This week: Greg Schulze, Chief Commercial Officer, Expedia Group; A tribute to Colleen Barrett, "The Mother of Southwest Airlines"; Ted Christie says the game is rigged; Spirit's plan moving forward; A new FAA investigation of Boeing relating to 787 inspections; Multiple listener response to last episode's William J. McGee interview.

This week: William J. McGee, Senior Fellow for Aviation & Travel, American Economic Liberties Project; An in depth discussion on pros/cons of more regulation; Plus, can/will Embraer challenge Boeing & Airbus?

This week: John Breyault, VP, Public Policy, Telecommunications & Fraud, National Consumers League; Also, a dreadful week of business news for airlines; Big losses at AA & SWA; SWA cuts routes, open to new fees; DOT refunds & fee display policy changes; Listener Q on SWA commuter policy concern.

This week: Sam Coats, Retired Airline & Corporate Executive & Civic Leader ; United CEO Scott Kirby reports Q1 loss & Boeing order conversions; Strong Q2 ticket demand; A close call at DCA; Southwest launches new marketing campaign.

This week: Jay Sorensen, President, IdeaWorksCompany; Loyalty program values; Delta Q1 numbers; Spirit woes deepen; Breeze shows a profit; Huge payday for AA CEO Robert Isom; Listener Q on new Boeing aircraft.

This week: Kevin O'Toole, Chief Strategy Officer, Cirium; Data on 2023 Airfares; Airline C-Suite compensation - who's on top? Oakland CA airport wants San Francisco name; Listener input on passenger security screening, crew bases and scheduling.

This week: It's In The Bag - A Focus on the Business of Bag Fees; Breezy Rewards Valuation; Listener input: Feedback on John Heimlich, American shifting to more domestic flights, United's overhead bins.

This week: John Heimlich, VP/Chief Economist, Airlines for America; Boeing searching for a new CEO; FAA moves EWR TRACON to PHL; JetBlue cuts routes; Is cutting costs ultimately more costly? Listener feedback: Public charter security, Rudy Maxa's destination judgements, Maintenance techs in the future.

This week: Rudy Maxa, Travel Journalist; Positive comments on Ben's NVO; Airlines: Biggest? Most Profitable? Biggest airline crown; Southwest expects fewer new planes; Concerns around lack of Boeing paperwork/security video; Empty middle seats on Frontier; Listener feedback on Doug Parker interview.

This week: Doug Parker, Fmr CEO, American Airlines, outlines serious TSA safety concerns. Ben's AI "New Voice Option" (NVO); Spirit & JetBlue go it alone - Next moves? New proposed rule for handling wheelchairs; Fare fact errors made by Tim Wu on CNBC; Listener Qs on useful life of a commercial aircraft, business model for airport lounges.

This week: Zane Kerby, President & CEO at ASTA - American Society of Travel Advisors; 2023 numbers show safest year in aviation; Boeing supervision; AA same-day standby changes; What's with all the new Brisbane flights? Catherine & Richard Dotson remain at SAV; Listener Q: Overhead bin utilization, and a Flight Attendant asks how management really views F/As.

This week: Maya Leibman, Fmr. EVP/Chief Information Officer, American Airlines; It's in the bag - increased fees and a bag revenue rundown in the billions; Delta's Amex credit limit for fuel; Shakeup at Boeing not what was expected - puts women in charge of rescue; AA changes agency ticket policies; Listener Q: Decision process for serving a new airport?

This week: Brett Snyder, President & Chief Airline Dork, Cranky Flier; Delivery and backlog numbers for Boeing & Airbus; Carl Icon picks up two JetBlue Board seats; The Atlantic article on carry-ons reaches a questionable conclusion; Listener Q on skipping a leg; Why did Spirit focus on A319s?

This week: Jay Sorensen, Ancillary Revenue, A la Carte Pricing, Frequent Flyer (FFP) Consultant; Marty St George returns to JetBlue as President; Spirit's average passenger fare drops, CEO Ted Christie comments on Spirit's future; Administrator Mike Whitaker outlines Boeing actions including FAA inspectors on site; Sen. Ted Cruz requests special TSA treatment for lawmakers; Listener Q: What if 737-Max doesn't fly again?

This week: Mike Leskinen, EVP/Chief Financial Officer, United Airlines; Boeing's situation in 2024; JetBlue's new plan includes a new fee; Frontier introduces a Biz fare bundle via agency GDS; AA adds #1989, and Taylor is scheduled to make the big game; Listener Q: Basic Economy threat to ULCCs? Focus Cities, Hubs, Fortress Hubs.

This week: Dorothy Robyn, Public Policy Consultant/Writer; The latest Wall Street Journal Airline Rankings; Additional earnings reports; Has Amelia Earhart's plane been found? Frontier adds new routes to other's hubs; Listener Q's on pilot opportunities, plus an explanation of the LOPA.

This week: Marian Boyd, The Boyd Group; A review of the Judge's ruling against the JetBlue - Spirit deal plus listener input on the deal that isn't happening, for now.

This week: Jon Ostrower, Founder, The Air Current; Focus on the JAL Evacuation, the Alaska Door Plug, and the current Boeing fiasco; Joanna Geraghty named new JetBlue CEO; Earnings season update; Listener Input: Spirit should be buying JetBlue, United's Andrew Nocella comments that ULCCs are "doomed".

