Amazing Race Flight Time and Big Easy

Herbert "Flight Time" Lang and Nathaniel "Big Easy" Lofton are a team of Harlem Globetrotters on The Amazing Race 15, The Amazing Race: Unfinished Business, and The Amazing Race: All-Stars.

In The Amazing Race 15, the Globetrotters took advantage of their team's recognition with both locals and American travelers around the world, receiving help at several points in the race. However, Flight Time & Big Easy proved to be a strong team in their own right, using their physical abilities to their advantage, as well as generally working well together, in sharp contrast to several of their competitors. Their strong racing abilities propelled them to the final four where Big Easy, who had a tendency to struggle with mental tasks, was faced with a mental Roadblock on the penultimate leg. After over two hours of struggling to unscramble a 5-letter word, Big Easy elected to quit the task and take a four-hour penalty which proved to be too much of a deficit for the Globetrotters to overcome, causing their elimination in 4th place.

In Unfinished Business, their charisma allowed them to work well with several other teams, most notably Kisha & Jen and Zev & Justin. However, they again tended to struggle with mental tasks, usually needing help from their allies to give them answers to bail them out of difficult situations. This strategy, along with their ability to work well together, allowed them to make it to the final three, where they ran a smart leg, being neck and neck with Kisha & Jen throughout. They were ultimately edged out by the sisters by a narrow margin, finishing in 2nd place.

In All-Stars, Flight Time & Big Easy's charisma again won over their competitors and locals alike. Racing against teams who were less willing to help them out of difficult situations, however, forced the Globetrotters to fend for themselves, and they found themselves struggling more often and adopting a mindset of racing to avoid last. Starting the eighth leg in last already, they struggled with navigation early on, followed by switching Detour options twice. This put them far behind the other teams, ensuring their elimination in 6th place.

Profile

Retrieved from CBS.com

Herbert Lang (32); Nathaniel Lofton (28)
Hometown: Brinkley, Ark. / New Orleans
Occupation: Harlem Globetrotters
Relationship: Teammates

Their athletic talent brought these two friends together five years ago when they met at the Harlem Globetrotters training camp. While getting to know each other, Herbert and Nathaniel discovered that their occupation and need to entertain others were not the only things they had in common. They both live in Louisiana, have two children and shared the same college basketball coach.

Recently, Herb and Nate lost one of their best friends and teammate, Chris Richardson, who passed away in December — and both continue to struggle with that loss. The three were commonly referred to as the "three amigos" throughout their inner circle.

Herbert believes he can get along with anyone on the planet and that he brings joy and laughter to all corners of the globe. Standing at 6'3," Herb is known among his colleagues as "Flight Time." Nathaniel, who goes by the name "The Big Easy," towers over the competition at 6'9," and admits to being worried that seating could present a problem on some of the flights.

Both have traveled extensively with the Globetrotters. Herbert has traveled to over 60 countries, and Nathaniel has traveled to over 30 countries. Despite their love of exploring new places, and their extensive knowledge of other countries, they're eager to see how well they can travel together when it is just the two of them.

Even if their fancy footwork does not translate to winning the $1 million prize, they both are confident that their relationship will remain the same regardless of where they end up in the Race.^[1]

Flight Time

Age: 34
Hometown: Brinkley, Ark.
Connection to your Teammate: Harlem Globetrotters/Teammate
Current Occupation: Professional Basketball player with the Harlem Globetrotters
Previous Season/Result: Season 15/4th place
Biggest mistake you made in your previous season: Trusting that Dan would keep his word.
Most memorable moment from your first Race: When Big Easy found the needle in the haystack for a first place finish on my birthday!
Favorite place you visited on your first season: Sweden and Vietnam because we came in first both times.
Why do you want to run the Race again? Redemption—and to win it all!
How have you changed since the last time you competed? I haven't changed. I'm still the same.
What are you passionate about? I am passionate about winning—and being with the Globetrotters for over 10 years, I've gotten used to it!
People would be surprised to learn: That we didn't take either of the two trips we won on our season.
One location that you hope to go on this adventure: Australia—I've been to 80 countries, but I've never been there.
Biggest challenge you and your teammate will face on the Race together: We always felt we are our biggest challenges. We determine how we do, not the other teams.
What do you hope to accomplish by running the Race again (other than winning one million dollars): We want to accomplish what we did last time. We want to run a good race and be an example to everyone that you don't have to be jerks to be competitive and do well.
Pet peeve about your teammate: He snores like you wouldn't believe!
What would you do if you won the million dollars? Invest some and donate some to charity.
Any strategic changes you will make heading into this Race: None! Just win!

