiwan to Canada.

We wonder what happens with irregular operations and delays with pets. Vinod shares his memory of rats and mice in aircraft.

If you're liking this episode experience, you may also enjoy Experience 41. "What are you Shipping? The Complex World of Air Cargo." It's available wherever you listen to your podcasts.

Vinod shares a couple of trip reports.

The first was a flight from Toronto to Vancouver that was delayed by more than three hours. There was extra drama with passengers and a crying baby.

The second was a family vacation to Costa Rica. Vinod’s son had wonderful interaction with a Delta pilot in Atlanta. The return flight via Los Angeles, caused Vinod’s loathing and hatred of the airport to go up a notch.

• bbc.com article 'Emotional support peacock' barred from United Airlines plane
• thenationalnews.com article From horses to peacocks, the wildest emotional support animals spotted on flights

If you have a story about pets and animals on flights, or other experiences that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, X/Twitter, and Instagram. If you wish to support the show financially, we are on Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/

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In this experience we look into the reasons why airports may get much busier than normal.

We start out the podcast with a trip review of Vinod who recently flew to London-Heathrow.

It was his virgin flight on an Airbus 350. There was no free seat selection with the ticket that he purchased. When Vinod flew out of Vancouver the British Airways, Cathay Pacific and Plaza Premium lounges were all under renovation. This led to an interesting temporary lounge in Vancouver’s International departures.

The flight was quiet and uneventful with a landing at Heathrow Terminal 3. It had been decades since Vinod had flown into Terminal 3.

Vinod had a chance to meet up with Paul from Layovers while in London.

On his return to Vancouver, Vinod had a bag that was at the weight limit. Thankfully there were friendly service staff to help him with the situation. Vinod used the Flighty app which performed very well. The flight had an empty seat beside him and was quick and efficient on the trip back to Canada.

If you're liking this episode experience, you may also enjoy Experience 35. "Beating the queue. Lining up strategies at the airport." It's available wherever you listen to your podcasts.

We dive into events that take over an airport. Taylor Swift is a current example who has caused airlines to do incredible things.

• simpleflying.com article Taylor Swift, Like A Hurricane, Prompts Airline Change Fee Waivers

Sometimes there are things that you're aware that some airports will be busy like holidays. Other times you may not be aware of things like sporting events, large conventions, trade shows or political events.

It can throw you for a loop if you don't know things that are happening at that airport.

Geoff remembers flying into Cairo during Hajj and it was a connection point for flights from all over Africa.

Finally, there are large international airshows with some beautiful aircraft that may or may not delay you when flying. But you could end up with a wonderful view from your window.

News Items:

• simpleflying.com article United Airlines Passengers Can Now Extend Their Trip With Deutsche Bahn Tickets
• simpleflying.com article Vistara Airbus A320 Turns Back After Dog Spotted At Goa Airport Runway

If you have a story about unexpectedly busy airports, or other experiences that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. If you wish to support the show financially, we are on Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/

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In this experience we look into the world of customer service and examples when the experience goes sideways.

We review the situation of the passengers who were flying from Paris to Singapore with a farting and drooling dog in premium economy. Singapore airlines finally got the issue resolved and credited them for their experience.

In days gone by, your travel agent would have been your point of contact. Now you’re mostly on your own. Over the last four years, airlines lost many individuals who were extremely proficient in high-touch customer experience. Even more than ever, airline agents are working from home. Things that can be done virtually can be much different than in person.

A key is knowing how to be efficient and work with the people on the other side of the desk.

Geoff shares a story of a cancelled Porter Airlines flight to Newark, and the quick actions of a check-in agent to get him on another flight quicker than originally scheduled.

Vinod shares a story of remotely assisting a family member with a Cathay Pacific and WestJet check-in. He was even able to resolve some of it while sitting on his sofa!

Geoff shares a story of a flight with online information about waiving fees being much different than fees that needed to be paid in person.

If you're liking this episode experience, you may also enjoy Experience 60. "We Appreciate Your Patience. Wait Times and Customer Support." It's available wherever you listen to your podcasts.

Vinod shares a story of helping a family re-locate to Ireland. The online system would not allow a check-in without paying but did the passenger need to pay?

Vinod also discusses a YVR vacuum cleaner retrieval request.

What happens online versus offline doesn’t always line up. If you are able to do things in person, you may have a better chance.

News Items:

• straitstimes.com article Couple seated next to ‘snorting, farting’ dog on long-haul flight get $1,600 refund from SIA
• simpleflying.com article Honolulu Airport Closed Over Medical Emergency
• simpleflying.com article Only 5% Of Allegiant’s October Flights Are On Tuesdays

If you have a story about airline customer service, or other experiences that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. If you wish to support the show financially, we are on Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/

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In this experience we take a trip into the show’s archives and review tickets and booking.

We start out with a review from Vinod about his flight in the summer with Porter from Toronto to Vancouver.

As people are looking for good fare prices, this is a good lead-in to a discussion about ticketing. We talked about ticketing in our very early experiences and are revisiting it in this experience.

The moment that you purchase the right to travel on an aircraft, you get a Passenger Name Record. Every airline has their own PNR. Make sure you don’t share pictures of your PNR online.

But airline ticketing systems are not as advanced as some would think. Sometimes an e-ticket does not get associated with the PNR. Sometimes a booking ends up only being a shell. When you need to fix it, you will need a specialized ticketing representative. This is why an airline representative can't fix it...they may simply not have the access. Vinod shares a story of checking in a passenger and somehow not noticing that there was no e-ticket associated with it.

One of the key aspects of any ticket booking is who is in control of the ticket. Is it the airline, the travel agent or someone else. An airline will do everything it can to keep the control of the ticket, including upgrades in certain circumstances. But sometimes things go sideways, and an airline needs to hand over control to another airline. In the days of paper tickets this Flight Interruption Manifest was almost like an I Owe You between airlines. Today, it all gets processed electronically.

Things can get a bit complicated when a travel agent is involved. Vinod shares a recent experience of helping with a ticket booked with a travel agent and some of the surprises involved.

We look at fare classes which are important when you have to make changes. Is your fare class available anymore when you change the ticket? What do you have to pay for cancellations and/or refunds?

We look at how much ticketing has changed with it now being much more transparent than in the past. We also answer that question asked so often "when is the best time to buy a cheap ticket?" We recommend having a budget and if your ticket is in that budget then book it and don't look back!

How much talking are airlines doing with each other? Vinod shares a story when he had two tickets flying from Toronto to London to Madrid.

If you're liking this episode experience, you may also enjoy Experience 1. "Maiden Flight." It's available wherever you listen to your podcasts.

When your Passenger Name Record is created, be very careful with entering the name and passport information because it could be very difficult to change the information.

News Items:

• simpleflying.com article British Airways Reportedly Offering Passengers Money To Avoid Heathrow Lounges
• simpleflying.com article Singapore Airlines Passengers Demand Refund After Farting Dog Disrupts Their Flight

If you have a story about ticketing, or other experiences that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter/X, and Instagram. If you wish to support the show financially, we are on Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/

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In this experience Vinod and Geoff are both in Toronto, recording in person and celebrate the milestone of 75 episodes.

We proceed to do an analysis of travels in July 2023.

Geoff had a trans-Atlantic adventure, with flights to Germany, Austria, and Turkey.

Geoff's trip was from Toronto to Frankfurt with a premium economy ticket that had been booked early in the year but wanted to try for an upgrade. ExpertFlyer helped to figure out the load factor and Geoff tried the Air Canada bid upgrade system. Forty-eight hours in advance the upgrade was accepted. Remember that Air Canada does not have pajamas in business class as part of the amenity kit. Air Canada business class is a solid product but not top of world class. Geoff got a pointer from another passenger on how to get sleep in the airline.

When Geoff arrived into Frankfurt he checked if there was shower service in the Air Canada lounge. He learned departing passengers only and Lufthansa will not accept Air Canada passengers in their arrival lounge. Fortunately Frankfurt Airport offers a paid shower directly across from that lounge. Geoff took a train into Frankfurt Main Station and onwards from there, with a scheduled return back to Frankfurt Airport the next day.

Geoff proceeded on from Frankfurt to Vienna. A very simple self bag check, and Schengen zone flight. A warning for those using the A wing of Terminal 1 in Frankfurt. There are no places for you to fill a water bottle with cool water and water bottles are sold for four euros or more. The gate Geoff was at did not require a pushback. Overnight in Vienna and a train back to the airport the next day.

A straightforward flight on to Düsseldorf. But when Geoff arrived, did they forget all the bags on the tarmac without delivering them to the belt? An overnight in Düsseldorf and onward to Cologne the next morning.

Geoff flew with Turkish from Cologne to Istanbul and his first impressions of the massive airport in Istanbul was the very long taxiing time to the terminal. He connected for a domestic flight onward to Bodrum. He returned to Istanbul a week later taking a 777 for a one-hour flight - which managed to have a hot breakfast service.

Geoff stayed up all night for a planned Istanbul to Vienna to Toronto trip. There had been issues through the entire trip since it had been booked using points. It’s a long walk through the middle of Istanbul Airport without moving sidewalks until you get to the assorted terminal wings.

Geoff was told that his flight was late, and he was going to miss the connection, and was advised to stay another day. But the inbound flight connection in Vienna was late. Would he make it?

After waiting an hour for takeoff clearance and arriving at a remote stand with a bus, and a sprint though Vienna Airport, the answer was no. Did Air Canada get passenger information from Turkish? Who knows. Could the Star Alliance connection work better? Absolutely.

Geoff rants about the newer terminal at Vienna, the need to use stairs often at the airport and the narrow, dark atmosphere. But who was Geoff supposed to contact. Since it was booked with points, he was told to contact Air Canada.

After multiple hours waiting, Geoff spoke to Mina at Air Canada, his trip saviour. He tried with Turkish to get a new routing, no chance. He was NOT going to fly back to Istanbul to start over. Air Canada covered the re-routing of his itinerary – now via Barcelona.

After an unplanned short overnight in Vienna, and unanticipated excitement with a missing NEXUS card, Geoff flew via Barcelona. What a difference to Vienna with wide walkways and lots of light. A brief layover in Barcelona and a pleasant return flight to Toronto.

If you're liking this episode experience, you may also enjoy Experience 9. "Our first deep dive into two different flying experiences." It's available wherever you listen to your podcasts.

Vinod had a family trip to Toronto with a redeye flight from Vancouver which was not a pleasant experience. The inbound Air Canada flight was delayed, the passengers sat in the plane waiting for ground crews, the temperature control was uncomfortably warm at times (which is apparently an issue with the MAX), and the crew was uninterested.

Vinod shares his rental car experience, and upgrades that can happen for those companies that share the same vehicle pool.

Vinod was planning for his first ever flight with a transcontinental flight on Porter. How was his seat planning going? Apparently quite well.

If you have a story about 2023 trips that you’ve already completed or are taking, or other experiences that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. If you wish to support the show financially, we are on Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/

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In this experience we take a look at our summer 2023 travel plans, and also look at trips we took in June.

It’s a very different summer than that of 2022. We’re getting closer to how things were pre-pandemic with higher amounts of staffing, however now we have to really search again for cheap fares.

Vinod and Geoff had travels in June in Canada.

Geoff flew to Yukon and did a large road trip from there also through Alaska. Geoff flew with Air North which had a terrific Connector Fare deal to Whitehorse from Calgary. There were a few adventures on the way - including waiting on the tarmac in Toronto for technical reasons and Vancouver for connecting passengers; and a bag drop in Vancouver that still required a visit to a check-in desk. Vinod shares his memories of tarmac holds and whether the passengers should be released.

Canada is very large. Toronto to Whitehorse is approximately the same distance as Toronto to Bogota, Colombia.

Vinod had an early morning flight to London, Ontario. He learned about extra costs if pre-reserving an Uber. All airlines have a headstart focus for their first flights - trying to get out early for the day. Vinod had worked as crew on the exact same Frozen plane that he was flying on. Even though he had worked for years in Calgary, there were new terminal wings he had not experienced before. His arrival in London was uneventful.

Vinod returned to Toronto with a rental car. There was added adventures making the baggage cutoff time and unexpected and unpleasant calls to the car rental agency due to a forgotten item.

If you're liking this episode experience, you may also enjoy Experience 22. "Why is my plane parked there? The world of gate assignments." It's available wherever you listen to your podcasts.

Geoff and Vinod discuss their upcoming summer travel. Geoff has a transatlantic adventure along with inter-European flights. Geoff shares a tip on how to manage a flight on Turkish Airlines booked with other airlines’ points.

Vinod has a family vacation to Toronto. Vinod is trying a new cross-country player in the Canadian air market. We share a tip on how to find the price floor for fares.

News Items:

• simpleflying.com article Japan Airlines Will Hire Clothes To Tourists To Let Them Travel Light
• simpleflying.com article The Top 10 Most Expensive Airports To Park At 2023
• simpleflying.com article Unusual: LOT Polish Airlines Adds Wroclaw To South Korea Boeing 787 Flights

If you have a story about 2023 trips that you’ve already completed or are taking, or other experiences that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. If you wish to support the show financially, we are on Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/.

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In this experience we take a deeper look at the world of airport hotels. Sometimes hotels can be the best thing but can also be the most horrible desolate places on the planet.

We’ve discussed many different types of hotels in previous experiences, from the incredible to the incredibly terrible.

Big airports have the big global hotel brands. But there is another tier of just a place to sleep.

There are some very neat hotels that are attached to airports – Geoff remembers his visit to the TWA hotel at JFK.

There are also some hotels with very cramped and tight rooms. Vinod remembers a hotel by Orly airport in Paris.

The best experience is a hotel attached to the terminal itself, and Vinod remembers a visit to Frankfurt.

If you’re planning to have an airport hotel, make sure you have planned out the logistics. Is it easy to get to the location. Will you have access to your bags. What about transit visas? Will the food service be open and available?

Geoff remembers an experience at London Heathrow where he was so disconnected from the rest of London. Vinod shares his experience with Toronto.

Airport hotels are convenient for families who have early flights. But they can be very noisy locations since they are twenty-four hour operations. Vinod shares a story of all night entertainment playing next door when he was in Montreal. There are a large number of people passing through airport hotels.

As an alternative, is there a city that is close to the airport which has good connections? If you’re not wanting to leave the airside terminal, does the airport offer pod hotel space?

When you’re forced into a layover, you may or may not get a comped room. Geoff shares an experience in Ottawa where he got a comped room, and a very sketchy room in New Jersey when he didn’t.

Vinod shares some insight from the airline perspective and highlights that vouchers can have some variance.

There may be options for you with services like Airbnb.

Vinod shares his first childhood memory of staying at a hotel in Mumbai.

Geoff shares an experience in North Dakota while travelling from Amsterdam to Saskatchewan.

Are there local events or weather that could affect the cost of your hotel? What is the value of putting your head down and having a shower?

If you're liking this episode experience, you may also enjoy Experience 044. "Sleeping Around. Maximizing Your Rest at Airports." It's available wherever you listen to your podcasts.

News Items:

• simpleflying.com article Asiana Airlines Passenger Arrested After Opening Airbus A321 Door Inflight
• simpleflying.com article Singapore Airlines Decides Against Paper Meal Containers For Longer Flights

If you have a story about airport hotels, comped rooms, upcoming trips, or other experiences that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. If you wish to support the show financially, we are on Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/

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In this experience we discuss the fact that this summer many people will be flying but the prices for direct connections are often fairly expensive. Often multiple connections are a way people find to save costs.

These multi-stops remind Vinod when planes had to stop due to the lack of range. But unlike times in the past today you can see all the travel details related to your trip.

As people change their ticket purchasing habits, it can mean a change in the way that they layover. Iceland was one of the first countries that promoted a free layover.

Sometimes you can’t find the flight to book even though you have been able to find it on a booking site.

There have been some pretty cool milk runs.

Vinod shares his experience with the Hawaii Interchange, as passengers from the North American West Coast all changed in Honolulu on their way to Australia and New Zealand.

Geoff shares his experience from northern Norway on Public Service Obligation flights flying along the coast.

We look at double stop flights and how Dutch airlines have connected to Alberta this way.

There is also the Pacific Island Hopper, which led to Vinod wondering how a United 737 made it to Tokyo.

A former route that was well beloved was Cathay Pacific's flight from Hong Kong to Vancouver to New York JFK.

When you see a cheap flight, pay attention to how long the connection time is. Do you have a chance to get out of the airport to see the city? Will your passport or visa allow you to do so? Will your layover get eaten up by a terminal or airport switch? Are you travelling alone or with family?

When you add it all together, even if the ticket is cheaper, how much are you spending to manage through it? Are two one ways cheaper? If you’re connecting to a smaller airport is it easy to take another form of transport if things go sideways?

Airlines are doing their best to figure out load factors without the last few years of data.

If you're liking this episode experience, you may also enjoy Experience 024. "Into the mailbag - Part 1. Inflight meal service and free overnight accommodation." It's available wherever you listen to your podcasts.

We also look at Europe to Asian runs, with a critical moment that did not go well. Vinod shares his family connection with it.

News Items:

• simpleflying.com article Pairing Music With Food: The Story Of British Airways' Sensory Menus
• flyertalk.com article United Reveals Historic Expansion of Service in South Pacific

If you have a story about complicated connections, upcoming trips, or other experiences that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. If you wish to support the show financially, we are on Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/

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In this experience we look at the realities of flying with seniors. Vinod and Geoff realize that soon enough they will be in this demographic.

As populations age, airlines will have older populations on flights and the challenges that go with it. Since some of today’s seniors lived through the golden age of flying with certain levels of service, there is generational gap.

Often elderly parents are put on flights around the world - which Vinod saw in his role as a station manager. The system is not there for everyone to embrace every individual. Airports are larger, seats are closer, and there are language challenges faced while transiting through certain airports.

Some people attempt to get around this situation by booking assistance, which often means a wheelchair. The option does get abused. Vinod shares stories of trying to get large numbers of wheelchairs for certain flights, and the "miracles" of people being able to walk.

There is a lesser used assistance code "meet and assist".

Travelling over multiple days can take a lot out of people. It helps to have a game plan ready in case something goes wrong, particularly if you are not travelling with the people flying. Seniors are different than an unaccompanied minor.

Vinod shares a story of his aunt visiting him as a child in northern Canada and the efforts to get her wheelchair off the plane in the snow and cold without a jet bridge.

Vinod shares a story of a shocking flight to Prince Edward Island, "Mid-flight something happened to a lav."

People unfortunately pass away on flights. There is one trans-Pacific route that is fairly well know.

Amidst all the challenges, there are magical moments and conversations that happen in flight. Vinod shares the experience of a black and white photo.

Be tolerant and understanding, know what kind of assistance is being provided by the airline and airport and build in extra time for connections.

If you're liking this episode experience, you may also enjoy Experience 042. "Is There a Doctor on Board? Medical Emergencies in Flight." It's available wherever you listen to your podcasts.

Remember that sometimes long flights may not have meal service.

News Items:

• livemint.com article Singapore Airlines gets 25.1% stake in Air India group after injecting $267 million
• simpleflying.com article United Airlines Enlists Oscar The Grouch For Sustainability Promotion Campaign
• simpleflying.com article Japan Airlines Serves A Banana As Vegan Meal

If you have a story about travelling with seniors, upcoming trips, or other experiences that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. If you wish to support the show financially, we are on Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/

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In this experience we look back at our travel experiences over the December 2022 holiday season.

We got where we were meant to go, and fortunately did not incur any of the long delays that many other travellers encountered.

December 2022 saw serious weather systems in North America. That was combined with large volumes; technology, crewing, and baggage issues. People thought that the labour issues from the summer of 2022 had resolved themselves, but they were still ongoing.

First, Vinod planned a trip to San Diego from Vancouver. He decided to fly to Los Angeles and rent a car, which turned out to be an important factor. The Vancouver-Los Angeles route is a competitive and frequent route.

In the week before Vinod's flight there was a major winter storm in Vancouver. Vancouver does not get the same amount of snow as other Canadian airports. On the day before his flight there was another massive snowstorm. Would Vinod be able to make the flight to Los Angeles? He checked the schedules of his plane and the weather of the city where it was going to be before his flight.

All flights at YVR cancelled. Airport closed. All arrivals were halted.

But what about flights departing? Vinod's flight was still operating. The US departure terminal at Vancouver was mayhem. Vinod learned that the passport scanning terminal could have problems with infant tickets.

Flight crew also get stuck when the weather goes sideways, so there was a slight delay.

It might have led to de-icing employees getting to the airport, since the capacity to de-ice was less than 50 percent on this wintery day in Vancouver. It took Vinod 3 hours to have his plane de-iced.

Vinod looked out on the tarmac, various trans-Pacific flights were stuck on the tarmac, unable to deplane their passengers or get to a gate.

Geoff shared a story of crews getting stuck in Ft. McMurray, Alberta from the same storm.

Vinod has a love hate relationship with LAX. Right now it is on the hate dial.

Vinod was very lucky to make it out that day on a critical feeder route.

If you're liking this episode experience, you may also enjoy Experience 027. "Planes, Trains and Automobiles. Holiday Travel Horror Stories." It's available wherever you listen to your podcasts.

Meanwhile, Geoff was scheduled to fly from Toronto on December 24. He had been watching the storm system that affected Vinod, along with other record cold systems moving across North America. Then there was a weather warning for freezing rain and then a blizzard warning.

However the morning of December 24, the flight was showing on time. The temperatures had dropped with strong winds. The airport was holiday busy, the lounge was full but seating was still available. The flight was slightly delayed due a baggage issue, but arrival was not too delayed.

Geoff's return flight involved a review of food at Calgary security - what happens with solid honey?

Calgary had thick heavy fog, and the inbound flight was delayed. The first officer was delayed on arriving due to the fog.

The turbulence was very strong, to the point where the crew had to take their seats. Otherwise the return was uneventful, but since the flight was late priority was given to those connecting.

Vinod's flight back to Vancouver was much more stressful than it normally was. It started well, with burgers and plane spotting, but went downhill starting with the car rental shuttle bus.

Vinod was supposed to meet a work colleague who was connecting - but logistics prevented it from happening.

Vinod needed to take apart his child's stroller and put all three parts through the x-ray machine.

The stress of the day fuelled into Vinod's child for the return flight, which arrived at Vancouver at the furthest gate from Canadian Customs.

Vinod got a good laugh as some American pilots were shamed to get back in the line to exit the customs hall.

It is important to book the right routing during periods of travel uncertainty. If Vinod had booked the San Diego flight, there is a much stronger chance it would have been cancelled. Also in late December 2022 would have had to probably land at LAX anyway due to the aviation fuel leak limiting flight distance at San Diego.

Geoff and Vinod share their love for San Diego airport.

News Items:

• travelweekly.com article Delta will spend $1 billion for free WiFi -- and a whole lot more
• simpleflying.com article Police Arrest Man Involved In Air India Inflight Incident

If you have a story about flights to Los Angeles, holiday flights, upcoming trips, or other experiences that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. If you wish to support the show financially, we are on Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/

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In this experience we discuss that infamous club a mile high.

We look back to the golden age of travel with beautiful flight attendants and pilots and exotic locations.

Now add that to four- and five-star hotels, and crews from around the world it can lead to romance and attraction. Don’t screw the crew...well at least not yours.

The captain and crew manager would keep an eye on their crew during layovers, otherwise there was the risk of people making bad decisions.

Cancun was a location where crazy stuff would happen complete crews from multiple countries, beaches and alcohol.

Sometimes crews would hook up with hotel staff, sometimes there would be action at the beach bar. And sometimes it just went too far...and people ended up getting fired.

Crews need to be aware at all-inclusive resorts if they are interacting with their passengers.

At some airport hotels, there are party rooms for crews. Vinod shares his experiences at LGA and LAX.

Vinod thinks back to a pool in Colombo with an Emirates crew and thinking "one day".

There is a serious side to the glamourous interactions. Accusations of assault and misconduct exist, and some airlines have pilots and flight attendants sleep at different hotels.

Crew and passengers connect -- Vinod shares a couple of experiences where the individuals ended up getting married.

Working for an airline expands the possibilities of international relationships. Vinod shares a story of how he outsmarted Tinder.

If you're liking this episode experience, you may also enjoy Experience 039. "Crew Life Between Flights. Crew Layovers." It's available wherever you listen to your podcasts.

We look at passenger activity in the cabin and remember back to when people were shocked that amorous airline advertising led to amorous activity...who knew?!

Vinod shares a memory of his first flight and learning that sometimes you just ignore the oblivious, but sometimes you can have some fun.

Are you kidding me? On a Nanaimo flight? In the middle of the day? Oh it was time for fun for Vinod and the crew and a couple of passengers who were passionate in the lavatory.

Technically amorous activities in the lav are illegal due to air law - in the event of loss of cabin pressure, there is only one oxygen mask.

Often Vinod would discover the evidence after the fact like wrappers and blister packs of pills on the floor.

Vinod shares a memory of when the call bell was ringing multiple times but not from the cabin...and the pilot advised there was banging coming through the wall to the flightdeck.

The Mile High Club is probably a bucket list thing for some people. And we haven't even discussed private aircraft.

However, in 2023, many things have changed.

News Items:

• simpleflying.com article "Aircraft Making Stops For Fuel Due To San Diego Shortage"
• businesstraveller.com article "JetBlue to launch daytime New York JFK-London Heathrow service"

If you have a story about aviation relations a mile up or on the ground, upcoming trips, or other experiences that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. If you wish to support the show financially, we are on Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/

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In this experience we are happy to share an interview with a fan of the show, Stephanie, about her experience with a flight from Vancouver to Montreal to Lisbon. This took place during the summer 2022 travel chaos.

Stephanie was travelling to Lisbon, mixing business and pleasure. When her and her mother arrived in Lisbon, their bags had not made the connection in Montreal and did not reach Lisbon. They took the time to create the tracking file and met up with others whose bags were missing. She traded information with another traveller who flew from Vancouver.

Stephanie had the dilemma of buying clothes due to lost luggage "Are we trying to buy clothes that will get us through a few days, or clothes that we will love a long time?"

Stephanie took the time to buy new luggage as well, bright orange. Just what is the value of the item in your bag?

On the final day before her return trip to Vancouver, Stephanie got a text message from a stranger with a picture of her bag "Your bag is sitting next to carousel four. Here's a picture of it." Meanwhile the tracker stated that tracing continues.

Stephanie and her mother had to leave Lisbon with double baggage, and a shout out is given to the check in staff in Lisbon.

Stephanie is still trying to get the full compensation back for the replacement items - the airline would only compensate for one person.

We look at key components of Stephanie’s story. An agent can check where the last bag scan happened. She treated the baggage staff with respect. She teamed up with someone to help search for baggage. She did not have much packed in carry-on for clothing in case of lost bags. Make sure you take your medication with you in carry-on. Information on the baggage tag is critical. Do you know the value of your bag’s items? Do you have extra lost baggage coverage? Are there government protections?

If you're liking this episode experience, you may also enjoy Experience 016. "South by Southw...wait what's happening with our flight and bags?" It's available wherever you listen to your podcasts.

News Items:

• simpleflying.com article "An Avgeek's Perfect Christmas Present: The World Of Airline Gift Cards"
• travelandleisure.com article "Frontier Airlines Eliminates Phone-based Customer Service"

If you have a story about lost baggage, travel insurance claims, upcoming trips, or other experiences that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. If you wish to support the show financially, we are on Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/

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Vinod and Geoff have taken some long flights in 2022 and have taken various items onboard. Our take-on items have evolved over the years. As we recorded this experience the 2022 holiday season is approaching, and we wanted to share our inflight recommendations for yourself - or perhaps as a gift idea for someone.

Full disclosure - these are our own recommendations, and we are not receiving any sponsorship from any of the products mentioned.

We start with headphones, earphones, headsets, and earbuds. There are various products out there but be aware that there is a difference between noise cancelling and noise reduction. You may also want to look at buying a set of audio adapters - in case an airline has a unique audio plug. And if you’re travelling with a battery powered headset, don’t forget to bring a spare battery.

We ask what does someone use to watch onboard? Tablets, phones, e-readers - what happens if there is no screen in the back of the seat in front of you. Vinod remembers back to when WestJet removed seatback screens. How do you watch your device properly - are you going to be able to view it while eating a meal, for example?

Remember as well to have a power bank for your device, since you don’t know how easy it will be to find power to recharge when you arrive. Vinod always keeps a device plugged in during his flight. Have something with you, online or offline, for the flight. Vinod has a book that is permanently tucked into his luggage.

Rest on a flight is key - we look at neck pillows, and Vinod shares a story of his unique Danish neck rest.

Vinod shares his disgust of people who walk barefoot into the lavatory and has recommendations for in-flight footwear. He also shares his experiences of hotspot passengers returning to a Canadian winter wearing only flipflops. Shoes without laces can be very useful - either for passing through security, or since your feet swell during flight.

When you arrive in your destination, do you have the proper power plug adapter? It is much easier these days than back when we needed a box of different plugs.

If you're liking this episode experience, you may also enjoy Experience 026 "More from the mailbag. The baggage above you - overhead bins." It's available wherever you listen to your podcasts.

We discuss baggage and bags. It may be useful for you to have a bag for the back of the seat to put your stuff in - also since seat pockets are often really unsanitary. If you have a rollerboard bag, it may be worth it to get the wheels changed with inline skate wheels.

What should you wear during flight. For long haul flights, you may wish to consider some loungewear. Always bring a clean set of base layer clothes with you as carry-on, just in case there’s a baggage problem, or something happens to your clothes during flight like spills. Vinod shares a dripping lime pickle story.

Packing cubes are a great suggestion for people who want structure in their bags, and also for privacy in case security or customs goes through your bag.

Water bottles - if you have one you might have to wait for service to fill it. Vinod always takes a sealed bottle of water from the flight.

If you use a messenger bag, we recommend getting one that fits over your luggage handle.

If you bring food on board, it is usually a good idea to bring something with added protein.

AirTags - after the global luggage chaos of 2022, using these can help you keep track of where your bag is.

Flying with children - "keep it simple stupid". Are you going to be able to walk the aisle or get in the lavatory with your child and the bag?

Connecting clips and lattices - a recommendation when you need to link your bags together.

News Items:

• cntraveller.com article "9 airlines with premium economy cabins worth splurging on"
• skift.com article "Boeing Getting Crushed on Trump-Era Air Force One Deal"

If you have a story about your preferred inflight essentials, upcoming trips, or other experiences that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. If you wish to support the show financially, we are on Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/

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As we continue on from Experience 065, the wayfinding and signage often leads us to the curbside. Vinod and Geoff think back to their childhoods and how much the curbside has changed. Even with all the changes, people can still get all twisted around at the curb in their own backyard. Geoff shares an experience from Regina, Saskatchewan of a wrong-way driver.

There are various options that one can encounter when you get to the curb after your flight. The curbside experience can be impacted by something as simple as the airport geographic layout.

We look at trains, which can be a lot of different things in different countries. Connecting to the train can be confusing as well. Vinod shares an experience from San Francisco connecting to a train by bus.

Continuing with buses, Vinod shares his amazement at the number of buses at US airports. There are “Rocket” buses in Toronto connecting to the airport. And make sure you have an ability to pay for your transit since some places still require coin change. Vinod shares his memories of crew buses.

If you're liking this episode experience, you may also enjoy Experience 015. "Railway to Runway - your train and the plane." It's available wherever you listen to your podcasts.

Geoff and Vinod discuss rail to rail transport which exists in numerous cities.

Ride share is an evolving method used at various airports. Vinod shares his experience in Brazil of an Uber lounge while waiting for his ride.

We save taxis for the end. Vinod shares his experience of using airport taxis in Russia to avoid the dodgy drivers. Geoff shares his experience of haggling over fare in Mozambique. Vinod shares his “not quite a real taxi” experience in Spain. Vinod also shares an experience from years ago with taxi queues. Geoff and Vinod share memories of Cairo taxis.

Remember that there are curbside minders who will make you move along or you will be ticketed.

Vinod shares the unique car rental return situation in Calgary.

Vinod and Geoff remember the parking shuttle scene from “Planes, Trains and Automobiles”.

News Items:

• simpleflying.com article "8.5 Hours: The World's Longest Boeing 737 MAX Flights"

If you have a story about curbside experiences, upcoming trips, or other experiences that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. If you wish to support the show financially, we are on Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/

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As seen in the Northern Hemisphere summer of 2022, many travellers have returned to travelling. However, quite often passengers check in their brains and don't bring their brain into the airport. This is why wayfinding and signage is so important.

Sometimes there is common signage across a country - the black and yellow UK signage, for example. Sometimes signage is difficult to read – Vinod shares an experience from a number of years ago in Salt Lake City. Often signs are unilingual, and often signs are unclear what a passenger needs to do (for example: does the sign mean straight ahead, or go up to the next floor level?) Looking through crowds to see signage can be difficult.

Understandably, the signage can define the passenger experience.

Many airports have a check-in zone with a big letter to show the aisle.

Vinod and Geoff share their love of the departure flipboard sign in Frankfurt.

Signage details starts right on your ticketing information. And if you need to deal with ticketing, it could be in multiple locations. Moving along to pre-board screening and security, are there other scanning locations that will get you through more quickly? Lavatories and eating – sometimes the signage intent is very unclear. Vinod shares a story of finding a Japanese breakfast in Tokyo.

Some airports don’t announce the gate until a short period before departure, which can lead to a mass rush of passengers. At the gate itself things can go sideways with signage. Vinod shares a story of changing a gate three times in Hanoi.

If you're liking this episode experience, you may also enjoy Experience 023. "Sometimes the situation just goes bad. Making the most of the experience." It's available wherever you listen to your podcasts.

Sometimes signage is a simple as something like lettering. The boarding card has to also correlate with the wayfinding.

A passenger gets to Customs and Immigration – are there restrictions on which citizens use which queues? And once you leave the airport, what is the signage for your transportation?

News Items:

• simpleflying.com article "Air France Will Cease Transportation Of Research Animals When Its Contract Expires"
• onemileatatime.com article "Ouch: Both Pilots Of Ethiopian Airlines 737 Fall Asleep, Miss Approach"

If you have a story about airport signage, or other experiences that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. If you wish to support the show financially, we are on Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/

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Vinod and Geoff have returned from their summer adventures, and their meetup in London Heathrow for Experience 063. After all of the concern we had for meeting up at Heathrow, it ended up being very anticlimactic.

Vinod shares some interesting insights into how providing certain destination information could affect a London cab driver’s ability to take airport fares later in the day.

Geoff and Vinod rave about the terrific new Elizabeth Line in London.

Geoff’s flight from Toronto was quite late leaving for Copenhagen. We will do a future experience on when should you really show up when your flight is tremendously delayed. He shares his experience of the flight.

Geoff shares his experience of checking in at the Priority Pass International Lounge in Toronto. Indeed sometimes it is just nicer to find a quiet gate than going to a lounge.

Geoff then flew onward to London from Copenhagen. Copenhagen Airport has a practice of passengers scanning their boarding passes to enter a waiting room and then board, instead of scanning when boarding.

Vinod shared his experience of flying from Vancouver to Heathrow. What a coincidence -- one of the pilots on the flight was a friend of his. For the avgeeks, it was a non-ETOPS flight, and the landing was greased in...so smooth.

Geoff continued on with Eurostar from London to Brussels and then onward to Cologne with a German ICE train. The Eurostar was fine, but the ICE train was so full Geoff sat in by the door in the vestibule for 2 hours!

Geoff had some experiences with the German trains not being very German. First, a fire on train line. Second, technical issues before the train even starts the journey. Third, random stops in the middle of nowhere in Bavaria.

Geoff reviews his flight from Vienna to Frankfurt with neighbouring passengers not having to return their beer bottles before landing.

As Geoff was checking into his flight to Johannesburg, he learned that Lufthansa only issues baggage stickers at certain desks at Frankfurt -- not all check-in machines.

We give a shout out to friend of the show Paul Papadimitriou -- Geoff and Vinod both met him in person in London, and great times were had by all. Paul you’re welcome to visit Canada any time.

We talk about the tight connections that are often faced in Frankfurt, knock on wood no problems for either Vinod or Geoff...yet.

Geoff flew to Johannesburg in a 747-800 upstairs in business class. When Johannesburg is busy with international flights, it’s busy.

Geoff continued his adventure through South Africa to Kruger National Park and onward to Mozambique. He had a super early flight from Maputo to Nampula with an onward land journey to Ilha de Moçambique.

Geoff’s return to fly out of Nampula was an adventure in itself. Police checks, racing to the airport, honking horns, and arrival after check-in desks closed. Did he make it? Narrator: He did.

Then Geoff continued onward from Maputo to Cape Town via some connection adventures in Johannesburg.

Geoff returned from Cape Town to Frankfurt, and then homeward bound to Toronto. Toronto’s baggage situation was uneventful.

If you're liking this episode experience, you may also enjoy Experience 020. "Go or no-go? When Vinny and Geoff's rail travel plans went sideways." It's available wherever you listen to your podcasts.

Vinod’s return to Vancouver saw waves of people sent through to security at Heathrow, and people who aren’t managing the queues properly. Security made Vinod put his stroller through the baggage scanner. When he arrived in Vancouver there were no issues with the baggage, but there were no baggage carts. There was no random COVID testing openly visible for either Vinod (or Geoff in Toronto).

Geoff noted that in Mozambique there were staff matching your claim sticker with the baggage tag.

Geoff also had very favourable reviews of the Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge in Frankfurt -- which, depending on your departure time, may be a better lounge option that the Lufthansa lounges.

News Items:

• flightradar24.com article "SPAR19 becomes the most tracked flight of all time."

If you have a story about 2022 trips you’ve recently had, upcoming trips, or other experiences that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. If you wish to support the show financially, we are on Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/

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Vinod and Geoff met up and recorded this special experience live from London Heathrow Terminal 2.

Heathrow on a Friday afternoon was much calmer than Vinod and Geoff had expected. Vinod has never been through immigration at Heathrow faster, and Geoff was quickly through the e-gates.

Vinod’s bags were delivered quickly. Geoff’s took a bit longer but still fairly quickly.

Geoff and Vinod were meeting up with our guest interviewee from Experience 038 - Paul Papadimitriou.

It is great to be back travelling again.

If you're liking this episode experience, you may also enjoy Experience 019. On the RTW road with Vinny and Geoff. It's available wherever you listen to your podcasts.

If you have a story about your trips in 2022, or any other experiences that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. If you wish to support the show financially, we are on Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/

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Vinod and Geoff are jumping into the travel chaos this summer – and are getting ready for the backlogs and delays that could ensue.

Outside of the airport and airline backlogs, there are backlogs with passport offices around the world. Vinod had to get a new first passport for his child in Vancouver, Canada. He discusses his hellish journey through the backlogs, the processing that didn’t happen, the phone wait times, the overnight queues to get passports processed, the backup plans to drive to another city. “When do I really need to panic?” was in full effect.

If you're liking this episode experience, you may also enjoy Experience 036. Epidemic Unplugged. What's happening and what does the future hold? It's available wherever you listen to your podcasts.

Geoff shares his experience of trying to get entry visa information to Mozambique. Multiple requests to multiple locations in English and Portuguese. No answer. Vinod shares a memory of getting a visa for Vietnam. Remember – watch out for sketchy companies with visa and passport services. They may only be providing information and not getting you the physical document.

Airports are crazy busy. Vinod shares a situation at Heathrow where the airline ran out of hotels for customers who had missed a connection due to a late flight. Remember even if you show up super early, some airports are doing flow control. Geoff looks back to the summer of 2020 when there were hardly any passengers in Toronto Pearson. As advised by our friends at AvTalk – “Arm yourself with everything you can in your arsenal” to help you get through airport chaos. Look at the arrival time of your flight. What else is arriving when you do?

Geoff and Vinod share their travel plans. Geoff to Europe and Africa (including a 747 upgrade), while Vinod has first flight with a child to the UK. Vinod reminds us that there is a weight limit for a basinet and that children have to be on lap during turbulence.

We’ll record live on location somewhere for Experience 063.

If you have a story about your trips in 2022, or any other experiences that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. If you wish to support the show financially, we are on . Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/

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In this experience we are happy to bring you an interview with a wonderful guest Dee Leon. Dee met Vinod while working at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics. When he told Vinod that he had sold Airbus in China, Vinod knew an interview was a Seat 1A priority.

Dee worked for Airbus in the 1990s as the aviation market in China was just waiting to evolve with exponential growth in the local market.

It was not an easy start for Dee as Boeing had a very strong presence in the Chinese market. This had started back when Nixon had visited China in his Boeing 707. Chinese aviation had copied Boeing through the 1970s and 80s. The selling of confidence for Airbus at the very beginning was more important than selling product.

We ask Dee what the selling factors were, if Airbus sent other items with the aircraft (e.g. simulators) and what was the first success.

China was previously not a hub and spoke system. And in the 1990s, the domestic bullet train was not yet a competitor.

We ask what the environment was like in neighbouring countries at the time. What exactly did "do a demonstration" entail? And what was the leasing market like in China at the time?

How was Dee's travel life like? How did physical aircraft get presented? And what did Dee do when a translator was not available for a seminar -- an incredible amount of reading followed!

We ask about Dee's love for aviation as a child. Did he think that Airbus in China would be as successful as it is now?

Dee has an interesting take on favourite airports along with personal travel recommendations. His favourite Airbus product may surprise you.

Seat 1A appreciates the wonderful and candid interview with Dee.

If you're liking this episode experience, you may also enjoy Experience 038. Layover with a Special Guest. An Interview with Paul Papadimitriou. It's available wherever you listen to your podcasts.

News Items:

• simpleflying.com article "Bakkafrost: The Faroese Salmon Farm That Plans To Reduce Food Waste By Flying Fish In A Boeing 757."
• flyertalk.com article "Delta and American Express Turn a Retired 747 Into Credit Cards."

If you want to share a shoutout to Dee, have a story about aviation industry sales, or other experiences that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. If you wish to support the show financially, we are on Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/

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As the Northern Hemisphere arrives at summer 2022, many travellers are getting things figured out. Travel is back – but it’s a madhouse. People have had long delays and wait times to rebook their plans. From 2020 to 2022 it has been a toss up of who or what is providing support to customers.

Take all of these issues and multiply them "world-fold". There are many customer service issues that will arise.

We ask, "What do you do to plan for customer care"? Why is there a long hold? In many cases the support can only come from the provider - which isn't always the easiest to determine. Is there enough staff to hire, have experienced staff left the industry? The situation of experienced staff leaving an industry goes far beyond just the travel industry. When you call, have the knowledge and the request with you.

Vinod shares a story of getting caught up in a loop with a point upgrade credit. Aeroplan...if you're listening...

Geoff shares an experience of getting stuck in a "shadow ticket" loop and it eventually getting fixed.

Vinod shares a frustrating experience with a gift card and trying to utilize it for control of family seating.

Geoff shares props with Lufthansa for a quick response to a call he had with them.

In most cases, airline call centres are regional. Due to this regionality, there can be a disconnect between global staff and local realities. Vinod shares a story of how he used local knowledge to his advantage and building a personal connection.

These days, patience is virtue. Be adult and cordial – you will likely get further.

We also look at the current situations with massive queueing and lineups in person – in various cities worldwide. Since many people haven’t flown recently their attitudes are amped up.

Take the time to analyze the peak periods of the airports that you are visiting.

If you're liking this episode experience, you may also enjoy Experience 011. Flight delays, cancellations, diversions, and the airline's obligations. It's available wherever you listen to your podcasts.

Vinod and Geoff share their travel plans for the summer of 2022. Geoff with Canadian, European and Southern African journeys, while Vinod has a first trip to the UK with a baby toddler.

We’re packing patience - and are making sure to have the paper copies as backup!

News Items:

• simpleflying.com article "Ryanair Passenger Spends 5 Days In Zagreb Airport After Traveling With Wrong Passport."
• reuters.com article "Canada's busiest airport battles delays ahead of summer travel."

If you have a story about travel customer service stories, upcoming trips, or other experiences that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. If you wish to support the show financially, we are on Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/

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In this experience Vinod shares his experience of flying to and from Beijing in the first quarter of 2022. Due to Chinese regulations he was required to be in a closed loop separate from the general public. That included flights.

In pre-pandemic times there are many flights between Vancouver, Canada, and various cities in China. Currently there are none. So...how do you get a Canadian (and others working with Vinod) into China?

Due to complexity of the situation, Vinod only got his booking confirmation four days before departure. He needed to follow very specific timelines for COVID testing. The routing had three stops: Vancouver to San Francisco to Tokyo-Haneda to Beijing-Capital. All of his timings for entrance were based off the final leg of his flight. His flights took place in January 2022, while airspaces were still normal. The flight into Beijing was restricted without any general public on them.

Due to China being the end destination, online check-in was not possible. As he departed Vancouver with Air Canada, the region was still under the impact of the Omicron variant and the airport was eerily quiet. When he arrived in San Francisco, it was as if there was no pandemic at all. Then Vinod boarded an ANA flight to Tokyo-Haneda. The amount of legroom was amazing on an incredibly clean plane with impeccable service. Vinod had a very early arrival into Tokyo. He had stayed at Haneda in the summer of 2021. Then he left for Beijing on Japan Airlines and was blown away by the service, an incredible premium economy seat and one of the best in-flight economy meals Vinod has had in a long time. As the plane took off, Vinod could see his hotel room from Summer 2021. The plane took a very scenic route with beautiful views of Tokyo and Mount Fuji.

And then, he landed in Beijing.

Terminal 3 was sequestered for Vinod and other flights coming into the closed loop. There was throat and nasal COVID tests -- Vinod has never had a worse nasal test than this one. Surface sanitizing was everywhere, the ramp crew was all wearing PPE, and all that sanitizing had aged the new terminal vey quickly with corrosion and white gunk everywhere. Plexiglass became opaque -- which made for a humorous moment at immigration. He picked up his bag and boarded a bus.

As an avgeek, the experience was incredible Vinod -- riding airside at Beijing Capital. As they travelled on the highway the bus had a police escort. Two hours later Vinod ended up at his hotel and waited for his test results, at which point he was able to continue in the closed loop.

38 days later...

It's time to go home. There were limited slots and passenger load factors available for Chinese flights. Based on these limitations, Vinod had a round-the-world return to Vancouver -- of about 39 hours door-to-door. Beijing to Doha, Qatar, to Toronto, to Vancouver. Upgrades were available for a reasonable price, so Vinod took the upgrade. And three days before departure, he learned that the Qatar Airlines flight had an upgraded interior. Leaving China was much easier than arriving. Yet again, the airport was empty -- with no services open, except for one solitary water fountain. They boarded early. In Vinod's words, "When I stepped on that [Qatari] aircraft, I thought I was going to cry."

He had a suite with a door with incredible levels of service and quality. The bed, the food, even the lavatory -- Vinod had a pinnacle level of experience. Then he arrived in Doha for early morning transfer rush hour. Vinod had to stand aside for a few moments and let his brain recalibrate.

After some duty free shopping, he boarded his very long Air Canada flight 059 to Toronto. It was February 24, 2022, and normal routing was no longer available over Ukraine. Once the flight reached the Red Sea, it made a hard left turn and then flew up through western Turkey. The flight kept going and going and going...eventually landing in Toronto.

Canadians can be chosen on landing for a random COVID test...Vinod was chosen. Now what? "I have to do the test, but I have connection bags." His bags may have been a bit over the limit and his carry-ons were maxed out. Oh no, Air Canada has a sizer and scale! But he was connecting -- issue solved. After being in a zombie-like state on the last domestic Air Canada leg, Vinod finally arrived home in Vancouver.

News Items:

• skift.com article "Canada’s WestJet to Buy Sunwing Airlines."
• simpleflying.com article "Woken From Deep Sleep: Lufthansa Resumes Airbus A340-600 Flights."

If you have a story about travel to China during COVID-19, round-the-world trips, or other experiences that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. If you wish to support the show financially, we are on Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/

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In this experience we look into what happens during inflight checks. We hear those announcements "the crew are doing their checks." What does this mean? And what about "arm doors and cross check"?

Before passengers are even allowed to board the flight a crew has to do preflight checks - the previous crew has left the plane and has not checked items when they left. The minimum equipment list has to be met. One thing the staff is checking is safety equipment - like batteries, fire extinguishers and flashlights. Things have to be replaced that passengers may have taken. Coordination occurs with mechanic teams and groomers. The emergency slide has to be checked. If there are life vests, each seat has to be checked. The on-board medical equipment is another item that needs to be checked. In some cases there's a life raft which can take a bit of work to check.

It's easy to replenish an aircraft at an airline's home base. Downline at a remote station is another story. What happens if certain branded equipment or food may not be available?

First flight of the day US safety checks have their own challenges. Vinod had to once complete an entire 737 by himself.

What if a crew times out, or hands over? Has the plane been left unattended? What happens with inoperable seats? What's happening in the flight deck for checks? How are the catering and service levels? How is the lavatory? And if a plane is turning back the same day from a remote station, is there enough food for the return? Vinod shares an experience with checks in Cuba.

It's not just the plane being checked - it's also staff. Is everyone in good flying condition and in proper uniform? Does everyone have their appropriate manuals with them?

Vinod reviews what arm doors and cross check means and shares a story of a flight from Sydney to Los Angeles.

News Items:

• ch-aviation.com article "Croatia's ETF Airways on war path with Bremen Airport."
• simpleflying.com article "Auckland Airport Baggage Handlers Arrested In A Major Drug Bust."
• simpleflying.com article "Why easyJet Does Not Operate Flights Where Trains Are 3 Hours Or Less."
• simpleflying.com article "Football Fans Stop LATAM Plane Departing After Flight Cancelation."

If you have a story about inflight checks, or other experiences that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. If you wish to support the show financially, we are on Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/

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In this experience we look at airline and airport staff security. What do they go through to keep you safe?

When you walk around an airport, you see all sorts of different coloured passes. What do they mean?

Generally, getting an airport security pass is not a small thing. There are high levels of security checks that are done before as pass is issued. There are different levels of security pass that are also issued, and biometric data is recorded when issuing these passes.

A passenger could experience similar levels of clearance if they are applying for a frequent traveller program. Geoff and Vinod share eye scanning stories.

At most checkpoints there is some sort of screening component. At some airports, there isn't the volume of traffic or infrastructure, so rudimentary security checks are done instead – including crossmatching to lists. Sometimes security clearance has to be completed upon landing and transfer. Some country's crews had to clear security a second time.

If you're flying at a home base for an airline, you may not even see the crew at the gate – they'll clear at their crew centre and then are transported to the plane.

Suppliers have to go through the same check, as do their vehicles.

In remote locations (such as the Canadian Arctic) sometimes security check ins aren't needed for certain destinations. A similar situation could apply for private planes with a fixed-base operator (FBO).

However things can go very wrong with security. Drug smuggling, money and diamond heists – some of the situations even end up as famous movie scripts.

There are some airports that have interesting approaches to security – like alligators in Orlando, Florida.

In the days of ID cards, there were many places attempting to fake the ID. Vinod shares his experience of a famous location in Bangkok...they even had a catalogue!

Depending on the country, some airports will permit crews to use the crew line, even if they're not in uniform.

Vinod shares a story of crew liquids exemptions in Dublin and having to unpack his bags at security.

Just remember, all the staff you see will have been through a check – maybe even an hour ago.

News Items:

• simpleflying.com article "A Boeing 707 For $2,500? Kenya To Auction 73 Abandoned Planes."
• skift.com article "These 4 Airlines Made More From Upsells Than Ticket Sales in 2020."

If you have a story about crew security, or other experiences that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. If you wish to support the show financially, we are on Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/

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In this experience we look at in-flight entertainment (IFE). What is its history, how has it evolved, and we share our experiences.

People board a flight with the intent of being entertained while in flight.

Vinod remembers back to his youth and seeing the projector as he boarded the plane – he knew there probably was a movie on a long flight. Geoff remembers watching in-flight edited movies as a kid. As they grew older, they would both look in the in-flight magazine to see what was playing.

Airlines put a lot of investment into their IFE as a key factor to retain passengers.

We go back to 1921(!) to learn about the first ever in-flight movie. Vinod and Geoff remember the stethoscope looking headsets. Vinod shares a memory of flying into Tampa where the flight ended before the movie (which was not a happy situation for one passenger in particular).

The evolution of the IFE continued – monitors attached to the panel above and then LCD monitors that came down from the panel above. Vinod remembers the logistics of running the LCD system and keeping passengers from using certain overhead bins where everything was running.

There was a shift into TV-on-demand with certain airlines. In certain cases it required that you put your credit card into the seat back to pay for extra movies or special channels. Vinod shares his memories of working at WestJet when they were switching from inflight TV to Wi-Fi and were renting tablets. Today many systems are Wi-Fi based.

A common situation that Vinod encountered as flight crew was people coming on-board unprepared and completely dependent on the IFE. Pro-tip – make sure that you travel with some sort of offline tech. Vinod shares the "fun" he had when certain seats had IFE that didn't work.

Remember when flying ultra low-cost carriers, there is a very good chance that you won't be getting any IFE, and sometimes you may be a captive audience to a performing in-flight crew.

The amount of power and wiring for an IFE system famously led to a tragedy with Swissair 111 off the coast of Nova Scotia, Canada. The 787 also saw runaway batteries when it first launched.

Content is regionalized, with cultural sensitivities. Th quality of both video and audio entertainment has come a long way. There are also many different camera views that are now available on many aircraft. Video games are also an option in the IFE – with some airlines offering the controllers.

Remember: Always bring something with you - because you never know when the system is not going to work.

News Items:

• simpleflying.com article "British Airways To Finish Its 777 Club Suite Roll Out Next Year [2022]."
• businesstraveller.com article "Ryanair launches 'Day of Travel Assistant' and new refunds commitment."

If you have a story about in-flight entertainment, or other experiences that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. If you wish to support the show financially, we are on Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/.

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In this experience we look at the world of Duty Free. What exactly is duty free, and what is it not?

As we picture a classic duty free shop, there's a reason why so many of them look so similar – there are a small number of operators handling most of the duty free business. Vinod remembers his childhood and the mystique of the cart rolling down the aisle of a widebody plane.

In many airports, duty free is an experience that comes immediately after clearing security. Some airports save the duty free for arriving passengers. And remember, not all shops after security are duty free – some are just selling at a lower price than the high street.

Where you get your duty free item is dependent on the layout of the airport. If you're in a mixed zone (e.g. domestic/international), you'll get it the gate. If you're in the same zone as other passengers, you'll get it at the shop.

We look at scenarios that Vinod faced as a groundside agent – like what happens if a passenger is denied boarding? Vinod was amazed how many passengers forget their duty free at the gate – and shares a crazy VARIG story. What happens if flights get cancelled? And just what did Air France crews do to cause a change in the duty free in Cancun, Mexico?

We look at the reason for those red sealed bags at the duty free. Vinod shares the absolute insane day he had when the liquids restrictions came into effect. Geoff shares his experience with a bottle of duty free at Buffalo Airport, while Vinod and Geoff share stories of people who were not able to get their duty free through security upon arriving. You need to know where you're connecting to and from.

We leave the airport for a few moments and talk about the crazy amount of duty free bought on European ferries.

Duty free offers many products or sizes that aren't available anywhere else – but this has evolved with pre-purchase.

What are the cheapest duty free locations that Vinod has encountered?

On board a flight, how does duty free work? Some airlines have incentives for duty free sales – some by crew and some by individual. There was a time when cash was paid for duty free – but which currency? Meanwhile, crews have to watch for people consuming their own alcohol on planes. Vinod shares a vintage memory of a flight to Paris – with people hanging from the overhead bins.

The experience in the shop is becoming more multisensory. And if you're on the plane, remember to have your payment method ready for when the cart passes by.

News Items:

• simpleflying.com article "The Largest Boeing 777X Customers Revealed."
• simpleflying.com article "Exciting: Two Airlines Announce The A380 Return This Week."
• simpleflying.com article "Nature Starts To Reclaim Mexico City’s Canceled New Airport."

If you have a story about duty free shops, duty free service in the air, or other experiences that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. If you wish to support the show financially, we are on Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/.

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In this experience we look at the history of smoking on flights. Geoff and Vinod remember smoking on flights, the ashtrays in the seats, and the turning off of the no smoking sign.

A question that Vinod was (and still is) asked is, "Are the smoke detectors in the lavatory real?" Absolutely. The purpose is all about putting out the live flame. But if smoking is not allowed on flights, why are there still ashtrays in lavatories?

While Vinod never caught anyone in the act of smoking on the flight, he had numerous cases where passengers had been smoking just prior to his interaction. If passengers are caught smoking, it's a chargeable offense.

Vinod shares a story of a Mountie that had to fly to Mexico for a day, due to supervise a passenger who had been caught smoking on charter flight.

We open the history books on smoking on flights. When and where did it end? (Hint, much more recently than you may think.) We take a look at a few plane crashes. Firstly, how smoking played a role in the investigation of a 1985 Japan Airlines crash. Next, we look at the 1973 Varig flight that showed the need for early detection of fires in the lav. We finally look at the 1983 Air Canada flight which showed the need for smoke detectors and fire suppressants in the lav.

Fire on board is a scary, scary, thing.

Vinod shares his story of a random Portuguese charter in Edmonton. In general, private carriers do a lot of what they want.

Smoking lounges still exist in various countries – Geoff shares his experience from Frankfurt and Vinod shares his experience from Tokyo.

We look briefly at a US Supreme Court case where onboard smoking was one of the key reasons for the trial.

Pro tip – if you see or smell smoke, let your flight attendant know.

There were attempts in the US to start a smoker's airline, however it never was able to get in the air.

These days the only place you'll see cigarettes in an airplane is in duty free.

News Items:

• airlineweekly.com article "Los Angeles Airport Approves New Terminal, Concourse for 2028 Olympics."
• businesstraveller.com article "Dubai International launches food and duty-free ordering service for passengers

If you have a story about smoking on board, fire on board, or other experiences that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. If you wish to support the show financially, we are on Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/

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In this experience we look at the world of official protocols and flights. With elections and world leader gatherings, there are official protocols for flights. Different governments have their own aircraft.

