On-Air with Dan and Alex

Today On-Air, Dan and Alex discuss people bidding to buy Spirit Airlines, Ryanair's hidden agenda, and the airport alcohol ban debate headline. We break down whether Wizz Air and airBaltic will survive winter, Air France-KLM's rebrand dilemma, and our pitch for the "Riviera Group." Plus: Riyadh Air is secretly selling tickets through travel agents despite claiming to be "digitally native." Emirates posts record $6.8B profit with 20-week staff bonuses, AirAsia places the biggest A220 order in history, and Qatar Airways preps the A321LR with brand-new cabins. And yes, someone is trying to crowdfund Spirit Airlines back to life.<...

Spirit Airlines has collapsed, and 15,000 jobs are gone. We break down why ultra-low-cost aviation fails in the US, how the Iran conflict was the final blow, and why the Biden administration's blocked JetBlue merger may have sealed Spirit's fate. We also cover Singapore Airlines delaying its $835M cabin overhaul to 2027, their frustratingly slow Starlink rollout, and the viral foot massage photo that fooled the internet. Plus: British Airways quietly cutting Club Europe antimacassars, the chaos of aviation misinformation on social media, and Dan's firsthand account of having a disruptive passenger offloaded mid-boarding. All that On-Air with Dan and Alex.<...

Dan and Alex are back with a full Q&A episode covering the biggest stories in aviation right now. From Icelandair red eyes and narrow-body long-haul fatigue to the American Airlines A321XLR crew complaints, EU EES border delays, and the American-United merger rumor — nothing is off limits. They dive into Spirit Airlines and US airline instability, Riyadh Air's ongoing delays, EasyJet's loyalty program future, BA first class food poisoning, double catering risks, and whether extra legroom economy seats are actually worth paying for. Plus: airline-rail partnerships, European airline quality post-COVID, and a live Copa Airlines Boeing order.

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The aviation industry is at a breaking point. With the Strait of Hormuz closed and jet fuel in critical shortage, Europe faces catastrophic disruptions. Lufthansa just cancelled 20,000 flights. Gulf carriers are struggling. Meanwhile, Scott Kirby's audacious lobbying for a United-American Airlines merger could reshape US aviation forever—if approved. Air New Zealand launches their revolutionary Sky Nest bunks at $300 per four-hour pod on the New York-Auckland route. Plus, the EU's new Entry Exit System is creating border chaos across Europe. Join Dan and Alex as they unpack the geopolitical, economic, and logistical crises reshaping global travel in real time.

Dan and Alex are back with another deep-dive into the ongoing Middle East aviation crisis — now hitting global airlines where it hurts most: jet fuel supply. Dan recounts his epic five-flight economy routing from Bangkok through China (Guangzhou, Wuhan, Urumqi) to Istanbul on China Southern, including a surprise COMAC C919 flight and navigating China's transit visa rules. The duo break down the global jet fuel shortage, airline fuel hedging strategies (Lufthansa, Ryanair, Singapore Airlines), skyrocketing fuel surcharges at Cathay Pacific, Air France-KLM, JAL, ANA, and more — plus mass flight cancellations at SAS, Air New Zealand, and Qantas. They also weig...

Jet fuel prices have doubled. Airlines are cutting schedules, cancelling routes, and quietly grounding aircraft. Today On-Air, Dan and Alex break down the deepening global aviation fuel crisis triggered by the US-Iran conflict and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. From Sydney Airport warning of no fuel guarantees, to US carriers with zero hedging exposure, to European hubs weeks from running dry - no market is safe. They cover airline groundings, soaring fares, fuel tankering, the 1970s energy crisis parallel, and answer listener questions on whether your upcoming flight is at risk.

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Today On-Air, Dan and Alex discuss the LaGuardia Air Canada Jazz CRJ-900 collision with a fire truck exposes a US air traffic control system stretched to its breaking point — one controller, alone in the tower, making a split-second mistake no single person should bear. Dan and Alex break down the crash, the systemic failures behind it, and the cascading global impact of the Middle East conflict on aviation: Gulf carrier flight counts, SAS mass cancellations, jet fuel price spikes, Norwegian stepping in, and Asian carriers capitalizing. Plus: Air France KLM and Lufthansa CEO comments calling out Gulf carriers — and why...