This week: An aircraft fire and a depressurization; 2023's top on-time performance carriers; The MAX-9 Door Plug issue adding to Boeing's challenges; Listener input: United becoming the largest airline & does Boeing need its own Manhattan Project? Plus, more about Block Time.

This week: 2024 Predictions; Southwest system fixes worked; Goldman Sachs cancellation stats; The issue with Chicago Midway; Hollywood takes note of airlines; Possible 2024 merger candidates; Listener Q on leg room vs seat pitch.

This week: Andrew Watterson, COO, Southwest Airlines; Stephanie Pope promoted to COO at Boeing; Delta beefs up Austin TX schedule; Listener Q on high speed rail LA-Vegas. Happy Holidays. Next episode: Jan 3 with 2024 Predictions.

This week: A DHL acquisition of Santa? + other holiday adjustments ;) - Digging into the Alaska-Hawaiian deal & SWA's role; Closing arguments made in the JetBlue - Spirit case; Listener input on the shape of DCA, Pluses of Amtrak, and you won the Powerball-what type of airline would you start?

This week: Chris Sloan on The Airchive; Initial thoughts on the Alaska-Hawaiian deal; Skift story on increased adventure travel due to weight loss: NY Times reports on serious FAA issues; Listener Q: Takeaways from other international agencies? What is the role of a CTO in undertaking change?

This week: Thanksgiving travel recap; Can't Make This Up covers "dog food" in China Eastern Business Class & Striking an anti-strike law; New Saudi passenger rights; Problems with the author's ideas in the book: Why Flying is Miserable & How to Fix It; Was there ever a Golden Age of travel? Listener Q: Is the SWA model broken?

This week: Rick Cotton, Executive Director, Port Authority of New York & New Jersey; AMS slots update; Focus on the safety report & FAA training; Passenger ordered to pay for flight disruption/diversion; Listener Q: Do airlines shop around for better fuel prices?

This week: Ben & Scott go in depth on next generation airplanes; United loyalty program revisions; Some business travel numbers; SUX and other interesting identifiers; Listener input on premium seat value.

This week: Ginger Hardage, Fmr SVP of Culture & Communications at Southwest Airlines/Founder of Unstoppable Cultures; Is ATC ready for the holiday season? JetBlue loses $153MM, is frozen out of AMS, and Spirit merger trial gets underway; SWA potential expansion in Dallas; Listener input: Sun Country, Scott Kirby & ULCC statements.

This week: Jeff Tolkin, Co-CEO, World Travel Holdings, Michael Whitaker confirmed as FAA Administrator, Spirit blames discounted fares for Q3 loss; Southwest makes significant schedule changes; The Alaska off-duty pilot incident; Qatar Airways' "Chief" resigns; Listener Q's: Industry employment potential & Ben's reaction to Chris Sloan's Air Inuit report, and a term paper help request.

This week: Chris Sloan takes us aboard Air Inuit; Also: Increasing industry financial pressure; Airlines stocks taking a beating; Ed Bastian's SkyMiles modifications; Listener Q re: DOT Air Travel Consumer Report & regional carrier on time performance.

This week: Mark Nasr, EVP of Marketing/Digital, Air Canada & President of Aeroplan; Air service in Tel Aviv; Middle East ramifications for travel; Delta's increased profits; Beond Air launches; Support for scheduled charter carriers; Boeing deliveries off pace;  Listener Q re: Price gouging, Newark Terminal A; Aviation Manhattan Project committee.

This week: John Heimlich, VP/Chief Economist at Airlines for America; Scott's passport renewal; Pratt & Whitney engine selected for NASA project; Is Hydrogen the aviation fuel of the future? Price points on upgrades; Listener Q: United's large aircraft order, United / AA battle for Chicago, fleet planning.

This week: Steve Dickson, Fmr. Administrator, Federal Aviation Administration; Delta CEO Ed Bastian says SkyMiles changes went too far; Spirit & Frontier announce larger than expected Q3 losses; Future of low cost carrier business model? John Redmond resigns as Allegiant CEO & Founder Maury Gallagher returns in position; Alaska & JetBlue offer Delta status matches; Scott quotes Taylor Swift lyrics; Listener Q: Is SWA 50% off sale a sign of trouble?

This week: Chris Sloan reports on the unique history of Braniff; Plus: Impact of shutdown on an already unacceptable FAA understaffing situation; Southwest's Bob Jordan goes to Denver; NYT reporter David Brooks' $78 Newark lunch; Listener topics: Odds of SWA pulling out of Oakland, "Slots" at EWR.

This week: Dave Holtz, Chairman of Operations, Wheels Up. Also: Attention Media! It wasn't a "plunge"; Big changes to Delta's frequent flyer program - who might benefit? Austin TX announces 10 year expansion plan; American, Frontier, JetBlue cut earning estimates; Smaller airlines running late more often; Pilot commuting & related issues.

This week: Scott Mayerowitz, Founder, GlobeTrotScott Strategies; Remembering 9/11; Michael Whitaker nominated for FAA Chair; Delta hires Tom Brady; SWA, United, Alaska fuel price warnings; Qantas CEO retires abruptly, Potential FAA rulemaking would hurt charter operators; Listener input: Saturday night stay requirement still alive.