The most famous of the aircraft is Air Force One. Other governments have official aircraft as well – often not looking too different than planes in their air force. Other countries use existing airline's aircraft. Some countries spend a lot on aircraft, and then can't keep up the payments. And Russia uses its own domestic manufacturers.

Encountering these aircraft has some unique circumstances. Geoff having an Air Force One ground stop while working as a baggage handler in Calgary. Vinod having Air Force One ground stops in Hawaii while working as flight crew. Geoff having a delay at Newark due to an Air Force One ground stop.

Sometimes there will be a collection of planes in a location where they normally wouldn’t be expected. Vinod shares his experience with the G20 in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico in 2012 – and shares the level of clean and polish from the Japanese crew.

Vinod and Geoff both share experiences from the 2002 G8 in Calgary. Geoff was working on the ground, Vinod was working another event in Calgary and decided one day to stop by the airport – and was greeted by a motorcade, a comical need for keys, an unexpected LOUD Russian flyby and the impressive size of a Globemaster C-17.

Vinod shares his experiences with the British Royal Family flying on British Airways commercial flights. Protocols were at their highest levels. Baggage for Prince Harry was in the Boeing 777 bulk pit when it arrived in Calgary and Vinod had to escort the baggage. Vinod also had to handle the departure – and even got to hang out with Prince Harry.

If you're at an airport and there are planes there that don't seem like they match with the location, maybe there's a global event going on. Remember that there's absolutely nothing you can do if you're waiting for the global leader. Check the news to make sure there isn't any global leader event happening at the airport you're visiting.

News Items:

• flightradar24.com "Qantas performs longest-ever commercial flight"
• simpleflying.com "Tata Sons Wins Air India Bidding Process: What Comes Next?"

If you have a story about your experiences with leaders and flight delays at global events, royalty on flights, or other experiences that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. If you wish to support the show financially, we are on Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/

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In this experience we look at the world of teams and flights.

As we learned in Experience 051, Vinod flew back to Vancouver with the Canadian Olympic Team. What a great atmosphere it was for him to enjoy. This is not the first time that he has flown with Olympic athletes or teams for that matter.

On flights with teams, it's not just athletes. There are usually coaching and support staff also on the flight. As well, normally there are also supporting family or partners on board. National flag carriers will often sponsor national teams.

When the athletes arrive at the airport, they come with the luggage related to their sport and the check-in process is the same as any other passenger. The teams are often processed with the group check-in to avoid any issues or problems with the non-team flying public. The teams usually sit together.

On the ramp, the baggage handlers will see a large quantity of similar bags carrying similar items. On wide-body flights, often the team baggage is reserved into a few containers.

There are examples of teams being boisterous and loud, but many times this happens on the return flight.

Vinod remembers having to deal with teenagers on flights, the insane boarding process and not getting much help from chaperones.

Geoff wonders if US college football teams have the band equipment and the team equipment on the same flight.

Helpful tip – groups are usually seated at the back of the plane.

We also look at what happens when teams charter flights. Some airlines have a speciality product specifically for sports charters. What does the check-in process look like? Usually teams will fly right after the game. On these team flights there is usually very good catering, and often with not too much alcohol. Geoff remembers back to when the NHL pro teams would fly commercially scheduled flights.

What happens with teams flying on commercial flights – usually other passengers don't know. Vinod shares his experience working a flight with the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League and Geoff shares his experience with Calgary Stampeders.

We return to the ground for a moment with Vinod sharing a family experience from the Eurostar and a vey rowdy English rugby team.

For the most part though, professional teams are professional.

Some teams board at remote stands or with a fixed-base operator (FBO) at private terminals for technical or logistical reasons. These operations are very fast. Geoff shares a story how ramp staff always loved team planes that landed at the private terminals for the food leftovers.

Sometimes bus or coach service is used for teams on shorter trips.

In many cases it's not the team that are problematic, it's the fans of the teams. From large amount of alcohol orders or trying to bring their own alcohol on board, to starting brawls with other team's supporters – fans can be challenging.

News Items:

• simpleflying.com article "Football Teams And Cable Cars: What Does Emirates Sponsor?"
• New York Post "Aussie athletes allegedly got drunk, caused chaos on wild flight home from Olympics."

If you have a story about team travel, team charter, or other experiences that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. If you wish to support the show financially, we are on Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/

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In this experience, Vinod shares his story of his flight back from Tokyo to Vancouver after the Summer Olympics.

As mentioned in previous experiences, Vinod acquires a lot of stuff when returning from the Olympics. He had a lot more luggage than when he left for Tokyo.

He arrived at Narita, having to make his way back across the terminal. The first half of the terminal was empty – but then there was a mass of athletes from the US and Canada – at holiday volumes. There was a lot of studying the queues, where to go and wondering if he was in the correct queue.

An interesting thing happened on the luggage scale – did Vinod's bag lose weight?

The duty free shops were ram-packed full of athletes, trying to buy something to take home – since they had been restricted to the athlete accommodations.

All of these bodies had to empty somewhere and since the flights were all boarding in the same area – it got hectic and busy really fast. The crowds were too large to hear the announcements over the public address system. Finally, after Vinod's plane arrived, delay information was placed on a visual display.

Meanwhile, Vinod had Japanese Yen coins to spend – where better than at one of many vending machines. And why not ice cream? Vinod returned to the hold area – flights were ready to start boarding, so Vinod got to the front of the queue.

What's this United Boeing 737 doing at Narita? Vinod asked Geoff to do some digging into why that plane was there – and discovered a Micronesian legacy from Continental Airlines.

Vinod was on one of Air Canada's original 787s, and the meal service got processed very quickly. Compared to his flight to Tokyo, mixed drinks were available on this flight. Looking from his premium economy seat through the curtain, Vinod could see that the business class experience was elevated from when he had flown to Tokyo.

Vinod arrived at Vancouver and given his unique status as a non-athlete at the Olympics it caused some confusion about testing. This process has improved and is now quite efficient.

Vinod shares a tip about what you need to do if you don't want your bag to auto-connect. Vinod appreciated the distancing in Canada and was thankful he didn't need to spit in a tube after waiting six hours.

News Items:

• simpleflying.com article "Miami Becomes First US Airport To Test COVID-19 Detector Dogs."
• breakingtravelnews.com article "Amadeus trials auto bag drops at Heathrow airport"
• simpleflying.com article "GOL Made To Pay For Female Employees’ Cosmetics."

If you have a story about overseas travel during COVID-19, COVID testing on arrival, or other experiences that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. If you wish to support the show financially, we are on Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/

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Seat 1A reaches a milestone of fifty experiences. In this experience, Vinod joins us from Tokyo! That's why he had been waiting in the lounge at Vancouver.

One of Vinod's side gigs is working for the Olympic Games. He received a special exception to travel to Tokyo. Getting on a flight to fly across the ocean was very exciting.

Vinod flew Air Canada's Signature Class – but the regular business class experience has been changed since the last time Vinod enjoyed it due to COVID.

Vinod had to deal with a number of physical items being at his seat due to airlines lowering their amount of contact. There was no pre-flight drink. He received a very nice Olympic themed gift bag since Air Canada is a sponsor of Team Canada. The meal is not delivered in courses, rather in a rather large tray set like economy. Drink service was limited – no mixed drinks. The menu listed the first food experience, did not state any further meal info.

Japan tests for COVID on arrival and Vinod knew it would be a long multi-hour process. The airline sorted passengers and after he made his way into the terminal, the long sit and waiting for processing started. After more than 2 hours Vinod was able to complete his test – just how much spit do they need?

Then the waiting for test results in a repurposed ANA lounge since the entire flight had to be tested. Another 2.5 hours went by. Finally everyone was cleared, and Vinod was able to enter the country. All in all, from when the aircraft door opened to catching his ground transportation, it took Vinod just under 6.5 hours!

Vinod is staying at an airport hotel at Haneda Airport Terminal 2 due to proximity to his venue. How perfect for an avgeek. Terminal 2 is the ANA domestic terminal and even with a pandemic it is busy. Vinod has access to amazing food options, and there is even an observation deck. The windows are very thick and there is next to no noise in his room.

Vinod's work is right under the Haneda approach flight path and on the other side is the departure. This leads to some incredible plane spotting.

Geoff also flew recently. He was on an Air Canada Airbus 220 for a Canadian domestic flight.

Vinod flies back to Vancouver in premium economy.

Seat 1A tip: If you're flying into a country that does on arrival COVID testing, bring food and water.

We couldn't meet up with Paul from the Layovers podcast for sake and karaage chicken. But someday we'll cross paths.

Vinod noted that there wasn't a lot of distancing happening at the terminal, mostly relying on masking and hand sanitizer.

News Items:

• simpleflying.com article "Airbus Is Using A350 Lighting To Help Passengers Social Distance."

If you have a story about overseas travel during COVID-19, COVID testing on arrival, or other experiences that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/

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In this experience we are happy to come to you from the Air Canada Maple Leaf lounge at Vancouver International Airport. Vinod is returning to the air for the first time since February 2020 – making a splash with his first overseas flight since the summer of 2019.

Vinod shares his experience of booking the seat and the documentation he has had to produce during these times. He's in business class...we don't have to even ask which seat he has selected. (Hint...Seat 1A).

Vinod shares his experience of being back in the airport – from check-in to just sitting back and enjoying the lounge.

Vinod is on a flight just under ten hours from Vancouver – where will he arrive? We will reveal it to you in Experience 50. Since there is a 10-hour flight with mask wearing the entire time, Vinod shares a travel hack to save his ears. He advises of the changes to lounge food ordering currently in effect in Vancouver.

Geoff is also flying again after almost a year. He is experiencing an Airbus 220 for the first time on a Canadian domestic flight.

Time to board. Bon Voyage Vinod!

If you have a story about overseas travel during COVID-19, or other experiences that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/

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In this experience we continue study time with Vinod and Geoff. So sharpen your pencils as we continue with the second of two experiences with aviation terminology. In this experience we're covering Kilo to Zulu.

When you fly or read about aviation, often you hear or see terminology used by pilots, airline staff or you may hear about in the media. We have chosen various terms that we hope will assist you in understanding what's going on, and to allow you to communicate with Seat 1A savvy.

Don't worry there is no quiz at the end, so sit back and enjoy.

• Knots
• Livery
• Lav
• MTOW
• Manifest
• NOTAM
• NOTOC
• Narrow Body
• OAT
• Pitot Tubes
• PNR
• PIC
• Push-out Tractor
• Piano Keys and Threshold Marking
• Pairing
• Q Codes
• Red Alert
• Thorguard
• Ramp
• Remote and Virtual Tower
• Runway Safety
• Stand
• Skiplagging
• Slots
• Tracks
• Type I and Type IV
• TCAS
• Traffic
• Tarmac
• Tug
• Tow Bar
• UM
• ULCC
• VFR
• V-Speeds
• Rotate
• Wide Body
• Wind Shear
• X at the end of a runway
• YPTA
• Zulu Time

News Items:

• simpleflying.com article "Legal Battle Launched Over Startup Air Montenegro’s Logo."
• simpleflying.com article " Plan Proposed To Make US Airlines Refund Fees For Late Baggage."
• simpleflying.com article "African Adventure? Ryanair Launches New Base On The Continent."

If you have a story about the terms that we've shared today, or other experiences that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/

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In this experience it's study time with Vinod and Geoff. So sharpen your pencils as we start with the first of two experiences with aviation terminology. In this experience we're covering Alfa to Juliett.

When you fly or read about aviation, often you hear or see terminology used by pilots, airline staff or you may hear about in the media. We have chosen various terms that we hope will assist you in understanding what's going on, and to allow you to communicate with Seat 1A savvy.

Don't worry there is no quiz at the end, so sit back and enjoy.

• APU
• Airside
• Aileron
• Air Start
• Airway
• ATC
• ATIS
• Approach
• Apron
• Airstair
• ADS-B
• Belt Loader
• CSM, CSA, CSD
• Codeshare
• Cabin
• Cabin Crew
• Call Sign
• Clearance
• Classes
• Conventions
• De-Ice
• Duty Manager
• e-Ticket
• FIM
• FIR
• FMD
• Flaps
• Ferry Flight
• Fuselage
• Feathering
• Flight Deck
• Freedoms of the Air
• FOD
• Fly By Wire
• Groundside
• Glass Cockpit
• Gendec
• Holding Patterns
• Heavy
• Head Start
• IATA
• ICAO
• IFR
• ILS
• IFE
• Jet Wash

News Items:

• simpleflying.com article "Ethiopian Airlines 787 Exorcised By Voodoo Priest On Togo Layover"
• simpleflying.com article "Australia Is Close To Allowing Pets In The Aircraft Cabin"

If you have a story about the terms that we've shared today, or other experiences that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/

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In this experience we take a look at the need to eat when you're at the airport. Food and flying has changed so much in 40 years – it used to be that you would get a full meal on the plane included with your ticket. These days...not so much.

When most people think of airport food they get a sour taste in their mouth – and that’s not just from the "special" that has been sitting under heat lamps all day. Many airports have their catering handled by large corporate conglomerates – so you will see the same shops in various airports across the country. You will also see similar offerings since some food just doesn't fly well, and the security required is more easily handled through one company.

Vinod remembers back to early one morning when the Golden Arches at Frankfurt Airport caused him to lose his passport.

We understand that it's expensive in the terminal, or that the menu selection is very limited compared to outside the airport. And once you're past security, you're a captive audience.

For those of you who decide to not eat at the airport, airlines are trying hard to entice buyers - often by partnering up with chains. The inexperienced traveller may not be aware about how much the odor of their food travels through the cabin during the flight. Remember – crew members can tell you to close up your food if it smells too much. Vinod shares a dripping story of an unfortunate passenger with lime pickle escaping from the baggage hold.

Some airports had old-school cafeterias, while others continue to have wannabe diners.

Vinod shares his hiking tour at Paris CDG with his wife looking for a Big Mac.

When in certain countries there are other options available. Grocery stores in European airports are an option. In some countries, if you are able to clear customs and immigration easily, you might want to look at going into the city – particularly if you have a long layover.

Vinod shares his experience of a hidden gem near Toronto Terminal 3, and Geoff discusses the options that might exist near the airport along service roads.

Sometimes airports have next to nothing for food – Vinod shares his experience from Varadero, Cuba.

But sometimes great food just appears out of nowhere – Vinod shares a mouth watering experience in Brazil as a grill fired up just before his flight. Worse comes to worst, just follow your nose.

Bon Appétit!

Remember that it may be difficult to find local cuisine at the airport – Geoff shares a previous experience at Cancun. But sometimes, you might be able to find reasonably priced food at a bar.

News Items:

• apex.aero article from October 2020 " Airport Food Delivery Trend Picks Up During Pandemic"

If you have a story about food at the airport, other food option strategies or other experiences that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/

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In this experience we are happy to share an interview with one of our avid listeners, Danny, about his flight from San Jose, Costa Rica to Charlotte, North Carolina to Cleveland, Ohio.

Danny's flight rolled out to the runway and the engines spooled up. Then the wind died, and they cut the power. They took a second attempt, and again – the wind died, and they cut the power. Perhaps the plane was overweight. Some passengers were about to be given the option to stay an extra day in Costa Rica.

We look at the hot and high reality that exists in San Jose, Costa Rica. In addition to the height, there are also mountains near the airport. Vinod shares an experience flying into Huatulco (HUX) in Mexico with limitations due to mountains.

We move to the second part of the interview. The airline tried it one more time and they were airborne. However just for fun, we get thunderstorms, a runway incursion and a go-around added to the mix.

Go-arounds are a common thing. Runway incursions happen for a variety of reasons. Maybe the plane in front is too slow clearing off, maybe it's not even aircraft – it could be other vehicles or wildlife or instructions from Air Traffic Control. Pilots will utilize autolanding – particularly in bad weather. Find out why landings are smoothest in wet weather.

Danny has arrived at Charlotte Airport – now the race through customs happens. Will he make the connection to his Cleveland flight?

Customs and Border Patrol appears to have worked with the airline and airport to help speed things along. Remember though, that at many US airports you will have to clear back through security after you clear customs.

Spoiler alert - Danny reaches the flight for Cleveland...and find out why, in his words, "Clevelanders are the worst."

Remember that not every airline is going to hold every flight due to delay – the conditions have to be right. Is holding the flight cost effective? Will is affect second leg connections?

We look at what was a key component of Danny's story – weight and balance averages and calculations. And remember, a plane doesn’t have to be pointing at the end destination.

Thank you again Danny for the wonderful story that you shared!

News Items:

• simpleflying.com article "Finnair Calls Time On In Flight Magazines To Cut Emissions"
• simpleflying.com article "Back In Business: Frankfurt Airport Reopens All Terminals & Runways"
• cnbc.com article " American, Southwest put off plans to serve alcohol after passenger disruptions, assault on board"

If you have a story about takeoff problems, customs clearance, connecting flights or other experience that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/

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In this experience we look at those situations with travellers who end up sleeping in an airport or a train station.

Sometimes we end up with awkward flight combination pairings – controlled or uncontrolled – you have a long break between flights. Do you take the time to stay at a hotel? Maybe your passport won't allow you to leave the airport on a long layover.

Airport hotels realize that travellers are a captive market and with an overnight assumption. Many hotels had a day rate, however these days, that's not always a sure bet – will the hotel have the housekeeping staff to clean the room for a further night stay.

Vinod shares his search for a hotel room in Dallas (DFW) – they did offer him access to the hotel gym, but was that ideal for sleeping?

Some airports offer hourly rate hotels, but sometimes there just isn't a place to sleep at the airport. In those cases, how long is it going to be from the terminal until your head is on the pillow – and how much sleep are you really going to get? Are you travelling alone or with someone? Are your bags checked through? Geoff shares a travel hack from the ski slopes to help when you're sleeping with bags in a terminal. Some airports offer a left luggage facility at a very reasonable fee. Sometimes if you are able to get into the middle of the city, there might be storage lockers you could consider using.

While waiting during off-hours at the airport, do not assume that the executive lounge will be open 24/7. You just might end up being stuck airside. Certain airports have swing gates (flashback to our gate assignment experience) and pay attention if you're on the domestic or international side of a terminal – domestic might close. A security guard is likely a good person to talk to about where you can rest in the airport. Maybe the better location is in another terminal. Sometimes though, the better location may not be that much better – like Vinod's experience of sleeping in a food court at New York LaGuardia (LGA). Some airports like Chicago O'Hare (ORD) have cots at the ready for mass delays. Is it feasible to maybe rent a car and sleep in it instead?

Geoff shares his story of arriving at Frankfurt (FRA) in the middle of the night from Dusseldorf (DUS). Geoff also shares a story of a sketchy hotel in New Jersey after his flight from Newark (EWR) to Toronto (YYZ) was cancelled.

Make sure you check the logistics and timings if the airline is providing a hotel due to recovery. Sometimes this may involve two different airports. Geoff shared an experience flying from Munich (MUC) to Toronto (YYZ), that had a mechanical delay – and changing airports in London.

Vinod shared an experience of a massive delay in Calgary (YYC), the crazy amount of roasted chicken provided by the airline and why he always now brings a change of undergarments in his carryon.

How easy is it to get to the city centre – Vinod shared an experience trying to find a reasonably priced hotel near Paris (CDG) with a good evening. Vinod shares a packing hack which can prove useful for unexpected layovers.

Vinod was sleeping in a phone booth? Yes - it's true!

Some airports make it difficult to sleep in the terminal. Wander around to see if there are better places to rest – including the arrival area. If you are at an airport hotel, are there locations that you might be able to get some uninterrupted rest? And if your airport is connected to a rail facility, check if there is anything there. Does your ticket or boarding pass allow you to get airside and maybe rest there?

Seat 1A doesn't want you to be the person balled up on tile floor trying to sleep. The main thing is to keep moving forward.

News Items:

travelweekly.com article "Rental car shortage turning Hawaii tourists into truckers."

thepointsguy.com article "United is giving airport and flight crews more flexibility to hold flights for connecting flyers."

airlineweekly.com article "Why U.S. Airlines Are Redeploying Huge Widebody Jets Now for Domestic Flights"

If you have a story about sleeping in airports or other transportation hubs, unplanned delay hotel stories, a question, or other experience that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/

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In this experience we look at flying with children and the unique situations that this causes for parents and crew.

Over the last 4 decades, that world of air travel has changed for children. No longer can a child look forward to the excitement of going up to the flight deck and seeing all the lights, indicators, and controls. At the same time, we usually don't see children dressing up to go on a flight anymore. Now it's like "sit down, shut up, strap in" and that's the end of it.

Full disclaimer – this experience is not about us providing parenting advice.

Vinod has seen much as inflight crew and is of the belief that children should travel as soon as possible. Some parents are not of the same view.

We start by looking at pregnant flyers. Why is there a cut-off when they cannot fly? What sort of checks happen to ensure that they are safe to fly?

Next, we break down the type of parent passengers into three types:

• Those that have their bleep together.
• The disorganized traveller.
• The know-it-alls.

When you book your seat, pick it with the child in mind. Remember that children under two can fly for free, but they don't get a seat for free. An infant on a lap of a parent (particularly without a chance to trade off) can be very stressful. Don't be scared to ask the crew if there's an extra seat – but if the flight is full your chances will be slim. Often premium economy seating is used to entice other passengers to give up their seats.

What is the location of the seat you're booking? We discuss the logistics and practicalities of bulkheads and bassinets. As a parent, a bassinet can be a great place to hold your stuff. As a non-parent who's trying to get legroom in a bulkhead seat, you just might wind up with a baby beside you. Additionally, remember that the bulkhead is at the back of the lavatory, so you may end up with extra people looking at your baby. Plus there won't be a lot of extra room if you use a bassinet. But, if there's turbulence, you need to take the baby out of the bassinet.

If you have the means, do you book a business or first-class cabin to travel with your child? You have to respect the noise level in the premium cabin, and it is possible that, "you'll get more support and empathy in economy class next time."

Vinod shares his stroller stories. If you have to check in the stroller, ask for the thick plastic bag to put it into if you don't have a carrying case. If you take your stroller to boarding, make sure you know how to fold it up. If you're travelling as two adults with children, a tag-team approach often works the best when boarding the flight. One of the reasons is that aisles are getting narrower, so the less you have to carry the easier it is to get to your seat. When you get to your row, get in! Then figure things out.

We understand that children will melt down at any point and it's unpredictable. Some parents will lighten the atmosphere with earplugs or small snacks for their neighbouring passengers.

We interject a story with Spirit Airlines who kicked a family off a flight since their child wasn't wearing a mask. There will continue to be challenges with parents trying to keep their children masked during the pandemic.

Vinod shares passenger requests of the crew – one of the biggest was warming up milk...and flight crews' trick to make it work. Another is heating up food – galley ovens are going to melt any plastic container your child's food is in. Remember that a lap seat does not entitle you to a complimentary meal. When flights have buy on board, there may not be something for your child, and often food runs out. Make sure you let the crew know to save a certain food for your child, or if your child is not on the same schedule as the meal service.

Pro tip – if there's a food your child enjoys, pre-package it with you. Your crew can help you, but you need to let them know that you need to be helped.

Note that different countries have different rules for seat belts and babies. Crews are aware, that some children do not want to be belted in for the flight – remember that they just need to see the child belted in.

Sometimes children run around when the plane is taxiing. That's going to cause a full stop until the child is back in their seat.

Some parents bring car seats on board with them. The car seat has to be in the window seat. Practice belting the seat before bringing it on board.

During flight children crawl around, make sure you have a blanket for them. And diaper changing at the seat...sometimes necessity causes it to happen, but crew tend to frown on it. If you need to step away from your child, sometimes a crew member can briefly sit with your child. During quieter moments of the flight, you can often bring your child to the back galley.

Vinod shares his gross experiences of diapers being passed to him during garbage collection. There are specific policies airlines have to follow for bodily waste. Sometimes diapers end up in the lavatory waste and sometimes – they (yuck) end up in seat pockets.

Vinod shares a trick using two cups that was used with children with hurting ears on descent.

Be a good passenger and let the crew know if your child vomited – there's nothing quite like finding a full unattended air sickness bag.

Keeping your kid occupied during flight, some airlines offer in-flight children's games. Many parents just plug their child into electronic devices or rely on the inflight entertainment. Sometimes the inflight entertainment goes down and Vinod shares memories of "you should not be relying on the IFE as your sole source of entertaining your child for this five-hour flight." Sometimes children crayon all over the airplane.

On disembarking have everything ready to disembark, or just wait until the end – then you'll get the crew helping you out. Remember that if you're landing on a remote stand, you might get your stroller until you're inside the terminal after riding the bus.

Vinod shares his hacks.

News Items:

• aerotime.aero article "Hong Kong Air Cargo bans VIVO smartphones after airport fire."
• afar.com article "Briggs & Riley Is Holding a Luggage Drive for Kids in Foster Care."
• skift.com article "New Wheelchair Prototype Seat Promises Accessibility for In-Flight Travel"

If you have a story about children (and their parents) on a flight, a question, or other experience that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/

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In this experience we look at what happens when there is a medical emergency in flight. The incident that will often cause the classic announcement over the public address system: "Ladies and gentlemen, if there are any qualified medical personnel on board please indicate by hitting your flight attendant call button."

It's just for doctors who assist with medical emergencies. Nurses and paramedics are other examples of professions that assist with medical emergencies. And it's not always the dire situations like you see in TV and movies.

Usually it starts with someone stating they don't feel well, a travel partner or a fellow traveller noticing that a passenger does not appear to be well. Flight attendants look for signs of illness – in some cases it might be something as simple as dehydration. Of course the flight attendant has no idea what the passenger's day was like before the flight, how many flights a passenger may have done in the day, or what the passenger's medical history is. It could be an acute issue, but sometimes it could escalate. The goal of the crew is to make the passenger comfortable and determine what's going on.

A crew member will not be doing any of this alone, someone always be assisting the first crew member who responded. And if it gets to be a big enough situation, the captain has to know. At that point you'll hear the ding. Who gets involved? Sometimes there are cultural or liability concerns in some countries which may cause some people to avoid assisting. Crews deal with medical support on the ground by calling with a satellite phone or through the flight deck. This ground-based medical support maintains control and decision making. Airlines have a well stocked medical kit – even doctors usually don't know the specific contents of an airline's kit – they're not able to open it without guidance from the ground. Crews are not allowed to administer medication. A crew member is involved with the note taking and paperwork along with the medical responder. What do crew do with the passenger who had the medical emergency? It may also be a case of a passenger needing oxygen. Vinod shares a memory of an unintended handful when providing oxygen on the way to Maui. Remember, not all medical cases are physical. They could also be emotional.

Meanwhile...the crew cannot forget about the rest of the service on the flight.

What happens when the plane is flying over isolated locations without medical facilities or runway service? Vinod shares a story of a British Airways Los Angeles to Heathrow diversion that arrived at Calgary. Often it also means an affected passenger's bags will have to be pulled off the flight. We share Vinod's classic experience in Denver once again.

Vinod shares a story of an intense CPR experience when he opened the door of a Martinair 767 flight. Sometimes the airplane will have stretchers built right in. And sometimes it's a challenge for paramedics to get to the back of plane – like Vinod saw in Manchester, UK.

Not all passengers involved in a medical incident survive. Vinod shares a particular route that this happens very frequently. What do crew do when it happens? How does crew handle bystanders? If you're called upon to change your seat, please oblige the crew. There may be compensation available to passengers and to medical personnel who respond. Geoff takes a quick look at Lufthansa's "Doctor on Board" program.

What happens if the crew get sick, or there is a quarantine situation inside a plane? Vinod shares a story of a returning flight he was waiting for on the ground – and oh did that airplane smell. Finally, there are cases where external police may need to get involved – and Vinod shares a story from before he was working in aviation.

The crews go through a lot of training and requalification, and recently many airlines are adding a Chief Medical Officer to their staff.

If you're not feeling well, it's okay to ring the bell and let the crew know.

News Items:

• Flyertalk.com article "Maskless Flyer Urinates in Alaska Airlines Cabin, Faces $250,000 Fine."
• businesstraveller.com article "Singapore Changi launches baggage disinfection service."

If you have a story about a medical incident inflight as a passenger or medical responder, a question, or other experience that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/.

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In this experience we look at the complex world of air cargo. Though there are not a lot of passenger flights happening so far in 2021, the need for air cargo continues.

Large planes are still landing at airports around the world as airlines need the high revenues from cargo. If airlines still had combi freighters, now would be a good time to use them. Vinod shares experiences of flying with combi freighters in northern Canada.

We explain what's going on underneath the plane – Geoff shares how the plane baggage holds are laid out. He also shares stories of what sometimes happens to skis when the load is really large. The space is not forgiving and in narrow body planes the bags are often hand loaded like a three-dimensional game of Tetris. Wide body planes utilize specialized containers. Vinod shares a story of how his bags were checked through, but he wasn't, and how ground teams in Amsterdam had to go deep into the plane to find them. Vinod shares the experience he had with sports teams – particularly wheelchair basketball and the challenges they caused with cargo loading.

We discuss other unique cargo items – like coffins, human ashes, or firearms. The pilot needs to know what's in the aircraft – especially if it is hazardous. IATA has classified nine different categories for Dangerous Goods. Vinod shares his experience of tourists who were camping and who couldn't fly back with their stoves. Lithium-ion batteries are a huge risk when packed as cargo. Vinod shares his experience seeing a very famous Formula 1 car as cargo in Barbados.

In addition, there are numerous living things that are shipped as cargo. Crickets, chicks (Geoff shares a story of chicks escaping the cargo hold in Calgary), and pets.

Some pets fly really well, others unfortunately not. Vinod shares his logistics experience of shipping rescue dogs to Canada from Taiwan. Meanwhile, Vinod shares a story of dealing with horses as cargo.

We look at the current situation for vaccine shipping – and the unique challenges of cold temperatures and physics of dry ice. Remember that the majority of cargo planes are older, and some may need to be retrofitted with current technology. Hats off to all in the industry at this critical time.

News Items:

• airwaysmag.com article "Anchorage International Cargo Haul Sets Record."
• ainonline.com article "Air Cargo Saw Record Decline in Demand in 2020."

If you have a story about transporting air cargo, a question, or other experience that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/

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Vinod and Geoff hope to have a new experience recorded and posted soon. Until then, we present a replay of our very popular experience with guest host Paul Papadimitriou - from the Layovers podcast. In the experience, Paul mentions a previous Seat 1A recording - that would have been experience 36.

In this experience we are extremely fortunate to have an incredible guest and extend warm greetings to Paul Papadimitriou. Paul is a global keynote speaker, futurist and TV/Radio/Stage host based in London, UK. Avgeek podcast listeners will also know Paul from the Layovers podcast.

We review our personal states and look back to the start of the year to our last flights. Do our realities mean that we need to fly at this point? Paul had very classy last flight – but is looking forward to flying again. Vinod's last flight was a short Canadian domestic flight. Geoff's last international flight was a short cross-border flight into the US. Vinod has had to postpone a flight to Tokyo for the Olympics. Paul had to cancel a number of flights including one to Barcelona. Paul shares his emotional attachment to Narita and looks at business travel these days in Japan. Everyone takes a moment to share their love for Narita. Geoff had to cancel plans for a Yukon and Alaska trek.

It's been a while since Paul's last podcast recording – don't worry folks he's coming back soon. 2019 was the end of a golden age in travel – who knows there might be more in the future.

When the pandemic started, many in the aviation industry were in denial about what could happen – and unfortunately, it lasted far longer than just the short term. Did we make a mistake by calling the infections "waves"? Should we have looked at the pandemic like a series of forest fires? Geoff comments about the internal Canadian travel bubble in its Atlantic provinces. Lockdown – it means different things to different people, but Europe will be in some form of it until March 2021. Vinod shares the experience of his in-laws first facing the virus in Taiwan, and the challenges when they returned to Canada. Each country has a level of risk they want to take with quarantine.

We move back to aviation and ask when Paul realized he was passionate about aviation. Paul shares information on how he met his Layovers co-host Alex Hunter and started the podcast. Geoff shares the connection he had in his youth with planes on final approaches. Vinod shares his Asian long-haul experiences from when he was an infant. Paul looks back on growing up in Geneva, with visits to the US on those LOUD PLANES!

We move back to the reality of where we are today. Quite simply fix the virus, fix the economy, fix travel. And unfortunately, even if all the avgeeks flew, we wouldn't get back to 2019 levels. We're having déjà vu in Europe – it's like it's March all over. Business travellers aren't travelling and the path to recovery looks a long way off. How will city state hub airlines manage since they don’t have a domestic market? Low-cost carriers in the US and EU have a much better financial position than traditional carriers. Asia will have a different recovery. And while we are trying to recover, we'll need to make sure that we don't run short of reagents. What will happen with Tokyo's Olympics? What will happen with the need for qualifying events? How will this align with new Japanese entry requirements? What will be the order of re-opening? When will tourism travel return? What will it look like since airlines are reducing their long-range planes? What would a global framework look like? Are we going to need health visas? Is the entire world going to feel like an emerging market passport? How will recover vary between large and small countries? Are people ready to fly? Will comorbidity stop being a buzzword at some point? Will people ever learn the difference between proximal and direct causes? Repatriation – are the flights done yet?

Other industries – like MICE – do events need a system to validate tests? Will we see more contactless or biometric examples at airports? What will happen to industries that are currently suffering economically? What will we do about privacy? Will distancing be baked into premium products? Maybe we can think about self-cleaning toilets? Are we simple and robust enough with UX and UI? Paul and Vinod share their experiences with Korean mobile network alerts. Sweden and COVID – it can't be taken out of context. We can't just replicate, but we can learn – and treat it like aviation does after an incident. What's going to change for aviation on the backend?

We swing back to questions. What are our favourite airports? Vinod clarifies the beautiful final approaches at Vancouver. Geoff provides a quick update on LaGuardia construction. Congratulations Berlin, you're finally opening your new airport. Now for least favourite – Paul never gets the same experience twice at the so-called Hub Experts. Vinod and Geoff share an airport for least favourite. Vinod shares his love for full airport sensory experiences – complete with a squawking bird prank when he was a flight attendant.

We look at changes we'll have to make. Much more planning than ever before. Will (last minute) round-the-world trips be possible? Will visa waivers and ETA programs accelerate?

Paul shares his travel hacks and tips. Vinod shares the story of booking his honeymoon RTW points trip. Planning trips based on aircraft types is not going to be easy in the short term. Geoff and Vinod share aircraft bait and switch stories.

Finally, we ask what our first dream flights will be. Paul shares love for a former home country. He also hates over tourism. Vinod just wants to get on a flight for as long as possible. Geoff, dreaming of an ultra-luxury experience.

For those who want to listen to Paul's old episodes, you can find him at layovers.to.

If you want to share a shoutout to Paul, a story about your travel experiences during the pandemic, your thoughts about where you think travel is going to evolve, a question, or other experience that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/

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In this experience (congratulations to us on reaching 40!) we know that during the holiday season, people will be watching movies. We decided to take a look at a number of aviation movies.

How can we make a connection to aviation films and our fortieth experience? The classic comedy Airplane! turned forty in 2020 – so that's where we made the link. "Surely you can't be serious. I am serious and don't call me Shirley." There were so many serious airplane crash and hijacking incidents that happened through the 1970s and movies that played up the terror. Airplane! decided to take it all on with a full comedic tour de force. It gave Leslie Nielsen a chance to pivot into comedy – and Police Squad and Naked Gun fans are eternally gracious.

We're not analyzing the technicalities of the films that much, there are other people out there reviewing the pure technical aspects of movies and their accuracy.

Cast Away – We look at this film from Tom Hanks, the crash sequence, and even how much one of the volleyballs ended selling for. Vinod shares a memory of listening in to a FedEx 777 flight conversation as he flew over Memphis.

Die Hard 2 – We edited the signature line a bit to keep this podcast as family friendly as possible. We discuss the volatility of jet fuel and also the reality of fighting on a moving wing - this film takes creative license with both of these. Additionally, the film pays homage to two iconic aircraft – the Lockheed L-1011 TriStar and Boeing 747. We look back nostalgically to when planes had phones in the galley or in the seat backs.

The Terminal - This movie based on a true story gives us a chance to talk about the old Montreal Mirabel airport, but also the incredible work that was done to make the terminal seem as real as possible.

Up in the Air – This one's for the road warriors out there. There is a scene in the film that impacted the way that Vinod pulls his carry-on luggage to this day.

Sully – Another film with Tom Hanks (there seems to be a theme here?) which shows the incredible action taken during the 2009 Miracle on the Hudson caused by striking a flock of birds. We discuss how this film gets the flight deck details right – but many films (and press in general) don't get pictures to match the reality. The control takeover scene is very accurate – but safety harnesses (in this film and many others) are not that accurate. Pilots will not put them on until they absolutely have to.

7500 – The squawk code for a hijacking, this is a well written film that is based on the flight deck point of view. The film was a three-country co-production.

Executive Decision – A crash, bang, boom 1990s movie, with Hollywood license taken with secret passages, cargo holds and B1 Bombers and a short field landing sequence.

Catch Me If You Can – A movie that included Pan Am and filmed partly at the TWA terminal at JFK. Geoff was there in January 2020 – one day maybe we'll record an experience there.

Flight – Keeping the blue side up with Denzel Washington. Saving his passengers on a crash landing, but then having to deal with his substance abuse challenges.

Passenger 57 – A 1990s movie with lots of explosions and shootouts. There is an implausible scene of getting into the airplane through the landing gear. Vinod shares his experience of leaving Cuba where the police would escort the plane to prevent stowaways running to escape in the landing gear.

Air Force One - Geoff has seen the real thing on the tarmac, and no, the vehicles don't travel with it.

Alive – The harrowing story of the crash of a Uruguayan Rugby team flight in 1972 and subsequent battle for survival. Mountain flights for small planes in that era were often dangerous.

Planes, Trains and Automobiles – A crazy journey across America with Steve Martin and John Candy. We look back at a couple of Vinod's crazy experiences that we've discussed previously.

Airport – A film series of disaster movies in the 1970s, with George Kennedy playing in all four films of the series.

Final Destination – It is thanks to this plane that Vinod checks to see if plane wings are greasy.

Con Air – A late 1990s prisoner transport movie starring Nicolas Cage, and a Fairchild C-123 which causes us to ask why are they landing on The Strip in Las Vegas?

Non-Stop – Liam Neeson puts in a good performance, but the movie misses on a number of technical issues.

Flight of the Phoenix – We look briefly at the 2004 remake of the film.

Air America – We look at the bush flying that is highlighted in this movie, and also wonder when planes break apart in Hollywood films, why aren't there more cables visible?

Twilight Zone – We discuss the original "Nightmare at 20,000 Feet" from 1963, the 1983 movie starring John Lithgow, and The Simpson's 1993 animated parody.

Finally, we recommend the television series Mayday (also known as Air Crash Investigation; Air Emergency; or Air Disasters in various countries) for those who are interested in air crashes, near-crashes, hijackings, bombings, and other disasters.

The integrity of the technical aspects varies depending on the movie - some aim for facts, while others have information that can be debunked.

We share the Simple Flying story from October that an ex British Airlines 747 will be saved as a film set just outside of London.

News Items:

• aerointernational.de article (translated from German) "Traveler with 350,000 euros in underpants and shoes".
• independent.co.uk article "€280,000 painting found in bin after owner leaves it at airport.".
• businesstraveller.com article "easyJet launches free at-home trolley service".
• breakingtravelnews.com article "Emirates unveils new Christmas menu"

If you have a story about your favourite aviation films, a question, or other experience that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/

(Sleighbells sound FX from GowlerMusic edited and mixed with other sound FX https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/)

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In this experience we explore what happens to crews between their flights when on a layover. There is the glamour of a layover that we see in movies. The reality is usually quite different. It's a good tip to know and appreciate what happens with your crew in destinations.

For a number of years, the layover was Vinod's second home – and he can't imagine how many hotels, hotel rooms and ground transport shuttles he has been in.

There are different types of layovers. There are short in-transit layovers but stereotypically there is an overnight stay involved.

The layover clock starts as soon as the airplane is chocked. Does a crew get backed up clearing immigration? Does a crew have to wait for baggage? How is the crew going to be transported from the airport? Has their airline put out a tender for ground transportation, or do crew need to use airport shuttles? Or maybe the airline is paying for taxis. Sometimes crew members will be familiar enough with a city to just do things as if they were a local.

Where does the airline pick the hotel location – is it by the airport or is it in the city centre? What kind of hotel experience does the airline want for their crews? Is the hotel an international chain or a local hotel? The reality of the layover dictates where the layover hotel is at. Sometimes it's a long drive from the airport to the hotel or resort – Vinod had to mitigate an hour-long drive in Cuba. Coming back to the airport is more pressure-filled to be on time, and sometimes the crew gets stuck while trying to get to the airport. Sometimes taxi or minivan service is shoddy, or unique forms of transport are provided – like Vinod and his stretch limousine experience.

Hotels – do crew qualify for points? Officially no, but Vinod has a crazy story where he collected points for a while and got a nice upgrade. Crews learn which rooms they like and no, crew members DO NOT share rooms. The hotel is a crew members' solace – a home away from home. Geoff shares a story of a sketchy former hotel in downtown Toronto that was a layover hotel for at least one airline. Sometimes the layover is very short, so a layover at a hotel is barely enough to even get few hours of rest.

A key point in all of this, is that crew members are not getting paid while they are on layover. They have ways to make money on the layover through effective management of their per diems and eating their own food. There is also a strategy of which layover to select. Sometimes airlines own the destination resort and put the crews up all-inclusive. Some airlines paid their per diems in cash. Sometimes there are long layovers – up to a week in length. Vinod remembers Canada 3000's multi-leg cross-Pacific milk-runs. Geoff remembers loading Canadian domestic milk-run baggage. We have seen a number of milk-runs during the COVID 19 pandemic. We will likely see that milk-run trend continue.

Of course, there are the parties, but as a crew you have to be responsible since you're still representing the company. Vinod shares an experience he had seeing an Emirates crew on layover in Colombo – that almost felt out of Hollywood. Vinod shares how a crew member was wild and extremely intimate and ended up no longer working for the airline. There are strict rules against flying under the influence of alcohol. Crew are legal to fly but could still be in rough shape.

Crews do different things when they are on layover. Many crew members are mothers, using the time to get some silence. Many crew members use fitness facilities at hotels. Shopping and local cuisine are also something crews participate in. Vinod shares stories of lobsters in Halifax, Nova Scotia and drives in Hawaii.

During the COVID 19 pandemic crews that are working are doing an incredible job – and crew end up working on holidays like Christmas. For crew members who are single, crew mates become family.

If things go wrong due crews need to let their airline know to ensure that the flight can still fly. Flying redeye flights lead to crews needing to make sure they get proper naps and rest.

But weather plays a key factor and can send things sideways in a hurry. Vinod shares a story of Christmas season in St. John's Newfoundland and Labrador – where blizzard cancellations led to a big party.

Crews have to be careful who they party with – particularly at resorts – they may be serving that person the next day.

We touch briefly on crews on reserve, standby and ready reserve. What's in your bag is determined by your layover. Sometimes crews get forced into a layover due to mechanical issues. Sometimes it's a struggle to have enough clean clothes.

You never know as a passenger what's going on with your crew before they were dealing with your flight. Ask your crew member if they had a nice layover.

News Items:

• businesstraveller.com article "Free Dubai hotel stay for Emirates customers with minimum ten hour transit".
• simpleflying.com article "South African Airways Sells Everything From Chopsticks To Luggage".
• breakingtravelnews.com article "British Airways launches Christmas selloff".
• onemileatatime.com article "SpiceJet To Fly From Delhi To New York… With 737s?!"
• onemileatatime.com article "New German Air Force A350 Operates Epic Round The World Flight"

If you have a story about layovers as crew, a question, or other experience that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/

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In this experience we are extremely fortunate to have an incredible guest and extend warm greetings to Paul Papadimitriou. Paul is a global keynote speaker, futurist and TV/Radio/Stage host based in London, UK. Avgeek podcast listeners will also know Paul from the Layovers podcast.

We review our personal states and look back to the start of the year to our last flights. Do our realities mean that we need to fly at this point? Paul had very classy last flight – but is looking forward to flying again. Vinod's last flight was a short Canadian domestic flight. Geoff's last international flight was a short cross-border flight into the US. Vinod has had to postpone a flight to Tokyo for the Olympics. Paul had to cancel a number of flights including one to Barcelona. Paul shares his emotional attachment to Narita and looks at business travel these days in Japan. Everyone takes a moment to share their love for Narita. Geoff had to cancel plans for a Yukon and Alaska trek.

It's been awhile since Paul's last podcast recording – don't worry folks he's coming back soon. 2019 was the end of a golden age in travel – who knows there might be more in the future.

When the pandemic started, many in the aviation industry were in denial about what could happen – and unfortunately, it lasted far longer than just the short term. Did we make a mistake by calling the infections "waves"? Should we have looked at the pandemic like a series of forest fires? Geoff comments about the internal Canadian travel bubble in its Atlantic provinces. Lockdown – it means different things to different people, but Europe will be in some form of it until March 2021. Vinod shares the experience of his in-laws first facing the virus in Taiwan, and the challenges when they returned to Canada. Each country has a level of risk they want to take with quarantine.

We move back to aviation and ask when Paul realized he was passionate about aviation. Paul shares information on how he met his Layovers co-host Alex Hunter and started the podcast. Geoff shares the connection he had in his youth with planes on final approaches. Vinod shares his Asian long-haul experiences from when he was an infant. Paul looks back on growing up in Geneva, with visits to the US on those LOUD PLANES!

We move back to the reality of where we are today. Quite simply fix the virus, fix the economy, fix travel. And unfortunately, even if all the avgeeks flew, we wouldn't get back to 2019 levels. We're having déjà vu in Europe – it's like it's March all over. Business travellers aren't travelling and the path to recovery looks a long way off. How will city state hub airlines manage since they don’t have a domestic market? Low-cost carriers in the US and EU have a much better financial position than traditional carriers. Asia will have a different recovery. And while we are trying to recover, we'll need to make sure that we don't run short of reagents. What will happen with Tokyo's Olympics? What will happen with the need for qualifying events? How will this align with new Japanese entry requirements? What will be the order of re-opening? When will tourism travel return? What will it look like since airlines are reducing their long-range planes? What would a global framework look like? Are we going to need health visas? Is the entire world going to feel like an emerging market passport? How will recover vary between large and small countries? Are people ready to fly? Will comorbidity stop being a buzzword at some point? Will people ever learn the difference between proximal and direct causes? Repatriation – are the flights done yet?

Other industries – like MICE – do events need a system to validate tests? Will we see more contactless or biometric examples at airports? What will happen to industries that are currently suffering economically? What will we do about privacy? Will distancing be baked into premium products? Maybe we can think about self-cleaning toilets? Are we simple and robust enough with UX and UI? Paul and Vinod share their experiences with Korean mobile network alerts. Sweden and COVID – it can't be taken out of context. We can't just replicate, but we can learn – and treat it like aviation does after an incident. What's going to change for aviation on the backend?

We swing back to questions. What are our favourite airports? Vinod clarifies the beautiful final approaches at Vancouver. Geoff provides a quick update on LaGuardia construction. Congratulations Berlin, you're finally opening your new airport. Now for least favourite – Paul never gets the same experience twice at the so-called Hub Experts. Vinod and Geoff share an airport for least favourite. Vinod shares his love for full airport sensory experiences – complete with a squawking bird prank when he was a flight attendant.

We look at changes we'll have to make. Much more planning than ever before. Will (last minute) round-the-world trips be possible? Will visa waivers and ETA programs accelerate?

Paul shares his travel hacks and tips. Vinod shares the story of booking his honeymoon RTW points trip. Planning trips based on aircraft types is not going to be easy in the short term. Geoff and Vinod share aircraft bait and switch stories.

Finally, we ask what our first dream flights will be. Paul shares love for a former home country. He also hates over tourism. Vinod just wants to get on a flight for as long as possible. Geoff, dreaming of an ultra-luxury experience.

For those who want to listen to Paul's old episodes, you can find him at layovers.to.

If you want to share a shoutout to Paul, a story about your travel experiences during the pandemic, your thoughts about where you think travel is going to evolve, a question, or other experience that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/

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Recorded 23 October 2020

Written by: Geoff Dahl & Vinod Viswalingam

Listen to this experience wherever you download your podcasts - including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn, and Google Podcasts.

* Listen to it on Apple Podcasts.

• Stream by clicking here.
• Download as an MP3 by right-clicking here and choosing “save as.”

In this experience we recognize incredible crew and in-flight experiences we've had.

We start the news articles. Since the situation is still not too good these days, we get the bad news out of the way first.

News Items:
South China Morning Post article "Cathay axes record 5,300 Hong Kong jobs and closes regional airline in HK$2.2 billion survival plan"

Dallas Morning News article (via Omaha World-Herald) "Southwest Airlines' flight attendants could soon be selling credit cards on flights to stem pandemic losses"

CBC article "Hundreds of protesting airline workers aim anger at transport minister" (20 October 2020)

We know that a lot of crew members are doing what they can these days to get by – and the day that the layoff comes to an end is a long way off.

Sometimes it's not one crew member, but rather the entire team – and you as a passenger know that the entire team is just in the zone.

On some flights the crew doesn't work that well together - it may a case of staff being thrown together to cover a flight, or in some cases is might be that there were two different airline cultures merged together and the remnants of various seniority. Sometimes the crew doesn’t mesh well with third-party ground handlers, but usually they try to work together.

As a third-party ground handler, Vinod had particularly good interactions with British Airways crews. The favour was returned, in spades, when he was on a flight from London to Nairobi.

When Vinod first became an airline staff member, he learned about airline cooperative agreements and booking staff standby flights. His colleagues reiterated that he needed to bring a care package for the crew of the flight he was flying on. On a Vancouver to Amsterdam flight he had an incredible KLM flight deck experience on takeoff and landing, while also enjoying business class. During the same trip on a separate Air France flight from Paris to Casablanca, he was offered top quality wine from the front of the plane while in the very last row of economy.

Geoff has had great crew experiences. His neighbouring passengers on an ANA flight from Narita to Singapore had extremely sweet post honeymoon best wishes from the crew. His flight from Oslo to JFK was one where the crew was just in the zone and seamless. He also has had a few Lufthansa transatlantic flights where the crew kept passengers consistently hydrated – always in the aisle with juice and water.

Speaking of food and water, Vinod had the most awkward airplane meal of his life on a LAN flight from Cuzco to Lima.

A late Cathay Pacific overnight flight from Vancouver to Hong Kong ended up with a seat change in the dark for Vinod...now what's behind the business class curtain?

Vinod had a tiny business class experience from Paris to Dublin on an Air France BAe 146 mini jumbo.

We share Vinod's previously shared experience with his Emirates flight from Beijing to Dubai that had almost too much crew love.

Sometimes it was informal like on a Lufthansa flight from Frankfurt to St. Petersburg – Vinod take your pick of alcohol.

Vinod had tried to fly from JFK to Paris with Air France in his airline uniform. That wasn't successful - however he wound up with an early morning fight deck landing surprise in a 380.

Seat 1A tip – take the time to say thank you to your crew. We realize these days how many incredible crew experiences we've had.

In our next experience, we've got a special guest joining us – we look forward to you joining us.

SELECTED LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE EXPERIENCE

• Cathay Pacific (CX)
• Swire Group (swire.com)
• Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)
• Cathay Dragon (KA)
• London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
• Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
• Southwest Airlines (WN)
• EasyJet (U2, DS, EC)
• United Airlines (UA)
• Salvatore Ferragamo (ferragamo.com)
• Duty-free shop (Wikipedia)
• Sunwing Airlines (WG)
• WestJet (WS)
• Parliament Hill (Wikipedia)
• Air Canada (AC)
• Calin Rovinescu (Wikipedia)

• Lufthansa Bailout

  • Lufthansa Dodges Insolvency After Shareholders Back Bailout (bloomberg.com | 25 June 2020)
  • CARES Act (Wikipedia)
  • UPS (United Parcel Service)
  • Canadian Airlines (CP – ceased operations 2001) (Wikipedia)
  • Delta Air Lines (DL)
  • Northwest Airlines (NW - ceased operations 2010) (Wikipedia)
  • Continental Airlines (CO - ceased operations 2012) (Wikipedia)
  • American Airlines (AA)
  • USAir (US - Rebranded as US Airways in 1997 – ceased operations 2015) (Wikipedia)
  • British Airways (BA)
  • Servisair/GlobeGround/Penauille (defunct 2013) (Wikipedia)
  • Calgary International Airport (YYC)
  • Mount Kilimanjaro (Wikipedia)
  • Great Circle Mapper LHR-NBO (gcmap.com)
  • Seat 1A Experience 012 - Magical world of upgrades (show notes and audio)
  • Seat 1A Experience 034 - Staff hierarchy onboard the plane (show notes and audio)
  • Rocky Mountains (Wikipedia)
  • Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO)
  • Boeing 747-400 (airliners.net)
  • Cooperative Agreements
  • Interline Agreements Vs. Codeshare Agreements Vs. Alliances Vs. Joint Ventures (onemileatatime.com | 12 October 2017)
  • KLM (KL)
  • Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)
  • Great Circle Mapper YVR-AMS (gcmap.com)
  • Boeing 777-300 (airliners.net)
  • Polderbaan
  • Amsterdam Schiphol's runway in the middle of nowhere (airporthistory.org | 11 March 2020)
  • Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
  • Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport (CMN)
  • Air France (AF)
  • Airbus 321 (airliners.net)
  • Great Circle Mapper CDG-CMN (gcmap.com)
  • ANA (NH)
  • Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT)
  • Singapore Changi Airport (SIN)
  • Oslo Airport (OSL)
  • New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
  • Norwegian Air Shuttle (DY, D8, DI, DU)
  • Lufthansa (LH)
  • LAN Airlines (LA - Rebranded as LATAM Chile on 5 May 2016)
  • Lima Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM)
  • Cusco Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ)
  • Great Circle Mapper LIM-CUZ (gcmap.com)
  • Machu Picchu (Wikipedia)
  • Airbus 319 (airliners.net)
  • Airbus 320 (airliners.net)
  • Dublin Airport (DUB)
  • British Aerospace BAe-146 (airliners.net)
  • Great Circle Mapper CDG-DUB (gcmap.com)
  • Airbus 380 (airbus.com)
  • Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
  • Dubai International Airport (DXB)
  • Emirates (EK)
  • Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
  • St. Petersburg Pulkovo Airport (LED)
  • Trans-Siberian Railway (seat61.com)
  • North Atlantic Tracks (Wikipedia)

NEWS ITEMS

scmp.com | Cathay axes record 5,300 Hong Kong jobs and closes regional airline in HK$2.2 billion survival plan (21 October 2020)
https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3106365/cathay-pacific-eliminate-8500-job-posts-hk22-billion
"...Cathay Pacific announced Hong Kong’s biggest mass lay-offs in three decades on Wednesday [21 October 2020], axing 5,300 jobs in the city and closing its regional airline in a desperate restructuring attempt to survive the coronavirus pandemic..."

• Cathay Pacific (CX)
• Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)
• Cathay Dragon (KA)

dallasnews.com | Southwest Airlines' flight attendants could soon be selling credit cards on flights to stem pandemic losses (23 October 2020)
https://www.dallasnews.com/business/airlines/2020/10/21/southwest-airlines-flight-attendants-could-soon-be-selling-credit-cards-on-flights-to-stem-pandemic-losses/
"...Southwest Airlines is asking flight attendants to sell credit cards during flights in exchange for a smaller pay cut as the company tries to navigate expected losses from the COVID-19 pandemic..."

• Southwest Airlines (WN)

cbc.ca | Hundreds of protesting airline workers aim anger at transport minister (20 October 2020)
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/aviaton-sector-workers-protest-parliament-hill-demand-government-aid-1.5770398
"... In a show of unity, more than 200 aviation workers demonstrated Tuesday on Parliament Hill, calling on the federal government to release a plan to safely restart the industry crushed by COVID-19..."

• Parliament Hill (Wikipedia)

PODCAST CORRECTIONS, CLARIFICATIONS, CONFIRMATIONS

• Cathay Pacific ended their JFK-YVR-HKG flight on 18 February 2020
  https://onemileatatime.com/cathay-pacific-cuts-new-york-vancouver-flight/

PEOPLE MENTIONED

• Calin Rovinescu (Wikipedia)

SHOW NOTES

• What's in this experience? [00:00:57]

• News Items. [00:01:23]

  • Cathay axes record 5,300 Hong Kong jobs and closes regional airline. [00:01:46]
  • Southwest Airlines' flight attendants could soon be selling credit cards on flights to stem pandemic losses. [00:05:22]
  • Hundreds of protesting airline workers aim anger at Canadian transport minister. [00:08:26]
  • Global airlines getting bailed out by their governments. [00:09:34]
  • Employees are laid off, but the day that they get called back to work could be a long time. [00:10:58]
  • What former crew are doing to get by these days. [00:12:29]
  • It's rough, but let's take it back on a positive course and share incredible crew stories. [00:13:03]
  • Sometimes it's not one person, but the whole crew is in the zone. [00:13:48]
  • Sometimes the flight just feels out of sync - but good crews figure out how to get around it. [00:15:34]
  • Seniority factor on traditional flag carriers. [00:16:21]
  • When airlines merge together having to merge cultures and seniority lists. [00:16:52]
  • How well does the crew interact with third party ground handlers? [00:18:15]
  • Vinod built good relations which was greatly reciprocated on a BA flight from LHR to NBO. [00:20:09]
  • Wait, why is the flight director visiting Vinod after the door closed? [00:22:45]
  • Vinod's first staff standby flight with KLM from YVR to AMS. [00:24:46]
  • Vinod learned he had to bring a care package for the crew. [00:26:41]
  • An invitation to the flight deck for takeoff. [00:28:35]
  • "Make sure you come back for landing." [00:30:10]
  • Onward to Casablanca with Air France from Paris. [00:31:34]
  • Have to give the bag of treats to the decision maker. [00:32:09]
  • Did Vinod make the chief purser mad? [00:33:50]
  • "Monsieur, would you like the Beaujolais?" [00:34:28]
  • Geoff's ANA experience in economy class from NRT to SIN. [00:35:46]
  • Crews in the zone - Geoff's Norwegian experience from OSL to JFK. [00:37:11]
  • Geoff has had a number of LH flights where crew were hydrating passengers non-stop. [00:37:50]
  • Vinod flying from Cuzco to Lima on LAN - "Would you like to have a meal tonight?" [00:39:18]
  • Vinod's most awkward meal he's ever had on a plane. [00:41:42]
  • Vinod experience flying from Cathay from YVR to HKG. [00:43:02]
  • Vinod knew that the senior purser wears a different uniform. [00:44:32]
  • "Well...Why!?" [00:45:50]
  • Vinod settled into his economy seat. [00:47:10]
  • "I'll come talk to you in a little bit." [00:47:47]
  • Vinod gathering his belongings in the dark. [00:48:38]
  • "Take your pick." [00:50:02]
  • Vinod's tiny business class experience from CDG-DUB on Air France. [00:51:22]
  • Vinod flying from PEK-DXB had almost too much love with Emirates. [00:55:14]
  • Some really informal crew love - FRA to LED on Lufthansa. Vinod alcohol choices. [00:57:25]
  • Vinod and an unexpected experience with Air France from JFK to CDG. [00:58:44]
  • Air France standby policy is not to show adornments from other airlines. [01:00:20]
  • "Sir, I have a surprise for you." [01:02:14]
  • "The captain would like to invite you to the flight deck to land at CDG." [01:03:18]
  • Seat 1A tip: Take the extra moment to thank your crew. [01:05:25]
  • Since we're not flying as much these days, we realize how many incredible crews we've dealt with. [01:06:04]
  • Special guest joining us in our next experience. [01:07:34]
  • Show wrap-up. [01:08:00]

View Details

In this experience we recognize incredible crew and in-flight experiences we've had.

