Alex finally boards a Qatar Airways flight, and finds how to get a premium economy seat in this airline that doesn't have premium economy (not through that ethernet port though). Paul completely changes his mind about United, a true Christmas miracle (and a possible playbook for BA), what an incredible crew. Farewell to SeatGuru, nothing truly replaces you (AeroLOPA is the nearest). When your boarding pass gets denied at Hanoi airport, and you unwillingly discover the bowels of Hanoi airport (a gripping tale by Alex!). And more.Merry Christmas and happy holidays to you all. See you in 2026!Creators &amp; Guests
<ul>
 <li><a href="https://layovers.to/people/paul-papa-paul-papadimitriou">Paul Papa (Paul Papadimitriou)</a> - Host</li>
 <li><a href="https://layovers.to/people/alex-hunter">Alex Hunter</a> - Host</li>
</ul> ____<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DyQWdZRZ5QA" title="Click here to watch a video of this episode.">Click here to watch a video of this episode.</a> 
 For video, subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Lay_overs or Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4JaAXzE6CNLIZXv1buXuTT Review us on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/layovers-air-travel-and-commercial-aviation/id965163837Reach out to the creator: https://instagram.com/paulpapa.ioComment on YouTube, Spotify or Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lay_overs/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/layovers.podcastMore links on our website: https://layovers.to

<description>&lt;p&gt;Alex finally boards a Qatar Airways flight, and finds how to get a premium economy seat in this airline that doesn't have premium economy (not through that ethernet port though). Paul completely changes his mind about United, a true Christmas miracle (and a possible playbook for BA), what an incredible crew. Farewell to SeatGuru, nothing truly replaces you (AeroLOPA is the nearest). When your boarding pass gets denied at Hanoi airport, and you unwillingly discover the bowels of Hanoi airport (a gripping tale by Alex!). And more.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Merry Christmas and happy holidays to you all. See you in 2026!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Creators &amp;amp; Guests&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;
 &lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="https://layovers.to/people/paul-papa-paul-papadimitriou"&gt;Paul Papa (Paul Papadimitriou)&lt;/a&gt; - Host&lt;/li&gt;
 &lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="https://layovers.to/people/alex-hunter"&gt;Alex Hunter&lt;/a&gt; - Host&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;br&gt;____&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DyQWdZRZ5QA" title="Click here to watch a video of this episode."&gt;Click here to watch a video of this episode.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;For video, subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Lay_overs&lt;br&gt;or Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4JaAXzE6CNLIZXv1buXuTT&lt;br&gt;Review us on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/layovers-air-travel-and-commercial-aviation/id965163837&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Reach out to the creator: https://instagram.com/paulpapa.io&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Comment on YouTube, Spotify or&lt;br&gt;Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lay_overs/&lt;br&gt;Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/layovers.podcast&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;More links on our website: https://layovers.to&lt;/p&gt;</description>


Alex finally boards a Qatar Airways flight, and finds how to get a premium economy seat in this airline that doesn't have premium economy (not through that ethernet port though). Paul completely…

Alex finally boards a Qatar Airways flight, and finds how to get a premium economy seat in this airline that doesn't have premium economy (not through that ethernet port though). Paul completely changes his mind about United, a true Christmas miracle (and a possible playbook for BA), what an incredible crew. Farewell to SeatGuru, nothing truly replaces you (AeroLOPA is the nearest). When your boarding pass gets denied at Hanoi airport, and you unwillingly discover the bowels of Hanoi airport (a gripping tale by Alex!). And more.Merry Christmas and happy holidays to you all. See you in 2026!Creators &amp; Guests
<ul>
 <li><a href="https://layovers.to/people/paul-papa-paul-papadimitriou">Paul Papa (Paul Papadimitriou)</a> - Host</li>
 <li><a href="https://layovers.to/people/alex-hunter">Alex Hunter</a> - Host</li>
</ul> ____<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DyQWdZRZ5QA" title="Click here to watch a video of this episode.">Click here to watch a video of this episode.</a> 
 For video, subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Lay_overs or Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4JaAXzE6CNLIZXv1buXuTT Review us on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/layovers-air-travel-and-commercial-aviation/id965163837Reach out to the creator: https://instagram.com/paulpapa.ioComment on YouTube, Spotify or Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lay_overs/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/layovers.podcastMore links on our website: https://layovers.to

