$200,000 for 40 Hotel Stays: The Wildest Travel Promotion Ever
Landings and Layovers
This week on Landings and Layovers, we cover everything from government-mandated flight chaos to one of the boldest hotel promotions ever attempted. Marty breaks down the recent air traffic control disruptions, what travelers are actually entitled to when flights get canceled, and how airline agreements affect your rerouting options. Then we’re joined by Sten Christiansen, an attorney by day, elite-status traveler by night, who spent roughly $35,000 flying around the world to stay at 40 different hotel brands in one summer… and won a $200,000 prize in the process. From ordering 25...
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Looking Back to Leap Ahead: What 2025 Taught Us About Travel
Landings and Layovers
In this reflective year-end wrap-up, Marty and Matthew talk through everything 2025 threw at travelers—from new airline plays and loyalty shakeups to surprise wins, frustrating fare rules, and the gear that saved our sanity. It’s equal parts therapy session and future-facing strategy sesh. We don’t just look back—we take notes so you don’t have to. 📌 In This Episode: The single most chaotic moment in travel this year What airlines did right (and what they absolutely didn’t) Our top gear and apps of the year What loyalty programs got worse (and which ones still deliver) ...
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Luxury Travel on a Budget: Hotel Loyalty Secrets with Ben Komenkul
Landings and Layovers
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. ✈️ Fare of the Week: SAS Deals to Europe This week’s Fare of the Week (powered by ): 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...
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Turkish Airlines’ Wild Ride, JetBlue’s 25-Stop Hustle, and First Class with Meyy
Landings and Layovers
✈️ Landings and Layovers | Season 2, Episode 5 🎙 Hosted by Matt Fleischman & Marty Paz 🗒 Quick Note 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. ✈️ Fare of the Week: NYC to Eastern Europe for Under $500 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...
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Flying Far, Earning Big, and Traveling With Teens
Landings and Layovers
From Vegas to Vietnam for $700? Plus: JetBlue’s Insane Promo and Traveling With Teens 🎟️ Fare of the Week (Sponsored by Notiflyr.com) Las Vegas → Bangkok or Ho Chi Minh City on Korean Air | ~$700–800 roundtrip One stop via Seoul, excellent availability (Jan–May, Jul–Dec 2026), and great connections make this a steal. Whether you’re craving Thai food in Bangkok or street coffee in Vietnam, this long-haul deal is smoother than a layover bibimbap. Korean Air’s inflight meal? Legit top-tier. 📌 Pro tip: Stopover in Seoul for a few days—yes, there’s a high-speed...
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Flying Solo, Flying Smart: Women’s Travel Tips, Airline Mishaps & Vancouver to Aruba Fare Deals
Landings and Layovers
From springbok biltong and A380 landings to navigating the world solo as a woman, this episode packs in travel chaos, comedy, and a whole lot of smart advice. 🧳 This Week on Landings and Layovers We’re back with a packed episode featuring travel misadventures, smart gear upgrades, some very real talk about traveling as a woman, and a jaw-dropping fare from Vancouver to Aruba that’s making us rethink our summer plans. Here’s what’s inside: 🛫 Marty’s VIP behind-the-scenes tour of United Airlines’ Denver ramp (yes, there’s an A380 involved) ✈️ What really happens when...
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Wheelchairs, Layovers, and a Surprise Fare Drop With Matt Tasker
Landings and Layovers
From missed connections in Rome to surprise upgrades and baby sleep battles at 30,000 feet, this episode is a wild ride. Plus, our guest shares travel hacks that could shave serious money off your next big trip. ✈️ This Week on Landings and Layovers After a short hiatus, we're back with an episode that’s part travel therapy, part fare-hunter's dream, and 100% relatable if you’ve ever had a flight—or an entire trip—go sideways. Highlights include: Marty’s robotic wheelchair fiasco in Rome (and the business class seats that got away) Matthew’s “just one more fight with the...
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Million Miles, Budget Flights & European Rail Adventures
Landings and Layovers
Welcome to Season 2 of Landings and Layovers! We’re kicking things off with a deep dive into budget-friendly European travel and the latest airfare deals. Matt and Marty break down an incredible United Airlines sale to Europe with round-trip fares starting at just $427, plus a look at how low-cost carriers are reshaping transatlantic travel. We also welcome special guest MattNav, a European rail travel expert, to discuss how competition is making train travel cheaper, easier, and more accessible than ever before. Whether you're looking to earn a million miles, book an open-jaw ticket,...
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End of the Year Recap and Travel Highlights
Landings and Layovers
Welcome to the final episode of Landings and Layovers for 2024! In this exciting end-of-year episode, hosts Matthew Fleischman and Marty Paz reflect on the year in travel. From thrilling deals and unforgettable adventures to major milestones and travel tips, this episode is packed with insights for every traveler. Highlights from the Episode: Fare of the Week: Los Angeles to Bangkok or Ho Chi Minh City for under $700 with Korean Air—a fantastic deal for transpacific travel! Marty’s Million-Mile Achievement: Marty breaks down his epic journey flying 15 airlines to earn a million miles,...
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Million Miles and Global Adventures: Kenneth’s Quest for SAS Status
Landings and Layovers
Episode Summary: Join us for an extraordinary journey with Kenneth, a globetrotting guest undertaking the SAS Mileage Millionaire quest. Kenneth shares his ambitious plan to conquer 15 airlines, his insider tips for international travel, and his experiences flying through exotic locations like Dubai, Jeddah, and Jakarta. Marty and Kenneth dive into the highs and challenges of long-haul travel, from navigating time zones to making the most of layovers. Whether you're an aviation enthusiast or a seasoned traveler, this episode is packed with valuable insights! Highlights: Fare of the Week:...
info_outlineIn 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.
Episode Highlights:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Key Takeaways:
- 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.
Special Offer from Our Sponsor:
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.