Dots, Lines & Destinations podcast episodes download May, 2024 (2024)

DLD 293: Turn around or a turnaround??

It is always a good idea to make sure the airport is going to be open before setting off on a journey. Making that U-turn proved to be an expensive proposition last week for Eurowings.

Also in this episode:

* Berlin's Tegel airport is closing, and while officially it is just temporary the clock could run out on the operation permanently this summer* Delta's plan to keep Johannesburg service depends on making an extra stop on the way home thanks to different performance metrics between the A350 and 777LR* Air Canada is using some of its fancier planes for flights from Toronto to Montreal and Ottowa* Hertz filed for bankruptcy protection, but maybe it isn't just the travel downturn that caused the company's financial troubles??* Domestic flights resumed in India this week after two months offline, and the process proved chaotic and uncoordinated, as travel in India often does* European regulators might not approve the Air Canada/Air Transat merger without concessions* Air New Zealand reopened a dozen airport lounges across its domestic network as the carrier and the country inch back towards normalcy* Lufthansa gets a few billion euros from the German government in exchange for a 20% ownership stake

There's also a couple listener questions and plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 294: It’s Electric!

Getting its first electric-powered aircraft off the ground was a pretty big deal for MagniX late last year. But the company shows no signs of resting on that success, with another test flight last week of a larger prop. There's clearly a market for this sort of operation, though we're still a ways out from it being commonplace.

Also in this episode:

* KLM is also joining the electric revolution, or at least joining in on Schiphol's testing of electric tugs* American and United CEOs are not amused by investors questioning them on the likelihood of bankruptcy* LATAM is the latest and largest airline to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, though little appears to be changing right now, other than a few lease returns* British Airways is adjusting some rules for its Executive Club members; you'll be shocked to learn the changes are not in favor of the consumers* Several Canadians are challenging their national airlines to finally follow the rules and the US DOT to actually enforce them* SpaceX launched crew successfully to the International Space Station and it was an incredible spectacle

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 295: Vegas is back!

The Las Vegas strip is open again. Or at least open-ish. It is a far cry from the typical levels of action and activity, but things are starting to come back and it is very different. But also very the same. We've got special guest Michael Trager from TravelZork on the show from his corner room at Caesar's Palace for an update on the experience as the casinos came back to life.

Every coupe hours I think "Is this going to wind up killing me?" and I don't love those thoughts. And then I have another double Woodford and then I forget about that.

Among the details we examine:

* Flying on British Airways in these crazy times* How are US officials handling international arrivals* Differences in rules depending on the casino chain/owner* How are elite benefits/programs devalued during these unprecedented times* What services are – and are not – available in the casino hotels

Does the news out of Vegas make us reconsider our future travel plans? Perhaps a little. And probably not in a good way.

DLD 296:Vigilantes on the loose

What happens when people take to Twitter seeking justice and then transition that into real-life doxxing? And what about when it is a case of mistaken identity? A couple recent incidents in the travel space remind us that this is stupid and bad in many ways.

Also in this episode:

* We revisit a couple topics from recent weeks with updates, including a confession from Stephan about Chees & Pickle sandwiches* More scissor hubs* LaGuardia has a new head house for passengers and it is pretty. And Fozz hates the idea.* The Mitsubishi MRJ/SpaceJet took another huge hit* Another Chinese airline committed to buying a bunch of COMAC airplanes* Planes are too light and it is causing issues for pilots* What would yo udo with a $3000 travel credit from Frontier? One of our listeners asks and we try to answer.* US Orders Marriott to wind down hotel ops in Cuba

This week's episode also features extra content exclusively for our Patreon supporters, talking about China-US flights and how that relationship evolved in recent weeks.

And, as always, lots more.

DLD 297: Pantsless Professionals

As borders start to reopen the requirements for entry to some countries can be onerous. Or completely reasonable, depending on your point of view. But the inconsistencies make it really challenging to figure out where to go and what tickets to buy.

Some of the topics in this show:

* A brief revisit to the topic of electric aircraft from a few weeks ago* South African Airways has a new plan forward that mostly looks like buying a larger bucket of kerosene to pour on top of cash before setting it ablaze, but it might be a necessary move, as Fozz points out* A woman snuck on to a plane in Orlando in October 2019 and the TSA released finally details* Some new airport construction is taking a delay, including Changi's T5* Cambodia wants visitors to leave a deposit at the door, so to speak, to cover potential quarantine or treatment costs* If you're in to flight simulators these new controls might get you excited* Frontier is expanding at Islip, which has more flights than we thought* JetBlue has a lot of planes grounded right now and is looking for some creative ways to use them, with some interesting routes being added later this year* Is Lufthansa Group ready to give up o Brussels Airlines?* Some indications that the British Airways 747 fleet might not fly beyond the end of this year

And, for our Patreon supporters, there's bonus content this week:

* The US DOT is now fighting with India over repatriation flights, similar to the China changes we discussed last week* Can you travel the world without leaving home? This one really set Seth off.

Enjoy the episode!

DLD 298: Mixed awards, mixed messages

When an airline says it is concerned about passenger safety and then increases the number of seats sold that can be hard to reconcile. But at least they're leaving it members of their cabin crew to keep posting anti-mask FUD on social media, right??

Also in this episode:

* JetBlue launched cash & points redemption options and they don't completely suck* Should the TSA (or another federal agency) be checking passenger temperatures? The US carriers would certainly prefer that to doing it themselves.* Air Canada is fighting back against some of the DOT complaints about refunds and it could mean major changes to the way foreign carriers are treated under US rules* Three Chinese airlines are new owners of the ARJ21 regional jet* Pakistan had a lot of "pilots" that were very much not properly licensed and that's scary* US visitors will be blocked from visiting much of Europe, and the US Travel (inbound tourism agency) response was s****y* Don't try to claim hairspray as a medically necessary aerosol when you get busted by the TSA trying to smuggle it on to a flight

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* LIAT is on the brink of liquidation* Alaska Airlines is bringing its E175s into Alaska, a response to shifting demand profiles

DLD 299: Openings and closings

More openings than closings should be good news for lots in the industry, though things remain precarious on many fronts.

Also in this episode:

* A couple listener questions, including what it means to Delta for several of its JV/equity partners to be facing financial turmoil and a revisit of the Air Canada50% reward rebate deal we discussed a couple weeks back.* Norwegian cancelled 97 Boeing aircraft orders* Europe is reopening with Ryanair and EasyJet dramatically increasing flights, but lots of foreigners are still not really welcome* Around the world lounges are starting to reopen as well, often with digital solutions to replace menus and food ordering. Qantas, Air Canada, Finnair, British Airways and more all made strides in this area last week* What if you had to log in to an app to use the lav on board? Or tap through to a special screen on the inflight entertainment system??* Qantas is giving its 747s something of a proper sendoff, with celebratory send-off flights in a few cities* American Airlines is shifting more of its west coast operations up to Seattle and cutting back at LAX

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* Boeing reportedly cutting production of the 747 in a couple years* Some thoughts on the July 4th military flyovers* Fozz's friend, Otto

DLD 300: Live on the interwebs!

For episode 300 we decided to celebrate with a live, interactive recording. We streamed it on YouTube and many of you joined us from around the world with questions, comments and more. Here's the replay, that might not make as much sense given some of the visual gestures involved in the original, but hopefully it works.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJrKDDI-L0E

Some of the topics this week:

* Qantas is cutting most international flights through March 2021* EL AL is in a financial mess and the leading private bailout offer is questionable* AirBnB wants you to make a donation to their hosts to help keep them solvent.* Long-haul train rides can be amazing* Emirates brings the A380 back into service at LHR/CDG, with more to come* PDX opens an extension on Terminal E

We also talked about a bunch of video series and other neat things during the show. Stephan promised some links in the show notes but, as expected, that didn't come to fruition. Sorry (not sorry) about that.

Enjoy the show, and know that we intend to do live recordings like this more often, hopefully with better advance notice to you as listeners.

DLD 301: Heat wave!

Hot weather across the country and some hot topics for discussion on this week's show.

Also in this episode:

* The British Airways 747s are really gone, effective immediately* Icelandairfired all its flight attendants, with plans to use pilots for safety briefings (then backed down)* Can Sabre (or the other GDS/PSS platforms be used for for track & trace* Lounges at LCY* UA/LHGroup/AA/IAG letter trying to get a TATL “bubble” established* JetBlue and American Airlines have an interesting new partnership coming for NYC/Boston

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* A bunch of pilots lost their FAA license thanks to a rogue inspector

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 302: Apologies all around

Some more sincere than others, but, hey, that's pretty much the standard MO around here. On the plus side, this week's show (hopefully) needs no apologies as we're talking through some really interesting topics.

Also in this episode:

* Face covering rules are getting more serious, but it could deliver an adverse impact to disabled travelers* Brussels is reported to be getting a US CBP pre-clearance station, which is an interesting choice* Emirates will provide COVID-related insurance to all passengers, though there are plenty of holes in the coverage* OneWorldupgrade awards are on the horizon, but we're not that excited* GoAir will let passengers buy as many seats as they want on board

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* Can Delta really get to zero cash burn by EoY?* Will CARES (or HEALS) keep airline employees on the payrolls?

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 307: We’re adding change fees

Everyone else is getting rid of change fees this week so we figured we should add some in to our operations. Details will be forthcoming once we figure out how to implement that.

Also, we're planning another live episode next Wednesday night at 8:30p EDT, broadcast on YouTube. Hope you can join us for that fun.

Also in this episode:

* But seriously, United, Alaska, American and Delta all dropped change fees "permanently" this week on some of their fares. The times, they are a changin'.* United has new technology to help it decide when to cancel lightly loaded flights. We believe it is called "math" or something like that.* Would you spend a few months on a bus touring Asia and Europe? Delhi to London via SE Asia, Central Asia and more is on the map, assuming you can spare the time.* Is the Celera 500L going to revolutionize private aviation? We got pretty excited until Seth swooped in with a buzz kill.* A "jetpack" flying was spotted adjacent to an arriving aircraft at LAX this week. But probably not really a guy in a jetpack.* How much are frequent flyer programs really worth? Spirit Airlines wants to securitize its Free Spirit program and we debate if the valuation is high or low.* A handful of recent 787s built have a manufacturing flaw that has them grounded now while Boeing tries to figure out how to fix things.

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* Thai Airways is a mess of corruption, graft and other idiocy

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 308: Put a title here

We've got another live episode for you this week which means the video is probably better than the audio version. If for no other reason than to see a real Ted (RAR!) shirt in action. But if you just want to listen, we can do that, too.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0xtrUK2Zws

Also in this episode:

* United announced a bunch of new routes, some of which are more of a stretch than others* Basic Economy is selling really well, which might be bad news for airlines* Joint ventures are a mess, with the Delta Air Lines/Virgin Australia deal the most recently affected, but does it matter* Berlin's Brandenburg airports is slated to open next month, but at least one lawsuit hopes to adversely affect those plans* The 787s continue to face troubles, with several now grounded

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* An analysis of what it takes to be a successful airline in this era* Debate over the role of Unions in the future of airlines' financial performance* A bunch of Q&A from the guests during a special 30-minute extra broadcast we ran

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 309: Let’s get Cranky!

If you can get a a topical expert to chat that's always a good thing. Even better if they're a little cranky. And so we reached out to Brett Snyder of Cranky Flier for some insight on the news of the day. And we got more than we bargained for.

Among the topics in this episode:

* Turns out the Biden/Harris campaign has planes after all; it was suggested a couple weeks ago there wouldn't be one* JetBlue’s new routes, including some VERY interesting west coast plays that have Brett in arms* Corporate travel (or the lack thereof) headed out of summer* EASA completed MAX test flights* Skytrax Covid awards for airports; buy your stars now!* Oneworld commits to carbon-neutral flights by 2050* US dropping inbound screening but that’s ok because it never was really done right* First flight of Flying V plane from KLM and TU Delft (from a couple weeks ago)

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 310: Finally flying!

What's it like flying the friendly skies right now? Fozz was on a United flight last week and has some thoughts on the overall experience.

