Topic: Business Class

Airbus has filed a patent for a split-level airliner cabin featuring two tiers of seats that can lie flat like bunk beds. The hosts discuss the potential for this design to maximize space in business class. They compare it to previous "standing" seat concepts for coach passengers.

Vernon White is officially recognized as a Black Knight of the No Agenda show. The hosts explain that listeners who donate significant amounts can list "Executive Producer" on their business cards or IMDB pages. They offer to vouch for the credentials of any listener in the producer class.

A trip to Europe for the rollout of the new Ford Focus involved flying overseas in Delta's elite business class. Despite criticisms of the airline, the service included high-quality bedding and food. The travel report includes observations of cloudy weather in Madrid and recent severe storms in Northern California that caused property damage.

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is noted for offering business class fares significantly lower than Virgin Atlantic, with a round-trip from San Francisco to London costing approximately $3,000 compared to Virgin's $12,000. Virgin Atlantic's "Upper Class" seating layout is criticized for its high density, resembling historical slave ship diagrams. Air France recently reported a half-billion euro loss following its acquisition of KLM.

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines continues its tradition of gifting business class passengers miniature Delft Blue porcelain houses filled with liquor. There are currently 89 distinct models in the collection, modeled after real Dutch canal houses. These items remain a popular perk for international travelers despite the airline's recent financial losses.

Adam Curry returns to London from the United States, reporting a fast flight but a lumpy bed in Virgin Atlantic's upper class. The discussion compares business class seating across British Airways, United, and Lufthansa, noting the transition to fully flat beds. Observations include the unusual design of rear-facing seats on certain United flights and the lack of flatbeds on Lufthansa's older reclining configurations.

The candidates' understanding of small business economics is criticized, specifically the $250,000 tax threshold. The hosts argue that neither Obama nor McCain has run a small business, leading to policies that may inadvertently "soak" the middle class. Obama's references to 1960s-era programs like the Peace Corps are viewed as backward-looking.