154 LGA - United fairly tale, Qatar-ish premium economy, SeatGuru farewell, Hanoi underground tension, ORD forever taxiing

We are at Rolls-Royce, exploring the engineering marvels behind aviation engines, the inner workings behind the quiet hums of those incredible machine. We dive into the importance of expertise, heat management, and innovation in ensuring engine durability and performance.Most importantly, we talk to the people, as this is as much craftsmanship as it is the absolute edge of science — and the people are absolute gems, it has been such a highlight listening to them all talk about what they do with such enthusiasm and love for what they do.We also take a voyage through the intricate support systems in place for engine operations, the real-time monitoring of all those engines that fly you around, and the collaboration with aircraft manufacturers and airlines.We delve into the future of aviation, focusing on the development of next-generation engines, the importance of efficiency, the importance of research and development, the collaboration within the industry to tackle sustainability issues, and the role of sustainable aviation fuels.Our thanks to all of you at Rolls-Royce, your dedication to the craft is why we, the traveling public, tend to forget about engines (they always work, which is why a podcast like ours where we mostly talk, or moan, about a seat or a choice of food instead!).Special thanks to Ben Todd for having welcomed us with open arms, you're a star — it is connections like those that fuel the passion for air travel that we, and the audience, share.Learn more about our discussion <a href="https://www.rolls-royce.com/media/our-stories/discover/2025/trent-xwb-97-ensuring-that-the-worlds-most-utilised-engine-is-always-ahead.aspx">here</a>. Check Veritasium's video at Rolls-Royce for the science of this all: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QtxVdC7pBQM">Veritasium on YouTube</a> You can follow Rolls-Royce here: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/rolls-royce/">LinkedIn</a> - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/RollsRoyceGroup">Facebook</a> - <a href="https://x.com/RollsRoyce">X</a> - <a href="https://www.instagram.com/rollsroycegroup/">Instagram</a>____ Listen anywhere:<a href="https://layovers.to"> website</a> (most reviews are on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/layovers-air-travel-and-commercial-aviation/id965163837">Apple Podcasts</a>) Watch us: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/4JaAXzE6CNLIZXv1buXuTT">Spotify</a> or <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@Lay_overs">YouTube</a> Follow us: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lay_overs/">Instagram</a> - <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/layovers">LinkedIn</a> - <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/layovers.to">Bluesky</a> - <a href="https://www.threads.net/@lay_overs">Threads</a> - <a href="https://mastodon.social/@layovers">Mastodon</a> - <a href="https://x.com/lay_overs">Twitter/X</a> - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/layovers.podcast">Facebook</a>If we're missing somewhere, or for any feedback, let Paul know on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/papadimitriou">Instagram</a> - <a href="https://www.threads.net/@papadimitriou">Threads</a> - <a href="https://mastodon.social/@papadimitriou">Mastodon</a> - <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/papadimitriou.bsky.social">Bluesky</a> - <a href="https://x.com/papadimitriou">Twitter/X</a>