Also in this episode:

* Air Canada 10x points for co-branded cards pls a 15% discount for buying tix now* Roberto Colon is playing baseball in Central Jersey rec leagues* Volocopter selling reservations for test flights 3 years from now* Air India lost money on 93% of routes in 2019* Sometimes blowing up an airplane is easier and cheaper than generating visual special effects for a movie* Pakistan is getting a boost from British Airways and Virgin Atlantic* BA's newest 77Ws have doors on their first class seats/suites* Is COVID transmission happening on planes? Probably more than is reported but less than this report suggests* AC SuperElites get a free drink and snack, but not real meal, in Y* UA 787s all getting Polaris* Lufthansaconfirms A380 (8)/A346 (10) into long term storage

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* Rossiya Buying BA's old 747s, except not really* Pittsburgh gets Cathay PacificCargo flights for the next few months

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

(Header image via PIT Airport)

DLD 311: Farewell to the 580s

No, that's not a typo. We're mourning the loss of the Convair 580s from commercial service, now slated for next year, among many other things in this week's episode.

Among the topics in this episode:

* An update on United's Polaris plans* CNBC is reporting that United might go back to JFK next year* The FAA administrator plans to fly the 737 MAX before it returns to service* Lots of COVID testing partners for airlines* Europe's top court will allow cities and countries to regulate AirBnB's operations* Emirates will give out elite status with a credit card* The Convair 580 is finally disappearing from commercial service next year* Singapore Airlines decided to not operate tourism flights to nowhere

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* The Pilatus PC-24 had a bug where the on-board ethernet switch could crash and trigger an emergency descent, among other things* Korean Airlines might divest the Wilshire Grand to finance operations

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 312: In search of inaugurals

Inaugurals are always fun, right? So why not go book a few, just in case they actually operate!

Also in this episode:

* Did Thai Airways really make more money selling food than flying? Like a lot more??* United Airlines trying to expand service into LatAm again in November, plus nonstop SFO-PVG* American Airlines parking many A321T frames* AirAsia Japan is dead…again* Seth is on the road this week and has some thoughts

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* More details on a few inaugural routes that are pricing nicely for both award and revenue bookings

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 313: A different set of codes

We're about more than just airplanes, especially these days. But don't worry too much; air travel still dominates the conversation this week.

Among the topics in this episode:

* Southwest Airlines adds new service across town from its Midway and Hobby hubs, joining MIA as it further pushes into legacy hub operations* Alitaliamight have finally died(ish), but not really* The Vatican invested in Hertz and barely escaped without losses* Alaska Airlinesfirms its plans to join Oneworld on 31 March 2021* IATA says you're more likely to be struck by lightning than to catch COVID on a plane

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* Alaska Airlines' conversion from stored credit to points: Was it worth it?

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 314: Shut your Pi hole

It is earnings season again, and this time around we're talking through the billions and billions of dollars burned by Delta and United to start.

Also in this episode:

* Fleet changes cost money, but are the values being allocated fair?* New routes from United into the Caribbean and Central America* American Airlines is giving up on 2021 already, at least with respect to elite status in the loyalty program* Is the 737 MAX really ready to fly again?* Eastern Airlines has its eye on Bolivia and Argentina* Some fun with Euro notes

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* Drama in the South China Sea, as the disputed Pratas Islands take center stage

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 315: Please don’t subscribe!

Yes, you should subscribe to this show in your favorite podcast app. But probably not to the "deal" the Miles and More program just launched for bonus points earning while flying. Like most such schemes, it rarely will prove valuable to consumers.

Also in this episode:

* Singapore Airlines is coming back to NYC nonstop. And this time really to New York City.* Cathay Dragon is dead, long live Cathay Pacific* Spirit Airlines is relaunching its FreeSpirit frequent flyer program* Delta Air Lines and WestJet received tentative approval from the US DOT for their proposed JV/ATI, with a few strings attached* American Airlines doesn't want to carry certain motorized wheelchairs any more, which sucks for the passengers and might not be legal* An awesome Delta A220-300 photo

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* What are United's planes really worth, and why is it okay that some are scrap-worthy?

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 316: I don’t BERlieve it!

The whale tail statue that caught a runaway train in Rotterdam is ridiculous and incredible, almost to the point of disbelief.

Also in this episode:

* United Airlines updated its mobile app for good reasons, but also with some side effects* Southwest Airlines announced routes for O'Hare and Colorado Springs, mostly to its hubs* SAA won't die, with another round of government funding on the horizon* The JAL 777s are on the way out, as are ANA's. And Delta's are gone, too. Is there a future for these planes as cargo haulers or with another airline?* BER finally opened. For real. With planes and passengers and everything.* The Airbus factory in Mobile has tours on November 14th* A slimmed down Rouge returns to service, but everything didn't go perfectly* KLM's government funded rescue package is at risk

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* A UK airline scored financial support from the government, a virtually unheard of accomplishment

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 317: The Circa Circus in Vegas

How do you host a massive casino opening party in Las Vegas in the midst of a pandemic? It definitely isn't easy, but it can be done.

The timing is certainly challenging for Circa, opening as the first new build casino/hotel in Las Vegas in years. But the company is pushing forward with the plans and the festivities were pretty incredible. We've got Michael Traeger back on the show to talk about his experiences there as well as some other Vegas news like:

* How people are skipping the mask rules* Slowing down the bourbon pace* Flying in British Airways First Class these days

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* Heading out to the Grand Canyon for a very pandemic-appropriate experience.

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 318: Building the new Aeroplan

How do you build a new airline loyalty program? We've got a couple guests this week from Aeroplan to talk about how their team pulled it all together.

Mark Nasr and Scott O'Leary are travel junkies, too. So letting them design the new Aeroplan loyalty program for Air Canada was bound to yield slightly different results than anything else on the market. But that's probably a good thing in the end.

Not a lot in the way of show notes, other than Scott's incredible FlightMemory page.

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* Some extra inside information, like their favorite sweet spots on the new award charts

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 319: Bursting that bubble

It was a travel bubble that burst before the first flight ever departed. After much buildup the Hong Hong-Singapore bubble never took off, though it still could eventually.

Also in this episode:

* AA drops more change fees (and United seems inclined to follow)* JetBlue plans to split is London operations to start* Aer Lingus picks up antitrust immunity for transatlantic flights and adds a hub in Manchester for the 2021 summer season* Delta and WestJet are walking away from their planned trans-border JV because the DOT was going to require divestiture of 8 LaGuardia slot pairs* Reciprocal upgrades coming between American Airlines and Alaska Airlines for the west coast alliance* An Emirates flight to Auckland in September likely resulted in a handful of in-flight COVID transmissions

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* Which bubbles might work with testing, and how involved must that testing be??

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 320: MAXimum effort

Is it a race to be first, or just normal business to get the planes back into the sky? Just one of many questions surrounding the 737 MAX return to service now that the grounding has been lifted in the USA.

And to help dig deeper into the issue we've brought in Chris Sloan of Airchive to talk about the MAX. He was on the American Airlines media tour last week to see the aircraft in action and talk to the maintenance crews in Tulsa helping to bring it back to service levels.

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* Drone photography: awesome or awful?* Sim time

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

Header image: An American Airlines 737MAX at the Tulsa maintenance center (via Chris Sloan/TheAirchive.net)

DLD 321: Psssst….I’ve got a great JetTip for you

Where have all the cool planes gone? If you frequently find yourself wondering about that JetTip.net might help with some answers, at least in the US and Canada. And we've got founder Nick Benson on this week's show to talk about that and lots of other fun stuff.

Also in this episode:

* COVID vaccines are flying (and driving) across the USA

* Aeromexico is ready to bring the MAX back into service next week

* There's a couple A340-200s available at auction starting for just 80,000 euro each

* Millions of frequent flyer miles stolen

* Aeroplan is launching a US credit card with Chase

* A contest to win a free JetTip.net subscription

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* Tracking the presidential campaign fleets

* A ridiculous cargo payload

* More change fees disappearing on Delta and United

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 322: …And then see what sticks

As has happened several times since the pandemic began airlines are shaking up their route maps with idea so crazy they just might work. So which new destinations will work this time around??

Also in this episode:

* JetBlue has some interesting ideas about new markets that can benefit from its presence, particularly Miami and Raleigh-Durham, which just happen to be an American Airlines hub and a Delta focus city.* American reacted with some new routes of its own from Fort Lauderdale, though it is also cutting TATL markets and otherwise trying to find a path to stability.* US Congress finally passed another COVID recovery plan that probably isn't the best use of money, especially with respect to how airlines are being treated.* A new strain of COVID detected in London saw brisk reaction from much of the world, though the US is keeping its border open.* Brexit is just around the corner and Ryanair is among the airlines feeling the pain after its plan to skip local ownership rules got busted by the UK CAA.* The US Senate says Boeing coached its test pilots inappropriately around the recertification flights, which is definitely not good.* Starlux is planning to fly to the USA in 2022.* JetBlue makes some changes to Mosaic elite status in 2021.* A passenger on a United flight died from COVID and the industry is struggling to handle it well.* Stephan took a trip last week and was not impressed.

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* Do you get bonus points for finally deciding to stop traveling now that it is dangerous despite taking many leisure trips throughout the rest of the year??* All sorts of interesting happenings in India with potential changes of airline ownership.

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 323: 2,000 year-old leftovers

We definitely don't recommend eating it, but the 2,000 year old street meat discoveries in the ruins of Pompeii are all sorts of awesome.

Also in this episode:

* Montenegro Airlines is dead, but it will likely return soon* A lawyer involved in representing 737 MAX victims stole payments intended for them* After years of battles a Delta pilot won their case regarding whistle-blower retaliation, and the now-head of the FAA is implicated* The EPA finally adopted aircraft emissions standards so Boeing can sell planes internationally but it won't really help reduce emissions* Alaska Airlines will continue to block middle seats in its Premium Class cabin, at least most of the time* Azores Air will fly an intra-Atlantic route from Puerto Delgado to Bermuda and that's a seriously sexy line* The book Seth mentioned, Empires of the Sky

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* Some thoughts on the increased Alaska Airlines 737 MAX order book

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 324: Fraud, Funding, and Settlements

We start 2021 with an unplanned trip down memory lane to Malta, because happy travel memories are a good thing

Also in this episode:

* Boeingsettled with the US Department of Justice, and it seems the price was cheap* With the new CARES Act extension in play the rules for where airlines have to fly have been revised a bit* Spirit Airlines was defrauded to the tune of $150k by a group issuing fake pass travel tix* Marriott is among the companies changing its policies on political contributions in the wake of last week's insurrection at the US Capitol* A Sriwijaya 737-500 crashed just after takeoff over the weekend

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* New York City's new Amtrak terminal

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 325: Flip-flopping along

First the policies change. Then they change again. Keeping up with that back and forth is incredibly challenging. But we're trying.

Topics in this episode:

* The US announced plans to relax restrictions, and then just hours later that was countered. Now the rules are even more strict, including quarantine requirements.* KLM Indicated it would halt long-haul flights following proposal of strict testing requirements that would affect crew. Again, a change of policy saw that averted.* Canada's airlines face continued challenges, including more service cuts as test and quarantine rules are strengthened.* Norwegian's long-haul operation is dead, and with that some changes to the TATL marketplace are already being seen.* Alaska Airlines will offer a new status tier at 100k miles starting next year, but no one really knows what it will include* A man lived in O'Hare for 3 months.* British Airways has a new grocery partner for Avios earn and burn.* Chengdu has a new mega airport slated to open soon.* The Ghanaian government really doesn't want to fly to Gatwick

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* Allegiant has some fun in Portland* United Airlines has less fun in long-haul ops

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

Huge thanks to our newest patrons:

* Matthew H.* Arthur L.* Megan J.* Jeff A.* Ben B.* Mike R.

DLD 372: Going global

Sure, we're not really traveling long-haul for leisure right now. But some people are. We had long time friend of the show Han on to talk about a couple recent trips.

Long-haul, premium cabin travel is often about the experience on board and in the lounges as much as (or more than) it is about just getting to the destination. How did Air France La Premiere and British Airways Club World stack up? Plus, another trip with ANA in first class to round out the globe trotting.

In more newsy topics:

* Qatar Airways confirmed the 777XF order, as well as a bundle of 737 MAXen, helping to make up for the canceled Airbus single-aisle order we talked about in last week's show.* UA might sell off a small stake in MileagePlus* Mesa’s latest investment in a new aircraft type, but it isn’t really a plane.* Delta lobbying for a national no-fly list* Play adds SWF as its 3rd US market

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* TATL Flight Tracks below FL330 are gone as of 1 March

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 352: A Dork-Spot-Wine Fest

We took the show on the road this week. First up was Los Angeles for DorkFest/SpotLAX2021. Thanks to the listeners who stopped by to say hi while we were there.

From there a quick flight on Avelo up to Sonoma and some wine tasting and beer and a pretty fun conversation about it all.

