Dots, Lines & Destinations

Dots, Lines & Destinations episodes:

• 05.16.2024

  DLD 483: Change is coming

  Is change good? Is it bad? Should you get a refund? Or fly the new routes? Come join us for these conversations and more… Also in this episode: * DOT Rules and Schedule Changes * Updated Lufthansa Group/ITA proposal for merger remedies * JetBlue’s...

  
• 05.09.2024

  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...

  
• 05.02.2024

  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...

  
• 04.25.2024

  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...

  
• 04.18.2024

  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...

  
• 04.11.2024

  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...

  
• 04.04.2024

  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...

  
• 03.28.2024

  DLD 476: Giving away Newark

  Newark air traffic is on the move, in a sense. Control of traffic to and from the airport will shift later this summer from the NYC-area's "N90" controllers to Philadelphia. Can that solve the ATC delays? Also in this episode: * Big...

  
• 03.21.2024

  DLD 475: A rough go

  Well, that's another week that Boeing probably wishes didn't happen… Also in this episode: * More bad news for Boeing from the NTSB * UA MAX 10 conversion to MAX 9 * UA 737 panel falling off and maintenance overall * LATAM 787-9 incident * Former...

  
• 03.14.2024

  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,...

  
• 03.07.2024

  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...

  
• 02.29.2024

  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...

  
• 02.22.2024

  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...

  
• 02.15.2024

  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...

  
• 02.08.2024

  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...

  
• 02.01.2024

  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...

  
• 01.25.2024

  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...

  
• 01.18.2024

  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...

  
• 01.11.2024

  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...

  
• 01.04.2024

  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...

  
• 12.21.2023

  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...

  
• 12.14.2023

  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...

  
• 12.07.2023

  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 *...

  
• 12.04.2023

  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...

  
• 11.23.2023

  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 *...

  
• 11.16.2023

  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...

  
• 11.09.2023

  DLD 457: Awkward in Austin

  More cuts coming in Austin, this time American Airlines slashing 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...

  
• 11.02.2023

  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,...

  
• 10.26.2023

  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...

  
• 10.18.2023

  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...

  
• 10.12.2023

  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...

  
• 10.05.2023

  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...

  
• 09.28.2023

  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...

  
• 09.21.2023

  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...

  
• 09.14.2023

  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...

  
• 09.07.2023

  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...

  
• 08.31.2023

  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...

  
• 08.24.2023

  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...

  
• 08.17.2023

  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...

  
• 08.10.2023

  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...

  
• 08.03.2023

  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...

  
• 07.27.2023

  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 *...

  
• 07.20.2023

  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...

  
• 07.13.2023

  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 *...

  
• 07.06.2023

  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 *...

  
• 06.29.2023

  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...

  
• 06.22.2023

  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...

  
• 06.15.2023

  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...

  
• 06.01.2023

  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...

  
• 05.25.2023

  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...