This week: The Zozobra eliminates gloom; Flight caps for different reasons in Mexico City and at Schiphol Amsterdam; American's $4M fine for tarmac flight delays; Delta thriving at LAX and elsewhere with strong investment strategy; Allegiant adds Johnny Walker Blue to the menu. Listener input on Flight Attendant training, threats to safety and jobs from robot pilots.

This week: Special Report - Scott McCartney on the critical need for a "Second Manhattan Project" to improve the FAA, ATC safety & staffing problems, utilize the trust fund, and more; Plus Ben & Scott discuss: Turbulent weather patterns across America; Fares & fees in a Spirit/JetBlue post merger world; NY Times comprehensive story on near misses; Listener Q: Why is public anger stronger towards airlines vs other industries?

This week: Candace McGraw, CEO, Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG); Mexico's new government owned & army operated airline ready for takeoff; Delta $20k pilot training incentive; "Pibot" - the humanoid robot that can fly an airplane; Listener Q's: A shortage of maintenance technicians?, Ben & Scott address a Spirit pilot's concern about management focus in time of potential merger.

This week: Celebrating 200 episodes! Our Guest is Doug Parker, Fmr CEO, American Airlines; Also: Hawaiian, Southwest, & others respond to Maui fires; NTSB report on United flight rapid descent; SWA starts offering free same-day flight changes on all fares; Listener Q's: Frontier's annual pass program odds for success? How are prices set on a new route?

This week: Susan Carey, former Aviation Industry Reporter, The Wall Street Journal; JetBlue, Spirit earnings update; Southwest pilot compensation; Spirit and JetBlue shares drop, is need for merger increased? Listener Q's on checked/carry-on bag fees, discrepancies on data sources, and could reducing executive pay help relieve the pilot shortage?

This week: Colby Harvey, Founder/CEO, Ultraview; Alaska and other earnings; a Q3 softening coming? Southwest: RASM drops, higher labor costs, CEO Bob Jordan says demand is still very strong; United cuts flights at Newark; Avelo and Breeze operating results; Listener Q's re: Where to reinvest profits during good times; Charters in the US vs Europe.

This week: Jens Kuhlen, President North America, Gategroup; The hot topic of Delta 555; Positive earnings at American & United; AA matches United pilots new contract rates; House bill raising pilot retirement age goes to Senate; Listener Q's on Delta Amex loyalty program revenue; What are the benefits of the Air France-KLM Merger? Advice on meltdown mitigation?

This week: Khalid Usman, Partner, Oliver Wyman; Also: Earnings Season; Delta sets record - CEO Ed Bastian is bullish on continued travel volume; AA / JetBlue Northeast Alliance ends but what about the Spirit acquisition? JAL's "Any Wear Anywhere" clothing rentals; Listeners: update Hertz EV rental policy, time for a LCC within an airline again?

This week: Rick Schifter, Senior Advisor, TPG Capital; Joseph S. Murphy Service to Industry Award recipient Ben Baldanza's reflections on learning from and working with top industry leaders and Scott's reflections on covering them as a journalist; Listener Q: Why no taxibots?

This week: Joanne Young, Managing Partner, Kirstein & Young; DOT Office of Inspector General scathing report of deficiencies and huge understaffing levels; USDOT Sec. Pete Buttigieg denies FAA fault for issues; United's turn for operational issues; Listener Q on fleet utilization.

This week: Can premium leisure travelers replace business travelers? Challenges at NYC area airports; Record number transatlantic flights over past decade; Listener Q's on EASA type ratings, and why did Alaska retire so many Virgin America airplanes? (photo: Eze, France)

This week: Charles Duncan, President, Norse Atlantic Airways; Initial summer travel results; DCA perimeter rule talks heat up; Lots of policy making this summer; JetBlue's new livery; JSX CEO Alex Wilcox responds to listener comments, and additional listener input on 1500 hour rule.

This week: Azim Barodawala, Co-Founder/CEO at Volantio; American changes attitude toward business travelers; United's Scott Kirby declares business travel recession; Delta rolling out a wheelchair accessible seat structure; Additional listener input on luxury airlines viability.

This week: Simon Hawkins, Head of Virgin Atlantic, Americas; Also: Ben & Scott talk about business mistakes made and lessons learned; Listener Q: Why did Delta do away with Northwest Cargo Airline? How about Alaska cargo?

This week: Barry Biffle, CEO, Frontier Airlines; Scott attempts to pass Professor Baldanza's end of term quiz; Listener comments on American's DFW expansion, Charter flight rules, Operations from FBOs, Thoughts on pilot training, and more.

This week: Ted Christie, CEO, Spirit Airlines - recorded live on stage at Aviation Festival Americas 2023; American comes to agreement with pilots; JetBlue/American Northeast Alliance struck down; In-person listener question: Why no all-luxury airline startups?

This week: Karen Walker, Editor in Chief, Air Transport World; ATW Awards, Follow up on J.D. Power satisfaction survey; American's operational issues; Airfare inflation numbers; Potential new regulation while major FAA issues persist; Will passengers pay more to fly a more sustainable airline?

This week: Jonathan Sutter, Sr Director - New J.D. Power Airline Rankings; Congratulations to Ben Baldanza, 2023 recipient of the Joseph S. Murphy Award for service to industry. FAA redraws high altitude route maps; SWA adds USB outlets, bigger bag bins; Vanessa Hudson named Qantas CEO; Listener input: A request for more interview push-back; Local flight subsidies.