<description>&lt;p&gt;We are at &lt;strong&gt;Rolls-Royce&lt;/strong&gt;, exploring the engineering marvels behind aviation engines, the inner workings behind the quiet hums of those incredible machine. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;We dive into the importance of expertise, heat management, and innovation in ensuring engine durability and performance.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Most importantly, we talk to the people, as this is as much craftsmanship as it is the absolute edge of science — and the people are absolute gems, it has been such a highlight listening to them all talk about what they do with such enthusiasm and love for what they do.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;We also take a voyage through the intricate support systems in place for engine operations, the real-time monitoring of all those engines that fly you around, and the collaboration with aircraft manufacturers and airlines.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;We delve into the future of aviation, focusing on the development of next-generation engines, the importance of efficiency, the importance of research and development, the collaboration within the industry to tackle sustainability issues, and the role of sustainable aviation fuels.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Our thanks to all of you at Rolls-Royce, your dedication to the craft is why we, the traveling public, tend to forget about engines (they always work, which is why a podcast like ours where we mostly talk, or moan, about a seat or a choice of food instead!).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Special thanks to Ben Todd for having welcomed us with open arms, you're a star — it is connections like those that fuel the passion for air travel that we, and the audience, share.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Learn more about our discussion &lt;a href="https://www.rolls-royce.com/media/our-stories/discover/2025/trent-xwb-97-ensuring-that-the-worlds-most-utilised-engine-is-always-ahead.aspx"&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;br&gt;Check Veritasium's video at Rolls-Royce for the science of this all: &lt;a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QtxVdC7pBQM"&gt;Veritasium on YouTube&lt;/a&gt; &lt;br&gt;You can follow Rolls-Royce here: &lt;a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/rolls-royce/"&gt;LinkedIn&lt;/a&gt; - &lt;a href="https://www.facebook.com/RollsRoyceGroup"&gt;Facebook&lt;/a&gt; - &lt;a href="https://x.com/RollsRoyce"&gt;X&lt;/a&gt; - &lt;a href="https://www.instagram.com/rollsroycegroup/"&gt;Instagram&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;____&lt;br&gt;Listen anywhere:&lt;a href="https://layovers.to"&gt; website&lt;/a&gt; (most reviews are on &lt;a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/layovers-air-travel-and-commercial-aviation/id965163837"&gt;Apple Podcasts&lt;/a&gt;)&lt;br&gt;Watch us: &lt;a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/4JaAXzE6CNLIZXv1buXuTT"&gt;Spotify&lt;/a&gt; or &lt;a href="https://www.youtube.com/@Lay_overs"&gt;YouTube&lt;/a&gt; &lt;br&gt;Follow us: &lt;a href="https://www.instagram.com/lay_overs/"&gt;Instagram&lt;/a&gt; - &lt;a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/layovers"&gt;LinkedIn&lt;/a&gt; - &lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/layovers.to"&gt;Bluesky&lt;/a&gt; - &lt;a href="https://www.threads.net/@lay_overs"&gt;Threads&lt;/a&gt; - &lt;a href="https://mastodon.social/@layovers"&gt;Mastodon&lt;/a&gt; - &lt;a href="https://x.com/lay_overs"&gt;Twitter/X&lt;/a&gt; - &lt;a href="https://www.facebook.com/layovers.podcast"&gt;Facebook&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If we're missing somewhere, or for any feedback, let Paul know on &lt;a href="https://www.instagram.com/papadimitriou"&gt;Instagram&lt;/a&gt; - &lt;a href="https://www.threads.net/@papadimitriou"&gt;Threads&lt;/a&gt; - &lt;a href="https://mastodon.social/@papadimitriou"&gt;Mastodon&lt;/a&gt; - &lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/papadimitriou.bsky.social"&gt;Bluesky&lt;/a&gt; - &lt;a href="https://x.com/papadimitriou"&gt;Twitter/X&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>


We are at Rolls-Royce, exploring the engineering marvels behind aviation engines, the inner workings behind the quiet hums of those incredible machine. We dive into the importance of expertise,…