Big Easy

Age: 30
Hometown: New Orleans, La.
Connection to your Teammate: Harlem Globetrotters Teammate
Current Occupation: Professional Basketball player with the Harlem Globetrotters
Previous Season/Result: Season 15/4th place
Biggest mistake you made in your previous season: Over-thinking the game and not taking my time to concentrate.
Most memorable moment from your first Race: Winning first place for "Flight Time" on his birthday.
Favorite place you visited on your first season: Vietnam was my favorite place to visit because the people were awesome.
Why do you want to run the Race again? I want to win!
How have you changed since the last time you competed? I'm way more relaxed now than I was the first time around.
What are you passionate about? I'm passionate about my kids and my family.
People would be surprised to learn: I am afraid of horror movies.
One location that you hope to go on this adventure: I want to go to Australia because every Harlem Globetrotter says it is their favorite country and I want to see what the fuss is about.
Biggest challenge you and your teammate will face on the Race together: Hopefully, we won't face any really big challenges. We ran a good race last time and hopefully will do the same this time around.
What do you hope to accomplish by running the Race again (other than winning one million dollars): I want everyone to see that athletes can be great role models.
Pet peeve about your teammate: He is too nice sometimes.
What would you do if you won the million dollars? I want to open a gym in the neighborhood where I grew up.

Any strategic changes you will make heading into this Race: I don't think so. I think we ran a great Race.^[2]

Flight Time

Age: 37
Hometown: Brinkley, Ark.
Previous Seasons: Seasons 15 & 18
Current occupation: Harlem Globetrotter
Describe what you do: I tour the world playing basketball.
Biggest mistake you made in your previous season: Didn't pay attention to detail.
Most memorable moment from your first Race: The slide with Canaan and Mika.
Favorite place you visited on your first season: Dubai
Why do you want to run the Race again? I wanted to finally see if we could come in first place.
How have you changed since the last time you competed? I wouldn't say that I have changed at all.
What are you passionate about? I am passionate about my kids and seeing people happy.
People would be surprised to learn: How down to earth that, at least I think, I am.
Biggest challenge you and your teammate will face on The Race together: Bad luck
Pet peeve about your teammate: His snoring, but I can handle it.
What country and place would you most like to visit and why? I have been to over 90. No more really on my list.
What do you hope to accomplish by running The Race (other than winning one million bucks)? Just hope to do better than before.
Any strategic changes you will make heading into this Race: No

Big Easy

Age: 33
Hometown: New Orleans, La.
Previous Seasons: Seasons 15 & 18
Current occupation: Harlem Globetrotter
Describe what you do: I entertain families around the world.
Biggest mistake you made in your previous season: Didn't pay attention to detail.
Most memorable moment from your first Race: The water slide in season 15
Favorite place you visited on your first season: Holland
How have you changed since the last time you competed? I haven't changed.
What are you passionate about? Family
People would be surprised to learn: I'm a quiet person.
Biggest challenge you and your teammate will face on The Race together: None Pet peeve about your teammate: Sometimes he's too nice… Lol!
What country and place would you most like to visit and why? Dubai - beautiful city.
What do you hope to accomplish by running The Race (other than winning one million bucks)? Just want to enjoy the race.

Any strategic changes you will make heading into this Race: No change; respect the Race and have fun.^[3]