This week: Tom Doxey, President, Breeze Airways; American's $10M Q1 profit & tops on-time departures; SWA loses a 1B in past 6 months; A focus on airline stock winners & losers; Capital Access Alliance calls for increased flight to/from DCA; Listener Q on stability & profits post-Covid,

This week: David Siegel, Senior Advisor, Apollo Global Management; Another SWA tech issue delays 2000 flights; Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun dealing with delivery issues; EUROCONTROL gets hacked; TSA gun confiscations at checkpoints increases; Listener input: Context to LAX $30/hr wage comments, Winning as an airport's #2 airline; Pilot seniority system; Spirit started as a trucking company?

This week: Randy Babbitt, Principal, Babbitt & Associates, Fmr FAA Administrator; Delta reports Q1 loss; Ed Bastian says consumers still prioritizing travel; Is a $30/hr minimum wage coming to LAX? Reflections on earnings season; Listener questions: What does Cross-Check actually mean? Did JetBlue miss a big Frontier opportunity?

This week: David P. Pekoske, Administrator, Transportation Security Administration (TSA); Update on schedule cuts at NY & DC; Serious FAA staffing issues; Dutch court blocks Amsterdam Airport Schiphol from reducing flights; ATL ranked busiest in the world; Future Air Taxi framework; Listener input: DOJ/JetBlue/Spirit/Frontier, basis for pilot pay, future flight restrictions in the name of climate change.  .

This week: Alex Wilcox. CEO, JSX; Correction on AA fare distribution channels; FAA requests fewer flights in NY & DC; Mandatory car seats on planes; Subsidies for airports in smaller communities? Listener input: Need more guest diversity, how to deal with abusive passengers, response to Mo Garfinkle interview.

This week: Philip Ordway, Managing Principal, Anabatic Investment Partners LLC; Skytrax gives LGA 5 stars: We salute NY/NJ Port Authority's Rick Cotton and the late Bill DeCota; AA Shrinks Corporate sales department/restricts lowest fair purchase options; Listener input on DOJ actions, pilot recruitment & diversity pathways;

This week: Mo Garfinkle, Chairman, CEO, & Founder, Tailwind Consultants; A different opinion on JetBlue/Spirit; United projects Q1 loss; What might 2023 year look like & is 2019 a fair comparison? Southwest announces post-meltdown followup plans; Schiphol adopts NATS technology; Flair Air sues over 4 repo'd planes; Listener Q: Why the Repo?

This week: John McDonald, Founder, Caeli Communications; DOJ suit to block JetBlue/Spirit merger & Scott McCartney provides context and price comparison details; JetBlue plans NYC-Paris service; Listener Q: Do some personality types fit better at a particular airline? Do certain beverages taste better at 30,000 feet?

This week: Atif Elkadi, CEO, Ontario International Airport; Forbes article follow-up: Ben's "Airline Monopoly" analogy explored in detail; How Delta Pilots 34% wage hike will affect others; American updates family seating policy; Explosive material in bag discover by TSA;

This week: Josh Marks, CEO, Anuvu; AA Chairman Doug Parker steps down; United and Frontier change family seating procedures; Max crash victims case vs Boeing dismissed; Private industry sustainable fuel initiative-how impactful?; Significant summer schedule cuts from AA and Lufthansa; Listener input: PRIA data transparency

This week: Geoff Hunt, Sr. VP Engineering & Technology, Pratt & Whitney: Another close call: United departing Maui; Air India orders 470 new planes; JetBlue says Spirit deal will result in big South Fla expansion; Scott's take on the deal; Listener feedback: 1500 hour rule discussion/pilot training.

This week: Mike Swiatek, Chief Strategy & Planning Officer at Avianca and Chairman, Accessibility Working Group at IATA; Focus on Safety & Accessibility; United's Super Bowl ad swipes at Southwest; Biden SOTU attack on industry seating practices & Issues with A4A response statement; Listener follow-up on Colgan Crash comments.

This week: Kevin P. Healy, President, Campbell-Hill Aviation Group; Also: 747 Trivia with Chris Sloan vs Ben & Scott. Do you know the answers? President Biden wants "junk fees" reigned in; Norway airline Flyr shuts down & files for bankruptcy; Jeff Shane provides a 747 legacy clarification.

This week: Mark Dombroff, Partner at Fox Rothschild LLP: Q4 and 2022 earnings reports released; 2023 projections bullish; Should someone go to jail over the 737 Max incidents? Listener Q's on mainline aircraft replacing regionals, thoughts on the A220, passenger delays vs airplane delays.

This week: Michael Lombardi, Senior Corporate Historian, The Boeing Company - Last 747 rolls off the production line. Learn what made the 747 so special to aviation; New Wall Street Journal airline rankings & methodology; Reaction to more Scott Kirby statements; SWA pilot union mentions potential strike vote; Listener Q topics: The "Captain Shortage", Which airline is flying the oldest fleet.

This week: Peter Greenberg, Travel Editor at CBS News; FAA's NOTAM system fails, 10,000+ flights affected; Scott reports on his conversation with Southwest CEO Bob Jordan. What happened, refund status, independent investigation, and more; Original Air Force One being restored.