We are at Rolls-Royce, exploring the engineering marvels behind aviation engines, the inner workings behind the quiet hums of those incredible machine. We dive into the importance of expertise, heat management, and innovation in ensuring engine durability and performance.Most importantly, we talk to the people, as this is as much craftsmanship as it is the absolute edge of science — and the people are absolute gems, it has been such a highlight listening to them all talk about what they do with such enthusiasm and love for what they do.We also take a voyage through the intricate support systems in place for engine operations, the real-time monitoring of all those engines that fly you around, and the collaboration with aircraft manufacturers and airlines.We delve into the future of aviation, focusing on the development of next-generation engines, the importance of efficiency, the importance of research and development, the collaboration within the industry to tackle sustainability issues, and the role of sustainable aviation fuels.Our thanks to all of you at Rolls-Royce, your dedication to the craft is why we, the traveling public, tend to forget about engines (they always work, which is why a podcast like ours where we mostly talk, or moan, about a seat or a choice of food instead!).Special thanks to Ben Todd for having welcomed us with open arms, you're a star — it is connections like those that fuel the passion for air travel that we, and the audience, share.Learn more about our discussion <a href="https://www.rolls-royce.com/media/our-stories/discover/2025/trent-xwb-97-ensuring-that-the-worlds-most-utilised-engine-is-always-ahead.aspx">here</a>. Check Veritasium's video at Rolls-Royce for the science of this all: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QtxVdC7pBQM">Veritasium on YouTube</a> You can follow Rolls-Royce here: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/rolls-royce/">LinkedIn</a> - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/RollsRoyceGroup">Facebook</a> - <a href="https://x.com/RollsRoyce">X</a> - <a href="https://www.instagram.com/rollsroycegroup/">Instagram</a>____ Listen anywhere:<a href="https://layovers.to"> website</a> (most reviews are on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/layovers-air-travel-and-commercial-aviation/id965163837">Apple Podcasts</a>) Watch us: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/4JaAXzE6CNLIZXv1buXuTT">Spotify</a> or <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@Lay_overs">YouTube</a> Follow us: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lay_overs/">Instagram</a> - <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/layovers">LinkedIn</a> - <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/layovers.to">Bluesky</a> - <a href="https://www.threads.net/@lay_overs">Threads</a> - <a href="https://mastodon.social/@layovers">Mastodon</a> - <a href="https://x.com/lay_overs">Twitter/X</a> - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/layovers.podcast">Facebook</a>If we're missing somewhere, or for any feedback, let Paul know on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/papadimitriou">Instagram</a> - <a href="https://www.threads.net/@papadimitriou">Threads</a> - <a href="https://mastodon.social/@papadimitriou">Mastodon</a> - <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/papadimitriou.bsky.social">Bluesky</a> - <a href="https://x.com/papadimitriou">Twitter/X</a>

153 ROLLS-ROYCE - Inside Rolls-Royce: engineering excellence, how airplane turbine blades are born at the edge of science

Paul &amp; Paolo are guinea pigs, they enter a bar, only that it's Paul's living room (but there's actual beer!), to talk, in length, about the state of BA, what is premium about their premium economy, and if it can compare to Emirates' one (or Virgin's for that matter).  Paul calls BA the Emirates of the 80/90s (he felt inadequate flying them back then!) — were there enough headphones and food in that era?  Paolo flies a brand new Emirates A350 (that includes the water cannon baptism!) and defines what is a part-time terminal.  What do you do when ill in an aircraft with sickness bag available?  And is there anything precise about Precision Air?Happy flying!(The next episode should be epic, be ready!)— For video, subscribe on <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/4JaAXzE6CNLIZXv1buXuTT">Spotify</a> or <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@Lay_overs">YouTube</a> (or YouTube Music) Review, and rate us, on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/layovers-air-travel-and-commercial-aviation/id965163837">Apple Podcasts</a> Follow us, and comment on: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lay_overs/">Instagram</a> - <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/layovers.to">Bluesky</a> - <a href="https://www.threads.net/@lay_overs">Threads</a> - <a href="https://mastodon.social/@layovers">Mastodon</a> - <a href="https://x.com/lay_overs">Twitter/X</a> Comment, like, review, and rate us, on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/layovers.podcast">Facebook</a> Search for 'Layovers' on any podcast service (some direct links are on <a href="https://layovers.to/">our website</a>) If we're missing somewhere, or for any feedback, let Paul know on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/papadimitriou">Instagram</a> - <a href="https://www.threads.net/@papadimitriou">Threads</a> - <a href="https://mastodon.social/@papadimitriou">Mastodon</a> - <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/papadimitriou.bsky.social">Bluesky</a> - <a href="https://x.com/papadimitriou">Twitter/X</a>

