Economist Podcasts Planes, trains and automobiles: the travails of travel
Apr 19, 2019
Robert Guest, Foreign Editor at The Economist and a seasoned traveler, shares hilarious and chaotic airport anecdotes, discussing infamous travel hubs. Fiametta Rocco, the Culture Correspondent, highlights the romantic revival of sleeper trains as a comforting alternative to flying, citing their appeal, especially among artists. Joel Budd, Social Policy Editor, analyzes Lagos' unique traffic jams, revealing how residents transform these delays into entrepreneurial opportunities, showcasing resilience in urban chaos. Safe travels!
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Airport Antics
- Passengers were whipped with belts for crowd control in Congo, Brazzaville.
- In North Korea, passengers were ordered not to fold the newspaper with Kim Jong-il's picture.
Judging Airports
- Formal "worst airport" lists reflect disappointment, not absolute awfulness.
- Rich-country airports disappoint more due to higher expectations.
Adjusted Airport Rankings
- Adjust airport rankings by income per head for a fairer assessment.
- This highlights terrible airports in wealthy nations, like Miami.