We start the news articles. Since the situation is still not too good these days, we get the bad news out of the way first.

News Items:
South China Morning Post article "Cathay axes record 5,300 Hong Kong jobs and closes regional airline in HK$2.2 billion survival plan"

Dallas Morning News article (via Omaha World-Herald) "Southwest Airlines' flight attendants could soon be selling credit cards on flights to stem pandemic losses"

CBC article "Hundreds of protesting airline workers aim anger at transport minister" (20 October 2020)

We know that a lot of crew members are doing what they can these days to get by – and the day that the layoff comes to an end is a long way off.

Sometimes it's not one crew member, but rather the entire team – and you as a passenger know that the entire team is just in the zone.

On some flights the crew doesn't work that well together - it may a case of staff being thrown together to cover a flight, or in some cases is might be that there were two different airline cultures merged together and the remnants of various seniority. Sometimes the crew doesn’t mesh well with third-party ground handlers, but usually they try to work together.

As a third-party ground handler, Vinod had particularly good interactions with British Airways crews. The favour was returned, in spades, when he was on a flight from London to Nairobi.

When Vinod first became an airline staff member, he learned about airline cooperative agreements and booking staff standby flights. His colleagues reiterated that he needed to bring a care package for the crew of the flight he was flying on. On a Vancouver to Amsterdam flight he had an incredible KLM flight deck experience on takeoff and landing, while also enjoying business class. During the same trip on a separate Air France flight from Paris to Casablanca, he was offered top quality wine from the front of the plane while in the very last row of economy.

Geoff has had great crew experiences. His neighbouring passengers on an ANA flight from Narita to Singapore had extremely sweet post honeymoon best wishes from the crew. His flight from Oslo to JFK was one where the crew was just in the zone and seamless. He also has had a few Lufthansa transatlantic flights where the crew kept passengers consistently hydrated – always in the aisle with juice and water.

Speaking of food and water, Vinod had the most awkward airplane meal of his life on a LAN flight from Cuzco to Lima.

A late Cathay Pacific overnight flight from Vancouver to Hong Kong ended up with a seat change in the dark for Vinod...now what's behind the business class curtain?

Vinod had a tiny business class experience from Paris to Dublin on an Air France BAe 146 mini jumbo.

We share Vinod's previously shared experience with his Emirates flight from Beijing to Dubai that had almost too much crew love.

Sometimes it was informal like on a Lufthansa flight from Frankfurt to St. Petersburg – Vinod take your pick of alcohol.

Vinod had tried to fly from JFK to Paris with Air France in his airline uniform. That wasn't successful - however he wound up with an early morning fight deck landing surprise in a 380.

Seat 1A tip – take the time to say thank you to your crew. We realize these days how many incredible crew experiences we've had.

In our next experience, we've got a special guest joining us – we look forward to you joining us.

If you have a story about amazing crew experiences, or other stories that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/

View Details

Recorded 18 September 2020

Written by: Geoff Dahl & Vinod Viswalingam

Listen to this experience wherever you download your podcasts - including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play, Google Podcasts, and Overcast.

* Listen to it on Apple Podcasts.

• Stream by clicking here.
• Download as an MP3 by right-clicking here and choosing “save as.”

In this special edition we look at the current status of aviation and travel. Our travel habits that we grew so accustomed to have either entered a state of hibernation or a world of surrealness.

We look to when we last flew in 2020 and Vinod shares nostalgia of seeing 747s and L-1011s out the airport window and boarding from the tarmac.

Pandemic restrictions have seen new flight routings that did not exist before, and regrettably we have seen airlines struggle and go under but not at this scope. Vinod shares a story of how airline bankruptcy affected job prospects earlier just after university.

To everyone in the industry, we wish you nothing but the best through all of this.

The effects are felt across all sorts of industries – including rental cars.

Airlines will take a number of years to return – Vinod shares the story when Singapore left Vancouver. Geoff shares his 2019 experiences of airport expansions that may not be filled for years – this has been repeated through history. Vinod comments on recent cancelled capital projects at Vancouver – what's next?

If and when the airlines return, their fleets will look different as many planes are being retired. And with those retiring planes, many staff have more than just a job loss – it's a lifestyle change.

We at Seat 1A will evolve as well given the current situation and the unknown future. What new innovations are going to come from this current situation? What will happen as travellers discover their own countries again? If you are travelling enjoy the shorter lines, and cleaner aircraft while the industry comes back.

This epidemic will lead to changes in travel policies including with credit cards and insurance. How can you best play the game during periods of uncertainty? We're going to try to stay on top of the changes for you.

Other means of travel have seen a renaissance – including night trains in Europe and subscription travel. Meanwhile, we'll see how the travel guidebook evolves after all of this.

Will travellers want a more experiential travel experience in the future? Do destinations get a chance to breathe and reset?

We're looking forward to interesting content in the future.

If you have a story about your travel experiences during the pandemic, your thoughts about where you think travel is going to evolve, a question, or other experience that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/

SELECTED LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE EXPERIENCE

• Lonely Planet
• AvTalk Podcast
• Flights to nowhere
  • Qantas seven-hour flight to nowhere sells out in 10 minutes (cnn.com | 18 September 2020)
• Seat1A Instagram
• Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
  • Terminal 3 (bharchitects.com)
• NEXUS
• Boeing 747-200 (airliners.net)
• Auxiliary power unit (APU) (Wikipedia)
• Lockheed L-1011 500 TriStar (airliners.net)
• Edmonton International Airport (YEG)
• London Heathrow (LHR)
• Regina International Airport (YQR)
• Calgary International Airport (YYC)
• Flightradar24
• Air Tahiti (VT)
• Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
• Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
• Faa'a International Airport (PPT)
• Seat 1A Experience 013 - Bankrupt airline experience (show notes and audio)
• Air Canada (AC)
• Monarch Airlines (ZB – ceased operations 2017) (Wikipedia)
• Thomas Cook Airlines (UK) (MT – ceased operations 2019) (Wikipedia)
• French bee (BF)
• South African Airways (SA)
• Airbus A340-600 (airliners.net)
• Christchurch Airport (CHC)
• El Al (LY)
• Austrian Airlines (OS)
• Lufthansa (LH)
• Lima Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM)
• Scandinavian Airlines (SK)
• Singapore Airlines (SQ)
• Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
• Göteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT)
• Qatar Airways (QR)
• Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
• Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL)
• Subang Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (SZB - former KUL until 1998)
• Singapore Changi Airport (SIN)
• British Airways (BA)
• Qantas (QF)
• Aircraft boneyard (Wikipedia)
  • Twentynine Palms Airport (TNP)
  • Mojave Air and Space Port (MHV)
  • Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
• Teruel Airport (TEV)
• Denver International Airport (DEN)
• Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
• Banff National Park (Parks Canada)
• Lake Louise (banfflakelouise.com)
• Delta Air Lines (DL)
• BC Ferries
• Deutsche Bahn [German Rail] (2A)
• OeBB [Austrian Federal Railways]
  • NightJet
• Vienna Hauptbahnhof [Main Station] (OeBB)
• ALPEN-SYLT Nachtexpress
• VIA Rail Canadian
• Lonely Travel Magazine (UK)
• Wanderlust
• Sunday Times Travel
  • News UK planning to close standalone Sunday Times Travel magazine (pressgazette.co.uk | 21 August 2020)
• Condé Nast Traveler
• Mount Fuji (Wikipedia)
• Prague (Wikipedia)
• Kraków (Wikipedia)
• Bali (Wikipedia)
• Riviera Maya (Wikipedia)
• Cabo San Lucas (Wikipedia)
• Louvre
• Angkor Wat (Wikipedia)
• Sugarloaf Mountain (Wikipedia)
• Christ the Redeemer (statue) (Wikipedia)
• Fernweh
  • 10 Magical German Travel Words You’ll Wish We Had in English! (solosophie.com | 16 July 2020)

PODCAST CORRECTIONS, CLARIFICATIONS, CONFIRMATIONS

• Air Canada was granted bankruptcy protection in April 2003.
  https://www.nytimes.com/2003/04/02/business/air-canada-is-granted-bankruptcy-court-protection.html (nytimes.com | 02 April 2003)
• South African Airways lands in Christchurch for first time, with 300 repatriated Kiwis aboard.
  https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/south-african-airways-lands-in-christchurch-first-time-300-repatriated-kiwis-aboard (tvnz.co.nz | 08 September 2020)
• El Al Sets Record for Longest Continuous Flight by Israeli Airline, Rescuing Travelers Stranded in Australia Due to Coronavirus Crisis
  https://www.algemeiner.com/2020/04/02/el-al-sets-record-for-longest-continuous-flight-by-israeli-airline-rescuing-travelers-stranded-in-australia-due-to-coronavirus-crisis (algemeiner.com | 02 April 2020)
• Austrian Airlines Flies Nonstop To Australia, Longest Flight In Company History
  https://onemileatatime.com/austrian-airlines-australia-flight (onemileatatime.com | 29 March 2020)
• Mission Accomplished - Lufthansa Group concludes successful repatriation flight program
  https://www.lufthansagroup.com/en/newsroom/media-relations-north-america/news-and-releases/mission-accomplished-lufthansa-group-concludes-successful-repatriation-flight-program.html (lufthansagroup.com | 20 April 2020)
• SAS Flies Its Longest Flight Ever Using An Airbus A350
  https://simpleflying.com/longest-sas-flight-a350/ (simpleflying.com | 4 April 2020)
• Singapore Airlines and its 2009 suspension of Vancouver flights
  https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/singapore-airlines-to-suspend-vancouver-flights-1.849916 (cbc.ca | 15 February 2009)
• Singapore Airlines launched flights to Seattle effective 03 September 2019, but as of October 2020 service has been suspended.
  https://thepointsguy.com/news/singapore-airlines-is-now-flying-nonstop-from-seattle-to-singapore/ (thepointsguy.com | 03 September 2019)
  https://economyclassandbeyond.boardingarea.com/2020/09/09/singapore-airlines-prepares-october-november-timetable-changes/ (economyclassandbeyond.boardingarea.com | 09 September 2020)
• As of 01 October 2020, Frankfurt Terminal 2 is still closed
  Information on the Coronavirus
  https://www.frankfurt-airport.com/en/news/information-on-the-coronavirus.html (frankfurt-airport.com)
• Singapore Changi Terminal 2 is closed for 18 months from 01 May 2020 for expansion work. Terminal 4 operations are temporarily suspended from 16 May 2020.
  https://www.changiairport.com/corporate/media-centre/newsroom/consolidation-of-terminal-operations.html (changiairport.com)
• "Here’s the @yvr US and International departures board for today until 1800."
  https://twitter.com/HowardSlutsken/status/1305161682302283776 (Twitter @HowardSlutsken | 13 September 2020)
• British Airways retires entire 747 fleet after travel downturn
  https://www.bbc.com/news/business-53426886 (bbc.com | 17 July 2020)
• There appears to be no boneyard at Twentynine Palms Airport, Victorville is the airport that was not mentioned.
  Grounded Airliners in Storage During the COVID-19 Pandemic Outbreak.
  https://www.airplaneboneyards.com/grounded-airliners-in-storage-due-to-covid19-2020.htm (airplaneboneyards.com)
• Airlines Feeling a Lift from Rocky Mountain Hubs
  https://airlineweekly.com/airlines-feeling-a-lift-from-rocky-mountain-hubs/ (airlineweekly.com | 14 September 2020)
• Subscription Travel Models Offer Encouraging Pandemic Resilience to Inspirato and BeRightBack
  https://skift.com/2020/09/14/subscription-travel-models-offer-encouraging-pandemic-resilience-to-inspirato-and-berightback/ (skift.com | 14 September 2020)

SHOW NOTES

• Show introduction. [00:00:14]
• This is a special edition. [00:00:38]
• Vinod's travel soul has died and crawled into hibernation. [00:01:27]
• "The last time I flew was…" [00:02:12]
• Vinod's last flight was February 24, 2020. [00:02:56]
• Vinod was supposed to be Japan for two months in summer 2020. [00:03:08]
• Geoff flew in August 2020 and had a surreal experience at Toronto. [00:03:21]
• No need for a NEXUS pass these days. [00:03:58]
• Anyone who got on a plane prior to March 2020 remembers the golden age of aviation. [00:05:06]
• Vinod's childhood memories of tarmac boarding a 747. [00:05:43]
• A lot of waiting to figure out if flights are going to depart as intended. [00:07:00]
• Changes in flight routings due to politics or COVID - Tahiti from Vancouver for example. [00:08:34]
• We've seen airlines go under before, but never at this scope. [00:09:01]
• Vinod felt the side effects of airline bankruptcy in 2003. [00:09:25]
• Current situation is general anesthetic...with a chainsaw. [00:10:53]
• Flight staff, we wish you nothing but the best through this. [00:11:47]
• Vinod has dozens of former colleagues in various job situations due to COVID. [00:12:24]
• It's not just airlines being affected. [00:13:14]
• The realities Vinod has seen with the rental car market. [00:13:53]
• There aren't as many planes to see as before, but there are interesting routings. [00:15:16]
• Switchover from passenger flights to cargo flights. [00:16:42]
• When Singapore Airlines left Vancouver in 2008. [00:17:12]
• Airport expansions may sit unused for years. [00:18:37]
• There is a long history of airports building beyond their capacity. [00:19:42]
• Capital building project at Vancouver. What's going to happen? [00:21:08]
• Demise of fleets of aircraft. [00:23:28]
• It's more than a job loss, it's a lifestyle. [00:25:32]
• Taking off from the crowd, Seat 1A will evolve. [00:26:24]
• What innovations are going to come from the pandemic? [00:26:57]
• Travel these days - people are rediscovering their backyards. [00:27:58]
• Travel in the US to mountain national parks. [00:28:28]
• Enjoy the shorter lines, cleaner aircraft while the tourism industry comes back. [00:29:15]
• Pointing fingers at travel companies becomes very difficult since we're all in the same situation. [00:30:18]
• Credit card companies and what's happening with cancelled flights. [00:32:27]
• Make sure you know what you're booking, how your booking it, and keep copies of everything you've booked. [00:32:58]
• Playing cancellation chicken with travel companies. [00:33:30]
• The rules didn't change how the game gets played due to COVID. [00:35:28]
• Travel insurance did not guarantee monetary refunds. [00:36:09]
• There is so much uncertainty right now. [00:36:37]
• We're trying to stay on top of the changes for you. [00:37:23]
• Means of travel have changed. [00:37:47]
• Resurgence of night trains. [00:38:02]
• Subscription travel steady presence. [00:39:52]
• Print guidebooks when no one is travelling. [00:40:17]
• Will travellers want to have a more experiential travel experience in the future? [00:42:38]
• Do world destinations get a chance to breathe and reset? [00:44:07]
• We're going to come up with some interesting content. [00:46:45]
• Show Wrap-up. [00:48:01]

View Details

In this special edition we look at the current status of aviation and travel. Our travel habits that we grew so accustomed to have either entered a state of hibernation or a world of surrealness.

We look to when we last flew in 2020 and Vinod shares nostalgia of seeing 747s and L-1011s out the airport window and boarding from the tarmac.

Pandemic restrictions have seen new flight routings that did not exist before, and regrettably we have seen airlines struggle and go under but not at this scope. Vinod shares a story of how airline bankruptcy affected earlier job prospects just after university.

To everyone in the industry, we wish you nothing but the best through all of this.

The effects are felt across all sorts of industries – including rental cars.

Airlines will take a number of years to return – Vinod shares the story when Singapore left Vancouver. Geoff shares his 2019 experiences of airport expansions that may not be filled for years – this has been repeated through history. Vinod comments on recent cancelled capital projects at Vancouver – what's next?

If and when the airlines return, their fleets will look different as many planes are being retired. And with those retiring planes, many staff have more than just a job loss – it's a lifestyle change.

We at Seat 1A will evolve as well given the current situation and the unknown future. What new innovations are going to come from this current situation? What will happen as travellers discover their own countries again? If you are travelling enjoy the shorter lines, and cleaner aircraft while the industry comes back.

This epidemic will lead to changes in travel policies including with credit cards and insurance. How can you best play the game during periods of uncertainty? We're going to try to stay on top of the changes for you.

Other means of travel have seen a renaissance – including night trains in Europe and subscription travel. Meanwhile, we'll see how the travel guidebook evolves after all of this.

Will travellers want a more experiential travel experience in the future? Do destinations get a chance to breathe and reset?

We're looking forward to interesting content in the future.

If you have a story about your travel experiences during the pandemic, your thoughts about where you think travel is going to evolve, a question, or other experience that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/

View Details

Recorded 11 July 2020

Written by: Geoff Dahl & Vinod Viswalingam

Listen to this experience wherever you download your podcasts - including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play, Google Podcasts, and Overcast.

* Listen to it on Apple Podcasts.

• Stream by clicking here.
• Download as an MP3 by right-clicking here and choosing “save as.”

In this experience we look at the different queues and lineups that one experiences when at an airport and how to make the best of them.

In this era of COVID-19, people have settled into a new normal of queuing up. It goes hand-in-hand with the airline and airport experience. Please note that we will be putting this in the context of how things were, and it will be years before the airport returns to how it was.

When you arrive at the airport, are you able to go directly into the terminal, or is there curbside security for passengers? Who are the masses of people? Are they actually the passenger, or are they just well wishers?

Once you're inside the airport, we approach the check-in counter. This experience has changed a lot over the last ten to fifteen years. Have you checked in online? Are you just dropping a bag? Are you going to a self-serve kiosk (and waiting to see if it will actually work?) Or are you going to the regular check-in line? Who is going to serve you? What if you need to queue up to change your ticket? And are you within the cut-off times for baggage drop-off? If you're with a group, are you all co-ordinated? If you have a cart, take it with you after checking in!

Security and immigration – are there fast-track options available to you as a passenger? Don't forget that the fast-tracking starts when you check-in online. Is there a faster moving security checkpoint? Who's ahead of you in the queue? Why do security lines move so slowly in the US? Do you need to line up for an immigration exit queue?

Now on to boarding – what's the system your airline is using and what's the best way to board with that system? On the plane – we'll have a future experience for onboard etiquette.

You land, immigration, customs, and baggage claim at a new airport awaits you. How long should you expect to wait for immigration at some airports? Is there an arrival fast-track? Sometimes business arrival lines could be much busier than economy. How much time is the airline giving you to get processed? Are you collecting a bag, is there a tight connection? What about if you have to take an airport bus?

News Items:

• flyertalk article "WestJet Utilizes Very Canadian Solution for Weather Issues".
• skift.com article "Southwest Airlines CEO Expects ‘Brutal Low-Fare’ Competition".

If you have a story about queuing at the airport, stories of your lining up and waiting for your flight, a question, or other experience that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/

SELECTED LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE EXPERIENCE

• Starbucks
• Taiwan airport offers 'pretend to go abroad' airport tours amid Covid-19 pandemic (cnn.com | 12 June 2020)
  • Taipei Songshan Airport (TSA)
• Regina International Airport (YQR)
• Calgary International Airport (YYC)
• Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
• Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)
• EVA Air (BR)
• Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
• Great Circle Mapper TPE-YVR (gcmap.com)
• Seat 1A Experience 030 - Airplane Cleanliness experience (show notes and audio)
• Cairo International Airport (CAI)
• Queuing Theory (Wikipedia)
• Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
• United Airlines (UA)
• Air Canada (AC)
• Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) Airline Terminal assignments
• Frankfurt Airport (FRA) Airlines A-Z: Overview of all check-in counters - Winter 2019 (PDF)
• Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)
• Seat 1A Experience 004 - Vinod's downtown Hong Kong bag tagging experience (show notes and audio)
• Seat 1A Experience 009 - Vinod's Korean Air ticketing experience (show notes and audio)
• Korean Air (KE)
• A morning with baggage handler Angelo (Amsterdam Airport Schiphol | youtube.com | 11 February 2015)
• Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)
• Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD)
• London Heathrow (LHR)
• British Airways (BA)
• Greater Moncton Roméo LeBlanc International Airport (YQM)
• Seat 1A Experience 021 - Vinod's Madrid security experience (show notes and audio)
• American Express
• Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) American Express express access (americanexpress.com)
• CIBC Infinite VISA (cibc.com)
• Vancouver International Airport (YVR) Visa Infinite Privilege (yvr.ca)
• NEXUS
• TSA PreCheck
• CLEAR
• UK Registered Traveller (gov.uk)
  • "You can no longer use the Registered Traveller service if you’re from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea or the United States. You may be able to use the ePassport gates instead."
• Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Business Travel Card
• Global Entry
• Top credit cards for Global Entry and TSA PreCheck (thepointsguy.com | 08 February 2020)
• Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
• Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
• Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
• European Economic Area (Wikipedia)
• Seat 1A Experience 022 - Jet bridge experience (show notes and audio)
• Airbus 380 (airbus.com)
• Indian Airlines (IC – ceased operations 2011) (Wikipedia)
• Seat 1A Experience 026 - Vinod's Indian Airlines experience (show notes and audio)
• Seat 1A Experience 014 - Customs versus Immigration experience (show notes and audio)
• London Gatwick Airport (LGW)
• Singapore Changi Airport (SIN)
• Dubai International Airport (DXB)
• Premium Gatwick Passport Control
• Airbus 350-900 (airbus.com)
• Boeing 747-400 (airliners.net)
• Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW)
• Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP)
• Munich Airport (MUC)
• Seat 1A Experience 014 - Vinod's Munich experience (show notes and audio)
• Baggage experiences
  • Seat 1A Experience 004 - The journey of your checked luggage to your destination (show notes and audio)
  • Seat 1A Experience 017 - A re-visit to the theme of baggage on flights (show notes and audio)
  • Seat 1A Experience 026 - More from the mailbag. The baggage above you - overhead bins (show notes and audio)
• Vienna International Airport (VIE)
• OeBB [Austrian Federal Railways]
• Seat 1A Experience 028 - The aircraft turnaround experience (show notes and audio)
• Air Berlin (AB – ceased operations 2017) (Wikipedia)
• Düsseldorf Airport (DUS)
• Helsinki Airport (HEL)
• Hail damage in northeast Calgary hits $1.2B, fourth most costly natural disaster in Canadian history (calgaryherald.com | 09 July 2020)
• Ice hockey rink boards (customicerinks.com)
• Spoiler (aeronautics) (Wikipedia)
• Southwest Airlines (WN)
• Yield Management
  • Understanding Yield Management – Getting the Deal (Drift Travel)
  • The Future of Airline Revenue Management (blog.yieldr.com | 25 February 2019)
  • For a more academic review: Special Issue: Future of Airline Revenue Management (Journal of Revenue and Pricing Management | April 2018)

NEWS ITEMS

flyertalk.com | WestJet Utilizes Very Canadian Solution for Weather Issues (17 June 2020)
https://www.flyertalk.com/articles/westjet-utilizes-very-canadian-solution-for-weather-issues.html
"...Canadian carrier WestJet is using some local ingenuity to protect aircraft from summer hail storms. To protect wing flaps from damage, engineers have installed hockey puck boards on parked airframes..."

• WestJet (WS)
• Calgary International Airport (YYC)

skift.com | Southwest Airlines CEO Expects ‘Brutal Low-Fare’ Competition (30 May 2020)
https://skift.com/2020/05/30/southwest-airlines-ceo-expects-brutal-low-fare-competition/
"...Southwest Airlines Chief Executive Officer Gary Kelly said on Friday he expects a “brutal low-fare” environment when traffic returns after coronavirus-induced restrictions ease.

'There are far more airplane seats right now, and there will be for some time, than there are customers,' he said in a video message..."

• Southwest Airlines (WN)
• Gary Kelly (Wikipedia)

PODCAST CORRECTIONS, CLARIFICATIONS, CONFIRMATIONS

• "In response to reduced passenger traffic caused by the COVID-19 outbreak, Frankfurt Airport will bundle all passenger handling operations in Terminal 1, effective April 7. From that date, passenger operations in FRA’s Terminal 2 will be suspended until further notice (affecting both Concourses D and E)."

  • Information on the Coronavirus (frankfurt-airport.com | 02 July 2020)

• UK frequent traveller program UK Registered Traveller (gov.uk)

  • "You can no longer use the Registered Traveller service if you’re from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea or the United States. You may be able to use the ePassport gates instead."

• Historically, Vienna to Slovenia trains would have left from the Vienna South Station. Since December 14, 2014, the trains have used the new Vienna Central Station.

  • https://www.railway-technology.com/projects/vienna-central-station-austria/
  • https://www.railwaygazette.com/news/infrastructure/single-view/view/wien-hauptbahnhof-officially-inaugurated.html

PEOPLE MENTIONED

• Usain Bolt (Wikipedia)
• Gary Kelly (Wikipedia)

SHOW NOTES

• What's in this experience. [00:00:59]
• People have settled into a new normal of queuing. [00:01:12]
• Queuing goes hand-in-hand with the airline and airport experience. [00:01:48]
• This is put in a context of how it was, and it will be years until the airport is like it was. [00:02:03]
• When you arrive at the airport. [00:04:10]
• At some airports only passengers are allowed to enter the building. [00:04:34]
• The curb can be a big crowding point. [00:04:59]
• Analyze the crowd - are they all passengers, or just well-wishers? [00:05:56]
• Going to the check-in counter. [00:06:31]
• The check-in experience has changed a lot over the last 10-15 years. [00:06:50]
• Country differences in queuing at counters. [00:07:20]
• Multiple terms. Web check-in, fast bag drop, check-in assistance, ticketing assistance, "other". [00:08:37]
• Bag drop. [00:08:49]
• Bag drop agents may not have full check-in and change options available. [00:09:33]
• Self-serve kiosks. [00:10:04]
• Kiosks are in off-site locations like hotels. [00:11:39]
• Web check-in. [00:12:39]
• There's a fork in the road using web check-in to self bag drop or full interaction. [00:12:51]
• Tip - if you're going into quick drop-off, make sure you have everything set up. [00:13:38]
• The number of kiosks that Vinod has wanted to smash since they're not working. [00:14:09]
• Don't expect blitzing speed in the regular check-in line. [00:14:43]
• The check-in desk staffing situation has not changed that much over the years. [00:15:39]
• Premium cabins will have their own queues. [00:16:35]
• There will almost always be a queue manager. [00:17:47]
• The ticketing desk may not be at the main set of counters. [00:18:04]
• Ticketing counter does not normally take your bags. [00:18:36]
• If you're running late, you can flag down an agent to make the bag drop cut-off. [00:19:03]
• Vinod's missed bag drop cut-off story in Toronto. [00:20:18]
• Vinod assumed that he would have a cut-off grace period due to a slow queue. [00:21:39]
• Vinod missed his connection at Heathrow. [00:22:42]
• Airlines can be sticklers if you miss cut-off. [00:23:32]
• Geoff had a tight family check-in on a Canadian domestic flight. [00:23:48]
• If you're travelling with a group, make sure you're all co-ordinated for check-in. [00:24:25]
• When you call for help to pull you ahead, make sure you have your justification ready to go. [00:25:34]
• If you're pushing a cart - take the cart away! [00:26:49]
• Sometimes groups mass around the person at the gate area. [00:27:31]
• Look for other lines or access points if things are backed up. [00:28:04]
• Lining up for security or immigration - there are ways to fast-track through. [00:29:40]
• Premium class access. [00:30:04]
• Vinod's Madrid security experience in 2019. [00:30:08]
• Not all airports have premium class fast-tracked security. [00:30:54]
• Some airports have a localized program - like stickers on a boarding pass. [00:30:58]
• Credit card sponsorship of fast-track security. [00:32:08]
• Vinod's story of using an expired credit card. [00:32:41]
• Formalized fast-track programs. [00:33:25]
• Some premium travel credit cards will pay for fast-track application. [00:34:05]
• Your entire boarding pass fast-tracking starts when you check-in online. [00:34:25]
• Different countries have different dead-heading rules for crews. [00:35:29]
• People will generally go to security checkpoint closest to their gate. Is there a connected less busy one that you can use? [00:36:12]
• Check what kind of travellers are ahead of you. [00:38:37]
• Once you pass the person who directed you to a queue, you can pick a different one. [00:39:40]
• Checkpoints processing people with mobility aids are exactly the same as others. [00:40:27]
• Security lines can raise blood pressure - why does the US have so much longer lines? [00:41:15]
• Immigration queues - each agent could process you, but it is generally processed based on passport type. [00:42:09]
• Boarding queues. [00:43:22]
• There is generally some sort of organized way to board the plane. [00:43:35]
• Some airlines are very organized with zones. [00:45:24]
• Sometimes airlines push through the queues to the jet bridge and then you end up queuing up there. [00:48:08]
• We'll have a future experience on onboard etiquette. [00:48:50]
• Immigration, baggage claim, customs on arrival. [00:49:21]
• Expect to have certain wait times for customs at certain airports. [00:50:19]
• Arrival fast-track. [00:51:33]
• Vinod's immigration fast-track line stories. [00:52:00]
• Be wise when you use the fast-track - economy could be a faster queue than business. [00:53:22]
• Crew queue lines may not always be fastest for crew. [00:53:36]
• Does your line branch into more than one throughput? [00:54:41]
• Airlines don't take into account how much time you're going to need to process with regulatory components. [00:55:54]
• Important that if you're tight on time, think about how it will all play out on landing. [00:57:02]
• Bag pickup. [00:57:37]
• A lot of people get confused what they need to do when they're getting their bags and leaving baggage hall. [00:58:01]
• When you come into the public space - move out of the doorway! [00:58:34]
• Vinod's flight to Vienna but missed train connection due to luggage bag retrieval delay. [00:59:39]
• Geoff's very un-Nordic waiting time for bags at Helsinki. [01:01:01]
• If you have to take a bus to the plane, strategies one how to stand in order to get out most effectively. [01:01:32]
• Due to COVID, airport buses are working a bit differently. Let us know if you have ridden in one. [01:02:22]

• News items. [01:02:54]

  • WestJet Utilizes Very Canadian Solution for Weather Issues. [01:02:58]
  • Southwest Airlines CEO Expects ‘Brutal Low-Fare’ Competition. [01:04:48]
  • Show Wrap-up. [01:06:12]

View Details

In this experience we look at the different queues and lineups that one experiences when at an airport and how to make the best of them.

In this era of COVID-19, people have settled into a new normal of queuing up. It goes hand-in-hand with the airline and airport experience. Please note that we will be putting this in the context of how things were, and it will be years before the airport returns to how it was.

When you arrive at the airport, are you able to go directly into the terminal, or is there curbside security for passengers? Who are the masses of people? Are they actually the passenger, or are they just well wishers?

Once you're inside the airport, we approach the check-in counter. This experience has changed a lot over the last ten to fifteen years. Have you checked in online? Are you just dropping a bag? Are you going to a self-serve kiosk (and waiting to see if it will actually work?) Or are you going to the regular check-in line? Who is going to serve you? What if you need to queue up to change your ticket? And are you within the cut-off times for baggage drop-off? If you're with a group, are you all co-ordinated? If you have a cart, take it with you after checking in!

Security and immigration – are there fast-track options available to you as a passenger? Don't forget that the fast-tracking starts when you check-in online. Is there a faster moving security checkpoint? Who's ahead of you in the queue? Why do security lines move so slowly in the US? Do you need to line up for an immigration exit queue?

Now on to boarding – what's the system your airline is using and what's the best way to board with that system? On the plane – we'll have a future experience for onboard etiquette.

You land, immigration, customs, and baggage claim at a new airport awaits you. How long should you expect to wait for immigration at some airports? Is there an arrival fast-track? Sometimes business arrival lines could be much busier than economy. How much time is the airline giving you to get processed? Are you collecting a bag, is there a tight connection? What about if you have to take an airport bus?

News Items:

• flyertalk article "WestJet Utilizes Very Canadian Solution for Weather Issues".
• skift.com article "Southwest Airlines CEO Expects ‘Brutal Low-Fare’ Competition".

If you have a story about queuing at the airport, stories of your lining up and waiting for your flight, a question, or other experience that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/

View Details

Recorded 12 June 2020

Written by: Geoff Dahl & Vinod Viswalingam

Listen to this experience wherever you download your podcasts - including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play, Google Podcasts, and Overcast.

• Listen to it on Apple Podcasts.
• Stream by clicking here.
• Download as an MP3 by right-clicking here and choosing “save as.”

In this experience we continue our look at the aviation hierarchy – who's who at the zoo? Now we move onboard the plane itself. We will look at two different types of staffing – one for traditional international flag carrier flights and one for low-cost/ultra low-cost carrier flights.

Different airlines have different names for the same staff roles. And depending on where you are in the world, you could have a cabin crew or a flight attendant.

But there is always one person who is running the entire cabin experience on the flight. They go by many different names - senior purser, cabin service director, cabin manager, cabin flight director, onboard director, flight manager – but the role is generally the same. We use the term "senior purser" in this podcast experience. Once the door of the plane is closed, it's their flight.

The list of responsibilities of the senior purser is long – including crew performance, delay handling, passenger relations, onboard problems, timings, crew briefing and debriefing, crew rest periods and being the liaison to the flight deck for service and safety. They handle all of this while being an active cabin member. Your life is in their hands since they will lead plane evacuations.

For someone with all of this responsibility, how can you tell them apart? Some have a different uniform, while some have different pins or medallions.

On flights with multiple cabin classes a purser or cabin manager may be responsible for one cabin. On less complicated flights this sub-level may not exist. And then you have the cabin crew member / flight attendant.

How do you know that all the doors are accounted for in case of emergency – everyone knows where to sit during landing and takeoff.

The senior purser work doesn't end when the flight lands - layovers have to be coordinated, staff coordination has to happen if cabin crew gets sick.

On low-cost airlines often staff will rotate through who is the lead flight attendant.

When you board a flight, the flight staff are doing more than just giving you a smile and hello.

If you need to escalate – the senior purser will be the one who can get things done for you.

Vinod had an upgrade interaction with the senior purser when flying from London (LHR) to Nairobi (NBO).

We go beyond the cockpit door – to check on the Captain and First Officer. Who is the pilot in command? How many stripes do each have? On long-haul flights you will have multiple pilots – you may even see some in the cabin or sleeping.

We remember old movies and comment about the flight engineer – a role that is not very common these days.

Depending on the airline, you might see a hierarchy even when they walk through the airport. And some airlines have a very distinct uniform difference.

Vinod always made sure to pay it forward when flying staff standby. Sometimes the thank yous were almost non-stop.

Pro tip – keep an eye on who's wearing what.

News Items:

• CNN Travel article "Taiwan airport offers 'pretend to go abroad' airport tours amid Covid-19 pandemic.".
• businesstraveller.com article "British Airways changes food on board".

If you have a story about staff hierarchy onboard a flight, a question, or other experience that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/

SELECTED LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE EXPERIENCE

• Seat 1A Experience 033 – Staff hierarchy at the airport. (show notes and audio)
• Purser (Wikipedia)
• Seat 1A Experience 024 – Inflight meal service and free overnight accommodation. (show notes and audio)
• Seat 1A Experience 035 – Inflight meals - second service. (show notes and audio)
• Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
• New York LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
• Seat 1A Experience 008 - The world of crew duty and rest periods (show notes and audio)
• British Airways (BA)
• KLM (KL)
• WestJet (WS)
• Seat 1A Experience 012 – Vinod's London to Nairobi experience (show notes and audio)
• London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
• Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO)
• Boeing 747-400 (airliners.net)
• Augmented Flight Crew
  • "A flight crew that comprises more than the minimum number required to operate the aeroplane and in which each flight crew member can leave their assigned post and be replaced by another appropriately qualified flight crew member for the purpose of in-flight rest." (International Civil Aviation Organization Annex 6, Part 1, Attachment A, Section 4.2.1 PDF | 2010)
• Airbus 380 (airbus.com)
• Boeing 777-200 LR (airliners.net)
• Calgary International Airport (YYC)
• Video footage with flight engineers
  • BBC TV Concorde special. Part Three. Flight Engineers Panel (youtube.com)
  • 747-SP Startup - Checks - Departure from Orly (youtube.com)
• United Airlines Flight 232 (Aviation Safety Network)
  • Sioux Gateway Airport (SUX)
  • McDonnell Douglas DC-10 (airliners.net)
  • NTSB Aircraft Accident Report, United Airlines Flight 232, McDonnell Douglas DC-10-10, Sioux Gateway Airport, Sioux City, Iowa, July 19, 1989 (National Transportation Safety Board PDF | 1990)
• Cathay Pacific (CX)
• Turkish Airlines (TK)
• Air France (AF)
• Emirates (EK)
• Dubai International Airport (DXB)
• Durban King Shaka International Airport (DUR)
• Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
• Taipei Songshan Airport (TSA)
• Marks & Spencer Food
• DO & CO Airline Catering
• Porter Airlines (PD)
• Thomas Cook Airlines (UK) (MT – ceased operations 2019) (Wikipedia)
• MyTravel Airways (VZ - ceased operations 2008) (Wikipedia)

NEWS ITEMS

cnn.com | Taiwan airport offers 'pretend to go abroad' airport tours amid Covid-19 pandemic (12 June 2020)
https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/taipei-songshan-airport-coronavirus-intl-hnk/
"...Taipei's Songshan airport will give 90 people the chance to take a tour of their airport and relive the experience of going through immigration, boarding a plane and then disembarking and returning home..."

• This Airport in Taiwan Is Opening for Pretend Vacations and Flights to Nowhere (Video) (travelandleisure.com | 12 June 2020)
• Taipei Songshan Airport (TSA)

businesstraveller.com | British Airways changes food on board (12 June 2020)
https://www.businesstraveller.com/business-travel/2020/06/12/british-airways-changes-food-on-board/
"...British Airways has revealed the temporary adjustments it is making to its on board catering while it works for “a more permanent with its catering suppliers”.
The aim is to minimise interactions between customers and crew, according to the airline.
As a result, everything comes in a box..."

• British Airways (BA)
• DO & CO Airline Catering

SHOW NOTES

• What's in this experience? [00:00:57]
• In the last experience we looked at the different people in the airport. [00:01:14]
• Now we're going to review the who's who inside of the airplane. [00:01:42]
• Looking at cabin crew with two different types of flights - flag carrier international flight and low-cost/ultra low-cost models. [00:01:49]
• Job title terms vary depending on the airline. [00:02:36]
• Cabin crew versus flight attendant. [00:03:29]
• There is always one person who the entire flight falls under. [00:04:24]
• Senior purser, cabin service director, cabin manager, cabin flight director, onboard director, flight manager - dependent on the airline what it will be called. [00:04:35]
• Once the door is closed, it is that senior person's flight. [00:04:56]
• We'll use Senior Purser for this experience for that position. What are they in charge of? [00:05:12]
• Responsible for crew performance, delay handling, passenger and customer relations, dealing with onboard problems, timings. [00:05:41]
• The senior purser has flown a lot and seen a lot. [00:06:39]
• This person is also the link and liaison to the flight deck for service and safety. [00:07:19]
• Responsible for the cabin crew briefing and debriefing. [00:08:23]
• Often deals with staffing of rest-periods. [00:09:39]
• Senior purser - interaction with premium cabin. [00:11:03]
• Senior purser is an active cabin crew member. [00:11:27]
• The whole experience also stems from safety as well - the senior purser will lead plane evacuations. [00:12:12]
• Purser may be dressed differently. [00:12:44]
• KLM stripes on the sleeve. [00:13:10]
• Some airlines have a lapel pin, while others have a pin that says the role. [00:13:22]
• Raising a concern. [00:13:43]
• Multiple cabins on an international flight - purser or cabin manager responsible for one cabin. [00:14:07]
• On a less complicated flight the sub-level position may not exist. [00:15:04]
• The airline may just have an assistant flight director or purser. [00:15:13]
• Below that, you have a cabin crew member / fight attendant. [00:15:33]
• Generally each flight attendant is responsible for an evacuation door. [00:16:09]
• Which door they're assigned to, may not match where they're assigned to during the rest of the flight. [00:16:28]
• There are a lot of people moving about the cabin. [00:17:15]
• Once the flight is over, it doesn't end there - flight reports and debriefing required. [00:17:25]
• Layovers have to be coordinated with the pilots. [00:17:48]
• Any layover delays or incidents goes through senior purser. [00:18:20]
• If cabin crew member gets sick - it needs to be relayed back to airline by senior purser. [00:18:37]
• If things go sideways on board - has to be a debrief led by senior purser or purser. [00:19:00]
• Looking at non-traditional carrier. [00:19:38]
• Often everyone is equivalent, and rotate who is the lead flight attendant. [00:20:01]
• Back to boarding - often the senior purser wants to be at the boarding. [00:21:09]
• The purser wants to assess passengers for any potential unruly passengers. [00:21:29]
• Once the door is closed, generally the person of leadership will do one tour of the cabin before departure. [00:21:55]
• Senior purser is the person to be nice to if you want to get anything done. [00:22:37]
• Vinod and his upgrade experience from London to Nairobi. [00:23:20]
• Going beyond the door onto the flight deck. [00:24:13]
• Loose public term is pilot and co-pilot. Correct term is captain and first officer. [00:24:18]
• Whoever is at the controls is the pilot in command. [00:24:41]
• Captain has four stripes on the epaulette, first officer has three stripes. [00:25:05]
• Larger long-haul flights need multiple pilots to meet crew duty time rules. [00:25:16]
• You may see a pilot fully laid out in a first class area sleeping - that's normal. [00:26:40]
• The role of the flight engineer on the flight deck - now mostly computerized. [00:27:56]
• Some airlines have a specific order of staff walking in airport. [00:29:22]
• Spotting uniform differences on Cathay Pacific. [00:30:10]
• Vinod paying it forward as a standby crew passenger. [00:31:08]
• The hierarchy on board is well respected. [00:32:11]
• Vinod gets lots and lots (and lots) of thanks on an Emirates flight. [00:32:17]
• Pro tip - keep an eye on who's wearing what. [00:33:54]
• Exception for public address announcement hierarchy is when items are translated. [00:34:52]

• News items. [00:35:53]

  • Taiwan airport offers 'pretend to go abroad' airport tours amid Covid-19 pandemic. [00:36:01]
  • British Airways changes food on board. [00:37:59]
  • Show wrap-up. [00:41:40]

View Details

In this experience we continue our look at the aviation hierarchy – who's who at the zoo? Now we move onboard the plane itself. We will look at two different types of staffing – one for traditional international flag carrier flights and one for low-cost/ultra low-cost carrier flights.

Different airlines have different names for the same staff roles. And depending on where you are in the world, you could have a cabin crew or a flight attendant.

But there is always one person who is running the entire cabin experience on the flight. They go by many different names - senior purser, cabin service director, cabin manager, cabin flight director, onboard director, flight manager – but the role is generally the same. We use the term "senior purser" in this podcast experience. Once the door of the plane is closed, it's their flight.

The list of responsibilities of the senior purser is long – including crew performance, delay handling, passenger relations, onboard problems, timings, crew briefing and debriefing, crew rest periods and being the liaison to the flight deck for service and safety. They handle all of this while being an active cabin member. Your life is in their hands since they will lead plane evacuations.

For someone with all of this responsibility, how can you tell them apart? Some have a different uniform, while some have different pins or medallions.

On flights with multiple cabin classes a purser or cabin manager may be responsible for one cabin. On less complicated flights this sub-level may not exist. And then you have the cabin crew member / flight attendant.

How do you know that all the doors are accounted for in case of emergency – everyone knows where to sit during landing and takeoff.

The senior purser work doesn't end when the flight lands - layovers have to be coordinated, staff coordination has to happen if cabin crew gets sick.

On low-cost airlines often staff will rotate through who is the lead flight attendant.

When you board a flight, the flight staff are doing more than just giving you a smile and hello.

If you need to escalate – the senior purser will be the one who can get things done for you.

Vinod had an upgrade interaction with the senior purser when flying from London (LHR) to Nairobi (NBO).

We go beyond the cockpit door – to check on the Captain and First Officer. Who is the pilot in command? How many stripes do each have? On long-haul flights you will have multiple pilots – you may even see some in the cabin or sleeping.

We remember old movies and comment about the flight engineer – a role that is not very common these days.

Depending on the airline, you might see a hierarchy even when they walk through the airport. And some airlines have a very distinct uniform difference.

Vinod always made sure to pay it forward when flying staff standby. Sometimes the thank yous were almost non-stop.

Pro tip – keep an eye on who's wearing what.

News Items:

• CNN Travel article "Taiwan airport offers 'pretend to go abroad' airport tours amid Covid-19 pandemic.".
• businesstraveller.com article "British Airways changes food on board"

If you have a story about staff hierarchy onboard a flight, a question, or other experience that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/

View Details

Recorded 23 May 2020

Written by: Geoff Dahl & Vinod Viswalingam

Listen to this experience wherever you download your podcasts - including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play, Google Podcasts, and Overcast.

• Listen to it on Apple Podcasts.
• Stream by clicking here.
• Download as an MP3 by right-clicking here and choosing “save as.”

In this experience we look at the different roles of people that normally work at an airport – who's who at the zoo?

In most cases the airline is either at a home base or it is at an outstation. When at the outstation the airline is either with its own staff or outsourced.

We move our way from the curbside outside the airport into the terminal – what staff do we encounter until we reach the check-in counter?

At the counter we have the check-in agent, the bag drop agent and the ticketing agent. The ticketing agent is someone who can make magic happen in times of crisis.

To whom should you bark if you need to bark?
Quite often a supervisor if you want to get things done. Running parallel to the supervisor is the ops coordinator or dispatcher. Are supervisors dressed differently? (answer – generally yes).

And remember if you're in an outstation, the people working for the airline might not be on the airline's payroll. And they may not have a specific airline uniform.

Remember things can – and do – happen at the counter. There's a right way and a wrong way to go about things.

What happens if it gets above a supervisor? May we introduce the station or duty manager.

Vinod made sure when he was in New Delhi (DEL) that he searched for the right supervisor to help him with his baggage issue. On the other side of the globe, he found the supervisor at Heathrow (LHR) to help with Olympic quantities of baggage

Remember everyone, the representative generally wants to get to an amicable solution as much as you do.

When you're at security, the provider depends on what airport you are at – sometimes it's even the army. Many of those shops are also governed by one company.

We take a quick look at the ramp operations and some cases where the airport's duty manager may need to get involved.

What happens at the gate? And is this the best spot to look for an upgrade? Vinod shares a crazy story getting from New York (JFK) to Edmonton (YEG) – with a strategic ballpoint pen.

We'll save the crew hierarchy for a later experience.

News Items:

• We share our condolences for the victims of the PK8303 crash.
• Skift article "TUI to Restart European Flights at the End of June".
• airwaysmag article "Delta To Launch New Atlanta-Cape Town Route"

If you have a story about airport staff hierarchy, a question, or other experience that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/

SELECTED LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE EXPERIENCE

• Baggage Porters / Skycap (Wikipedia)
• RedCap
  • Example from Barbados Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI)
• Smarte Carte (Wikipedia)
• Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
• Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC)
• Calgary International Airport (YYC)
• YYC White Hat Volunteer Program
• YYZ Airport Volunteer Program
• Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
• YVR Customer Care staff and Green Coat volunteers
• Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
• Lufthansa (LH)
• Air Canada (AC)
• British Airways (BA)
• London Heathrow (LHR)
• WestJet (WS)
• IATA (International Air Transport Association)
• Sabre Corporation
• Amadeus IT Group
• Green-screen display / Monochrome monitor (Wikipedia)
• DOS system (Wikipedia)
• Singapore Changi Airport (SIN)
• Center of gravity of an aircraft (Wikipedia)
• Seat 1A Experience 028 - The Aircraft Turnaround (show notes and audio)
• Singapore Airlines (SQ)
• Dubai International Airport (DXB)
• Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
• LATAM (JJ, LA, LP, LU, PZ, XL, 4C, 4M)
• Miami International Airport (MIA)
• Menzies Aviation
• Swissport
• Servisair/GlobeGround/Penauille (defunct 2013) (Wikipedia)
• List of ground handling companies (Wikipedia)
• Martinair (MP) (passenger service ended 2011)
• Skyservice (5G - ceased operations 2010) (Wikipedia)
• Transit visa (Wikipedia)
• Seat 1A Experience 031 - Alcohol on flights (show notes and audio)
• Chennai International Airport (MAA)
• Star Alliance Gold Status
• London 2012 Summer Olympics (Wikipedia)
• Seat 1A Experience 017 - Bag weight limits (show notes and audio)
• Special items / Sporting equipment limits examples
  • Air Canada (AC) Special Items
  • Interjet (4O) Special baggage
  • LOT Polish Airlines (LO) Get a LOT of Information - E04: Special baggage (youtube.com)
  • Emirates (EK) Excess baggage
  • China Airlines (CI) Sporting Equipment
  • Air New Zealand (NZ) Overweight and oversized items
• Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
• Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA)
• TSA Screening Partnership Program
  • "The Screening Partnership Program contracts security screening services at commercial airports to qualified private companies."
• GardaWorld
• Cairo International Airport (CAI)
• Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport (TLV)
• HMSHost
• Gate Gourmet (a subsidiary of gategroup)
• Hudson Group
• Sbarro
• Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL)
• Seat 1A Experience 009 - Wet leasing experience (show notes and audio)
• Trent 1000 Packages B & C durability improvement explained (Rolls Royce)
• Brussels Airlines (SN)
• Air New Zealand (NZ)
• EVA Air (BR)
• VARIG (RG - "old" VARIG ceased operations 2006 and "new" VARIG ceased operations 2009) (Wikipedia)
• Rio de Janeiro–Galeão International Airport (GIG)
• São Paulo–Guarulhos International Airport (GRU)
• New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
• Edmonton International Airport (YEG)
• America West Airlines (HP - ceased operations 2005) (Wikipedia)
• USAir (US - Rebranded as US Airways in 1997 – ceased operations 2015) (Wikipedia)
• American Airlines (AA)
• Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
• Flight Interruption Manifest (Wikipedia)
  • How Do Airlines Compensate Each Other For Taking Passengers During Irregular Operations? (viewfromthewing.com | 24 November 2014)

• Fare basis code (Wikipedia)

  • What airline fare classes tell you about your ticket (thepointsguy.com | 16 December 2019)
  • Pakistan International Airlines (PK)
  • Pakistan International Airlines Flight 8303 (Aviation Safety Network)
  • Lahore Allama Iqbal International Airport (LHE)
  • Karachi Jinnah International Airport (KHI)
  • TUI Airways (BY, TB, X3, OR, 6B)
  • Rheinische Post
  • Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI)
  • Delta Air Lines (DL)
  • Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  • Cape Town International Airport (CPT)
  • Johannesburg O. R. Tambo International Airport (JNB)
  • Boeing 777-200 LR (airliners.net)
  • Airbus 350-900 (airbus.com)
  • Sal Amílcar Cabral International Airport (SID)
  • Northwest Airlines (NW - ceased operations 2010) (Wikipedia)

NEWS ITEMS

ainonline.com | PIA Airbus A320 Crashes in Karachi (22 May 2020)
https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2020-05-22/pia-airbus-a320-crashes-karachi
"...A Pakistan International Airlines A320 carrying more than 100 passengers and crew members crashed into a Karachi neighborhood on Friday [22 May 2020] at about 2:30 pm local time. Authorities have not confirmed whether anyone on board survived...."

• Pakistan International Airlines (PK)
• Pakistan International Airlines Flight 8303 (Aviation Safety Network)
• Lahore Allama Iqbal International Airport (LHE)
• Karachi Jinnah International Airport (KHI)

skift.com | TUI to Restart European Flights at the End of June (23 May 2020)
https://skift.com/2020/05/23/tui-to-restart-european-flights-at-the-end-of-june/
"...Travel group TUI is planning to resume flights to main holiday destinations in Europe by the end of June, its chief executive told a German newspaper..."

• Tui-Chef Joussen rechnet ab Ende Juni mit Flügen nach Mallorca (https://rp-online.de | 23 May 2020)
• TUI Airways (BY, TB, X3, OR, 6B)
• Rheinische Post
• Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI)

airwaysmag.com | Delta To Launch New Atlanta-Cape Town Route (22 May 2020)
https://airwaysmag.com/airlines/dl-launch-atlanta-cape-town-route/
"...Delta Air Lines (DL) seeks federal approval to offer a new service starting on October 24 from Atlanta to Cape Town, South Africa via Johannesburg..."

• Delta Air Lines (DL)
• Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
• Cape Town International Airport (CPT)
• Johannesburg O. R. Tambo International Airport (JNB)
• Boeing 777-200 LR (airliners.net)
• Airbus 350-900 (airbus.com)

PODCAST CORRECTIONS, CLARIFICATIONS, CONFIRMATIONS

The opening of Toronto Pearson International Airport's (YYZ) new terminal one was a multi-year process

• Toronto Pearson International Airport, Then and Now: Part Two (airwaysmag.com | 29 January 2014)
  • First phase of T1 New opened in April 2004 with fourteen gates on Piers D and E, along with nine commuter positions.
  • Ten additional gates were opened at T1 New in October 2005.
  • In 2007, the second phase of the new terminal became operational with the opening of Pier F, with 25 gates for international and US-bound flights.

Responsibility for the protection of the UK's borders passed from HM Revenue and Customs to the UK Border Agency within the Home Office on 1 April 2008 and then to Border Force on 1 March 2012.

• Home Secretary's statement on border security (gov.uk | 20 February 2012)

Securifor does not appear to be a major security company.

• Securicor plc was one of the United Kingdom's largest security businesses but merged with Group 4 Falck in 2004. (Wikipedia)

Air Belgium (KF) was the wet lease provider for British Airways (BA) when BA had to ground their flights due to Rolls Royce Trent 1000 engine issues in 2019.

• Air Belgium flights operating on behalf of British Airways (britishairways.com)

Rheinsiche Post is not the main daily newspaper of Cologne, Germany. The main daily newspaper is the Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger.

PEOPLE MENTIONED

• Friedrich (Fritz) Joussen (tuigroup.com)

SHOW NOTES

• What's in this experience. [00:00:59]
• You encounter a lot of people at the airport - who's who at the zoo? [00:01:17]
• Clarification of people who work for an airport, third party suppliers and the airline. [00:02:03]
• The airline is either at a home base, or outstation with their own staff or outsourced. [00:02:25]
• Porters and redcap service at the curb. [00:02:47]
• Cart collectors. [00:03:05]
• Greeters. [00:05:11]
• When you get to the counter. [00:06:31]
• Starting with the homebased model. [00:06:42]
• Check-in agent - but that term is a bit loose dependent on the airline. [00:08:13]
• Some check-in agents are also ticketing agents. [00:09:12]
• In times of crisis you have to be nice to these people - they can bend the rules. [00:10:46]
• Ticketing agents are very valuable to the airline. [00:11:22]
• Check-in agent versus bag drop agent. [00:13:11]
• The queue minder. [00:14:26]
• To whom should you bark if you need to bark. [00:15:42]
• Moving on to internal workings. [00:16:09]
• Duties are divvied up between the staff working. [00:16:38]
• In parallel to supervisor you have ops coordinator/dispatcher. [00:17:08]
• Everyone is baseline trained on check-in. [00:17:36]
• Does a supervisor dress differently? [00:18:53]
• If crew is checking in. [00:19:31]
• Outstation staffing - not always on the payroll of the airline. [00:20:34]
• Ground handlers will have default uniform. [00:21:57]
• Ticketing agent is not usually third party. [00:23:11]
• So at the counter...things can happen - there's the wrong way and right way to go about it. [00:24:03]
• Fists flying at the desk. [00:26:29]
• Sometimes the agent is having a bad day. [00:27:16]
• One level above the supervisor - station or duty manager. [00:29:58]
• How serious of a complaint goes to the station manager? [00:33:13]
• When you need to get stuff done you have to look for the right people. [00:35:17]
• Vinod searched for the right supervisor in New Delhi. [00:35:28]
• Vinod with large amount of baggage after London Olympics. [00:37:23]
• Customer service negotiation - the representative just wants to arrive at a solution with you as quickly as possible. [00:39:20]
• If you get an exception - figure out if you want it noted or not noted on your file. [00:43:44]
• Moving onward to security. [00:44:46]
• Different security providers depending on the airport. [00:45:06]
• Shops and retail are often governed by one company. [00:46:59]
• You get to the gate - gate agents may be the same that you saw at check-in. [00:48:43]
• Let's look at the ramp/apron operations. [00:51:37]
• If things go wrong at the airport - the airport's duty manager gets involved. [00:53:19]
• On board, most times the crew works for the airline. [00:54:10]
• If you're going to try to jockey for an upgrade at the gate, ask for a supervisor or station manager. [00:55:37]
• American airport upgrade boards - who manages these - agent or supervisor? [00:56:12]
• Vinod's upgrade experience from JFK-YEG. [00:56:55]
• Vinny and his strategic ballpoint pen. [01:02:55]
• We'll save the cabin crew hierarchy for a later experience. [01:05:03]
• Once the door is closed it's the crew's game. [01:05:32]
• Takeaways from this experience. [01:05:44]
• Research the names of the positions specific to the airline. [01:06:05]
• News Items. [01:07:03]
• Condolences for PK 8303. [01:07:17]
• TUI to Restart European Flights at the End of June. [01:07:53]
• Delta To Launch New Atlanta-Cape Town Route. [01:08:49]
• Show Wrap-up. [01:11:04]

View Details

In this experience we look at the different roles of people that normally work at an airport – who's who at the zoo?

