Travel Tube Podcast with Mark Murphy

Hello folks, it's Mark Murphy with TravelTube.com. Before I dive in, please follow us on social media and your favorite podcast app. This long-form podcast is the Travel Expert Channel, and I have some great guests coming up in the next few weeks.

Today I'm covering several topics: airline seating changes, a new pet-friendly airline, my flying pet peeves, and addressing a message I received from a travel agent that really missed the mark.

Could Airline Travel Get Any Worse?

Let's be honest—do you know anyone who actually enjoys flying? After millions of miles, I can tell you it's simply a means to an end. Between brawls at gates and people losing it at airports, sometimes it feels like flying in a beer can with zoo animals.

So here's my question: would you rather fly with dogs or people? I choose dogs every time.

Retrieve Air: Flying with Your Pets

There's a new company called Retrieve Air that allows you to fly with your dogs. They operate on limited dates and cities, but if you're in their markets—Fort Lauderdale, Denver, New York, LA—check them out. They don't own the aircraft but work with charter companies specifically designed for pet travel.

The drawback? Limited flight dates and cost—about $1,700 one way. But what's the value of your pet's life? To me, priceless.

For reference, I have a Labrador named Ben, and I refuse to put him in cargo. I bought a camper van instead, and we travel together. Pro tip: there's a product called Necto (N-E-C-T-O), a GPS-connected device that monitors temperature wherever you place it.

The Reclining Seat Debate

Are you a seat recliner or the person who gets aggravated when someone reclines in front of you? Here's my take: if you can't handle someone reclining, upgrade to premium economy, business, or first class. If you can't afford that, accept it.

Basic etiquette: look back and say, "Hey, heads up—I'm going to recline my seat." Make sure their laptop isn't open and drinks won't spill. That courtesy is missing in air travel today.

Remember the "Knee Defender" from years ago? People were literally fighting over reclining seats. Now we have the "Footrest Lady" who puts her feet on the headrest in front of her. It's ridiculous.

Southwest's Policy Changes

Southwest recently dropped their open seating model for assigned seating. They've also changed their extra seat policy for oversized travelers.

Here are the new rules across airlines: you need to purchase an extra seat if you:

-Can't buckle your seatbelt even with an extender (standard belts range from 36-41 inches depending on airline; extenders add about 25 inches)

-Can't put the armrest down while seated

-Are encroaching on neighboring passengers

-Have medical equipment or large instruments requiring extra space

This isn't fat-shaming—it's fairness. The person next to you paid for their seat and shouldn't have someone imposing on their space.

Flying Pet Peeves

My biggest pet peeve: people who didn't book seats together asking you to switch to a worse seat. If someone in 2B asks me to switch to 3D (both aisle seats), fine. But asking me to move 12 rows back to a middle seat because you didn't want to pay $39 for seat selection? No thanks.

You can ask, I can say no, and that should be the end of it. Unfortunately, 50% of the time people get indignant about it.

The Lengthy Boarding Process

Another annoyance: the endless pre-boarding groups. I've seen as many as 40 wheelchairs line up for flights from New York to Fort Lauderdale—flight attendants called them "miracle flights" because most of those passengers walked off the plane just fine in Florida.

Comedian Brian Holtzman has a hilarious bit about this that perfectly captures the frustration.

Addressing a Travel Agent's Message

I received a message from a travel agent criticizing a one-minute clip from my 50-minute podcast where I said travel agents provide the most value for higher-end, luxury travel (four-star and above). That's where the perks are—free nights, breakfast, upgrades, etc.

This agent said I shouldn't suggest people can book mid-range travel on their own. But here's the thing: if someone is flying the same route regularly, staying at the same hotel, and can book it in a minute themselves, where's the value-add?

What frustrated me most was that this person didn't know who I am or the decades I've spent promoting travel agents. I've done hundreds of national TV appearances—ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox News, CNN—reaching over 100 million consumers multiple times per year, always touting the value of travel agents. Never got paid a dime for it.

I've invested my own money and time into TravelTube.com to feature travel experts and promote the industry. We're sending clips to thousands of agents nationwide, featuring their expertise.

The Industry's Biggest Failing

The travel industry's greatest business failing is its inability to clearly demonstrate the value of travel agents. What are the associations doing to promote this value?

I need travel advisors to share what we're doing at TravelTube, get more agents to the site, listen to the podcast, and help spread the word. Even if I'm interviewing your competitor—a rising tide lifts all boats.

Upcoming Episodes

Next week I have great interviews lined up, including someone who just returned from Punta Cana and a luxury travel specialist from Jupiter who'll share different perspectives on what luxury means.

Thanks for tuning in. Follow us on TravelTube.com and share the podcast. Until next time!