The Amazing Race 15

Race History

Flight Time & Big Easy's Race History
Episode	Leg	Destination(s)	Detour Choice (underlined)	Roadblock Performer	Placement	Notes
1	1	United States → Japan	No Detour	Big Easy	5 of 12
1	2	Japan → Vietnam	No Detour	Flight Time	3 of 11
2	3	Vietnam	Child's Play / Word Play	Flight Time	1 of 10
3	4	Vietnam → Cambodia	Cover / Wrap	Flight Time	2 of 9
4	5	Cambodia → United Arab Emirates	Build a Snowman / Find a Snowman	Big Easy	3 of 8
5	6	United Arab Emirates	Gold / Glass	Big Easy	6 of 7
6	7	United Arab Emirates → Netherlands	Farmer's Game / Farmer's Dance	Flight Time	3 of 6
7	8	Netherlands → Sweden	Nobel Dynamite / Viking Alphabet	Big Easy	1 of 5
8	9	Sweden → Estonia	Serve / Sling	Flight Time	3 of 5
9	10	Estonia → Czech Republic	Fast & Furious / Slow & Steady	Big Easy	3 of 4
10	11	Czech Republic	Did not perform	Big Easy	4 of 4	^[1]
				Average	3.10
Legend: The team finished in first place The team finished in last place and was eliminated from the race The team finished in last place in a non-elimination leg The team that won The Amazing Race The team that crossed the Finish Line second The team that crossed the Finish Line third ► The team used the Fast Forward pass ⊂ The team used the U-Turn ⊃ Recipient of the U-Turn
Notes: 1 : Big Easy decided to forfeit the Roadblock and was issued a 4-hour penalty. By the time they arrived at the next Route Marker at the Kryocentrum, all the other teams had already checked in at the mat, and the clue instructed them to go directly to the Pit Stop, where they were eliminated.

The Amazing Race: Unfinished Business

Race History

Flight Time & Big Easy's Race History
Episode	Leg	Destination(s)	Detour Choice (underlined)	Roadblock Performer	Placement	Notes
1	1	United States → Australia	No Detour	Flight Time	5 of 11
2	2	Australia	Sprit World / Natural World	No Roadblock	2 of 11
3	3	Australia → Japan	Prayer of Purity / Frog of Luck	Flight Time	5 of 10	^[2]
4	4	Japan → China	Hammer / Horn	Big Easy	6 of 9
5	5	China	Honor the Past / Embrace the Future	Big Easy	6 of 9 ⋑
6	6	China → India	Hindu Art / Bengali Literature	Flight Time	7 of 8
7	7	India	Feed the Fire / Feed the Buffalo	Big Easy	1 of 7
8	8	India → Austria	Long Hard Walk / Quick and Easy Meal	Big Easy	2 of 6
9	9	Austria → Lichtenstein → Switzerland	Cheese / Wheeze	Flight Time	5 of 6 ⊂
10	10	Switzerland	Search / Rescue	Flight Time	1 of 5
11	11	Switzerland → Brazil	On the Rocks / On the Beach	Big Easy	3 of 4
	12	Brazil → United States	No Detour	Flight Time	2 of 3	^[3]
	12	Brazil → United States	No Detour	Big Easy	2 of 3	^[3]
				Average	3.75
Legend: The team finished in first place The team finished in last place and was eliminated from the race The team finished in last place in a non-elimination leg The team that won The Amazing Race The team that crossed the Finish Line second The team that crossed the Finish Line third ► The team used the Fast Forward pass ϵ The team used the Express Pass somewhere during the leg ⊂ The team used the U-Turn ⊃ Recipient of the U-Turn ⋐ The team that used the second slot of the "Double U-Turn" ⋑ Recipient of a second U-Turn due to the "Double U-Turn" twist ∪ This team was penalized with an automatic "U-Turn"
Notes: 2 : Flight Time & Big Easy were initially checked in 3rd; however, they were retroactively issued a 30-minute penalty when Ron & Christina informed host Phil Keoghan that Flight Time & Big Easy had taken their fanny pack by accident and did not return it to them. Ron & Christina were moved up to 3rd, and Kisha & Jen, who checked in within the penalty period, were checked in 4th, ultimately dropping Flight Time & Big Easy to 5th. 3 : Leg 12 had two Roadblocks and no Detour. The team member who sat out the first Roadblock was required to perform the second one.

The Amazing Race: All-Stars

Race History

Flight Time & Big Easy's Race History
Episode	Leg	Destination(s)	Detour Choice (underlined)	Roadblock Performer	Placement	Notes
1	1	United States → China	No Detour	Flight Time	7 of 11
2	2	China	Featherball / China Cup	Flight Time	5 of 10
3	3	China → Malaysia	River Delivery / Run Through the Jungle	Flight Time	5 of 9
4	4	Malaysia	Mix Master / Master Mix	Big Easy	6 of 8
5	5	Malaysia → Sri Lanka	Fishing Pole / Spin Control	Big Easy	6 of 8
6	6	Sri Lanka	Trunk / Sheets	Big Easy	6 of 7
7	7	Sri Lanka → Italy	Gladiator / Charioteer	Flight Time	6 of 7
8	8	Italy	Donkey Run / Donkey Build	Flight Time	6 of 6
				Average	5.88
Legend: The team finished in first place The team finished in last place and was eliminated from the race The team finished in last place in a non-elimination leg The team that won The Amazing Race The team that crossed the Finish Line second The team that crossed the Finish Line third ► The team used the Fast Forward pass ϵ The team used the Express Pass somewhere during the leg ⊂ The team used the U-Turn ⊃ Recipient of the U-Turn ⋐ The team that used the second slot of the "Double U-Turn" ⋑ Recipient of a second U-Turn due to the "Double U-Turn" twist