In most cases the airline is either at a home base or it is at an outstation. When at the outstation the airline is either with its own staff or outsourced.

We move our way from the curbside outside the airport into the terminal – what staff do we encounter until we reach the check-in counter?

At the counter we have the check-in agent, the bag drop agent and the ticketing agent. The ticketing agent is someone who can make magic happen in times of crisis.

To whom should you bark if you need to bark?
Quite often a supervisor if you want to get things done. Running parallel to the supervisor is the ops coordinator or dispatcher. Are supervisors dressed differently? (answer – generally yes).

And remember if you're in an outstation, the people working for the airline might not be on the airline's payroll. And they may not have a specific airline uniform.

Remember things can – and do – happen at the counter. There's a right way and a wrong way to go about things.

What happens if it gets above a supervisor? May we introduce the station or duty manager.

Vinod made sure when he was in New Delhi (DEL) that he searched for the right supervisor to help him with his baggage issue. On the other side of the globe, he found the supervisor at Heathrow (LHR) to help with Olympic quantities of baggage.

Remember everyone, the representative generally wants to get to an amicable solution as much as you do.

When you're at security, the provider depends on what airport you are at – sometimes it's even the army. Many of those shops are also governed by one company.

We take a quick look at the ramp operations and some cases where the airport's duty manager may need to get involved.

What happens at the gate? And is this the best spot to look for an upgrade? Vinod shares a crazy story getting from New York (JFK) to Edmonton (YEG) – with a strategic ballpoint pen.

We'll save the crew hierarchy for a later experience.

News Items:

• We share our condolences for the victims of the PK8303 crash.
• Skift article "TUI to Restart European Flights at the End of June".
• airwaysmag article "Delta To Launch New Atlanta-Cape Town Route"

If you have a story about airport staff hierarchy, a question, or other experience that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/

View Details

Recorded 25 April 2020

Written by: Geoff Dahl & Vinod Viswalingam

Listen to this experience wherever you download your podcasts - including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play, Google Podcasts, and Overcast.

• Listen to it on Apple Podcasts.
• Stream by clicking here.
• Download as an MP3 by right-clicking here and choosing “save as.”

In this experience we look at seating configuration on aircraft in economy or coach class. These days, with the COVID-19 pandemic, people are wondering about seating and what it might look like in the future. We will still need to pick our seats.

Vinod has great stress when he picks a seat – particularly on long-haul flights – checking all angles of what his seat experience will be.

Seat comfort has come a long way – increasing seat comfort used to mean adding more padding. Geoff shares his experience sitting in an aircraft seat from a Lockheed Constellation...my how far we've come.

Even though airplane manufacturers have a row plan dictating how seats are set out, the actual number of seats, seat pitch and cabin layout is up to the airline. Can low cost carriers add additional rows – Vinod shares a memory of going through this.

What is seat pitch? What do you need to research when selecting a seat? Remember that even if the plane type is the same at an airline, it may not be configured the same way. What happens if the airline reduces the amount of premium cabin? Remember that if an airline is charging a premium for a seat selection, it might not be the best seat.

We're not telling you what the best seat is, since we all have our own reasons. What's the most stable seat? Where's the galley...the lavatory? How narrow is your seat? Is your airline using festival-style seating? What are some strategies for festival-style seating airlines? What should you watch out for?

Vinod shares a story how old-school thick foam padding protected him on a flight to London Heathrow. Vinod shares a story of getting moved a seat that would only recline on the way to AMS. Vinod shares a standby experience when he got a special seat. There is a tip on what to ask about if your flight is oversold or cancelled. Vinod shares another crazy story – this time with festival seating on a 777 from GRU to JFK.

But sometimes flights are wide open – Geoff shares an experience from LHR to YYC where he had four seats to himself.

News Items:

• Simple Flying article "IATA Head Says Social Distancing Will End Cheap Travel".
• Skift article "EasyJet May Ditch Middle Seats When Flights Return".
• Financial Times article "Ryanair will not return to flying if middle seats must be empty, says chief".
• Aviointeriors "Glassafe" and "Janus" seat designs.

If you have a story about seating configuration on flights, a question, or other experience that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/.

SELECTED LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE EXPERIENCE

• Seat 1A Experience 017 - Vinod's very meticulous RTW seat planning (show notes and audio)
• New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
• TWA hotel
• TWA Connie Cocktail Lounge
• Douglas DC-3 (airliners.net)
• Buffalo Airways (J4)
• Etihad Airways (EY)
• Etihad (EY) Airbus 380 Residence Cabin
• McDonnell Douglas DC-10 (airliners.net)
• Lockheed L-1011 500 TriStar (airliners.net)
• Boeing 737-800 (airliners.net)
• WestJet (WS)
• Seat Pitch (Wikipedia)
• AirAsia (AK)
• Sunwing Airlines (WG)
• Deadheading (Wikipedia)
• Scoot (TR)
• Singapore Changi Airport (SIN)
• Penang International Airport (PEN)
• SeatGuru
• seatmaestro
• SeatExpert
• Japan Airlines (JL)
• ANA (NH)
• British Airways (BA)
• Lufthansa (LH)
• Boeing Commercial Airplanes
• Airbus Commercial Aircraft
• Airbus A340 (airbus.com)
• Airbus 330 (airbus.com)
• Airbus 380 (airbus.com)
• Boeing 747-400 (airliners.net)
• Boeing 747-8 (boeing.com)
• Delta Air Lines (DL)
• Northwest Airlines (NW - ceased operations 2010) (Wikipedia)
• Air Canada (AC)
• Boeing 777-200 LR (airliners.net)
• Boeing 777-300 ER (airliners.net)
• Boeing 737 MAX (Boeing)
• London Heathrow (LHR)
• London Gatwick Airport (LGW)
• HM Revenue and Customs (gov.uk)
• Airplane galley (Wikipedia)
• Seat 1A Experience 030 - Cleanliness on airlines and the lavatory door (show notes and audio)
• Seat 1A Experience 025 - Food serving order (show notes and audio)
• SeatGuru Air Canada 777-300 (row 31) seat map
• Slide pack picture by bulkhead (9to5travel.com .jpg | February 2011)
• Bulkhead seating
  • The Advantages and Disadvantages of Bulkhead Seats (seatmaestro.com)
• Boeing 767-200 (airliners.net)
• Southwest Airlines (WN)
• RECARO Aircraft Seating
• Edmonton International Airport (YEG)
• 8th IAAF World Championships 03-12 August 2001 (worldathletics.org)
• Boeing 767-300 (airliners.net)
• M25 London Orbital Motorway (Wikipedia)
• Seat 1A Experience 028 - The Aircraft Turnaround (show notes and audio)
• KLM (KL)
• Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
• Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)
• Calgary International Airport (YYC)
• American Airlines (AA)
• Lima Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM)
• Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
• Boeing 757 (airliners.net)
• La-Z-Boy (Wikipedia)
• VARIG (RG - "old" VARIG ceased operations 2006 and "new" VARIG ceased operations 2009) (Wikipedia)
• São Paulo–Guarulhos International Airport (GRU)
• Schedule of charges for air terminals - John F. Kennedy International Airport (The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey PDF | January 2020)
• United Airlines (UA)
• Singapore Airlines (SQ)
• Ryanair (FR)
• EasyJet (U2, DS, EC)
• Great Circle Mapper GRU-JFK (gcmap.com)
• Star Alliance Gold Status
• Cathay Pacific (CX)
• Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)
• Thomas Cook Airlines (UK) (MT – ceased operations 2019) (Wikipedia)
• IATA (International Air Transport Association)
• AvTalk Podcast
• Flightradar24
• Aviointeriors
• Janus (Wikipedia)
• Marge Simpson (Wikipedia)

NEWS ITEMS

simpleflying.com | IATA Head Says Social Distancing Will End Cheap Travel (22 April 2020)
https://simpleflying.com/iata-social-distancing-cheap/ "...The Director General of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Alexandre de Juniac, believes that social distancing will end cheap travel. This is according to statements made at a briefing on April 21st. His rationale is that, with fewer seats available, it means that airlines will have to increase prices to turn a profit..."

• IATA (International Air Transport Association)

skift.com | EasyJet May Ditch Middle Seats When Flights Return (16 April 2020)
https://skift.com/2020/04/16/easyjet-may-ditch-middle-seats-when-flights-return/
"...EasyJet may keep middle seats empty to follow physical distancing rules once coronavirus travel restrictions are lifted, its chief executive has said..."

• EasyJet (U2, DS, EC)

Financial Times | Ryanair will not return to flying if middle seats must be empty, says chief (22 April 2020)
https://www.ft.com/content/ddb067bd-c54d-49cd-be1c-bda77f8b8527
"...Ryanair chief executive Michael O’Leary warned the low-cost airline would not return to flying if governments insist planes leave their middle seats empty when travel restrictions are lifted following the coronavirus pandemic..."

• Ryanair (FR)

Aviointeriors | "Glassafe" and "Janus" seat designs (20 April 2020)http://aviointeriors.it/2020/press/glassafe/
"...A kit-level solution that can be installed on existing seats to make close proximity safer among passengers sharing the same seat..."http://aviointeriors.it/2020/press/janus-seat/
"...Like two-faced Janus, the god of Ancient Rome, this proposal is distinguished by the reverse position of the center seat of the triple to ensure the maximum isolation between passengers seated next to each other..."

• Aviointeriors

PODCAST CORRECTIONS, CLARIFICATIONS, CONFIRMATIONS

Responsibility for the protection of the UK's borders passed from HM Revenue and Customs to the UK Border Agency within the Home Office on 1 April 2008 and then to Border Force on 1 March 2012.

• Home Secretary's statement on border security (gov.uk | 20 February 2012)

Seat Guru was founded in October 2001.

PEOPLE MENTIONED

• Alexandre de Juniac (iata.org)
• Michael O’Leary (Wikipedia)

SHOW NOTES

• What's in this experience? [00:00:59]
• Current state of events. [00:01:18]
• Seating has always been a factor at airlines. [00:02:02]
• Vinod has great stress with picking the seat. [00:03:24]
• Until recently, seat comfort meant more foam padding. [00:04:54]
• Geoff's experience in a Lockheed Constellation at TWA hotel at JFK. [00:05:53]
• In this experience we are going to focus on economy class seating. [00:06:55]
• Economy Class / Coach / Cattle Class. [00:07:20]
• Aircraft manufacturers have a row plan dictating how seats are set out. [00:07:42]
• Number of seats, distance between seats and what cabin looks like is all the airline's decision. [00:08:11]
• Low cost carriers wonder if they can fit another row of seats. [00:08:37]
• Adding rows to aircraft happened to Vinod at WestJet. [00:08:49]
• Key term - seat pitch. What is it? [00:09:22]
• What to do when you are selecting a seat. [00:11:22]
• Research what aircraft you're booked on. [00:11:32]
• When an airline has an aircraft type, not all of them are identical. [00:12:10]
• Airlines will use versions or regional variants. [00:12:52]
• If seats are eliminated from premium classes, how does that affect service and galley numbers for economy seating? [00:13:20]
• Planes flying in 2020 might be smaller than what flew earlier on the same route. [00:14:39]
• You don't need to be a full-on avgeek to figure out these sites. [00:14:52]
• If an airline is charging a premium for the seat it isn't always a better seat. [00:16:12]
• We're not telling you what is the best seat, since we have our own reasons. [00:16:41]
• The most stable seats. [00:17:05]
• Where's the galley in relation to your seat.. [00:18:46]
• ...And the lavatory. [00:19:27]
• Vinod revisits his lav rant from Experience 030. [00:20:03]
• Who gets served first? [00:20:22]
• Vinod looks at AC example on SeatGuru. [00:20:41]
• How narrow is your seat? [00:20:50]
• Some airlines use festival-style seating. [00:26:17]
• Strategies for boarding European low-cost carriers. [00:27:25]
• Watch out what row you pick for the emergency exit seats. [00:28:06]
• Recline as something to consider [00:28:49]
• The evolution of seat foam technology. [00:29:57]
• Airplane seat manufacturer RECARO. [00:30:29]
• Thick foam seating protected Vinod on a flight to LHR. [00:31:02]
• What happens when the plane touched down? [00:34:20]
• Very large passenger sitting beside Vinod on flight to Amsterdam. [00:36:56]
• Vinod was transferred to a seat with broken recline. [00:39:09]
• Vinod had a special seat experience from Lima to Dallas. [00:41:04]
• Tip from Vinod - test your seat recline if you're one of the first passengers on. [00:43:39]
• Tip to ask about on oversold or cancelled flights, "Are you using the crew seats today?" [00:44:52]
• Vinod's GRU-JFK crazy festival seating experience on Varig. [00:45:25]
• The evolution of the 777 seating. [00:51:30]
• Sometimes flights are wide open. [00:52:44]
• Sometimes Vinod has held his ground about switching his seat. [00:55:21]

• News Stories [00:56:06]

  • Simple Flying article "IATA Head Says Social Distancing Will End Cheap Travel." [00:56:09]
  • Skift article "EasyJet May Ditch Middle Seats When Flights Return." [00:56:39]
  • Financial Times article "Ryanair will not return to flying if middle seats must be empty, says chief" [00:57:37]
  • Aviointeriors: Glassafe - new seat design for close proximity safety. [00:58:51]
  • Aviointeriors: Janus - new two-seat design for close proximity safety. [01:00:38]
  • Learning points from this experience. [01:02:09]
  • Wrap-up. [01:02:32]

View Details

In this experience we look at seating configuration on aircraft in economy or coach class. These days, with the COVID-19 pandemic, people are wondering about seating and what it might look like in the future. We will still need to pick our seats.

Vinod has great stress when he picks a seat – particularly on long-haul flights – checking all angles of what his seat experience will be.

Seat comfort has come a long way – increasing seat comfort used to mean adding more padding. Geoff shares his experience sitting in an aircraft seat from a Lockheed Constellation...my how far we've come.

Even though airplane manufacturers have a row plan dictating how seats are set out, the actual number of seats, seat pitch and cabin layout is up to the airline. Can low cost carriers add additional rows – Vinod shares a memory of going through this.

What is seat pitch? What do you need to research when selecting a seat? Remember that even if the plane type is the same at an airline, it may not be configured the same way. What happens if the airline reduces the amount of premium cabin? Remember that if an airline is charging a premium for a seat selection, it might not be the best seat.

We're not telling you what the best seat is, since we all have our own reasons. What's the most stable seat? Where's the galley...the lavatory? How narrow is your seat? Is your airline using festival-style seating? What are some strategies for festival-style seating airlines? What should you watch out for?

Vinod shares a story how old-school thick foam padding protected him on a flight to London Heathrow. Vinod shares a story of getting moved a seat that would only recline on the way to AMS. Vinod shares a standby experience when he got a special seat. There is a tip on what to ask about if your flight is oversold or cancelled. Vinod shares another crazy story – this time with festival seating on a 777 from GRU to JFK.

But sometimes flights are wide open – Geoff shares an experience from LHR to YYC where he had four seats to himself.

News Items:

• Simple Flying article "IATA Head Says Social Distancing Will End Cheap Travel".
• Skift article "EasyJet May Ditch Middle Seats When Flights Return".
• Financial Times article "Ryanair will not return to flying if middle seats must be empty, says chief".
• Aviointeriors "Glassafe" and "Janus" seat designs.

If you have a story about seating configuration on flights, a question, or other experience that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/

View Details

Recorded 28 March 2020

Written by: Geoff Dahl & Vinod Viswalingam

Listen to this experience wherever you download your podcasts - including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play, Google Podcasts, and Overcast.

* Listen to it on Apple Podcasts.

• Stream by clicking here.
• Download as an MP3 by right-clicking here and choosing “save as.”

In this experience we look at alcohol and drinking on flights. What was the experience in days gone by, versus today on intercontinental flights?

Why is it when we drink on flights, we may end up feeling the effects of alcohol more strongly than when we are on the ground? Vinod shares an experience of a first-class hangover on a British Airways (BA) flight from Calgary to London-Heathrow.

Some start with their alcohol even before they board, at airport lounges, bars, or restaurants. Meanwhile other ultra low-cost carriers will charge for all alcohol – which leads to passengers trying to consume their own alcohol on board. Vinod shares a crew story of "cups of ice and cans of Sprite", with some very large gridiron football players.

There are times when a flight runs out of a certain type of alcohol – then what? Vinod shares an experience of needing to improvise "champagne service" on a hotspot flight.

When you board the flight, it's more than just smiles and salutations from the crew. The in-flight crew is often the first real interaction between a passenger and the airline to determine state of sobriety. Vinny shares the unfortunate story of a passenger who took three days to be in a sober state to fly.

A pilot has the final word and will not tolerate disrespect to the crew. Some go to great lengths to ensure that passengers respect that – as Vinod shares.

A plane of thirsty workers who have just left a mining camp made for interesting Friday afternoon flights for Vinod.

Some passengers unfortunately engage in more than just alcohol – Vinod shares a crazy story about a redeye flight to Varadero, Cuba.

Geoff jogs Vinod's memories of a wild flight to Paris, with drunken passengers just hanging around.

We're not saying that you can't enjoy your alcohol, but you have a responsibility as a passenger in case of an emergency. A crew will not be able to move your drunken body – are you posing a risk to your fellow passengers? Cheers, but make sure that you're still functional...the last thing you want to be is hungover in a customs or baggage queue.

And we share a tip about what if you suspect someone is in a drunken state. Remember, at the end of it all, it's all about safety.

News Item:

• Sam Chui article "Farewell KLM B747 – A Special Flight on the KLM B747-400 Combi"

If you have a story about alcohol on flights, a question, or other experience that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/

SELECTED LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE EXPERIENCE

• Lufthansa (LH)
• Singapore Airlines (SQ)
• Qatar Airways (QR)
• Emirates (EK)
• Hypoxia (medical) (Wikipedia)
• British Airways (BA)
• Calgary International Airport (YYC)
• London Heathrow (LHR)
• Seat 1A Experience 005 - The world of airport lounges (show notes and audio)
• Sunwing Airlines (WG)
• Cancún International Airport (CUN)
• BC Lions (Canadian gridiron football club)
• Absolut
• Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
• Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
• Glasgow Airport (GLA)
• Edinburgh Airport (EDI)
• Birmingham Airport (BHX)
• KLM (KL)
• Heineken
• Boeing 737-800 (airliners.net)
• Denial of Boarding
  • Denied Boarding: A Guide (Canadian Transportation Agency)
  • Rule 25: Refusal to Transport - Limitations of Carrier (hawaiianairlines.com)
• Calgary Police Service
• Puerto Vallarta Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport
• Fort McMurray International Airport (YMM)
• Edmonton International Airport (YEG)
• Great Circle Mapper YMM-YEG (gcmap.com)
• Varadero Juan Gualberto Gómez Airport (VRA)
• Seat 1A Experience 030 - Cleanliness on Airlines (show notes and audio)
• Effects of Cocaine (Wikipedia)

• Flight (2012) (IMDb)

  • Denzel Washington and John Goodman "Flight" cocaine scene (youtube.com)
  • Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
  • Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
  • Air Canada (AC)
  • Boeing 747-400 (airliners.net)
  • Brussels Airport (BRU)
  • Gueuze Beer
  • Boeing 747-400M combi (Wikipedia)
  • Everything You Need To Know About The World’s Most Unique 747 (simpleflying.com | 01 September 2018)
  • Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)
  • Mexico City International Airport (MEX)
  • Qantas (QF)
  • Boeing 747-100 & 200 (airliners.net)
  • Boeing 747-8 (boeing.com)
  • MD 80 & MD 88 (airliners.net)
  • EVA Air (BR)
  • Airbus 380 (airbus.com)
  • Boeing 777-200 (airliners.net)
  • Boeing 787-8 (airliners.net)
  • Airbus 350-900 (airbus.com)

NEWS ITEMS

samchui.com | Farewell KLM B747 – A Special Flight on the KLM B747-400 Combi (28 March 2020)
https://samchui.com/2020/03/28/farewell-klm-b747-a-special-flight-on-klm-b747-400-combi
"...Due to the COVID-19 crisis, and its impact upon the aviation industry, airlines all over the world are retiring their older fleet sooner than planned. The much beloved KLM Boeing 747 is facing an early retirement, at the end of March this year..."

• KLM (KL)
• Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)
• Mexico City International Airport (MEX)
• Boeing 747-400M combi (Wikipedia)

PODCAST CORRECTIONS, CLARIFICATIONS, CONFIRMATIONS

There are a small number of ways to bring your own alcohol on board and consume legally.

• How you can BYOB on your next flight – legally! (godsavethepoints.com | 15 January 2018)
• Is It Illegal to Drink Your Own Alcohol on an Airplane? (thepointsguy.com | 18 September 2017)

KLM decided to redeploy two parked combi aircraft in order to meet cornavirus-related demand.

• KLM to redeploy parked combi aircraft (aircargonews.net | 09 April 2020)

PEOPLE MENTIONED

• Sam Chui

SHOW NOTES

• What's in this experience? [00:00:58]
• History of alcohol on board in the golden age of aviation. [00:01:26]
• Complimentary alcohol on intercontinental flights. [00:01:58]
• Why do you feel the effects of alcohol so much in a plane? [00:03:38]
• The hangover hit Vinod hard after a transatlantic BA flight. [00:05:06]
• The alcohol experience can start in the lounge or airport restaurants and bars. [00:07:32]
• Other end of the scale with ultra low cost carriers, paying for everything on board. [00:09:15]
• Passenger tricks - including consuming their own alcohol onboard. [00:09:32]
• Cups of ice and cans of Sprite - a Canadian gridiron football team with passenger alcohol. [00:11:49]
• What happens if a flight runs out of alcohol? [00:15:20]
• Vinod improvising "Champagne" service. [00:17:57]
• The crew at the front is doing more than greeting you. [00:20:08]
• Check-in counter staff trained to look for drunken passengers, but so many people check in now with no interaction. [00:20:48]
• Vinny's multi-day story of a drunk passenger - started before even checking in. [00:22:53]
• Drunk passengers disrespecting the crew. The captain made sure he got the last word. [00:32:03]
• Boomtime flights on a Friday afternoon. [00:36:33]
• More than just alcohol in the last row of the plane on a redeye flight. [00:38:40]
• Drunk passengers hanging from the overhead bins on a flight to Paris. [00:42:47]
• What to look for as a Seat 1A passenger. [00:44:49]
• Your responsibility as a passenger in case of an emergency - taking alcohol with medication. [00:45:41]
• Flight crews do not have the ability to move your drunken body in case of an emergency. Are you posing a risk? [00:45:55]
• Enjoy your alcohol, but you need to be functional at all times during a flight. [00:46:59]
• You don't know how long your wait is going to be in a customs or baggage queue - you don't want to be hungover. [00:47:55]
• What to do if you have the slightest suspicion of a drunken passenger. [00:48:16]
• At the end of it all, it's all about safety. [00:48:54]
• News Item: "Farewell KLM B747 – A Special Flight on the KLM B747-400 Combi". [00:49:15]
• Show wrap-up. [00:52:33]

View Details

In this experience we look at alcohol and drinking on flights. What was the experience in days gone by, versus today on intercontinental flights?

Why is it when we drink on flights, we may end up feeling the effects of alcohol more strongly than when we are on the ground? Vinod shares an experience of a first-class hangover on a British Airways (BA) flight from Calgary to London-Heathrow.

Some start with their alcohol even before they board, at airport lounges, bars, or restaurants. Meanwhile other ultra low-cost carriers will charge for all alcohol – which leads to passengers trying to consume their own alcohol on board. Vinod shares a crew story of "cups of ice and cans of Sprite", with some very large gridiron football players.

There are times when a flight runs out of a certain type of alcohol – then what? Vinod shares an experience of needing to improvise "champagne service" on a hotspot flight.

When you board the flight, it's more than just smiles and salutations from the crew. The in-flight crew is often the first real interaction between a passenger and the airline to determine state of sobriety. Vinny shares the unfortunate story of a passenger who took three days to be in a sober state to fly.

A pilot has the final word and will not tolerate disrespect to the crew. Some go to great lengths to ensure that passengers respect that – as Vinod shares.

A plane of thirsty workers who have just left a mining camp made for interesting Friday afternoon flights for Vinod.

Some passengers unfortunately engage in more than just alcohol – Vinod shares a crazy story about a redeye flight to Varadero, Cuba.

Geoff jogs Vinod's memories of a wild flight to Paris, with drunken passengers just hanging around.

We're not saying that you can't enjoy your alcohol, but you have a responsibility as a passenger in case of an emergency. A crew will not be able to move your drunken body – are you posing a risk to your fellow passengers? Cheers, but make sure that you're still functional...the last thing you want to be is hungover in a customs or baggage queue.

And we share a tip about what if you suspect someone is in a drunken state. Remember, at the end of it all, it's all about safety.

News Item:

• Sam Chui article "Farewell KLM B747 – A Special Flight on the KLM B747-400 Combi"

If you have a story about alcohol on flights, a question, or other experience that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/

View Details

Recorded 20 March 2020

Written by: Geoff Dahl & Vinod Viswalingam

Listen to this experience wherever you download your podcasts - including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play, Google Podcasts, and Overcast.

* Listen to it on Apple Podcasts.

• Stream by clicking here.
• Download as an MP3 by right-clicking here and choosing “save as.”

We wanted to extend our best wishes to all those in the industry during these incredibly challenging times for the aviation industry. The entire COVID-19 situation has brought about some strange occurrences.

During this time of global self-isolation, we invite out listeners to go back to our previous experiences – since eventually, planes will start flying again.

We had planned to talk about airline cleanliness in an episode – this has provided us the perfect opportunity.

Remember everyone that an airline is a public space, but that we do expect it to be comfortably clean when we board. How do different airlines groom their planes – outsourced to third parties, or does the crew groom the plane?

When a crew groom the plane what happens? What gets cleaned? What was Vinod's bone of contention that he got so often on flights? Deep cleaning is supposed to happen on a certain cycle. First flights out of the day from Canada to the US lead to interesting discoveries. What about premium cabins? How about carpeting on the plane?

Geoff and Vinod review a Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) news investigation about the dirtiest surfaces in an airplane. The filthiest location may surprise you and we review the five most filthy locations.

It's not all dirty though. There are airlines that consistently get recognition for their cleanliness.

Airlines do need to deal with different cultural practices where individuals may not be aware of airplane etiquette. And as always - passengers do silly, gross things on flights no matter where in the world. Remember that a plane may be a bit dirtier due to their turnaround time business model.

We share some tips on how to try to stay as clean and sanitary as possible on a flight. There is no need to be paranoid – once again remember it's a public space.

If you have a story about how you are dealing with COVID-19 as a passenger or flight staff, a question, or other experience about airplane cleanliness that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/

SELECTED LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE EXPERIENCE

• Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ)
• Porter Airlines (PD)
• Porter Airlines temporarily suspending flights to support COVID-19 relief efforts (flyporter.com | 18 March 2020)
• De Havilland Canada Dash 8 Q400 (formerly Bombardier) (dehavilland.com)
• Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
• Air Canada (AC)
• WestJet (WS)
• Air Transat (TS)
• Sunwing Airlines (WG)
• Menzies Aviation
• British Airways (BA)
• Havana José Martí International Airport (HAV)
• Boeing 777-200 (airliners.net)
• British Airways Flies First Boeing 777 Havana Flight For 20 Years (simpleflying.com | 17 March 2020)
• Aircraft lease (Wikipedia)

• Aircraft boneyard (Wikipedia)

  • Mojave Air and Space Port (MHV)
  • Boeing 737-600/700 (airliners.net)
  • Bengaluru Kempegowda International Airport (BLR)
  • Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL)
  • Fixed-base operator (FBO) (Wikipedia)
  • Seat 1A Experience 028 - The Aircraft Turnaround (show notes and audio)
  • Ryanair (FR)
  • EasyJet (U2, DS, EC)
  • Southwest Airlines (WN)
  • People Express Airlines (1980s) (PE - Ceased operations 1987) (Wikipedia)
  • Freddie Laker (Wikipedia)
  • What's the dirtiest surface on an airplane? The result may surprise you (cbc.ca | 27 October 2018)
  • Cancún International Airport (CUN)
  • Seat 1A Experience 006 - Airline found Vinod's passport when it deep cleaned a seat (show notes and audio)
  • Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport (YOW)
  • Montréal–Trudeau International Airport (YUL)
  • University of Guelph
  • Surprising: The Toilet Isn’t The Dirtiest Part Of An Aircraft (simpleflying.com | 27 February 2020)
  • The Far Side "Didn't Wash Hands Alarm" cartoon (pinterest.com)
  • SKYTRAX
  • EVA Air (BR)
  • ANA (NH)
  • Japan Airlines (JL)
  • Asiana Airlines (OZ)
  • Singapore Airlines (SQ)
  • Cathay Pacific (CX)
  • Hainan Airlines (HU)
  • SWISS (LX)
  • Lufthansa (LH)
  • Qatar Airways (QR)
  • South African Airways (SA)
  • Air New Zealand (NZ)
  • Azul (AD)
  • Dhaka Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (DAC) (Wikipedia)
  • Denpasar Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS)
  • Passenger Shaming (Instagram)
  • Passenger Shaming (Twitter)
  • High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters (Wikipedia)
  • Boeing 767-200 (airliners.net)
  • Seat 1A Experience 023 - Vinod's Air India rant (show notes and audio)

PEOPLE MENTIONED

• Freddie Laker (Wikipedia)

SHOW NOTES

• What's in this experience? [00:00:58]
• How's Geoff faring in Toronto? [00:01:44]
• Vinod's view in Vancouver. [00:02:30]
• What is going to happen? [00:03:20]
• Flights are empty. [00:04:11]
• Rescue flights and other strange occurrences. [00:06:02]
• Some small amount of flights are still occurring. [00:08:12]
• Invitation for listeners to go back to our previous experiences. [00:09:04]
• Dirty 30 - cleanliness of airlines and airplanes. [00:10:01]
• An aircraft is a public space. [00:10:47]
• You expect an aircraft to be comfortably clean when you board. [00:11:53]
• Each airline has their own grooming standard, but most are similar. [00:12:27]
• Outsourced grooming service providers. [00:12:56]
• Crew cleaning and grooming on low cost carriers. [00:13:11]
• Crew cleaning may apply when aircraft is parking overnight. [00:13:59]
• How does a crew cleaning look like? [00:14:17]
• The things that crews would find during cleaning were incredible. [00:15:10]
• Diapers - big bone of contention for Vinod. [00:16:35]
• Children making messes. [00:18:14]
• What would the crew clean in the cabin? [00:18:40]
• Trips back from sun destinations sometimes brought an extra disgusting surprise. [00:19:05]
• If there is an absolute mess, grooming request could be requested. [00:20:55]
• Staff flying standby have responsibilities. [00:21:33]
• What does third party grooming look like? [00:22:29]
• Realities for cleaning may change due to COVID-19. [00:23:14]
• Deep grooming / deep cleaning is supposed to happen on a certain cycle. [00:23:59]
• What about first flights out from Canada to US for the day? [00:24:37]
• Premium cabin cleaning. [00:26:14]
• Carpets on the aircraft. [00:27:09]
• Seat cushion replacements when possible. [00:27:56]
• CBC News investigation of airline cleanliness. [00:28:14]
• What is the most filthy place on the plane? [00:29:47]
• You did not wash your hands. [00:31:28]
• The five filthiest surfaces. [00:32:36]
• The seatbelt. [00:32:42]
• Tray tables. [00:33:33]
• The washroom handle. [00:34:19]
• The seat pocket. [00:34:38]
• The headrest. [00:36:03]
• There are some recognized consistently clean airlines out there as well. [00:37:56]
• Airlines deal with different cultural practices. [00:40:43]
• People do silly, gross things on flights around the world. [00:42:22]
• World's dirtiest airlines - how much is it based on the business model and turnaround time. [00:42:51]
• Passengershaming photo feeds. [00:43:26]
• Tips and Tricks [00:44:04]
• Shoes and socks on flights. [00:44:20]
• Wiping down seat and tray table. [00:45:20]
• Steer clear of the hot zones. [00:45:44]
• Please. Close. The. Lavatory. Door. [00:46:05]
• Put something on floor before putting your children on the floor. [00:46:54]
• Your food is coming from a sterilized place. [00:47:32]
• Generally, aircraft are fine. [00:47:39]
• Vinod reviews his Air India rant, it was built up old dirt. [00:48:28]
• No need being paranoid - remember it's a public space. [00:49:02]
• Drinking on flights as upcoming experience. [00:50:18]
• Show wrap-up. [00:50:35]

View Details

We wanted to extend our best wishes to all those in the industry during these incredibly challenging times for the aviation industry. The entire COVID-19 situation has brought about some strange occurrences.

During this time of global self-isolation, we invite out listeners to go back to our previous experiences – since eventually, planes will start flying again.

We had planned to talk about airline cleanliness in an episode – this has provided us the perfect opportunity.

Remember everyone that an airline is a public space, but that we do expect it to be comfortably clean when we board. How do different airlines groom their planes – outsourced to third parties, or does the crew groom the plane?

When a crew groom the plane what happens? What gets cleaned? What was Vinod's bone of contention that he got so often on flights? Deep cleaning is supposed to happen on a certain cycle. First flights out of the day from Canada to the US lead to interesting discoveries. What about premium cabins? How about carpeting on the plane?

Geoff and Vinod review a Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) news investigation about the dirtiest surfaces in an airplane. The filthiest location may surprise you and we review the five most filthy locations.

It's not all dirty though. There are airlines that consistently get recognition for their cleanliness.

Airlines do need to deal with different cultural practices where individuals may not be aware of airplane etiquette. And as always - passengers do silly, gross things on flights no matter where in the world. Remember that a plane may be a bit dirtier due to their turnaround time business model.

We share some tips on how to try to stay as clean and sanitary as possible on a flight. There is no need to be paranoid – once again remember it's a public space.

If you have a story about how you are dealing with COVID-19 as a passenger or flight staff, a question, or other experience about airplane cleanliness that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/

View Details

Recorded 06 March 2020

Written by: Geoff Dahl, Vinod Viswalingam & David Neeleman

Listen to this experience wherever you download your podcasts - including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play, Google Podcasts, and Overcast.

* Listen to it on Apple Podcasts.

• Stream by clicking here.
• Download as an MP3 by right-clicking here and choosing “save as.”

In this experience we are very grateful to be joined by a serial airline entrepreneur – David Neeleman. If you don't know who David is, you likely know at least some of the airlines that he has founded, co-founded or co-owns. JetBlue (founded); Azul (founded); Morris Air (co-founded and sold to Southwest); WestJet (co-founded); TAP Air Portugal (co-owns). David has recently founded Breeze Airways (officially named in February 2020).

The Seat 1A team pose four questions to David and he shares his candid feedback.

Geoff enquires when David realized he was passionate about aviation?

Vinny notes David's global and multicultural leadership, and searches for that key factor that David believes has linked his successes together.

Geoff asks about the unique offering from David's airlines that provide a front of cabin experience.

Finally, Vinny uncovers what David's personal tip or hack is for every flight.

If you have a story about flying one of David's airlines, a question, or other experience that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/

SELECTED LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE EXPERIENCE

• David Neeleman (All American Speakers Bureau)
• Breeze Airways (MXY)
• JetBlue (B6)
• Azul (AD)
• Morris Air (KN – ceased operations 1994) (Wikipedia)
• WestJet (WS)
• TAP Portugal (TP)
• University of Utah
• The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Wikipedia)
• Southwest Airlines (WN)

PEOPLE MENTIONED

• David Neeleman (All American Speakers Bureau)

SHOW NOTES

• What's in this experience? [00:00:46]
• David Neeleman Bio. [00:01:25]
• Greetings to David. [00:02:06]
• Question One: When did David realize he was passionate about aviation? [00:02:49]
• Question Two: What is the key factor that has linked David's successes together? [00:03:55]
• Question Three: What is the unique offering from David's airlines that provide a front of cabin experience to his customers? [00:05:26]
• Question Four: What is David's personal tip or hack that he does on every flight? [00:06:39]
• Show wrap-up. [00:09:00]

View Details

In this experience we are very grateful to be joined by a serial airline entrepreneur – David Neeleman. If you don't know who David is, you likely know at least some of the airlines that he has founded, co-founded or co-owns. JetBlue (founded); Azul (founded); Morris Air (co-founded and sold to Southwest); WestJet (co-founded); TAP Air Portugal (co-owns). David has recently founded Breeze Airways (officially named in February 2020).

The Seat 1A team pose four questions to David and he shares his candid feedback.

Geoff enquires when David realized he was passionate about aviation?

Vinny notes David's global and multicultural leadership, and searches for that key factor that David believes has linked his successes together.

Geoff asks about the unique offering from David's airlines that provide a front of cabin experience.

Finally, Vinny uncovers what David's personal tip or hack is for every flight.

If you have a story about flying one of David's airlines, a question, or other experience that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/

View Details

Recorded 15 February 2020

Written by: Geoff Dahl & Vinod Viswalingam

Listen to this experience wherever you download your podcasts - including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play, Google Podcasts and Overcast.

* Listen to it on Apple Podcasts.

• Stream by clicking here.
• Download as an MP3 by right-clicking here and choosing “save as.”

In this experience we take a look behind the scenes and share the things that are happening in the background to your plane from before it arrives and departs.

We start four to six hours before the flight even arrives and what is required for the gate. What' the backup plan? Who is coming off of the plane? Are there unaccompanied minors, special assistance passengers, or groups? Are there any maintenance issues? As we get closer to the arrival, what is the minimum required turnaround time set by the airline? Has the airport been set for the flight arrival?

While that is happening, passengers are checking in. Are there enough crew? Are there issues with the plane weight and balance? Are there any special passengers or groups to account for? If the flight is late, do passengers checking in have the appropriate visa documentation?

How much fuel is the outbound flight going to need? Is it going to need de-icing? Is there special cargo? What are the catering requirements? Is there any notification from Customs and Immigration about a flight check?

Is the equipment needed on the ramp in working order and ready? Are the groomers and caterers ready?

Is the outbound crew ready with their checks and preparation of the plane? Has the pilot signed off on all documentation?

How is the passenger baggage being unloaded? How is the liquid and solid waste being disposed of? Are all the meals loaded as required? What's happening with tight passenger connections?

Who's at fault if the plane pushes back late?

As we can see there are many moving parts and processes between your plane landing and departing – many more are discussed in this experience.

News Items:

• breakingtravelnews article "Alaska Airlines to join oneworld alliance"
• BBC article "Storm Ciara helps plane beat transatlantic flight record"

If you have a story about a plane turnaround, a question or other experience that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/

SELECTED LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE EXPERIENCE

• Plane Talking UK Episode 301 The Best Seat In The House (Seat 1A)
• British Airways (BA)
• London Heathrow (LHR)
• Singapore Airlines (SQ)

• Singapore Changi Airport (SIN)

  • Seat 1A Experience 022 - The world of gate assignments (show notes and audio)
  • American Airlines (AA)
  • United Airlines (UA)
  • Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
  • Martinair (MP) (passenger service ended 2011)
  • Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)
  • Edmonton International Airport (YEG)
  • Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
  • Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
  • Air Canada (AC)
  • WestJet (WS)
  • Calgary International Airport (YYC)
  • Boeing 777-200 (airliners.net)
  • Boeing 737-600/700 (airliners.net)
  • Airbus 320 (airliners.net)
  • Seat 1A Experience 012 - Upgrades experience for crew seating (show notes and audio)
  • Center of gravity of an aircraft (Wikipedia)
  • Hot and high takeoffs (Wikipedia)
  • Denver International Airport (DEN)
  • Johannesburg O. R. Tambo International Airport (JNB)
  • Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
  • List of wheel-well stowaway flights (Wikipedia)
  • Plane stowaways: Do any survive? (BBC | 2 July 2019)
  • Aisle Chair (wheelchairtravel.org)
  • Ground support equipment (Wikipedia)
  • Auxiliary power unit (APU) (Wikipedia)
  • (Barbados) Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI)
  • Swing gate
  • Melbourne Looks Towards Swing Gate Solution (airportprofessional.asn.au | 13 August 2018)
  • Aga Khan (Wikipedia)
  • Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex (Wikipedia)
  • United Breaks Guitars (youtube.com | 06 June 2009)
  • IATA delay codes (Wikipedia)
  • Alaska Airlines (AS)
  • oneworld
  • Royal Air Maroc (AT)
  • New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
  • Boeing 747-400 (airliners.net)
  • Norwegian Air Shuttle (DY, D8, DI, DU)
  • Oslo Airport (OSL)

NEWS ITEMS

breakingtravelnews.com | Alaska Airlines to join oneworld alliance (14 February 2020)
https://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/alaska-airlines-to-join-oneworld-alliance/
"...oneworld has confirmed Alaska Airlines intends to join the alliance by summer next year.
At the same time, the carrier unveiled plans to form a US west coast international alliance with oneworld founding member American Airlines...
...oneworld is on track to welcome Royal Air Maroc from April, adding its first full member in the African continent..."

• Alaska Airlines (AS)
• oneworld
• Royal Air Maroc (AT)
• American Airlines (AA)

bbc.com | Storm Ciara helps plane beat transatlantic flight record (09 February 2020)
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-london-51433720
"...The Boeing 747-436 reached speeds of 825 mph (1,327 km/h) as it rode a jet stream accelerated by Storm Ciara.
The four hours and 56 minutes flight arrived at Heathrow Airport 80 minutes ahead of schedule on Sunday morning...
...The jet stream reached speeds of 260 mph (418 km/h) on Sunday morning, according to BBC Weather..."

• British Airways (BA)
• New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
• London Heathrow (LHR)
• Boeing 747-400 (airliners.net)
• Norwegian Air Shuttle (DY, D8, DI, DU)
• Oslo Airport (OSL)

PODCAST CORRECTIONS, CLARIFICATIONS, CONFIRMATIONS

• Martinair is still a cargo airline but ceased having passenger service in October 2011.
• Stowaways that fell from flight in London, UK were in Clapham and Richmond, not Hounslow.
• There are 18 nuts on a 777-200 wheel
  • United Airlines Boeing 777-200 main landing gear. San Francisco Airport 2019 (reddit.com | 02 June 2019)

PEOPLE MENTIONED

• Aga Khan (Wikipedia)
• Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex (Wikipedia)

SHOW NOTES

• What's in this experience? [00:00:45]
• The number things that have to happen in the background to turn around a flight. [00:01:53]
• Above the wing, below the wing, what does it mean? [00:04:16]
• We have to start before the aircraft even arrives. [00:04:43]
• Approximately 6 months the gate and time are laid out. [00:06:11]
• 4-6 hours out at airport with passenger service team. [00:06:25]
• What gate is required for this aircraft? [00:06:53]
• Why isn't your gate showing on your ticket if you check in 24 hours out? [00:08:13]
• There is always a backup plan. [00:08:23]
• Who's coming off the plane? [00:08:58]
• Two different types of passengers the airline is paying attention for. [00:09:03]
• Wheelchairs are the biggest set of passengers that need assistance. [00:10:09]
• Unaccompanied minor arrival. [00:11:41]
• Ground operator needs to ensure right agent picked to assist with the minor. [00:12:09]
• Cabin maintenance issues. [00:12:24]
• Broken seats - required for seat planning. [00:12:33]
• Inflight entertainment system broken. [00:13:02]
• Lavatories. [00:13:39]
• If a lavatory is unusable, the plane may have to fly with less passengers. [00:13:53]
• Galley problems - will it affect service? [00:14:11]
• Outbound crew transport. [00:14:52]
• Schedule - is the plane on time and what is the turnaround time it has been assigned? [00:16:15]
• The amount of time to turn around the airplane impacts how the next few hours will go. [00:17:48]
• Getting inbound baggage belts coordinated - domestic, international. [00:18:13]
• Checking in passengers. [00:18:33]
• Seat planning - out of service seats, big groups. [00:18:44]
• Any crew related seat issues that need to be fulfilled. [00:19:08]
• Weight and balance review. [00:19:34]
• Is there a full roster of crew for the outbound flight - it could affect the number of passengers that can be taken. [00:21:00]
• Special groups that might need special configuration of check-in gates. [00:21:08]
• Where are outbound passengers connecting to - will a delay affect them? [00:21:26]
• Immigration - do passengers have proper transit visas in case plane is delayed? Are they inadmissible? [00:21:48]
• Gate signage, sizers and passenger control requirements. [00:22:20]
• Now let's go below the wing - what's happening on the ramp before a flight arrives? [00:22:53]
• Operations preparing initial plans. Load planning, cargo planning, fuel requirements, de-ice planning, catering, catering, security issues of inbound. [00:22:59]
• Catering supplies are transported on flight to the outbound station. [00:23:42]
• Is customs and immigration tipped off for inbound flights? Vinny shares story of incidents when he was cabin crew. [00:24:18]
• Remote stands - does the airport have buses, how to accommodate passengers with specials requirements. [00:25:22]
• Passengers flying with bottled oxygen. [00:26:09]
• Ramp preparation of ground support equipment - tractors, tugs, carts, container loaders are they working correctly. [00:26:30]
• Lavatory trucks and water trucks ready to go, and not frozen up. [00:27:07]
• Ground power requirements. [00:27:26]
• In snow, is the aircraft gate taxi line clear, can the jet bridge move? [00:27:55]
• Foreign Object Debris check on tarmac. [00:28:16]
• Air start unit. [00:29:49]
• Air conditioning tube required. [00:31:19]
• Operations load planning. [00:31:38]
• Is there special cargo like live animals, special machinery, coffins? [00:31:55]
• Fuel planning. Captain gets final say how much over based amount. [00:32:21]
• Fuel order goes in at the start to give it time to fill. [00:32:55]
• Liaising regarding maintenance issues - e.g. tires. [00:33:13]
• Vinny's story of changing a tire on a 777. [00:33:47]
• We haven't even got the plane yet. [00:35:10]
• 30 to 60 minutes before landing, aircraft calls in to ground handler with arrival estimate. [00:35:46]
• Confirming what requirements are needed for special requirements. [00:36:41]
• Alerts are put out to everyone who is working on the flight to be ready. [00:37:20]
• Teams sent to gate to accept arrival, ramp team sent to be ready below. [00:38:04]
• Are doors set up properly. [00:38:24]
• Crew for outbound flights and pilot briefings. [00:38:54]
• Cabin crew side will be given heads up about passengers - VIP flyers. [00:39:37]
• Aircraft arrives - chocks in, thumbs up to bridge aircraft with a jet bridge. [00:41:17]
• Passengers are now able to get off of the inbound flight. [00:42:23]
• Wheelchair or walk - sometimes the wait time would help make the decision. [00:42:39]
• Plane is now empty. The inbound crew is wrapping up. [00:43:11]
• Grooming with Low Cost Carriers. [00:43:48]
• Third party grooming companies for mainline companies. [00:45:11]
• Catering starts their work as well. They have food for outbound flights, but they have to remove inbound catering first. [00:45:56]
• Times are all being tracked in case there are delays. [00:46:55]
• Maintenance doing their work inside and outside the plane. [00:47:41]
• What's happening now on the ramp. [00:47:50]
• As soon as plane is chocked and engines spool down, ground power, air conditioning, air stairs if required. [00:48:00]
• Hot connection bags, gate checked bags. [00:48:22]
• Unloading lavatory waste. [00:48:55]
• Geoff shares story of when the lavatory waste hose exploded off and got all over the ramp worker and ramp. [00:49:10]
• The toilets need their blue disinfectant fluid. [00:51:25]
• Geoff shares a story about an overfilling of the toilets with blue liquid. [00:51:33]
• The measurement dial hadn't been converted from imperial to metric. [00:51:59]
• Baggage belts or container loaders removing bags, special time sensitive cargo. [00:53:41]
• Mechanics doing their walk arounds and pilots will eventually come to do their walk arounds. [00:54:23]
• Back above the wing, new inbound crew comes aboard. [00:54:51]
• Crew "doing their checks" - what does it involve? [00:55:22]
• Based on position a crew member is working, there is a standardized safety checklist. [00:55:52]
• Safety checks are real. [00:56:55]
• Safety check minimums are generally standardized by airplane manufacturer. [00:57:32]
• Pilots also doing their safety checks. [00:57:38]
• Grooming wraps up with airline checking that everything is to spec. [00:58:45]
• Ground management will sometimes help groom a plane due to time constraints. [00:59:19]
• Crew has to check that catering has been done to spec. [01:00:43]
• Amenity kits? [01:01:30]
• Crew meals - have they been loaded? [01:01:59]
• At the gate after the check-in counter has closed. [01:02:18]
• Fragile bags - like musical instruments. [01:02:44]
• Extra security checks required for American international flights. [01:03:26]
• Sometimes US Customs and Boarder Protection puts a dummy item on the flight. [01:04:34]
• Gate liaises with cabin crew manager when it will start boarding. Generally at least 30 minutes before boarding. [01:05:00]
• We are ready for boarding. Either a phone call or a person coming up to the flight. [01:06:06]
• Sometimes cabin crew wants to board but they can't. E.g. equipment needs to be swapped out. [01:06:47]
• Boarding starts. [01:07:34]
• Communication needed about amount of cabin baggage. [01:08:21]
• If plane is so delayed with narrow bodies, they will call boarding and bring people halfway down the jet bridge before releasing. [01:09:06]
• What's going on under the wing as passengers are boarding. [01:10:21]
• Reviewing late bags, hot connection bags. [01:10:55]
• If the baggage pit is full, it's sealed up. [01:11:16]
• How are pits loaded on narrow bodies for hot connections. [01:11:37]
• Bulk pit does exist on wide bodies for last bags. [01:12:50]
• If the container loader has backed away from the plane, it's a good sign that we're getting close. [01:13:13]
• Wing walkers need to get ready to walk back with the pushback. [01:13:45]
• Correct push tractor or lifter is set up to push back. [01:14:15]
• Is the right towbar doing the pushback? [01:14:38]
• When things are getting close to pushback, there is a safe area for equipment to move to. [01:15:12]
• Roped off areas are cleared. [01:16:01]
• Passenger no-showing for flight - will a bag have to be pulled out? [01:16:23]
• Back upstairs. 99 percent of the people have boarded. [01:16:52]
• Remember that not every airport does last call announcements. [01:17:12]
• Passive aggressive announcements at Amsterdam. [01:17:29]
• Agents are going into active search mode. [01:18:22]
• Now it's time for the standbys. [01:18:58]
• The last 10 minutes before departure - a lot happens all of a sudden. [01:19:28]
• Once bag is removed, missing passenger not able to board. [01:19:53]
• Does the number of bags match versus checked in bags - is there an overage? [01:20:45]
• Final pilot signoff. [01:22:42]
• In case of delay - what was the root cause? An agreement has to be made with the captain. [01:24:27]
• $1000 per minute for a delay. [01:24:39]
• The door gets shut. [01:26:54]
• Issues when trying to pull back the jet bridge. [01:27:03]
• Sometimes jet bridge freezes. [01:27:14]
• What's happening on the ramp after the door is closed. [01:28:33]
• Is an air start required? [01:29:13]
• The aircraft is pushed back and eventually disconnected. [01:29:42]
• Remove before flight pin shown to pilot. [01:29:46]
• Maintenance log books must be on the flight when it departs. [01:30:58]
• Plane disconnected and now is now under its own power. [01:32:06]
• One last critical piece - callback. [01:32:33]
• Sometimes plane goes out and goes mechanical and has to come back to start over. [01:33:29]
• Review of the process and things to be aware of. [01:34:05]

• News Items. [01:36:10]

  • Alaska Airlines to join oneworld alliance. [01:36:18]
  • Storm Ciara helps plane beat transatlantic flight record. [01:37:22]
  • Show wrap-up. [01:40:04]

View Details

In this experience we take a look behind the scenes and share the things that are happening in the background to your plane from before it arrives and departs.

We start four to six hours before the flight even arrives and what is required for the gate. What' the backup plan? Who is coming off of the plane? Are there unaccompanied minors, special assistance passengers, or groups? Are there any maintenance issues? As we get closer to the arrival, what is the minimum required turnaround time set by the airline? Has the airport been set for the flight arrival?

While that is happening, passengers are checking in. Are there enough crew? Are there issues with the plane weight and balance? Are there any special passengers or groups to account for? If the flight is late, do passengers checking in have the appropriate visa documentation?

How much fuel is the outbound flight going to need? Is it going to need de-icing? Is there special cargo? What are the catering requirements? Is there any notification from Customs and Immigration about a flight check?

Is the equipment needed on the ramp in working order and ready? Are the groomers and caterers ready?

Is the outbound crew ready with their checks and preparation of the plane? Has the pilot signed off on all documentation?

How is the passenger baggage being unloaded? How is the liquid and solid waste being disposed of? Are all the meals loaded as required? What's happening with tight passenger connections?

Who's at fault if the plane pushes back late?

As we can see there are many moving parts and processes between your plane landing and departing – many more are discussed in this experience.

News Items:

• breakingtravelnews article "Alaska Airlines to join oneworld alliance"
• BBC article "Storm Ciara helps plane beat transatlantic flight record"

If you have a story about a plane turnaround, a question or other experience that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/

View Details

Recorded 20 December 2019

Written by: Geoff Dahl & Vinod Viswalingam

Listen to this experience wherever you download your podcasts - including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play and Overcast.

* Listen to it on Apple Podcasts.

• Stream by clicking here.
• Download as an MP3 by right-clicking here and choosing “save as.”

In this experience we celebrate the 2019 holiday season with a look at some of our crazy and (somewhat) horrific holiday travel stories.

But first, Vinny and Geoff celebrate a milestone in this experience. This is the 25th show that they have done in tandem. Here's to the next 25 being just as fun of a ride.

Vinny shares his incredible journey from CPH-LHR-AMS-JFK-YHM-YYC-YVR during a massive New Year's storm in YYZ. How many things can go wrong for Vinny on this flight? So many that we interject a couple of stories from Geoff along the way. Although Vinny's story is related to a standby experience, remember that you too could be affected by weather and become a standby passenger.

Vinny starts his journey in CPH – it was just after New Year's – and world weather seemed normal, for now. He connects rather uneventfully to LHR and then AMS (little does he know what's coming). Flying standby on KLM he notices his flight options across Canada are quickly disappearing as there are no seats available. All US options were disappearing as well, except for JFK. So off to New York for Vinny.

Geoff shares his experience when he caught the flu just before having to fly from VIE-DUS (don't worry we're just sharing the travel experience). He makes it to VIE and manages to catch his flight – but when he arrives in a delirious state to DUS, just how many times can he catch the wrong train? The next day he catches the correct train to FRA for a connection to YYC with Air Canada...all the while missing the massive 2013 Ice Storm that hit Toronto. He arrives in YYC - only to be subject to a medical check first implemented after the SARS epidemic.

We return to Vinny who is now at JFK – but his bag isn't. The storm is brewing, and Vinny knows to get priority he needs to get to LGA. He learns about the "passenger rest area" at LGA – even with official blankets. He wakes up to find that LGA-YYZ flights are getting cancelled all over. But wait, there is a WestJet crew – maybe there's a chance? Disappointment awaits – how did the sand get in the engine? What hope is there left? Not much by air, the open road was the only thing left and there was some good fortune with rental costs. Just in time to drive through Manhattan at rush hour!

Geoff shares another winter holiday travel delay experience yet again caused by a blizzard at YYZ. Conditions meant that the YUL-YOW-YEG ticket became a standby ticket, but only the YUL-YOW segment could be confirmed. Some t-shirts were traded for hotel and meal vouchers since he wasn't flying further that day. Eventually he got back to YEG with an upgrade to business class. The key lesson in the adventure is to be nice to front line staff...honey will get your further than vinegar – but make sure you know your cancellation or delay rights.

We return to Vinny, in a rental car, in Manhattan at rush hour. No storm visible yet the sun is still shining. But as night falls the storm unleashes its fury. The storm is so terrible that it closes the Interstate. Vinny pushes on, blasting through the blizzard in Upstate New York on country roads – all the while having no proper winter clothing. Finally, he reaches the Canadian border in the wee hours of the morning – with snow caked on the back of his car – and the severity of the storm becomes fully known. Vinny has to get to another southern Ontario airport – YHM it is. But how to return the car – since it's not at YYZ and there is no return desk? Vinny leaves multiple notes and voicemails and parks the car hoping for the best as he boards the flight to connect at YYC. How does it turn out? Four hours after landing, where was Vinny? Back on a flight as crew!

Lessons from the experience: 1) Keep moving forward; 2) figure out what your biggest block of problem could be; 3) Be prepared that it might cost a bit of money to get out of a jam; 4) Look for telltale signs of things that are happening; 5) Make sure you have all of your alerts set up...and check the weather. Oh, and by the way...what happened to Vinny's WS travel buddy?

News Items:

• Flyertalk article "The Best and Worst Airports for Holiday Travel"
• breakingtravelnews article "Christmas getaway begins in earnest at easyJet"

Vinny and Geoff give big kudos to crews and staff working over Christmas. Here's to another great 25 experiences together.