Alas, the outdoor recording environment did leave us with a bit of wind in the background. Cleaned it up as best we could, but it is not perfect by any stretch. Sorry about that.

DLD 353: Close connections

An irrational amount of discussion about connecting flights takes over this episode. But, in our defense, one of you asked about it.

Also in this episode:

* A trip through the new terminal at DCA* American and GOL are getting closer in South America* Stockholm grabs some interesting new routes from Eurowings and Finnair* US entry rules are changing, and airlines responded quickly* Northern Pacific (who!?!) bought some planes* A listener question about gate assignments and connecting flights* FlyBe is hiring pilots again* The AA/B6 alliance in Boston/NYC faces challenges from the US DOJ* Executive club status extension and benefits changes* Bilt's credit card adds bonus categories

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* SAA back in business, for now* British Airways' Gatwick short-haul shut down* Burbank PTSD

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 354: Generally speaking

We're on location this week, recording at the IATA Annual General Meeting in Boston where industry CEOs and suppliers gathered to absolutely not collude on anything they cannot legally address.

{That collusion comment is a joke; I just love the fact that they print out and distribute a reminder to all attendees to behave.)

Also this week, we've got Danny Lee on the show as a guest to talk about travel between Asia and the USA, the aviation climate in Hong Kong, and whatever else comes along.

Enjoy the show!

DLD 355: Weather Gone Wild

We faced a couple mechanicals getting this week's episode recorded, but are willing to admit that truth, rather than blaming weather, unlike some airlines.

Also in this episode:

* British Airways drama, including:

* The A380 is coming back, as are a bunch of US routes

* Gatwick short-haul might not really be dead after all

* A very bad day trying to get to Hong Kong

* Southwest Airlines' operational meltdown last weekend* A big biometrics push by AirAsia* Tata buying Air India, and the mess that it includes* New vaccinated travel lanes added for Singapore, and a demand spike that crashed the company website* Spirit Airlines launching service in Miami, FL and Manchester, NH last week* Old UA 747 moving to a Seattle mixed use building* Air Belgium gets its first new plane, an A330neo that is part of a significant fleet refresh

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* AmEx closing a bunch of Membership Rewards accounts* United Airlines' December schedule includes an interesting collection of point to point routes* The new Dulles Polaris lounge is finally opening later this month, and some others should be reopening soon

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 356: Celebratory deaths

Perhaps we should've saved some of these topics a week or two, where the Dia de los Muertos celebrations would be more appropriate. But here we are.

Also in this episode:

* United Airlines has some interesting new routes for Summer 2022* Alitalia is dead, but not entirely* More 787 production issues* The LaGuardia AirTrain is dead, or at least on pause* Ryanair blocking charge-back customers* Short-haul air tax coming to Belgium* Owner of the JW Marriott phu*ket is suing Marriott* Sun Country new routes and rides

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* AA/B6 elite reciprocity next steps and a bug in the systems* Air Canada Elite Status Match and then immediate jack up ofqualifications

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 357: Easy Breezy

Call it Breeze Airways 2.0. Or at least version 1.5. The carrier unveiled its very first A220 at the Airbus Final Assembly Line in Mobile Alabama this week and it is quite a different onboard experience compared to the Embraer E-Jet fleet.

This week's show was recorded on the drive back to the airport, so you're getting the very first impressions from Seth, as well as Chris Sloan from Airchive and Zach Griff from TPG.

Also in this episode:

* American Airlines massively revamped the way elite qualification will happen starting in 2022* Marriott Bonvoy is scrapping award charts, and that's probably bad. But occasionally hasn't been completely terrible for some of the airlines that went down that path.

Enjoy the show!

DLD 358: Yet another meltdown

American Airlines decided to cancel more than a thousand flights over the weekend, the latest in a string of airline collapses when faced with outside pressure.

Also in this episode:

* More thoughts on the AAdvantage and Bonvoy changes announced a couple weeks ago* Spirit slowing growth/recovery because it can’t hire enough people* Kazakh planes are now being registered in Ireland* United goes to 22 daily at Heathrow from next summer* ITA joining SkyTeam for now* Hyatt changing some award rates* Rule changes for travel to the US

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* HSR funding in the infrastructure bill that might finally become law* Allegiant IROPs costs* Waltzing Matilda pilot mess

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 359: Fun parallels

Europeans (and many others) can once again visit the USA, assuming they're fully vaccinated. And more than a few airlines are very happy about this.

Also in this episode:

* Some follow-on discussion about Bonvoy and points transfers and where the value lies for our host* Heathrow parallel departures* Return of the Albatross* UA wheelchair incident that a passenger died from* Mallora incident on a Moroccan flight* AA paying FAs up to 300% for holiday peak* United stopping a bunch of random routes* SEA-BLR and DFW-TLV delayed again* Boeing has 11,000 employees seeking exemptions

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* Travel planning, and how much is too much research

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 360: Not entirely as planned

This week’s episode is a little different. It’s just Fozz and Stephan, as Seth is soaking in all the avgeekery he can at the Dubai Airshow and there hasn’t been a ton of news.

Some of the highlights are:

* Follow-up from Patreon supporter Lee on the A220 and all-business configurations across the ocean.* Pilots turning down extra holiday pay.* AA making cuts in NYC.* Rumors that British Airways will start London-Heathrow to Indianapolis and bring back some of their other thin routes in summer of 2022.* Alaska Airlines extending the 50% EQM bonus into next year and rumors of a status challenge in the first quarter.* The old Continental Presidential Plus card is dead and Fozz is heartbroken.* United Polaris lounges and American Airlines Flagship lounges are starting to re-open. Newark’s Polaris lounge will be open before Thanksgiving.

Seth will likely be coming in next week with a bunch of news out of Dubai, so we’ll see what the airshow has in the works for the aviation industry!

DLD 361: Thanks time

What are you thankful as the Thanksgiving holiday arrives once again? Probably not being involved in any of our first few topics is a good start.

Also in this episode:

* Holiday bonus pay* More migrants - BCN incident* ATL shooter on Saturday* Dubai Air Show

* Indigo Partners massive Airbus order

* A 737 MAX win as well

* Emirates' Premium Economy play

* Freighters that did and didn’t happen

* Artificial Intelligence for gate assignments

* MAX in South Korea, China likely next, flight tests running in India* Norse STN slots* Singapore Airlines MAX seats unveiling* T2 to T3 connector at SFO open

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* Billy Bishop Update, with Porter grabbing WiFi and Connect getting different pilots* China ADS-B crackdown

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 362: Oh. My. Cron!

A new variant of concern doesn't have us too concerned. At least not yet. Plus greenwashing, hub bluffs, and pilot retirements.

Also in this episode:

* South Africa Omicron variant brings lockdowns and travel bans* India finally reopening to normal scheduled international flights, but excluding a bunch of countries* Air Canada's “penalty” for refund failures* British Airways bluffs on Heathrow hub move* Qantas add a Green status to its frequent flyer program* Cathay pilots retiring (tied to Frankfurt incident, among other things)* A trip report, as delivered at the Thanksgiving table by my father* Arcades making a comeback in airport terminals* Whitehorse-Yellowknife-Toronto on Air North next summer* Black Friday sales around travel??

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* A340 to Antarctica* DOJ Stepping up enforcement* Should Stephan travel more?

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 363: Picking up the pieces

Sometimes the best plan when a trip gets complicated is to just walk away. Or at least strongly consider the possibility in the face of ever changing travel restrictions.

Also in this episode:

* Qatar Airways to lease Cathay Pacific 777-300ERs* A350 paint issues much broader than initially believed* The 737MAX moves towards recertification in China* Allegiant and VivaAerobus want to form a US-Mexico transborder JV* Fun new lines to the Caribbean* Frontier Status Match* United Airlines status/certs extension

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* New testing requirements* Unpacking a trip that got too complicated* What's next in the future of travel on a global scale

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 364: Pyjama Party

Thought on airline pyjamas? Yeah, we've got some of those. And lots of other ideas, too…

Also in this episode:

* American's int'l sked adjustment w the missing 787s and adding Doha* A350 paint drama continues* Radio altimeters AD is out * Southwest adding a new fare family* Breeze adding ISP, PBI* Where the Wide-bodies are* France wants to bring back night trains in a big way* AS makes requalification easier (confirmed)

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* S7 failed deicing near disaster* The best new airport bathroom views

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 365: TATL Tales

Lots of news in the Transatlantic market this week, with high hopes for Summer 2022.

Also in this episode:

* C-Band 5G in Japan doesn’t seem to be a problem for Radio Altimeters* A350 paint issues still an issue, and now lawsuits are in play* Lufthansa adding St. Louis, among other new routes and will be well paid to do so* British Airways and Finnair adding US markets* PLAY (BWI/BOS)* Icelandair (RDU) and a new livery* Qantas picks Airbus (and the strange XLR reference); adding Rome this summer via Perth* KLM/Transavia also pick Airbus* IAG/Air Europa fell apart* AZ Cardinals bought a former DL 777* United adds free messaging on WiFi* Air Baltic adds a Finland base* Underwear as a mask guy* Fauci says masks on planes may be here to stay

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* JetBlue Mosaic+* Final A380 and final A320ceo both delivered in the same week

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 366: A fresh start

A new year, and we're ready to go with fresh hot takes on all the latest aviation news.

Also in this episode:

* Christmas/New Years schedule troubles* Etihad fleet update: sold 4 A380s, keeping 6 for now. All A320s to go to Air Arabia Abu Dhabi* Irkut MC-21-300 now certified by Russia* 737 MAX is back in Indonesia* P&W 777s Airworthiness Directive is out

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, with more schedule issues and a rant or two.

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 367: A Farewell to R32s

Slightly bizarre to have the lead topic for an aviation podcast to be a subway story, but we've never really been a normal group. Plus, we've got Jason on to talk about that and many other airplane-related bits.

Also in this episode:

* Allegiant picks the 737 MAX in a big way* Canadian influencers maybe stuck in Cancun* 5G & altimeter update* FR (Ryanair) leaving FRA(nkfurt)* ITA (Alitalia successor) investment suitors (LH Group v DL/AF/KL)* Betty White, Sidney Poitier, Bob Saget, and an aviation angle

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* Air India/GDS funds seizure* Former PeopleExpress President going to jail for wire/tax fraud

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 368: Not so far flung

We shouldn't be here right now. We should all be there. But we aren't. And we don't even really know where "there" is. A most interesting predicament.

Also in this episode:

* Revisiting the TWA hotel* Hong Kong Bans Transit Passengers* Finnair cuts ops 20%, Virgin Australia 25%, DL regionals 25%* United delays Bangalore again, now to October* Delta makes some routes less-than-daily at Seattle* Boom’s XB-1 has engines running now* Boeing 777X program head retiring

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* West Coast ground stop after North Korean missile launch* Emirates Incidents

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 369: Northern Pacific’s new paint job

Northern Pacific threw one hell of a party for the unveiling of its new livery. Seth was there and met up with Brett Snyder from Cranky Flier for a quick chat about the plane, the plan, and what might come next.

Enjoy the show!

DLD 370: Total Eclipse of Sanity

We're talking more about Northern Pacific, with a shout out to Ep 369 where we did first impressions. But that's not the main insanity referenced in this weeks show.

Also in this episode:

* 5G continues to be a mess (int’l cxls, regional aircraft still maybe not approved)* Airbus tells Akbar to piss off* EASA and Boeing battling over controls* Seth got lased landing at ONT* FedEx & lasers* Alaska adding 737s to Everett* UAE grounds all drones and light aircraft* Ethiopian returns the MAX to service.

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* AA turned a 777 around over the Atlantic because a woman wouldn’t wear a mask, UA to TLV, too* Alitalia is coming back

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 371: Snowed in

With a blizzard bearing down we're reliving prior diversions and other cold weather travel tales, all the way to Antarctica.

Also in this episode:

* Fozz travel travails* SkyBot Cam* Greece/Cyprus/Turkey airport drama* BA leaving T7 at JFK in December* Boom Factory in GSO* Qatar Airways still in the news, with a major pilot fatigue story, and the assumed 777X freighter order (which should be official by the time the episode is live)–* Boeing writing off more existing product lines while investing in a completely new segment* Kalitta'a 767s gone

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* 737 MAX in Antarctica* Stolen FMS computer in Lagos* British Airways loses a door in CPT

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 373: Cocoon or carpet?

We almost forgot to talk about the Spirit Airlines/Frontier merger on this week's show because so much other crazy stuff happened since it was announced. Fortunately we managed to not quite screw that up.

