Flying Smarter: Air Travel Explained - 5 - Duty-Free Shopping and Why Things at Airports are so Expensive

5 - Duty-Free Shopping and Why Things at Airports are so Expensive

09/28/20 • 23 min

This episode starts by answering questions about why there are carry-on liquid restrictions and why airlines fly empty planes around. Then, learn about duty-free shopping, what happened to SkyMall, and why things are so expensive at airports.

Why are there restrictions on bringing liquids through airport security? Restrictions on liquids at airport security are just a regular part of flying these days. Find out why and how these rules came to be.
Why do airlines sometimes fly empty planes around? We look at why an airline would operate a flight even if it only has one or two passengers on it. Plus, airlines fly empty planes around for many operational reasons. Learn more in this episode.
When we’re flying, we’re presented with a many opportunities to make some purchases. Some of these opportunities are better than others and this episode looks at shopping throughout the air travel experience. Andrew discusses what you need to know about duty-free shopping, what happened to SkyMall, and why food and other necessities are so expensive at airports.

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Twitter: @flying_smarter
Website: www.flyingsmarter.com

Why are there restrictions on bringing liquids through airport security? Restrictions on liquids at airport security are just a regular part of flying these days. Find out why and how these rules came to be.
Why do airlines sometimes fly empty planes around? We look at why an airline would operate a flight even if it only has one or two passengers on it. Plus, airlines fly empty planes around for many operational reasons. Learn more in this episode.
When we’re flying, we’re presented with a many opportunities to make some purchases. Some of these opportunities are better than others and this episode looks at shopping throughout the air travel experience. Andrew discusses what you need to know about duty-free shopping, what happened to SkyMall, and why food and other necessities are so expensive at airports.

Previous Episode

4 - Getting Started with Points and Miles with Alyssa Cerchiai

In this episode, Andrew answers questions about airplane sewage and finding the best seat. He then chats with Alyssa Cerchiai about the world of points and miles.

Where does airplane sewage go? You may have heard stories of frozen toilet waste landing in people’s yards but do we really jettison human waste into the sky? We take a look at what actually happens to airplane sewage once it’s flushed down the toilet.
What is the best seat on a plane? The answer depends on what your priorities are. If you really don’t like turbulence for example, a seat over the wings or towards the front of the plane will likely give you a smoother ride. Find out what you need to know about selecting a seat on your next flight.
Using points and miles is a great way to reduce the cost of your next trip. However, earning reward travel can seem like a daunting task if you aren’t a frequent flyer or big spender. For this episode’s main segment, writer and podcast host Alyssa Cerchiai is here to cover the basics of the world of points and miles and talk about how to get started.

If you want to hear more from Alyssa or learn more about the world of points and miles, check out her podcast, She Made Points. You can also find her on Instagram at @shemadepoints and @alycerchiai, on Twitter at @shemadepoints and @alycerchaiai, and on the She Made Points Facebook Page.

For a breakdown of the flight redemption example from this episode, click here.

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Connect with Flying Smarter:
Facebook: Flying Smarter Podcast
Instagram: @flyingsmarter
Twitter: @flying_smarter
Website: www.flyingsmarter.com

Next Episode

6 - COVID-19, Airlines, and the Future with Kerry Tan

This episode of Flying Smarter starts off by answering questions about how high planes fly and how to get into airport lounges. Airline industry expert Dr. Kerry Tan then chats with Andrew about COVID-19’s impact on airlines and what the future holds for passengers.

How high do planes fly? Commercial jets fly within a certain altitude range. Find out why this is the case and how it compares with other things in the sky.
How do I get into an airport lounge? Airport lounges allow you to wait for your flight in a more comfortable environment. Learn about the different ways you can gain access to one of these fancy spaces.
COVID-19 has had a huge impact on the airline industry. Airline industry expert Kerry Tan is here to talk share his insights on airlines, the pandemic, and the future. He talks about how airlines have dealt with the challenges of COVID-19, how air travel might have been changed forever, what this all means for passengers, and much more. He also shares his advice to people who are itching to travel.

Kerry Tan is an Associate Professor of Economics and an airline industry expert at Loyola University Maryland’s Sellinger School of Business. You can learn more about him and his work here.
Follow the podcast on social media!
Connect with Flying Smarter:
Facebook: Flying Smarter Podcast
Instagram: @flyingsmarter
Twitter: @flying_smarter
Website: www.flyingsmarter.com