Dan and Alex are back with another weekly roundup of how the Middle East conflict is reshaping global aviation. From Qatar Airways operating extraordinary non-stop charter flights out of Bangkok to British Airways launching a new London–Kuala Lumpur–Melbourne route, airlines are being forced to stay agile. The hosts break down airspace availability, Gulf airline strategies, and the corridor over Azerbaijan keeping east-west travel alive. They also answer listener questions on travel advice for upcoming Middle East connections, Oman Air's surprising flexibility, and the 787's seating configurations. A must-listen for aviation enthusiasts tracking how geopolitics disrupts air travel worl...

The Middle East aviation crisis drags into its second week and the situation is far from resolved. Dan and Alex break down the latest: Thai Airways hiking fares 15%, Emirates still operating at roughly 60% capacity, Qatar down to just 66 flights from nearly 600, and Etihad barely flying. They explain your refund rights across all three Gulf carriers, why you shouldn't accept a refund before exploring rerouting options, and how airlines like Cathay Pacific and British Airways are adding emergency frequencies. Plus, the controversial repatriation flight pricing scandal and listener Q&A tackling real booking dilemmas.

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In this special edition of On-Air, Dan and Alex break down the massive Middle East airspace closures disrupting global aviation. With Dubai, Doha, and Abu Dhabi effectively shut down, over 500,000 daily passengers have been displaced, sending flight prices skyrocketing — Bangkok to Europe fares exceeding $10,000. They examine how Emirates, Finnair, British Airways, and Virgin Atlantic are each responding differently, the safety debate over flying into conflict zones, the shrinking air corridor through Armenia and Azerbaijan, and what stranded travelers can do next. Plus, lessons from past aviation crises including the Iran-US tensions and MH17.

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Dan calls in from New Zealand after flying the world's longest first class flight from Dubai to Auckland on the A380 — all timed around a pistachio raspberry cake on the February menu. The big story: Lufthansa forced passengers to sleep overnight on A320 aircraft at Munich Airport after flights were canceled and all ground staff went home. Police and prosecutors are now investigating potential criminal charges. Plus, Mexico's cartel violence disrupts Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta airports with flight cancellations and go-arounds. Listener Q&A covers Air Canada's A350-1000 ten-abreast economy concerns and Bad Bunny chartering a Qantas A380 fr...

Dan and Alex are back with On-Air — your go-to aviation and premium travel podcast. This week: British Airways cabin crew accidentally consumed THC gummies gifted by a passenger, sparking debate on whether airlines should ban crew from accepting gifts entirely. Air Canada confirms a landmark order for up to 16 Airbus A350-1000s amid Boeing rivalry and Trump trade tariffs. Lufthansa's long-delayed Allegris business class finally earns 787 certification. American Airlines eyes Caracas routes. Qatar Airways' new CEO courts Airbus in Toulouse. Plus listener Q&A on sick crew, airport chaos, and hotel toiletries. Subscribe, rate & review wherever you listen!

Dan and Alex are back with Episode 3 of this new season of On-Air — your go-to aviation and premium travel podcast. This week: British Airways cabin crew accidentally consumed THC gummies gifted by a passenger, sparking debate on whether airlines should ban crew from accepting gifts entirely. Air Canada confirms a landmark order for up to 16 Airbus A350-1000s amid Boeing rivalry and Trump trade tariffs. Lufthansa's long-delayed Allegris business class finally earns 787 certification. American Airlines eyes Caracas routes. Qatar Airways' new CEO courts Airbus in Toulouse. Plus listener Q&A on sick crew, airport chaos, and hotel toiletries. Su...

Dan and Alex return for another week of aviation industry analysis, breaking down critical safety incidents including the shocking SAS taxiway takeoff attempt in Brussels and San Francisco's parallel runway ATC failure. We discuss the future of self-driving technology in aviation, from Waymo cars in LA to airport innovation and last-mile solutions. The hosts analyze Lufthansa's business class expansion plans, the A321XLR passenger controversy on American Airlines and Iberia, and why airlines like Riyadh Air and Turkish keep announcing products years before delivery. Plus Q&A covering Norse Atlantic's business viability and the fierce American vs United competition...

When Air France gathered the aviation world in Paris to unveil their billion-euro La Premiere redesign, the room fell silent—not in awe, but confusion. Dan and Alex break down what went wrong with the world's most exclusive first class product, from that awkward reveal moment to why they're now giving away free flights to influencers. The duo explore the uncomfortable truth about luxury airline branding versus actual passenger experience, compare Air France's $30,000 pricing against Emirates and Singapore Airlines, and discuss what first class really needs to deliver in 2026.

