On Your Flight Today

Corinne Streichert

Dive into the heart of the skies with the "On Your Flight Today" Podcast, where we bring the inflight passenger experience into the spotlight like never before!

Embark on an exhilarating journey through the world of People, Process, and Product, as we unlock the secrets behind the ultimate inflight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) space. But that's just the beginning—our adventure extends beyond, exploring groundbreaking products, innovations, and trends that are reshaping both commercial and private aircraft interiors and passenger experience.

Brought to you by IFECtiv LLC, this podcast is your all-access pass to exclusive insights, drawing on our hosts' extensive background in enhancing passenger experiences. Each episode is a deep dive into the industry's heartbeat, featuring riveting conversations with an eclectic mix of guests—from CEOs and product wizards to travel gurus, frontline suppliers, and even the travelers themselves, with familiar faces from every corner of the globe.

"On Your Flight Today" isn't just about exploring the now; it's about influencing tomorrow. We're on a mission to spotlight and spark transformative change in accessibility within the inflight experience, tackling the broader challenges of accessible travel head-on.

Whether you're an industry insider, a business aviation or commercial airline professional, a supplier, a student eager to learn, or a passenger with a story to tell, the "On Your Flight Today" Podcast is your platform to discuss, discover, and dive deep into the dynamics of the inflight experience.

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Top 10 On Your Flight Today Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best On Your Flight Today episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to On Your Flight Today for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite On Your Flight Today episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

S2 Ep 7 - Flavor Takes Flight: Entertainment You Can Taste

On Your Flight Today

02/22/25 • 43 min

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Imagine transforming your flight into a hands-on cooking experience, mastering gourmet cuisine while soaring through the skies.

Through her Inflight Cooking School, a show now featured on American Airlines' inflight entertainment system, Chef Mel Alafaci shares expert tips, tricks, and culinary secrets, turning every flight into a flavorful adventure.

Known as The Happy Chef and founder of Vanilla Zulu, Chef Mel joins me today to talk about how she has transformed her passion for food and travel into a global sensation, reaching millions of American Airlines passengers and soon, many more on other airlines. Her mission? To empower passengers inflight with the confidence to create incredible meals, proving that cooking is an art anyone can master.

From the kitchen to inflight entertainment screens, hear Chef Mel’s inspiring journey to success. As a frequent traveler and culinary expert, she also shares insights on how airlines can elevate the inflight dining experience, making every meal unforgettable and showcasing how food can transform the way we travel.

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This episode of On Your Flight Today is brought to you by IFECtiv, an inflight entertainment and connectivity consulting company. Dedicated to elevating the aviation industry's inflight entertainment products and experiences for airlines and suppliers. Visit www.IFECtiv.aero to learn more!

Thank you for tuning in. Don't forget to subscribe on your favourite podcast platform so you'll never miss an episode. By signing up for our newsletter, you're not only staying in the loop with the latest news, updates and exclusive content, you're also helping us continue to bring you more great content. Your support means everything to us. Sign up today at www.onyourflighttoday.com and thank you for being part of our community.

Disclaimer

The views expressed by guests are their own and don’t necessarily reflect those of On Your Flight Today, its host, IFECtiv LLC, or affiliates. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not professional advice. On Your Flight Today does not verify guest statements and is not responsible for errors or omissions.

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S2 Ep 3 – Airline Loyalty & Inflight Entertainment: The IAG Story

On Your Flight Today

01/19/24 • 45 min

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As technology continues to advance and the demand for a personalized passenger experience surges, the realms of Airline Loyalty and In-Flight Entertainment and Connectivity (IFEC) are progressively merging. The organizational structure of an airline to support its Loyalty and IFEC lines of business varies by the geographic origin of the airline and the competitive landscape it competes in. Within the International Airlines Group (IAG), the IAG Loyalty business is fundamental in creating the IFEC experience for countless passengers, serving as a technology partner to the IAG group's airlines, that include British Airways, Vueling, Iberia, Aer Lingus, and Level.

On today’s episode, I am joined by Mark Cheyney, IFEC Strategy, Performance and Operations Manager from IAG Loyalty. Mark will share some interesting insights into the strategy and operational dynamics of IAG Connect, the team that functions as the technological backbone, seamlessly integrating IFEC solutions with each of the five airlines under the IAG umbrella. This deep dive will reveal the complexities and challenges of managing technology solutions across diverse airline brands and multiple IFEC suppliers.