If you have a holiday travel horror story, a question or other experience that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/

(Sleighbells sound FX from GowlerMusic edited and mixed with other sound FX https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/)

SELECTED LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE EXPERIENCE

• Tickle Trunk
  • Mr. Dressup and his tickle trunk inspired kids to make believe (thestar.com | 11 January 2018 )
• Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987) (imdb.com)
• Planes, Trains and Automobiles - Trailer (youtube.com)
• London Heathrow (LHR)
• Copenhagen Airport (CPH)
• Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
• British Airways (BA)
• KLM (KL)
• Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)
• Calgary International Airport (YYC)
• Edmonton International Airport (YEG)
• Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
• Montréal–Trudeau International Airport (YUL)
• Air France (AF)
• Jump Seat (Wikipedia)
• Schiphol airport maps
• WestJet (WS)
• Boeing 747-400 (airliners.net)
• Airbus 330 (airbus.com)
• Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
• San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
• New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
• Vienna International Airport (VIE)
• Austrian Airlines (OS)
• Düsseldorf Airport (DUS)
• Düsseldorf Airport Terminal Station (Wikipedia)
• Rhine-Ruhr S-Bahn (Wikipedia)
• Düsseldorf Airport SkyTrain [H-Bahn] (Wikipedia)
• Bahnhof Düsseldorf Flughafen [Long Distance Airport Station] (bahnhof.de)
• Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
• Düsseldorf Hauptbahnhof [Main Station] (bahnhof.de)
• Duisburg Hauptbahnhof [Main Station] (bahnhof.de)
• Neuss Hauptbahnhof [Main Station] (bahnhof.de)
• Düsseldorf-Benrath Station (bahnhof.de)
• Toronto ice storm leaves 230,000 without power (cbc.ca | 23 December 2013)
• Köln Messe/Deutz Station (bahnhof.de)
• Frankfurt (M) Flughafen Fernbahnhof [Airport long-distance station] (bahnhof.de)
• Frankfurt (M) Flughafen Regionalbahnhof [Airport regional station] (bahnhof.de)
  • Example of green tile floor (railfaneurope.net)
• Air Canada (AC)
• Bengaluru Kempegowda International Airport (BLR)
• Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)
• Timeline of the SARS outbreak (Wikipedia)
• Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)
• Singapore Changi Airport (SIN)
• Denver International Airport (DEN)
• Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
• Holiday Inn Express (ihg.com)
• New York LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
• Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)

• Passenger Assistance Program "Camp O'Hare" (flychicago.com)

  • "Was your flight canceled and you must spend the night at O'Hare? When requested by the airlines, the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) will provide cots with a pillow, blanket, and a Passenger Amenity Kit (toiletries) to help make your unplanned stay a bit more comfortable. Check with your airline to determine if the Passenger Assistance Program is available."
  • Example of 737 engine cowling cover (aircraftcovers.com JPG)
  • Seat 1A Experience 003 - Vinny connecting two tickets and driving from CLE - JFK (show notes and audio)
  • Great Circle Mapper LGA-YYZ (gcmap.com)
  • Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport (YOW)
  • Marriott (marriott.com)
  • CP Air (CP - ceased operations 1987) (Wikipedia)
  • NY State Thruway (thruway.ny.gov)
  • Windsor International Airport (YQG)
  • Kitchener/Waterloo Airport (YKF)
  • John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport (YHM)
  • Budget Rent a Car (budget.com)
  • London Luton Airport (LTN)
  • Abbotsford International Airport (YXX)
  • Avis Car Rental (avis.com)
  • National Car Rental (nationalcar.com)
  • Hertz (hertz.com)
  • Seat 1A Experience 011 - Flight delays, cancellations, diversions, and the airline's obligations (show notes and audio)
  • Environment Canada Jetstream maps (weather.gc.ca)
  • Nav Canada Aviation Weather (flightplanning.navcanada.ca)
  • Hans Zimmer (imdb.com)
  • Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
  • Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
  • Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP)
  • Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)
  • Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW)
  • JetBlue Founder David Neeleman Selects Salt Lake City as Headquarters for New Airline (skift.com | 16 December 2019)
  • Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
  • Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
  • Miami International Airport (MIA)
  • Global Entry
  • Baltimore–Washington International Airport (BWI)
  • Southwest Airlines (WN)
  • Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS)
  • easyJet (U2, DS, EC)
  • Geneva Airport (GVA)
  • Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
  • Seat 1A Experience 007 - Winter is coming – the frosty world of airplane de-icing. (show notes and audio)
  • Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) Plane deicing (torontopearson.com)
  • San Diego International Airport (SAN)

NEWS ITEMS

flyertalk.com | The Best and Worst Airports for Holiday Travel (16 December 2019)
https://www.flyertalk.com/articles/the-best-and-worst-airports-for-holiday-travel.html
"...There’s just over a week to go until the festive travel season comes into the flow and as travelers prepare to take to the nation’s airports, Upgraded Points has unveiled the results of a study that analyzes data from 25 of these facilities by their Transportation Security Administration (TSA) wait times..."

• Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
• Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
• Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
• Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP)
• Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)
• Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW)
• Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
• Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
• Miami International Airport (MIA)
• Baltimore–Washington International Airport (BWI)
• Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS)
• The U.S. Airports With The Longest Security Screening Wait Times [Infographic] (forbes.com | 16 August 2019)

breakingtravelnews.com | Christmas getaway begins in earnest at easyJet (20 December 2019)
https://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/christmas-getaway-begins-in-earnest-at-easyjet/

• easyJet (U2, DS, EC)
• Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)
• Geneva Airport (GVA)
• Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)

PODCAST CORRECTIONS, CLARIFICATIONS, CONFIRMATIONS

• AMS switch to centralized security happened 03 June 2015

  • The Schiphol Security Experience – a new benchmark for airport security (airport-business.com | 22 June 2015)
  • VIE new terminal opened 05 June 2012
  • Vienna’s Skylink Open for Business (https://airportsinternational.keypublishing.com | 18 June 2012)
  • LGA-YYZ approximately 7 to 9 hours driving time in good weather (Google Maps)

PEOPLE MENTIONED

• David Neeleman (Wikipedia)

SHOW NOTES

• What's in this experience? [00:00:52]
• A Seat 1A milestone - 25 experiences of Vinny and Geoff recording in tandem. [00:01:10]
• Vinny's incredible holiday horror experience. Geoff knows about this one. [00:02:29]
• Even though this story is related to standby travel, remember that you could end up being standby due to weather cancellations. [00:03:46]
• Vinny had celebrated New Years in Copenhagen. Now he had to get home to Vancouver. [00:04:17]
• World weather...everything seemed normal. [00:05:01]
• Vinny needed to find another way to YVR due to standby restrictions he had - opting to use KLM from AMS. [00:05:21]
• Vinny's very early LHR-AMS flight. [00:06:34]
• There was a winter storm brewing on the US Eastern Seaboard. [00:07:35]
• Since Vinny was non-KLM employee he was not top of the standby list. [00:08:12]
• Captain has the final say if jumpseating is possible. [00:08:31]
• AMS-YVR was absolutely oversold. [00:08:44]
• AMS-YYC captain would not allow non-KLM staff to use jumpseat. [00:08:53]
• Vinny having to go between gates, but also do preboard security at each gate. [00:09:34]
• Preboard security at AMS has changed since Vinny's experience. [00:09:59]
• When Vinny was rejected, he would have to go and get re-listed along with the bag. [00:11:18]
• Seats for AMS-YYC...not happening. [00:11:52]
• Vinny makes a connection with a fellow WS employee trying to get to YYZ. [00:12:13]
• Let's try for Toronto! [00:12:43]
• Almost got on for YYZ. Didn't get on. [00:13:00]
• YUL was leaving at the same time as YYZ - Vinny picked YYZ due to larger aircraft. [00:13:16]
• Westbound rush hour is getting close to ending. What's left? [00:14:00]
• LAX, SFO - no go. All the was left was JFK. [00:14:19]
• Could fly to JFK or stay another day in AMS. [00:14:40]
• Keep going forward rather than resetting. [00:14:50]
• Let's just fly to JFK...and Vinny made the flight. [00:15:19}
• Things start to get wild and crazy at JFK...Vinny's pausing the story for the moment. [00:15:45]
• Geoff travel horror story - flying when he got sick just before leaving VIE. [00:15:56]
• Geoff caught a stomach flu in Vienna - but he needed to get to DUS. [00:16:23]
• Navigating a new terminal at VIE while sick. [00:17:01]
• Connecting via train from DUS - there are 2 stations. [00:17:27]
• Geoff needed to catch a train to Düsseldorf Main Station, but he went the wrong way to Duisburg. [00:18:06]
• In his delirious state, Geoff catches another wrong train. [00:19:20]
• Geoff was totally knocked out and slept off much of the flu. [00:19:56]
• Geoff has slept off the worst of the flu, now time to catch a train to FRA. [00:20:29]
• Geoff's FRA-YYC flight plans avoided the chaos of the 2013 Toronto Ice Storm. [00:20:42]
• Train system issues meant that Geoff had to stop at the old FRA regional station - with the green tile floor. [00:21:40]
• Before Geoff could clear customs in YYC he had to visit an infirmary since he still looked sick. [00:22:38]
• Standard protocol since the SARS epidemic. [00:23:16]
• Remnants of the SARS epidemic still visible in some Asian airports. [00:24:24]
• Flying when you're sick. [00:25:02]
• Keep an eye out for people being sick on your flight and keeping things sanitary. [00:26:00]
• Back to Vinny at JFK...how is he going to get back to Canada? [00:26:44]
• Vinny's bag didn't arrive, but it wasn't overly surprising. [00:27:27]
• Vinny's bag was still in AMS - but he needed to file the report at YYC to ensure proper delivery.. [00:28:12]
• Vinny didn't have toiletries and a change of clothes with him. [00:28:33]
• What does Vinny do next? [00:28:59]
• At the same time there was a pending storm brewing. [00:29:25]
• WS flies out of LGA, Vinny would get crew priority there. [00:29:41]
• Off to LGA. [00:31:48]
• At LGA there is a "passenger rest area". [00:32:06]
• LGA is shutting down just as Vinny shows up. [00:33:01]
• Rest area = food court. [00:33:26]
• But...there were official blankets. [00:34:46]
• ORD does have thousands of cots for stranded passengers. [00:35:51]
• Good morning...is Vinny going to make it? [00:36:11]
• Flights are all getting cancelled for LGA-YYZ - there's an ice storm in Toronto. [00:37:03]
• Vinny having no luck finding a toothbrush at LGA. [00:37:37]
• Flights would list as active and then cancel. [00:38:13]
• But there is always one plane that remains overnight...maybe this could be Vinny's? [00:38:35]
• Vinny is trying to figure out other options. BOS, MIA, LAX? [00:39:18]
• Wait...there's a WS crew. [00:39:48]
• Bad news after the captain does his walk-around. [00:41:25]
• An ill-placed cowling cover while the plane was sitting overnight. [00:41:35]
• There's sand in the engine. [00:42:08]
• Vinny reaches out to Geoff - was there any other hope? [00:43:05]
• Vinny realizes he's lost control of the situation. [00:44:14]
• There was one only solution left - driving by car. [00:44:27]
• Vinny still didn't know the severity of the storm. [00:45:23]
• What about car rental drop fees? [00:45:41]
• Budget had removed their drop fees. [00:46:04]
• Does Vinny stay, or does he keep moving forward? [00:46:31]
• Vinny's travel friend decided to take a flight instead. [00:46:54]
• I'm out. I gotta go, because time's a ticking! [00:47:56]
• The car is rented - it's black - just in time to try to get through Manhattan at rush hour. [00:48:27]
• Vinny pauses again - the race to the border...to be continued. [00:49:13]
• Geoff shares a delay experience flying YUL-YOW-YEG. [00:49:25]
• YYZ had a massive blizzard to disrupt flights across Canada. [00:49:59]
• Geoff was confirmed standby through for YUL-YOW, but not YOW-YEG. [00:50:50]
• I have no idea why Montreal booked you through. [00:51:27]
• Trading t-shirts for meal and hotel vouchers. [00:51:58]
• Geoff's flight the following day had to connect through YYZ, AC was still using ex-CP metal but in business class. [00:52:46]
• Make sure you're nice to the counter or reservations staff. [00:53:28]
• Make sure you know your cancellation or delay rights. [00:55:38]
• Back to Vinny - sleepless, in a rental car, in Manhattan at rush hour. [00:55:50]
• There's no storm that I can see, I can see the sun for crying out loud. [00:56:25]
• It's late evening, dark, and here comes the storm to unleash its fury. [00:57:15]
• It's getting worse and worse it's not like he's on a country road...yet. [00:58:03]
• The weather was so bad it closed the Interstate. [00:58:21]
• Blasting through Upstate New York in a blizzard on country roads. [00:58:52]
• Vinny is doing all this without real winter clothing. [00:59:49]
• Vinny reaches the Canadian border in the wee hours of the night. [01:00:57]
• So much snow that it was caked on the back of the car. [01:02:03]
• Vinny finally realizes how severe the situation is. [01:02:31]
• Vinny has to decide on another southern Ontario airport. [01:03:14]
• YHM it is. [01:03:33]
• Where's the Budget return desk? [01:05:08]
• Car contract says it needs to be returned to YYZ - where can Vinny drop it at YHM? [01:05:43]
• Leaving a long voice mail at the downtown Hamilton office...which leads to another number. [01:07:37]
• Now where and how is Vinny supposed to leave the car at YHM? [01:08:21]
• Dear AVIS, this is a Budget car... [01:08:50]
• Vinny gets on the plane and flies home. [01:09:21]
• Vinny calls Budget when he gets to YYC. [01:09:35]
• You're all good... [01:10:04]
• Four hours after landing in YVR, Vinny was back on a flight as crew! [01:11:01]
• Lessons from Vinny's experience. 1) Keep moving forward. [01:11:47]
• 2) Figure out what your biggest block of problem could be. [01:12:28]
• 3) Be prepared that it might cost a bit of money to get out of jam. [01:13:02]
• What happened to Vinny's AMS-JFK flight buddy? [01:13:22]
• 4) Look for telltale signs of things that are happening. [01:14:29]
• 5) Make sure you have all of your alerts set up...and check the weather. [01:14:57]

• News items. [01:16:24]

  • The Best and Worst Airports for Holiday Travel. [01:16:27]
  • Christmas getaway begins in earnest at easyJet. [01:21:58]
  • Vinny and Geoff's holiday flights. [01:23:39]
  • Giving big kudos and thanks to crews and staff working Christmas. [01:24:05]
  • Here's to a great 25 experiences! [01:24:58]
  • Show wrap-up and a tip if flying to SAN. [01:25:29]

View Details

In this experience we celebrate the 2019 holiday season with a look at some of our crazy and (somewhat) horrific holiday travel stories.

But first, Vinny and Geoff celebrate a milestone in this experience. This is the 25th show that they have done in tandem. Here's to the next 25 being just as fun of a ride.

Vinny shares his incredible journey from CPH-LHR-AMS-JFK-YHM-YYC-YVR during a massive New Year's storm in YYZ. How many things can go wrong for Vinny on this flight? So many that we interject a couple of stories from Geoff along the way. Although Vinny's story is related to a standby experience, remember that you too could be affected by weather and become a standby passenger.

Vinny starts his journey in CPH – it was just after New Year's – and world weather seemed normal, for now. He connects rather uneventfully to LHR and then AMS (little does he know what's coming). Flying standby on KLM he notices his flight options across Canada are quickly disappearing as there are no seats available. All US options were disappearing as well, except for JFK. So off to New York for Vinny.

Geoff shares his experience when he caught the flu just before having to fly from VIE-DUS (don't worry we're just sharing the travel experience). He makes it to VIE and manages to catch his flight – but when he arrives in a delirious state to DUS, just how many times can he catch the wrong train? The next day he catches the correct train to FRA for a connection to YYC with Air Canada...all the while missing the massive 2013 Ice Storm that hit Toronto. He arrives in YYC - only to be subject to a medical check first implemented after the SARS epidemic.

We return to Vinny who is now at JFK – but his bag isn't. The storm is brewing, and Vinny knows to get priority he needs to get to LGA. He learns about the "passenger rest area" at LGA – even with official blankets. He wakes up to find that LGA-YYZ flights are getting cancelled all over. But wait, there is a WestJet crew – maybe there's a chance? Disappointment awaits – how did the sand get in the engine? What hope is there left? Not much by air, the open road was the only thing left and there was some good fortune with rental costs. Just in time to drive through Manhattan at rush hour!

Geoff shares another winter holiday travel delay experience yet again caused by a blizzard at YYZ. Conditions meant that the YUL-YOW-YEG ticket became a standby ticket, but only the YUL-YOW segment could be confirmed. Some t-shirts were traded for hotel and meal vouchers since he wasn't flying further that day. Eventually he got back to YEG with an upgrade to business class. The key lesson in the adventure is to be nice to front line staff...honey will get your further than vinegar – but make sure you know your cancellation or delay rights.

We return to Vinny, in a rental car, in Manhattan at rush hour. No storm visible yet the sun is still shining. But as night falls the storm unleashes its fury. The storm is so terrible that it closes the Interstate. Vinny pushes on, blasting through the blizzard in Upstate New York on country roads – all the while having no proper winter clothing. Finally, he reaches the Canadian border in the wee hours of the morning – with snow caked on the back of his car – and the severity of the storm becomes fully known. Vinny has to get to another southern Ontario airport – YHM it is. But how to return the car – since it's not at YYZ and there is no return desk? Vinny leaves multiple notes and voicemails and parks the car hoping for the best as he boards the flight to connect at YYC. How does it turn out? Four hours after landing, where was Vinny? Back on a flight as crew!

Lessons from the experience: 1) Keep moving forward; 2) figure out what your biggest block of problem could be; 3) Be prepared that it might cost a bit of money to get out of a jam; 4) Look for telltale signs of things that are happening; 5) Make sure you have all of your alerts set up...and check the weather. Oh, and by the way...what happened to Vinny's WS travel buddy?

News Items:

• Flyertalk article "The Best and Worst Airports for Holiday Travel"
• breakingtravelnews article "Christmas getaway begins in earnest at easyJet"

Vinny and Geoff give big kudos to crews and staff working over Christmas. Here's to another great 25 experiences together.

If you have a holiday travel horror story, a question or other experience that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/

(Sleighbells sound FX from GowlerMusic edited and mixed with other sound FX https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/)

View Details

Recorded 06 December 2019

Written by: Geoff Dahl & Vinod Viswalingam

Listen to this experience wherever you download your podcasts - including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play and Overcast.

* Listen to it on Apple Podcasts.

• Stream by clicking here.
• Download as an MP3 by right-clicking here and choosing “save as.”

In this experience we go back to the mailbag and thank Joe R for his questions about overhead bins and baggage and the struggles that go with it in modern day air travel.

It's a perfect time to look at this question, with lots of extra travel for the year end holiday season.

Overhead bins are a relatively new phenomenon in air travel – you just have to look at old movie footage when it used to just be a shelf. Have Vinny or Geoff ever experienced a non-bin flight before (hint – yes).

A more recent change in the drive for more revenue, most airlines charge for checking in baggage – which means it ends up in the cabin. Vinny was in the heat of the action when WestJet (WS) changed their policy.

You need to pay attention to what kind of airplane type you're flying with – narrow body or wide body – to know what the
differences in bins you may have. Also, just because it fits on one aircraft model, doesn't mean it will fit on another. For a good idea what will fit, check what the crew is bringing on board. Are your outside bag pockets stuffed full? Do you panic when your bag doesn't fit...and then turn it 90 degrees? Are the crew helping with the overhead bin Tetris game? Are airline staff at the boarding area checking to see how many bags might be brought on board? Who has the "space bin" and what difference does it make? Do you know your bag and if it's going to fit in the bin? Has anyone ever seen a flight attendant with a bin closing stick? Vinny did flying from DFW-LHR.

Passenger behaviour...we've all seen it before. Please don't plug up the centre aisle. Remember that the bin is not your personal closet space – and that bin above you is only the preferred space for you. Economy passengers dumping their bags in business class bins. Vinny sharing a crazy childhood story flying from BOM-BLR – overhead bins can make flashing lights and uniformed police show up.

Are your bags fitting in the sizer? What if you know it does...will a gate check tag mysteriously disappear?

Designer bags – some passengers treat them like they need a separate seat and a bin of their own. But what if you have to put your bags under the seat in front of you? Override your instinct and don't take your bag in the case of emergency! And what about kennels?

News Items:

• Dailyhive article "Flyer stripped of air miles for using elaborate scheme to smuggle fat cat onto plane"
• Reuters article "Indonesia fines Garuda after CEO fired over smuggled Harley Davidson"
• Businesstraveller article "Qantas B747 makes final flight to mainland USA"

If you have an overhead bin story, a question or other experience that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/

SELECTED LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE EXPERIENCE

• TSA Sets New Record at Thanksgiving, Highlights Top 10 Busiest Travel Days (travelpulse.com | 05 December 2019)

• Examples of overhead bags before there were bins:

  • Airplane! (1980) "I take my coffee black..." (youtube.com)
  • The Twilight Zone Nightmare at 20,000 Feet : SCENE 2 (youtube.com)
  • [TWA] Flight To California 1952 (youtube.com)
  • BOAC Boeing 707 Crews (youtube.com)
  • Das Lufthansa-Design 1962 (youtube.com)
  • Air India Boeing 707-437 - "About Air Safety" – 1961 (youtube.com)
  • Greyhound
  • Seat 1A Experience 023 - Vinny's vintage Russian flight experience (show notes and audio)
  • St. Petersburg Pulkovo Airport (LED)
  • Helsinki Airport (HEL)
  • Tupolev Tu-134 (airliners.net)
  • Southwest Airlines (WN)
  • WestJet (WS)
  • Baggage sizing device image (austrianblog.com jpg | 01 March 2019)
  • Canadair CL-600 Regional Jet CRJ-700 (airliners.net)
  • De Havilland Canada Dash 8 Q400 (formerly Bombardier) (dehavilland.com)
  • Saab 340 (airliners.net)
  • Saab 2000 (airliners.net
  • Fokker 100 (airliners.net)
  • Boeing 737-600/700 (airliners.net)
  • Boeing 757 (airliners.net)
  • Boeing 717 (airliners.net)
  • Boeing 739 NG (Boeing)
  • Boeing 737 MAX (Boeing)
  • Checked baggage allowances for major airlines: A simple guide (skyscanner.net | 30 January 2019)
  • British Airways (BA)
  • Deadheading (Wikipedia)
  • Airbus 319 (airliners.net)
  • Airbus 320 (airliners.net)
  • Luggage Works Stealth 22" Rolling Bag
  • You Don’t Have to Pay to Check a Bag (lifehacker.com | 18 January 2018)
  • Calgary International Airport (YYC)
  • Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
  • Air Canada Rouge (RV)
  • Cancún International Airport (CUN)
  • Airbus 330 (airbus.com)
  • Airbus A340 (airbus.com)
  • Boeing 777 (boeing.com)
  • Boeing's New Overhead Bins Hold 50 Percent More Bags (wired.com | 15 April 2015)
  • Boeing's new Space Bins for the 737 hold 50% more bags (boeing.com)
  • American Airlines (AA)
  • Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
  • London Heathrow (LHR)
  • Air Transat (TS)
  • Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
  • Indian Airlines (IC – ceased operations 2011) (Wikipedia)
  • Airbus A300B2/B4 (airliners.net)
  • Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM)
  • Bengaluru Kempegowda International Airport (BLR)
  • Air India Flight 182 & 1985 Narita International Airport bombing (The Canadian Encyclopedia)
  • Aer Lingus (EI)
  • Orlando International Airport (MCO)
  • Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
  • San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
  • Louis Vuitton
  • Coach
  • ANA (NH)
  • Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT)
  • Singapore Changi Airport (SIN)
  • Moscow Sheremetyevo International Airport (SVO)
  • Murmansk Airport (MMK)
  • Aeroflot Russian Airlines (SU)
  • Aeroflot Flight 1492 (Aviation Safety Network)
  • Emirates (EK)
  • Emirates Flight 521 (Aviation Safety Network)
  • Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
  • Munich Airport (MUC)
  • Vladivostok International Airport (VVO)
  • Garuda Indonesia (GA)
  • Jakarta Soekarno–Hatta International Airport (CGK)
  • Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)
  • Boeing 747-400 (airliners.net)
  • Qantas (QF)
  • Sidney (Kingsford Smith) Airport (SYD)
  • Honolulu Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL)
  • Cathay Pacific (CX)
  • Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
  • KLM (KL)
  • Airbus 350-900 (airbus.com)
  • Boeing 787-8 (airliners.net)
  • Airbus 380 (airbus.com)

NEWS ITEMS

dailyhive.com | Flyer stripped of air miles for using elaborate scheme to smuggle fat cat onto plane (15 November 2019)
https://dailyhive.com/mapped/man-smuggles-fat-cat-onto-plane
"...Russian airline Aeroflot has stripped a passenger of his air miles and removed him from their frequent flyer program after he violated their rules by sneaking his overweight cat on one of their flights.

Mikhail Galin, 34, brought his cat Viktor aboard flight SU1702 from Moscow to Vladivostok, Russia..."

• Moscow Sheremetyevo International Airport (SVO)
• Aeroflot Russian Airlines (SU)
• Vladivostok International Airport (VVO)

reuters.com | Indonesia fines Garuda after CEO fired over smuggled Harley Davidson (06 December 2019)
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-indonesia-garuda-indonesia/indonesia-fines-garuda-after-ceo-fired-over-smuggled-harley-davidson-idUSKBN1YA0M1
"...Indonesia will fine flag carrier PT Garuda Indonesia (GIAA.JK) for violating aviation rules after its chief executive was accused of smuggling a Harley Davidson motorcycle onboard a new plane, state news agency Antara cited the transport minister as saying.

A day earlier, State-Owned Enterprises Minister Erick Thohir said CEO Ari Askhara would be dismissed over the allegations..."

• Garuda Indonesia (GA)
• Jakarta Soekarno–Hatta International Airport (CGK)
• Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)

businesstraveller.com | Qantas B747 makes final flight to mainland USA (05 December 2019)
https://www.businesstraveller.com/business-travel/2019/12/05/qantas-b747-makes-final-flight-to-mainland-usa/
"...Qantas has made its final B747 flight between Australia and mainland USA, ahead of the aircraft’s retirement in early 2020.

The final B747 jumbo flight on Qantas’ QF74 service departed San Francisco on December 3, according to tweets by both San Francisco airport, and the Qantas Airways USA accounts..."

• Boeing 747-400 (airliners.net)
• Qantas (QF)
• San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
• Sidney (Kingsford Smith) Airport (SYD)
• Honolulu Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL)

PODCAST CORRECTIONS, CLARIFICATIONS, CONFIRMATIONS

• 01 December 2019 TSA nearly had 3 million people flying (2,870,764)
• First flight with the 777 was in June 1995
  • "...The 777 was certificated right on schedule on 19 April 1995. Just over a month later, the US Federal Aviation Administration awarded 180min ETOPS clearance on 30 May, ensuring that the 777 was the first airliner to enter service such approval when it debuted with United Airlines on 7 June 1995 between London Heathrow and Washington Dulles..." ​PICTURES: The life and times of Boeing's first 777 (flightglobal.com | 19 September 2018)

• Cathay Pacific (CX) last 747 flight was 08 October 2016. Last commercial flight was 01 October 2016.

  • Cathay Pacific’s passenger 747 aircraft enters retirement following Victoria Harbour flyover (https://news.cathaypacific.com | 08 October 2016)

PEOPLE MENTIONED

• Joe R
• Mikhail Galin
• Ari Askhara

SHOW NOTES

• What's in this experience? [00:00:46]
• User feedback about overhead bags. [00:01:00]
• Great timing for this experience with holiday travel. [00:01:19]
• TSA busiest single day ever on 01 December 2019. [00:01:56]
• Dialling it back - there didn't used to be overhead baggage bins. [00:02:15]
• Vinny only experienced non-bin aircraft once in Russia. [00:03:02]
• The relatively recent change to charging for check-in means lots more bags in the cabin. [00:03:49]
• Vinny working with WS when checked bag charges went into effect - way more bags in the cabin. [00:04:22]
• Airlines calculate how much a passenger is going to bring. [00:04:50]
• Look at the differences in aircraft types for where the bins are. [00:06:57]
• Know what aircraft type you're flying on. [00:07:47]
• Boeing narrow bodies are generally similar. [00:08:02]
• Look at the size of the bag a crew member carries. [00:08:47]
• Those few centimeters can make a difference between a Boeing and an Airbus bin. [00:09:58]
• Check and see how much is stuffed into your outer bag pockets. [00:11:02]
• People panic when the bag won't fit and then they turn it 90 degrees. [00:11:21]
• How are the crew members operating when you're loading your bags? [00:13:00]
• Are crews checking the number of passenger bags in the gate area? [00:14:18]
• Looking at the actual bin itself. [00:15:51]
• Widebodies can have a different fit - starting with the 777. [00:16:18]
• Boeing and the "space bin". [00:18:18]
• Know your bag and if and how it can get in the bin. [00:19:13]
• Vinny's AA experience DFW-LHR with a flight attendant and her bin closing stick. [00:19:44]
• Passenger behaviour - sometimes it's just wow. [00:21:26]
• Tip - pull into your row when you get to your seat. [00:21:43]
• Ich bin ein suit jacket? Vinny's FRA-YYC experience with TS. [00:23:48]
• The bin above you is not specifically for you...it's a preferred space. [00:26:17]
• Economy class passengers putting their bag into first business class bin. [00:26:33]
• Vinny shares a crazy childhood baggage story on IC from BOM-BLR. [00:27:19]
• The mad rush of people in India to get on the plane. [00:28:05]
• The bin above Vinny and his father was full - now what? [00:28:51]
• Who's black bag is this in the aisle? Queue the bomb squad. [00:29:55]
• Finally the bag owner is revealed...and the circus that follows. [00:31:03]
• Vinny's carry-on bag that fits sometimes won't be allowed on some airlines. [00:32:44]
• Geoff's experience with the baggage sizer flying MCO-IAH. [00:33:06]
• Vinny and the disappearing gate check tag at SFO. [00:33:29]
• Entitled space for certain passenger's designer bags and purses...but what if it has to go on the floor? [00:37:14]
• Vinny's trick in case he needs to put the bag under the seat in front of him. [00:38:28]
• Why the bags have to go fully under the seat at landing and takeoff. [00:39:11]
• In case of emergency....DO. NOT. TAKE. YOUR. OVERHEAD. BAG! [00:39:49]
• A go kit in your bag in case of emergency. [00:42:28]
• What about if you're travelling with a kennel? [00:44:09]

• News items. [00:46:05]

  • Flyer stripped of air miles for using elaborate scheme to smuggle fat cat onto plane. [00:46:10]
  • Indonesia fines Garuda after CEO fired over smuggled Harley Davidson. [00:49:00]
  • Qantas B747 makes final flight to mainland USA. [00:51:45]
  • Show wrap-up. [00:53:42]

View Details

In this experience we go back to the mailbag and thank Joe R for his questions about overhead bins and baggage and the struggles that go with it in modern day air travel.

It's a perfect time to look at this question, with lots of extra travel for the year end holiday season.

Overhead bins are a relatively new phenomenon in air travel – you just have to look at old movie footage when it used to just be a shelf. Have Vinny or Geoff ever experienced a non-bin flight before (hint – yes).

A more recent change in the drive for more revenue, most airlines charge for checking in baggage – which means it ends up in the cabin. Vinny was in the heat of the action when WestJet (WS) changed their policy.

You need to pay attention to what kind of airplane type you're flying with – narrow body or wide body – to know what the differences in bins you may have. Also, just because it fits on one aircraft model, doesn't mean it will fit on another. For a good idea what will fit, check what the crew is bringing on board. Are your outside bag pockets stuffed full? Do you panic when your bag doesn't fit...and then turn it 90 degrees? Are the crew helping with the overhead bin Tetris game? Are airline staff at the boarding area checking to see how many bags might be brought on board? Who has the "space bin" and what difference does it make? Do you know your bag and if it's going to fit in the bin? Has anyone ever seen a flight attendant with a bin closing stick? Vinny did flying from DFW-LHR.

Passenger behaviour...we've all seen it before. Please don't plug up the centre aisle. Remember that the bin is not your personal closet space – and that bin above you is only the preferred space for you. Economy passengers dumping their bags in business class bins. Vinny sharing a crazy childhood story flying from BOM-BLR – overhead bins can make flashing lights and uniformed police show up.

Are your bags fitting in the sizer? What if you know it does...will a gate check tag mysteriously disappear?

Designer bags – some passengers treat them like they need a separate seat and a bin of their own. But what if you have to put your bags under the seat in front of you? Override your instinct and don't take your bag in the case of emergency! And what about kennels?

News Items:

• Dailyhive article "Flyer stripped of air miles for using elaborate scheme to smuggle fat cat onto plane"
• Reuters article "Indonesia fines Garuda after CEO fired over smuggled Harley Davidson"
• Businesstraveller article "Qantas B747 makes final flight to mainland USA"

If you have an overhead bin story, a question or other experience that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/

View Details

Recorded 21 November 2019

Written by: Geoff Dahl & Vinod Viswalingam

Listen to this experience wherever you download your podcasts - including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play and Overcast.

* Listen to it on Apple Podcasts.

• Stream by clicking here.
• Download as an MP3 by right-clicking here and choosing “save as.”

Well, would you look at that – it's the 25th recorded experience. We'll have a celebration soon when it's the 25th experience that both Vinny and Geoff have recorded together.

We give a shoutout to the Layovers podcast for recently reaching their 100th episode – great job Paul Papadimitriou & Alex Hunter!

In this experience Vinny and Geoff go back into the mailbag for a second meal service.

We take a look back at when meal service really started to take off (sorry) on intercontinental flights...and then we divert to Vinny's cutlery drawer – which airlines are in there?

As we fast-forward to today, we have to remember that your senses work differently in the pressure and (lack of) humidity at 30000 feet. Airlines must produce meals in massive production kitchens and try to match flavours from the ground to the air. How long ahead do they make the meals? How do airlines set up bidding with caterers?

As we step onboard the flight, how are the carts and trays set up? We'll look at examples from long haul flights. The airline has to ensure that there is maximum cleanliness and hygiene of the carts, but also that they're available. How does the airline line up meals on the trays on a cart shelf? We look at an example of a 2 meals service flight. Are you the first meal off the cart – you're probably getting it quickly. Why does there seem to be a lot of hand motions and dinging during meal service with flight attendants? Vinny shares his Qantas garlic bread experience from LAX-MEL. Your meal is frozen at takeoff, how do they get it hot for you at cruising altitude? Second round of food, yes there are even more carts stored away. But where do they keep the food? What happens if there is a delay or diversion? What's that dripping from the overhead bin? (hint – it's not gravy). What was that smell that Vinny had to deal with in Cuba – and did the passengers get their meal? How does the airline keep cold food fresh? When customers handed back trays, Vinny had a very specific pet peeve. What was it? How did others get around the problem that so irked Vinny?

What happens to waste after landing – especially after international arrivals?

Questions from listener Alana H. Be prepared if you're on an irregular operations flight, sometimes the crew's timings may be off, or choices can go awry. Are alterations allowed for inflight meals? How long should you give advance notice for special meals? Check if your special meal is actually available. Be aware of the meal service that is being provided on your flight. What if you miss pre-ordering? What if you miss a meal? What if you fall asleep before meal service? Ice Cream – yes and wait until you hear of the service Vinny got from IAH-GIG on United (UA). And don't get too hungry after hearing about Vinny's "Book the Cook" experiences on Singapore (SQ).

News Items:

• Flyertalk article "United Has a New Burger, and People Are Raving About It"
• liveandletsfly article "My Odd Experience Pre-Selecting A Meal On Delta Air Lines"

If you have a meal story, a question or other experience that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/

SELECTED LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE EXPERIENCE

• Seat 1A Experience 001 - Maiden Flight (show notes and audio)

• Layovers Podcast

  • Paul Papadimitriou
  • Alex Hunter
  • Singapore Airlines (SQ)
  • British Airways (BA)
  • CP Air (CP - ceased operations 1987) (Wikipedia)
  • International Flight Services Association - World Food Safety Guidelines (2016 - email address required to download PDF)
  • A crossmodal role for audition in taste perception. (US National Library of Medicine | 16 March 2015)
  • The Travel Detective, Peter Greenberg: The Science of Airline Food (youtube.com | 2016 May 26)
  • Gate Gourmet
  • CLS Catering Services
  • LSG Sky Chefs
  • Aircraft service cart examples (aeroexpo.online)
  • Qantas (QF)
  • Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
  • Melbourne Airport (MEL)
  • Airbus 380 (airbus.com)
  • The Evolution of Airline Cooking Tech, From Quicklime to Sous Vide (wired.com | 27 November 2016)
  • Convection aircraft ovens (aeroexpo.online) l
  • How your airplane food is made: everything you never wanted to know (thrillist.com | 27 January 2014)
  • Santa Clara Abel Santamaría Airport (SNU)
  • Havana José Martí International Airport (HAV)
  • Cubana de Aviación (CU)
  • Trolley washers (meiko.info)
  • Canadian Food Inspection Agency International Waste Directive
  • Flights create millions of tonnes of passenger waste per year, with little recycled (abc.net.au | 21 Aug 2018)
  • IATA Cabin Waste Fact Sheet (June 2019 PDF)
  • European Union Life "Zero Cabin Waste" Project
  • SARS outbreak (Wikipedia)
  • Ebola (Wikipedia)
  • Avian influenza (Wikipedia)
  • Sidney (Kingsford Smith) Airport (SYD)
  • Auckland Airport (AKL)
  • Boeing 747-400 (airliners.net)
  • Norwegian Air Shuttle (DY, D8, DI, DU)
  • Oslo Airport (OSL)
  • New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
  • United Airlines (UA)
  • Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
  • Rio de Janeiro–Galeão International Airport (GIG)
  • Singapore Airlines "Book the Cook"
  • Lobster Thermador (Wikipedia)
  • Sir Kensington's ketchup
  • Delta Air Lines (DL)

NEWS ITEMS

Flytertalk.com | United Has a New Burger, and People Are Raving About It (21 November 2019) https://www.flyertalk.com/articles/united-has-a-new-burger-and-people-are-raving-about-it.html
"...United’s Choice Menu offers plenty to satisfy the hungriest of passengers, but for Live and Let’s Fly, the airline’s new burger is positively praiseworthy. In fact, the outlet says the bun alone is worth raving about. The burger is $10 and can be purchased on most of the airline’s domestic services..."

• United Airlines (UA)

liveandletsfly | My Odd Experience Pre-Selecting A Meal On Delta Air Lines
https://liveandletsfly.boardingarea.com/2019/11/20/delta-meal-pre-select
"...Last week I flew Delta One (business class) from Los Angeles to New York. Before the trip, I took advantage of Delta’s pre-select meal option. At least I thought I did..."

• Delta Air Lines (DL)
• Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
• New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

PEOPLE MENTIONED

• Paul Papadimitriou
• Alex Hunter
• Alana H

SHOW NOTES

• What's in this experience? [00:00:47]
• Experience 025! [00:01:34]
• Shoutout to Layovers for their 100th episode. [00:02:02]
• How our sound has gotten better. [00:02:36]
• Bring out the second meal service. [00:03:23]
• A bit of history about aviation meal service. [00:03:46]
• What airlines are in Vinny's cutlery drawer? [00:04:15]
• Fast forward to today. [00:04:48]
• Remember that your senses are different at 30000 feet. [00:05:20]
• Meals are prepared in massive production kitchens. [00:06:04]
• How do we replicate tastes from the ground in the air? [00:07:07]
• How far in advance are meals made? [00:07:43]
• Airline bid process with caterers. [00:09:07]
• Cart and tray setups. [00:10:12]
• Looking at long-haul examples where there is a tray service provided. [00:10:31]
• Cart cleaning, hygiene and availability. [00:11:16]
• There are slight differences with cart design. [00:11:47]
• How does an airline line up their trays on a cart shelf? [00:12:15]
• Looking at example with 2 meal service (or plane going somewhere, turning and returning). [00:13:14]
• Clarification about tray setup. [00:13:47]
• First round of service out of a cart is typically fast. [00:15:15]
• Pay attention for call bell dings and silent gestures. [00:16:05]
• Qantas experience with garlic butter bun injections from LAX-MEL. [00:16:55]
• Your meal - from takeoff and frozen to cooked at cruising altitude. [00:18:03]
• The convenience of the first drink round on an intercontinental flight give time to cook the meals. [00:19:17]
• Here comes the second cart service. There's a second set of carts ready to go. [00:20:00]
• Meals for second service may appear in a number of ways, stacked in the galley or where else? [00:20:20]
• Now what happens to those stacked meals if there's a delay or diversion? [00:21:31]
• Drip, drip, drip, drip from the overhead bins. [00:21:54]
• Vinny shares a story of crewing a flight in Cuba after it was delayed at least a day. What is that smell? [00:22:53]
• Airline had to source local food provider in Santa Clara, Cuba since pre-packed food was not edible. [00:24:24]
• Passengers got hot sandwiches instead sourced from Cubana - cheese all over. [00:25:10]
• Often meals are carried underneath in the belly. [00:25:44]
• Keeping fresh sandwiches cold for Vancouver-Hawaii-Vancouver. [00:26:19]
• Seat 1A tip for when you hand your trays back. [00:27:03]
• Vinny's pet peeve with a certain way that passengers returned the tray. [00:28:00]
• Please. DO. NOT. STACK. YOUR. TRAYS. [00:28:33]
• Some flight attendants get around the tray issue with a two-bag solution. [00:29:34]
• But what happens when you get back to the galley? [00:30:27]
• Shoutout to all crew members who have their own way with the cart. [00:31:16]
• What happens to carts and waste after landing? [00:31:26]
• What happens to food waste if you're arriving internationally? [00:31:46]
• Even if the food takes off from Canada, goes international and returns, it's still international waste. [00:32:46]
• Listener questions about meal selection and special meals. [00:33:40]
• Generally for short haul you can go online and check buy on board options. [00:34:00]
• Meal selection from standard choices should be fine, but there are times it can go awry. [00:34:41]
• 3 items on offer, crew only offered 2 to Vinny's wife, but later flight attendant offered third to others. [00:35:34]
• Sometimes the crew forgets what is on offer. [00:36:28]
• Can you have alterations for inflight meals? [00:37:14]
• Make sure you advise the airline at least 48 hours in advance of special meal requests. [00:37:30]
• Remember that all the special meals may not be available on all routes. [00:37:52]
• Be aware of what types of meal service is being provided on your flight. [00:38:29]
• If you miss pre-ordering, you'll usually have to deal with what's on board. [00:39:23]
• What happens if you miss a meal? [00:40:16]
• Sometimes if you leave your tray down and you're asleep the crew will leave your meal. [00:40:52]
• Sometimes the airline runs out of proportion and has to serve whatever is left. [00:41:17]
• I scream, you scream for inflight ice cream. [00:41:38]
• How does ice cream keep in the galley? [00:43:11]
• Airline partnerships with local or national food sources, chefs, restaurants, etc. [00:43:36]
• Singapore Airlines and Book the Cook. [00:44:27]

• News Stories. [00:47:30]

  • United Has a New Burger, and People Are Raving About It. [00:47:38]
  • My Odd Experience Pre-Selecting A Meal On Delta Air Lines. [00:48:32]
  • Ensure that you are particular with your terminology about the food service. [00:50:02]
  • Show Wrap-up. [00:51:00]

View Details

Well, would you look at that – it's the 25th recorded experience. We'll have a celebration soon when it's the 25th experience that both Vinny and Geoff have recorded together.

We give a shoutout to the Layovers podcast for recently reaching their 100th episode – great job Paul Papadimitriou & Alex Hunter!

In this experience Vinny and Geoff go back into the mailbag for a second meal service.

We take a look back at when meal service really started to take off (sorry) on intercontinental flights...and then we divert to Vinny's cutlery drawer – which airlines are in there?

As we fast-forward to today, we have to remember that your senses work differently in the pressure and (lack of) humidity at 30000 feet. Airlines must produce meals in massive production kitchens and try to match flavours from the ground to the air. How long ahead do they make the meals? How do airlines set up bidding with caterers?

As we step onboard the flight, how are the carts and trays set up? We'll look at examples from long haul flights. The airline has to ensure that there is maximum cleanliness and hygiene of the carts, but also that they're available. How does the airline line up meals on the trays on a cart shelf? We look at an example of a 2 meals service flight. Are you the first meal off the cart – you're probably getting it quickly. Why does there seem to be a lot of hand motions and dinging during meal service with flight attendants? Vinny shares his Qantas garlic bread experience from LAX-MEL. Your meal is frozen at takeoff, how do they get it hot for you at cruising altitude? Second round of food, yes there are even more carts stored away. But where do they keep the food? What happens if there is a delay or diversion? What's that dripping from the overhead bin? (hint – it's not gravy). What was that smell that Vinny had to deal with in Cuba – and did the passengers get their meal? How does the airline keep cold food fresh? When customers handed back trays, Vinny had a very specific pet peeve. What was it? How did others get around the problem that so irked Vinny?

What happens to waste after landing – especially after international arrivals?

Questions from listener Alana H. Be prepared if you're on an irregular operations flight, sometimes the crew's timings may be off, or choices can go awry. Are alterations allowed for inflight meals? How long should you give advance notice for special meals? Check if your special meal is actually available. Be aware of the meal service that is being provided on your flight. What if you miss pre-ordering? What if you miss a meal? What if you fall asleep before meal service? Ice Cream – yes and wait until you hear of the service Vinny got from IAH-GIG on United (UA). And don't get too hungry after hearing about Vinny's "Book the Cook" experiences on Singapore (SQ).

News Items:

• Flyertalk article "United Has a New Burger, and People Are Raving About It"
• liveandletsfly article "My Odd Experience Pre-Selecting A Meal On Delta Air Lines"

If you have a meal story, a question or other experience that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/

View Details

Recorded 14 November 2019

Written by: Geoff Dahl & Vinod Viswalingam

Listen to this experience wherever you download your podcasts - including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play and Overcast.

* Listen to it on Apple Podcasts.

• Stream by clicking here.
• Download as an MP3 by right-clicking here and choosing “save as.”

In this experience Vinny and Geoff go into the mailbag and review a bunch of different questions and feedback. We look at what is the logic and order of the meal and beverage service that takes place during a flight? We also look at free hotel stops – are they still provided by an airline?

Why do some passengers get served first? how do the cabin crew decide to serve passengers? How does the airline decide how many crew members to have? Who's in charge of the cabin crew? Why is one cabin crew always in the galley? Vinny shares his experience of working as inflight crew on multiple airlines.

How does the service flow and order work in first, business and economy classes? How does the length of flight change the timings and flow? What are all these different meals that are available for flights? The serving of your beverages, there are different methods that crew use. Which row does the crew start their service at? What happens when passengers have to get up?

Why do special meals have to get served first? How does the crew have to adapt to buy on board options? Here comes the turbulence – how does the crew handle the baggage carts in bumpy conditions? Just how much beef or chicken meals are there? Is your flight being catered independently or from a centralized kitchen? Geoff shares an experience at ORD where the special meal didn't match up where he was flying to. And what about the crew – what are they eating? Geoff shares a story of a travel agent who got a bland surprise. Sitting at the back, might not be bad for service – it all depends on the airline. Vinny remembers his favourite lamb pastry flying to Canada from LHR on Air Canada. There are shared memories of getting leftovers as ground crew – both above and below the wing.

Airlines that provide free overnight hotel stops – Vinny shares a childhood memory of a flight from YYZ-KUL via HKG with an included stay at the Kimberly Hotel. We share a story from Evelyn W who got a complimentary stay at a hotel in DEL while flying from SYD-FRA. But alas it is a rare thing nowadays. Some airlines though offer a stopover option without an additional fee.

News Items:

• Business Traveller article "Southwest tests boarding from rear of planes"
• pointmetotheplane article "Jail Time For Baggage Handler Who Swapped 250+ Luggage Tags"

If you have a meal or free included hotel story, a question or other experience that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/

SELECTED LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE EXPERIENCE

• Tickle Trunk
  • Mr. Dressup and his tickle trunk inspired kids to make believe (thestar.com | 11 January 2018 )
• Air India (AI)
• Seat 1A Experience 010 – Who are we? (show notes and audio)
• Purser (Wikipedia)
• Airplane galley (Wikipedia)
• Airline service trolley (Wikipedia)
• Etihad Airways (EY)
• Etihad (EY) Airbus 380 Residence Cabin
• Airline meal (Wikipedia)
• EVA Air (BR)
• Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)
• Sam Chui: How Airplane Food is Made? Inside Gate Gourmet Kitchen (youtube.com | 24 July 2019)
• International Flight Services Association - World Food Safety Guidelines (2016 - email address required to download PDF)
• Seat 1A Experience 008 - The world of crew duty and rest periods (show notes and audio)
• How Special Airline Meals Get Made (cntraveler.com | 01 August 2017)
• Special Meals (inflightfeed.com)
• Special meal list examples
  • ANA - Special Meals (NH)
  • Emirates - Dietary Requirements (EK)
  • SWISS - Special Meals (LX)
  • United Airlines - Special Meals (UA)
• Seat 1A Experience 012 - Upgrades experience The magical world of upgrades and the infamous oversold flight (show notes and audio)
• Lufthansa (LH)
• Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
• Munich Airport (MUC)
• Coca-Cola
• Those ‘Ding’ Sounds on Airplanes Actually Mean Something (thepointsguy.com | 08 May 2019)
• Shepherd's pie (Wikipedia)
• Lasagne (Wikipedia)
• Red-Eye Flights Aren’t Your Only Option to Europe Anymore (smartertravel.com | 14 March 2018)
• Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
• Edmonton International Airport (YEG)
• Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
• Montréal–Trudeau International Airport (YUL)
• Regina International Airport (YQR)
• Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
• Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT)
• United Airlines (UA)
• Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport (YWG)
• ANA (NH)
• Singapore Changi Airport (SIN)
• Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)
• Cathay Pacific (CX)
• Travel Cuts
• Fixed-base operator (FBO) (Wikipedia)
• British Airways (BA)
• Boeing 747-200 (airliners.net)
• Boeing 747-300 (airliners.net)
• Air Canada (AC)
• Subang Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (SZB - former KUL until 1998)
• Kimberly Hotel
• Kai Tak Airport (Former HKG, closed 6 July 1998) (Wikipedia)
• Sidney (Kingsford Smith) Airport (SYD)
• Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL)
• Air New Zealand (NZ)
• Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
• Auckland Airport (AKL)
• London Heathrow (LHR)
• Air New Zealand Axes London, Opens Nonstop New York
  (airwaysmag.com | 24 Oct 2019)
• Qantas (QF)
• Here’s Why Qantas’ Project Sunrise Likely Won’t Take Off Until 2023 (simpleflying.com | 21 October 2019)
• Dubai International Airport (DXB)
• Emirates(EK)
• Icelandair (FI)
• Icelandair Stopover
• TAP Air Portugal (TP)
• TAP Discover Portugal on the way — Stopover
• Southwest Airlines (WN)
• Sacramento International Airport (SMF)
• Harare Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (HRE)
• EasyJet (U2, DS, EC)
• Ryanair (FR)
• Wizz Air (W6)
• Singapore Airlines (SQ)
• SilkAir (MI)

NEWS ITEMS

Businesstraveller.com | Southwest tests boarding from rear of planes (13 November 2019)
https://www.businesstraveller.com/business-travel/2019/11/13/southwest-tests-boarding-from-rear-of-planes/
"Many passenger aircraft have two doors, but typically are boarded using only one. Southwest Airlines is experimenting with a new boarding system using both doors that is facilitated by its system of not assigning seats to passengers."

• Southwest Airlines (WN)
• Sacramento International Airport (SMF)

pointmetotheplane.boardingarea.com | Jail Time For Baggage Handler Who Swapped 250+ Luggage Tags (12 November 2019)
https://pointmetotheplane.boardingarea.com/jail-time-for-baggage-handler-who-swapped-250-luggage-tags/
"Checked bags get put on wrong flights all the time, but usually due to negligence or some other non-malicious occurrence. However, an airport baggage handler at Singapore Changi Airport was given jail time for putting luggage on the wrong flights — totally on purpose."

• Singapore Changi Airport (SIN)
• Singapore Airlines (SQ)
• SilkAir (MI)

PODCAST CORRECTIONS, CLARIFICATIONS, CONFIRMATIONS

• FRA-MUC flight length is 55 mins
  http://www.oim.de/timetable/lh/index.php?lang=en
• AKL-LAX-LHR has only a 2:15 layover in LAX
  https://www.airnewzealand.co.nz/flight-schedules

PEOPLE MENTIONED

• Pia M
• Joe R
• Kevin R
• Evelyn W
• Brianne R
• Aliki K

SHOW NOTES

• What's in this experience? [00:00:45]
• We received a bunch of submissions and questions. [00:00:52]
• What is the logic and order of the meal and beverage service that takes place during a flight? [00:02:49]
• How are the crew configured for the flight? [00:04:31]
• How is the number of crew for a flight determined? [00:05:04]
• Cabin leadership structure. [00:05:40]
• Galley crew. [00:05:59]
• Who gets to work the galley? [00:06:32]
• Galley assignments in first and business classes. [00:08:09]
• First Class service experience. [00:09:22]
• Business Class service order experience. [00:11:27]
• Differing service order timings depending on flight length. [00:12:53]
• Large number of different meal types available. [00:16:10]
• Service flow in economy class. [00:17:06]
• Beverage service. [00:17:22]
• Work to meet style of cart operation. [00:18:51]
• What row does the crew start at? [00:20:34]
• Work together and run the line style of cart operation. [00:21:34]
• The difficulty with passengers who decide to get up during the beverage service. [00:22:43]
• Meal service. [00:24:33]
• Why do special meals go out first? [00:25:46]
• Buy on board offerings and how it is affecting meal service. [00:28:59]
• Safety with food carts during turbulence. [00:30:18]
• What are the ratios for meal choice? [00:33:40]
• Difficulties with lining up meal service with body clock on intercontinental flights. [00:35:19]
• Where has your flight been catered out of? [00:37:10]
• Geoff vegetarian option from ORD - the offering didn't match where he was flying to. [00:39:01]
• Crew meals - sometimes they get lined up differently than the rest of the flight. [00:41:26]
• If someone else booked your flight, make sure you're not going to get a special meal surprise. [00:42:07]
• Conclusions of logic and order for meal and beverage service. [00:42:44]
• Sitting at the back might actually not be that bad for service. [00:43:02]
• Any favourite meals? [00:44:19]
• Vinny loved Air Canada's lamb pastry from LHR. [00:44:33]
• We'll come back to the food question in a future experience. [00:45:13]
• Working ground and getting delicious leftovers - sometimes the galley was raided. [00:45:54]
• Airlines providing free overnight hotel stops. [00:47:02]
• Vinny shares a memory of a free layover hotel stay at HKG. [00:47:34]
• Evelyn W's story of SYD-FRA with a free included hotel stay in DEL. [00:49:19]
• Free overnight accommodation is very rare nowadays. [00:49:48]
• Some airlines now give a stopover option without an additional fee. [00:51:20]
• News Items. [00:52:08]
  • Southwest tests boarding from rear of planes. [00:52:13]
• Geoff remembers flying HRE-FRA where he was required to exit from the back. [00:53:08]
  • Jail Time For Baggage Handler Who Swapped 250+ Luggage Tags. [00:54:57]
• Wrap-up. [00:56:24]

View Details

In this experience Vinny and Geoff go into the mailbag and review a bunch of different questions and feedback. We look at what is the logic and order of the meal and beverage service that takes place during a flight? We also look at free hotel stops – are they still provided by an airline?

Why do some passengers get served first? how do the cabin crew decide to serve passengers? How does the airline decide how many crew members to have? Who's in charge of the cabin crew? Why is one cabin crew always in the galley? Vinny shares his experience of working as inflight crew on multiple airlines.

How does the service flow and order work in first, business and economy classes? How does the length of flight change the timings and flow? What are all these different meals that are available for flights? The serving of your beverages, there are different methods that crew use. Which row does the crew start their service at? What happens when passengers have to get up?

Why do special meals have to get served first? How does the crew have to adapt to buy on board options? Here comes the turbulence – how does the crew handle the baggage carts in bumpy conditions? Just how much beef or chicken meals are there? Is your flight being catered independently or from a centralized kitchen? Geoff shares an experience at ORD where the special meal didn't match up where he was flying to. And what about the crew – what are they eating? Geoff shares a story of a travel agent who got a bland surprise. Sitting at the back, might not be bad for service – it all depends on the airline. Vinny remembers his favourite lamb pastry flying to Canada from LHR on Air Canada. There are shared memories of getting leftovers as ground crew – both above and below the wing.

Airlines that provide free overnight hotel stops – Vinny shares a childhood memory of a flight from YYZ-KUL via HKG with an included stay at the Kimberly Hotel. We share a story from Evelyn W who got a complimentary stay at a hotel in DEL while flying from SYD-FRA. But alas it is a rare thing nowadays. Some airlines though offer a stopover option without an additional fee.

News Items:

• Business Traveller article "Southwest tests boarding from rear of planes"
• pointmetotheplane article "Jail Time For Baggage Handler Who Swapped 250+ Luggage Tags"

If you have a meal or free included hotel story, a question or other experience that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/

View Details

Recorded 01 November 2019

Written by: Geoff Dahl & Vinod Viswalingam

Listen to this experience wherever you download your podcasts - including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play and Overcast.

* Listen to it on Apple Podcasts.

• Stream by clicking here.
• Download as an MP3 by right-clicking here and choosing “save as.”

In this experience Vinny and Geoff share more of their experiences when, try as they may, the situation just went badly.

First of all, we want to send a shoutout to fellow podcasters Plane Talking UK. We're lining up co-hosting in an upcoming episode of theirs. Stay tuned for more info.

By popular demand, we're sharing more of our travel experiences – good, bad and ugly – and how we worked at resolving them or made the best of the situation.

Shoutout to Sam Chui for his review of the Air India (AI) Dreamliner business class experience.