Also in this episode:

* New premium seats coming to Finnair* New certification challenges for Boeing* New US routes from Condor* New old carpet coming to Portland* New limits for flying over Ukraine

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* A bizarre back and forth over jobs for a few flight attendants at United* The potential for rocket flights rather than just regular planes.

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 374: Your airline is intriguing to me and I wish to subscribe to your ticketing plan

We screwed up posting this one so the audio file wasn't present originally. Should be fixed as of Sunday morning.

Should you subscribe to an airline's recurring payment offerings? Probably not. But we're going to talk about it a bit.

Also in this episode:

* Alaska Airlines subscriptions* Which is bigger long-haul route news, Delta to Cape Town or the new British Airways daytime flight from Newark to London. Or one of Delta’s new Hawaii trips?* Breeze adds a Hartford base (and Seth was on a couple Breeze inaugurals this week), while Avelo expands beyond Florida at New Haven* A380 Auction by Airbus* United now charges a premium on at least some o/w awards

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* Cathay cuts continue - only 3 flights to LHR, 4 to SYD and none to NYC in March 2022, compared to 100ish pre-pandemic* American Airlines makes further long-haul cuts thanks to 787 delivery delays

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 375: Lasha Tumbai

A bit of a challenge this week to get past the very real suffering of war and have a conversation about what it means in the context of aviation. But we're trying.

Also in this episode:

* Qatar Airways switching to Avios* No more E500s for American Airlines* Eastern fails its ETOPS exam

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* Some airline schedule challenges, and the annoyances they bring

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 376: Point.Me to the awards

A good award search tool is something of a holy grail in the miles & points space. Point.Me is pretty darn close, if not entirely there.

We've got Point.Me co-founder Tiffany Funk on this week's show to talk about the new site and how it makes rewards better for everyone, but especially for your mother.

Also in this episode:

* Lots more about Russia* United challenges Delta for some Cape Town access

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* Fresh food is returning to some US domestic flights finally, as is liquor.* WestJet wants to buy Sunwing

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 377: MAX or Mask or Electric

Did aviation news related to the war in Ukraine drive this week's show? Of course it did. But that's not the only topic of conversation.

Also in this episode:

* On the Russia front.

* Aeroflot slashed international service, but private airlines are playing a little differently.

* The US government picked 100 jets to declare illegally exported to Russia

* Cargo operations are affected, too

* Finnair and Korean Air, among others, are rerouting planes to skip Russian airspace, and having a little fun with it

* The first new 737 MAX in years made its way to China, another indication that the market there might finally resume MAX flights* Delta is rumored to be ready to buy the MAX 10* Mask rules are changing, though airlines are having trouble keeping up in some cases* SkyWest wants to cut a bunch of EAS markets, blaming a lack of pilots, but will the DOT let that happen?* Norse Atlantic is taking a rolling delay, even before it begins operations* Seth rented a Tesla and mostly enjoyed the experience

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* Safety in South Africa* A new ULCC in the Dominican Republic* Flying to Iceland without going to Keflavik

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 378: Plus-ing it up

At some point "Plus" has to not be the default naming of whatever new thing a company comes up with, right? Alas, this is not that week.

Also in this episode:

* China Eastern flight MU5735 crash* Air New Zealand to NYC in September* Qantas adding DFW-MEL in December* Air Canada buys the A321XLR* Alaska Airlines retiring the A320 family faster and also the Q400s* Southwest Airlines launches Wanna Get Away Plus fare* United Airlines delaying IAD-BER start + no EWR-PRG this summer

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* Rossiya’s new Sochi SSJ Super hub (Note: We called it Aeroflot’s in the episode; the SSJs recently transferred to Rossiya to further reduce exposure, and Pobeda is grounding 738s, not SSJs, for parts)* MAX 10 not likely to meet EoY certification timeline

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 379: Bucket o’ squirrels

No squirrels were harmed in the making of this episode. And we cannot explain why that is even remotely relevant. But here we are anyways.

Also in this episode:

* The new airport outside Mexico City is not ready for primetime. Possibly not* even ready for late night.* Does Seattle need a new airport?* Pilot lies about experience and gets caught* Alaska Airlines pilots picketing* Are these Delta SkyMiles enhancements - gasp - actually useful??* New Air New Zealand Business Class seat coming later this year* Delta’s first A321neo routes announced

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* A surprisingly fun conversation about which status to chase* Debate over which is the best *A hub to connect at in Europe, and why

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 380: Finding faults

Who is to blame? And does it matter when you finally admit that? Plenty of challenges in the industry these days and more flight cancellations are coming.

Also in this episode:

* Alaska Airlines admits massive disruption wasn’t the pilots’ fault, along with some interesting numbers about growth plans and fuel prices.* American Airlines gets Landline bus service, too* What would a JetBlue-Spirit Airlines merger look like and why is it even a consideration?* New gates proposed for Dulles and Denver

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* Rumors about Delta in SEA/PDX* Bamboo Founder stock screwup* Hawaii’s pilot congressman

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 381: Masks begone!

The lack of appeal, perhaps, is the most interesting part. But the CDC mask mandate for travel is gone, thanks to a court ruling in Florida. The TSA backed down a few hours later.

Also in this episode:

* AvGeek.Travel launch* Turkish Airlines* Norse Atlantic leasing planes to Air Europa* Finnair leasing planes to Eurowings Discover* Air Baltic leasing planes to everyone it can

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* Condor's new livery* AA's new 787 layout

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 382: Punch out

Hard to believe we're still saying this, but please stop being an a*****e on airplanes. Or anywhere else, really. But definitely not on airplanes.

Also in this episode:

* 777X now not likely certified until late 2024, airline delivery in 2025.* NPR article doesn’t understand that China Airlines isn’t a Chinese airline* SCASD Grant applications* Breeze planning transcon flights at HPN* Recaro seatbacks* Golden knights scared the US Capitol Police pretty good* AA long-haul fleet shuffle triggered by BA needs

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* Punch out* Kirby pissed at Spirit Airlines/JetBlue at Newark* A flight simulator in the United App

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 383: Gettin’ Flighty with it

Flight status. Travel history. Connection updates. And lots more. That's the promise from Flighty, and we've got founder Ryan Jones on this week's show to talk about it.

As part of that, we're giving away a few free years of access to the paid version, so let us know (either in a comment or on Twitter) if you're interested.

Also in this episode:

* Project Sunrise is for real, as Qantas formally orders the A350-1000 aircraft that will eventually fly from Sydney to London and New York City nonstop.* Norse Atlantic formally launches its first transatlantic routes* Tailwind wants to fly seaplanes to Washington, DC.

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 384: Competition great and small

Mergers generally reduce competition. Upstarts increase it. And somewhere in the middle, we like to talk about all of options.

Also in this episode:

* Lufty needs options for 777X delay, and A380 is maybe on the list, but in the meantime, more 787-9s and even more 777X (freighters) on the books* Oh, and that's the same 777X that major lessors are now calling into question.* Avelo gets an Orlando base, and the MCO-Charleston route sees new competition* Breeze sets up shop in Provo, for a west coast base* SkyClub Access rules changing* Airbus production boost and A321XLR delay* Avianca to buy Viva, but keep operating both brands in competition with each other* Variability in companion benefits from different elite status programs

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* AF 777 incident* Turkish launching a ton of new Russia routes* Smoking pilots may have caused the EgyptAir crash over the Med

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 385: Worst birthday party ever

Sure, the conversations were great, but our plans for a grand birthday celebration came up short.

Also in this episode:

* More consolidation in Latin America

* *A Credit Card coming

* Pilot shortage proposals

* Incapacitated pilot coming back from the Bahamas; ATC talks guy through landing

* Southwest power/wifi/bins

* United’s single-aisle inflight entertainment and wifi update delayed

* UA 764s coming back with Polaris

* New UC at EWR

* Air France new cabins on some 77Ws

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* PANYNJ will pretend to enforce street pricing again

* LHR trimming pax/hour

* HA investing in larger flying boat

* And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 386: Intel(ligence?) Inside

Some terribly dorky jokes get us started this week, but eventually we manage to transition to terribly dorky conversations about airplanes, so that's mostly a win.

Also in this episode:

* IAG confirms MAX order* Delta, United officially vie for CPT slots* United's P&W 772s coming back* Turkish taking Aeroflot NTU A359s* Norse London-JFK launching* KLM new PremY seat is real, AF new F seat is hinted* KLM canceling flights due to lines at AMS* Virgin Australia/Qatar Airways loyalty reciprocity* Alaska Airlines pilots authorize strike

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* UA Express employee fights a customer* Northern Pacific crowd funding* Breeze A220 Transcon ops launched

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 387: Regal in Riga

Day two of a trip to Europe always brings along some jet lag challenges. But we're trying our best.

Also in this episode:

* Buy 2 years of Thai *G for $10k + $10k travel credits* KLM/AMS meltdown* RyanairAfrikaans language test* Brexit keeps Niceair out* American Airlines increases code sharing with Qatar Airways

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* Some travel tips for Austria and Riga* Initial insights from a CEO conversation in Europe

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 388: A last-minute change

Change happens. But it gets way worse if the airline forgets to tell you.

Also in this episode:

* Krisflyer devaluation coming from Singapore Airlines* Norse Atlantic adds Berlin routes* United adds SFO-Brisbane* Russia's spare parts problem (and new plane order)* Testing gone for US inbound travel* Comair (South Africa) collapse

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* Planes being parked* A public charter option* Vueling screwed up a flight change email

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 389: Back at AIX

Trade shows are back, and so are we. Greetings from Hamburg and the 2022 edition of the Aircraft Interiors Expo.

Special thanks to Jason for joining and sharing thoughts. Also, sorry about the lower quality audio the first 8ish minutes. It gets better once we sorted the microphones out.

DLD 390: Back from Europe

Summer travel is definitely here. Good luck with that.

Also in this episode:

* Seth's Polaris experience on a TATL trip* Delta/AmEx 747 card* WestJet goes back west* A321XLR first flight* Heathrow Slots* Norse UK's planned US routes from Gatwick* LufthansaA380s coming back next summer

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* Austin connecting traffic* Emiratesfirst class gets from home check-in service in Dubai* JetBlue/Blade Helicopter partnership* Oman Air joins oneworld

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 391: Some Independence thinking

Great news: The holiday weekend wasn't a total meltdown, despite warnings from airlines.

Also in this episode:

* Air New Zealand confirms new Business Premier/Luxe and SkyNest* Deutsche Bahn confirmed as Star Alliance partner* DL $10k VDB, also offered change fee waiver because it is too busy* European capacity caps* Cathay brings back JFK-Vancouver in a bizarre way* China’s Big 3 pick Airbus for single-aisle refresh* Delta MAX 10 order maybe likely at Farnborough* Some reports of 737 MAX in-flight AOA sensor issues* BA thinks only men are doctors* Passage du Gois in France

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

*

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 394: Farnborough Follow-up

Despite being one of the slowest major air shows for new order announcements in years, Farnborough 2022 offered plenty of news.

Also in this episode:

* Far too much time spent talking about LaGuardia* Railroad tracks expanding in the heat, and runways melting, too.* Delta Air Lines' 737 MAX 10 order * EasyJet's A32neo order * Porter expands E2 order * LATAM A321s and XLRs * Boom still doesn’t have an engine, but it needs twice as many * Lots of eVTOL stuff * Airbus putting an open fan engine on the 380 for testing, Hydrogen stuff, too * AA, UA, AS earnings * UA/AC JV happening again * Branding via salt & pepper shakers

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* Seth’s AA Transcon J trip report (and follow on to last week’s version from Michael) * Alaska Airlines gave away billions of points

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 395: Ripe for disruption

More leisure travelers than expected, plus some gardening tips. Oh, and lots of airline news, too.

Also in this episode:

* The Spirit merger drama is over. And just beginning.* AA300 NTSB report* 787s return finally approved (timing unclear for actual restart of* deliveries)* No MAX 7 this year* BA doesn't expect 777X until 2026* AirTags don’t always work* Launch dates for Virgin Atlantic A330neo (and should Seth do it?)* Iberia putting doors on it's A350 biz seats late 2023

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* New routes from Delta and Air France* KrisFlyer gives back Stephan’s miles* Aeroplan award chart changes, and expiry of points extended again

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 392: Heat wave

As if airport crowds and luggage SNAFUs aren't enough, summer heat waves are adding to the challenges in travel.

