Back in the twentieth century when you wanted to fly somewhere you had two choices – you could call the airline and buy a ticket, or you could call a travel agent, who for some magical reason could get you the same ticket for less money. Then along came the online travel site revolution. Now, instead of making a two minute phone call we can spend hours, even days, comparing prices & airline schedules before buying a plane ticket.

Although we feel like we’re our own travel agents today, it’s not quite that simple. Behind the scenes, online travel giant Expedia employs around 15,000 people in 20 countries. One of those folks is Expedia’s Area Manager, Ted Bogan, based here in New Orleans. 

One of the down sides of flying is, unlike driving, you can’t just leave any old time you want. Unless you start up your own airline and set your own flight schedule. That’s what Stan Little did. Stan started Southern Airways Express in 2013 so he could help others like himself get around the South. His airline flies out of New Orleans Lakefront Airport to 10 Southern cities, including Destin & Atlanta. 

Although Stan didn’t know he’d be having lunch with Ted till he arrived at Commander’s for the show, just before he stepped on the plane in Memphis Stan signed an agreement to have Expedia sell Southern Airways Express tickets. Stan’s announcement was quite an Out To Lunch moment.

If you were looking for proof of the claim that travel broadens your horizons, this spirited conversation will confirm it.

Photos on this page taken at Commander’s Palace by Cheryl DalPozzal.