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In this festive episode of On-Air, hosts Dan and Alex explore the intersection of Christmas movies and air travel, discussing iconic holiday films featuring memorable airport scenes including Home Alone, Love Actually, and The Holiday. The episode highlights Dan's travel expertise through discussion of Lufthansa's controversial fare enforcement case where a HON Circle member successfully challenged hidden city ticketing restrictions in German courts, setting groundbreaking precedent for passenger rights in Germany and Austria. The hosts engage in "Would You Rather" aviation edition games covering topics like Singapore Airlines versus Qatar Airways for long-haul routes, A380 aircraft preferences, airport proximity...

Today On-Air, Dan and Alex dissect India's unprecedented aviation meltdown as IndiGo faces thousands of flight cancellations after failing to prepare for new pilot rest regulations. Despite two years' notice on updated duty time rules, India's largest carrier has stranded passengers nationwide, prompting government intervention and widespread industry criticism. Plus: Korean Air becomes the first major Asian airline to announce fleet-wide free Starlink WiFi, revolutionizing connectivity at 41,000 feet. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport plans terminal renaming to eliminate confusing gate systems by 2027. The hosts also discuss EU261 compensation rights, Skytrax's controversial European airport rankings, and debate airport infrastructure across...

Today On-Air, Dan and Alex dive deep into the Air India 787 Dreamliner crash investigation that has captivated the aviation world. The June 12th tragedy, which killed over 250 people on a London Gatwick-bound flight, has sparked international scrutiny and accusations of a cover-up. The hosts break down the critical technical detail at the center of the controversy: the Boeing 787's guarded fuel control switches, which require deliberate physical movement to activate. With conflicting findings between US and Indian investigation teams, Dan and Alex explore what the cockpit voice recorder reveals and why this incident has become an international aviation scandal.<...

Today On-Air, Dan and Alex discuss Etihad Airways' game-changing US pre-clearance at Abu Dhabi Airport, making immigration seamless for American arrivals. Topics include New York's Christmas atmosphere, Emirates pushing for stretched aircraft (A350-2000, Boeing 777-10), Philippine Airlines' 10-abreast A350 configuration, and the world's major unserved flight routes like London-Kathmandu and LA-Yerevan. The hosts analyze Bangkok's declining hub status, Thai Airways' recovery prospects, Starlink WiFi passenger behavior concerns, and answer listener Q&A about airline lounges, Priority Pass access, and Manchester Terminal closures. Plus: air traffic control stories and Dan's A400M military aircraft cockpit experience.

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Today's Dubai Air Show 2025 special episode featuring Emirates Starlink WiFi rollout, massive Boeing 777X orders, and the groundbreaking 777-10 feasibility study. Dan covers Etihad's new Airbus A330 Neo expansion, Fly Dubai's surprise 150-aircraft A321 Neo order for Dubai World Central airport, and Emirates' in-house business class seat production facility. Deep dive into Middle Eastern aviation growth, hub connectivity strategies, and the future of ultra-long-haul narrow-body operations across Asia, Europe, and Africa routes.

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Join Dan and Alex as they welcome their first-ever guest co-host, Nicky Kelvin from The Points Guy, for a deep dive into all things aviation. The trio debates Korean Air's controversial new livery, questions whether Skytrax ratings truly matter, and shares their most memorable flight experiences—from Singapore Suites to unexpected Asiana excellence.

The conversation explores underrated destinations like South Korea and Uzbekistan versus overhyped spots like Bali, while calling out airlines that don't live up to their reputations. They tackle this year's aviation safety concerns, discuss what they'd fix if they ran British Airways (spoiler: crew tr...

Today's episode of On-Air with Dan and Alex tackles the unprecedented US government shutdown now entering its 35th day, examining its devastating impact on aviation. With 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000+ TSA staff working unpaid, Dan and Alex discuss chronic staffing shortages, security queue delays exceeding two hours, and flight cancellations crippling America's aviation infrastructure. The hosts also analyze Virgin Atlantic's new London-Phuket route announcement, questioning the airline's pattern of launching then canceling routes. Additional topics include Star Alliance upgrade experiences, handling vegan dietary requirements on international flights, lap child policies and safety concerns, and American Airlines' hiring of a...

Today On-Air, join Dan and Alex as they discuss Delta Airlines' historic October 2026 launch of nonstop Atlanta to Riyadh flights, marking the first US carrier service to Saudi Arabia. The hosts analyze how American carriers shifted from opposing Gulf airlines to partnering with them, exploring airline subsidies and Delta's competitive response to United's expanding route network.

Other topics include Mexico-US aviation tensions, Delta's strong Q4 profit outlook, airport construction delays worldwide, Finnair's A321 seat certification issues, SAS marketing strategy, and Q&A on best airports for extended stays and British Airways compensation policies.