Also in this episode:

* Uncertainty over the MAX 10 certification* HKG’s 3rd runway is now open* Akasa Air certified in India* Connect Airlines certified in the USA* United adds a maintenance hangar in Rio* Breeze subbing E190s on transcon A220 routes* AirTags (or similar) for checked bags?* SAS bankruptcy* Monkey transport* EVA Adding MUC/MXP

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* NFTs for status* Credit card links

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 393: From Hanoi with love

We haven't had much to say about travel to Asia in recent months. That changes this week, as we're joined by Michael Traeger from TravelZork to share some thoughts. A lot of thoughts, really.

Also in this episode:

* Lots of talk about premium travel from the US to Southeast Asia, and luxury options while in Vietnam* Virgin Atlantic’s new A330neo, including the Retreat Suite J+ * This week in European aero collapse: * Heathrow adds daily passenger caps through the end of the summer; Emirates fights back, also the slots issue is no more thanks to updated guidance that came just after we recorded. * Icelandair sending its own baggage handlers to Amsterdam * Delta ferries baggage out of Heathrow

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* Both Delta and United get the Cape Town slots* Connect Airlines is hiring 30 Captains at $250k/year* UA cutting SFO/DEN-STS (oct 28)

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 396: So much revenue, but what about profit?

Airlines raked in revenue in Q2, but not all of them reported a profit. And that raises a lot of bigger picture questions.

Also in this episode:

* This week in Europe’s aero mess * British Airways won’t sell short-haul seats ex-Heathrow through the first week of August in hopes of accommodating displaced passengers.* Schiphol caps through October * Airbus terminates remaining Qatari A350 orders * New proposed DOT rules on refunds for schedule changes * The Italian government wants better bids for a stake in ITA

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* New AA Lounge design (DCA first) * Swiss to wet lease Air Baltic A220s

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 399: Direct to you

Another airline disappears, but we're still here. You can decide if that's a good trade or not.

Also in this episode:

* aha! Is gone* Regional pilots pay scale insanity* Qantas to add AKL-JFK in June 2023* JetBlue A321LR delays mean no hot meals for some London passengers* Play adding Dulles in April 2023* Denver concessions employee travel budget * Nigeria released cash to foreign airlines, but not all of it. * Frontier new hub/crew base at PHX* Finnair pushing traffic via DOH starting in November with daily flights fromARN/CPH/HEL.

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* Dublin's got a new runway* AS Stranding People in Barrow Due to runway construction and “radar” issues. And half runways in Alaska.* PAE-ANC coming in November

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 397: Scavenger Hunt

Scavenging for spare parts, profitable routes, or just good travel ideas? We've got it all in this week's show.

Also in this episode:

* Europe: * Schiphol is set to pay out a massive amount of money in pax comp * Customer support backlogs are still a mess for some; Eurostar closed its phone lines for a month to clear existing cases. * Heathrow extending 100k pax/day cap * Asia: * Sydney is the latest airport to see massive lines and understaffed check-in/security* Malaysia Airlines taking 20 A330neo from 2024-2028 * Asia is still closed so Northern Pacific is going to try Mexico routes instead* Delta bringing HND service online from LAX, HNL * Tailwind launching DC-ish service on a seaplane * Russia is cannibalizing planes for spare parts* So is Boeing, moving engines from completed but parked MAXen to new builds more likely to deliver * Delta allowed to cut flights at LGA/JFK/DCA without losing slots; blames very high sick rates * JetBlue moving more Mint planes to LAX (plus another TATL market), and a bunch of route suspensions/cancellations extended.

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* Allegiant is not amused by the Sun Country EAS award * AraJet (Dominican upstart) is selling tix. Seems like it is actually going to launch.* Uber killing loyalty program * Emirates F unlimited caviar * Akasa founder sudden death

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 398: A great American hero? Or zero?

So much news from American Airlines this week we might have to rebrand the show. But lots of other goodies, too.

Also in this episode:

* The future of American’s A321T interiors?* American (theoretically) buys into the Boom hype* American is also (really) buying Air Whiskey and bringing its 60 CRJs in-house (and away from United)* A canceled route, terrible rebooking, and horrible service* Ethiopian 737 pilots allegedly fell asleep during a flight* 737 MAX wing production slowdown, on top of last week’s mention of engine swaps* Faroe fish cargo carrier* Singapore’s new T5 plan* Wizz is not restarting Russia flights after all

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* SAN-LAX is back on UA* A Hertz mini-rant* 27000 and the Reagan library* Emirates cabin upgrades by the numbers

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 401: The end of Summer

Summer is ending, but travel continues. And optimism remains strong, at least in some segments of the industry.

Also in this episode:

* Three tragic crashes over the weekend:* Biz jet failed to land in Germany as expected; eventually ran out of fuel between Latvia and Sweden (4 or 5 presumed dead)* DHC-3 Otter floatplane with 10 aboard off Whidbey Island, WA * TAP landed on a motorcycle in Conakry* A 29 year old stole a plane in Tupelo, MS * An 11 cent O-ring grounded the US Army Chinook helicopter fleet * Not even death can exempt you from TSA screening. * China Airlines buying 787s to replace A330s * Overflights * Speculation over the UA/Emirates announcement next week * Passengers keep AirDropping nudes * Saudi Arabia reporting plans for a new $30bn airline investment * Silver Airways retired the Saab 340 fleet; now all ATRs

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* Israel to block four engine aircraft from next year* Air Canada Aeroplan stopovers now bookable online* Thai Airways sold 5 A340s for about $10 million, and says that’s above the appraised value

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 402: Three planes you’ll probably never fly. Or maybe four.

Can Russia produce more than 300 commercial aircraft by the end of the decade to backfill the Boeing and Airbus frames that will be inoperable by then? And would you fly on one if they do??

Also in this episode:

* Italian govt picks an ITA suitorITA* Aeroflot signs for 300+ Russian aircraft by the end of the decade* IATA kicks Newark out of NYC, but not entirely* Southwest’s Companion Pass promotion* NFTicket from Air Europa and revenue management* Alaska Airlines' new digital bag tag plans* JFK new T1 groundbreaking* Satcoms on cell phones

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* Boom is even further from an engine* United adds more eVTOL* Matternet FAA cert

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 403: White tails, new deals, and new lines

Catching up on some reader mail, and also on big changes coming in airports served, meals on board, and vaguely boring partnerships.

Also in this episode:

* Tailwind’s DC switcheroo* United/Emirates deal is just as boring as we expected, but at least it includes flyDubai* American Airlines closing SFO flight attendant base* Boeing looks to sell Chinese 737MAXen as white tails* Delta meals upgrades* More Boom engine mess* Heart’s electric hybrid shift* A WaPo reporter repeated the infamous Ferris Bueller day* ZipAir launching NRT-SJC in December; ANA bringing it back in March* Horizon pilots contract approved* Old Doha Airport is back for a bit

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* Schiphol still a mess, and the CEO resigned* French ATC strikes, and a Ryanair flight to the wrong country as a result* London capacity caps to extend through the winter

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 404: Podcast not not found

We considered just having this episode go missing, an homage to the HTTP 404 status code. But there's too much interesting stuff to cover instead.

Also in this episode:

* American's new Flagship Suite* Southwest Airlines' Status Push* REGENT took flight* Xiamen Airlines switches to Airbus* A380 auction* More partnership from British Airways and Qatar Airways* Countries opening up

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* Delta executives subpoenaed for the American Airlines/JetBlue NEA trial* Phantom noises on the PA for American

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 400: We suck at travel

It was supposed to be a quick weekend getaway for the crew. That didn't work out so well.

Also in this episode:

* Virgin Atlantic joins SkyTeam* Eurostar’s Brexit capacity cuts* Cleveland gets its European nonstop back* C919 gets certified* WestJet MAX 10 order* Alaska Airlines goes to dynamic pricing on partner awards (maybe?)* Norse cutting capacity for the winter* DL/LATAM formally approved; DOT telling the pilot union to stop worrying is amusing

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* Delta One lounges at LAX/JFK in 2024* AA forgot about JFK slots and lost them in 2019 because it didn’t accurately account for them in the US merger* airBaltic adds AF/KL as earn and burn partners

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 405: Chunneling some feelings

Halfway through a long trip and still suffering from jetlag, but there's news to consider and punditry to ponder, so here we go…

Also in this episode:

* WestJet consolidates 787s to Calgary* Pilots speaking up about the MAX cert issues, both for and against an extension for Boeing* FAA finally moves on flight attendant rest rules, and it might not matter much?* Lufthansa gets silly about AirTags, or maybe not* Flyr also struggling with winter demand

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* A meh Eurostar experience* Virgin Atlantic's A330neo is delayed, as is the inaugural* airBaltic NFT loyalty finally launches

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 406: Mega investments

New cabins, new partners, and new fuels are just a few of the major investments airlines announced that we're talking about in this week's episode.

Also in this episode:

* Lufthansa’s Allegris cabin concept, including a swanky F suite* Delta/Joby exclusive partnership* Singapore Airlines maybe investing in Air India* IndiGo wet-lease of Turkish 77Ws* Heathrow landing fees encourage new planes, like Aer Lingus saving ~GBP1300/trip with the NEO* JetBlue TrueBlue deval coming

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* American Airlines investing in Universal Hydrogen* United’s new summer 2023 routes* MAX extension didn’t make it into the NDAA* British Airways move to T8 at JFK is coming soon

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 407: No first? No problem!

What happens when you dupe consumers for decades with the confusing names between classes of service then make a change to a tiny part of the fleet? Fun times, indeed.

Also in this episode:

* KE631 crash in Cebu* Hawaiian Airlines will fly cargo for Amazon* United Airlines finished Polaris rollout on 787s* We knew American Airlines plans to kill off long-haul first class as of a few weeks ago, but somehow it became an issue again this week.* Delta Air Lines, British Airways, and Southwest Airlines are all changing elite qualifying rules for next year.* Maybe MAXen flying in China soon? China Southern is getting some into service condition while others might be getting sold elsewhere* EU-ASEAN open skies

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* Northern Pacific Pivots (again)* A not so seamless partnership* Bluetooth Audio on Airplanes

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 408: Winter is coming

The semi-annual IATA seasonal schedule change happened last weekend, and it brings some fun and interesting new routes and slot opportunities to the industry.

Also in this episode:

* Is the market primed for an all-biz comeback* Iberia ran out of business class seats* Starlux gets its first A350, including dimmable windows for the first time on an Airbus* Spirit’s getting new seats. Again.* CommuteAir going to 175s* Cap One lounges* More planes for Alaska Airlines, Air Canada, IAG, and others* Norwegian establishing a base in Riga

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* Cabotage in Mexico* Canada's Beaver heritage problem* Eastern Airlines looks to China. Again.* VS/LATAM codeshare via the USA to Colombia/Peru

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 409: Sorry we missed you

Maybe we're supposed to say something in advance when the publishing schedule changes. Oopsie.

Also in this episode:

* A boxcutter incident* LHR security sh*tshow* United now gives status credit for reward flights* Star Alliance/HSBC Credit Card is now live* Basketball uniforms can have an aviation angle, too* A380s coming and going* Air Show China* Initial slot allocations for Summer 2023 - JetBlue at Heathrow and lots more* Man in limbo for years in Paris airport has died — in his airport* The value of J class and airlines generally sucking* Flyr’s funding flop* Canada-India expanded bilateral

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* Korean putting beds up front on the A321neo fleet* Canada Jetlines continues its strange expansion plans* British Airways and Uber partnership* Dulles finally gets its train, while Fort Lauderdale loses out

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 410: Many millions of milers

How many million milers is too many? Plus a crazy crash and new transatlantic routes on the horizon.

Also in this episode:

* Crash in Lima* 70 new MMers/day at Delta* Alaska Airlines new lounge access rules* British Airways to CVG* JetBlue to Paris* Frontier AYCF pass* Qantas still has over a billion in flight credits outstanding* Flair has to cancel Lethbridge-Tuscon route for an incredible supply chain issue

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* Checking in on Avelo v Breeze

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 411: Who needs sleep?

Long flights, jet lag, and do pilots need to sleep on a trip, too?

Also in this episode:

* World Cup shuttles DOH-DWC* FlyAtlantic launching in 2024* LATAM adds Sao Paulo - Los Angeles* AA pilots handing out cards for disrupted flights (but are there really any??)* New round of single-pilot ops talk (and an interesting Twitter thread on the topic)* China Southern headed to OW?

