
Cranky Talk
A show about the ins and outs of aviation and travel, from interviews with industry leaders to deep dives on a range of travel topics.
Latest episodes

Sep 3, 2020 • 13min
The Airline Industry Approaches a Cliff
Brett and Dave go over what airlines are facing as the Oct. 1 CARES Act deadline approaches, and how the industry may change.
USA Today: Thousands of American Airlines pilots, flight attendants take leave, early retirement
TSA checkpoint travel numbers
Crankyflier: The Government Stimulus is Done, Now We Wait to See the Results

Aug 20, 2020 • 15min
Cranky Talk: Brett Books a Flight
Dave needs to travel, so in this episode Brett walks him through how the process has changed in the time of COVID-19

Aug 18, 2020 • 23min
The Cranky Flier Interview #18: Southwest Airlines Chief Commercial Officer, Andrew Watterson
Andrew is back for his annual visit. This time we talk about the pandemic, of course, but also the MAX and more.

Aug 6, 2020 • 18min
Cranky Talk: How Airlines are Keeping Travelers Safe
We're discussing the ever-shifting safety standards that the airlines are adopting. We're answering what they're doing to set themselves apart, what's for show, and what will actually keep travelers safe when they fly.
Cabin air quality
Infectious disease transmission during commercial air travel
Surface transmission
Southwest Reduces Aircraft Cleaning Between Flights
Study: Leaving Airplane Middle Seats Empty Could Cut Coronavirus Risk Almost In Half

Jul 23, 2020 • 13min
Cranky Talk: How Airlines Pick Their Routes!
Brett goes on a deep dive into how airlines have traditionally plotted their routes and schedules...Dave is actually interested this time!
Thanks to our sponsor Turbulence Forecast!

Jul 9, 2020 • 12min
Cranky Talk: How Airports are Funded and the Impact of COVID-19
This week, Brett and Dave talk about how airports are funded and will taxpayers be on the hook for empty airports during the COVID crisis.
Sources:
AIP 2017 Report
Missourian: Columbia Hotel Tax
LAWA Landing Fees
Dallas Morning News: DFW Toll Road

Jun 25, 2020 • 13min
Cranky Talk: Summer Travel Ideas in the Time of COVID-19
In this episode, Brett is joined by a special guest to go over some overlooked destinations and travel recommendations as Americans gear up for a summer without international travel!
IATA Travel Centre COVID-19 Map

Jun 16, 2020 • 19min
The Cranky Flier Interview #17: United Airlines Vice President, International Network and Alliances, Patrick Quayle

Jun 11, 2020 • 12min
Cranky Talk: To Fly or Not to Fly? Buying tickets in the time of COVID
In this episode, Brett navigates through all the uncertainty in buying air tickets during COVID-19, from discussing the relative safety of air travel to pulling apart old ticketing myths and wondering about any potential deals to be found.
Sponsored by The Airplane Shop

May 28, 2020 • 12min
Cranky Talk: The Airport of the Future
In this episode, we'll guide you through what you can expect to find the next time you're in an airport in the short and medium-term. Then we go off the deep end and dive into what airports may look like in the future.
Sponsored by The Airplane Shop
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