Vinny shared a rant about the security experience at MAA in Experience 021 from his RTW trip in the summer of 2019. The rant is back in this experience with full force for his experiences with Air India (AI) – both for in-flight experiences from SIN-MAA-CMB, and one of the top three worst ever lounge experiences he ever had at MAA. You might need a cold lassi after listening to the rant.

Geoff shares his multiple ground travel experiences trying to get from Penang to Kuala Lumpur in July 2019. First the train Google says he should take didn't exist, and then there was a ticket circus with the bus ride that he took instead.

Vinny pulls out a story from his vault of crazy experiences – this time in St. Petersburg, Russia in 2003 hitchhiking to make a train connection to get to Helsinki. But what happens when he missed the connection? (Hint – he got to Helsinki and experienced a Tupolev Tu-134).

Geoff shares his overnight ground transport experience at SIN from his summer 2019 RTW trip. Where was the shuttle that was supposed to leave every 15 minutes? Sometimes waiting ends up being worth it – thanks to a great family from Perth who shared sightseeing advice.

Vinny shares a recent experience from autumn 2019 at SFO. How to get to the Caltrain station to take him into the city, with minimal signage and lack of directions from Google transit. Not only that, where and how did he have to pay for the ticket?

Geoff shares a terrific airside tour experience he had in October 2019 at YYZ. Thanks to Russ, Mark and Haaz for their great work and wealth of information.

News Items:

• Independent (UK) article "Airline passenger stuffs laptop down her jumpsuit and pretends to be pregnant to avoid excess baggage charge"
• Associated Press article "TSA finds gun-shaped toilet paper roller in bag at airport"

If you have a story of when your situation just went bad, a question or other experience that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/

SELECTED LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE EXPERIENCE

• Plane Talking UK
• Chennai International Airport (MAA)
• Seat 1A Experience 021 – Vinny's rant about MAA security (show notes and audio)
• Air India (AI)
• Singapore Changi Airport (SIN)
• Singapore Airlines (SQ)
• Thai Airways (TG)
• Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)
• Cathay Pacific (CX)
• Seat 1A Experience 018 layovers vs stopovers (show notes and audio)
• Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
• Boeing 787-8 (airliners.net)
• Airbus 320 (airliners.net)
• Sam Chui: Air India Business Class Review. Are they really TERRIBLE? (youtube.com | 27 July 2018)
• Airbus A321neo (airbus.com)
• Air India Maharajah Lounge (International) (loungebuddy.com)
• Seat 1A Experience 005 The world of airport lounges (show notes and audio)
• Luxor International Airport (LXR)
• Seat 1A Instagram
• Star Alliance
• Spicejet (SG)
• Seat 1A Experience 020 Vinny in Spain with the train (show notes and audio)
• KTM (Malayan Railways Limited)
• Penang Sentral station (Wikipedia)
• Kuala Lumpur Sentral station (Wikipedia)
• St. Petersburg Finlandsky Station (Wikipedia)
• Helsinki Central Station (Wikipedia)
• VR (Finnish Railways)
• St. Petersburg Metro (Wikipedia)
• St. Petersburg Pulkovo Airport (LED)
• Helsinki Airport (HEL)
• Tupolev Tu-134 (airliners.net)
• Singapore Changi - Leaving the Airport
• Grab
• Uber
• Example of mid-sized bus used for SIN late night coach - Hyundai Aero Town
• Sentosa
• San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
• Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART)
• Caltrain
• Caltrain San Francisco 4th and King Street station
• GO Train
• Commuter rail (Wikipedia)
• Caltrain Millbrae Transit Center
• Transport for London (TfL) - Tube
• TfL Rail (formerly Heathrow Connect)
• Heathrow Express
• TfL Overground
• San Francisco International Airport (SFO) Interactive Map
• Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
• Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
• Vancouver SkyTrain (translink.ca)
• Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA)

• Social media links to Geoff's YYZ tour

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Greater Toronto Airport Authority - Toronto Pearson Airside Tour
  • Brussels Airlines (SN)
  • Airbus 350-900 (airbus.com)
  • British Airways (BA)
  • Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) Snow Removal
  • Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) Wildlife management
  • Melbourne Airport (MEL)
  • Sidney (Kingsford Smith) Airport (SYD)
  • Jetstar Airways (JQ)
  • Seat 1A Experience 017 Stuffing excess weight into your jacket (show notes and audio)
  • Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
  • Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)

NEWS ITEMS

independent.co.uk | Airline passenger stuffs laptop down her jumpsuit and pretends to be pregnant to avoid excess baggage charge (28 October 2019)
https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/jetstar-excess-baggage-charge-flight-pregnant-laptop-jumpsuit-a9174026.html
"...A budget airline passenger stuffed her belongings down the front of her jumpsuit to form a pregnancy “bump” in a bid to avoid paying the excess baggage fee.

Travel writer Rebecca Andrews almost pulled off the innovative stunt while flying from Melbourne to Sydney with Jetstar, before being found out at the last minute..."

• Melbourne Airport (MEL)
• Sidney (Kingsford Smith) Airport (SYD)
• Jetstar Airways (JQ)

AP News | TSA finds gun-shaped toilet paper roller in bag at airport (31 October 2019)
https://apnews.com/745c9bdaf31d41f68e9e663c43396552
"...NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — Transportation Security Administration agents at New Jersey’s Newark Liberty Airport uncovered a more decorative than deadly item when they checked a passenger’s carry-on.

Agents on Tuesday thought there was a gun in the bag when they put it through the X-ray machine. However, a closer inspection revealed a gun-shaped toilet paper roller. The realistic replica gun was designed to spin paper instead of bullets..."

• Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
• Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)

PODCAST CORRECTIONS, CLARIFICATIONS, CONFIRMATIONS

• Singapore Changi Airport also has a 50% surcharge on taxi fares from 1200AM to 0600 AM.
• Heathrow Connect was taken over by TfL rail 20 May 2018

PEOPLE MENTIONED

• Plane Talking UK
• Sam Chui

SHOW NOTES

• What's in this experience. [00:00:46]
• Request for more of our experiences. [00:01:00]
• Shoutout to Plane Talking UK. [00:01:22]
• Try as you might, sometimes the situation just goes bad. [00:02:10]
• Vinny continues his rant about his Air India and Chennai Airport Experience. [00:02:44]
• Vinny was trying to get from SIN to MAA and maximize a layover. [00:03:04]
• AI flight SIN-MAA-CMB with a long layover in MAA. [00:04:09]
• SIN-MAA was first listed using a 787-8. [00:04:54]
• MAA-CMB on an A320 - with Air India's bizarre way of limiting inflight entertainment. [00:05:05]
• Card with a caricature on the bulkhead instead of the IFE. [00:05:42]
• Pulling the fabric over the screen for in-seat IFE. [00:06:01]
• Shoutout to Sam Chui for his 787 AI business class review. [00:06:34]
• Equipment switch on SIN-MAA - no more 787 for Vinny. [00:06:45]
• The first flight leg from SIN-MAA. [00:07:28]
• The plane was new, the service was lacklustre...poof the inflight crew disappeared - minimal service. [00:07:50]
• Vinny and his incredibly bad MAA lounge experience. [00:09:38]
• One of the top 3 worst lounges for Vinny, anywhere, ever. [00:10:23]
• Wait until you hear who was eating the food at the buffet. [00:11:22]
• Cold coffee, warm juice, filthy facilities. [00:11:53]
• How does it take 10 minutes to get a WIFI code at the lounge? [00:12:41]
• Boarding fun in MAA for the next flight. [00:13:42]
• Multiple unnecessary passport checks after the gate. [00:14:31]
• The old, filthy Air India inflight experience from MAA-CMB. [00:15:18]
• Vinny advises to look for another option besides Air India if you can. [00:16:29]
• Switching to ground transport. [00:17:47]
• Geoff's multiple ground transport issues in Penang. [00:18:07]
• Google maps gave a train schedule for a non-existent train. [00:18:28]
• Since the train didn't exist, Geoff decided to take the bus to Kuala Lumpur. [00:19:05]
• Geoff made the mistake of not checking which bus was the fastest. [00:19:34]
• Geoff's ticket circus with the bus company. [00:20:18]
• Vinny pulls out a memory from St. Petersburg, Russia. [00:23:40]
• Vinny had a train booked from St. Petersburg to Helsinki. [00:24:00]
• Vinny and his urban hitchhiking experience. [00:24:41]
• You're going the wrong way! [00:26:26]
• ...and Vinny misses the train. [00:27:06]
• Hmmm...How much is a flight? [00:27:22]
• Vinny ended up flying on a Tupolev Tu-134. [00:29:13]
• Geoff's late-night ground transport experience at SIN. [00:30:34]
• MRT is closed after midnight in Singapore. [00:30:59]
• Geoff decides to wait it out. [00:31:43]
• Take the time to study the demographics of your airport. [00:32:50]
• Vinny's experience at SFO. [00:33:31]
• Vinny was taking the Caltrain to the city but had to take a bus to get to the station. [00:33:38]
• Vinny searches for the bus to get him to the Caltrain station. [00:34:58]
• Lack of directional signage at SFO. [00:35:39]
• Google Maps not giving clear directions either. [00:36:31]
• How to pay - no ticket machines anywhere. [00:37:21]
• No paper tickets, just an app. [00:38:26]
• Airports generally try to make it easy to at least get small change. [00:39:47]
• Vinny at Millbrae station, trying to figure out signage and delay notifications. [00:40:52]
• Geoff airside tour at YYZ. [00:42:40]
• News Items. [00:45:35]
  • Airline passenger stuffs laptop down her jumpsuit and pretends to be pregnant to avoid excess baggage charge. [00:45:42]
  • TSA finds gun-shaped toilet paper roller in bag at airport. [00:47:21]
• Wrap up. [00:48:35]

View Details

In this experience Vinny and Geoff share more of their experiences when, try as they may, the situation just went badly.

First of all, we want to send a shoutout to fellow podcasters Plane Talking UK. We're lining up co-hosting in an upcoming episode of theirs. Stay tuned for more info.

By popular demand, we're sharing more of our travel experiences – good, bad and ugly – and how we worked at resolving them or made the best of the situation.

Shoutout to Sam Chui for his review of the Air India (AI) Dreamliner business class experience.

Vinny shared a rant about the security experience at MAA in Experience 021 from his RTW trip in the summer of 2019. The rant is back in this experience with full force for his experiences with Air India (AI) – both for in-flight experiences from SIN-MAA-CMB, and one of the top three worst ever lounge experiences he ever had at MAA. You might need a cold lassi after listening to the rant.

Geoff shares his multiple ground travel experiences trying to get from Penang to Kuala Lumpur in July 2019. First the train Google says he should take didn't exist, and then there was a ticket circus with the bus ride that he took instead.

Vinny pulls out a story from his vault of crazy experiences – this time in St. Petersburg, Russia in 2003 hitchhiking to make a train connection to get to Helsinki. But what happens when he missed the connection? (Hint – he got to Helsinki and experienced a Tupolev Tu-134).

Geoff shares his overnight ground transport experience at SIN from his summer 2019 RTW trip. Where was the shuttle that was supposed to leave every 15 minutes? Sometimes waiting ends up being worth it – thanks to a great family from Perth who shared sightseeing advice.

Vinny shares a recent experience from autumn 2019 at SFO. How to get to the Caltrain station to take him into the city, with minimal signage and lack of directions from Google transit. Not only that, where and how did he have to pay for the ticket?

Geoff shares a terrific airside tour experience he had in October 2019 at YYZ. Thanks to Russ, Mark and Haaz for their great work and wealth of information.

News Items:

Independent (UK) article "Airline passenger stuffs laptop down her jumpsuit and pretends to be pregnant to avoid excess baggage charge"

Associated Press article "TSA finds gun-shaped toilet paper roller in bag at airport"

If you have a story of when your situation just went bad, a question or other experience that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/

View Details

Recorded 03 October 2019

Written by: Geoff Dahl & Vinod Viswalingam

Listen to this experience wherever you download your podcasts - including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play and Overcast.

• Listen to it on Apple Podcasts.
• Stream by clicking here.
• Download as an MP3 by right-clicking here and choosing “save as.”

In this experience we look at the world of gate assignments, and why your plane is parked at a specific location.

What is happening when you arrive at the airport and you're told that your gate is not available. We review the differences between gates and jet bridges. What does an airport need to do to prevent unnecessary mixing of passengers? What's a swing gate. What is the ramp and how is it set up? What happens on the ramp and inside the terminal when there's a last-minute gate change? What happens when you're parked out at a remote location or stand? Geoff shares his remote parking experience at DPS. Vinny has another really tight connection adventure with a bus at FRA. Vinny had a really long bus trip at IST.
Don't forget about the weather – thunderbolts and lightning on top of snow and ice makes for gate backlogs and people needing to be careful not to dent the plane. Speaking of denting, Vinny shares stories of jet bridge training – and systems designed to prevent accidental dents.

News Items:

• Business Traveller article "United CEO puts getting late passengers on planes before on-time departures"
• ch-aviation article "Scramble for Thomas Cook UK slots as Condor seeks new owner"

If you have a story of gate changes and jet bridges, a question or other experience that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/

SELECTED LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE EXPERIENCE

• Cancún International Airport (CUN)
• Airport gate (Wikipedia)
• Jet bridge (Wikipedia)
• Airport ramp/apron (Wikipedia)
• US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Preclearance
• Schengen Area (Wikipedia)
• Quarantine gate
  • Protecting Travelers' Health from Airport to Community: Investigating Contagious Diseases on Flights (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention | 03 April 2019)
• Istanbul Airport (Formerly ISL, changed to IST on 06 April 2019)
• London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
• History of Toronto Pearson International Airport/U.S. Border Preclearance (Wikipedia)
  • Airports as Borderlands: American Preclearance and Transitional Spaces in Canada (University of Calgary (PDF) | 2010)
• Singapore Changi Airport (SIN)
• Calgary International Airport (YYC)
• Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
• Swissport
• Servisair/GlobeGround/Penauille (defunct 2013) (Wikipedia)
• Menzies Aviation
• Air Canada (AC)
• Lavatory truck (aeroexpo.online)
• Mobile lounge (Wikipedia)
• Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
• Edmonton International Airport (YEG)
• Evacuation Slide (Wikipedia)
• Arming and disarming doors
  • Arm doors, cross check – learn the cabin crew talk (qantasnewsroom.com.au | 26 August 2016)
• Boeing 777 (boeing.com)
• Boeing 747-400 (airliners.net)
• Airbus 350-900 (airbus.com)
• Airbus 380 (airbus.com)
• Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
• Lufthansa (LH)
• Denpasar Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS)
• Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL)
• Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD)
• Airbus 320 (airliners.net)
• Go-around (Wikipedia)
• Seat 1A Experience 019 – On the RTW road with Vinny and Geoff (show notes and audio)
• Out of control beverage cart at Chicago O'Hare (youtube.com | 30 September 2019)
• Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
• Seat 1A Experience 009 - Wet leasing experience (show notes and audio)
• Abbotsford International Airport (YXX)
• THOR GUARD
• Denver International Airport (DEN)
• United Airlines (UA)
• Thomas Cook Airlines (UK) (MT – ceased operations 2019) (Wikipedia)
• London Gatwick Airport (LGW)
• Landing slot (Wikipedia)
  • IATA Worldwide Slot Guidelines - Effective 01 January 2019 (PDF)
• London Heathrow (LHR)
• Wizz Air (W6)
• WOW air (WW – ceased operations 2019) (Wikipedia)
• Monarch Airlines (ZB – ceased operations 2017) (Wikipedia)
• British Airways (BA)

NEWS ITEMS

businesstraveller.com | United CEO puts getting late passengers on planes before on-time departures (03 October 2019)
https://www.businesstraveller.com/business-travel/2019/10/03/united-ceo-puts-getting-late-passengers-on-planes-before-on-time-departures/
"...In a perfect world, all flights would take off and land on time. In the real world, United Airlines CEO Oscar Munoz would rather see passengers make their connecting flights even if that means holding planes on the ground until travellers can get to the gate, CNBC reports..."

• United Airlines (UA)
• Oscar Munoz (Wikipedia)
• On-time departures ‘be damned,’ if it means passengers can make their connections, United Airlines CEO says (cnbc.com | 24 September 2019)

ch-aviation.com | Scramble for Thomas Cook UK slots as Condor seeks new owner (01 October 2019)
https://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/news/81947-scramble-for-thomas-cook-uk-slots-as-condor-seeks-new-owner
"...Wizz Air (W6, Budapest), Virgin Atlantic (VS, London Heathrow), and IAG International Airlines Group have expressed interest in slots held by defunct Thomas Cook Airlines UK (MT, Manchester Int'l) at London Gatwick airport, the Financial Times has reported. "We are not interested in the airline. We are not interested in other assets but we have an interest in the airport slots of Thomas Cook at Gatwick," CEO of the Hungarian LCC József Váradi said.

Chief Executive Officer Shai Weiss told Bloomberg that Virgin Atlantic was also interested in Thomas Cook's slots at Manchester Int'l airport. Slots at Gatwick, while interesting, could be too pricey for the airline, although the airline would be tentatively interested in the night-time slots..."

• Thomas Cook Airlines (UK) (MT)
• Condor (DE)
• Virgin and Wizz Air eye Thomas Cook’s Gatwick daily slots (Financial Times | 26 September 2019)
• Virgin Atlantic Seeks Manchester Push With Thomas Cook Slots (Bloomberg | 26 September 2019)
• Wizz Air (W6)
• Virgin Atlantic (VS)
• IAG International Airlines Group
• Manchester Airport (MAN)
• US-Investor Indigo Partners gilt als Favorit für den Kauf von Condor (Handelsblatt | 25 September 2019)
• Indigo Partners, LLC (Wikipedia)

bbc.com | British Airways owner IAG says strikes cost £121m
https://www.bbc.com/news/business-49836391
"...British Airways owner IAG has warned that its profits will be lower than expected this year, partly due to the impact of strikes by its pilots.

It said the strike earlier this month, in a row over pay and conditions, had cost it at least €137m (£121m)..."

• British Airways (BA)
• IAG International Airlines Group

PODCAST CORRECTIONS, CLARIFICATIONS, CONFIRMATIONS

• Lightning
  • The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and Airports Council International (ACI) have 3 levels of precaution warning for lightning (Airside Safety Handbook Fourth Edition 2010 (PDF))
    • Level 1 - strong possibility of lightning or thunderstorms.
    • Level 2 - lightning activity within an 8 kilometre (5 mile) radius of the airport.
    • Level 3 - lightning activity within a 5 kilometre (3 mile) radius of the airport.
  • The Transportation Research Board indicates that various US airports and airlines have set their own guidelines for lightning detection (Airport Cooperative Research Program Report 8 "Lightning-Warning Systems for Use by Airports" (PDF) | 2008)
    • Generally yellow (level 2) indicates lightning activity within a 5 mile radius.
    • A red warning (level 3) indicates lightning within a 3 mile radius.
  • There are other companies providing lightning detection systems besides THOR GUARD. These include:
    • Vaisala
    • Earth Networks
    • DTN/Meteorlogix
    • UBIMET
• Thomas Cook
  • There appear to be no immediate plans for WOW air (WW) to bid for Thomas Cook Airlines (UK) (MT) former slots at London Gatwick (LGW).
    • Wow Air's new owner now plans December relaunch (flightglobal.com | 08 October 2019)

PEOPLE MENTIONED

• Oscar Munoz (Wikipedia)

SHOW NOTES

• What's in this experience? [00:00:47]
• You arrive and your gate is not available. What's going on? [00:01:03]
• A few definitions to start. [00:01:56]
• The gate. [00:02:05]
• The jet bridge. [00:02:16]
• The ramp area. [00:02:27]
• You have to think about an airport and how it's laid out. [00:02:48]
• Domestic terminals. [00:03:26]
• What's going to happen if you mix different passenger types. [00:04:03]
• History of US preclearance problems at YYZ when it first started with mixing. [00:05:59]
• What an airport needs to do with infrastructure to prevent mixing. [00:06:32]
• Swing gates. [00:07:35]
• Ramp setup. [00:09:06]
• Last minute gate changes from a ramp perspective. [00:10:52]
• Gate requirements for baggage from international flights. [00:12:32]
• The people needed to bring a plane to gate. [00:13:53]
• What's happening inside the terminal when a switch happens. [00:15:42]
• Jet bridge sizes and configurations. [00:19:57]
• The old "moon buggy" mobile lounges at IAD and YEG. [00:20:27]
• Vinny's 380 two-level gate experience at FRA. [00:24:20]
• Gate experiences at remote parking positions. [00:25:18]
• Geoff's narrow body plane parking experience at DPS. [00:26:07]
• Vinny had another tight gate connection experience with a bus at FRA. [00:26:53]
• Revisiting Vinny's bus from the maintenance hanger at IST. [00:29:11]
• Weather affecting your gates. [00:30:32]
• Out of control vehicle on the ramp at ORD. [00:31:33]
• What happens when the jet bridge gets stuck?. [00:33:25]
• THOR GUARD lightning warning system. [00:34:21]
• Learning points. [00:37:54]
• News Items. [00:39:17]
  • United CEO puts getting late passengers on planes before on-time departures. [00:39:24]
  • Bankruptcy of Thomas Cook and scooping of LGW landing slots. [00:42:13]
  • BA pilot strike over. [00:44:46]
• Show wrap-up. [00:45:04]

View Details

In this experience we look at the world of gate assignments, and why your plane is parked at a specific location.

What is happening when you arrive at the airport and you're told that your gate is not available. We review the differences between gates and jet bridges. What does an airport need to do to prevent unnecessary mixing of passengers? What's a swing gate. What is the ramp and how is it set up? What happens on the ramp and inside the terminal when there's a last-minute gate change? What happens when you're parked out at a remote location or stand? Geoff shares his remote parking experience at DPS. Vinny has another really tight connection adventure with a bus at FRA. Vinny had a really long bus trip at IST.

Don't forget about the weather – thunderbolts and lightning on top of snow and ice makes for gate backlogs and people needing to be careful not to dent the plane. Speaking of denting, Vinny shares stories of jet bridge training – and systems designed to prevent accidental dents.

News Items:

• Business Traveller article "United CEO puts getting late passengers on planes before on-time departures"
• ch-aviation article "Scramble for Thomas Cook UK slots as Condor seeks new owner"

If you have a story of gate changes and jet bridges, a question or other experience that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/

View Details

Recorded 12 September 2019

Written by: Geoff Dahl & Vinod Viswalingam

Listen to this experience wherever you download your podcasts - including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play and Overcast.

• Listen to it on Apple Podcasts.
• Stream by clicking here.
• Download as an MP3 by right-clicking here and choosing “save as.”

In this experience we look back on that fateful day on 11 September 2001 and how it changed the world of airport security forever. Geoff and Vinny share their experience of that day and a story from Operation Yellow Ribbon at YXY. Vinny had a university project suddenly change in focus due to incredibly long wait times at YEG security. Geoff later joined him in YYC. What exactly is pre-board screening and how do different airports do it around the world? Vinny shares his luxurious security experience at MAD, and shares his worst EVER experience at MAA. Geoff shares his extremely good security experience at DPS, but also his eternity to clear security at EWR. Why is it that we only see massive lines in the US? Is there a different psyche? What are tips and practices you can do as a passenger to get through the security line more quickly? Vinny shares his experience flying as a regular passenger after flying as crew for years. Straight blade razors – who knew that they could be such a cause of inconsistency at security? Simple Flying news item about Alaska Airlines (AS) encouraging customers to bring their own bottles. Flyertalk / Indo-Asian News Service news item about Air India (AI) having issues with fuel payments causing restrictions at six domestic Indian airports. Flyertalk / BBC news story of security at DEL catching an 32-year-old trying to impersonate an 81-year-old complete with disguise. If you have a story of airport pre-board security, question or other experience that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/
SELECTED LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE EXPERIENCE

• September 11 attacks (Wikipedia)
• BBC World Service
• Edmonton Public Library
• CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation)
• CTV Television Network
• CNN (Cable News Network)
• NBC (National Broadcasting Company)
• ABC (American Broadcasting Company)
• BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation)
• Süddeutsche Zeitung
• Operation Yellow Ribbon (Wikipedia)
• Edmonton International Airport (YEG)
• Gander International Airport (YQX)
• Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ)
• Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
• Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport (YXY)
• Korean Air Flight 85 [KE85] (Wikipedia)
• Condor (DE)
• Kansas City International Airport (MCI)
• Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
• Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
• Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
• Munich Airport (MUC)
• Air India Flight 182 & 1985 Narita International Airport bombing (The Canadian Encyclopedia)
• Calgary International Airport (YYC)
• TSA 3-1-1 liquids rule
• Pan Am Flight 103 (Aviation Safety Network)
  • Air Accident Investigation Branch: Aircraft Accident Report 2/1990 – Report on the accident to Boeing 747–121, N739PA, at Lockerbie, Dumfriesshire, Scotland on 21 December 1988. (Government of the United Kingdom PDF | 1990)
• 2001 shoe bomb attempt (Wikipedia)
• Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
• Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
• Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)
• Singapore Changi Airport (SIN)
• Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL)
• Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD)
• Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
• Lufthansa (LH)
• Lufthansa Priority treatment and faster processes at security
• TSA Precheck
• CLEAR
• NEXUS
• Penang International Airport (PEN)
• Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Business Travel Card
• British Airways (BA)
• Air India (AI)
• Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
• Chennai International Airport (MAA)
• Denpasar Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS)
• Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ)
• Porter Airlines (PD)
• Singapore Airlines (SQ)
• Düsseldorf Airport (DUS)
• Oslo Airport (OSL)
• Info on TSA wait-time apps is usually off. A new real-time tracking tool changes that (latimes.com | 03 September 2019)
• Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP)
• Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA)
• Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
• TSA Screening Partnership Program
• Regina International Airport (YQR)
• Alaska Airlines (AS)
• San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
• Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
• Pedialyte (Wikipedia)
• Cochin International Airport (COK)
• Pune International Airport (PNQ)
• Patna Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport (PAT)
• Ranchi Birsa Munda Airport (IXR)
• Visakhapatnam Airport (VTZ)
• Chandigarh Airport (IXC)
• Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL)

NEWS ITEMS

simpleflying.com | Alaska Airlines Encourages Customers To Bring Their Own Bottles (12 September 2019)
https://simpleflying.com/alaska-airlines-water-bottles/
"...Alaska Airlines is encouraging passengers to bring their own refillable water bottles onto flights. The move comes as the North American airline looks to reduce single-use plastics onboard aircraft..."

• Alaska Airlines (AS)

flyertalk.com | Oof. Air India’s Financial Situation Gets Embarrassing (24 August 2019)
https://www.flyertalk.com/articles/oof-air-indias-financial-situation-gets-embarrassing.html
"...State-owned fuel suppliers at six airports in India are refusing to provide jet fuel for Air India planes because of a dispute over a large outstanding balance owed by the flag carrier (which is also state-owned)..."

• Fuel supply to Air India stopped at 6 airports (daijiworld.com | 22 August 2019)
• Air India (AI)
• Cochin International Airport (COK)
• Pune International Airport (PNQ)
• Patna Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport (PAT)
• Ranchi Birsa Munda Airport (IXR)
• Visakhapatnam Airport (VTZ)
• Chandigarh Airport (IXC)

flyertalk.com | This (Unsuccessful) Master of Disguise Tried to Sneak Past Airport Security (12 September 2019)
https://www.flyertalk.com/articles/the-unsuccessful-master-of-disguise-tried-to-sneak-past-airport-security.html
"...With a pretty clever disguise and a fake passport and visa to the United States, a 32-year-old man from India was caught impersonating an 81-year-old man while trying to get through security at New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport and board a plane to the U.S., where he planned to find work..."

• Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL)

PODCAST CORRECTIONS, CLARIFICATIONS, CONFIRMATIONS

• During Operation Yellow Ribbon, Halifax International Airport (YHZ) received the largest number of flights (47 planes carrying more than 7,000 passengers), while Vancouver International Airport (YVR) received the highest number of passengers (34 planes carrying 8,500 passengers). ("9/11 and Canada" The Canadian Encyclopedia | 16 January 2015)
• Aircraft that were grounded during Operation Yellow Ribbon were allowed to return to their original intended destination airport on 13 September 2001 ("Shutdown of National Airspace System was ‘organized mayhem’" ainonline.com | 08 October 2007)

• There were 2 Korean Airlines (KE) flights that were forced to land at Whitehorse (YXY). KE 85 had unexpectedly relayed the text message “HJK” — code for hijack.

  • Aircraft hijacking initially feared (Whitehorse Daily Star | 12 September 2001)
  • 11-09-2001 Four Days in September (Transport Canada | Last modified 21 December 2015)
  • The other side of Come From Away: How a Canadian city utterly flipped out on 9/11 (National Post | 29 August 2017)

SHOW NOTES

• What's in this experience? [00:00:47]
• September 11, 2001. [00:01:15]
• Geoff shares his experience from that fateful morning. [00:01:37]
• Operation Yellow Ribbon. [00:04:11]
• Vinny's memories of that morning. [00:05:00]
• Korean Air 85 had to land at YXY but then had difficulty getting out later. [00:07:59]
• We're discussing pre-board security that evolved after 9/11. [00:09:35]
• How were things before 9/11? [00:09:48]
• How the non-flying public used to be able to go to the gate area. [00:10:17]
• Airport architecture design was forced to change in the US. [00:11:00]
• Vinny shares ATL boarding area experience from 1997. [00:11:56]
• Geoff's 2000 boarding area experience at EWR. [00:13:34]
• Vinny had a time and motion project at YEG security - 9/11 totally changed what to review. [00:15:03]
• Geoff joins the time and motion study at YYC. [00:17:01]
• Remembering only one table existing for you to put your stuff on at security. [00:19:09]
• Pre-board screening - what is it exactly? [00:20:33]
• The differing styles of security check. [00:21:41]
• Review of our good and bad security experiences this summer. [00:23:27]
• Vinny's luxurious experience at MAD. [00:24:07]
• VIP Security screening. [00:24:53]
• Seat 1A security check tip if you're running late. [00:25:41]
• Vinny's worst ever security check was at MAA. [00:27:31]
• Geoff's security experience - best experience was at DPS. [00:34:02]
• Geoff's wait times taking forever at EWR. [00:35:48]
• Why is it only in the US that we seem to encounter massive security lines? [00:39:57]
• US security psyche - Geoff's experience at MSP. [00:40:29]
• Security staff are not the airline staff. [00:42:28]
• Seat 1A tip - what do you need to be pulled forward through security? [00:42:52]
• What do you need to do beforehand to express yourself through long security queues. [00:44:44]
• Are there more than one checkpoint to go through? [00:45:29]
• Check the details of the inflight magazines. [00:46:40]
• There are times when you're justified to call out slow security screening. [00:47:23]
• There also can be extra screeners asking questions before you can board. [00:48:05]
• How can frequent flyers be so unprepared in the security line? [00:49:59]
• Prepare your liquids and laptop before you get to the security line for quick access. [00:50:55]
• Untie your shoelaces or wear slip on shoes. [00:51:34]
• People who don't move their claimed stuff to the end and hold up the scan processing. [00:52:13]
• Some airports give you a claim card to be able to collect your bag. [00:53:41]
• If you get your bag pulled for manual inspection, know what's in your bag. [00:54:31]
• Vinny's security experience as a regular passenger after years flying as crew. [00:55:25]
• Geoff shares his experience at YQR, where a passenger thought he knew the rules. Spoiler - he didn't. [00:56:00]
• Vinny shares security inconsistencies with a straight blade razor. [00:57:06]
• The evolution of what sharp metal you can clear security with. [01:02:17]
• Some airports still have option to post or courier sharp metal objects. [01:03:30]
• News Items. [01:03:48]
  • Alaska Airlines Encourages Customers To Bring Their Own Bottles. [01:04:09]
  • Fuel supply to Air India stopped at 6 airports. [01:06:07]
• Vinny's going to save his AI experience for an upcoming experience. [01:07:29]
  • This (Unsuccessful) Master of Disguise Tried to Sneak Past Airport Security. [01:07:52]
• Show Wrap-up. [01:09:51]

View Details

In this experience we look back on that fateful day on 11 September 2001 and how it changed the world of airport security forever.

Geoff and Vinny share their experience of that day and a story from Operation Yellow Ribbon at YXY. Vinny had a university project suddenly change in focus due to incredibly long wait times at YEG security. Geoff later joined him in YYC.

What exactly is pre-board screening and how do different airports do it around the world? Vinny shares his luxurious security experience at MAD, and shares his worst EVER experience at MAA. Geoff shares his extremely good security experience at DPS, but also his eternity to clear security at EWR.

Why is it that we only see massive lines in the US? Is there a different psyche? What are tips and practices you can do as a passenger to get through the security line more quickly?

Vinny shares his experience flying as a regular passenger after flying as crew for years. Straight blade razors – who knew that they could be such a cause of inconsistency at security?

Simple Flying news item about Alaska Airlines (AS) encouraging customers to bring their own bottles.

Flyertalk / Indo-Asian News Service news item about Air India (AI) having issues with fuel payments causing restrictions at six domestic Indian airports.

Flyertalk / BBC news story of security at DEL catching an 32-year-old trying to impersonate an 81-year-old complete with disguise.

If you have a story of airport pre-board security, question or other experience that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Patreon.

Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/

View Details

Recorded 28 August 2019

Written by: Geoff Dahl & Vinod Viswalingam

Listen to this experience wherever you download your podcasts - including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play and Overcast.

• Listen to it on Apple Podcasts.
• Stream by clicking here.
• Download as an MP3 by right-clicking here and choosing “save as.”

In this experience we look at two rail travel adventures from Vinny and Geoff from their recent round the world adventures. In both cases they were left with a go/no-go decision point to determine if they should go on.

Vinny's took place on the North-South line in Vietnam – on a trip between Hue and Da Nang. He utilized the resources available to him with local population to help him with the issue. Geoff's took place at Frankfurt station in Germany – on a trip to Dusseldorf in the midst of weather delays and cancellations. He utilized alternate connections being available – even if they were not the ones suggested.

Vinny also shares a train adventure from Spain - not from this year's round the world adventure - trying to get from Alicante to Madrid on a busy weekend.

We also share our condolences for Captain Al Haynes who passed away on 25 August 2019. He became famous for his incredible leadership of United Airlines Flight 232 on 19 July 1989.

If you have a story of your travel going sideways (rail or otherwise), question or experience that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/
SELECTED LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE EXPERIENCE

• Seat 1A Experience 018 – Vinny and Geoff's separate RTW adventures (show notes and audio)
• Seat 1A Experience 019 – On the RTW road with Vinny and Geoff (show notes and audio)
• Vietnam Railways (Wikipedia)
• North-South Railway (Wikipedia)
• Hải Vân Pass (Wikipedia)
• Huế station (Wikipedia)
• Da Nang station (Wikipedia)
• Beaches in Da Nang (TripAdvisor)
• Hyatt Regency Da Nang Resort and Spa
• Uber
• Grab
• Track ballast (Wikipedia)
• Example of mid-sized bus - Hyundai Aero Town
• Hải Vân Tunnel (Wikipedia)
• Audi Q7
• Train SE3 derailed on Hai Van Pass (newsbeezer.com | 29 June 2019)
• How is the heat wave in Europe affecting travel? (dw.com | 25 July 2019)
• Sag, buckle and curve: why your trains get cancelled in the heat (wired.co.uk | 26 July 2019)
• Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe Station (bahnhof.de)
• Düsseldorf Hauptbahnhof [Main Station] (bahnhof.de)
• Frankfurt (M) Hauptbahnhof [Main Station] (bahnhof.de)
• Kassel to Düsseldorf via Hamm (kursbuch.bahn.de PDF)
• Kassel to Düsseldorf via Franfurt (M) (kursbuch.bahn.de PDF)
• Deutsche Bahn [German Rail] Intercity Express (ICE)
• DB Navigator app
• Frankfurt (M) Flughafen Fernbahnhof [Airport long-distance station] (bahnhof.de)
• Alicante railway station (Wikipedia)
• Renfe Operadora [Spanish Rail]
• Madrid Atocha railway station (Wikipedia)
• Alta Velocidad Española (AVE) [Spanish high-speed rail] (Wikipedia)
• United Airlines Flight 232 (Aviation Safety Network)
  • United Airlines (UA)
  • Denver Stapleton International Airport (former DEN until 1995) (Wikipedia)
  • Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
  • Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
  • Sioux Gateway Airport (SUX)
  • McDonnell Douglas DC-10 (airliners.net)
  • NTSB Aircraft Accident Report, United Airlines Flight 232, McDonnell Douglas DC-10-10, Sioux Gateway Airport, Sioux City, Iowa, July 19, 1989 (National Transportation Safety Board PDF | 1990)

NEWS ITEMS

flyertalk.com | Hero United Airlines Pilot Al Haynes Dead at 87 (27 August 2019)
https://www.flyertalk.com/articles/hero-pilot-al-haynes-dead-at-87.html
"Retired United Airlines pilot Captain Al Haynes has died in a hospital in Seattle. He was 87. Haynes was best known for piloting a United flight that crashed in Sioux City, Iowa, in 1989. Because of his competency, he was able to save 184 passengers and crewmembers."

• Al Haynes, United Airlines pilot who saved 184 lives during 1989 plane crash, dies at 87 (seattletimes.com 27 August 2019)
• United Airlines Flight 232 (Aviation Safety Network)
  • United Airlines (UA)
  • Denver Stapleton International Airport (former DEN until 1995) (Wikipedia)
  • Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
  • Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
  • Sioux [City] Gateway Airport (SUX)
  • McDonnell Douglas DC-10 (airliners.net)
  • National Transportation Safety Board | Accident No: AAR-90-06 (PDF)

PODCAST CORRECTIONS, CLARIFICATIONS, CONFIRMATIONS

• "Trains between Hanoi & Saigon are sometimes referred to as the Reunification Express by guide books and tourist agencies, although there are now a whole range of trains on this route and no single train officially carries this name." (seat61.com)
• In the last 20 seconds before touchdown, the airspeed of UA 232 averaged 215 knots-indicated air speed, and the sinkrate was 1620 feet per minute; while a safe landing would require 140 knots and 300 feet per minute.

PEOPLE MENTIONED

• Al Haynes (Wikipedia)

SHOW NOTES

• What's in this experience? [00:00:46]
• Vinny's experience with the Reunification Express in Vietnam [00:02:05]
• Booking was done from Hue to Da Nang [00:02:42]
• What had Vinny booked online - what was included? [00:03:22]
• The train is stopped, what's happening? [00:07:29]
• There's a problem with the train on a single track in front of Vinny [00:08:33]
• How long's the wait? No one knows. [00:08:50]
• First call to the hotel - they already know. [00:09:19]
• The train is stopped, but not at a passenger station. [00:10:11]
• How long does 35 km of Vietnamese mountain road driving take? [00:10:44]
• Vinny's locked into the train. [00:11:18]
• The critical go/no-go decision point for the hotel pickup. [00:12:14]
• The replacement vehicles have arrived? [00:13:26]
• Vinny's train is not the only one that is stopped. [00:15:09]
• Random SUVs are showing up as well - and picking up familiar passengers. [00:16:21]
• Another call to the hotel - the price rises...a lot. [00:17:06]
• Buses showed up to pick up the passengers - but did they tell the locals already on board? [00:17:48]
• Vinny's finally rolling toward Da Nang. [00:19:45]
• There's a big long tunnel instead of a sea view. [00:20:20]
• Is the bus going to make it through the tunnel with all of the pollution? [00:20:58]
• Finally the bus makes it to the other side - the hotel shuttle is waiting at the train station. [00:21:36]
• Sometimes you make the effort to book an entire Seat 1A experience, but it goes sideways. [00:22:27]
• A derailment ahead had caused the delay. [00:22:49]
• Lesson learned. [00:23:31]
• Geoff's experience with German rail chaos during a heatwave. [00:24:11]
• Two ways to get from Kassel to Dusseldorf. [00:24:44]
• One of the ways was cancelled, but the other way was late. [00:25:12]
• Should Geoff follow directions on the app during transportation disruptions? [00:25:54]
• Geoff's go/no-go moment. [00:26:30]
• Lesson learned - Geoff had an open ticket. [00:29:09]
• Vinny shares an story with Spanish trains in Alicante. [00:30:22]
• Vinny gets curious - how are they checking the tickets? [00:31:51]
• Vinny tries to get on the next train. [00:32:54]
• The attendant shows up with a small boy. [00:34:11]
• Here comes the ticket check - did Vinny make it ok? [00:34:50]
• Vinny ended up making the trip to Madrid. [00:36:04]
• Condolences and RIP Captain Al Haynes (United Airlines Flight 232). [00:36:44]
• Wrap-up. [00:40:07]

View Details

In this experience we look at two rail travel adventures from Vinny and Geoff from their recent round the world adventures. In both cases they were left with a go/no-go decision point to determine if they should go on.

Vinny's took place on the North-South line in Vietnam – on a trip between Hue and Da Nang. He utilized the resources available to him with local population to help him with the issue. Geoff's took place at Frankfurt station in Germany – on a trip to Dusseldorf in the midst of weather delays and cancellations. He utilized alternate connections being available – even if they were not the ones suggested.

Vinny also shares a train adventure from Spain - not from this year's round the world adventure - trying to get from Alicante to Madrid on a busy weekend.

We also share our condolences for Captain Al Haynes who passed away on 25 August 2019. He became famous for his incredible leadership of United Airlines Flight 232 on 19 July 1989.

If you have a story of your travel going sideways (rail or otherwise), question or experience that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/

View Details

Recorded 13 July 2019

Written by: Geoff Dahl & Vinod Viswalingam

Listen to this experience wherever you download your podcasts - including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play and Overcast.

• Listen to it on Apple Podcasts.
• Stream by clicking here.
• Download as an MP3 by right-clicking here and choosing “save as.”

In this very special experience, we join Vinny and Geoff while they both are on the road. Vinny joins the experience from the Super Lounge at Istanbul Airport (IST), while Geoff joins in from Kuala Lumpur's Sentral Station. We share some of our experiences that we have experienced while on our RTW adventures.

Vinny shares initial impressions of the brand new gleaming white airport at IST and its massive lounge. He also lets us know about his unique arrival taking an airport bus from a parking location that he never experienced before. Geoff shares his interaction with the UA social media team, and a terrific customer experience with ANA for his neighbouring passengers. Geoff and Vinny both share their experience with The Jewel at SIN.

If you have questions or an experience that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/ SELECTED LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE EXPERIENCE

• Kuala Lumpur Sentral station (Wikipedia)
• Istanbul Airport (Formerly ISL, changed to IST on 06 April 2019)
• Turkish Airlines Lounge Business
• Turkish Airlines (TK)
• Seat 1A Experience 018 – Vinny and Geoff's separate RTW adventures (show notes and audio)
• EVA Air (BR)
• Singapore Airlines (SQ)
• Vietnam Airlines (VN)
• SilkAir (MI)
• Air India (AI)
• Istanbul Atatürk Airport (Formerly IST, changed to ISL on 06 April 2019)
• IST arrival schedule
• Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
• Malé Velana International Airport (MLE)
• Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)
• Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD)
• Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
• Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
• Lufthansa (LH)
• Air Canada (AC)
• Penang International Airport (PEN)
• Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
• Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
• Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT)
• United Airlines (UA)
• Boeing 777-300 (airliners.net)
• Singapore Changi Airport (SIN)
• @united Twitter
• ANA (NH)
• The Jewel Changi Airport
• Denpasar Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS)
• Berlin Tegel "Otto Lilienthal" Airport (TXL)
• Scoot (TR)
• Eurowings (EW)
• Norwegian Air Shuttle (DY, D8, DI, DU)
• Oslo Airport (OSL)
• New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

PODCAST CORRECTIONS, CLARIFICATIONS, CONFIRMATIONS

• The surface area at IST is 7,659-hectares (18,930-acres) (hurriyetdailynews.com | 3 May 2013)
• MAHB [Malaysia Airports Holdings BHD] to proceed with Penang International Airport expansion plan (thestar.com.my | 02 July 2019)

SHOW NOTES

• What's in this experience? [00:00:48]
• Vinny's experiences [00:01:13]
• Vinny has a unique landing at Istanbul (IST) [00:02:55]
• Geoff shares his experiences [00:05:36]
• Shout out to United Airlines (UA) social media team [00:06:43]
• Terrific soft product experience with ANA (NH) [00:07:52]
• Vinny and Geoff share their thoughts about the Jewel at Singapore Changi (SIN) [00:08:18]
• Wrap-up [00:10:25]

View Details

In this very special experience, we join Vinny and Geoff while they both are on the road. Vinny joins the experience from the Super Lounge at Istanbul Airport (IST), while Geoff joins in from Kuala Lumpur's Sentral Station. We share some of our experiences that we have experienced while on our RTW adventures.

Vinny shares initial impressions of the brand new gleaming white airport at IST and its massive lounge. He also lets us know about his unique arrival taking an airport bus from a parking location that he never experienced before. Geoff shares his interaction with the UA social media team, and a terrific customer experience with ANA for his neighbouring passengers. Geoff and Vinny both share their experience with The Jewel at SIN.

If you have questions or an experience that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/

View Details

Recorded 18 June 2019

Written by: Geoff Dahl & Vinod Viswalingam

Listen to this experience wherever you download your podcasts - including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play and Overcast.

• Listen to it on Apple Podcasts.
• Stream by clicking here.
• Download as an MP3 by right-clicking here and choosing “save as.”

In this experience we look at Vinny and Geoff's separate round the world (RTW) adventures - Vinny's will already be underway when this experience is posted. We look at the world of booking an RTW with points travel, with stopover and mileage rules, but also how to maximize your layovers between stopovers. Vinny shares his geeking out with reviews and videos to ensure he maximizes his in-flight and lounge experiences. Just because you have an RTW ticket doesn't mean you can't supplement it with some separate point-to-point tickets. Make sure you catch the great story about how Vinny's wife got upgraded to Seat 1A.

Geoff approached his RTW adventure from another angle – what was the most economically priced set of tickets on multiple airlines to complete the trip? Mainline flag carriers and low-cost carriers mixed together to get Geoff around the world. Knowledge of baggage limits helped Geoff pick certain flights. Geoff notes how third-party lounge accesses don't always work in all airports, and some lounge-like benefits offered at certain airports for a fee.

What were the tools that both Geoff and Vinny used while booking their adventure? What are they looking forward to in the cities they are stopping in?

CMB, DAD, DPS, DUS, EWR, FRA, GOT, HAN, HUI, IST, JFK, KUL, MAA, MAD, MLE, NRT, ORD, OSL, PEN, SIN, TPE, TXL, VIE, YTZ, YVR, YYZ – there is bound to be an adventure or two just waiting.

Shout outs to the websites of Sam Chui, The Points Guy and One Mile at a Time. A big shout out to the Layovers podcast with Paul Papadimitriou and Alex Hunter – thanks for the inspiration!

View From the Wing news item about a passenger being served 16 Month Old Food.

If you have an RTW story, question or experience that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/

SELECTED LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE EXPERIENCE

• Delta Air Lines (DL)
• San Diego International Airport (SAN)
• Embraer E-Jets
• Aeroplan flight rewards redemption chart
• Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
• EVA Air (BR)
• Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)
• Infinity Lounge
• Boeing 777-300 (airliners.net)
• Sam Chui
• The Points Guy
• Singapore Airlines (SQ)
• Airbus 330-300 (airliners.net)
• Singapore Changi Airport (SIN)
• Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Gold Lounge
• Hanoi Noi Bai International Airport (HAN)
• Vietnam Airlines (VN)
• Airbus 321 (airliners.net)
• Huế Phu Bai International Airport (HUI)
• Da Nang International Airport (DAD)
• SilkAir (MI)
• Chennai International Airport (MAA)
• Air India (AI)
• Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
• Boeing 787-9 (Boeing)
• Great Circle Mapper of Vinny's journey
• Boeing 777-200 (airliners.net)
• Turkish Airlines (TK)
• Istanbul Airport (Formerly ISL, changed to IST on 06 April 2019)
• Malé Velana International Airport (MLE)
• Istanbul Atatürk Airport (Formerly IST, changed to ISL on 06 April 2019)
• Turkish Airlines Lounge Business
• Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD)
• Boeing 737 MAX (Boeing)
• Boeing 739 NG (Boeing)
• Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
• Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
• Munich Airport (MUC)
• Zurich Airport (ZRH)
• Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
• Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)
• London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
• Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
• Air Canada (AC)
• Lufthansa (LH)
• Flight Aware
• The Real Difference Between Round Robin and Open Jaw Flights (travelandleisure.com | 06 December 2017)
• Star Alliance RTW Book and Fly tool
• Coordinated Universal Time (UTC)
• Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
• United Airlines (UA)
• Embraer E190 (Embraer)
• Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT)
• ANA (NH)
• Penang International Airport (PEN)
• Google Flights
• Skyscanner
• Kayak
• Scoot (TR)
• Malaysia Airlines (MH)
• Denpasar Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS)
• Boeing 737-800 (airliners.net)
• Berlin Tegel "Otto Lilienthal" Airport (TXL)
• Boeing 787-8 (airliners.net)
• Airbus 320 (airliners.net)
• EasyJet (U2, DS, EC)
• OeBB [Austrian Federal Railways]
• Deutsche Bahn [German Rail] (2A)
• Vienna Hauptbahnhof [Main Station] (OeBB)
• Munich Hauptbahnhof [Main Station] (Deutsche Bahn)
• Düsseldorf Airport (DUS)
• Eurowings (EW)
• Luftfahrtgesellschaft Walter (HE)
• De Havilland Canada DHC-8-400 Dash 8 (airliners.net)
• Göteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT)
• Oslo Airport (OSL)
• New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
• TWA Connie Cocktail Lounge
• TWA hotel
• Norwegian Air Shuttle (DY, D8, DI, DU)
• Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
• Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ)
• Flixbus
• The Jewel Changi Airport
• Indonesian Ferry Services
• Jakarta Soekarno–Hatta International Airport (CGK)
• Yogyakarta Adisutjipto International Airport (JOG)
• One Mile at a Time
• Huge shoutout to Layovers Podcast
  • Paul Papadimitriou
  • Alex Hunter
• View from the Wing
• Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
• American Airlines (AA)

NEWS ITEMS

viewfromthewing.com | American Airlines Serves 16 Month Old Food (10 June 2019)
https://viewfromthewing.boardingarea.com/2019/06/10/american-airlines-serving-16-month-old-food/
"Vegan red curry vegetables, he thought, sounded pretty good when the package was presented to him. But then he noticed the manufacture date, 16 months ago."

• Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
• American Airlines (AA)
• London Heathrow (LHR)
• Airline meal (Wikipedia)

PODCAST CORRECTIONS, CLARIFICATIONS, CONFIRMATIONS

• Geoff's YYZ-ORD-NRT-SIN flight was with an ANA special

SHOW NOTES

• What's in this experience? [00:00:46]
• The time that Vinny's wife got upgraded to Seat 1A with some very important baggage [00:01:11]
• Vinny's round the world adventure [00:02:53]
• Round the world rules using mileage points [00:05:33]
• Difference between a stopover and a layover [00:06:23]
• The route Vinny chose starting from YVR-TPE [00:06:48]
• Shout out to Sam Chui [00:07:25]
• Many different airlines have different versions of aircraft [00:07:54]
• TPE-SIN [00:08:26]
• SIN is first stopover, separate purchased tickets to Vietnam [00:09:04]
• Back to SIN [00:10:15]
• SIN-CMB via MAA [00:10:49]
• Air India downgraded aircraft [00:11:30]
• No IFE on a downgraded flight? [00:12:10]
• Where's the last stop going to be? [00:14:00]
• It's Spain! [00:14:40]
• Flying Turkish to MAD via the new airport at IST [00:16:22]
• Vinny figuring out how to complete the trip to YVR with available flights and RTW rules [00:19:43]
• FRA-YVR [00:21:11]
• The amount of geeking that Vinny did [00:22:08]
• Creating a round the world ticket without needing round the world points [00:23:09]
• Ticket call centre staff worth the fee [00:24:47]
• Geoff's upcoming adventure [00:25:39]
• Google Flights as a search tool [00:26:15]
• YYZ-ORD [00:26:53]
• ORD and third party lounges in T1, other options for passengers [00:27:29]
• ORD-NRT [00:28:09]
• Showers in NRT world renowned [00:29:01]
• Watch out for late flights and the Singapore MRT closure [00:29:27]
• Cheap Flights - what's the baggage allowance? [00:30:05]
• SIN-PEN [00:30:33]
• KUL-DPS [00:31:13]
• Lining up distances in different parts of the world with your local reality [00:31:27]
• What's the cheapest ticket from DPS to Europe for Geoff? [00:32:21]
• DPS-SIN-TXL on Scoot [00:32:33]
• TXL-VIE [00:33:26]
• Austrian and German Railways [00:33:37]
• DUS-GOT [00:33:54]
• OSL-JFK [00:34:15]
• TWA Bar at JFK [00:34:29]
• EWR-YTZ [00:34:54]
• Checking out The Jewel at SIN [00:37:15]
• What kind of tourist are you and what level of disruption are you comfortable with? [00:37:49]
• A lot of resources were used for our trips [00:39:51]
• Shout out to Layovers podcast [00:40:14]
• News Items [00:41:56]
  • American Airlines Serves 16 Month Old Food [00:42:18]
• Show Wrap-up [00:44:28]

View Details

In this experience we look at Vinny and Geoff's separate round the world (RTW) adventures - Vinny's will already be underway when this experience is posted. We look at the world of booking an RTW with points travel, with stopover and mileage rules, but also how to maximize your layovers between stopovers. Vinny shares his geeking out with reviews and videos to ensure he maximizes his in-flight and lounge experiences. Just because you have an RTW ticket doesn't mean you can't supplement it with some separate point-to-point tickets. Make sure you catch the great story about how Vinny's wife got upgraded to Seat 1A.

Geoff approached his RTW adventure from another angle – what was the most economically priced set of tickets on multiple airlines to complete the trip? Mainline flag carriers and low-cost carriers mixed together to get Geoff around the world. Knowledge of baggage limits helped Geoff pick certain flights. Geoff notes how third-party lounge accesses don't always work in all airports, and some lounge-like benefits offered at certain airports for a fee.

What were the tools that both Geoff and Vinny used while booking their adventure? What are they looking forward to in the cities they are stopping in?

CMB, DAD, DPS, DUS, EWR, FRA, GOT, HAN, HUI, IST, JFK, KUL, MAA, MAD, MLE, NRT, ORD, OSL, PEN, SIN, TPE, TXL, VIE, YTZ, YVR, YYZ – there is bound to be an adventure or two just waiting.

Shout outs to the websites of Sam Chui, The Points Guy and One Mile at a Time. A big shout out to the Layovers podcast with Paul Papadimitriou and Alex Hunter – thanks for the inspiration!

View From the Wing news item about a passenger being served 16 Month Old Food.

If you have an RTW story, question or experience that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/

View Details

Recorded 16 June 2019

Written by: Geoff Dahl & Vinod Viswalingam

Listen to this experience wherever you download your podcasts - including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play and Overcast.

• Listen to it on Apple Podcasts.
• Stream by clicking here.
• Download as an MP3 by right-clicking here and choosing “save as.”

In this experience we build off a key component of the previous experience and re-visit the theme of baggage. We look at where your checked bag ends up in a plane and why it is there, along with how bags are loaded with narrow-body and wide-body aircraft. We look at what's happening when you see your bags being loaded. Why is there different weights used by airlines – 32 kilos, 23 kilos and more. Vinny looks back at how many times people tried checking in overweight bags at YYC with British Airways (BA). Speaking of overweight bags, Vinny and Geoff share experiences with easyJet (U2) and Ryanair (FR) at TXL, STN and LGW. If you're on a journey with multiple airlines, make sure you check the weight limits for all the airlines. If you're over your weight limit by a lot, it never hurts to ask a supervisor. What is the famous "gate check" and "sky check"? What is the science of the bag tag?

Flyertalk/Independent (UK) news item about a passenger who accidentally opened the plane emergency exit instead of the toilet door.

Shout out to listener Danny Nabalek for sharing his experience of sitting in Seat 1A, listening to Seat 1A.

If you have an airline baggage story, question or experience that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/

SELECTED LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE EXPERIENCE

• Seat 1A Experience 016 – Vinny and Geoff analyze Debbie's flight experience (show notes and audio)
• Seat 1A Experience 004 - The journey of your checked luggage to your destination (show notes and audio)
• Pan Am (PA – ceased operations 1991) (Wikipedia)
• Flying boats (Wikipedia)
• Maximum takeoff weight (Wikipedia)
• WestJet (WS)
• Aalsmeer Flower Auction (Wikipedia)
• Sunwing Airlines (WG)
• Cancún International Airport (CUN)
• Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
• Denver International Airport (DEN)
• Seat 1A Experience 011 - Vinny's search for the bag on a diverted flight to Denver (show notes and audio)
• Baggage containers (Wikipedia - officially called Unit Load Devices.)
  • IATA Unit Load Devices
• Airbus 320 (Airbus Aircraft Characteristics Airport and Maintenance Planning (PDF) section 2-6-0)
• Airbus 321 (Airbus Aircraft Characteristics Airport and Maintenance Planning (PDF) section 2-6-0)
• Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)
• Vienna International Airport (VIE)
• Boeing 767-200 (airliners.net)
• "I Love Lucy" famous chocolate scene (youtube.com)
• United Breaks Guitars (youtube.com | 06 June 2009)
• Google Flights
• Skyscanner
• Calgary International Airport (YYC)
• London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
• British Airways (BA)
• EasyJet (U2, DS, EC)
• Berlin Tegel "Otto Lilienthal" Airport (TXL)
• Servisair/GlobeGround/Penauille (defunct 2013) (Wikipedia)
• Ryanair (FR)
• London Stansted Airport (STN)
• Weeze (Niederrhein) Airport (NRN)
• London Gatwick Airport (LGW)
• KLM (KL)
• Kangaroo route (Wikipedia)
• Yellowknife Airport (YZF)
• Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)
• IATA Common Use Self Service (CUSS) Technical Specification Revision 1.3 (PDF)
• IATA Common Use Passenger Processing Systems (CUPPS) Guidance Document (PDF)
• Air Canada (AC)
• Porter Airlines (PD)
• De Havilland Canada Dash 8 Q400 (formerly Bombardier)
• Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ)
• Horizon Air (QX) (subsidiary of Alaska Air Group)
• WestJet Encore (WR)
• Embraer ERJ-170/175/190/195 (airliners.net)
• Eurowings (EW)
• Bag Tag Art: "The Beauty of the Airline Baggage Tag" (Slate | 04 October 2012)
• Manchester Airport (MAN)
• Pakistan International Airlines (PK)
• Islamabad International Airport (ISB)

NEWS ITEMS

Independent (UK) | Woman accidentally opens plane emergency exit instead of toilet (10 June 2019)
https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/pakistan-international-airlines-flight-delay-open-toilet-emergency-exit-evacuation-slide-manchester-a8951606.html
"A flight from Manchester was delayed by almost eight hours after a passenger mistakenly opened an emergency exit instead of the toilet door."