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* Frontier no longer offers customer service via phones* easyJet pitching empty nesters for FA roles* Boeing freighter cert issues in Canada* Alaska Airlines Q400 impending retirement

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 412: Dollar dollar bills, y’all

Singapore Airlines is out spending cash like it is 2019 again, so that seems to be good news for other airlines.

Also in this episode:

* Air India/Vistara merger* SQ/TG expanded partnership* SkyClub Lounge Access changes* Delta has new Pilot contract to ratify* United is opening new pilot bases* United might order more 787s* Air France F awards becoming even less likely* More new routes from Norse* MAX certification extension compromise proposed

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* Airbus Innovation Summit* JetBlue’s Cyber Monday sale fail* Avelo’s interesting new CC offer* British Airways finally at T8, bye bye T7

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 413: Living the Dream(liner)

Just a couple hundred (more) new planes coming to United through the end of the decade. Nothing to get excited about here.

Also in this episode:

* Swiss A350s in 2025* Etihad A380s coming back* Air Canada and Emirates frequent flyer redemption reciprocity is now live* JetBlue has a new Mosaic program* Air India is getting new interiors* Porter announces some E195-E2 interior details and initial routes* JSX finally online, with the first SpaceX-equipped plane in service

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* Emirates is bringing back CTOs* AirAsia adds Cambodia* Pan Am 103 arrest* Air Greenland now an A330-800 operator* REAL ID delayed another two years* Air Canada to JFK

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 414: Aviation’s First Class Podcast

Nothing but the best for our listeners as we wrap up the 2022 season.

Also in this episode:

* Delta dumping all 50-seaters by Summer 2023* AA dumps Mesa as a regional operator* Boom finally has an engine partner-ish.* AAdvantage program changes* Listener Question* Air India might grow its fleet* First C919 delivery happened* Stephan’s trip home from India

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* A321XLR flight* Virgin Australia to Japan on a 737 MAX* Qatar bribery scandal threatens EU Open Skies

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 434: Trust buster

JetBlue and American Airlines have a lot of work to do if they're going to keep the NEA alive. A judge ruled it illegal last Friday, setting up all sorts of challenges for the carriers.

Also in this episode:

* Qantas boosting capacity, including Finnair A330 leases

* American Airlines, WestJet pilots reach AIPs

* Long thin routes from smaller carriers, maybe on larger planes??

* Mega profits at Emirates, Singapore Airlines

* AA Football routes from JT

* Southwest taking advantage of the DCA slots from the NYC rules this summer

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* Breeze Ascent Trip Report

* Northern Pacific inaugural delay

* Hertz/PR passport idiocy

* Do328 lives on

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 435: An eye on the future

New planes, new routes, and new seats all bode well for the future. And some lines being dropped might not be so bad, either.

Also in this episode:

* Lufthansa Group finalizes deal for ITA

* First ITA A330neo delivered

* Ethiopian to upgrade 787 business class

* Frontier selling status to competitor co-brand cardholders

* Asiana exit door opened in flight

* C919 enters service

* Embraer deals

* Emirates PremY bubbly exclusive

* British Airways issues at Florence continue

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* Daytime flight to London/Dublin

* Ryanair DUB-POZ

* United bailing on Boston-Heathrow

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 436: The future of travel, as predicted at AIX 2023

What does the future of air travel hold? Odds are it will appear on the show floor at Aircraft Interiors Expo a few years before it flies, and we've got a report from Seth and Jason who attended the show once again this year.

Among the cool bits:

* The PRM/Air4All seat concept from Delta Flight Products

* Collins Aerospace's Aurora single-aisle business class seat

* Recaro's Xtend seat and, more optimistically, the new premium economy seat

* New IFE screens from Panasonic Avionics and Safran that will be flying in a couple years

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* Turkish Airlines’ 496-seat, all-economy configuration for Russian tourists

* APA/ALPA merger rejected

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 437: The Bourget

Summer in Paris, perhaps a delightful experience. A week at Le Bourget, hoping some interesting stories come out of the Paris Air Show, however, is far less appealing for us. But there's a bit of news worth discussing.

Also in this episode:

* US-China Slots and routes

* JetBlue livery refresh

* Aerolineas adding AEP-MIA/JFK flights

* More daytime TATL

* Maui for the winter

* AC SIN-YVR

* 500 A320s for IndiGo

* Philippines Airlines A350s, with 10-abreast

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* Stephan’s flight to London

* Seth’s flight home from Europe

* Southwest’s overnight connections

* Turkish dumps Rocketmiles over Pride

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 438: Rolling Delays

Like the rest of the country's air travel, this week's episode got hit by rolling delays. But we made it to our final destination eventually.

Also in this episode:

* Alaska Airlines to Nassau

* Avelo makes Las Vegas a base

* Weather mess over the weekend

* Spirit Aerosystems on strike

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* Passport renewal challenges

* More travel delay adventures

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 439: But was it really a melt down??

United's operations are mostly back to normal at this point, but it took a while to get there. Fortunately, there were plenty of other things to keep us entertained while watching that mess unfold.

Also in this episode:

* Delta’s LGA Transcons

* Delta Air Lines and EL AL Israel Airlines to launch strategic partnership

* Haneda decision

* YTZ preclearance

* LGA bus project for $500 million, and Bergamo gets full rail for less than a quarter that cost

* New TSA travel record on Friday

* Boeing says 90% of MAX are back in China

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* 777 Partners is a mess and possibly exploiting its airlines to fund a football habit

* Global Airlines gets more A380s, but the business model is still a joke

* Another TATL daytime flight you probably won’t get to fly

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 418: Flying on funky wings

New wing designs, and new engines hanging from them, could change the way we fly. Or at least make it more efficient.

Also in this episode:

* CommuteAir pwned* DCA is a connecting airport now* Croatia Airlines takes the A220* Lufthansa Group formally asks to be allowed to negotiate for ITA (and is the only bidder)* New Boeing/NASA demonstrator of single-aisle design with a funky wing* A4A wants waiver extended on slots at HND and China* Southwest strike authorization vote & “gratitude pay” for pilots* Delta AIP becomes a TA* Ethiopian to add Atlanta service via Dublin* Delta LAX-AKL, ATL-NCE, JFK-CDG 3x* Envoy exiting E45 ops for American Eagle.

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* ZeroAvia flew a hydrogen plane for 10 minutes* AA106 pilots say they didn't know how seriously they screwed up until landing in London.* Avelo v Breeze revisited

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 419: Where are the mascots?

Competing university mascots at an inaugural flight? Sure, why not. It is Delaware, after all.

Also in this episode:

* Express lounges as a growth vertical

* DL SkyClub New Access Rules

* DL/AX award discount

* Bali might get US service

* 747 Final delivery

* Flyr kaput

* Flybe collapse, too

* BA/VS back to China

* Near miss for FedEx/Southwest at AUS

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* Avelo Delaware Inaugural

* Porter’s E195-E2 ops launched, as did a new OpCo

* Airbus/Qatar Airways settlement

* Frontier All You Can Fly Summer Pass

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 420: Widget watch, with Ed

We're joined this week by special guest Ed Pizza of Miles to Go and Pizza In Motion to talk about changing allegiances and the rest of the latest news.

Also in this episode:

* Ed picks the Widget?

* JetBlue teasing new routes, but the DOJ seems likely to file suit to block the merger

* Ryanair is not happy about airport moves in Estonia and Poland

* The No-Jet Set

* Pilots Union Not Wanting NTSB Meeting with AA pilots recorded

* Hawaiian Pilots Accept New Contract with 32% pay raise

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* Gold Medallion assaults FA en route to Anchorage

* AI Travel Planning via RoamAround

* Seth’s day trip to ORD

* Ed’s many tickets home from Orlando

* What should Seth do with a Venture X card?

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 421: Terminal Condition

A few "whoopsies" at terminals this week left many a traveler affected.

Also in this episode:

* United Airlines flight loses altitude on takeoff at Maui

* JFK T1 Outage

* Lufthansa cancels all flights on Friday

* Alaska loses lawsuit with Virgin

* JetBlue Trying to Extort flights out of KLM

* Scoot Orders E190-E2s

* JFK-AKL Flight and the disaster that is

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* More on EWR Terminal A

* Adjusting to time zones

* MIAT Mongolian flying to SFO?

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 422: Meh

Top news this week is the new Qantas First Class and Business Class seats, set to fly in 2025 when Project Sunrise takes flight. And we've got John Walton back with us to dig deep into the details. Alas, we're all a bit meh on this one.

Also in this episode:

* Gaspers and center bins in business class cabins

* IAG finally gets Air Europa, but will regulators let it happen?

* New Kansas City terminal opens this week

* 787 deliveries halted again

* Oman opens airspace to Israel

* AAdvantage program stats

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* Emirates' recycling stats

* Tailwind's push into Rhode Island

* Diversions galore as the jet stream pushed westbound transcons well over 7 hours of flight time in some cases

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 423: Are you aware??

Hydrogen is flying, at least on one engine. And that's way better for emissions awareness than some of the other stuff we've seen lately.

Also in this episode:

* New Lufthansa Allegris premium cabins (Swiss doing similar, too)

* Lufthansa Group adding A350-1000 (10), plus five more -900s and seven 787-9

* Luxair and Greater Bay ink Boeing deals

* Norse expansion to the USA from London

* Delta pilots approved their contract

* Porter plans to build a new terminal across the river in Montreal

* Korean/Asiana merger approved by the UK, with slots ceded to Virgin Atlantic

* Universal Hydrogen goes flying

* Freetown, Sierra Leone’s new international terminal

* Lawsuit over Schiphol slot cuts (DL/KL vs govt)

* Listener question on rental car fees

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* CSA has only one route left

* Vistara brand being dropped by Air India

* Airline greenwashing and "raising awareness"

* Bavarian Airlines was a fraud dreamt up by a 15 year old

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 440: Premium problems

Can economy class be considered an upgrade from premium economy? We're talking about airlines, so you know where this is going.

Also in this episode:

* Wideroe/Norwegian merger

* JetBlue bailing on the NEA, but American will still appeal

* Admirals Club rate increases

* Might EU261-type protections come to the US (listener question)

* Boeing fuselage delivery issues - train bridge collapse in Montana

* United India shifts

* Norse Atlantic MIA-BER/CDG

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* Why are so many things wrong with Premium Economy pricing - reward and revenue

* Virgin Group lets Boom options expire

* AMS slot lawsuit reversal

* Passport renewal follow-up

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 441: Picking up lines with Landline

What does it take to bring motorcoaches into the airline world? We've got David Sunde, CEO of Landline, on the show to talk about getting the buses inside security, growth potential, and lots more.

Also in this episode:

* Hyatt/MGM partnership dead - Replaced with Marriott

* Emirates shifts 777-8 order to -9 model

* JAL rental wardrobe

* New United F seats

* Air India 777 was grounded at SFO for a week after collision with ground

equipment

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* Some extra conversations with David Sunde

* Alaska Airlines adding ORD-ZIH (and SAN-ZIH/LAX-GUA)

* Air France to RDU

* Warsaw moving closer to a new airport

* Avelo to Salem

* WestJet BON, Delta CUR, WinAir to both

* Northern Pacific is finally flying

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 442: Things, and the world, have moved on

Dismissing idiocy of the past rather than owning up to mistakes is an interesting choice for an airline startup trying to avoid being seen as a scam. Think it'll work?

Also in this episode:

* United to Manila, and other Pacific growth

* British Airways to retrofit A380s

* New Delta small business program

* House FAA bill

* A321XLR range comes up short

* A Delta 763 hit major hail departing Milan

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* Avios earning goes revenue-based at BA

* Jordan's LCC boost, and the challenges it brings

* Ukraine/Ryanair

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 443: No more secure than average

Some fun new routes, and some terrible security stuff coming at you this week…

Also in this episode:

* Happy birthday to the 737-800

* Pilot age follow-up from the Senate

* Heat and aircraft performance issues

* JAL and Iberia to DOH

* New Single-aisle lav rules

* CLEAR had (has??) a back door for identity verification at enrollment

* More P&W engine issues

* E2 now certified in Malaysia, useful given the SKS Airways lease deal from May

* India stuff

* Jet AOC renewal

* GoFirst DGCA approval

* IndiGo Tail strike fine

* Most crowded airports in the world

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* SAA divestment

* Tijuana gets US service

* Frontier Go Wild monthly pass

* BA’s KFC catering

* Czech Air doubles route map

* WestJet keeps Hamilton, Abbotsford service, despite Swoop shutdown

* AA FAs crashed the servers hosting strike authorization vote

* United’s tiny Newark cuts

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 444: Very popular in China

Unlikely this episode will be, but is it worse than the odds of a new MAX delivery to China anytime soon??