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Today On-Air, Dan and Alex dive into the latest aviation controversies as US airlines push to ban Chinese carriers from using Russian airspace, citing unfair competitive advantages. They explore the implications for ticket prices, flight times, and consumer choice across the Pacific market. The hosts discuss the growing threat of lithium battery fires on aircraft, including a dramatic Air China incident, and debate whether power banks should be banned from cabins entirely. They examine how Starlink WiFi is revolutionizing inflight connectivity and potentially making traditional IFE obsolete. Plus: Hawaiian Airlines joins oneworld, Swiss Airlines gets scrutinized, Hong Kong Express...

In today's episode of On-Air with Dan and Alex, the gentlemen dive into a suspicious email from Easyjet, and an interesting email from Icelandair. The airlines are listening - that's clear! They also discuss Ryanair's ban on analog boarding passes (another sign they hate people), British Airways’ plans to renovate their Heathrow lounges, and much more. 

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In this episode of On-Air, Dan and Alex dive into a packed week of aviation drama — from Spirit Airlines’ shocking fleet reduction and second 2025 bankruptcy filing, to Swiss’ exclusive A350 event that Dan wasn’t invited to (for obvious reasons). The duo debate self-tagging luggage and whether passengers are becoming unpaid airport staff, unpack the airline loyalty bubble in the U.S., and expose why Middle Eastern cabin crew aren’t as “underpaid” as many believe. Then, a Thai Airways decision about ex-Virgin Atlantic A330s sparks laughter as Thai rebrands “Upper Class” seats as Premium Economy Plus. They also dissect British...

In this episode of On-Air, Dan and Alex reunite in person to unpack a whirlwind week in aviation—from Dan’s British Airways First Class flight review and George Russell’s surprise airline choice, to Emirates’ meticulous First Class crew training and the shocking collapse of Icelandic airline PLAY. They dive deep into how corporate travel loyalty (hello, F1 teams and Apple) shapes airline strategy, the art of onboard service from Emirates to BA, and why cutbacks like the removal of Club Europe hot meals spark passenger frustration. Plus: the future of Boeing’s next-gen aircraft, airline AI waste reduction...

In this episode of On-Air with Dan and Alex, Dan shares his Greece travel experience—boat rentals without a license, surprisingly empty beaches, and a mixed review of Aegean Airlines’ in-flight service. The duo unpacks Gatwick Airport’s newly approved second runway and what it means for UK aviation growth, plus a terrifying near-miss landing incident in Nice between Nouvelair and EasyJet. They also discuss Hong Kong’s shutdown during Super Typhoon Rusa, how typhoons impact travel in Asia, and the eerie calm before major storms. Alex shares a wild story of riding out a super typhoon in Guangzhou, and we he...

Join Dan and Alex as they dive deep into the benefits and drawbacks of flying long-haul on an Airbus A32LR after Dan's Etihad flight. They also cover Korean Air needing to backtrack on their 777-300 reconfiguration, and British Airways' controversial crew drinking ban.

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In this episode of On-Air with Dan and Alex, the guys cover an unexpected encounter with a Qatar Airways First Class passenger who booked her flight after watching their YouTube video, to the escalating tensions between Ryanair and the Spanish aviation authority. The discussion also covers Singapore Airlines’ branding strategy, Austrian’s candid “Dubai Deal,” and the implications of Qatar Airways acquiring A321neos originally intended for AirAsia. Other topics include China Southern’s 787 fleet sale, speculation around Riyadh Air’s quiet launch status, and a listener Q&A tackling early boarding policies.

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This week On-Air with Dan and Alex, the aviation-obsessed duo return with sharp insights and signature wit. From a hilarious Heathrow terminal mix-up to the GPS spoofing that impacted Ursula von der Leyen’s jet, they unpack trending aviation headlines and traveler woes. They debate whether world leaders should fly commercial based on a viral story about Singapore’s President flying Scoot, and question if families with kids should really board first. Dan and Alex also dissect new U.S. cockpit door mandates, launch their new “If We Ran” segment, and answer juicy listener Q&As on Alaska Airlines’ Europe lau...

Season 3 kicks off with Dan and Alex returning from a three-month summer break, catching up on travel adventures and aviation news. They discuss why the podcast is now audio-only except for in-studio recordings, and share listener excitement during their hiatus. Highlights include Heathrow bus-gate woes, remote recording challenges, and a lively recap of flights across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Dan reviews niche airlines like Xiamen and Hainan; Alex laments Rome’s extreme heat and Europe’s lack of AC. They analyze 2024 summer travel trends: emptier flights, dynamic pricing, “coolcation” tourism in Scandinavia, and Jet2’s viral ad. Aviation t...