This week: Rob Britton, Principal, AirLearn, Are alliances outdated? Southwest takes a $800M hit; What's the future of passenger re-accommodations? United's claims "best airline in the world" - has a mixed week; Delta announces free Wi-Fi; Mexico launching a military run airline? Listener Q: Airline foreign partnerships/equity stakes.

This week: Gordon Bethune, former CEO, Continental Airlines; Welcome Scott McCartney as Ben's new co-host; Southwest's Christmas Crisis - Blame IT? 2023 predictions; What to expect from the DOT this year; Changing loyalty programs; Listener "Old Croakey" thank you to Chris Chiames.

This week: 2022 wrap; Chris passes the mic as we welcome former Wall Street Journal "Middle Seat" columnist Scott McCartney to the podcast as Ben's new co-host; A fresh take from Scott on the JetBlue/American Northeast alliance; Frequent flyer programs get tighter; Where would our hosts invest $10k right now? Next episode Jan 4th, 2023. Happy New Year!

This Week: John Heimlich, VP & Chief Economist, Airlines for America on 2022/2023; JetBlue / American Northeast alliance increases flights; Huge Boeing order from Tata / Air India, plus United 787 order; Boeing requests extension on FAA requirement; Listener Q: Why not go direct to Europe from smaller markets with A220's? Unhappy with Delta Sky Club access changes.

This week: Anne Correa, SVP, Airline & Airport Services, mba Aviation; Chris Sloan reports on Southwest Airlines' Media Day; Listener feedback on the Hertz interview and the Kirby vs Biffle viewpoint discussion. Shout-outs.

This week: Mark Ross-Smith, CEO & Co-Founder, StatusMatch; Holiday travel & changes in travel patterns; Latest WSJ airport rankings; American sues Sabre for attorney fees; Listener Q: AA flight credit rules confusing; Frontier changes customer service; Shout-outs

This week: Thank you to our listeners & sponsors; American/JetBlue case goes to the judge; DOT orders $600M in refunds & fines airlines $7.5M; Airline vs Cruise industry difference in policies; Supply chain & aircraft delivery concerns; Listener Q: What's more disruptive to an airline-snowstorm or hurricane? Things to be thankful for in the airline industry.

This week: Steve Shur, VP Government Affairs EV Strategy, Hertz; Your next Amazon package might be dropped by a drone: Colombia objects to Avianca / Viva merger; United follows Delta's FF program changes; Listeners chime in: flights in Alaska, Allegiant's Q3 loss, why JetBlue FL service cuts? Shout-outs to Southwest's Ukulele promotion & Turkish Air tall accommodation.

This week: David Sunde, CEO/Co-Founder, Landline; Delta, United, American pilot negotiations; Alaska pilots sign new deal; Possible reasons for Allegiant's 2 quarter losses; TSA turns 21 & brings on new tech; Listener Q: Catering usage of dry ice; Why so much service to Ketchikan AK? Shout-outs.

This week: David Gunnarsson, CEO, Dohop; Positive earnings/projections; ITA Looks for new partnership Ryanair bets on Italy?; Scott Kirby says fuel/labor cost dooms LCC business model while Barry Biffle says Frontier will thrive; Listen Q: What's the logic in a crew changing aircraft in the same duty day?

This week: Chris Sloan on Routes World 2022 Las Vegas Conference; United, American, Alaska, strong Q2 results but what about costs? Wizz Air expands to Middle East; Hawaiian Airlines & Amazon team up; Listen Q: Are the more experienced regional pilots getting a fair shot at mainline jobs? Is SWA open seating policy a security risk? Shout-outs

This week: William Swelbar, Chief Industry Analyst, The Swelbar-Zhong Consultancy; Delta's robust Q2; Fares are up-is the sky the limit?; AA-JetBlue court case & is EWR NYC? Listener Q: AA data breach? Thoughts on Alaska's voluntary rebooking option; Shout-outs: Canada Jetlines, United's NY-Malaga Spain.

This week: Charles Leocha, President & Co-Founder, Travelers United; Virgin drops London-Hong Kong; FAA raises minimum Flight Attendant rest period to 10 hours; FlyerRights files with FAA for minimum seat sizes; Listener Follow-up on Boarding pass showing terminal; Pilot shortage & pay levels at regionals; DFW Listener shoutout.

This week: Chris Sloan: Huge Expansion at Orlando International (MCO); Airline performance during Ira; BOOM shops for an engine; Listener Q: Economics of Delta insourcing M&R; Ticket cost difference between European and US credit card? Air France Paris-Boston booking non-notification: Fine or Whine?

This week: Kevin Cox, CEO, Ferrovial Vertiports (re: eVTOL); The state of business travel & ESG targets; Worst airports for delays; Canadian airport issues; FAA rejects Republic's proposal; Could required pilot hours be safely lowered? Listener input: Potential Delta stock buybacks, Southwest's lack of interline agreements; Why no terminal on boarding pass? Shout-outs.

This week: Jonathan Sutter: 2022 J.D. Power Airport Satisfaction Study winners announcement; Plus, United / Emirates codeshare; shifting alliances; Air India update; Listeners comments, shout-outs.

