Landings and Layovers – Details, episodes & analysis

From free suite upgrades to turning daily spending into first-class flights, this episode is a crash course in making luxury travel accessible — even on a budget.

This week's Fare of the Week (powered by Notiflyr.com):
Roundtrip flights from major U.S. cities (Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, LA, Miami, NYC, San Francisco, Seattle, Washington D.C.) to European hubs like Amsterdam, Athens, Paris, Prague, and Zurich for $430–$500 on SAS Airlines.

• Travel window: September 2025 – May 2026

• Includes food and drink, but basic economy rules apply (limited baggage)

• Elite SkyTeam members (Delta, Air France, KLM) get added perks like free bags

💡 Pro tip: Book early — these fares will not last.

We unpack Etihad's latest promotion:

• 5 million miles for the first person to visit all 15 new destinations

• Milestone prizes: 25K miles (5 destinations) or 100K miles (10 destinations)

• Messy rules, unclear leaderboard, and potential passport headaches (hello, Russia)

Is it worth chasing? Marty and Matt debate the value — and whether it beats Turkish Airlines' or JetBlue's recent promos.

Guest: Ben Komenkul — founder of Hotel Secrets Masterclass and Airline Points Academy. He's traveled the world mastering points and loyalty programs, helping thousands turn modest budgets into unforgettable experiences.

• How Ben went from La Quinta loyalty to Hyatt globalist (and why you shouldn't chase every status tier at once)

• When earning points beats redeeming them

• The secret to scoring upgrades without breaking the bank

• Why bringing your own pillow might be the best travel hack you've never tried

• How to use hotel-branded credit cards and loyalty tiers strategically (plus why Hyatt and Marriott aren't equal)

• Focus on one program — lifetime status beats juggling low-tier loyalty

• Check the fine print — not all vouchers work the same (or transfer to others)

• Free agent? Sign up for the program anyway — those points add up

• Book first, confirm later — great deals vanish fast; you can always cancel within 24 hours

• AwardWallet – Track points and expiration dates across programs

• FlightAware – Real-time flight tracking (know delays before the airline does)

• CardPointers – Optimize credit card perks and benefits automatically

• TripIt – Organize itineraries in one app

We're kicking off a new segment breaking down aviation acronyms. This week: ACARS — Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System. Think of it as an old-school text messaging system for pilots and ground crews… still used today.

• Instagram: @landingslayovers

• Twitter/X: @landingandlayover

• Facebook: Landings and Layovers

• Email: landingsandlayovers@gmail.com

#HotelLoyalty #TravelHacks #MileagePromotions #LuxuryOnPoints #LandingsAndLayovers #AwardTravel #SASAirlinesDeals #EtihadChallenge #BenKomenkul

✈️ Landings and Layovers | Season 2, Episode 5
🎙 Hosted by Matt Fleischman & Marty Paz

Since we recorded, the Turkish Airlines million-mile promotion has been suspended without notice. Still, the strategies, planning, and points talk are timeless—so we're keeping the conversation going.

LOT Polish Airlines is slinging serious deals: roundtrip flights from New York to multiple Eastern European cities—Krakow, Sofia, Vilnius, and more—for under $500. In some cases, closer to $400. Lufthansa is matching some fares, too.

📍 Fly into smaller, often overlooked cities
📅 Valid for: July, Sept–Dec 2025, and Feb 2026
🎫 Book direct or via a Star Alliance partner for mileage bonuses

We dive into JetBlue's 25-destination challenge (25 cities = 350K points + 25 years of elite status) and compare it to the recently suspended Turkish Airlines Million Mile Contest, which required touching down on six continents in four months.

🔎 Key comparisons:

• Turkish Airlines required everything to route through Istanbul

• Minimum spend to qualify? $3,000+

• Turkish miles expire after 3 years (ouch)

• JetBlue's challenge? Easier, shorter, and lets you fly domestic or Caribbean

⚙️ Building a run? We're helping listeners with itinerary planning for both challenges and future promos.

Meet Meyy, a cardiovascular professional and mileage master who's flown over 500,000 miles — 95% of them in first or business class.