<description>&lt;p&gt;Paul &amp;amp; Paolo are guinea pigs, they enter a bar, only that it's Paul's living room (but there's actual beer!), to talk, in length, about the state of BA, what is premium about their premium economy, and if it can compare to Emirates' one (or Virgin's for that matter). &lt;br&gt;Paul calls BA the Emirates of the 80/90s (he felt inadequate flying them back then!) — were there enough headphones and food in that era? &lt;br&gt;Paolo flies a brand new Emirates A350 (that includes the water cannon baptism!) and defines what is a part-time terminal. &lt;br&gt;What do you do when ill in an aircraft with sickness bag available? &lt;br&gt;And is there anything precise about Precision Air?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Happy flying!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;(The next episode should be epic, be ready!)&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;—&lt;br&gt;For video, subscribe on &lt;a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/4JaAXzE6CNLIZXv1buXuTT"&gt;Spotify&lt;/a&gt; or &lt;a href="https://www.youtube.com/@Lay_overs"&gt;YouTube&lt;/a&gt; (or YouTube Music)&lt;br&gt;Review, and rate us, on &lt;a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/layovers-air-travel-and-commercial-aviation/id965163837"&gt;Apple Podcasts&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br&gt;Follow us, and comment on: &lt;a href="https://www.instagram.com/lay_overs/"&gt;Instagram&lt;/a&gt; - &lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/layovers.to"&gt;Bluesky&lt;/a&gt; - &lt;a href="https://www.threads.net/@lay_overs"&gt;Threads&lt;/a&gt; - &lt;a href="https://mastodon.social/@layovers"&gt;Mastodon&lt;/a&gt; - &lt;a href="https://x.com/lay_overs"&gt;Twitter/X&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br&gt;Comment, like, review, and rate us, on &lt;a href="https://www.facebook.com/layovers.podcast"&gt;Facebook&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br&gt;Search for 'Layovers' on any podcast service (some direct links are on &lt;a href="https://layovers.to/"&gt;our website&lt;/a&gt;)&lt;br&gt;If we're missing somewhere, or for any feedback, let Paul know on &lt;a href="https://www.instagram.com/papadimitriou"&gt;Instagram&lt;/a&gt; - &lt;a href="https://www.threads.net/@papadimitriou"&gt;Threads&lt;/a&gt; - &lt;a href="https://mastodon.social/@papadimitriou"&gt;Mastodon&lt;/a&gt; - &lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/papadimitriou.bsky.social"&gt;Bluesky&lt;/a&gt; - &lt;a href="https://x.com/papadimitriou"&gt;Twitter/X&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;</description>

A lot of Premium Economy, a lot of BA, a bit of Safari Link, some Precision Air, and a sparkle of Emirates.

152 ZNZ - Is Premium Economy premium, when BA was Emirates, Precision Air approximation, caravaning Cessna, Emirates A350