This week: Special Legal Edition with Sidley Austin's Kevin Lewis, Bart Biggers, Michael Burke, Karen Kazmerzak. Topics include: Inflation Recovery Act, Clean fuel/SAF tax credit, Foreign carriers filing for Ch. 11 in US Courts, Stepped up antitrust enforcement, Pilot shortage/Pay; Listener input: Charging differently for bags, 737 vs 320. Shout-outs.

This week: Erik Sabiston, RTAG, Veterans to Aviation; Momentum at David Neeleman's Azul; Expansion in South America; New Icelandic low-cost airline "Play" launches service from Dulles to Iceland; Listener Q's: Recommendations for airline data web sites? Can the boarding process be improved? Shout-outs to Travelers United plus all airport & airline workers.

This week: Scott Lincicome, Dir. General Economics, CATO Institute; Big news for Regionals, Air Wisconsin to American; Mesa's E175 Pilot pay; Ramifications of such increases; Schiphol (AMS) makes a profit; Delta orders more A220s; Listener reaction to the Norse Atlantic interview; Complaint: Out $900 due to an AA operational issue: Fine? or Whine?

This week: Bjorn Larsen, CEO, Norse Atlantic Airways; DOT Summer performance, refund policies; AA cuts 30k+ flights; Earnings around the globe; Listener feedback: Difficulty using flight credits & Ben & Chris are "too friendly" to airlines; Pick a favorite: 737 or 320? Share buy-backs now? Airport proximity complaint follow up; Shout-outs to Bessie Colman & Zoya Agarwal.

This week: Bob Brantner, Author, Skyheist; Evidence of Schiphol (AMS) "de-hubbing"? Dulles area residents flight path complaints; United's $10M deposit for eVTOL; Listener Q's: Increased FAA inspection fees for Boeing? Why no food for sale in AA Coach? What about that JetBlue Q2 loss? Plus: An R-Rated Fine or Whine from Boston. Shout-out to Arajet.

This week: Mobile AL Mayor Sandy Stimpson & Chris Curry, President. Mobile Airport Authority; Plus, AirFrance/KLM report Q2 profit; Boeing 787 delivery back on track; fall vs summer pricing; Listener Q: How will summer pilot schedules affect total caps? CASM explained + comparisons between carriers.

This week: The JetBlue/Spirit Deal - AP's David Koenig; Southwest, Frontier, Ryan, Wizz, earnings reports; Ugly numbers from FlightAware; Operational Issues at Toronto; Listener Q: Will AA bring Envoy Piedmont into mainline? Passenger "sobbing" due to American's 6 hour CLT incident. Shout-outs to LGA and Emirates.

This week: Creighton Scarpone, Director of Business & Commercial Aviation Sales, Garmin International; Q2 earnings: American, United, Alaska; Farnborough orders & insights; Amsterdam & other European operations still in meltdown, KLM says "no checked bags"; Listener Q's: Pathways for Women industry advancement, Is Sun Country's Eau Claire, WI EAS Service legit?

This week: Sara Nelson, International President, Association of Flight Attendants; Delta's Q2 report's broader industry indicators; The viability of Cuban travel; DOT policy & directive update; Listener Q: Hub & Spoke system at risk? Shout-outs

This week: Graham Webb, Chief Sustainability Officer, Pratt & Whitney (Fmr. Chief Engineer GTF Engine program); July 4th operational recap; American offers up to 3x pilot incentive pay; Listener Q's on SAS Bankruptcy, How to do better in an IROP; An addition to our book list; Shout-out to FA Betty Nash.

This week: Mike Arnot, Principal, Juliett Alpha Media Relations: Plus an expanded listener Q & A edition. Airport restaurants, Seat Pricing, and more. Shout-outs.

This week: Nina Jonsson, Chairman, FLYHT Aerospace Solutions/Vice Chairman Icelandair; European employee labor actions & operational issues; What not to do in a crash; SkyWest removes seats to operate under Part 135. Why?; Listener Q on Slot Controls, WestJet Canadian service reduction; Shout-Outs

This week: Joe Lopano, CEO, Hillsborough County Aviation Authority; US Transportation Sec. Pete Buttigieg Talks with Airline CEOs; American's Regionals Envoy & Piedmont pilots receive 2 year 50% pay increase-will it help retention?; Continued input & discussion on the pilot shortage topic; Shout-outs.

This week: Shashank Nigam, CEO, SimpliFlying; An update from Chris on the JetBlue & Frontier offers for Spirit; Covid testing requirement dropped for inbound USA air travelers; Startup Norse Atlantic: 3000 applicants for 50 pilot positions; Listener input: ALPA issues doc on training/pilot shortage; Q: Who gets the armrest? Shout-outs

This week: Peter Robison, Author, Flying Blind: The 737 MAX Tragedy and the Fall of Boeing; Delta floats big positive news but is lower capacity/higher fares an issue? KLM: Don't bring luggage through Amsterdam; FAA tightens oversight on Boeing; Listener suggestion on FAA pilot medical standards; plus shout-outs.

This week: Jonathan Sutter, Senior. Director, J.D. Power Travel Industry Practice; Aligning summer capacity with staffing; ALPA strike authorization at Alaska; Update: A4A Rest Rules Case; Listener Q: Are turboprops set for a resurgence? ALPA says no pilot shortage? Shout-out to those who serve.