He shared how he's unlocked luxury cabins with smart strategies, including:

• Booking American Airlines First for 25K Etihad miles

• Turning an Oman Air downgrade into a surprise Air France La Première experience

• Stacking reroutes: 3 canceled flights → Singapore Business Class for 60K points

• Why Air France Platinum status still pays off—even years later

💡 Meyy's top tips:

• Bring chocolates. It works.

• Flexibility beats status.

• Know your phone agents—they can be more powerful than your credit card.

• British Airways mileage runs? Still worth it… for now.

Meyy and Marty break down the future of loyalty programs:

• American's program is flexible—but for how long?

• Airline loyalty is becoming gamified, fast

• British Airways is shifting away from leisure travelers

• Devaluations are coming… earn and burn while you can

• 🧠 You don't need millions of points—just a smart strategy

• 🎁 Kindness can upgrade you faster than status

• 🧳 Air France La Première is worth every reroute (and the occasional stress-induced forehead vein)

• 🗺️ Use regional airports to find better award space

• 💺 "Mileage runs are fun again" — just pick your program wisely

We're working on:

• JetBlue's 25-city itinerary builds

• Star Alliance million-mile ideas (if it returns)

• BA Tier Point runs from the U.S. and Europe

• Etihad, Flying Blue, and Turkish mileage strategy builds

📬 DM us or email—we'll help you sketch it out and maybe even feature your run in a future ep.

• 💌 Email: landingsandlayovers@gmail.com

• 📸 Instagram: @landingslayovers

• 🐦 Twitter/X: @landingNlayover

• 🌍 Website: brieflydistracted.com/landingsandlayovers

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In this exciting episode of Landings and Layovers, hosts Matthew Fleischman and Marty Paz dive into the vibrant travel landscape of Southeast Asia with special guest Scott Waldstein, an expat living in the Philippines. Scott shares his unique journey, from managing call center outsourcing to owning a pizza shop during the pandemic. Get inspired by his adventures and learn about his favorite destinations, including stunning locales in the Philippines, Thailand, and beyond.

Fare of the Week:
This week's exclusive deal highlights a business-class roundtrip from Jakarta to major European cities for an unbeatable rate, courtesy of Notiflyr.com. Sign up with code PODCAST for 20% off your annual premium membership and stay ahead of the best travel deals.

• Discovering Southeast Asia: Scott shares his favorite spots across the Philippines and Thailand, from the unspoiled beauty of El Nido to luxurious, budget-friendly villas in Koh Samui.
• Living as an Expat: Scott talks about the opportunities and challenges of living abroad, and why he took a leap of faith to move to the Philippines in 2020.
• Travel Hacks and Deals: Scott gives practical tips on finding affordable flights, including flexible airport choices and booking through Middle Eastern carriers.
• Survival Adventure: Hear about Scott's annual "survival trip" in the Philippines, where participants live off the land on a secluded island.

Follow us on Socials:For more updates, travel deals, and behind-the-scenes content, connect with us on social media!

• Instagram: @landingsandlayovers

• Twitter (X): @LandingNLayover

• Facebook: Landings and Layovers Page

Read More on the Blog :If you enjoyed this blog post, explore more tips, destination highlights, and travel hacks in our latest blog updates.

Tune in for more unique insights on Southeast Asia, travel deals, and expat life!

In this episode of Landings and Layovers, hosts Matthew Fleischman and Marty Paz welcome experienced traveler and marathon enthusiast Kathy Kass. Kathy shares invaluable insights on how to maximize your hotel stays, find the best loyalty programs, and navigate both budget and luxury travel with ease. With a track record of visiting over 75 countries and completing 140 marathons across the globe, Kathy offers expert advice on turning your travels into unforgettable experiences.

• Hotel Hacks: Kathy discusses how to find hidden gems in hotel loyalty programs, including how to take advantage of Hyatt deals that won't break the bank.
• Luxury vs. Budget Stays: Learn how to combine budget and luxury hotels to optimize your travel experience without overspending.
• Travel Rewards: Tips on using credit card points and frequent flyer miles to elevate your travel game.
• Destination Picks: Hear about Kathy's favorite marathon destinations and why Kyoto stands out as a world-class travel experience.
• Booking Strategies: The importance of booking refundable travel and staying flexible for last-minute changes.