We talk about tradeoffs, we weigh up the pros and cons of developing in-house IFEC solutions versus vendor solutions. Mark sheds light on the strategic considerations that go into these decisions, including cost, customization, and control over the end-user experience.

Mark also holds the role of Chair for the Personalization Working Group within the Seamless Air Alliance, where he serves as an expert group leader. As the industry's buzz around personalization of the passenger experience continues to grow, we'll also discuss some of the challenges with personalization, including identifying different passenger personas and navigating stringent privacy laws. As you'll soon discover, personalization is a lot more complex than it appears.

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S2 Ep 1 - Accessible Skies: Titans of Seatback IFE in Collaborative Conversation

On Your Flight Today

10/15/23 • 68 min

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In today's episode, we are delighted to present a unique and historic gathering of industry leaders – the three foremost seatback inflight entertainment providers, each represented by their distinguished product and technology visionaries.

Our topic today, accessibility for seatback in-flight entertainment systems. We delve into the challenges, the innovations, and the immense opportunities that lie ahead in making air travel more inclusive for all passengers. It's a conversation that I hope will not only inspire, educate, and inform but also help serve as a catalyst for a more inclusive future within the aviation sector.

Never before have these three providers converged on a single platform to deliberate, collaborate upon the critical importance of crafting and delivering inclusive products. This union on the show today is a testament to the evolving landscape of inflight entertainment and signifies a pivotal shift towards universal accessibility in aviation.

I’m joined by Andrew Masson, Vice President Product Management, Portfolio Management and Marketing from Panasonic Avionics Corporation; Ben Asmar, Vice President, Products and Strategy from Safran Passenger Innovations (SPI); and Tudy Bedou, Chief Technology Officer at Thales InFlyt Experience.

In the realm of innovation and progress, wisdom prevails in recognizing that building products for everyone, without exclusion, is the true path forward. So, prepare for an enriching discussion as we embark on an exploration of the inflight entertainment domain, unlocking its potential for collaboration like never before.

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S1 Ep7 - Pushing the boundaries of aircraft seating design

On Your Flight Today

04/24/23 • 48 min

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In this episode we are joined by Alejandro Nunez Vicente, creator, founder and CEO of the Chaise Longue economy airplane seat design. Alejandro joins the show to share his journey with us. What impresses most about Alejandro is his passion, determination and dedication to push the boundaries and shape the future of passenger experience for the next generation.

Intended to offer more choice in seating for the economy cabin, the development and subsequent controversy surrounding the Chaise Longue highlights the challenges of innovators designing products for the airline industry who challenge the status quo and disrupt established norms, making people uncomfortable and leading to resistance.

Designing airplane seats presents numerous challenges due to the unique environment and constraints of aircraft cabins. One of the primary challenges is maximizing space efficiency. This requires designers to balance the size and shape of seats with the space available, while also considering factors such as legroom, seat pitch and overall comfort which Alejandro is attempting to do in very creative ways.

Ultimately, a careful balance between creativity, research, testing, passenger comfort, space efficiency, safety, and cost just to name a few is needed. Successful designers must be able to navigate these challenges while also staying up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies in the industry as it can take years to bring a product of this nature to market.

History offers us examples of other innovators who have gone on to prove everyone wrong in their respective industries and perhaps I wonder if Alejandro Nunez Vicente will be a name associated with disrupting aircraft seating with an idea that sparked in his parents basement, started off as a University project, that has led him all the way to the global Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg, Germany.

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S1 Ep6 - Creating "Airlines of the World"

On Your Flight Today

04/04/23 • 37 min

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Our episode today will delve into the making of "Airlines of the World", a television documentary series currently being created and produced, with the expectation to be released at the end of 2023. The series will focus on the global airline industry, past, present and future.

I will be joined by Patrick Weil, Managing Director of Jennuin Films and Senior Executive Producer and Creator of the “Airlines of the World” documentary series.

Patrick will talk about the behind-the-scenes planning, offer insights into the creation and production of the series to date, and how they have been recreating the aircraft interiors and passenger experiences of yesteryear down to the finest details.

Hear more about the work in progress as well as the narration of the series by the one and only William Shatner, who I fondly associate with the legendary role of Captain James Tiberius Kirk of the original USS Enterprise from the Star Trek franchise.

