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...

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...

In this experience we look at the world of Duty Free. What exactly is duty free, and what is it not? We look at scenarios that Vinod faced as a groundside agent – like what happens if a passenger is denied boarding? On board a flight, how does duty free work? If you have a story about duty free shops, duty free service in the air, or other experiences that you would like to share, we would love to hear from you.

In this experience we look at the history of smoking on flights. A question that Vinod was (and still is) asked is, "Are the smoke detectors in the lavatory real?" Absolutely. We open the history books on smoking on flights. When and where did it end? (Hint, much more recently than you may think.) Fire on board is a scary, scary, thing. If you have a story about smoking on board, fire on board, or other experiences that you would like to share, we would love to hear from you.

In this experience we look at the world of official protocols and flights. Vinod and Geoff share their experiences of being ground stopped due to Air Force One. Geoff and Vinod share their experiences seeing a global event up close back in 2002. Vinod shares his experience of handling British Royal Family members flying on commercial flights. If you have a story about government summits, Royal Family flights, or other experiences that you would like to share, we would love to hear from you.

In this experience we look at the world of teams and flights. On flights with teams, it's not just athletes. There are usually coaching and support staff also on the flight. Vinod remembers having to deal with teenagers on flights. Helpful tip – groups are usually seated at the back of the plane. We also look at what happens when teams charter flights. If you have a story about team travel, team charter, or other experiences that you would like to share, we would love to hear from you.

In this experience, Vinod shares his story of his flight back from Tokyo to Vancouver after the Summer Olympics. Vinod has a large amount of baggage on his return from Tokyo to Vancouver. How does his manage it? Athletes all returning home at the same time – it was holiday level busy. If you have a story about overseas travel during COVID-19, or other experiences that you would like to share, we would love to hear from you.

Seat 1A reaches a milestone of fifty experiences. In this experience, Vinod joins us from Tokyo! Vinod shares his experience of his flight from Vancouver to Tokyo-Narita in Air Canada business class. Japan tests for COVID testing on arrival. Vinod had a very long processing time. If you have a story about overseas travel during COVID-19, COVID testing on arrival, or other experiences that you would like to share, we would love to hear from you.

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. If you have a story about overseas travel during COVID-19 or other experiences that you would like to share, we would love to hear from you.

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

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

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. If you have a story about food at the airport, other food option strategies or other experiences that you would like to share we would love to hear from you.

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. If you have a story about takeoff problems, customs clearance, connecting flights or other experience that you would like to share we would love to hear from you.

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. Seat 1A doesn't want you to be the person balled up on tile floor trying to sleep.

In this experience we look at flying with children and the unique situations that this causes for parents and crew. Full disclaimer – this experience is not about us providing parenting advice. We look at the experience from the check-in, the seat selection, the inflight experience and the arrival and disembarking – all with the challenges of flying with children. We look at some common crew requests from flying parents, along with some of the more disgusting things that people do when...

In this experience we look at what happens when there is a medical emergency in flight. It's not just doctors who assist with medical emergencies. We look at the process of the crew assessing the situation along with managing both the medical emergency and the rest of the flight. We also look at medical diversions, deceased passengers in flight, what happens if the crew gets sick and if a plane needs to be quarantined.

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. We discuss unique cargo items – like coffins, human ashes, or firearms. In addition, there are numerous living things that are shipped as cargo. We look at the current situation for vaccine shipping – and the unique challenges of cold temperatures and physics of dry ice.

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...

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

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.

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. Join us for insights, a glimpse of the future and terrific aviation stories.

In this experience we recognize incredible crew and in-flight experiences we've had. We know that a lot of crew members are doing what they can to get by – and the day that the layoff comes to an end is a long way off. 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.

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. 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

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. We take you through the various queues for check-in, security, and immigration as you leave; and then immigration and baggage when you arrive. After listening we hope you will have picked up some tips and tricks about lining up and queuing effectively for your flight.

In this experience we continue our look at the aviation hierarchy – who's who at the zoo? Now we move onboard the plane itself. There is always one person who is running the entire cabin experience on the flight. We look at the long list of responsibilities for a senior purser. We also look at the hierarchy on the flight deck. After listening we hope you will have picked up some tips and tricks about knowing who is coordinating your cabin experience and the hierarchy while you're in flight.