157 KMJ - 17 hours to Perth, the uniqueness of flying within Japan, tensions and airfare rising, uniforms and identity, Qsuite ganache

Ever wondered what it’s like to fly 17+ hours straight? Matt Drinkwater comes to share his experience with Qantas on the near-Kangaroo route to Perth (we talk the past and present of that route), and more, onto Brisbane. Matt and Paul share a deep bond with Japan, and discuss the beauty, and quirkiness, of flying within Japan, from small airports, to the smell of Kansai International (yes, airports have a smell!). Qsuite to Bali, it doesn't get much better than this (especially with that chocolate ganache). There's a certain allure in epic journeys, a remnant of our forefathers' explorations, this also requires you to get lost, something that Japan or China still offer (don't resist, do let go). Do you research the food you'll have on-board? Matt does (that salt and pepper squid at the Heathrow Qantas lounge!). Can one love British Airways in 2026? Matt does, and makes a great case why it stays relevant, in spite of its IT woes (but, do you smash into people at Heathrow?!). When technology meets emotion (Star Wars, anyone?), and when it doesn't (that gimmicky hologram… IYKYK). The same goes with crew uniforms, and Matt works in fashion (also, American Airlines, please watch Forks, the episode of The Bear). The global tensions, jet fuel woes, and the inflation of air travel fares in the very near future (a sensitive topic …and book that trip now!). Follow Matt on his instagram: @matthewdrinkwater Learn more about his work (Matt, let go, and learn to love The Last Jedi!) ____

You can listen to 157 KMJ - 17 hours to Perth, the uniqueness of flying within Japan, tensions and airfare rising, uniforms and identity, Qsuite ganache online on Radio and Podcast. Open the player on this page to stream the available audio.

157 KMJ - 17 hours to Perth, the uniqueness of flying within Japan, tensions and airfare rising, uniforms and identity, Qsuite ganache is an episode from Layovers - Air Travel podcast by Paul Papadimitriou.

This episode is 153:36 long.

This episode was published on Mar 17, 2026.

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