Paul goes to Namibia to check the cute WDH airport, and drive 3000km+ — and yes, before you all ask, driving the Skeleton Coast is everything you dream it to be (this country is stunning, and the NamibRand is perhaps the most beautiful place he has ever seen). He falls in love with Airlink (from their Embraer to their extensive safety talk, and they serve something called food, a forgotten art in Europe/North America), maybe with JNB a bit less (but that lounge there, woah!). Should you board when an aircraft is refueling? Maybe better than staying in front of it like Paul wanted (but the words of the catapion overrule him). Vinod does wide body bingo in Canada (there's one route always on time, listen to discover which!), and shares his South African Airways memories (the current one is a shadow of its former self). The last 777-300ER has left the factory, meanwhile the 777x is delayed, again (dire when compared to the speed of delivery of earlier designs), but it will be a success. SWISS is selling its famous on-board chocolates in stores, but be quick, it's only temporary (you can always dance the extra chocolate off at the Zurich Airport wave, which seems easier to access than the Narita raves we discussed in 149). Hacking the airplane wifi? Well, not really, but... And yes, like in every episode, we talk BA, and we mention FRA haha.We're on video if you listen to us to <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/4JaAXzE6CNLIZXv1buXuTT">Spotify</a>, or <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@Lay_overs">YouTube</a> (this is nearly 3 hours, our record, so prepare to see our faces for that long!)Thank you to long time listener Garett Gaudet for his insights, here's his latest (excellent) <a href="https://www.mixcloud.com/garrettgaudet/ascent-garrett-gaudet-dj-mix-melodic-techno/">MixCloud</a>See you in the next episode, happy flying!— For video, subscribe on <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/4JaAXzE6CNLIZXv1buXuTT">Spotify</a> or <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@Lay_overs">YouTube</a> (or YouTube Music) Review, and rate us, on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/layovers-air-travel-and-commercial-aviation/id965163837">Apple Podcasts</a> Follow us, and comment on: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lay_overs/">Instagram</a> - <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/layovers.to">Bluesky</a> - <a href="https://www.threads.net/@lay_overs">Threads</a> - <a href="https://mastodon.social/@layovers">Mastodon</a> - <a href="https://x.com/lay_overs">Twitter/X</a> Comment, like, review, and rate us, on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/layovers.podcast">Facebook</a> Search for 'Layovers' on any podcast service (some direct links are on <a href="https://layovers.to/">our website</a>) If we're missing somewhere, or for any feedback, let Paul know on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/papadimitriou">Instagram</a> - <a href="https://www.threads.net/@papadimitriou">Threads</a> - <a href="https://mastodon.social/@papadimitriou">Mastodon</a> - <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/papadimitriou.bsky.social">Bluesky</a> - <a href="https://x.com/papadimitriou">Twitter/X</a>

<description>&lt;p&gt;Paul goes to Namibia to check the cute WDH airport, and drive 3000km+ — and yes, before you all ask, driving the Skeleton Coast is everything you dream it to be (this country is stunning, and the NamibRand is perhaps the most beautiful place he has ever seen). He falls in love with Airlink (from their Embraer to their extensive safety talk, and they serve something called food, a forgotten art in Europe/North America), maybe with JNB a bit less (but that lounge there, woah!). Should you board when an aircraft is refueling? Maybe better than staying in front of it like Paul wanted (but the words of the catapion overrule him). Vinod does wide body bingo in Canada (there's one route always on time, listen to discover which!), and shares his South African Airways memories (the current one is a shadow of its former self). The last 777-300ER has left the factory, meanwhile the 777x is delayed, again (dire when compared to the speed of delivery of earlier designs), but it will be a success. SWISS is selling its famous on-board chocolates in stores, but be quick, it's only temporary (you can always dance the extra chocolate off at the Zurich Airport wave, which seems easier to access than the Narita raves we discussed in 149). Hacking the airplane wifi? Well, not really, but... And yes, like in every episode, we talk BA, and we mention FRA haha.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;We're on video if you listen to us to &lt;a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/4JaAXzE6CNLIZXv1buXuTT"&gt;Spotify&lt;/a&gt;, or &lt;a href="https://www.youtube.com/@Lay_overs"&gt;YouTube&lt;/a&gt; (this is nearly 3 hours, our record, so prepare to see our faces for that long!)&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Thank you to long time listener Garett Gaudet for his insights, here's his latest (excellent) &lt;a href="https://www.mixcloud.com/garrettgaudet/ascent-garrett-gaudet-dj-mix-melodic-techno/"&gt;MixCloud&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;See you in the next episode, happy flying!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;—&lt;br&gt;For video, subscribe on &lt;a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/4JaAXzE6CNLIZXv1buXuTT"&gt;Spotify&lt;/a&gt; or &lt;a href="https://www.youtube.com/@Lay_overs"&gt;YouTube&lt;/a&gt; (or YouTube Music)&lt;br&gt;Review, and rate us, on &lt;a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/layovers-air-travel-and-commercial-aviation/id965163837"&gt;Apple Podcasts&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br&gt;Follow us, and comment on: &lt;a href="https://www.instagram.com/lay_overs/"&gt;Instagram&lt;/a&gt; - &lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/layovers.to"&gt;Bluesky&lt;/a&gt; - &lt;a href="https://www.threads.net/@lay_overs"&gt;Threads&lt;/a&gt; - &lt;a href="https://mastodon.social/@layovers"&gt;Mastodon&lt;/a&gt; - &lt;a href="https://x.com/lay_overs"&gt;Twitter/X&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br&gt;Comment, like, review, and rate us, on &lt;a href="https://www.facebook.com/layovers.podcast"&gt;Facebook&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br&gt;Search for 'Layovers' on any podcast service (some direct links are on &lt;a href="https://layovers.to/"&gt;our website&lt;/a&gt;)&lt;br&gt;If we're missing somewhere, or for any feedback, let Paul know on &lt;a href="https://www.instagram.com/papadimitriou"&gt;Instagram&lt;/a&gt; - &lt;a href="https://www.threads.net/@papadimitriou"&gt;Threads&lt;/a&gt; - &lt;a href="https://mastodon.social/@papadimitriou"&gt;Mastodon&lt;/a&gt; - &lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/papadimitriou.bsky.social"&gt;Bluesky&lt;/a&gt; - &lt;a href="https://x.com/papadimitriou"&gt;Twitter/X&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;</description>

