157 KMJ - Japan by air, 17 hours to Perth, tensions and airfare rising, uniforms and identity, Qsuite ganache

About this episode

Matt Drinkwater shares his experiences of long-haul flights and the uniqueness of flying within Japan with host Paul Papadimitriou.

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…

People in this episode

Host: Paul Papadimitriou

Guest: Matt Drinkwater

Topics covered

• long-haul flights
• flying in Japan
• airfare inflation
• crew uniforms
• travel experiences
• Qsuite
• global tensions

Keywords

• Qantas
• Perth
• Japan
• airfare
• crew uniforms
• British Airways
• long-haul flights
• travel
• Kansai International
• Qsuite

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Qantas, British Airways, American Airlines

Books & works: The Last Jedi, The Bear

Places: Perth, Brisbane, Japan, Kansai International, Bali

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