In preparation for an upcoming trip with his daughter, Matt recently ordered an inflatable toddler bed to help keep her cozy and secure while traveling. He's looking forward to testing it out and will share a full review after the trip! If you're curious about the bed, here's the link on Amazon. (Affiliate link—while it supports us, it's not a sponsorship. https://amzn.to/4ehSyJX)

• Always check for updated prices and rebook when fares drop.
• Take advantage of travel loyalty programs for both budget and luxury stays.
• Mixing in lower-cost stays with high-end hotels can significantly reduce overall trip costs.

Sponsor:
This episode is brought to you by Notiflyr.com, your ultimate guide to finding exclusive airfare deals. Use Promo Code PODCAST for 20% off your annual premium membership and unlock the best travel savings today.

• Follow us on Instagram: @landingsandlayovers
• Follow us on X: @LandingNLayover
• Visit our website: BrieflyDistracted.com

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review and share your own travel tips in the comments or on social media. We'd love to feature listener stories in future episodes!

Be sure to check out our Blog Here.

In this episode of Landings and Layovers, hosts Matthew Fleischman and Marty Paz welcome travel expert Sten Kristiansen to discuss the intricacies of airline alliances, frequent flyer programs, and travel hacks. Sten shares his insights on SkyTeam, SAS Gold status, and how to maximize your travel experience through strategic use of airline partnerships.

Episode Highlights:

• UnderStending Airline Alliances: Sten breaks down the benefits of major alliances like SkyTeam, Star Alliance, and Oneworld, and how they can save travelers time and money.
• SAS Gold Status: Learn how Sten achieved SAS Gold status and the perks it offers, including priority boarding, lounge access, and enhanced mileage earning.
• Frequent Flyer Tips: Sten reveals strategies for accumulating miles, leveraging status matches, and booking award tickets for better travel experiences.
• Hidden Travel Deals: Discover how to find fifth freedom routes and special airfare promotions that can make your trips more affordable.

Key Takeaways:

• Using alliances to access premium benefits across multiple airlines.
• Tips for frequent travelers on earning and redeeming miles efficiently.
• How SAS Gold status can elevate your travel experience.

Sponsor:
This episode is sponsored by Notiflyr.com, your go-to source for exclusive airfare deals. Sign up with Promo Code PODCAST to get 20% off your premium membership and never miss a great deal again.

Connect with Us:

• Check out Notiflyr.com for exclusive deals and discounts.
• Listen to more episodes here.
• Check out our Blog on this week's episode here.

In this episode of Landings and Layovers, hosts Matthew Fleischman and Marty Paz sit down with travel expert Emilia Rutigliano to discuss how to prepare children for independent travel. Emilia shares valuable tips from her experience speaking at Chicago Seminars, highlighting key steps to set kids up for success as they navigate the world of frequent flyer miles, travel credit cards, and the importance of early travel education.

Episode Highlights:

• Starting Young: Emilia emphasizes the importance of opening frequent flyer accounts for kids early on and teaching them how to accumulate miles.
• Travel Credit Cards: Learn how to introduce your children to travel credit cards at the right age to maximize points and rewards.
• Chicago Seminars Insights: Emilia recaps her presentation, focusing on how Generation Z can best prepare for independent travel through strategic planning.
• Family Travel Hacks: Tips on how to make family trips stress-free, including Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, and smart packing strategies.
• Fare of the Week: Find out about an amazing roundtrip fare from Los Angeles to Honolulu for just $197 on Delta Airlines.

Key Takeaways:

• Get kids started early with frequent flyer accounts and educate them on travel perks.
• The right credit cards and reward programs can set teens up for a lifetime of affordable travel.
• Family travel can be fun and hassle-free with the right preparation.

This episode is sponsored by Notiflyr.com, where you can discover the best airfare deals. Use Promo Code PODCAST for 20% off your premium membership and unlock exclusive travel discounts.

