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

—
Follow us, and comment on: Instagram - Bluesky - Threads - Mastodon - Twitter/X
Comment on each episode, and rate us, on Spotify
Review, and rate us, on Apple Podcasts
Comment, like, review, and rate us, on Facebook
Comment on YouTube (there's no video, just audio!)

Search for "Layovers" on any podcast service (some direct links are on our website)
If we're missing one, or if you have any feedback, let Paul know on Instagram - Threads - Mastodon - Bluesky - Twitter/X

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).

—
Follow us, and comment on: Instagram - Bluesky - Threads - Mastodon - Twitter/X
Comment on each episode, and rate us, on Spotify
Review, and rate us, on Apple Podcasts
Comment, like, review, and rate us, on Facebook
Comment on YouTube (there's no video, just audio!)

Search for "Layovers" on any podcast service (some direct links are on our website)
If we're missing one, or if you have any feedback, let Paul know on Instagram - Threads - Mastodon - Bluesky - Twitter/X

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!

—
Follow us, and comment on: Instagram - Bluesky - Threads - Mastodon - Twitter/X
Comment on each episode, and rate us, on Spotify
Review, and rate us, on Apple Podcasts
Comment, like, review, and rate us, on Facebook
Comment on YouTube (there's no video, just audio!)

Search for "Layovers" on any podcast service (some direct links are on our website)
If we're missing one, or if you have any feedback, let Paul know on Instagram - Threads - Mastodon - Bluesky - Twitter/X