This week: Sean Donohue, CEO, DFW International Airport; AerCap predicts a shortage of Aircraft; Congressional UFO hearings; AA v. Sabre: Jury awards $1 to AA, not $300MM; Listener Q's on discontinued routes and subsidized service; Shout-outs.

This week: Daryl Taylor, VP/GM, Airbus, America - Recorded LIVE on location from the Airbus assembly line, Mobile AL for a major announcement; Also, is Delta leading the industry with expanded FA pay? Listener Qs: Does Southwest have a halo around its brand? Shoutouts to ATC at PBI, and to Braniff.

This week: Jay Sorensen, President, IdeaWorksCompany LLC; The passing of Fmr Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta; Boeing moving HQ to DC - Why?; The need for 13,000 pilots each year; Listener Q's involving pilot scope clauses, outsourcing, the 1500 hour rule; Shout-out to Delta Club employees.

This week: Chris Sloan reports on the unique experience of flying in Alaska and quizzes Ben & Chris on Ultra Av Geek trivia; Southwest bullish on business travel; Avianca merges with Viva; Chaos at Amsterdam's Schiphol airport; Frontier's high ancillary revenue; Listener Q: Financial risk to buy a ticket on AA? Complaint involving Spirit & Carnival-Fine or Whine? Shout out to Tuskegee Airman Sgt. Victor Butler for his 100th Birthday.

This week: Gautam Thakkar, CEO, Unifi; Plus: Q1 earnings; Mask mandate dropped; Union organizing actions at start-ups Avelo and Breeze; Listener reactions to last week's guest comments; Tips on applying for an airline position; A non-airline Fine or Whine; Shout-outs

This week: Kathryn Creedy, Editor In Chief at Future Aviation/Aerospace Workforce News; Plus: Airfares are up; 3 profitability indicators; Quarterly earning call previews; European summer demand; Listener feedback on international air rights, ULCC sector in Canada, & Ed Bastian's statement that federal dollars were not a bailout.

This week: Bart Biggers & Kevin Lewis, Partners, Sidley Austin LLP; Plus: Planes are starting to fill up; A JetBlue offer for Spirit; Start-Up Canada Jetlines focuses on Toronto; A DHL 757-200 breaks in half on emergency landing; Listener Q's on international air service rights & DCA signage; Shout-outs.

This week: John Heimlich VP/Chief Economist, Airlines For America. Plus: Change at the top of UPS & the legacy of FedEx's founder; Pilot picket lines popping up; The new labor shortage & who has leverage in the upcoming restructuring; Another IT meltdown at British Airways; Listener Q: A fundamental change in loyalty programs?

This week: Elise Eberwein, EVP, People & Communications at American interviews Ben & Chris. Personal questions answered and Chris names his most annoying high profile passenger; Plus Southwest creates a value transferable ticket; China Eastern Airlines crash; Listener Q's and more.

This week: Nancy Hocking, JetBlue, Director of Gateway Programs, Lawsuit by pilots over mask mandate; Arajet launches the Dominican Republic’s ULCC; Aeromexico emerges from Chapter 11-now what?; Listener Q from Ben Goldstein @ Aviation Week on fuel hedging; Why are Southwest non-stops priced lower than connecting flights? Southwest status complaint-Fine? or Whine?

This week: Ginger Hughes, Managing Director, Seabury Securities; Airlines business impact from Russia's war on Ukraine; A 30 day mask extension; United/SkyWest plan to drop service to 29 cities; Aeroflot's isolation; Pilot listener question: Will the A220 put Regionals out of business? Plus shout-outs.

This Week: Lance Lipkus, Vice President, Travel Leaders Group. Plus: Avoiding Russian airspace & cutting industry ties; WestJet Acquiring Sunwings; Significant changes in the AAdvantage program; Listener Q's: How will US Airlines build routes under current situation / Why so many hub to hub flights? Fine or Whine? & Shout-outs.

This week: Andrew Nocella, Chief Commercial Officer, United Airlines; Potential airline ramifications of Ukraine situation; Mask mandate update; What's behind a huge London-Heathrow passenger drop?; Listener adds input on Turkish Superbowl ad; United complaint-Fine or Whine?

This week: Darryl Jenkins, Chairman/Exec. Dir. American Aviation Institute; Was the Turkish Airlines Superbowl ad worth the price? What impact will Alaska's "Flight Pass" have on revenue?; FAA keeps tight reign on Boeing 787 Dreamliner certifications; Listener Q's on Cargo contracts & which airlines offer best pilot employment opportunities. Complaint on Allegiant's Raider's ticket package-Fine or Whine? Shoutout: Jerry Dyer & Big Jet TV

This week: Kevin Stamler, Founder/CEO, SeatBoost; Frontier/Spirit $2.2B Deal; What will DOJ look at? Delta tests out free checked bag offer; A potential change in IAG ownership?; Listener Q on SkyWest earnings call predicting reduction in flight hours; Shout out to Bill Franke.

This week: Jeff Shane, Fmr General Counsel, IATA; Plus: Will all the cancellations affect earnings; Ryan's CEO on Covid/Summer travel; Is United selling it's MileagePlus asset? Listener Q's on Aircraft Paint, Sun Country; Almost missed flight due to multiple Delta/ATL gate changes-Fine or Whine?