Don't forget to check out our Blog

This week on Landings and Layovers, hosts Matthew Fleischman and Marty Paz sit down with Ari Charlestein from Competitours to explore the exciting world of adventure travel competitions. Ari reveals how Competitours creates thrilling, challenge-based trips that turn your travels into unforgettable adventures. Hear behind-the-scenes stories about teams racing across Europe, taking on spontaneous challenges, and building connections through shared experiences.

Episode Highlights:

• What is Competitours? Discover how this one-of-a-kind travel competition works and what makes it so unique for adventurers.
• Making Travel Exciting: Ari discusses the joy of mystery travel, where participants embark on trips without knowing the itinerary.
• The Value of Competition: Learn how Competitours builds camaraderie through friendly challenges that test creativity and adaptability.
• Adventure Tips for All Travelers: Whether you're a solo traveler or exploring as a group, Ari shares practical tips to spice up any trip.
• Travel Deals with Notiflyr.com: Sponsored by Notiflyr, find out how to access the best flight deals for your next adventure. Use Promo Code PODCAST for a special discount.

Connect & Compete: Interested in participating? Follow @Competitours on social media to learn more and get ready for your next adventure.

Adventure is out there—whether you're racing through hidden cities, engaging in spontaneous challenges, or seeking the best travel deals, there's always a way to make your journey more exciting.

In this episode of Landings and Layovers, hosts Matthew Fleischman and Marty Paz take you on a journey from the sunny shores of Abu Dhabi to the bustling travel community of the Chicago Seminars. Marty recounts his recent birthday trip to the United Arab Emirates, where he experienced both the luxury of a five-star hotel and the challenges of travel mishaps like a canceled car rental. The conversation then shifts to Marty's role as an organizer at the 14th Annual Chicago Travel Seminars, an event dedicated to helping travelers maximize their miles and points, as well as giving back to the community.

• Birthday in Abu Dhabi: Marty shares his birthday adventure at the Conrad Hotel in Abu Dhabi, detailing the hotel's incredible service, family-friendly pools, and beautiful views of the Persian Gulf. Marty and his family also explore local dining spots, enjoying Middle Eastern cuisine, sushi, and fresh local dishes, all while navigating the highs and lows of traveling with a toddler.

• Flight Deals of the Week: Discover an exciting fare deal brought to you by Notiflyr.com, where Air France, KLM, and Delta Airlines are offering incredible round-trip flights from Bilbao and Madrid, Spain, to major U.S. cities, including New York, Miami, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Marty explains how savvy travelers can use this deal to create back-to-back vacations and even enjoy a business class experience at a fraction of the regular price.

• Chicago Travel Seminars: Marty offers a behind-the-scenes look at the Chicago Seminars (Facebook) where over 300 travel enthusiasts and experts gather to discuss how to earn, use, and maximize travel points. Topics covered include status matching, cheap airfare, credit card rewards, and travel insurance. Marty's presentation on status matching will help travelers understand how to leverage their VIP status from one airline, hotel, or rental car company into multiple perks across the travel industry.

• Charity Focus: This year, the Chicago Seminars are supporting two incredible charities: Miles for Migrants, which helps refugees and migrants with airfare, and the Armed Services YMCA, which provides essential support to military families. The event raises money through donations and sponsorships, helping these organizations continue their impactful work.

• Travel Mishaps & Solutions: Marty shares valuable advice on how to handle unexpected travel challenges, such as flight delays, cancellations, or losing a car rental reservation. He emphasizes staying calm, understanding that the journey itself is part of the adventure, and using tools like ExpertFlyer and credit card travel insurance to make the best of any situation.

• Abu Dhabi as a Travel Destination: If you're considering a trip to the UAE, listen in for tips on navigating the region, from luxury accommodations to family-friendly activities.
• Maximizing Miles and Points: The episode is packed with actionable advice on how to make the most of airline loyalty programs, status matching, and finding affordable flights using tools like Notiflyr.com.
• Embrace the Journey: Whether it's a canceled flight or an unexpected travel delay, Marty encourages listeners to see every step of the journey as part of the adventure.

This episode is proudly sponsored by Notiflyr.com, your guide to the best travel deals. Sign up with Promo Code Podcast and get 20% off your premium subscription. With Notiflyr, you'll never miss a chance to save on your next adventure.