A Skeleton Coast drive, a wide-body bingo, and some SWISS chocolates.

151 WDH - Skeleton Coast driving, Canada wide-body bingo, Namibia airfields, Airlink Embraer, SWISS chocolate, ZRH dance

Thanks to everyone who have stuck with us for 150 episodes, you're the air beneath our wings — as a gift to you, and since so many have asked for it, we've brought you VIDEO: subscribe on <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/4JaAXzE6CNLIZXv1buXuTT">Spotify</a> or <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@Lay_overs">YouTube</a> (or YouTube Music)Landing at an abandoned primary school netball court. Power banks safety, because nothing says "relaxing flight" like monitoring your electronics for spontaneous combustion. A true business class in Europe (but via LHR? We're too old for this lol). The never-ending boarding experience, aka playing angry Tetris. 380 landing interrupted, and a Beluga. When life gives you lemons (oranges, in that case), make it a Swiss stopover (listen to the end of the episode!). The soft and hard truth or airline customer service (that chat bot flight rebooking, woah). An AvGeek is always and AvGeek, even in holy places (what would you have said, if anything?). Iberia premium economy and the infinite legroom. A beautiful ode to airlines' years past (and that one technical stop that should still be one haha). The incredible growth of Istanbul Airport. Would you cook mid-flight?And yes, Paul could not remember the title of the movie "Airplane!", wtf.The website Paul mentioned: <a href="https://tickets.directionoftravel.com/">Tickets to Everywhere</a>The book Alex mentioned: <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/316670/airline-maps-by-roberts-mark-ovenden-and-maxwell/9780241434123">Airline Maps: A Century of Art and Design</a>— For video, subscribe on <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/4JaAXzE6CNLIZXv1buXuTT">Spotify</a> or <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@Lay_overs">YouTube</a> (or YouTube Music) Review, and rate us, on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/layovers-air-travel-and-commercial-aviation/id965163837">Apple Podcasts</a> Follow us, and comment on: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lay_overs/">Instagram</a> - <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/layovers.to">Bluesky</a> - <a href="https://www.threads.net/@lay_overs">Threads</a> - <a href="https://mastodon.social/@layovers">Mastodon</a> - <a href="https://x.com/lay_overs">Twitter/X</a> Comment, like, review, and rate us, on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/layovers.podcast">Facebook</a> Search for 'Layovers' on any podcast service (some direct links are on <a href="https://layovers.to/">our website</a>) If we're missing somewhere, or for any feedback, let Paul know on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/papadimitriou">Instagram</a> - <a href="https://www.threads.net/@papadimitriou">Threads</a> - <a href="https://mastodon.social/@papadimitriou">Mastodon</a> - <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/papadimitriou.bsky.social">Bluesky</a> - <a href="https://x.com/papadimitriou">Twitter/X</a>