• Sir? That’s Not the Bathroom Door (flyertalk.com 12 June 2019)
• Manchester Airport (MAN)
• Pakistan International Airlines (PK)
• Islamabad International Airport (ISB)
• Rush to emergency exit lands Chinese first-time flier in detention (scmp.com 02 May 2019)
  • Shandong Airlines (SC)
  • Jinan Yaoqiang International Airport (TNA)
• Nigeria's Dana Air blames passenger after door falls off (bbc.com 08 February 2018)
  • Dana Air (9J)
  • Abuja Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (ABV)

PODCAST CORRECTIONS, CLARIFICATIONS, CONFIRMATIONS

• Tunnel from Aalsmeer Flower Market was never built
  (Dutch Wikipedia)
• Niederrhien Airport is more commonly known as Weeze Airport
• Baggage rules are set by airlines and IATA plays no role in this activity.

SHOW NOTES

• What's in this experience [00:00:45]
• Lots of requests for us to look at baggage again [00:01:00]
• Since the dawn of travel people have carried their stuff [00:02:08]
• Fast forward to today and baggage on flights [00:02:51]
• A brief look at air cargo, complete with chicks and flowers [00:04:41]
• What are holds on the plane and how do they work? [00:06:21]
• Geoff shares experience with baggage holds from a baggage handler perspective [00:07:15]
• Vinny shares experience with working out flight load plans [00:08:10]
• Vinny "ripped that pit apart" in DEN [00:10:37]
• Widebody aircraft and their "cans" [00:12:18]
• The hunt for Vinny's canned bag in AMS [00:14:56]
• What's it like under the plane as a baggage handler [00:17:27]
• Where do these bag weight limits come from? 32 kg, 23 kg, 7 kg [00:21:14]
• What Vinny saw at the BA check-in counter at YYC [00:23:15]
• Vinny shares stories of excess baggage and easyJet - first at TXL [00:28:54]
• Geoff somehow didn't have to pay excess baggage with Ryanair at STN [00:33:42]
• Vinny and easyJet at LGW [00:34:29]
• Difference between flying to Australia & New Zealand via North America or via Asia (kangaroo route) [00:37:12]
• Brazilian bag limits [00:38:12]
• If you're on a journey with two different airlines, make sure you check the bag limits for both airlines [00:39:16]
• Common Use Self Service and Common Use Passenger Processing Systems [00:41:05]
• If you're stuck with lots of bags it never hurts to ask a person - and there may be special situations [00:42:26]
• The famous "gate check" [00:46:19]
• Are you boarding first? Sometimes a seat at the back of economy helps with carry-on baggage [00:48:10]
• Does your airline offer skycheck service? [00:48:59]
• The science of the baggage tag [00:51:03]
• News Items [00:55:12]
  • Woman accidentally opens plane emergency exit instead of toilet [00:55:19]
• Wrap-up [00:59:27]
• Shout-out to listener Danny Nabalek [01:00:27]

View Details

In this experience we build off a key component of the previous experience and re-visit the theme of baggage. We look at where your checked bag ends up in a plane and why it is there, along with how bags are loaded with narrow-body and wide-body aircraft. We look at what's happening when you see your bags being loaded. Why is there different weights used by airlines – 32 kilos, 23 kilos and more. Vinny looks back at how many times people tried checking in overweight bags at YYC with British Airways (BA). Speaking of overweight bags, Vinny and Geoff share experiences with easyJet (U2) and Ryanair (FR) at TXL, STN and LGW. If you're on a journey with multiple airlines, make sure you check the weight limits for all the airlines. If you're over your weight limit by a lot, it never hurts to ask a supervisor. What is the famous "gate check" and "sky check"? What is the science of the bag tag?

Flyertalk/Independent (UK) news item about a passenger who accidentally opened the plane emergency exit instead of the toilet door.

Shout out to listener Danny Nabalek for sharing his experience of sitting in Seat 1A, listening to Seat 1A.

If you have an airline baggage story, question or experience that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/

View Details

Recorded 12 May 2019

Written by: Geoff Dahl & Vinod Viswalingam

Listen to this experience wherever you download your podcasts - including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play and Overcast.

• Listen to it on Apple Podcasts.
• Stream by clicking here.
• Download as an MP3 by right-clicking here and choosing “save as.”

In this experience we are doing something a little bit different. Fan of the show, Debbie shares her nightmare travel experience from YVR to AUS. She shares the nineteen-hour saga – complete with one cancellation, one delay, one changed flight, three airlines, three changed connecting cities, dead checked bags in the bowels of YVR, and the determination of her and her husband to get to Austin along with their bags. Vinny and Geoff analyze what happened, and review how they handled the multiple traveller challenges that were experienced.

Shout out to Debbie for sharing her experience, another shout out to a terrific gate representative from Alaskan Airlines (AS)

Flyertalk news item about a Peruvian chef being held by the TSA for bringing 40 frozen piranhas into the U.S.

Condolences from Seat 1A to family and friends of Aeroflot Flight 1492 along with those in the industry.

If you have delay or rebooking stories (or want us to review and analyse your travel experience), question or experience that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/.

SELECTED LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE EXPERIENCE

• Austin–Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)
• Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
• Denver International Airport (DEN)
• Air Canada (AC)
• San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
• Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
• WestJet (WS)
• Alaska Airlines (AS)
• US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Preclearance
• Swoop (WO)
• Seat 1A Experience 009 - Geoff's delay experience (show notes and audio)
• Boeing 737 MAX
• United Airlines (UA)
• Seat 1A Experience 002 - FIM- Flight Interruption Manifest information (show notes and audio)
• Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
• Transportation Security Administration
• Seat 1A Experience 004 - Vinny's baggage experience with a cow heart (show notes and audio)
• Aeroflot Flight 1492 (Aviation Safety Network)
• Aeroflot Russian Airlines (SU)
• Moscow Sheremetyevo International Airport (SVO)
• Murmansk Airport (MMK)
• Sukhoi Superjet 100

NEWS ITEMS

flyertalk.com | TSA to Passenger: Why Do You Have 40 Piranhas in Your Duffel Bag? (10 May 2019)
https://www.flyertalk.com/articles/world-famous-chef-interrogated-at-lax-for-bringing-over-40-piranhas.html
"Peruvian chef and restaurateur Virgilio Martinez was detained by customs authorities for bringing 40 frozen piranhas into the U.S., The L.A. Times reports. The incident occurred earlier this week, as the chef arrived at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)..."

• A world-famous chef was stopped as he brought 40 piranhas through LAX (latimes.com 08 May 2019)
• Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

aviation-safety.net | Aircraft accident Sukhoi Superjet 100-95B RA-89098 Moskva-Sheremetyevo Airport (SVO) (05 May 2019) https://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=20190505-0
"...Aeroflot flight 1492, a Sukhoi Superjet 100-95B, returned to land at Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport in Russia and burst into flames during an attempted emergency landing. Of the 78 persons on board, 41 did not survive..."

• Aeroflot Russian Airlines (SU)
• Moscow Sheremetyevo International Airport (SVO)
• Murmansk Airport (MMK)
• Sukhoi Superjet 100

PODCAST CORRECTIONS, CLARIFICATIONS, CONFIRMATIONS

• US Pre-clearance also available in:
  • Aruba
    • Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA)
  • Bahamas
    • Grand Bahama International Airport (FPO)
    • Nassau Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS)
  • Bermuda
    • L.F. Wade International Airport (BDA)
  • Ireland
    • Dublin Airport (DUB)
    • Shannon Airport (SHN)
  • United Arab Emirates
    • Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH)
• Even though there is no AC desk at Austin, the claim would have been filed through the UA desk

SHOW NOTES

• What's in this experience [00:00:47]
• Hello Debbie. Introduction of the initial flight details YVR-DEN-AUS [00:01:44]
• First change to the itinerary. [00:02:39]
• Another change to the itinerary [00:03:40]
• Missing connections with new itinerary? [00:04:01]
• Yet another change to the itinerary at the airport to guarantee connections [00:04:32]
• New itinerary...new airline? [00:05:25]
• New itinerary...now how to get out of US Pre-clearance at YVR? [00:06:22]
• Can't get out of US pre-clearance. Maybe there's another earlier flight? [00:07:59]
• The realization that the flight has been handed off to another airline [00:08:33]
• What about the checked bags? [00:09:42]
• Time to wait 6 hours at the airport [00:10:13]
• Vinny gives clarification about US pre-clearance [00:10:32]
• Things are sorted out...but now needing Alaska Airlines tickets [00:12:19]
• Boarding passes with Alaskan were possible, but not without the bags. Where are the bags? [00:12:46]
• Bags located, a new offer of an earlier flight [00:13:19]
• But wait now the bags being on the plane and onward connection can't be confirmed [00:14:14]
• Go/no go time at the gate [00:14:30]
• No go was the choice [00:15:34]
• The hunt for the bags [00:15:55]
• One last check with Alaska Airlines to find the bag. [00:18:44]
• Bags located [00:19:17]
• After 19 hours everything did work out ok in the end [00:19:57]
• The analysis [00:20:18]
• Debbie's story happened right around the Boeing 737 MAX 8 groundings [00:21:21]
• Appears to have been possibly due to equipment switches [00:21:36]
• When does the bag tag die? [00:22:50]
• Airlines and their share of the ticket revenue [00:23:20]
• What might have happened to Debbie and Arno when they and their bags reached SFO [00:24:42]
• FIMs - when airlines hand off the ticket, value and rights to another airline [00:26:24]
• Review of positive bag match [00:27:21]
• Review the Go/No-go [00:31:13]
• Kudos from Seat 1A to that Alaskan gate agent [00:33:09]
• One last question from Debbie - what is our recommendation? [00:34:29]
• Listener learning points [00:36:27]
• News Items [00:38:30]
  • Frozen Piranhas at LAX [00:38:42]
  • Aeroflot flight 1492 crash [00:40:43]
• Show Wrap-up [00:42:08]

View Details

In this experience we are doing something a little bit different. Fan of the show, Debbie shares her nightmare travel experience from YVR to AUS. She shares the nineteen-hour saga – complete with one cancellation, one delay, one changed flight, three airlines, three changed connecting cities, dead checked bags in the bowels of YVR, and the determination of her and her husband to get to Austin along with their bags. Vinny and Geoff analyze what happened, and review how they handled the multiple traveller challenges that were experienced.

Shout out to Debbie for sharing her experience, another shout out to a terrific gate representative from Alaskan Airlines (AS)

Flyertalk news item about a Peruvian chef being held by the TSA for bringing 40 frozen piranhas into the U.S.

Condolences from Seat 1A to family and friends of Aeroflot Flight 1492 along with those in the industry.

If you have delay or rebooking stories (or want us to review and analyse your travel experience), question or experience that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/

View Details

Recorded 28 April 2019

Written by: Geoff Dahl & Vinod Viswalingam

Listen to this experience wherever you download your podcasts - including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play and Overcast.

• Listen to it on Apple Podcasts.
• Stream by clicking here.
• Download as an MP3 by right-clicking here and choosing “save as.”

In this experience, we look at railway to runway, using train services - that are often tied into the booking of your flight - to get to and from your airport. How does it work? How does it affect your baggage? Are you able to check in your bags at other airports besides the airport? What happens if your plane or train is late? Make sure you're catching the train at the right station. Vinny shares his city check-in experience at HKG. Does anyone still do curbside check-in? Shoutout to train travel writer extraordinaire Mark Smith – aka "The Man in Seat Sixty-One". If you're in a tough spot while, a train may be an option to get you to your short to mid-length destination. The railway to runway option is not limited to Europe...Taiwan has the option to book discounts on the high-speed rail system.

Vinny shares his experience train travelling in Hungary and missed his station stop – in the days before smartphones...and how a phone call to Geoff helped him get back on track. Geoff shares a plane to train experience – complete with Nietzsche. And you never know what you're experience you're going to have...even a train car singalong in Germany.

Jet Airways (9W) suspending operations.

Skift news item about credit card companies holding back ticket revenue from Norwegian (DY). Will Geoff run into problems when he flies them from OSL-JFK in a few months?

FlightGlobal news item about Firefly (FY) resuming flights from SZB to XSP. Vinny shares an experience from HKG-ZRH where he had to circle above the city to avoid a typhoon and an airspace restriction.

Business Traveller news item on Boeing 737 Max grounding leading to Air Canada (AC) cancellations and schedule amendments.

What happens when an airline swaps aircraft to a larger plane?

If you have a story, question or experience that you would like to share (including train travel stories), please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/.

SELECTED LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE EXPERIENCE

• Düsseldorf Airport (DUS)
• Göteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT)
• Eurowings (EW)

• Deutsche Bahn [German Rail] (2A)

  • Rail&Fly

    • Partner Airlines
    • Important information for Rail&Fly passengers, who have booked heir tickets via an Airline
    • Transfer connections to/from the airport
    • Partner Tour Operators
    • Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
    • Munich Airport (MUC)
    • Friedrichshafen Airport (FDH)
    • Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)
    • Copenhagen Airport (CPH)
    • Zurich Airport (ZRH)
    • Geneva Airport (GVA)
    • Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
    • Oslo Airport (OSL)
    • Vienna International Airport (VIE)
    • Lufthansa (LH)
      • Lufthansa Express Rail
    • OeBB [Austrian Federal Railways]
      • Rail&Fly Austria
      • Austrian AIRail
    • Austrian Airlines (OS)
    • SBB/CFF/FFS [Swiss Federal Railways]
      • Flight luggage station to Zurich Airport
      • Flight luggage door to Zurich Airport
      • Flight luggage door to foreign airport with check-in
      • Major changes to SBB Luggage Services as of 5 June 2018 (Trip Advisor 28 May 2018)
    • SWISS (LX)
    • Edelweiss Air (WK)
    • Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)
    • Eurail Passes
    • Seat 1A Experience 003 - Connecting two tickets experience (show notes and audio)
    • What airports still do curbside check-in?
      • Curbside Check-in: The Best Airport Perk You’re Not Using (smartertravel.com 25 September 2018)
    • SNCF [French National Railway Company] (2C)

  • TGV AIR : réserver un billet d’avion avec un pré-acheminement en train (appears to be only in French)

  • The Man in Seat Sixty-One
  • Amtrak (2V)
  • New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
  • Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
  • New York LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
  • AirTrain JFK
  • Long Island Rail Road - Jamaica Station
  • New York Penn Station (ZYP)
  • Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR)
  • Free high speed rail to Taoyuan for EVA and China Airlines passengers (taiwannews.com.tw 21 August 2017 - as of 2019 appears to now be only discounted fares)
  • Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)
  • EVA Air (BR)
  • Uni Air (B7)
  • THSR booking for EVA Air and Uni Air passengers
  • China Airlines (CI)

  • Mandarin Airlines (AE)

  • THSR booking for China Airlines and Mandarin Airlines passengers

  • China Eastern (MU)
  • Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN)
  • Ryanair (FR)
  • EasyJet (U2, DS, EC)
  • Deutsche Bahn TravelService Information
  • Seat 1A Experience 006 - Grab your passport (show notes and audio)
  • Through coach (Wikipedia)
  • MÁV [Hungarian State Railways]
  • PKP [Polish State Railways]
  • Jet Airways (9W)
  • WOW air (WW – ceased operations 2019)
  • Norwegian Air Shuttle (DY, D8, DI, DU)
  • Firefly (FY)
  • Subang Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (SZB - former KUL until 1998)
  • Singapore Selatar Airport (XSP)
  • Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL)
  • Airbus A340
  • Boeing 777
  • Finnair (AY)
  • Air Canada (AC)
  • Boeing 737 MAX
  • Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ)
  • St. John's International Airport (YYT)
  • London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
  • Montréal–Trudeau International Airport (YUL)
  • Barcelona–El Prat Josep Tarradellas Airport (BCN)
  • Qatar Airways (QR)
  • Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
  • Honolulu Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL)
  • Kahului Airport (OGG)
  • Omni Air International (OY)
  • Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport (BOD)
  • Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
  • Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
  • Shannon Airport (SHN)
  • Abbotsford International Airport (YXX)
  • Calgary International Airport (YYC)
  • London [Ontario] International Airport (YXU)
  • WOW air (WW – ceased operations 2019) (Wikipedia)
  • Airbus A321 (airliners.net)
  • Trent 1000 Packages B & C durability improvement explained (Rolls Royce)
  • Seat 1A Experience 009 - Wet leasing experience (show notes and audio)
  • Wet & Damp Leasing (UK Civil Aviation Authority)
  • Boeing 787 Dreamliner

NEWS ITEMS

bbc.com | Jet Airways temporarily suspends all flights (18 April 2019) https://www.bbc.com/news/business-47963536
"...Troubled Indian airline Jet Airways has temporarily suspended all its domestic and international flights after failing to find fresh funding.
The airline said its last flight would operate on Wednesday [17 April 2019] as it was not able to pay for fuel and other critical services..."

• Jet Airways (9W)

skift.com | Norwegian Air Suffers as Credit Card Companies Hold Back Ticket Revenue (28 April 2019)
https://skift.com/2019/04/28/norwegian-air-suffers-as-credit-card-companies-hold-back-ticket-revenue/
"...For air passengers, the nice thing about booking a ticket with your credit card is knowing you can probably get your money back if the carrier goes bust before you travel.
For cash-strapped airlines, the arrangement has a downside. If card providers are worried about a particular carrier’s finances, they can withhold more money on ticket sales from the company, potentially making its liquidity problem worse..."

• Norwegian Air Shuttle (DY, D8, DI, DU)
• Oslo Airport (OSL)
• New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

flightglobal.com | Malaysia's Firefly resumes Singapore ops after airspace dispute (22 April 2019)
https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/malaysias-firefly-resumes-singapore-ops-after-airsp-457601/
"...Two weeks after Singapore and Malaysia reached an agreement over an airspace dispute, Malaysia's Firefly resumed flights to Singapore via Seletar airport on 21 April.
In a media statement, Seletar operator Changi Airport Group (CAG) says the carrier will initially fly twice-daily between Subang and Singapore until 28 April, before operating six-daily services from 29 April..."

• Firefly (FY)
• Subang Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (SZB - former KUL until 1998)
• Singapore Selatar Airport (XSP)

Businesstraveller.com | B737 Max grounding causes Air Canada Heathrow cancellations (26 April 2019)
https://www.businesstraveller.com/business-travel/2019/04/26/b737-max-grounding-causes-air-canada-heathrow-cancellations/

"...Air Canada has been forced to make a number of changes to its network due to the ongoing grounding of the B737 Max.

Flights from Halifax and St John’s to London Heathrow have been suspended until July 31, as “alternative aircraft are not presently available”. The carrier stressed that it remains fully committed to these routes, and during the suspension would reaccommodate customers through its Toronto and Montreal hubs..."

• Air Canada (AC)
• Boeing 737 MAX
• Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ)
• St. John's International Airport (YYT)
• London Heathrow (LHR)
• Montréal–Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL)
• Barcelona–El Prat Josep Tarradellas Airport (BCN)
• Qatar Airways (QR)
• Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
• Honolulu Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL)
• Kahului Airport (OGG)
• Omni Air International (OY)
• Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport (BOD)
• Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
• Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
• Shannon Airport (SHN)
• Abbotsford International Airport (YXX)
• Calgary International Airport (YYC)
• London [Ontario] International Airport (YXU)
• WOW air (WW – ceased operations 2019)

PODCAST CORRECTIONS, CLARIFICATIONS, CONFIRMATIONS

• Curbside check-in is still in effect at American Airports with numerous carriers
• High speed rail gauge tends to be the same, however depending on the country it may be set on different trackage than non-high speed or freight trains
• The interterminal train at New York JFK is named AirTrain

SHOW NOTES

• What's in this experience [00:00:46]
• Railway to Runway what is it? [00:01:03]
• How does railway booking work with your luggage? [00:06:16]
• Vinny doing city check-in in Hong Kong [00:07:51]
• The days of curbside check-in at American airports [00:09:02]
• What would one normally do if getting off a flight and connecting to a smaller town? [00:10:25]
• What happens if your inbound train breaks down? [00:12:36]
• What if your inbound flight is delayed? [00:13:19]
• Be aware that the train station might be a bit of a maze to get to [00:14:03]
• Shoutout to Mark Smith and seat61.com [00:16:03]
• Using the train in crisis management situations [00:17:40]
• Geoff helping Vinny with train info in the days before smartphones [00:25:32]
• News Items [00:32:33]
  • Jet Airways suspends operations [00:32:37]
  • Norwegian Air Suffers as Credit Card Companies Hold Back Ticket Revenue [00:33:23]
    • Could this affect Geoff for a booked OSL-JFK flight? [00:34:07]
  • Malaysia's Firefly permitted to land in Singapore again...but not at Changi [00:35:46]
    • Vinny experienced Chinese airspace restrictions flying HKG-ZRH - in addition to a typhoon [00:38:26]
  • Air Canada schedule amendments due to 737 MAX groundings [00:41:03]
    • Vinny shares a story of a co-worker who has a 737 MAX swapped for a 787-9 [00:44:26]
    • Sometimes the plane type will be swapped out for a larger plane but new seats won't show for booking [00:45:18]
• Show Wrap-up [00:47:11]

View Details

In this experience, we look at railway to runway, using train services - that are often tied into the booking of your flight - to get to and from your airport. How does it work? How does it affect your baggage? Are you able to check in your bags at other airports besides the airport? What happens if your plane or train is late? Make sure you're catching the train at the right station. Vinny shares his city check-in experience at HKG. Does anyone still do curbside check-in? Shoutout to train travel writer extraordinaire Mark Smith – aka "The Man in Seat Sixty-One". If you're in a tough spot while, a train may be an option to get you to your short to mid-length destination. The railway to runway option is not limited to Europe...Taiwan has the option to book discounts on the high-speed rail system.

Vinny shares his experience train travelling in Hungary and missed his station stop – in the days before smartphones...and how a phone call to Geoff helped him get back on track. Geoff shares a plane to train experience – complete with Nietzsche. And you never know what you're experience you're going to have...even a train car singalong in Germany.

Jet Airways (9W) suspending operations. Skift news item about credit card companies holding back ticket revenue from Norwegian (DY). Will Geoff run into problems when he flies them from OSL-JFK in a few months?

FlightGlobal news item about Firefly (FY) resuming flights from SZB to XSP. Vinny shares an experience from HKG-ZRH where he had to circle above the city to avoid a typhoon and an airspace restriction.

Business Traveller news item on Boeing 737 Max grounding leading to Air Canada (AC) cancellations and schedule amendments.

What happens when an airline swaps aircraft to a larger plane?

If you have a story, question or experience that you would like to share (including train travel stories), please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/

View Details

Recorded 01 April 2019

Written by: Geoff Dahl & Vinod Viswalingam

Listen to this experience wherever you download your podcasts - including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play and Overcast.

• Listen to it on Apple Podcasts.
• Stream by clicking here.
• Download as an MP3 by right-clicking here and choosing “save as.”

With summer flights coming up to and from Europe, we look into the world of Schengen and non-Schengen flights. What is Schengen and what does it mean to you as a traveller? How will you have to handle security, customs and immigration? How does the physical layout of your airport affect your connection? Vinny shares a very tight timing experience flying from IBZ-MUC-YVR on Lufthansa (LH). Geoff shares experiences having to re-jig his schedules twice through MUC on LH. What do you want to do on your arrival - do you even need to clear Schengen? Do you have the proper visas to transit to get to your destination? Vinny shares stories of checking passports with British Airways (BA) at YYC. Does the country you're flying to offer short term visas? If you're travelling inter-Europe, you still might have a Schengen to non-Schengen connection. Boarding Area/Sam Chui news item about a British Airways flight ending up in the wrong city NBC news item about a Michigan mom suing Spirit Airlines, says daughter was removed from flight without her knowledge Boarding Area/Sam Chui news item about Air Belgium A340 operating for British Airways to Dubai Shoutout to listener Brenda Reeves. If you have a story, question or experience that you would like to share - including inter-European flights - please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/
SELECTED LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE EXPERIENCE

• Schengen Area (Wikipedia)
• Schengen Agreement (Wikipedia)
• WOW air (WW – ceased operations 2019) (Wikipedia)
• Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
• Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)
• Berlin Tegel "Otto Lilienthal" Airport (TXL)
• Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW)
• Oslo Airport (OSL)
• Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
• Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
• Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW)
• Riga International Airport (RIX)
• airBaltic (BT)
• Vilnius Airport (VNO)
• Hannover Airport (HAJ)
• Zurich Airport (ZRH)
• Düsseldorf Airport (DUS)
• Helsinki Airport (HEL)
• Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE)
• Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)
• US Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
• Ibiza Airport (IBZ)
• Munich Airport (MUC)
• Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
• Lufthansa (LH)
• London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
• British Airways (BA)
• Geneva Airport (GVA)
• Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD)
• New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
• Dublin Airport (DUB)
• ICAO Annex 9 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation
  • Chapter 5. Inadmissible Persons and Deportees
• Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM)
• Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL)
• Lahore Allama Iqbal International Airport (LHE)
• Seat 1A Experience 006 - Passport experience (show notes and audio)
• China Visa-Free Transit Guide | 72- & 144-Hour Transit Visas (travelchinacheaper.com)
• Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
• Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
• Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)
• The Terminal (iMDb)
• Montréal–Mirabel International Airport (YMX)
• Mehran Karimi Nasseri (Wikipedia)
• US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Preclearance
• London City Airport (LCY)
• Edinburgh Airport (EDI)
• WDL Aviation (WH)
• Spirit Airlines (NK)
• Tampa International Airport (TPA)
• Air Canada (AC)
• WestJet (WS)
• Seat 1A Experience 009 - Wet leasing experience (show notes and audio)
• Auckland Airport (AKL)
• Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
• Air New Zealand (NZ)
• EVA Air (BR)
• Air Belgium (KF)
• Boeing 787 Dreamliner
• Wet & Damp Leasing (UK Civil Aviation Authority)
• Airbus A340
• Dubai International Airport (DXB)
• Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
• Finnair (AY)
• Trent 1000 Packages B & C durability improvement explained (Rolls Royce)

NEWS ITEMS

samchui.com | British Airways flight ends up in wrong city (27 March 2019)
https://samchui.com/2019/03/27/british-airways-flight-ends-up-in-wrong-city/
"...On March 25th, a British Airways flight flying from London’s City Airport to Dusseldorf in Germany, landed in Edinburgh by mistake..."

• British Airways (BA)
• London City Airport (LCY)
• Düsseldorf Airport (DUS)
• Edinburgh Airport (EDI)
• WDL Aviation (WH)

flyertalk.com | We’re Super Sorry We Stranded Your Kid(s) (29 March 2019)
https://www.flyertalk.com/articles/were-super-sorry-we-stranded-your-kids.html
"...Spirit Airlines is being sued by a Michigan mother who says her 15-year-old daughter was removed from a flight due to overbooking...In a similar incident, Air Canada and WestJet left a 15-year-old girl stranded at an airport in Canada after flight delays due to a combination of high volumes of spring break travelers, landing of all Boeing 737 MAX 8s and ticketing problems..."

• Michigan mom suing Spirit Airlines, says daughter was removed from flight without her knowledge (nbc26.com 22 March 2019)
• Spirit Airlines (NK)
• Tampa International Airport (TPA)
• Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW)
• Girl, 15, stranded alone overnight at Calgary airport after flight delay, ticket error involving 2 airlines (cbc.ca 27 March 2019)
• Air Canada (AC)
• WestJet (WS)

Review: Air Belgium A340 operating for British Airways (15 March 2019)
https://samchui.com/2019/03/15/review-air-belgium-a340-operating-for-british-airways/ "British Airways have wet leased some of Air Belgium A340-300s to operate on a selection of their flights. This is due to the grounding of BA's B787 Dreamliners, because of the ongoing Rolls Royce Trent 1000 engine issues."

• Air Belgium (KF)
• Boeing 787 Dreamliner
• Wet & Damp Leasing (UK Civil Aviation Authority)
• Airbus A340
• Dubai International Airport (DXB)
• Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
• Finnair (AY)
• Air Belgium flights operating on behalf of British Airways (britishairways.com)
• British Airways to use Air Belgium for New York service (businesstraveller.com 31 January 2019)
• Trent 1000 Packages B & C durability improvement explained (Rolls Royce)

PODCAST CORRECTIONS, CLARIFICATIONS, CONFIRMATIONS

• Munich Terminal 1: Module A and D are for Schengen flights, Module B and C are for non-Schengen flights.
  Munich Terminal 2: Schengen flights are on fourth floor. Non-Schengen flights are on fifth floor.
• China transit visa is minimum of 72 hours for select locations

SHOW NOTES

• What's in this experience? [00:00:45]
• What is Schengen? [00:01:55]
• What does Schengen mean to a flying passenger [00:04:55]
• Heads up for those booking flights through Europe [00:06:05]
• Security, Customs, Immigration...what's the difference [00:08:32]
• How the physical layout of the airport affects your connection [00:11:45]
• Vinny's connection experience IBZ-MUC-YVR [00:12:32]
• Geoff mechanical issues at MUC [00:18:45]
• What do you want to do at your airport when you arrive? Do you need to enter Schengen? [00:19:58]
• Do you have the proper documents to get to your destination? [00:22:35]
• Vinny shares story of checking passports at YYC [00:24:47]
• Some countries offer short-term transit visas [00:28:39]
• Remember that there is Schengen to non-Schengen connections within Europe and how that affects your timings [00:31:37]
• Vinny and Geoff remember those that did not have eligible transit visas [00:36:30]
• Do your due diligence and think about how you want to connect at the airport [00:37:12]
• Be aware if you require single or multiple entry visas [00:38:46]
• News Items [00:41:12]
  • British Airways flight ends up in wrong city [00:41:16]
  • We’re Super Sorry We Stranded Your Kid(s) [00:45:15]
    • Children travelling alone on flights [00:47:48]
  • Air Belgium A340 operating for British Airways [00:49:32]
• Show Wrap-up [00:52:50]

View Details

With summer flights coming up to and from Europe, we look into the world of Schengen and non-Schengen flights. What is Schengen and what does it mean to you as a traveller? How will you have to handle security, customs and immigration? How does the physical layout of your airport affect your connection? Vinny shares a very tight timing experience flying from IBZ-MUC-YVR on Lufthansa (LH). Geoff shares experiences having to re-jig his schedules twice through MUC on LH. What do you want to do on your arrival - do you even need to clear Schengen? Do you have the proper visas to transit to get to your destination? Vinny shares stories of checking passports with British Airways (BA) at YYC. Does the country you're flying to offer short term visas? If you're travelling inter-Europe, you still might have a Schengen to non-Schengen connection.

Boarding Area/Sam Chui news item about a British Airways flight ending up in the wrong city

NBC news item about a Michigan mom suing Spirit Airlines, says daughter was removed from flight without her knowledge

Boarding Area/Sam Chui news item about Air Belgium A340 operating for British Airways to Dubai

Shoutout to listener Brenda Reeves.

If you have a story, question or experience that you would like to share - including inter-European flights - please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/

View Details

Recorded 31 March 2019

Written by: Geoff Dahl & Vinod Viswalingam

Listen to this experience wherever you download your podcasts - including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play and Overcast.

• Listen to it on Apple Podcasts.
• Stream by clicking here.
• Download as an MP3 by right-clicking here and choosing “save as.”

Condolences from Seat 1A to family and friends of Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 along with those in the industry. We were all ready to go with a new experience and then WOW, it went bankrupt. What was WOW's business model...ask Valentine about a free ticket? Vinny shares his story of showing up at work in YEG and finding out Jetsgo (SG) was bankrupt...and then having to tell the pilots they were out of a job and deal with the craziness of spring break travellers. Once wasn't enough though for Vinny...he was at work at YYC and had to tell the Zoom Airlines (Z4) pilot that the ground handling would not service the plane due to bankruptcy. Wait to hear what YYC did after the grounded plane was parked. If you're stuck with a bankrupt airline, what do you do? What were underlying causes of WOW's demise? What is the basic underlying support of your airline? Is your airline selling cheap tickets to meet their short-term cash flow needs? Sometimes there is a predicted process for the wind-down of an airline. SKYTRAX news item about 2018 World’s Best Airline Cabin Cleanliness award Flyertalk/Independent news item about KLM refusing to book a hotel for their stranded passengers Flyertalk news item about American Airlines passengers now being able to redeem miles on China Southern Shoutout to listener Danny Nabelek. If you have an airline bankruptcy story, question or experience that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/ SELECTED LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE EXPERIENCE

• Ethiopian Air (ET)
• Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 (Aviation Safety Network)
• WOW air (WW – ceased operations 2019) (Wikipedia)
• Icelandair (FI)
• Indigo Partners, LLC (Bloomberg company overview)
• WOW air planes grounded and many flight cancellations (Iceland Monitor 25 March 2019)
• WOW Air Is Offering Free Flights to People Named 'Valentine' (Conde Nast Traveler 30 January 2019)
• Canada 3000 (2T – ceased operations 2001) (Wikipedia)
• Greyhound Air (leased from FK – ceased operations 2007) (Wikipedia)
• Zoom Airlines (Z4 – ceased operations 2008) (Wikipedia)
• 15 Defunct Airlines You Might Not Remember (Popular Mechanics 23 January 2019)
• Pan Am (PA – ceased operations 1991) (Wikipedia)
• ValuJet Airlines (J7 – ceased operations 1997) (Wikipedia)
• Royal Aviation (QN – ceased operations 2001) (Wikipedia)
• Jetsgo (SG – ceased operations 2005) (Wikipedia)
• Air Canada (AC)
• Canadian Airlines (CP – ceased operations 2001) (Wikipedia)
• WestJet (WS)
• Edmonton International Airport (YEG)
• Servisair/GlobeGround/Penauille (defunct 2013) (Wikipedia)
• Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
• Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
• KLM (KL)
• Air France (AF)
• Glasgow Airport (GLA)
• London Gatwick Airport (LGW)
• Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
• Seat 1A Experience 004 - Journey of checked baggage (show notes and audio)
• Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW)
• Ansett Australia (AN – ceased operations 2002) (Wikipedia)
• Norwegian Air Shuttle (DY, D8, DI, DU)
• Wizz Air (W6)
• EasyJet (U2, DS, EC)
• XL Airways France (SE)
• Virgin Atlantic (VS)
• John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport (YHM)
• New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
• EU air passenger rights
• Google Flights
• Wow Air has shut down. Here's what went wrong, according to the company's CEO. (Business Insider 28 March 2019)
• Airbus 320
• Airbus 330-300
• Boeing 747-400
• Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
• Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL)
• Swoop (WO)
• Skyservice (5G - ceased operations 2010) (Wikipedia)
• MyTravel Airways (VZ - ceased operations 2008) (Wikipedia)
• First Choice Airways (DP – ceased operations 2008) (Wikipedia)
• All Nippon Airways (NH)
• EVA Air (BR)
• Asiana Airlines (OZ)
• Singapore Airlines (SQ)
• Japan Airlines (JL)
• Passenger Shaming (Instagram)
• Passenger Shaming (Twitter)
• Qatar Airways (QR)
• SWISS (LX)
• Lufthansa (LH)
• American Airlines (AA)
• China Southern (CZ)
• Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)
• Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
• Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)

NEWS ITEMS Skytrax | World’s Best Airline Cabin Cleanliness 2018 https://www.worldairlineawards.com/worlds-best-airline-cabin-cleanliness-2018/
"... ANA All Nippon Airways wins top accolade from customers for having the Cleanest Aircraft Cabins..."

• All Nippon Airways (NH)
• EVA Air (BR)
• Asiana Airlines (OZ)
• Singapore Airlines (SQ)
• Japan Airlines (JL)
• Qatar Airways (QR)
• SWISS (LX)
• Lufthansa (LH)

flyertalk.com | KLM Declines To Book Accommodation For Its Stranded Passengers (19 March 2019)
https://www.flyertalk.com/articles/klm-declines-to-book-accommodation-for-its-stranded-passengers.html
"... The Independent reports that Dutch carrier KLM is neglecting its responsibilities in respect of travelers who are in need of accommodation due to canceled flights..."

• KLM refuses to book hotel for stranded passengers (The Independent 18 March 2019)
• KLM (KL)

flyertalk.com | American Airlines Passengers Can Now Redeem Miles on China Southern (22 March 2019)
https://www.flyertalk.com/articles/american-airlines-passengers-can-now-redeem-miles-on-china-southern.html
"...Effective March 20, American Airlines passengers can earn and redeem AAdvantage miles on China Southern (CZ). CZ fares with the following booking codes will award passengers American miles at these rates..."

• American Airlines (AA)
• China Southern (CZ)

SHOW NOTES

• What's in this show experience? [00:00:48]
• Condolences to family, friends and those in the industry after the tragedy of Ethiopian Airlines 302 [00:01:08]
• We had an episode all lined up and then WOW ceased operations [00:01:46]
• Your ticket might be cheap, but be warned things could happen [00:05:51]
• Vinny working for the airline client the day it goes bankrupt [00:08:03]
• Vinny has another experience with an airline client the day it goes bankrupt [00:15:59]
• What does one do when an airline goes bankrupt? [00:21:53]
  • Rescue Fares - your next move is not going to be free of charge [00:23:03]
  • Get onto any aircraft that you can afford to get out, and also consider other non-airline means [00:28:00]
• The reclaiming process is not going to be solved right away [00:29:44]
  • Credit card and travel insurance [00:30:21]
  • EU passenger rights [00:31:02]
  • Flights to somewhere close to your end destination might be cheaper, and check if a return ticket is cheaper [00:31:57]
• When you're in the middle of the stress at the terminal, may be best to step away to an airport hotel [00:33:35]
• What was it that took WOW out? [00:35:40]
• Are cheap fares covering up a financial deficiency? [00:40:24]
• When some airlines go down, it is a long-known process with a predicted time [00:41:21]
• News Items [00:42:32]
  • World’s Best Airline Cabin Cleanliness 2018 [00:42:41]
  • KLM Declines To Book Accommodation For Its Stranded Passengers [00:44:23]
  • American Airlines Passengers Can Now Redeem Miles on China Southern [00:46:03]
• Show Wrap-up [00:47:13]

View Details

Condolences from Seat 1A to family and friends of Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 along with those in the industry. We were all ready to go with a new experience and then WOW, it went bankrupt. What was WOW's business model...ask Valentine about a free ticket? Vinny shares his story of showing up at work in YEG and finding out Jetsgo (SG) was bankrupt...and then having to tell the pilots they were out of a job and deal with the craziness of spring break travellers. Once wasn't enough though for Vinny...he was at work at YYC and had to tell the Zoom Airlines (Z4) pilot that the ground handling would not service the plane due to bankruptcy. Wait to hear what YYC did after the grounded plane was parked. If you're stuck with a bankrupt airline, what do you do? What were underlying causes of WOW's demise? What is the basic underlying support of your airline? Is your airline selling cheap tickets to meet their short-term cash flow needs? Sometimes there is a predicted process for the wind-down of an airline.

SKYTRAX news item about 2018 World’s Best Airline Cabin Cleanliness award
Flyertalk/Independent news item about KLM refusing to book a hotel for their stranded passengers
Flyertalk news item about American Airlines passengers now being able to redeem miles on China Southern

Shoutout to listener Danny Nabelek.

If you have an airline bankruptcy story, question or experience that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/

View Details

Recorded 18 February 2019

Written by: Geoff Dahl & Vinod Viswalingam

Listen to this experience wherever you download your podcasts - including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play and Overcast.

• Listen to it on Apple Podcasts.
• Stream by clicking here.
• Download as an MP3 by right-clicking here and choosing “save as.”

When Vinny was a kid, somehow he always ended up with an upgraded seat when flying YEG-LHR. How does an airline manage fares related to yield...and what happens when the math doesn't work out for the airline? What is a GTE? How does the airline re-jig the seating of a flight? Geoff's experience with snow delays at YYZ that got him an upgrade. Involuntary and voluntary upgrades – what's the difference? How do airlines determine who to upgrade – what's the prospective checklist? What does the upgrade and standby screen mean at some airports? When the check-in for flight closes, what's happening? Sometimes an involuntary upgrade doesn't for the passenger...why? How ordering certain special meals can affect your ability to get an upgrade. Vinny shares how Iceland Air (FI) food catering affects upgrading chances...even if you want to pay to upgrade. Why standby employees may end up getting the upgrades. "Are there any upgrades available?"...how Vinny held a key economy seat from GRU-JFK that helped get an upgrade. If you're asking for an upgrade, make sure you have a reason why you should be considered. Once the doors close you learn the incredible power of the crew for upgrading. Vinny and his amazing upgrade story from LHR-NBO...wait until you learn why was he met by the flight director. Vinny had a different upgrade attempt experience on Emirates (EK). Smart upgrading – it's not always about length of flight. Flight crews never know the reason why someone got a seat in a certain class. Geoff had a standby seat flying FRA-YVR but needed to use a jump seat for landing and takeoff. How to ask gate staff about how many seats are sold on the flight.

CBC News item about Air Canada accused of duping passengers about overselling

Skift news item about United Airlines threat to cut Expedia access to its seats. If you have an upgrade story, question or experience that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter,Instagram and Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/

SELECTED LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE EXPERIENCE

• Seat 1A Experience 010 – Who are we? (show notes and audio)
• Edmonton International Airport (YEG)
• London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
• Lockheed L-1011 500 TriStar (airliners.net)
• Yield Management
  • Understanding Yield Management – Getting the Deal (Drift Travel)
  • For a more academic review: Special Issue: Future of Airline Revenue Management (Journal of Revenue and Pricing Management | April 2018)
• Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
• Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport (YOW)
• Air Canada (AC)
• British Airways (BA)
• Calgary International Airport (YYC)
• Boeing 777-200
• Standby and upgrade screens at US airports
  • United Airlines - Flight standby list FAQs (UA)
  • American Airlines - Same-day flight change and standby (AA)
  • Delta Air Lines - Same-Day Flight Changes (DL)
• How Special Airline Meals Get Made (cntraveler.com | 01 August 2017)
• Special meal list examples
  • ANA - Special Meals (NH)
  • Emirates - Dietary Requirements (EK)
  • SWISS - Special Meals (LX)
  • United Airlines - Special Meals (UA)
• Icelandair (FI)
• Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
• Reykjavík–Keflavík Airport (KEF)
• Norwegian Air Shuttle (DY, D8, DI, DU)
• Seat 1A Experience 003 – Canada to Brazil on two tickets (show notes and audio)
• New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
• VARIG (RG - "old" VARIG ceased operations 2006 and "new" VARIG ceased operations 2009) (Wikipedia)
• São Paulo–Guarulhos International Airport (GRU)
• Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO)
• Boeing 747-400 (airliners.net)
• Emirates(EK)
• Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
• Dubai International Airport (DXB)
• Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
• Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)
• Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
• Seat 1A Experience 008 - Crew Rest Seats (show notes and audio)
• Seat 1A Experience 011 - Third-party booking sites (show notes and audio)

NEWS ITEMS

CBC | Air Canada employee says staff trained to 'dupe' passengers at risk of being bumped from oversold flights (10 February 2019)https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/air-canada-agents-reveal-oversell-practices-1.5008217
"...A pair of Air Canada insiders are shedding light on the airline's policy of overselling flights, revealing what they say is a widespread practice of duping passengers into believing they have a seat on a plane and stringing them along until the last possible moment...."

• Air Canada (AC)

Skift.com | United Threatens to Cut Access to Flights Departing After September, Expedia Alleges (05 February 2019)https://skift.com/2019/02/05/united-threatens-to-cut-access-to-flights-departing-after-september-expedia-alleges/
"...Expedia alleged United Airlines threatened as part of renegotiating its ticketing agreement to remove its access to customers’ flights on United for travel starting Oct. 1.
United could remove Expedia’s access to United’s flights for travel after September beginning on Monday, Feb. 11, according to an Expedia lawsuit..."

• United Airlines (UA)
• Expedia.com

SHOW NOTES

• What's in Experience 012? [00:00:33]
• Oversales and Vinny's upgrade experiences starting at an early age [00:01:42]
• Airlines and the world of yield management [00:04:27]
• Geoff's experiences with oversold flights [00:07:56]
• Involuntary and voluntary upgrades. What's the difference? [00:09:35]
• Offers for upgrade when checking in online [00:10:17]
• Option to upgrade when you're at the airport [00:10:50]
• Involuntary upgrades [00:11:29]
• How do airlines determine who to upgrade? [00:13:30]
• How ordering special meals can affect if you get upgraded [00:20:34]
• Sometimes meal service won't let you upgrade - even if you want to pay due to pre-booked catered numbers [00:21:41]
• Who's trying to get into what seat - even in economy [00:25:24]
• Are there any upgrades available? Vinny returning from Carnival in Brazil [00:25:44]
• Are you looking for any voluntary or involuntary upgrades on this flight? Make sure you have a reason why you should be considered. [00:29:09]
• The world of what happens with the crew and upgrades when the door closes [00:32:19]
• Vinny and his incredible upgrade experience LHR-NBO [00:32:46]
• Vinny has a different upgrade attempt experience on Emirates (EK) [00:39:53]
• Smart Upgrading [00:43:13]
• Geoff having to sit jumpseat for landing and takeoff with a standby ticket [00:48:09]
• CBC Article - Air Canada employee says staff trained to 'dupe' passengers at risk of being bumped from oversold flights [00:50:12]
• Questions to ask about how full your flight is [00:52:34]
• Skift News item - United (UA) Threatens to Cut Access to Flights Departing After September, Expedia Alleges [00:54:17]
• Wrap up [00:56:47]

View Details

When Vinny was a kid, somehow he always ended up with an upgraded seat when flying YEG-LHR. How does an airline manage fares related to yield...and what happens when the math doesn't work out for the airline? What is a GTE? How does the airline re-jig the seating of a flight? Geoff's experience with snow delays at YYZ that got him an upgrade. Involuntary and voluntary upgrades – what's the difference? How do airlines determine who to upgrade – what's the prospective checklist? What does the upgrade and standby screen mean at some airports? When the check-in for flight closes, what's happening? Sometimes an involuntary upgrade doesn't for the passenger...why? How ordering certain special meals can affect your ability to get an upgrade. Vinny shares how Iceland Air (FI) food catering affects upgrading chances...even if you want to pay to upgrade. Why standby employees may end up getting the upgrades. "Are there any upgrades available?"...how Vinny held a key economy seat from GRU-JFK that helped get an upgrade. If you're asking for an upgrade, make sure you have a reason why you should be considered. Once the doors close you learn the incredible power of the crew for upgrading. Vinny and his amazing upgrade story from LHR-NBO...wait until you learn why was he met by the flight director. Vinny had a different upgrade attempt experience on Emirates (EK). Smart upgrading – it's not always about length of flight. Flight crews never know the reason why someone got a seat in a certain class. Geoff had a standby seat flying FRA-YVR but needed to use a jump seat for landing and takeoff. How to ask gate staff about how many seats are sold on the flight. CBC News item about Air Canada accused of duping passengers about overselling Skift news item about United Airlines threat to cut Expedia access to its seats.

If you have an upgrade story, question or experience that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/

View Details

Recorded 27 January 2019

Written by: Geoff Dahl & Vinod Viswalingam

Listen to this experience wherever you download your podcasts - including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play and Overcast.

• Listen to it on Apple Podcasts.
• Stream by clicking here.
• Download as an MP3 by right-clicking here and choosing “save as.”

In this episode experience big thank yous for your likes & support of our social media launch! We share a story from one of our followers about her cancelled JFK flight. We look at delays versus cancellations and diversions, and discuss the airline's obligations. Listener Isabel lets us know about her story about her cancelled late-night flight at JFK with American Airlines (AA) along with her husband and toddler. The journey to the closest available hotel and time for her next flight was extremely difficult for her – particularly with a toddler. She made sure to follow-up in writing with American Airlines after her experience – with a supporting photo! American to their credit responded quite well. We clarify the difference between delay and cancellation and what happens on the back end the moment an airline is notified – the race is on to find blocks of rooms. Sometimes it's a race against other airlines. You need to determine if it's worth it to take the airline's offer. Are your meal vouchers going to be accepted or do you have the time to use them to eat? Are you able to coordinate children or other travelers flying with you as well? The moral of the story – make sure you follow up with the airline after a cancellation – but make sure you ride the fine line of reasonability. Will you be reimbursed for a room if the airline has already offered one? Be ready to take what you get, but if you have a special situation (e.g. young children) you need to bring it to the airline's attention. Vinny shares a great delay story with a delayed package tour passenger at YEG. We look at some other delays – including delayed WestJet (WS) passengers that were delivered to a hotel in CUN but were told that the hotel wasn't expecting them and requested payment up front. This highlights the relationship between the airline and the ground handler – these are two different things. Many airlines use a third-party ground handler. Does the ground handler have relationships with local hotels? We review a diversion that happened at Goose Bay, Labrador (YYR) with United Airlines (UA), which then had a mechanical problem and was delayed for 17 hours. There are many things that happen after a plane is diverted – including ground handling, baggage, fuel issues and possibly customs. Will there be other mechanical issues or will the crew time out – preventing the plane from continuing on? Is the ground handler able to handle the logistics of putting people up and feeding them? There are numerous logistics to get a recovery aircraft to remote locations including replacement crew, plane types & flight planning. Vinny shares a diversion story with Sunwing Airlines (WG) when a CUN-YVR flight had to divert to DEN. The European Union has a long-standing set of passenger rights & compensation. Canada has recently started a similar set of rights. There was case in January 2019 of a UK family who were asked to sit on the floor of their charter flight. Don't expect magic with cancellations, delays and diversions, be as realistic as you can, but ensure that the airline is doing as much as they can with the situation. Vinny shares a story about an American Airlines (AA) flight diverted from YYC to YEG where the crew was not able to continue, and the plane had to park due to a crew issue. What happens to the inside of the plane when that happens? *Diversions might also have passenger issues with customs which means that the flight can't be handled or won't be handled.

If you have a irregular operations story, question or experience that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/ SELECTED LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE EXPERIENCE*

• Seat 1A Facebook site
• Seat 1A Instagram site
• Seat 1A Twitter Feed
• New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
• New York LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
• Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
• Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)
• Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
• Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
• Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport (YOW)
• London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
• London Gatwick Airport (LGW)
• Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
• Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
• Abbotsford International Airport (YXX)
• Seat 1A Experience 009 – Geoff's cancelled flight (show notes and audio)
• Swoop (WO)
• American Airlines (AA)
• Ford Fleet Shuttle Bus
• General Motors Fleet Shuttle Bus
• Edmonton International Airport (YEG)
• Tim Hortons
• Seat 1A Experience 001 - Ticketing (show notes and audio)
• Seat 1A Experience 002 - Ticketing (show notes and audio)
• WestJet (WS)
• Cancún International Airport (CUN)
• Swissport
• Menzies Aviation
• City Express Cancún (Google Map)
• Canadian Forces Base Goose Bay (Royal Canadian Air Force)
• Goose Bay Airport (YYR)
• United Airlines (UA)
• Seat 1A Experience 004 - Journey of checked baggage (show notes and audio)
• Sunwing Airlines (WG)
• Denver International Airport (DEN)
• Boeing 737-800
• Seat 1A Experience 008 - Crew duty and rest periods (show notes and audio)
• Great Circle Mapper CUN-DEN-YVR
• Boeing 777
• TUI Airways (BY)
• Menorca Airport (MAH)
• Birmingham Airport (BHX)
• EU air passenger rights
• Canada air passenger rights
• Calgary International Airport (YYC)
• McDonnell Douglas MD-80
• APIS: Advance Passenger Information System (US Customs and Border Protection)
• Mehran Karimi Nasseri (Wikipedia)
• The Terminal (IMDb)

NEWS ITEMS cbc.ca | WestJet passengers fuming after being 'abandoned' in Mexico (08 January 2019)https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/westjet-ottawa-passengers-cancun-complaints-1.4968882
"...Some WestJet passengers say they felt 'abandoned' in downtown Cancun, Mexico, after their return flight was first delayed and then cancelled on the weekend....They soon found themselves, along with more than 100 other stranded passengers, on a dark side street after a shuttle dropped them at a hotel that wasn't expecting them..."

• WestJet (WS)
• Cancún International Airport (CUN)
• Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport (YOW)

flyertalk.com | United Passengers Frozen and Marooned for 17 Hours in Canada (21 January 2019)https://www.flyertalk.com/articles/united-passengers-marooned-for-17-hours-at-goose-bay.html
"...A Hong Kong-bound flight from Newark was forced to make an emergency diversion to Canadian Forces Goose Bay when a passenger fell ill. However, due to a technical issue with a door of the aircraft, the 777 was unable to continue its journey to Hong Kong, leaving passengers stranded on the tarmac for a total of 17 hours..."

• United Airlines (UA)
• Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
• Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)
• Goose Bay Airport (Civilian Operations - YYR)
• Boeing 777

BBC | Family had to sit on floor of TUI plane (13 January 2019)https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-46858249

"...A family returning from holiday found they had no seats once they had boarded their plane and spent part of the flight sitting on the floor..."

• TUI Airways (BY)
• Menorca Airport (MAH)
• Birmingham Airport (BHX)

PODCAST CORRECTIONS, CLARIFICATIONS, CONFIRMATIONS

• Canadian Forces Base Goose Bay had been used by RAF, Luftwaffe, Aeronautica Militare, and Royal Netherlands Air Force until 2005. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/british-take-their-leave-from-goose-bay-1.527941 (CBC | 31 March 2005)
• Swissport completed the merger with Servisair in 2014 http://www.swissport.com/nc/news-media-center/news-detail/article/swissport-completes-acquisition-of-servisair/

SHOW NOTES

• Show Introduction, social media launch and thank you everyone! [00:00:48]
• Shout-out to show listener Isabel and her story about a cancelled flight at JFK [00:03:00]
• Clarification of what getting "stuck" with an airline can mean [00:04:16]
• Isabel's written follow-up with American Airlines (AA) [00:10:14]
• Cancellation versus delay [00:11:54]
• What happens when an airline is notified of delay or cancellation? [00:13:38]
• Moral of the story - make sure you follow up a cancellation experience! [00:17:43]
• Vinny shares a delay story with a package tour passenger at YEG [00:22:36]
• CUN-YOW passengers stranded - hotel didn't know they were coming [00:24:57]
• The relationship of the airline and the ground handler [00:26:59]
• United Airlines EWR-HKG flight 17-hour diversion in Labrador [00:31:29]
• Vinny's diversion story CUN-DEN-YVR [00:34:08]
• EU moved forward on passenger rights, Canada recently started a system as well [00:43:41]
• Vinny shares a story of an AA flight that was diverted to YEG [00:44:59]
• Show wrap-up [00:49:24]

View Details

In this episode big thank yous for your likes & support of our social media launch! We share a story from one of our followers about her cancelled JFK flight. We look at delays versus cancellations and diversions, and discuss the airline's obligations.

Listener Isabel lets us know about her story about her cancelled late-night flight at JFK with American Airlines (AA) along with her husband and toddler. The journey to the closest available hotel and time for her next flight was extremely difficult for her – particularly with a toddler. She made sure to follow-up in writing with American Airlines after her experience – with a supporting photo! American to their credit responded quite well.

We clarify the difference between delay and cancellation and what happens on the back end the moment an airline is notified – the race is on to find blocks of rooms. Sometimes it's a race against other airlines. You need to determine if it's worth it to take the airline's offer. Are your meal vouchers going to be accepted or do you have the time to use them to eat? Are you able to coordinate children or other travelers flying with you as well?

The moral of the story – make sure you follow up with the airline after a cancellation – but make sure you ride the fine line of reasonability. Will you be reimbursed for a room if the airline has already offered one? Be ready to take what you get, but if you have a special situation (e.g. young children) you need to bring it to the airline's attention.

Vinny shares a great delay story with a delayed package tour passenger at YEG.

We look at some other delays – including delayed WestJet (WS) passengers that were delivered to a hotel in CUN but were told that the hotel wasn't expecting them and requested payment up front. This highlights the relationship between the airline and the ground handler – these are two different things. Many airlines use a third-party ground handler. Does the ground handler have relationships with local hotels?

We review a diversion that happened at Goose Bay, Labrador (YYR) with United Airlines (UA), which then had a mechanical problem and was delayed for 17 hours. There are many things that happen after a plane is diverted – including ground handling, baggage, fuel issues and possibly customs. Will there be other mechanical issues or will the crew time out – preventing the plane from continuing on? Is the ground handler able to handle the logistics of putting people up and feeding them? There are numerous logistics to get a recovery aircraft to remote locations including replacement crew, plane types & flight planning. Vinny shares a diversion story with Sunwing Airlines (WG) when a CUN-YVR flight had to divert to DEN.

The European Union has a long-standing set of passenger rights & compensation. Canada has recently started a similar set of rights. There was case in January 2019 of a UK family who were asked to sit on the floor of their charter flight.

Don't expect magic with cancellations, delays and diversions, be as realistic as you can, but ensure that the airline is doing as much as they can with the situation.

Vinny shares a story about an American Airlines (AA) flight diverted from YYC to YEG where the crew was not able to continue, and the plane had to park due to a crew issue. What happens to the inside of the plane when that happens?

Diversions might also have passenger issues with customs which means that the flight can't be handled or won't be handled.

If you have a irregular operations story, question or experience that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/

View Details

Recorded 06 January 2019

Written by: Geoff Dahl & Vinod Viswalingam

Listen to this experience wherever you download your podcasts - including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play and Overcast.