Episode Summary:
Join host Matt Fleischman and world traveler Marty Paz in a lively discussion about their recent travel experiences, from unexpected airline deals to memorable mishaps. In this episode, they explore affordable travel opportunities, share personal anecdotes from trips to Africa and the unexpected events on a cruise, and delve into the pros and cons of traveling with family.

Featured Segments:

• Deal of the Week: Notiflyr.com presents an exceptional travel deal to Africa, featuring airfare as low as $753. Remember to use promo code Podcast for a 20% discount on your annual membership.
• Travel Tales: Marty shares a mix-up during a family trip involving different airports, and Matt recounts his solo travel experiences in South Africa.
• Family Travel Insights: From navigating with toddlers to dealing with unexpected changes, Matt and Marty discuss the challenges and joys of traveling with family.
• Listener Q&A: Matt and Marty answer listener questions about managing travel hiccups and offer tips for smoother adventures.

Promotions:

• Visit notifier.com and use promo code Podcast for exclusive deals and savings.

Next Week's Preview:
Marty will share insights from his recent trip to the UAE, and Matt will discuss upcoming travel plans and podcast developments.

Closing Remarks:
Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Landings and Layovers. Don't forget to subscribe for more travel tips, stories, and deals. Safe travels, and see you next week!

Check out our sponsor Notiflyr.com and use the code PODCAST when signing up for 20% off the premium membership.

Episode Description: Welcome to "Landings and Layovers," the podcast for affordable travel adventures. I'm your host, Matt, and with me today, as always, is Marty. We have a special guest, Jody Nichols, who will share his invaluable insights on traveling with kids. From managing long-haul flights with a four-year-old to preparing for a new addition on the way, Jody's experiences and tips are sure to make your family travel smoother and more enjoyable.

Episode Highlights:

Marty's Travel Adventure:

• Marty shares a recent adventure involving a bus detour that led to a delayed podcast recording but made for an interesting story.

Deal of the Week:

• Check out an incredible roundtrip fare from Kuwait to New York City in first class for just $1,150. Normally costing around $10,000, this deal includes luxurious experiences with Qatar Airways and American Airlines.

Interview with Jody Nichols:

• Background: Jody talks about his journey from Alabama to Atlanta, then Sydney, and now Singapore. He also discusses his work as a data streaming software sales specialist and his love for travel hacking.

• Traveling with Kids: Jody shares practical advice on managing family travel, including tips for traveling with young children and maximizing travel points.

• Unique Travel Experiences: Hear about Jody's family trips to Bali, the Maldives, and Japan.

• Travel Hacks: Learn about using local thrift stores for travel clothing, the benefits of flying coach with kids, and useful travel tech tools like portable Wi-Fi routers and noise machines.

• Kids' Entertainment: Recommendations for keeping kids entertained on flights, including favorite shows and apps.

Sponsor Information:

This episode is brought to you by Notiflyr.com. Sign up and select your favorite airports to receive the best airfare deals right when they happen. Use promo code PODCAST for 20% off your annual premium membership.

Call to Action:

• Subscribe: Don't miss an episode—subscribe to "Landings and Layovers" on your favorite podcast platform.

• Exclusive Deals: Sign up at Notiflyr.com with promo code PODCAST for 20% off your annual premium membership.

Amazon Links:

• Flight Logbook:          https://amzn.to/3YzWotF (Amazon)

• Pocket Travel Router: https://amzn.to/3YBgLGB (Amazon)

                                           https://amzn.to/3AeDI8B (Amazon)

• Kids' Headphones: https://amzn.to/4dvJWiI (Amazon)

                                       https://amzn.to/3AcD8bo (Amazon)

                                       https://amzn.to/3WRZiZq (Amazon)

Producer Credits:

• Produced by Briefly Distracted Media. Join us next week for more exciting travel deals and insights. Safe travels!

Sponsor Information:

This episode is brought to you by Notiflyr.com. Sign up and select your favorite airports to receive the best airfare deals right when they happen. Use promo code PODCAST for 20% off your annual premium membership.