Layovers - Air Travel podcast

Nov 30

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 here . Check Veritasium's video at Rolls-Royce for the science of this all: Veritasium on YouTube You can follow Rolls-Royce here: LinkedIn - Facebook - X - Instagram ____ Listen anywhere: website (most reviews are on Apple Podcasts ) Watch us: Spotify or YouTube Follow us: Instagram - LinkedIn - Bluesky - Threads - Mastodon - Twitter/X - Facebook If we're missing somewhere, or for any feedback, let Paul know on Instagram - Threads - Mastodon - Bluesky - Twitter/X

Nov 10

Paul & 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 Spotify or YouTube (or YouTube Music) Review, and rate us, on Apple Podcasts Follow us, and comment on: Instagram - Bluesky - Threads - Mastodon - Twitter/X Comment, like, review, and rate us, on Facebook Search for 'Layovers' on any podcast service (some direct links are on our website ) If we're missing somewhere, or for any feedback, let Paul know on Instagram - Threads - Mastodon - Bluesky - Twitter/X

Oct 15

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 Spotify , or YouTube (this is nearly 3 hours, our record, so prepare to see our faces for that long!) Thank you to long time listener Garett Gaudet for his insights, here's his latest (excellent) MixCloud See you in the next episode, happy flying! — For video, subscribe on Spotify or YouTube (or YouTube Music) Review, and rate us, on Apple Podcasts Follow us, and comment on: Instagram - Bluesky - Threads - Mastodon - Twitter/X Comment, like, review, and rate us, on Facebook Search for 'Layovers' on any podcast service (some direct links are on our website ) If we're missing somewhere, or for any feedback, let Paul know on Instagram - Threads - Mastodon - Bluesky - Twitter/X

Aug 31

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 Spotify or YouTube (or YouTube Music) Landing at an abandoned primary school netball court. Power banks safety, because nothing says "relaxing flight" like monitoring your electronics for spontaneous combustion. A true business class in Europe (but via LHR? We're too old for this lol). The never-ending boarding experience, aka playing angry Tetris. 380 landing interrupted, and a Beluga. When life gives you lemons (oranges, in that case), make it a Swiss stopover (listen to the end of the episode!). The soft and hard truth or airline customer service (that chat bot flight rebooking, woah). An AvGeek is always and AvGeek, even in holy places (what would you have said, if anything?). Iberia premium economy and the infinite legroom. A beautiful ode to airlines' years past (and that one technical stop that should still be one haha). The incredible growth of Istanbul Airport. Would you cook mid-flight? And yes, Paul could not remember the title of the movie "Airplane!", wtf. The website Paul mentioned: Tickets to Everywhere The book Alex mentioned: Airline Maps: A Century of Art and Design — For video, subscribe on Spotify or YouTube (or YouTube Music) Review, and rate us, on Apple Podcasts Follow us, and comment on: Instagram - Bluesky - Threads - Mastodon - Twitter/X Comment, like, review, and rate us, on Facebook Search for 'Layovers' on any podcast service (some direct links are on our website ) If we're missing somewhere, or for any feedback, let Paul know on Instagram - Threads - Mastodon - Bluesky - Twitter/X

Jul 29

From raves at Narita, airline sonic signatures, to the sound of engines (and a car alarm) during the recording — this episode is music to the ears of Paul and Vinod, unlike the arrivals hell of some airports (should I write which one Vinod will talk about? Nah, you'll find out!). Vinod's way back from Costa Rica, or when nothing goes your way. The beauty of Munich, built straight like a LEGO brick, satisfyingly clear and tidy, and one of Paul's favorites. Is JAL better than Qatar Airways? (Bring your own air vent?). As Japan is seeing increased numbers of international visitors (is that ouvertourism, we talk about it), will it be again Narita's time to shine over Haneda? The old Kenzo Tange dream of NRT might actually come true (in a modern, less striking form). EES, or the rise of machines, taking over airports in the Schengen Area. Are Airbus aircraft of the masculine form? — For video, subscribe on Spotify or YouTube (or YouTube Music) Review, and rate us, on Apple Podcasts Follow us, and comment on: Instagram - Bluesky - Threads - Mastodon - Twitter/X Comment, like, review, and rate us, on Facebook Search for 'Layovers' on any podcast service (some direct links are on our website ) If we're missing somewhere, or for any feedback, let Paul know on Instagram - Threads - Mastodon - Bluesky - Twitter/X