• Listen to it on Apple Podcasts.
• Stream by clicking here.
• Download as an MP3 by right-clicking here and choosing “save as.”

In celebration of our 10th episode experience, we want to share where we're coming from in terms of travel and aviation. We're sharing stories right from childhood about crazy things we've done, positions we've worked and fill in the blanks for our listeners.

Vinny shares how he was already in an aircraft travelling globally at a very young age and his boyhood wonder of jet travel staring at an Air Canada (AC) L-1011 at the terminal window.

Geoff shares his experiences crossing Canada with Canadian Pacific (CP) and AC as a child and watching final approaches of numerous planes in his backyard.

Geoff and Vinny met up in university in Edmonton, Canada. A big shout out to the global student association AIESEC – which provided both our hosts a chance to expand their global experience.

Geoff gained valuable insight into the world standards for shipping infectious substances by air.

Vinny had a unique project with passenger movement at YEG security before and after 9/11.

Geoff shares his experience on the ramp as a ground handler – and even a presidential interruption of his work at YYC.

Vinny shares his incredible story of doing manual check-ins at YEG – make sure you don't lose that seat sticker! There was a time that a charter flight engine literally froze up at -50C!

Vinny then moved to YYC – with British Airways (BA).

Vinny gained further experience on the other side of the door as a flight attendant.

How a flight delay in DEN led to the development of Seat 1A.

News Items – the passing of Herb Kelleher from Southwest (WN).

We'd love to learn about who you are as a listener. If you have a story, question or experience that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/ SELECTED LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE EXPERIENCE

• Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT)
• Subang Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (SZB - former KUL until 1998)
• Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
• Pacific Western Airlines (PW - ceased operations 1987) (Wikipedia)
• Boeing 737-200 (b737.org.uk)
• Edmonton City Centre Airport (YXD closed 2013)
• Edmonton International Airport (YEG)
• London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
• Air Canada (AC)
• Lockheed L-1011 500 TriStar (airliners.net)
• CP Air (CP - ceased operations 1987) (Wikipedia)
• Calgary International Airport (YYC)
• Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
• Boeing 767-200 (airliners.net)
• Charlottetown Airport (YYG)
• Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
• Spokane International Airport (GEG)
• University of Alberta
• AIESEC
• Lufthansa (LH)
• What happened to Terminal 2 at Pearson Airport? (blogTO | November 2018)
• Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
• Harare Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (HRE) (Wikipedia)
• Johannesburg O. R. Tambo International Airport (JNB)
• IATA Division 6.2—Infectious Substances (PDF)
• Frankfurt Solari split-flap display (youtube.com | 11 March 2018)
• Edmonton International Airport Corporate Information
• Boeing 737-300 (airliners.net)
• Boeing 737-700 (airliners.net)
• Boeing 737-800 (airliners.net)
• Royal Air Force Brize Norton (BZZ)
• Swissport
• Skyservice (5G - ceased operations 2010) (Wikipedia)
• Boeing 757 (airliners.net)
• Cancún International Airport (CUN)
• Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ)
• Martinair (MP) (passenger service ended 2011)
• Air Transat (TS)
• America West Airlines (HP - ceased operations 2005) (Wikipedia)
• Zoom Airlines (Z4 - ceased operations 2008) (Wikipedia)
• MyTravel Airways (VZ - ceased operations 2008) (Wikipedia)
• Thomas Cook Airlines (MT)
• JetsGo (SG - ceased operations 2005) (Wikipedia)
• Harmony Airways (HQ - ceased operations 2007) (Wikipedia)
• Servisair/GlobeGround/Penauille Servisair (defunct 2013) (Wikipedia)
• Royal Netherlands Air Force
• Mexicana de Aviación (MX - ceased operations 2010) (Wikipedia)
• British Airways (BA)
• Sunwing Airlines (WG)
• WestJet (WS)
• Denver International Airport (DEN)
• Boryspil International Airport (KBP)

NEWS ITEMS dallasnews.com | Southwest Airlines' legendary co-founder Herb Kelleher dies at 87 (03 January 2019)https://www.dallasnews.com/business/southwest-airlines/2019/01/03/southwest-airlines-legendary-co-founder-herb-kelleher-dies-87
"...Kelleher, the legendarily colorful co-founder and longtime executive who embodied the spirit of the Dallas-based airline, died Thursday [03 January 2019]. He was 87..."

• Southwest Airlines (WN)

PODCAST CORRECTIONS, CLARIFICATIONS, CONFIRMATIONS

• Our experience about baggage was in 004 (click here for show notes and audio)

PEOPLE MENTIONED

• Herb Kelleher (Wikipedia)

SHOW NOTES

• Show introduction [00:00:48]
• Vinny's childhood introduction to flying [00:02:03]
• Geoff's childhood flying memories [00:04:40]
• Geoff & Vinny meet at university - the AIESEC connection [00:09:30]
• Vinny and his aviation-related university project [00:14:19]
• Geoff's ground handling experience - you'll never guess who interrupted his work [00:17:05]
• Vinny got experience at check-in - even manual check-in! [00:24:46]
• Vinny moves to the life inside the plane [00:39:26]
• A delay at DEN - or how did Seat 1A come about? [00:40:46]
• News Item - Passing of Herb Kelleher [00:47:59]
• Wrap-up [00:48:48]

View Details

Vinny shares how he was already in an aircraft traveling globally at a very young age and his boyhood wonder of jet travel staring at an Air Canada (AC) L-1011 at the terminal window. Geoff shares his experiences crossing Canada with Canadian Pacific (CP) and AC as a child and watching final approaches of numerous planes in his backyard. Geoff and Vinny met up in university in Edmonton, Canada. A big shout out to the global student association AIESEC – which provided both our hosts a chance to expand their global experience. Geoff gained valuable insight into the world standards for shipping infectious substances by air. Vinny had a unique project with passenger movement at YEG security before and after 9/11. Geoff shares his experience on the ramp as a ground handler – and even a presidential interruption of his work at YYC. Vinny shares his incredible story of doing manual check-ins at YEG – make sure you don't lose that seat sticker! There was a time that a charter flight engine literally froze up at -50C! Vinny then moved to YYC – with British Airways (BA). Vinny gained further experience on the other side of the door as a flight attendant. How a flight delay in DEN led to the development of Seat 1A. News Items – the passing of Herb Kelleher from Southwest (WN).

We'd love to learn about who you are as a listener. If you have a story, question or experience that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/

View Details

Recorded 06 January 2019

Written by: Geoff Dahl & Vinod Viswalingam

Listen to this experience wherever you download your podcasts - including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play and Overcast.

• Listen to it on Apple Podcasts.
• Stream by clicking here.
• Download as an MP3 by right-clicking here and choosing “save as.”

In this episode experience we analyze two different flying experiences. A Canadian domestic ULCC redeye flight delay & cancellation. A trans-Pacific flag carrier flight booked with a travel booking website which had issues with frequent flyer mileage & extra legroom. Geoff shares his delay experience with delays and a cancellation on a Swoop (WO) redeye flight from YXX to YHM. What went wrong on the flight, and what could Geoff have done better to prepare? What can one possibly expect with a ULCC carrier versus a flag carrier – particularly with landing in smaller centres? We share a shout out to listener Trevor Hamilton. Vinny shares a story about Trevor's experience with Air New Zealand (NZ) return flight from LAX-AKL-MEL booked with Expedia. Did the points get credited as expected? What to watch for to make sure the points qualify for accrual – particularly on a third-party travel booking website. Vinny shares a points experience story with Korean (KE) from YVR-ICN and how his fare class was linked to KE's frequent flyer program SKYPASS. Wait, there's more to Trevor's flight story...how a dry leased EVA (BR) plane affected his extra purchased legroom from AKL-LAX. WestJet (WS) plane 'made contact' with catering vehicle on tarmac. *Brussels Airlines (SN) A330 Suffers Inflight Dual Engine Failures.

If you have a flight experience story, question or experience that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/ SELECTED LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE EXPERIENCE*

• Abbotsford International Airport (YXX)
• Swoop (WO)
• John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport (YHM)
• WestJet (WS)
• Seat 1A Experience 008 - show notes and audio
• Seat 1A Experience 007 - show notes and audio
• Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)
• Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW)
• Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP)
• Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
• Auckland Airport (AKL)
• Melbourne Airport (MEL)
• Air New Zealand (NZ)
• Aeroplan Fare Options Booking Classes - version 14 (PDF file)
• Air New Zealand Long Haul Global Saver Fare Conditions
• ITA Software Computational Complexity of Air Travel Planning (2003 PDF file)
• Great Circle Mapper mileage LAX-AKL-MEL
• Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
• Incheon International Airport (ICN)
• Korean Air (KE)
• Star Alliance
• Skyteam
• Delta SkyMiles
• Korean Air SKYPASS
• Wet & Damp Leasing (UK Civil Aviation Authority)
• Dry Leasing (UK Civil Aviation Authority)
• EVA Air (BR)
• Boeing 777 300 ER
• Montréal–Trudeau International Airport (YUL)
• Great Circle Mapper Distance Comparison: AKL-TPE; AKL-BKK; AKL-SIN

NEWS ITEMS bc.ctvnews.ca | WestJet plane 'made contact' with catering vehicle on tarmac (03 January 2019)https://bc.ctvnews.ca/westjet-plane-made-contact-with-catering-vehicle-on-tarmac-1.4239460
"...On Thursday morning, the Palm Springs-bound flight from YVR was put on hold because the plane 'made contact' with a catering vehicle, according to WestJet..."

• Boeing 737-800
• Palm Springs International Airport (PSP)

airwaysmag.com | Brussels Airlines A330 Suffers Inflight Dual Engine Failures (24 December 2018)https://airwaysmag.com/airlines/brussels-airlines-a330-suffers-inflight-dual-engine-failure/
"...A Brussels Airlines Airbus A330-223, performing flight SN358 from Kinshasa to Brussels, suffered failures on both engines at different stages of its journey..."

• Brussels Airlines (SN)
• N'Djili (Kinshasa) International Airport (FIH)
• Brussels Airport (BRU)
• Djerba–Zarzis International Airport (DJE)
• Airbus 330
• Air Transat Flight 236 (Aviation Safety Network)
  • GPIAA Portugal | Accident Investigation Final Report, All Engines-out Landing Due to Fuel Exhaustion, Air Transat, Airbus A330-243 marks C-GITS, Lajes, Azores, Portugal, 24 August 2001 (Government of Portugal PDF | 18 October 2004)
  • C-GITS (Airfleets.net)
• British Airways Flight 'Speedbird 9' (Aviation Safety Network)
  • G-BDXH (Airfleets.net)

SHOW NOTES

• What's in today's show? [00:00:53]
• Geoff's experience with Swoop (WO) delay and cancellation at YXX [00:02:06]
• Dissecting of a ULCC experience [00:13:13]
• Summary of the recommendations [00:26:41]
• Flight with Air New Zealand (NZ) booked with Expedia - where are the points? [00:29:06]
• A review of booking classes [00:32:38]
• Vinny and his SKYPASS saga [00:42:03]
• Just because you've purchased extra legroom... [00:46:11]
• Wet Leasing and Dry Leasing airplanes [00:47:01]
• WestJet (WS) plane 'made contact' with catering vehicle on tarmac [00:53:52]
• Brussels Airlines (SN) A330 Suffers Inflight Dual Engine Failures [00:56:25]
• Wrap-up [00:58:42]

View Details

Geoff shares his delay experience with delays and a cancellation on a Swoop (WO) redeye flight from YXX to YHM. What went wrong on the flight, and what could Geoff have done better to prepare? What can one possibly expect with a ULCC carrier versus a flag carrier – particularly with landing in smaller centres? We share a shout out to listener Trevor Hamilton. Vinny shares a story about Trevor's experience with Air New Zealand (NZ) return flight from LAX-AKL-MEL booked with Expedia. Did the points get credited as expected? What to watch for to make sure the points qualify for accrual – particularly on a third-party travel booking website. Vinny shares a points experience story with Korean (KE) from YVR-ICN and how his fare class was linked to KE's frequent flyer program SKYPASS. Wait, there's more to Trevor's flight story...how a dry leased EVA (BR) plane affected his extra purchased legroom from AKL-LAX. WestJet (WS) plane 'made contact' with catering vehicle on tarmac. Brussels Airlines (SN) A330 Suffers Inflight Dual Engine Failures.

If you have a flight experience story, question or experience that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/

View Details

Recorded 02 December 2018

Written by: Geoff Dahl & Vinod Viswalingam

Listen to this experience wherever you download your podcasts - including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play and Overcast.

• Listen to it on Apple Podcasts.
• Stream by clicking here.
• Download as an MP3 by right-clicking here and choosing “save as.”

In this episode experience we look at the world of crew duty time, flight duty period, and crew rest periods. What is the generally accepted length of allowed duty time, how is this defined, and when does the clock start? How long is the minimum rest time? How is the time allocated when at home or a remote downline station?

We hear that crew time has expired – what does that mean? What are the different options for replacement crews? How does crew scheduling work? Minimum crew requirements – what is it and how is it determined?

Controlled rest on smaller planes and augmentation on long-haul flights – where do pilots and crew sleep? Guess where the crew bunk areas are on wide-body planes?

What to be aware of for delay situations and crew staffing?

Mechanical delays happen – news item of 7-hour delays at BLR with AI.

Drunk JL pilot 9x over the limit at LHR

*LO pilot had to pay cash for parts at PEK before flying to WAW – and asked the passengers to help out.

If you have a crew duty story, question or experience that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/ SELECTED LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE EXPERIENCE*

• Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) 2017-3 Standard 720 – General DIVISION III - STANDARDS FOR FLIGHT TIME AND FLIGHT DUTY TIME LIMITATIONS AND REST PERIODS
• US Code of Federal Regulations Title 14 - Aeronautics and Space § 91.1057 Flight, duty and rest time requirements: All crewmembers.
• Australian Duty time, flight time and flight duty period
• European Commission Regulation (EC) No 1899/2006 Air operations, including Flight Time Limitations (FTL), ANNEX III SUBPART Q - Flight and duty time limitations and rest requirements
• Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
• United Airlines (UA)
• London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
• London Gatwick Airport (LGW)
• British Airways (BA)
• Munich Airport (MUC)
• Lufthansa (LH)
• Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
• Montréal–Trudeau International Airport (YUL)
• Air Canada (AC)
• Cathay Pacific (CX)
• Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
• Japan Airlines (JL)
• Düsseldorf Airport (DUS)
• Kenya Airways (KQ)
• Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)
• Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
• Windhoek Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH)
• Honolulu Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL)
• Kahului Airport (OGG)
• Havana José Martí International Airport (HAV)
• Boeing 747
• Boeing 777
• Rolls Royce Trent 800
• Air Canada Flight 759 (Aviation Safety Network)
  • San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
  • Air Canada (AC)
  • NTSB Aircraft Incident Report, Taxiway Overflight, Air Canada Flight 759, Airbus A320-211, C-FKCK, San Francisco, California, July 7, 2017 (National Transportation Safety Board PDF | 2018)

NEWS ITEMS Times of India | AI flight to Delhi delayed for 7 hrs, passengers hit (02 December 2018)
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/ai-flight-to-delhi-delayed-for-7-hrs-passengers-hit/articleshow/66901122.cms
"...The flight (AI 505) was supposed to take off from Bengaluru at 10am but was delayed due to technical issues. It finally departed at 5.15pm..."

• Air India (AI)
• Bengaluru Kempegowda International Airport (BLR)
• Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL)

The Guardian | Japanese pilot jailed for drinking before flight from Heathrow (29 November 2018)https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/nov/29/heathrow-pilot-jailed-for-10-months-after-drinking-before-flight
"...The co-pilot was caught after security noticed he smelled strongly of alcohol, seemed drunk and had “glazed eyes”, while an officer later noticed he had 'difficulty standing straight'..."

• Japan Airlines (JL)
• London Heathrow (LHR)
• Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND)

aerotime.aero | Passengers asked to pay for repair so LOT plane can take off (14 November 2018)https://www.aerotime.aero/clement.charpentreau/22088-passengers-asked-to-pay-for-repair-so-lot-plane-can-take-off
"... After a Boeing 787 Dreamliner hydraulic pump broke down, 249 passengers on board LOT Polish Airlines flight LO92 were asked to foot the bill for repairs so they could take off..."

• LOT Polish Airlines (LO)
• Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
• Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW)

PODCAST CORRECTIONS, CLARIFICATIONS, CONFIRMATIONS

• Japan Airlines (JL) no longer flies to DUS – but ANA (NH) currently does as of 02 December 2018.

SHOW NOTES

• Introduction to crew duty time, flight duty period, and crew rest periods [00:01:00]
• The crew's time has expired – an explanation [00:08:00]
• If your crew is delayed at your airline's home base what options are there? [00:10:15]
• What happens if they're delayed downline? [00:12:10]
• How does crew scheduling work? [00:15:17]
• What is minimum crew requirement? [00:17:47]
• Where do crew take a rest in the plane? Narrow-body plane examples and controlled rest [00:21:25]
• Pilot rest areas on wide-body planes [00:23:23]
• Cabin crew get rest areas all over the plane – any guesses where? [00:25:53]
• Are airlines providing enough rest time for crew – Air Canada (AC) Flight 759 as an example [00:30:14]
• What to be aware for as a passenger [00:31:20]
• Crew delays can happen just getting to the airport [00:32:07]
• News Items
  • AI flight to Delhi delayed for 7 hrs [00:33:59]
  • Japanese pilot jailed for drinking before flight from Heathrow [00:35:28]
  • Passengers asked to pay for repair so LOT plane can take off [00:37:00]
• Wrap-up [00:38:28]

View Details

In this episode we look at the world of crew duty time, flight duty period, and crew rest periods. What is the generally accepted length of allowed duty time, how is this defined, and when does the clock start? How long is the minimum rest time? How is the time allocated when at home or a remote downline station? We hear that crew time has expired...what does that mean? What are the different options for replacement crews? How does crew scheduling work? Minimum crew requirements...what is it and how is it determined? Controlled rest on smaller planes and augmentation on long-haul flights...where do pilots and crew sleep? Guess where the crew bunk areas are on wide-body planes? What to be aware of for delay situations and crew staffing? Mechanical delays happen – news item of 7-hour delays at BLR with AI. Drunk JL pilot 9x over the limit at LHR LO pilot had to pay cash for parts at PEK before flying to WAW...and asked the passengers to help out.

If you have a crew duty story, question or experience that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/

View Details

Recorded 02 December 2018

Written by: Geoff Dahl & Vinod Viswalingam

Listen to this experience wherever you download your podcasts - including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play and Overcast.

• Listen to it on Apple Podcasts.
• Stream by clicking here.
• Download as an MP3 by right-clicking here and choosing “save as.”

It's that time of the year again in northern climates.

Why do we de-ice? A couple of key tragic crashes changed de-icing focus. A quick review of surface contamination. How to get clear the wings of ice – everything from a bucket of hot water on a small plane to glycol on larger planes.

What's the difference between de-icing and anti-icing?

Three main different types of de-icing options used by airports. and how it's cleaned up after use. How is it determined if the plane is going for de-icing? Is there a way we can tell what method an airport uses?

The delays that are possible from de-icing. We look back at Episode Experience 003 where Vinny had a de-icing delay at YYZ.

Does your airport normally get frost, snow or freezing rain? Do they have the equipment to handle a de-icing queue effectively?

De-icing also can happen when it's perfectly sunny...snow squalls can always show up. Delays are also possible due to clearing runways of snow.

Vinny shares an unfortunate incident with a de-icing bucket truck (wasn't with him fortunately!)

Alaska – hinting that they're finally going to join oneworld?

BA has their final 767 passenger flight. What a fantastic workhorse of a plane.

*TAP Portugal accepting first 330neo. The world of aviation is evolving quickly these days.

If you have a de-icing story, question or experience that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/ SELECTED LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE EXPERIENCE*

• Air Ontario (GX) Flight 1363 (Aviation Safety Network)

  • Air Ontario (GX – ceased operations 2001) (Wikipedia)
  • Dryden Regional Airport (YHD)
  • Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport (YWG)
  • Canadian Commission of Inquiry into the Air Ontario Crash at Dryden, Ontario (Government of Canada | 1992)

  • USAir (US) Flight 405 (Aviation Safety Network)

  • USAir (US - Rebranded as US Airways in 1997 – ceased operations 2015) (Wikipedia)

  • New York LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
  • Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE)
  • NTSB Aircraft Accident Report, Takeoff Stall in Icing Conditions, USAir Flight 405, Fokker F-28, N485US, LaGuardia Airport, Flushing, New York, March 22, 1992 (National Transportation Safety Board PDF | 1993)
  • Fokker F28 Fellowship (airliners.net)
  • Ice Pilots NWT (IMDb)
  • Lockheed L-188 Electra (airliners.net)
  • Douglas DC-3 (airliners.net)
  • Calgary International Airport (YYC)
  • Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
  • Propylene glycol (Wikipedia)
  • Ethylene glycol (Wikipedia)
  • Diethylene glycol (Wikipedia)
  • De-icing/Anti-icing Fluids Type I & IV (Transport Canada)
  • Glycol recovery
  • Beam Glycol Recovery Vehicle (youtube.com)
  • Airport Glycol Recycling (Inland Technologies)
  • Centralized De-icing Facility (example from YYZ)
  • Snow Removal (example from DEN)
  • Winter Operation at Zurich Airport (ZRH - PDF file)
  • London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
  • Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
  • De-icing truck examples
  • Vestergaard Company
  • Ground Support Specialists
  • JBT
  • Global Ground Support
  • Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
  • Seat 1A Experience 003 - show notes and audio
  • Montréal–Trudeau International Airport (YUL)
  • Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
  • Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  • Hamburg Airport (HAM)
  • Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
  • Helsinki Airport (HEL)
  • Auxiliary power unit (Wikipedia)

NEWS ITEMS Skift.com | Alaska Airlines Hints It May Finally Join the Oneworld Alliance (27 November 2018) https://skift.com/2018/11/27/alaska-airlines-hints-it-may-finally-join-the-oneworld-alliance/
"... Alaska Airlines is considering joining the Oneworld marketing alliance dominated by American Airlines, British Airways, and Qantas, though likely not as a full-fledged member, its chief commercial officer told investment analysts on Tuesday. [27 November 2018]..."

• Alaska Airlines (AS)
• oneworld

airlinerwatch.com | British Airways receives first A321neo and retires last Boeing 767 (26 November 2018)https://airlinerwatch.com/british-airways-receives-first-a321neo-and-retires-last-boeing-767/
"...British Airways has operated the last scheduled flight with its final Boeing 767 registered as G-BZHA from Larnaca in Cyprus to London-Heathrow on November 25. The aircraft took off from Larnaca at 07:45PM EET and landed at London-Heathrow at 10:34PM GMT..."

• Larnaca International Airport (LCA)
• London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
• G-BZHA (Airfleets.net)
• Boeing 767-300
• Boeing Everett Production Facility
• Delta Air Lines (DL)
• United Airlines (UA)
• Japan Airlines (JL)
• All Nippon Airways (NH)
• FedEx Express (FX)
• UPS Airlines (5X)
• Jet bridge (Wikipedia)
• Airbus 321neo
• Boeing 787 Dreamliner
• Air Canada (AC) 143 "Gimli Glider" (Aviation Safety Network)
  • Air Canada (AC)
  • C-GAUN (Airfleets.net)
  • When a metric mix-up led to the 'Gimli Glider' emergency (CBC | 23 July 2018)
  • Gimli Industrial Park Airport (YGM)
  • "Final report of the Board of Inquiry investigating the circumstances of an accident involving the Air Canada Boeing 767 aircraft C-GAUN that effected an emergency landing at Gimli, Manitoba on the 23rd day of July, 1983" (Government of Canada PDF | April 1985)

Airliner World | Airbus Delivers First A330neo (28 November 2018)https://airlinerworld.keypublishing.com/2018/11/airbus-delivers-first-a330neo/
"...TAP Air Portugal has accepted delivery of the first Airbus A330neo at an event held at the aerospace giant’s Toulouse facility. The Portuguese national carrier is due to receive a further 20 of the type in the coming years, which will form the backbone of its long-haul fleet..."

• TAP Air Portugal (TP)
• Airbus 330neo

SHOW NOTES

• Introduction to de-icing [00:01:10]
• Two flight crashes that led to the changes in de-icing [00:01:51]
• The procedure...starting simple [00:04:30]
• De-icing versus anti-icing [00:06:35]
• Different ways that different airports de-ice [00:09:43]
• Who decides to de-ice [00:13:06]
• Is there a way we can tell as passengers how the plane will be de-iced? [00:15:14]
• How to be prepared for delays – and we look back to Episode Experience 003 [00:16:06]
• Remember just because it's dry on the ground doesn't mean you won't go for anti-icing treatment – Vinny shares a story from YUL [00:20:14]
• Be aware for your connections – Vinny shares another de-ice delay story at HAM [00:22:50]
• Remember that clearing runways of snow can also delay your flight [00:23:51]
• Planes getting backed up at YEG due to delays on de-icing pad [00:24:48]
• Vinny shares a story of a very hot de-icing incident [00:26:26]
• News stories
  • Alaska – hinting that they're finally going to join oneworld? [00:31:17]
  • British Airways retires last Boeing 767 [00:31:51]
  • Airbus Delivers First A330neo [00:34:19]
• Remembering famous Boeing 767 "Gimli Glider" [00:35:38]
• Wrap-up [00:36:22]

View Details

It's that time of the year again in northern climates. Why do we de-ice? A couple of key tragic crashes changed de-icing focus. A quick review of surface contamination. How to get clear the wings of ice – everything from a bucket of hot water on a small plane to glycol on larger planes. What's the difference between de-icing and anti-icing? Three main different types of de-icing options used by airports. and how it's cleaned up after use. How is it determined if the plane is going for de-icing? Is there a way we can tell what method an airport uses? The delays that are possible from de-icing. We look back at Episode 003 where Vinny had a de-icing delay at YYZ. Does your airport normally get frost, snow or freezing rain? Do they have the equipment to handle a de-icing queue effectively? De-icing also can happen when it's perfectly sunny...snow squalls can always show up. Delays are also possible due to clearing runways of snow. Vinny shares a story of an unfortunate incident with a de-icing bucket truck (wasn't with him fortunately!) Alaska Airlines – hinting that they're finally going to join oneworld? BA has their final 767 passenger flight. What a fantastic workhorse of a plane. TAP Portugal accepting first 330neo. The world of aviation is evolving quickly these days.

If you have a de-icing story, question or experience that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/

View Details

Recorded 01 December 2018

Written by: Geoff Dahl & Vinod Viswalingam

Listen to this experience wherever you download your podcasts - including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play and Overcast.

• Listen to it on Apple Podcasts.
• Stream by clicking here.
• Download as an MP3 by right-clicking here and choosing “save as.”

Vinny misplaces his passport the first time - and it ended up where? How did it get reconnected to him?Have you ever misplaced your passport AT the airport? Vinny's did at FRA - and what happened after that is absolutely bananas.What should you copy and keep with you and checklists if you lose your passport.Your passport expired but what happens with active visas?Say cheese - passport photos. It's not just lost passports that need to get replaced.How many American passports are lost/stolen per year?How strong is your country's passport?Flying fish with ANA and meal selections from the EU. Bibimbap as an food option to ICN while in economy.New $4 billion renovations open at LGA. New $1.8 billion terminal in MCT.The wild ride with WOW, Iceland Air, and Indigo - possible intercontinental ULCC possiblities?*Shoutout and a request for our listeners - how is the ANA flying fish?

If you have a passport story, question or experience that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/ SELECTED LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE EXPERIENCE*

• America West Airlines (HP - ceased operations 2005) (Wikipedia)
• American Airlines (AA)
• Edmonton International Airport (YEG)
• Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
• Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
• US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Preclearance
• Government of Canada Transportation Security Clearance Program - Aviation
• San Antonio International Airport (SAT)
• How to Clean an airliner (BBC | 05 October 2015)
• Dubrovnik Airport (DBV)
• Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
• Calgary International Airport (YYC)
• Air Transat (TS)
• Frankfurt Airport Police / Bundespolizeidirektion Flughafen Frankfurt am Main
• Orlando International Airport (MCO)
• Visa policy of Brazil (Wikipedia)
• São Paulo–Guarulhos International Airport (GRU)
• Swiss Federal Railways SBB Half-Fare travelcard
• Eurail passes
• Zurich Airport (ZRH)
• Passport standards
  • What to do if you lose your passport while traveling abroad (Business Insider | 07 October 2015)
  • Lost or Stolen Passports (U.S. Department of State)
  • Lost and stolen passports (Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade)
  • Cancel a lost or stolen passport (gov.uk)
  • Lost / Stolen / Misplaced Singapore Passport (High Commission of the Republic of Singapore – London)
  • Reisepass verloren. Keine Panik - diese Schritte müsst ihr bei Verlust gehen (Urlaubsguru | 27 October 2017)
  • Reisepass - Ersatz wegen Verlust beantragen (Serviceportal Baden-Württemburg)
  • Lost, stolen, inaccessible, damaged or found passports (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada)
  • Lost Passport? Here's What to Do (Conde Nast Traveler | last updated 22 January 2019)
• Passport Index

NEWS ITEMS businesstraveller.com | ANA rolling out new authentic fish dishes on flights from Europe (30 November 2018)
https://www.businesstraveller.com/business-travel/2018/11/30/ana-rolling-out-new-authentic-fish-dishes-on-flights-from-europe/
"... Japan’s All Nippon Airways (ANA) has been granted certification to begin offering a range of new cooked fish dishes on board its European flights, with a new menu already set to roll out across select services from Saturday, December 1..."

• ANA (NH)
• Korean Air (KE)
• Bibimbap (Korea Tourism Organization)
• Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
• Incheon International Airport (ICN)
• Boeing 787-9

NY1 Spectrum News | New $4 Billion Concourse Opens at LaGuardia Airport (01 December 2018)https://www.ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/news/2018/12/01/new-4-billion-concourse-opens-at-laguardia-airport
"...11 new gates are opened inside Terminal B, it’s part of an $8 billion plan to modernize the airport..."

• LGA is busiest North American airport without any non-stop flights to Europe (Airports Council International .xls file)
• New York LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
• Air Canada (AC)
• American Airlines (AA)
• Southwest Airlines (WN)
• United Airlines (UA)
• FAO Schwartz

airport-business.com | Oman Airports celebrates Grand Opening of new Muscat International Airport (22 November 2018)
http://www.airport-business.com/2018/11/oman-airports-celebrates-grand-opening-of-new-muscat-international-airport/
"...The new $1.8 billion passenger terminal at Muscat International Airport commercially opened on 20 March, 2018, and has been designed and constructed to the highest standards of quality and service. The airport features Omani-themed architecture, state-of-the-art technologies, and exceptional passenger experience..."

• Muscat International Airport (MCT)
• Emirates (EK)
• Etihad Airways (EY)
• Qatar Airways (QR)
• Oman Air (WY)
• Gulf Air (GF)

businesstraveller.com | Frontier Airlines owners to take stake in Wow Air (30 November 2018)https://www.businesstraveller.com/business-travel/2018/11/30/frontier-airlines-owners-to-take-stake-in-wow-air/
"...Private equity firm Indigo Partners has agreed in principle to invest in Wow, with the carrier’s CEO and primary shareholder Skuli Mogensen remaining a principal investor..."

• WOW air (WW)
• Icelandair (FI)
• Indigo Partners, LLC (Bloomberg company overview)
• Frontier Airlines (F9)
• Wizz Air (W6)
• JetSMART (JA)
• Volaris (Y4)
• Volaris Costa Rica (Q6)

SHOW NOTES

• Vinny misplaces passport for the first time [00:01:01]
• How did Vinny get the passport back? [00:07:15]
• Vinny loses his passport again - in the airport [00:14:27]
• The Polizei at FRA [00:21:11]
• What to do if you lose the passport? [00:28:13]
• Also applicable to damaged passports [00:36:21]
• How many passports are reported lost to US State Department every year? [00:40:10]
• How strong is your passport? [00:40:56]
• Flying Fish with ANA [00:42:23]
• Bibimbap as a food option to ICN [00:43:32]
• New Terminal opens at LGA [00:47:19]
• New Terminal at MCT [00:49:57]
• Iceland Air (FI) & WOW (WW) Air Saga [00:51:31]
• Wrap-up [00:54:16]

View Details

Vinny misplaces his passport the first time - and it ended up where? How did it get reconnected to him? Have you ever misplaced your passport at the airport? Vinny did at FRA - and what happened after that is absolutely bananas. What should you copy and keep with you and checklists if you lose your passport. Your passport expired but what happens with active visas? Say cheese - passport photos. It's not just lost passports that need to get replaced. How many American passports are lost/stolen per year? How strong is your country's passport? Flying fish with ANA and meal selections from the EU. Bibimbap as an food option to ICN while in economy. Multi-billion renovations open at LGA. New terminal in MCT. The wild ride with WOW, Iceland Air, and Indigo - possible intercontinental ULCC possiblities? Listener shoutout.

If you have a passport story, question or experience that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/

View Details

Recorded 29 October 2018

Written by: Geoff Dahl & Vinod Viswalingam

Listen to this experience wherever you download your podcasts - including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play and Overcast.

• Listen to it on Apple Podcasts.
• Stream by clicking here.
• Download as an MP3 by right-clicking here and choosing “save as.”

*Exploring the world of airport lounges. What's in them, what lounges are available for whom, and are there ways around the restrictions? Getting a Thai massage at BKK before your flight. Comfortable beds for sleeping at FRA Lufthansa HON lounge. Accessing the lounge – there are many different ways. First and business ticket holders, flight status holders, certain credit card holders. The multitude of lounges available with both airline/alliance lounges and third-party lounges. Consider opening your wallet in some cases and paying a for single entry or for an annual membership (Virgin Australia also has a lifetime membership!) Vinny somehow got into a lounge with an expired card - and not just once or twice. The incredible Etihad Residence Lounge at AUH with a shout-out to Sam Chui for his review! And at the other end of the scale – wait until you hear about the "lounge" experience at LXR. How a simple shower will rejuvenate you between long intercontinental flights. Don't forget about sleeping cabins and pods at some airports...are they worth it? The crazy busy SilverKris T3 lounge at SIN in the later evening...and Qantas upping their first-class lounge game at SIN by late 2019. SAS Golden Lounge at CPH – a new daylight boosting zone for those long Nordic winter nights. Cathay Pacific paid lounge access promotion at three airports flying to HKG.

If you have a lounge story, question or experience that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/ SELECTED LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE EXPERIENCE*

• Thai Airways (TG) Royal Orchid Spa at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)
• Lufthansa (LH) lounges
• Star Alliance lounge access policy
• Priority Pass
• Lounge Buddy
• Lounge Club
• Lounge Pass
• Dragon Pass
• Executive Lounges by Swissport
• Plaza Premium Lounge
• Air Canada (AC)
• American Express Platinum Card
• Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges
• One-time lounge access purchases
  • Air France - Lounge Options (AF)
  • Alaska Lounge day passes (AS)
  • American Airlines - Admirals Club membership (AA)
  • ANA - Paid Lounge Access (NH)
  • Avianca - Lounge Day Pass (AV)
  • Delta - Membership & Access (DL)
  • Emirates - Our Lounges (EK)
  • Etihad Airways - Pay for lounge access (EY)
  • KLM - Lounge access policy (KL)
  • LATAM - Purchase your access (JJ, LA, LP, LU, PZ, XL, 4C, 4M)
  • SWISS - Lounge access voucher (LX)
  • United Airlines - Lounge access voucher (UA)
• Airline lounge annual memberships
  • Air Canada Maple Leaf Club (AC)
  • Alaska Lounge membership (AS)
  • American Airlines Admirals Club (AA)
  • Delta - Membership & Access (DL)
  • Hawaiian Premier Club Membership (HA)
  • Qantas Club (QF)
  • United Club (UA)
  • Virgin Australia - Airport Lounges (VA) – also has lifetime membership
• Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO)
• Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
• Etihad (EY) Airbus 380 Residence Cabin
• Etihad (EY) Residence Lounge
  • 21 December 2016 review by Sam Chui
  • YouTube video of same visit
• Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH)
• Luxor International Airport (LXR)
  • Review of Luxor lounge "No, THIS is the worst airport lounge ever!" (The Winglet | 18 February 2016)
• EgyptAir (MS)
• Lufthansa HON Circle
• Chennai International Airport (MAA)
• Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
• Lounges at Frankfurt Airport
• Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT)
  • Nap Rooms
  • "nine hours Narita Airport" capsule hotel
• Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)
  • "YOTELAIR Amsterdam Schiphol" sleeping cabins
• Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
  • "Minute Suites" Dallas-Fort Worth- Terminal D
• Airbus 380
• Airbus 350-900
• Boeing 777-300
• Singapore Changi Airport (SIN)
• Singapore Airlines (SQ)
  • SilverKris Lounge
  • Review of SilverKris Lounge (TripAdvisor | 2018 January 04)
• Scandinavian Airlines (SK)
• Copenhagen Airport (CPH)
• Cathay Pacific (CX)
• Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL)
• Melbourne Airport (MEL)

NEWS ITEMS

airwaysmag.com | Qantas Announces New First Class Lounge in Singapore (25 October 2018)https://airwaysmag.com/airports/qantas-announces-new-first-class-lounge-in-singapore/
"…Australian carrier Qantas has announced today plans to open a brand-new first class lounge at Singapore’s Changi Airport in late 2019…"

• Qantas (QF)
• Qantas Lounges
• Singapore Changi Airport (SIN)

businesstraveller.com | SAS upgrades lounges at Copenhagen airport (26 October 2018)https://www.businesstraveller.com/business-travel/2018/10/26/sas-upgrades-lounges-at-copenhagen-airport/
"…There is also a new Daylight Booster Zone in the SAS Gold Lounge, offering light therapy to 'beat the effects of jet lag and winter depression in Scandinavia’s dark, winter months'…"

• Scandinavian Airlines (SK)
• Scandinavian Airlines Lounges
• Copenhagen Airport (CPH)

businesstraveller.com | Cathay Pacific begins paid access to its airline lounges [Promotion in Manila, Melbourne and Vancouver] (10 October 2018)https://www.businesstraveller.com/business-travel/2018/10/10/cathay-pacific-begins-paid-access-to-its-airline-lounges/
"Cathay Pacific has joined a handful of other airlines that have begun offering travellers the ability to pay to access its airport lounges. Marco Polo Club members are now able to pay a HK$600 (US$75) fee per visit using their credit card to enter its facilities in Manila, Melbourne and Vancouver"

• Cathay Pacific (CX)
• Cathay Pacific Lounges
• Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL)
• Melbourne Airport (MEL)
• Vancouver International Airport (YVR)

PODCAST CORRECTIONS, CLARIFICATIONS, CONFIRMATIONS

• Thai Airways – any customer with lounge access at BKK also has access to a 30-minute foot massage
• Frankfurt has an Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge
• Lufthansa HON Circle Status level is 600,000 miles in First and Business Class, and on the BIZclass fare in two consecutive calendar years
• Many US domestic lounges charge for premium alcohol

PEOPLE MENTIONED

• Sam Chui

SHOW NOTES

• Lounges Introduction [00:01:20]
• What's in a lounge? [00:02:10]
• Get a massage with Thai Airways (TG) at BKK [00:03:55]
• Who gets to go into the lounge? [00:04:50]
  • First or business class ticket [00:04:57]
  • Status cards [00:05:46]
  • Credit cards [00:06:59]
  • Paying airlines to access [00:07:54]
  • Lounge access in price of ticket [00:08:04]
  • Airline Lounge membership [00:09:23]
• Vinny somehow got into a lounge with an expired status card - and not just once or twice [00:11:43]
• Etihad (EY) Residence Lounge at AUH [00:15:13]
• Not too much lounge luxury in LXR [00:15:59]
• When is it worth paying for lounge access? [00:18:52]
• Sleeping pods/cabins in airports [00:24:34]
• When is an airport rush-hour? [00:27:07]
• SIN Terminal 3 SilverKris Lounge later evening experience [00:28:30]
• News Items
  • Qantas Announces New First Class Lounge in Singapore [00:34:07]
  • SAS upgrades lounges at Copenhagen airport [00:35:13]
  • Cathay Pacific begins paid access to its airline lounges [00:36:28]
• Wrap-up [00:37:49]

View Details

Exploring the world of airport lounges. What's in them, what lounges are available for whom, and are there ways around the restrictions? Getting a Thai massage at BKK before your flight. Comfortable beds for sleeping at FRA Lufthansa HON lounge. Accessing the lounge – there are many different ways. First and business ticket holders, flight status holders, certain credit card holders. The multitude of lounges available with both airline/alliance lounges and third-party lounges. Consider opening your wallet in some cases and paying a for single entry or for an annual membership (Virgin Australia also has a lifetime membership!) Vinny somehow got into a lounge with an expired status card - and not just once or twice. The incredible Etihad Residence Lounge at AUH with a shout-out to Sam Chui for his review! And at the other end of the scale – wait until you hear about the "lounge" experience at LXR. When is it worth paying for lounge access? How a simple shower will rejuvenate you between long intercontinental flights. Don't forget about sleeping cabins and pods at some airports...are they worth it? The crazy busy SilverKris T3 lounge at SIN in the later evening...and Qantas upping their first-class lounge game at SIN by late 2019. SAS Golden Lounge at CPH – a new daylight boosting zone for those long Nordic winter nights. Cathay Pacific paid lounge access promotion at three airports flying to HKG.

If you have a lounge story, question or experience that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/

View Details

Recorded 28 October 2018

Written by: Geoff Dahl & Vinod Viswalingam Listen to this experience wherever you download your podcasts - including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play and Overcast.

• Listen to it on Apple Podcasts.
• Stream by clicking here.
• Download as an MP3 by right-clicking here and choosing “save as.”

*The world of baggage from the check-in counter to the airport's internal maze of baggage belts to loading on the plane to getting it off the plane and back to your hands when you arrive. But what about non-perfect days? A not-so-nostalgic look back at the old T4 baggage capacity issues at LHR. Your bag is misplaced – here's the chart – is it a BK 22 or something else? Just what is WorldTracer and what does have to do with your lost bag? How does your airline compensate you for a lost bag? The bag lost its tag what happens now - is it a dead bag, or just pining for the fjords? Who knows - it might have ended up in Norway. For goodness sakes, make sure the tag is fastened on something attached securely to your bag. Limited liability – what does it mean for you and your bag? Why 32 kilos? Your plane is late, what could that mean for your bag? Geoff had to load a passenger's what in the rear hold? Wait until you hear Vinny's story of what people packed their clothes in and tried to check in. Oh, the stories of customs clearance and the incredible things people pack – by the way, what's that dark mass on the x-ray? New landside baggage check-in option at HKG - a long way from the terminal. The day has arrived - moving IST from Atatürk to the New terminal.

If you have a baggage story, question or experience that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/ SELECTED LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE EXPERIENCE*

• "Airplane" Self Service Baggage Claim scene (youtube.com)
• British Airways (BA)
• Calgary International Airport (YYC)
• London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
• Air India Flight 182 & 1985 Narita International Airport bombing (The Canadian Encyclopedia)
• Boeing 777-200
• WorldTracer
• IATA Airline Baggage ID Chart image
  • IATA chart purchase page
• Vienna International Airport (VIE)
• Air Canada (AC)
• Hammerfest Airport (HFT)
• Baggage belt schematics (howstuffworks.com)
• Baggage containers (Wikipedia - officially called Unit Load Devices)
• Rush tag image
• Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)
• Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)
• Sidney (Kingsford Smith) Airport (SYD)
• Emirates (EK)
• Qantas (QF)
• Singapore Changi Airport (SIN)
• Denpasar Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS)
• Cathay Pacific (CX)
• Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
• Menzies Aviation
• Incheon International Airport (ICN)
• Korean Air (KE)
• Asiana Airlines (OZ)
• Boeing 737-800
• Canada Border Services Agency A23 Delayed Baggage Report form
• Other country examples of customs declarations for delayed baggage
  • UK: BOR1422 Clearance of missing or delayed baggage: non-EU arrivals
• Montreal Convention 1999 – Article 22: Limits of Liability in Relation to Delay Baggage and Cargo (IATA PDF)
• Unclaimed Baggage Center – Scottsboro, Alabama, USA
• Trucking BA backlogged bags to Italy (BBC | 02 April 2008)
• Lost luggage auctions (moneysavingexpert.com | 02 October 2018)
• SITA Baggage Report 2018 - more than 4.5 billion bags carried worldwide
• BA moving Heathrow T4 to T5 first day (The Guardian | 28 March 2008)
• Hong Kong Kai Tak move to Chep Lok (New York Times | 06 July 1998)
• Denver Stapleton move to New International Airport (New York Times | 01 March 1995)

NEWS ITEMS

businesstraveller.com | Hong Kong Airport opens off-airport check-in services at Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge boundary crossing facilities (26 October 2018)https://www.businesstraveller.com/business-travel/2018/10/26/hong-kong-airport-opens-off-airport-check-in-services-at-hzmb-boundary-crossing-facilities/
"Currently, the service is only available for the city’s four home-based carriers – Cathay Pacific, Cathay Dragon, Hong Kong Airlines and HK Express. Facilities are open from 0700 until 2230 each day."

• Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) Hong Kong Section
• Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)
• Cathay Pacific (CX)
• Cathay Dragon (KA)
• Hong Kong Airlines (HX)
• HK Express (UO)

airport-business.com | Final preparations underway for opening of Istanbul New Airport [on 29 October 2018] (06 October 2018)
http://www.airport-business.com/2018/10/final-preparations-underway-for-opening-of-istanbul-new-airport/
“The transfer to Istanbul New Airport will be the biggest-ever airport transfer in the world. There have been no airports transferred further than 45km in the world,”

• Istanbul Airport (Formerly ISL, changed to IST on 06 April 2019)
• Istanbul Atatürk Airport (Formerly IST, changed to ISL on 06 April 2019)
• Turkish Airlines (TK)

PODCAST CORRECTIONS, CLARIFICATIONS, CONFIRMATIONS

• BA Ex gratia/Compensation card currently uses Mastercard
  https://www.britishairways.com/en-us/information/ex-gratia-payment-card/information
• A quick review of the US Department of Transportation 2018 stats shows 2-3 reports of mishandled baggage per 1000 passengers
  https://www.transportation.gov/individuals/aviation-consumer-protection/air-travel-consumer-reports
• PNR – Passenger Name Record (Amadeus)
  https://servicehub.amadeus.com/c/portal/view-solution/3893134/en_US/guidelines-on-passenger-name-record-pnr-data
• Fines can exist for flights happening at significantly different than assigned slots
  €29,000 fine for Ryanair over slot breaches [at London Stansted in 2007] (Irish Examiner | 17 August 2007)
  https://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/29000-fine-for-ryanair-over-slot-breaches-40167.html
• How did the IST move go? There was a small opening but big move was delayed until 31 December 2018 (Reuters | 13 October 2018)
  https://www.reuters.com/article/us-turkey-airport/new-istanbul-airport-to-only-open-fully-at-end-of-year-paper-idUSKCN1MN0H7

SHOW NOTES

• Baggage Topic Intro. Vinod back in the day with British Airways (BA) [00:01:59]
• Old BA T4 baggage capacity issues [00:03:42]
• Tracing Process, WorldTracer [00:08:25]
• Compensation [00:11:21]
• What happens to the bag when you check it in? [00:14:28]
• What happens on the "non-perfect" day? [00:19:32]
• The wave of bags now arrive – how do they connect to the passenger? [00:23:21]
• The investigation work – matching a bag to someone with minimal information [00:28:08]
• What information should you put in an outside bag pocket [00:30:32]
• What happens when the bag reaches the carousel? [00:31:31]
• 32 kilos [00:34:46]
• Your plane has to get in and out in a time window. How does this affect your bag? [00:37:37]
• Your plane arrives - what now? [00:42:12]
• Damage and limited release [00:48:31]
• What airlines look for with a damage claim [00:51:00]
• Crazy airport story - A desk in the baggage hold? [00:53:15]
• Crazy airport story - a unique way to pack your clothes? [00:54:27]
• The bag has arrived, clearing delayed bag through customs and getting it to the passenger [00:56:14]
• Oh, the things you see at customs in undeclared bags [00:58:56]
• Vinny's all time classic at customs. What is this dark mass on the x-ray? [01:01:40]
• What happens with unclaimed bags? [01:03:57]
• The number of delayed bags has fallen by a tremendous percentage [01:07:17]
• Packaging up the baggage discussion [01:09:07]
• News Items
  • New Macao-Hong Kong bridge check-in [01:10:30]
  • Moving terminals in Istanbul [01:12:41]
• Wrap-up [01:17:11]

View Details

The world of baggage from the check-in counter to the airport's internal maze of baggage belts to loading on the plane to getting it off the plane and back to your hands when you arrive. But what about non-perfect days? A not-so-nostalgic look back at the old T4 baggage capacity issues at LHR. Your bag is misplaced – here's the chart – is it a BK 22 or something else? Just what is WorldTracer and what does have to do with your lost bag? How does your airline compensate you for a lost bag? The bag lost its tag what happens now - is it a dead bag, or just pining for the fjords? Who knows - it might have ended up in Norway. For goodness sakes, make sure the tag is fastened on something attached securely to your bag. Limited liability – what does it mean for you and your bag? Why 32 kilos? Your plane is late, what could that mean for your bag? Geoff had to load a passenger's what in the rear hold? Wait until you hear Vinny's story of what people packed their clothes into and tried to check in. Oh, the stories of customs clearance and the incredible things people pack – by the way, what's that dark mass on the x-ray? New landside baggage check-in option at HKG - a long way from the terminal. The day has arrived - moving IST from Atatürk to the New terminal.

If you have a baggage story, question or experience that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/

View Details

Recorded 10 October 2018

Written by: Geoff Dahl & Vinod Viswalingam

Listen to this experience wherever you download your podcasts - including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play and Overcast.

• Listen to it on Apple Podcasts.
• Stream by clicking here.
• Download as an MP3 by right-clicking here and choosing “save as.”

*Geoff has read Vinod Viswalingam's travel writing in previous episode experiences, now Vinod comes aboard to join the podcast. Travelling from a Canadian winter storm to Carnival in Brazil using two separate tickets. Nothing can go wrong...right? Welcoming back the world's longest flight. New Transatlantic leaders from the New York market. Support animals in the news again - no it's not a peacock or snake, any guesses what kind of animal this time?

If you have a flying with two tickets story, question or experience that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/*

SELECTED LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE EXPERIENCE

• VARIG (RG - "old" VARIG ceased operations 2006 and "new" VARIG ceased operations 2009) (Wikipedia)
• Calgary International Airport (YYC)
• Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
• United Airlines (UA)
• Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE)
• New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
• São Paulo–Guarulhos International Airport (GRU)
• Toronto Pearson – "Deicing Your Plane"
• Star Alliance Gold Status
• Hertz Gold Status
• MapQuest driving directions from Cleveland Hopkins Airport to New York JFK Airport
• London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
• London Gatwick Airport (LGW)
• Oslo Airport (OSL)
• Alta Airport (ALF)

NEWS ITEMS
Airwaysmag.com | Everything You Need To Know: Singapore Airlines Relaunches World’s Longest Flight (10 October 2018)
https://airwaysmag.com/special-flights/everything-you-need-to-know-sq-sin-ewr/ “On 12 October 2018, Singapore Airlines will once again take the claim of operating the world’s longest commercial flight when flight SQ21 makes its return connecting Newark (EWR) to Singapore (SIN), nonstop.”

• Singapore Airlines (SQ)
• Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
• Singapore Changi Airport (SIN)
• Airbus A350-900ULR
• Longest passenger flights (Wikipedia)

AINonline | Norwegian Now Non-U.S. Leader in Transatlantic NYC Market (09 October 2018)https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2018-10-09/norwegian-now-non-us-leader-transatlantic-nyc-market “Norwegian Air Shuttle has overtaken British Airways as the biggest non-U.S. airline on transatlantic routes to and from the New York area…Norwegian carried 1.67 million passengers to or from airports in the New York area in the 12 months to the end of July, beating BA’s 1.63 million, according to data released by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ).”

• Norwegian Air (D8, DY, DI)
• Boeing 787 Dreamliner
• Port Authority of New York & New Jersey

TravelPulse.com | Police Escort Woman, 'Emotional Support Squirrel' Off Frontier Airlines Flight (10 October 2018)https://www.travelpulse.com/news/airlines/police-escort-woman-emotional-support-squirrel-off-frontier-airlines-flight.html
“Frontier Airlines removed a woman and her emotional support squirrel from a flight in Orlando Tuesday night. According to FOX 8 Cleveland, the passenger had to be escorted off of the plane by law enforcement.”

• Orlando International Airport (MCO)
• Frontier Airlines (F9)
• 'Emotional support animals' are turning into a crisis for airlines - here are the most bizarre animals people have brought on planes (Business Insider | 31 January 2018)
• How to Fly With an Emotional Support Animal—Legitimately (Condé Nast Traveler | 15 May 2018)

PODCAST CORRECTIONS, CLARIFICATIONS, CONFIRMATIONS

• Relaunched EWR-SIN A350-900 flight configured as 67 Business Class and 94 Premium Economy Class. No standard economy seats on this flight.
• Previous EWR-SIN A340-500 flights were mixed economy & business from 2004-2008, and all business class 2008-2013. The route was axed in November 2013.
• Norwegian also flies Boeing 737 MAX-8 to New York market Stewart International Airport (SWF).
  • https://media.uk.norwegian.com/pressreleases/norwegian-introduces-new-slimline-seats-to-transatlantic-flights-on-737-max-2559637 (27 June 2018)
  • Stewart International Airport (SWF)
• Support peacock (named "Dexter") actually died on July 22, 2018.
  • https://www.instagram.com/p/Bmd2XpThpAV

SHOW NOTES

• Introducing Vinod Viswalingam. What's his story? [00:00:48]
• The Story: "Vinod goes to Brazilian Carnival using two tickets. What could possibly go wrong?" [00:03:21]
• The Analysis: The risks you take when you put two tickets together [00:13:37]
• Current Events:
  • Newark to Singapore non-stop flight restarted 12 October, 2018 with Singapore Airlines [00:20:18]
  • Norwegian now top non-US carrier from New York market [00:22:21]
  • Emotional support animals – squirrel in Orlando with Frontier Airlines [00:23:36]
• Wrap up [00:25:00]

View Details

Geoff has read Vinod Viswalingam's travel writing in previous episodes, now Vinod comes aboard to join the podcast. Travelling from a Canadian winter storm to Carnival in Brazil using two separate tickets. Nothing can go wrong...right? Welcoming back the world's longest flight. New Transatlantic leaders from the New York market. Support animals in the news again - no it's not a peacock or snake, any guesses what kind of animal this time?

If you have a flying with two tickets story, question or experience that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/

View Details

Recorded 30 September 2018

Written by: Geoff Dahl

Listen to this experience wherever you download your podcasts - including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play and Overcast.

• Listen to it on Apple Podcasts.
• Stream by clicking here.
• Download as an MP3 by right-clicking here and choosing “save as.”

*In this episode experience Geoff Dahl looks at the 2018 OAG International Megahubs Index. He also reads an excerpt from a piece on flight ticketing by Vinod Viswalingam.

If you have a megahub story, question or experience that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/ SELECTED LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE EXPERIENCE*

• 2018 OAG International Megahubs Index (September 2018)

  • PDF file
  • London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
  • Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
  • Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
  • Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL)
  • Jakarta Soekarno–Hatta International Airport (CGK)
  • Singapore Changi Airport (SIN)
  • Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL)
  • Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
  • Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
  • Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)
  • Istanbul Atatürk Airport (Formerly IST, changed to ISL on 06 April 2019)
  • Dubai International Airport (DXB)
  • Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
  • Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
  • Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  • Mexico City International Airport (MEX)
  • São Paulo–Guarulhos International Airport (GRU)
  • Bogota El Dorado International Airport (BOG)

SHOW NOTES

• Introduction [00:00:26]
• 2018 OAG International Megahubs Index [00:00:43]
• Looking ahead to the future of the Seat 1A podcast [00:03:21]
• Flight Ticketing excerpt written by Vinod Viswalingam
  • "Ticketing" [00:04:10]
  • "Fare Class" [00:04:41]
  • "Changes" [00:06:60]
  • "Cancelling/refunding" [00:08:40]
  • "FIM- Flight Interruption Manifest" [00:10:01]
• Wrap up [00:12:27]

View Details

In this episode Geoff Dahl looks at the 2018 OAG International Megahubs Index. He also reads an excerpt from a piece on flight ticketing by Vinod Viswalingam.

If you have a megahub story, question or experience that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/

View Details

Recorded 15 August 2018

Written by Geoff Dahl

Listen to this experience wherever you download your podcasts - including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play and Overcast.

• Listen to it on Apple Podcasts.
• Stream by clicking here.
• Download as an MP3 by right-clicking here and choosing “save as.”

Geoff Dahl welcomes everyone to the first episode experience of the Seat 1A podcast. Geoff presents an excerpt from an upcoming publication from Vinod Viswalingam about the flight ticket and electronic reservations.

Sound effects recognition to the following:
Intro: http://www.freesfx.co.uk
Outro: https://freesound.org/

If you have a ticketing story, question or experience that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/

SELECTED LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE EXPERIENCE

• Paul Colligan

SHOW NOTES

• Introduction [00:00:10]
• Thank yous and recognitions [00:00:43]
• Reservation Codes excerpt written by Vinod Viswalingam
  • "The Ticket" [00:02:24]
  • "Reservations" [00:04:14]
  • "PNR" [00:05:05]
  • "Record Locator" [00:05:39]
  • "e-Ticket" [00:06:34]
  • "e-Ticket itinerary" [00:07:08]
  • "e-Ticket receipt" [00:07:26]
• Wrap up [00:08:55]

View Details

Geoff Dahl welcomes everyone to the first episode of the Seat 1A podcast. Geoff presents an excerpt from an upcoming publication from Vinod Viswalingam about the flight ticket and electronic reservations.

Sound effects recognition to the following:
Intro: http://www.freesfx.co.uk
Outro: https://freesound.org/

If you have a ticketing story, question or experience that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/