Post-Race

In 2016, Flight Time & Big Easy competed on a The Amazing Race edition primetime special of The Price is Right that aired on May 26, 2016.^[4] They helped their respective contestant, Katherine, win a tablet and headphones, and made it to the Showcase, but the trio lost the final bid to Erin & Joslyn.^[5]

Trivia

Big Easy's height posed certain logistical problems, and he was not allowed to perform certain tasks.^[6]
- In The Amazing Race 15, Big Easy was not allowed to ride the Fritt Fall at Tivoli Gröna Lund in Sweden.
- In The Amazing Race: All-Stars, Big Easy was not allowed to perform the Roadblock the third leg, which required racers to rappel down the Kiansom Waterfall in Malaysia.
First team to be eliminated in the Czech Republic on the original American version.
First team to be U-Turned by a team who had also been U-Turned in the same leg.
First U-Turned team to check in ahead of the team that U-Turned them.
First team to be successfully U-Turned by a team who would be eliminated in the same leg.
Highest finish by an African-American male team, 2nd place.
First team to run 30 legs.

External links

Flight Time Lang - Harlem Globetrotters Website
Big Easy Lofton - Harlem Globetrotters Website
Flight Time's Wikipedia page: Herbert "Flight Time" Lang

Big Easy's Wikipedia page: Nathaniel "Big Easy" Lofton

Interviews

Season 15

Joyce Eng at TV Guide Online (11/30/2009): "No Regrets About Taking Penalty"
Jessica Shaw at EW.com (11/30/2009): "Talking with Flight Time and Big Easy"
Digital Spy (11/30/2009): "We chat to the Harlem Globetrotters about just missing the final."
Gina Scarpa at Reality Wanted (11/30/2009): "The Amazing Race 15: Exclusive Interview with Flight Time and Big Easy"
Christopher Rocchio at Reality TV World (11/30/2009): "Exclusive: 'Flight Time' Lang, 'Big Easy' Lofton talk The Amazing Race"
People.com (12/01/2009): "The Globetrotters Have No Regrets"

Season 18

Gina Scarpa at Reality Wanted (05/09/2011): "Season 18 Exclusive Interview with Flight Time and Big Easy"
Digital Spy (05/09/2011): "The Harlem Globetrotters talk about their second Amazing Race."
Reality TV World (05/10/2011): "Exclusive: Flight Time and Big Easy talk about their Amazing Race return"
Joyce Eng at TV Guide Online (05/10/2011): "We Didn't Bully Kent and Vyxsin"

Season 24

Dave Walker at NOLA.com of The Times-Picayune (02/21/2014): "NOLA's racer returns to The Amazing Race"
Joyce Eng at TV Guide Online (04/21/2014): "It's the Donkey's Fault!"
Rob Cesternino at RHAP (04/21/2014): "Interview with the Latest Team Eliminated from The Amazing Race 24"
Elizabeth Kwiatkowski at Reality TV World (04/21/2014): "Exclusive: Herbert 'Flight Time' Lang and Nate 'Big Easy' Lofton talk The Amazing Race" [Parts 1 & 2
Ruth Myles at Calgary Herald (04/24/2014): "It ain't easy being Big Easy (and Flight Time, too)"

Big Easy's Facebook: /nathaniel.lofton.9

Flight Time's Facebook: /herbertflighttime.lang

Flight Time's Twitter: @datrotter4

Flight Time's Instagram: /datrotter4

Big Easy's Instagram: /nate.bigeasy.lofton_realtor

References

↑ http://www.cbs.com/shows/amazing_race/cast/36577/
↑ http://www.cbs.com/shows/amazing_race/cast/53152/
↑ http://www.cbs.com/shows/amazing_race/cast/214805/
↑ http://parade.com/472671/joshwigler/survivor-big-brother-amazing-race-the-price-is-right-photos/
↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enuGBP4dUJ0
↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09H8QcdeZlk