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S2 Ep 4 - Safety Videos: When Art Obscures Safety

On Your Flight Today

02/20/24 • 59 min

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Delve into the intriguing world of aviation safety videos, focusing particularly on Qantas’s recent release. Our guest, Teri O'Toole, is a veteran Qantas long-haul flight attendant and a barrister at law, currently leading the Flight Attendants' Association of Australia (FAAA). Teri brings a unique perspective, blending her inflight experience with legal expertise to represent 6.5K+ flight attendants in Australia.

The primary discussion revolves around the new Qantas Safety Video launched in January 2024. This video, while cinematically impressive, has sparked a debate over its effectiveness as a safety tool versus its role as a marketing instrument. Despite its high production value and storytelling, it’s criticized for lacking in clear, vital safety information. Teri highlights the omission of crucial instructions like following cabin crew directions in emergencies, a fundamental safety message.

This episode contrasts Qantas's approach with other airlines, such as Japan Airlines. Their safety video, particularly relevant in the wake of a successful evacuation of a JAL A350, has been lauded for its clarity and effectiveness. The contrast lies in the use of animation and direct communication of consequences for not following safety instructions – a sharp deviation from Qantas’s more abstract and visually-driven narrative.

Gain insights into an OYFT-organized focus group, which collected feedback from Australian and US passengers on the Qantas video. The responses varied, with some finding it more of a travel inspiration piece than a safety guide. This feedback aligns with Teri’s observations and the general sentiment among cabin crew – that the video, while aesthetically pleasing, strays from its primary purpose of educating passengers about safety protocols.

Delving deeper, the episode explores the implications of using such videos for brand marketing, raising questions about the balance between engaging passengers and ensuring they understand essential safety procedures. Teri’s unique background in law and aviation adds depth to this analysis, especially when discussing the legal and safety obligations airlines have towards their passengers and crew.

Teri

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S2 Ep 5 - Play Airlines: Game Changing Low Cost Strategies

On Your Flight Today

03/27/24 • 46 min

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Discover the journey redefined with Play Airlines, a new Icelandic low-cost airline operating flights from Iceland to North America and Europe. My guest today is Adrian Keating, Executive Director Commercial at Play Airlines. Adrian will unravel how Play Airlines is challenging the norms of travel, marrying modesty with monumental strides in service and ingenuity. Offering insights into the trailblazing budget-friendly airline, we talk about the recently launched 'Space seat' - a game-changer offering passengers of the low-cost carrier the luxury of extra space onboard the aircraft.

In the dynamic world of aviation, Play Airlines stands out as a youthful contender with a small fleet, unburdened by the constraints of legacy. This freedom enables innovation, through rapid experimentation and adaptation. Whether it's the flexible 'Space seat' offering, the curated onboard Icelandic experiences or the new stop over options, Play Airlines is redefining travel norms, proving that a small low-cost airline can indeed deliver on experience at an affordable price.

Navigating beyond the dramatic landscapes and geological marvels of Iceland, Adrian will also delve into the complexities that seismic activity brings to the region's tourism landscape. We'll explore how Play Airlines maneuvers through the tremors of sensational media narratives, ensuring that Iceland remains a captivating, accessible destination for adventurers worldwide.

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S2 Ep 2 - JSX Navigating Turbulence Against Aviation Goliaths

On Your Flight Today

11/13/23 • 68 min

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Embark on a journey through the vibrant skies with JSX, a trailblazing public charter operation rooted in the heart of Dallas, Texas. Much like its counterparts in the realm of public charter services, JSX finds itself amidst a complex web of allegations touching on safety, security, and environmental concerns.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has invited public comments to assist in assessing the necessity and potential scope of rulemaking related to an existing exception for public charter operators. This exception currently keeps them outside the FAA's domestic, flag, and supplemental operations regulations.

Ben unravels the layers of this dynamic saga, addressing the allegations that dance in the airspace. Together, we'll illuminate the potential impact on passengers, the heartbeat of small communities, and the very essence of air travel safety. Step into the cockpit of knowledge as we navigate the regulatory landscape governing the exhilarating world of public charters. Your ticket to understanding awaits!

