Layovers - Air Travel podcast

Paul Papadimitriou
  • 4.8 (116)
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The Air Travel podcast by Paul Papa (Paul Papadimitriou), with Alex Hunter & Vinod Viswalingam — #1 in 50+ countries Listen anywhere, watch on YouTube.

  1. 155 FLIGHTY - Flighty: Reinventing Flight Tracking and the air travel experience, with Ryan Jones, Founder CEO at Flighty

    JAN 20

    155 FLIGHTY - Flighty: Reinventing Flight Tracking and the air travel experience, with Ryan Jones, Founder CEO at Flighty

    Flighty has changed how we experience air travel. The flight tracking app, which obsessively focuses on the user experience and data accuracy, has been mentioned in nearly all our episodes since Paul got on the beta in early 2019, and we're so pleased to welcome Ryan Jones, the Founder CEO of Flighty, for an entertaining chat on everything Flighty, and more. Ryan shares the journey of creating this epic app, the importance of design, the challenges of data acquisition, the commitment to providing real-time information  and how the three founders prioritize new innovative features.We learn who uses Flighty the most (can you guess?) and the role of the community in shaping the app's development and future directions for Flighty (Ryan loves feedback!). We realize how intricate it is to track a flight, and the challenges of providing timely information and flight statuses (and what to surface when, during our flying journeys). Not everything is equal, some territories are better than others, some airports or airlines better than others (there's one that doesn't seem to care). And yes, Paul asks Ryan about his favorite airport, and he tells us which one he hates hahaha (Paul and Ryan find a commonality in hating carpets!), and his plan to change the IATA code for Austin. We had tremendous fun talking to Ryan, and the two hours flew by. Thank you, Ryan, and your two co-founders, for creating such a beautifully designed experience. You should try Flighty:https://flighty.com Flighty on Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/flighty/Flighty on X: https://x.com/FlightyFlighty on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flightyapp/Flighty on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flightyapp/Flighty on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flighty/ This episode is on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5DttBKTF-gHappy flying!____For video, subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Lay_oversor Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4JaAXzE6CNLIZXv1buXuTT Our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lay_overs/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/layovers.podcast Reach out to the creator of Layovers, Paul On Instagram: https://instagram.com/paulpapa.io On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulpapadimitriou/ More links on our website: https://layovers.to

    2h 5m
  2. 154 LGA - United fairly tale, Qatar-ish premium economy, SeatGuru farewell, Hanoi underground tension, ORD forever taxiing

    12/25/2025

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

    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 & Guests Paul Papa (Paul Papadimitriou) - Host Alex Hunter - Host ____Click here to watch a video of this episode. For video, subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Lay_oversor Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4JaAXzE6CNLIZXv1buXuTTReview us on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/layovers-air-travel-and-commercial-aviation/id965163837 Reach out to the creator: https://instagram.com/paulpapa.io Comment on YouTube, Spotify orInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lay_overs/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/layovers.podcast More links on our website: https://layovers.to

    2h 30m
  3. 153 ROLLS-ROYCE - Inside Rolls-Royce: engineering excellence, how airplane turbine blades are born at the edge of science

    11/30/2025

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

    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

    2h 21m
  4. 152 ZNZ - Is Premium Economy premium, when BA was Emirates, Precision Air approximation, caravaning Cessna, Emirates A350

    11/10/2025

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

    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 PodcastsFollow us, and comment on: Instagram - Bluesky - Threads - Mastodon - Twitter/XComment, like, review, and rate us, on FacebookSearch 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

    2h 26m
  5. 151 WDH - Skeleton Coast driving, Canada wide-body bingo, Namibia airfields, Airlink Embraer, SWISS chocolate, ZRH dance

    10/15/2025

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

    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 PodcastsFollow us, and comment on: Instagram - Bluesky - Threads - Mastodon - Twitter/XComment, like, review, and rate us, on FacebookSearch 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

    2h 60m
  6. 150 CND - cookware security, voltage chaos, airline excellence truths, boarding Tetris, the one real European business class

    08/31/2025

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

    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 PodcastsFollow us, and comment on: Instagram - Bluesky - Threads - Mastodon - Twitter/XComment, like, review, and rate us, on FacebookSearch 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

    2h 22m
  7. 149 TYO - Narita rave, airline soundtracks, arrivals hell, Tokyo's airport of tomorrow, LEGO MUC, pre-recorded captain

    07/29/2025

    149 TYO - Narita rave, airline soundtracks, arrivals hell, Tokyo's airport of tomorrow, LEGO MUC, pre-recorded captain

    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 PodcastsFollow us, and comment on: Instagram - Bluesky - Threads - Mastodon - Twitter/XComment, like, review, and rate us, on FacebookSearch 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

    2h 13m
  8. 148 JTR - double upgrade bug, Hoper islands copters, BA transatlantic variance, 747s of the seas, easyJet Plus, Air India tragedy

    06/18/2025

    148 JTR - double upgrade bug, Hoper islands copters, BA transatlantic variance, 747s of the seas, easyJet Plus, Air India tragedy

    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.comhttps://www.welcomepickups.com —For video, subscribe on Spotify or YouTube (or YouTube Music)Review, and rate us, on Apple PodcastsFollow us, and comment on: Instagram - Bluesky - Threads - Mastodon - Twitter/XComment, like, review, and rate us, on FacebookSearch 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

    2h 19m
See All (155)

4.8
out of 5
116 Ratings

About

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

Information

  • Creator
    Paul Papadimitriou
  • Years Active
    2015 - 2026
  • Episodes
    155
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    Layovers - Air Travel podcast

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