Most travelers want the cheapest flight they can find. Airlines, meanwhile, need to manage volatile fuel costs, a pricey workforce, and complex logistics. So how do they make money — and how did America’s grubbiest airport suddenly turn into a palace? (Part 3 of “Freakonomics Radio Takes to the Skies.”)
Nov 6
694. Does Democracy Really Need Elections?
Stephen Dubner recently served on a criminal jury. Twelve strangers — selected randomly and barely paid — took the job seriously. Afterward, he wondered: why can’t our politics work that way? A growing movement, inspired by Athenian democracy, says it can. SOURCES:Terry Bouricius ... Show More
1h 4m
Oct 30
693. What’s Our Job as Humans Anymore?
It may just be being human. Stephen Dubner interviews A.I. performer Tilly Norwood to find out if we are as replaceable as we fear. (Part two of a two-part series.) SOURCES:Sean Astin, actor, president of SAG-AFTRA.Kevin Kelly, co-founder of Wired.Ethan Mollick, associate profess ... Show More
57m 32s
May 2025
How airline fees turned baggage into billions
From extra bags to choosing a seat, airline passengers are faced with an array of extras, for a fee. And stricter limits for luggage in particular have turned 'compatible' suitcases and bags into big business. From bag manufacturers, racing to design the next travel bag innovatio ... Show More
17m 38s
Dec 2023
Why does flying suck so much?
Flying can be a frustrating experience, but holiday travel tends to shift our stress levels into overdrive. Overbooking, delays, lost baggage, and long TSA lines are just the tip of the iceberg. Even pricey membership services can't promise a completely efficient or comfortable t ... Show More
28m 14s
Aug 2023
Mile High Meltdowns: Air Travel Failures
From flight delays, to cancellations, to mid-flight fights, there is always chaos in sky. Desi Lydic and Roy Wood Jr. discuss air travel in America and the recent failures of the FAA. Trevor weighs in on flight attendants not being paid during boarding, and Ronny Chieng gives air ... Show More
22m 35s
Jan 2020
Aviation Demand: Come Fly With Me, and Everyone Else
Do you fly more than you used to, or less? For most of the world, the answer is more, and it’s likely to be more for the foreseeable future. This week, Switched On speaks with BloombergNEF oil demand analyst David Doherty about aviation’s current and future demand paths. Expandin ... Show More
20m 38s