Jun 18

Paul and Alex compare notes on their transatlantic British Airways experiences — from the really bad, to the truly great, the airline needs to dig for those latter gems, its future foundation is here (the IT bugs don't help however, trust ground staff). The cot strategy of the bulkhead seat (not if you're lucky to get a double upgrade though). Do not use the US mobile passport (well, do, but we don't want more people in those queues haha). Alex sees himself at the airport, watches a Hong Kong movie and stares at sad packet of crisps and an old banana (the pantry!). Paul says adieu to an old aircraft seat, celebrates a captaincy, and smiles at a pilot with fat fingers ("Ground, do you copy?"). Do not speculate on the causes of that Air India tragedy, please (or at least, do it in private). Island hopping with Hoper (on a Ferrari-red Robinson R66), and the wonders of high-speed crafts, the super fast ferries of Greece (think of a 747 on water). We mentioned: https://flyhoper.com https://www.welcomepickups.com — For video, subscribe on Spotify or YouTube (or YouTube Music) Review, and rate us, on Apple Podcasts Follow us, and comment on: Instagram - Bluesky - Threads - Mastodon - Twitter/X Comment, like, review, and rate us, on Facebook Search for 'Layovers' on any podcast service (some direct links are on our website ) If we're missing somewhere, or for any feedback, let Paul know on Instagram - Threads - Mastodon - Bluesky - Twitter/X

May 23

JAL takes Paul on a wonderful flight to Haneda in their new 350-1000 business class (that amenity kit too!). The new HND approach is everything (but HND T3 isn't). The aircraft guide for kids, by Vinod (and how wonderful are those Delta pilots!). An airborne Wifi setup that is so long, it will get you sober. An ode to the 757, they really don't make planes like those anymore (but Delta does a great job refreshing them). Want to invite 8 people to the lounge? Be an Ultimate baller (if you have one of those super exclusive statuses, get in touch!). The battle of the Guanacaste Airport carts (and the battle of gate PA announcements). Even ATL looks nice in a golden hour. JAL Euphony, or the only valid excuse to listen to content without headphones! That time when Paul got to drink whisky in the cockpit with a disheveled Fidel Castro (well, not exactly, but close enough). — For video, subscribe on Spotify or YouTube (or YouTube Music) Review, and rate us, on Apple Podcasts Follow us, and comment on: Instagram - Bluesky - Threads - Mastodon - Twitter/X Comment, like, review, and rate us, on Facebook Search for 'Layovers' on any podcast service (some direct links are on our website ) If we're missing somewhere, or for any feedback, let Paul know on Instagram - Threads - Mastodon - Bluesky - Twitter/X

Apr 22

Here's the trick on how to forget you don't have a window seat: spend an entire flight doing speed tests on Starlink. Another trick? How to actually get a mobile boarding pass on BA's ever-buggy app. When business becomes first, or the final trick to access the Al Safwa First Class lounge in Doha. KLM gives you a timeline of service on the IFE, and a LOT of (good) food. CDG T1 is the Circle of Doom, but there are views on the 11th floor if you can find it. Heathrow shuts down after a fire, earning its "operational challenges" nickname. The UK has introduced the electronic travel authorization (ETA), no questions asked. The bonus of not having doors in business class: the gossip, here whether a pilot should be allowed to drink champagne or not. The rather surreal experience of airport hotels, and the reset of coming back to commuter airports. Check-ins, touchdowns, unexpected connections, with turbulent weather and turbulent IT — Happy Flying! — For video, subscribe on Spotify or YouTube (or YouTube Music) Review, and rate us, on Apple Podcasts Follow us, and comment on: Instagram - Bluesky - Threads - Mastodon - Twitter/X Comment, like, review, and rate us, on Facebook Search for 'Layovers' on any podcast service (some direct links are on our website ) If we're missing somewhere, or for any feedback, let Paul know on Instagram - Threads - Mastodon - Bluesky - Twitter/X