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S1 Ep10 - Airlines and Families: Unveiling the Passenger Experience

On Your Flight Today

07/05/23 • 60 min

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On today’s episode we’ll dive into the world of luxury family travel with my guest Carmen Sognonvi. Carmen is a renowned travel influencer and the founder of Top Flight Family who travels the world with her husband and 2 children. With over a million followers on social media, they captivate audiences worldwide sharing their expertise and insights online and in popular publications like Travel + Leisure, Conde Nast Traveller, The Washington Post, and many more. Through her content, Carmen shares valuable tips on how parents can save time, reduce hassle, and maximize comfort when traveling with kids.

Today she will share the highlights of travelling with her children and provide us with some insights into the contrasting cabin environments that merely tolerate kids versus those that wholeheartedly welcome them.

We'll also delve into the inconsistencies in offerings of kids' amenities kits by airlines, shedding light on the need for an extensive inflight entertainment selection. Carmen will enlighten us on the airlines leading the way in this area and discuss the specific features of seatback inflight entertainment that truly enhance the overall travel experience.

Sharing her thoughts on the strengths of the airline industry and emphasizing the significance of design and aesthetics, we also discuss how expressing cultural identity in the onboard product can elevate the entire travel experience. We’ll also talk about the differences between all-Business Class airlines such as La Compagnie and some of the world's leading full-service airlines with mixed cabins.

Above all, Carmen is a living testament that having kids shouldn't hinder your ability to travel. She firmly believes that even if your children may not remember every moment, you will cherish those memories forever. So, let's dive into this captivating conversation with Carmen Sognonvi. Let’s go!

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S1 Ep8 - Deep Dive - Inmarsat Passenger Experience Survey 2022

On Your Flight Today

05/30/23 • 54 min

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In our episode today, I am joined by Neale Faulkner, Regional Vice President at Inmarsat Aviation based in the Middle East. Neale and I will deep dive into the Inmarsat Passenger Experience Survey 2022 and discuss the results and findings.
In the age of constant connectivity, staying connected even at 30,000 feet has become a top priority for modern-day travelers. Whether it's business professionals needing to stay in touch with their work, or leisure travelers wanting to share their experiences on social media or stream their favorite movies, inflight Wi-Fi has become a game-changer.

In the recently released Inmarsat Passenger Experience Survey 2022, they surveyed 11,000 passengers across the globe to understand passengers' expectations and how these have evolved over the past five years. Their findings indicate that passenger desires and beliefs have changed.

Some of the topics we’ll explore include the drivers of passenger behavior and how this informs the IFE & C strategy for airlines and suppliers, the desire for more transparency from passengers regarding the speed and reliability of the Wi-Fi connection, the tradeoffs for free Wi-Fi and the new battleground between suppliers, Quality Of Experience (QOE) which measures and reports on the connectivity experience at the passenger device level. This is an area that is seeing increased activity, with alliances and various solutions now coming to the market.

In conclusion, Neale will provide us with some insider tips on what to see and do in Dubai and the UAE from a local's perspective with some of his recommendations not being typically found on a tourist map. Additionally, I asked him about a recent passenger experience that wowed and he will share with us his recent experience flying with Wizz Air, a Hungarian ultra-low-cost carrier that exceeded his expectations. Let's go!
Transcript will be available in 12 hours.

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FAQ

How many episodes does On Your Flight Today have?

On Your Flight Today currently has 19 episodes available.

What topics does On Your Flight Today cover?

The podcast is about Leisure, Places & Travel, Society & Culture, Experience, Aviation, Podcasts, Digital and Travel.

What is the most popular episode on On Your Flight Today?

The episode title 'S2 Ep 3 – Airline Loyalty & Inflight Entertainment: The IAG Story' is the most popular.

What is the average episode length on On Your Flight Today?

The average episode length on On Your Flight Today is 48 minutes.

How often are episodes of On Your Flight Today released?

Episodes of On Your Flight Today are typically released every 29 days, 3 hours.

When was the first episode of On Your Flight Today?

The first episode of On Your Flight Today was released on Feb 7, 2023.

Show more FAQ

On Your Flight Today

Corinne Streichert

Top 10 On Your Flight Today Episodes

FAQ

How many episodes does On Your Flight Today have?

What topics does On Your Flight Today cover?

What is the most popular episode on On Your Flight Today?

What is the average episode length on On Your Flight Today?

How often are episodes of On Your Flight Today released?

When was the first episode of On Your Flight Today?

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