In the season finale of On-Air with Dan and Alex, we dive into everything summer travel: from the chaos of peak season flying to the long-awaited new terminal opening at Malé Airport in the Maldives. Dan shares firsthand insights on seaplane transfers, transit tips, and why Maldives airport delays used to cost travelers thousands. Alex breaks down summer airfare trends, ATC delays, and what airlines are doing right—and wrong—this year. We also answer listener questions about airline mechanics at outstations, foot etiquette on planes, and whether airline execs should fly other carriers for perspective. Plus: Scandinavian summer woes...

In Episode 20 of On Air, Dan and Alex deliver a timely deep dive into the state of the aviation industry heading into summer 2025. They explore the strategic significance of the Paris Air Show, touching on delays in aircraft production, Boeing’s uncertain participation, and supply chain disruptions impacting cabin retrofits. The duo critiques Global Airlines’ chaotic inaugural A380 flights operated by Hi Fly, highlighting poor execution, inconsistent service, and branding confusion—despite the impressive feat of getting an A380 airborne. They speculate on the airline’s unclear future and discuss better market strategies, like lean transatlantic routes using the A321XLR...

Today, On-Air with Dan and Alex, the duo dives into major aviation headlines—from spotting Riyadh Air’s first 787 to reminiscing about the iconic Airbus A340-600 and British Airways 747s. They unpack a chilling Lufthansa cockpit incident where a pilot was left unconscious mid-flight, raising critical questions about aviation safety protocols and two-person cockpit policies. The episode also breaks down record-breaking airline financials, including profits from Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, and Ryanair, and explores why Emirates refuses to order the Airbus A350-1000. Plus, reactions to United Airlines’ new Polaris business class, Pedro Pascal’s “economy” flight, and a lawsuit ov...

In this episode of On-Air, Dan and Alex cover Dan’s recent Emirates First Class trip with his mom—unintentionally timed for Mother’s Day—and a dramatic journey from Delhi amid heightened India–Pakistan tensions. They discuss how airspace closures are increasingly weaponized, forcing costly reroutes and delays. Dan shares the chaos of flying through a potential conflict zone, while Alex highlights how fragile modern aviation has become. They also unpack Emirates becoming the world’s most profitable airline, IAG’s new aircraft orders, and speculate on the rising prominence of the 787-10. Other highlights include aviation mishaps like Cathay Pac...

In Episode 17 of On Air with Dan and Alex, the duo tackles a jam-packed Q&A session while recording from opposite sides of the world. Alex kicks off with deep dives into aviation law, European airline CEO salaries, and industry consolidation—including Lufthansa’s acquisition spree and TAP Air Portugal’s likely future. He also explores the growing popularity of business class suites with doors, summer 2025 air traffic control challenges, and Boeing’s ongoing aircraft delays. Other hot topics include the profitability of premium economy, top travel markets for summer, and the billion-dollar London–New York route.

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In this episode of On Air with Dan and Alex, the duo reunites to chat about Dan’s visit to the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, where he got a firsthand look at new airline products and unexpected luxury touches like amenity kits. They dive into trends like cruise lines entering the high-end travel space, the rise of narrowbody aircraft for long-haul routes, and delays in premium seat rollouts from airlines like Qatar Airways. The conversation also covers British Airways’ latest viral mishap, the practicality of folding IFE screens, safety concerns in geopolitics, and a few heartfelt shout-outs to their...

In today's episode of On Air with Dan and Alex, the hosts dive into their latest aviation adventures and share behind-the-scenes moments from recent trips. Alex recounts a solo first-class experience on Qatar Airways’ A380, while Dan gives an exclusive recap of being the first non-employee to experience Riyadh Air’s business class at a Formula 1-themed launch event in Jeddah. They discuss mood lighting trends on aircraft, critique marketing exaggerations in aviation, and share Dan’s first F1 race experience. The episode ends on a serious note, addressing concerning U.S. border policies and rising reports of phone search...

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In this episode of On-Air with Dan and Alex, the hosts dive into the controversial Boeing aircraft ban in China, analyzing its implications for Boeing, Chinese carriers, and international aviation. They also discuss the mysterious launch of Global Airlines and the strange economics of chartering A380s for just two transatlantic flights. Plus, Dan reveals he’s recorded a dramatic Kuwait Airways review, SAS gets roasted (again), and Q&A covers everything from in-flight drug busts to first class on narrowbodies. It’s juicy, chaotic, and informative—just how we like it.