Also in this episode:

* Air India taking 55 MAX white tails, previously planned for China

* Connect Airlines still working on certification, and an investment from AA

* American moves Doha to PHL from JFK

* Bermudair certified to fly

* Avelo to San Juan

* Purdue University is building a new terminal at its airport in Lafayette,IN

* Azores Air bringing TATL back to the Portugal mainland

* ASTB report on an engine out issue over the TasmanSea

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* Global Airlines update

* JetBlue, Frontier see a European shift; Allegiant does not

* New Cathay business class seat

* American Airlines not bringing back the A330

* Loose bear in cargo delays DXB-Baghdad flight

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 445: Ghosts in the sky

Empty flights typically suck, but sometime airlines still fly them and make money doing so.

Also in this episode:

* Ghost flights’: Qatar Airways flying near-empty planes in Australia to exploit legal loophole

* DOH-PHL/JFK Update

* NTSB report on UA 777 Maui climb-out issue

* Mexicana relaunch coming next month

* DOT extends N90 slot waivers

* US-China frequencies increasing

* Yet another Frontier Go Wild pass option

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* Air India rebranding, including new seats

* More 767s Moving

* Air Peace to Antigua

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 446: Flying the Faroes

This week we're talking all things Faroese (but not in Faroese) as Seth and special guest Ed Pizzarello were on the inaugural Atlantic Airways flight from Vagar to Stewart.

Among the highlights of the trip, a short helicopter ride to Mykines to see puffins, chatting with the Atlantic Airways CEO during the flight, and generally having a great time exploring the world for a few days.

DLD 447: Too much red

How much money can a one-plane airline lose in just two months? More than just about everyone involved expected.

Also in this episode:

* Redway is dead; Only 19k pax, Possibly LF as low as 37%

* Finnair Avios

* Southwest changes

* Aer Lingus US routes

* American’s Summer ‘24 expansion

* Porter’s new US routes

* El Al Stopover Ambitions

* Monarch making a comeback in the UK

* Qantas widebody order, and a potential shift away from Los Angeles

* China MAXen starting to do checkout flights (Bloomberg)

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* FAA issues alert on pilots claiming VA disability payouts

* Southwest’s Companion Pass promo

* FAA May Crack Down on Upscale Air Charters

* JetBlue/Spirit redaction SNAFU

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 448: ¿Cual Aeropuerto?

Picking an airport in Mexico might be a bit more challenging later this year. Or at least less flexible. Plus flying whales and more Tokyo.

Also in this episode:

* Lufthansa reactivates its last two A380s while China Southern retires its last whales

* Qantas follow-up, including a government lawsuit

* Monarch reboot may already be dead

* Mexico's latest effort to screw Benito Juarez Airport

* EL AL's new Matmid program

* NATS systems failure

* Buffett loved sea planes

* DorkFest/SpotLAX

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* Fake spare parts

* Ethiopian flew into a typhoon in HKG

* Corendon kid-free seating fee

* Cuba demand remains dismal

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 449: Trademarks and diversions

Intellectual property is a very real thing. So are weather-induced diversions these days.

Also in this episode:

* Northern Pacific is no more

* Biman to NYC

* UA not to China (slot usage exemption request)

* Norse adding CDG-LAX in May 2024

* Condor to MIA/YYC in Summer 2024

* More MAX pressure bulkhead retrofit info

* AA opens new catering facility at DFW?

* Details on the new United single-aisle Polaris seat

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* Seth’s diversion

* Asia codeshares

* Fake engines issue details

* Follow-up on the P&W 777 engines

* Tom Brady works for Delta now

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 450: Wait, there’s now lounge elite status??

Delta made waves with its SkyMiles/SkyClub rules changes last week. Plus, new seats, new routes, and an end to revenge.

Also in this episode:

* Swiss A350 cabin layout

* Delta SkyMiles/SkyClub changes

* Aeroplan Family Sharing Suspended

* New United Club in Denver

* Vietnam Airlines 50 737 MAX order

* Breeze almost makes it to Canada

* Mexico back to Tier 1 with FAA

* JetBlue EWR/BOS divestments to Allegiant

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* Upgrade semi-shenanigans

* What the next year holds for NYC air travel

* Have we reached the end of the “revenge travel” era?

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 451: Hotter than fire

Lots of heat out there, but nothing melting, at least not this week…

Also in this episode:

* Delta’s PDX-Haneda well and truly dead

* Akasa sues pilots for leaving early, but also launching international routes

* Air Belgium stopping standalone passenger services

* Edelweiss A350s (but not the same as Swiss)

* Delta TATL Summer ‘24

* Condor to San Antonio

* Fake engine parts on nearly 100 planes.

* CBP updates from APEX EXPO

* iAero bankruptcy

* Brighline launches Orlando connection

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* 777 Partners (Flair, etc) buying Everton FC

* Air Peace tries a unique approach to Heathrow slots access

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 458: Dubai on our mind

With the 2023 Dubai Air Show underway there are plenty of new orders to talk about. And lots of other news, too.

Also in this episode:

* Norse Atlantic Weighs Alliance Options With Larger Airlines

* United Airlines tweaks frequent flyer program to reward credit card spending

* ITA A321neo 4-class cabin

* Emirates, flydubai, airbaltic and more all ordering at the Dubai Air Show

* Maybe a major Airbus Order from Turkish and Riyadh Air MAX order?

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* UA992 Radio Loss

* B6 and Qatar Redemptions - They giveth and taketh away

* Haneda applications

* First Mexicana plane painted (E145)

* Janet needs a new operator

* London City E195-E2 certified

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 459: Thanks galore

Thanksgiving week but we're all avoiding the worst of the travel challenges, so that's a win.

Also in this episode:

* More Dubai Air Show bits

* Quick Haneda follow-up (It was, unsurprisingly, not quick)

* Connect Airlines certificate revoked

* Alaska’s revised reward charts

* Delta wants Porto, JetBlue wants Lisbon

* United’s A321neo inaugural moves up 2 weeks

* United IAH B development

* United to Tulum

* Nashville continues to grow, and it wants Hawaii service next

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* DL to end LGA-LAX/PHX Saturday-only service

* Paris takes on air taxis

* Westjet seasonal TATL coming back

* Virgin Atlantic’s reboot with significant feed to Delta

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 460: I dunno

No, really, I have no idea what to put here.

Also in this episode:

* Relatively Successful Thanksgiving Travel Day

* Allegiant back at MCO

* Oneworld is opening a lounge in Seoul

* AS new award charts coming

* AA finally kills SEA long-haul

* Kittens on a plane

* Kiss-and-tell from off-duty crew

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* EK AC/UA

* Etihad and FlyingPoo

* Pakistan visa shenanigans

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 461: Aloha, Alaska!

Alaska Airlines is buying Hawaiian Airlines. There are lots of reasons the deal makes sense, but more than a few questions we have about how it will play out.

Also in this episode:

* FAA/DOT rules changes for certifications and aircraft monitoring

* Visa rules for Malaysia are changing, with major regional tourism impacts

* Tulum’s new airport is alive

* UA A321neo enters service

* UA goes GEO

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* High-J 789 speculation

* Breeze adds Ogden

* AA RJs getting good wifi

* Porter/Transat (and more E2s)

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 454: Is there such a thing as real loyalty program enhancements?!?

Can loyalty programs actually make changes that seem to make things better for customers, without taking benefits away elsewhere?

Also in this episode:

* Mosaic updates

* Southwest *lowers* elite qualification requirements

* United switching to boarding with Windows first

* Beond reveal

* AA wants to bring back JFK-HND

* ITA Airways announces seven new destinations for Summer 2024

* PSM fire engine issues

* AA backfilling NEA breakup in New England

* Rolls-Royce to cut 2,500 jobs in cost cutting drive

* More MAX build issues

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* Interesting Emirates loyalty stats

* Delta talks loyalty in its Q3 earnings

* BermudAir backtracks on all-premium play

* KLM getting worried about AMS slot cuts

* Deforestation avoidance carbon offset scam had two major US airlines as customers

* New AA Business Program

* A plan with a lot of baggage! MEPs push for airlines to stop charging for carry-on bags

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 452: Order Up!

So many aircraft orders announced in the past week, and we didn't even cover all of them. Plus, a suite new seat.

Also in this episode:

* New JAL A350-1000 cabins (【JAL】国際線 The New Flagship A350-1000 機内空間イメージ)

* AF/KL A350 order

* Air Canada orders more 787s, including the -10

* Cathay Pacific A321neo order

* LATAM A321neo order

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* “How I built this” with Udvar-Hazy

* Alaska Airlines no longer More to Love

* British Airways and United Airlines, plus the questionable quality of the Lisbon Airport

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 453: Shuffling the deck

Thank goodness change is such a constant in this industry. Otherwise what would we have to talk about every week?

Also in this episode:

* Mexico routes coming (Delta, VivaAerobus)

* United adds 110 more planes

* SAS shakeup

* Air Malta revamp

* Allegiant pivot to more MAX 8200

* LOT’s new 787 cabins, in 2026+

* Boeing Factory Tour is open again in Everett

* Rugby World Cup - 40 flights from Ireland to France

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* SunCountry going for more EAS routes

* Global Airlines/HiFly

* These Pilots Were Sued For Quitting. They Say It Was Dangerous To Stay.

* Award tool troubles

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 455: Well, that was unexpected

A couple major unexpected events this week caught us off guard, but we're doing our best to get through it all.

Also in this episode:

* Alaska/Horizon incident

* Akbar is out at Qatar Airways

* Delta rolls back some loyalty changes

* New liveries for Air India Express and Avianca

* Air France closing Orly ops (Transavia will remain) in 2026

* MEA moving planes out of Lebanon

* Alaska Airlines adding Anchorage-JFK/SAN and other MAX 8 routes

* Air Greenland Nuuk-Iqaluit

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* Boeing pumping cash into Spirit Aerosystems

* UA/EI codeshare is dead

* UA/HA Handea fight still smoldering

* ZIPAIR HND-PDX?

* Delta bringing live television to the 767-400s (and probably more widebodies, eventually)

* UA gets first A321neo

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 456: Seasonal Shift

Once again the IATA seasonal change brings about new routes and kills off others.

Also in this episode:

* Portugal's President Vetoes TAP Airline Privatization

* Lufthansa Group adds another airline to the mix

* JetBlue adds Dublin, Edinburgh, closes Burlington [ends JFK-DCA, EWR-MIA, BOS-ROC]

* Tulum’s new airport adds NK, DL

* Swoop is finally dead

* Qantas confirms Perth-Paris from 12 July 2024

* Breeze adds GPT (another TPA-LAS routing)

* Alii Palau Airlines announces ROR-SIN

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* Flybondi allowing resale of tickets

* More Lufthansa Allegris cabin mess

* Boom for Saudi Arabia

* Southwest, Spirit, Frontier earnings

* Air Greenland

* United Ultra Longhaul Mid-Flight Snack Trial

* Accidental inaugural (and other new routes)

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 457: Awkward in Austin

More cuts coming in Austin, this time American Airlinesslashing its mini-hub there. But at least maybe it has a good reason?

Also in this episode:

* Allegiant earnings

* Siem Reap gets a new airport

* Delta FFDO FO charged with threatening Captain

* New loos at MIA

* Schiphol cuts trigger US response

* EI/AA codeshare expansion

* Icelandair adding PIT/YHZ

* Titan Air flight with a melted window

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* AraJet in Africa

* SAF Greenwashing, again

* Air Niugini A220

* Asiana Cargo on sale

* Haneda slots application process opens

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 464: Got Status?

As 2023 comes to a close we're talking about status earned, how we value it, and what the year ahead holds. We've also got Ed from PizzaInMotion and MilesToGo on the show to try to keep us in line. It almost works.

Also in this episode:

* Turkish gets major slot boost in Australia

* Some unusual plays by FlyingBlue after a mispriced business class award

* Approval of Norwegian/Wideroe merger after further review

* South African Airways Aims To Triple Fleet | Aviation Week Network

* Boeing delivers a 787 to China, and appears cleared for MAXen, too

* airBaltic 50th A220 livery competition

* Europe requiring more airports to have train links

* Southwest had troubles over Christmas, but not nearly as bad as last year

* Bilateral negotiations for UAE/India

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* Best/worst trip of the year

* More on Japan

* Norse’s winter schedule is a mess, but adding ATH-JFK for next summer

* HiSky OTP-JFK

* SAS killed the EWR-AAL/GOT service

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 462: Cool connections and an unlikely airspace plan

Maybe it'll work, but there are some half-baked plans being bandied about. And we're not a fan of that unless they're our half-baked plans.