<description>&lt;p&gt;Thanks to everyone who have stuck with us for 150 episodes, you're the air beneath our wings — as a gift to you, and since so many have asked for it, we've brought you VIDEO: subscribe on &lt;a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/4JaAXzE6CNLIZXv1buXuTT"&gt;Spotify&lt;/a&gt; or &lt;a href="https://www.youtube.com/@Lay_overs"&gt;YouTube&lt;/a&gt; (or YouTube Music)&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Landing at an abandoned primary school netball court. Power banks safety, because nothing says "relaxing flight" like monitoring your electronics for spontaneous combustion. A true business class in Europe (but via LHR? We're too old for this lol). The never-ending boarding experience, aka playing angry Tetris. 380 landing interrupted, and a Beluga. When life gives you lemons (oranges, in that case), make it a Swiss stopover (listen to the end of the episode!). The soft and hard truth or airline customer service (that chat bot flight rebooking, woah). An AvGeek is always and AvGeek, even in holy places (what would you have said, if anything?). Iberia premium economy and the infinite legroom. A beautiful ode to airlines' years past (and that one technical stop that should still be one haha). The incredible growth of Istanbul Airport. Would you cook mid-flight?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;And yes, Paul could not remember the title of the movie "Airplane!", wtf.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The website Paul mentioned: &lt;a href="https://tickets.directionoftravel.com/"&gt;Tickets to Everywhere&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The book Alex mentioned: &lt;a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/316670/airline-maps-by-roberts-mark-ovenden-and-maxwell/9780241434123"&gt;Airline Maps: A Century of Art and Design&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;—&lt;br&gt;For video, subscribe on &lt;a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/4JaAXzE6CNLIZXv1buXuTT"&gt;Spotify&lt;/a&gt; or &lt;a href="https://www.youtube.com/@Lay_overs"&gt;YouTube&lt;/a&gt; (or YouTube Music)&lt;br&gt;Review, and rate us, on &lt;a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/layovers-air-travel-and-commercial-aviation/id965163837"&gt;Apple Podcasts&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br&gt;Follow us, and comment on: &lt;a href="https://www.instagram.com/lay_overs/"&gt;Instagram&lt;/a&gt; - &lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/layovers.to"&gt;Bluesky&lt;/a&gt; - &lt;a href="https://www.threads.net/@lay_overs"&gt;Threads&lt;/a&gt; - &lt;a href="https://mastodon.social/@layovers"&gt;Mastodon&lt;/a&gt; - &lt;a href="https://x.com/lay_overs"&gt;Twitter/X&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br&gt;Comment, like, review, and rate us, on &lt;a href="https://www.facebook.com/layovers.podcast"&gt;Facebook&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br&gt;Search for 'Layovers' on any podcast service (some direct links are on &lt;a href="https://layovers.to/"&gt;our website&lt;/a&gt;)&lt;br&gt;If we're missing somewhere, or for any feedback, let Paul know on &lt;a href="https://www.instagram.com/papadimitriou"&gt;Instagram&lt;/a&gt; - &lt;a href="https://www.threads.net/@papadimitriou"&gt;Threads&lt;/a&gt; - &lt;a href="https://mastodon.social/@papadimitriou"&gt;Mastodon&lt;/a&gt; - &lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/papadimitriou.bsky.social"&gt;Bluesky&lt;/a&gt; - &lt;a href="https://x.com/papadimitriou"&gt;Twitter/X&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;</description>

More adventures for our 150th, from seemingly attempting to cook mid-flight, to landing in an abandoned primary school.

150 CND - cookware security, voltage chaos, airline excellence truths, boarding Tetris, the one real European business class

The Air Travel podcast
by Paul Papa (Paul Papadimitriou), with Alex Hunter & Vinod Viswalingam — #1 in 50+ countries
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