Also in this episode:

* New Nuuk airport for 2024

* New Vegas airport

* Delta to launch SEA-TPE

* United to launch SFO-BCN

* Delta A330s stranded in Goose Bay

* EWR/IAD-JNB going to 772

* Two cargo bits

* Fake engine parts guy arrested

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* Hyatt program changes

* NATS testing urban mobility

* Something about Japan

* AA in CUN this winter

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 463: Looking to lose weight (restrictions)

Long flights come with challenging performance requirements. Delta looks to shed some weight restrictions and United may be adding some next year.

Also in this episode:

* Porter/Alaska partnership

* AA 787 Deferral

* Airbus finally gets its mega Turkish order

* JAL first A350-1000 delivery

* QF first A220 delivery

* WestJet to Seoul

* BA operating to Stansted because City still closes on the weekend

* Mexicana converting military 737s for its civilian ops

* UA giving up on BNE?

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* Southwest FA vote debacle

* JSX moving to Scottsdale

* Air New Zealand wants to try Starlink

* Lufthansa Group bringing TLV service back in January

* Delta boosts Austin now that AA pulled back

* Delta’s High J A350 layout

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 465: This week was a hell of a year

Two major aviation incidents to start the year is not a good look for 2024. Here's hoping things calm down in a hurry.

Also in this episode:

* The JAL crash at Haneda

* The Alaska Airlines depressurization event over Portland

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* Seth made a couple amateur mistakes this week

* New Starlux CCs are cool looking

* Capital A spins off AirAsia to AirAsia X

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 466: It just rolls off the tongue

We're on the road this week, hanging out in Antwerp with some friends and talking travel.

Also in this episode:

* LATAM new liveries

* Air India adding SEA/LAX/DFW (ZRH, CGK, FCO, KUL)

* AUS new concourse

* AAdvantage Updates for 2024

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* Michigan man charged in Meijer mPerks fraud scheme

* Travel tales in Antwerp

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 467: Cold as ice

Winter weather is giving the industry some troubles, but there's still plenty of hot news to discuss..

Also in this episode:

* Delta's A350-1000 order, plus a new 738 config and the A321 premium config is coming soon

* Southern Airways Express to Loudon (and eAAgle off the runway at ROC (and KL off the runway at GOT))

* Akasa Orders a bunch of MAXen

* Air India A350 PaxEx

* Alaska Airlines to YYZ (but dropping PAE-HNL and a couple others)

* Turkish will launch MEL via SIN

* SAS to Atlanta

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* JetBlue/Spirit merger blocked

* LGA Chase Lounge open, already has a waitlist

* Coming home from Europe

* United scuttles Saudia/Kuwait Airways codeshare

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 468: More MAX than you can shake a stick at

The MAX continues to dominate news cycles, but there's lots more out there also worth talking about.

Also in this episode:

* MAX 9 is back in service, but that's far from the end of the story

* MAX 8 delivery to China Southern

* Ryanair buying homes near DUB

* Delta/Aeromexico Joint ops busted by MEX issues

* American gets Haneda Slots for JFK route, but United may get a consolation prize thanks to Hawaiian

* IAD Lego model moves to IAD

* Tulsa is adding CBP facilities

* Breeze - Mobile, Denver, Greenville

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* United’s MAX 10 plans may need a boost, and Southwest is also unhappy with unclear certification timelines

* ITA/Lufthansa Group hits EU merger roadblocks, as does IAG/Air Europa

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 469: First, make a roux

Why? because it leads to deliciousness later. But that has nothing to do with this week's conversation. Fortunately, we're joined by Ed in an effort to keep things on track.

Also in this episode:

* 737 MAX 7 deicing exemption & certification delay

* STS base for Avelo

* (B)OS

* AA DFW long-haul expansion

* Frontier BizFares

* Blind passengers screwed by airline forms

* Aeromexico cutting transborder routes this summer

* New Southwest seats

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* JetBlue trying to drum up new revenue

* Global gets an A380

* BFS preclearance tease

* New AF short-haul Biz meals

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 470: Out of service

What's the silliest reason you've ever heard of for planes to be removed from service? We might have a new top contender for that title.

Also in this episode:

* A321s (briefly) grounded because of no smoking signs

* Indigo wet-leasing Qatar 737 MAX for Doha service

* Copa to RDU

* Finding the bottom in Orlando

* Another (even more) absurd India bilateral request

* New Go Wild pass from Frontier, again with a twist

* Delta premium lounges

* Emirates MIA-BOG

* Lufthansa back at PHL, pushing Discover out

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* The glory of Houston Intercontinental Airport

* AA’s new non-hub route

* KE trims a funky one

* More China & Cuba delays

* Update on the freighter engine fire

* SAS selling a mystery flight in April

* Heathrow Slot Swaps for Summer 2024

* Tunnels under Chicago

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 471: It still doesn’t make sense

Revisiting a couple stories from the past few weeks, and they still don't make much sense. Plus lots of new news, too.

Also in this episode:

* Nolinor Ramps Up Capacity for Rising Northern Demand

* Air Canada's chatbot gave a B.C. man the wrong information. Now, the airline has to pay for the mistake

* Silly carry-on bag thoughts

* Qantas domestic ETOPS

* Icahn buys in to JetBlue

* HA shareholders approved buyout

* Allegiant starts loading MAX flights

* UA swapping EWR for IAD starting June 27 for four Pennsylvania markets: AVP, MDT, PHL and SCE.

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* Fake ATC in Mogadishu FIR

* A380 maintenance in MHV and MNL

* RegioJet seats like SkyRider

* A4A Threatening to pull out of DUB

* Spirit killed Tulum already

* DL BOS-HNL, MIA-SEA

* Battle for Barbados

* Air Serbia E195 incident

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 472: Bags and buses and out of business

More baggage talk, plus buses, and an airline is out of business.

Also in this episode:

* Lynx out of business in Canada

* Landline for AC @ YYZ

* AA files JFK-HND to start 28 June, UA files GUM-HND for 1 May

* AA agrees with the DOT on DL/AM ATI suspension

* AA FF changes (and bag fees, too)

* Avelo STS base: new routes and a LAS closure, plus a profitable quarter

* Spirit suspending MHT

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* TK Wallet and other airline-proprietary payment systems

* UA back to TLV

* Breeze goes all A220 by EoY, and free Wi-Fi

* Qantas delivery delays, but also finally adding international Wi-Fi (for free)

* Other Singapore Air Show stuff

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 477: Playing the fool

We're skipping April Fool's Day in favor of some real news, including at least one story we were convinced should've been a joke.

Also in this episode:

* Boeing leadership

* United dealing with the FAA, fewer planes than planned, and new E175 bins

* FAA halts Sequim wing-walking flights, revokes owner’s pilot license

* Breeze launches NDC integration with Priceline, a co-brand credit card, and Basic Economy

* Japan plans new jet, possibly Hydrogen-powered

* Air Malta relaunch as KM Malta Airlines

* Southwind banned in Europe (and UK by default)

* EU officially objects to LH Group/ITA deal

* British Airways is 50

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* UK citizens learning about passport rules for visiting EU/Schengen

* Bulgaria and Romania are now in the Schengen zone

* Norse LGW-LAS starting in September

* WeatherPromise guarantees rain-free trips

* Knock Airport to Scranton flight will happen, says Weir

* Air & Space visit

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 478: Deep fried and delicious

Join us on another jaunt through the juicy world of aviation gossip, airline route news, and loyalty relaunches.

Also in this episode:

* OAK wants San Francisco in its name

* Turkish Airlines adding DEN

* Hainan A330neo order potential

* Four more A380s being scrapped

* UA canceled investor day

* NYC Earthquake

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* New AI FF program

* BAM: Credit Cards & Loyalty

* Mexicana faces massive lawsuit

* JetBlue multi-city booking woes

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 479: A deviation

Often times the shortest distance between two airports is defined by politics more than geography. Last weekend that was more the case than usual.

Also in this episode:

* Iran and the joys of geopolitics in aviation

* SAS leaving Star Alliance end of August

* Breeze says it found profitability for March 2024

* LH cabin crew contract

* New Boeing whistleblower

* Stephan finally gets another PDX-LAX option

* Lufthansa finally has an Allegris plane (sans new F)

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* Kirby envies DL’s brand

* Polaris Plus

* Tennessee chemtrails thing really became a law

* A319 as a school library

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 480: Defer, deflect, but don’t drown

Aircraft orders shifting, service types are switching, and one major airport is underwater in this week's show.

Also in this episode:

* Spirit fleet deferrals

* United’s earnings, fleet adjustments, and eventually segmented “Polaris Plus”

* American’s Flagship Business Preferred

* Provo is American’s Future – Cranky Flier

* Aegean A321LR play

* Norse to CPT

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* CapOne travel portal

* Allegiant trip report (and mess of buying the tickets)

* DXB storm and recovery

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 481: A dash of regulatory oversight

Regulators are forcing airlines to do good things for passengers, which is refreshing. Plus maybe a new Dubai airport a decade from now, and lots more.

Also in this episode:

* New DOT rules on refunds for changed/canceled flights

* Airline systems still have a two-digit year problem

* New IFE on JetBlue tries for real personalization

* AA, WN both lost money in Q1

* IndiGo A350 order

* Avianca brings back biz on A320neo fleet

* Ethiopian adds ATH-WAW, but no local traffic rights

* Listener Q about the terrible experience at AUS

* Is DWC really finally going to be built and Emirates move there?

* You might want to delete your OpenTable reviews

* JetBlue’s anti-union play

* Austrian puts the 787 on BER/FRA from 17 May, adds DUS 17 June, before TATL comes over the summer

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* United finally refunded the Chase UR points for phantom inventory

* United charter with pax on flight deck

* New T&Cs for travel to the T&Cs

* States Attorneys General get power to investigate airlines

* Beregional might be a (very stupid) thing

* Avelo adding MIA-MCO

* Maybe bags passing to final destination for inbounds from Japan

* Beond 5th freedom rights on ZRH-DWC

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 482: Plane problems

Who will be the first to fly the A321XLR? And when will the 777X ever fly? At least now we have some A350 confirmed flight times and an A380 on the move…

Also in this episode:

* Aer Lingus confirms it won’t be launch customer for new Airbus XLR jet

* Lufty now sees 2026 for 777X

* TPA-AMS coming back on DL in October (A333)

* Bonza is dead in Australia amid fraud claims against 777 Partners

* Global’s A380 made it to Europe

* Qantas settles with regulators over selling already canceled flights

* Emirates announces A350 routes

* Spirit sees a need to pivot the on-board product

* Frontier adds Frontera as a brand name, but probably not tortas on board

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* Boite Noire

* United’s App Update

* Boeing locked out its firefighters, while WestJet reached a TA with maintenance techs

* Southwest is bringing back last-minute fare sales, or maybe not

* Southwest should buy Breeze to solve its missing MAX 7 problem

* BermudAir’s funky bond

* €50mn Push for more Chunnel traffic

* “Bubble” concept for views from a plane

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 473: Huh, so now what?

American Airlines placed a sizable single-aisle aircraft order this week. Perhaps the biggest surprise: Neither Boeing nor Airbus came out on top, at least in terms of total aircraft committed.

Also in this episode:

* An absurd trip to try Starlink on Hawaiian

* BA adding inflight messaging

* JetBlue/Spirit deal is dead

* More Eclipse flights (DL 2nd frequency, WN contest with Omni)

* Qantas new A220 in service

* TK’s first flight to MEL

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* Mexico objects to the DOT’s suspension of DL/AM ATI

* Boeing’s 90 day deadline from the FAA

* United award pricing

* New Pacific trip report

* BA-B-Q sauce

* First Allegris route is MUC-YVR

* Verdi strike

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!

DLD 474: A shock to the system

Hopefully not too shocking, of course. But maybe enough to keep you awake, unlike those pilots…

Also in this episode:

* Batik Air pilots suspended for falling asleep on a flight

* IAG/Air Europa deal on ice again

* NTSB is pissed at Boeing, and lobbyists aren't really helping

* New United routes

* China Southern to Mexico

For our Patreon subscribers we have bonus content, including:

* Electric cars

* Self-service TSA

* AirBnB cameras

And plenty more. Enjoy the show!