This week: Ken McKenzie, Board Member, Canada Jetlines/Fmr COO Spirit; Chris Sloan on his St Lucia Covid quarantine; Southwest & Hawaiian Q4 profit; UK survey: 1/3 of eligible pilots have not returned to work; WSJ's list of leading airlines & new methodology; Listener Q's: AA's FF program changes & AA/Points Guy lawsuit.

This week: MIchael Huerta, Fmr FAA Administrator; Plus United and American report large losses; Lufthansa takes 40% of ITA? The Qatar/Airbus dispute results in an unusual delivery cancellation; A listener Q from Spain; How do corporate contracts work? Shout-outs.

This week: Mike Lenz, CFO, FedEx; Delta reports loss for Q4 due to Omicron; SCOTUS strikes down a vax mandate-relevance to airlines? Michael Inglese CEO Aircastle predicts more aircraft lessor consolidation; Listener question on Delta's RASM/CASM; Complaint: AA changed my departure airport-Fine or Whine?

This week; Tony Lefebvre, COO, Signature Flight Support: Since Christmas-30,000 flights canceled? Allegiant's big Boeing Max order; Listener takes issue with Ben's choice for person of the year; A listener is having airline job-finding challenges; Plus: New year's travel resolutions.

This week: Michael Bell, Aviation Recruiter, Korn & Ferry; The 2021 recap & 2022 Predictions; Omicron impacts; Cancellations; Best interviews so far, and more to come.

Happy New Year from Airlines Confidential. Ben & Chris will be back Jan 5th.

This week: Airline executives on Capitol Hill; Challenges for regional airlines impacting service to small communities? How will Omicron affect international route expansion?  Delta anticipates Q4 profit;  Listener comments re: Southwest taxiing, BWI bathrooms, Shipco; Plus Fine or Whine? & shout-outs.

This week: Jordan Kayloe, Dir. Air Service Development, BWI/Marshall Airport; Reflections on Doug Parker's retirement as CEO of American; Delta reduces loyalty benefits for Basic Economy fares; Boeing names Elizabeth Lund new Production Chief; A Fine or Whine complaint about a Spirit seating issue on which Ben & Chris agree is Fine!

This week: Benjamin Plummer, VP, Elemental Cognition; An Omicron variant update; United's 1st flight using 100% sustainable av fuel; The new Allegiant/Aerobus alliance; Listener Q re: Southwest taxi speeds & additional capacity: Complaint: They wouldn't let me give my 1st upgrade seat to Mom. Fine? or Whine?

This week: Rick Deurloo, Chief Commercial Officer, Pratt & Whitney unveils GTF Advantage engine; Thanksgiving travel recap; The Omicron variant - now what? A crackdown on unruly passengers; Listener Q on our David Neeleman interview re: start-up routes; Complaint: Southwest sale fares only available on web - Fine or Whine? An IATA shout-out.

This week: David Neeleman, Founder, Breeze Airways, JetBlue, & More; Dubai Air Show new aircraft orders; AA & United talk holiday staffing at Skift; Listener Q's: Should the EAS program be terminated? From Australia: Is Qantas & it's LCC successful? Complaint: Alaska Airlines Charged $125 to seat my grandson next to me - Fine or Whine? Plus a tribute and shout-out.

This week; Roger Dow President/CEO, U.S. Travel Association; USA inbound travel rules kick in; A re-sizing/re-deployment of long haul equipment; United drops service to 3 markets; Is the GE business division breakup good for the aviation sector? Plus shout-outs.

This week: Robert Sumwalt, Former Chair, National Transportation Safety Board; Ryan Air / Wizz Air differing growth projections; Azul makes a play for LATAM; Fuel prices & strategies behind hedging; Listener Q: Breeze's ability to attract pilots? Plus this week's shout outs

This week: Chris Sloan reports on first Breeze Airways A220 & it's unusual configuration; American's operational/staffing issues; Avoiding issues at Thanksgiving; What should a CEO do when a Flight Attendant gets punched? How do airlines select what equipment goes where? Fine or Whine? and shout-outs.

This week: Michael G. Whitaker, Urban Air Mobility Division of Hyundai Motor Group; Q3 financial results; SkyWest operational issues; Listener Q: What airline was the first to offer passengers a "barf bag"? Plus shout-outs (apologies for technical audio issues)

This week: Mark A. Dombroff, Partner, Fox Rothschild LLP; Delta posts a profit; Southwest service starts to recover; Boeing has another rough week; Spirit accommodates displaced passengers on other airlines?; How do fuel price increases affect Legacy, ULCC, & LCC? Plus shout-outs.

This week: Major service disruption at Southwest; Spotlight on Air India, The Tata Group, & Air travel competition in India; British Airways low cost spin-off back in the news; Listener Q: Is it time for public education to reduce the number of rude passengers? First Class passenger behaving badly-Fine or Whine? Plus the week's shout-outs.

This week: Linda Rutherford, EVP for People & Communications, Southwest Airlines; More employee vaccination mandates; The JetBlue/AA alliance spurs competition? Delta beefs up Boston; Can Aha Airlines (ExpressJet) succeed? An Avianca & Sky Airlines merger?  AAdvantage's disadvantage to Europe; How do you play the "Hub Draft" game?

This week: Vasu Raja, Chief Revenue Officer at AA; British Airways scraps low cost startup idea and blames pilots; Should an airline's "no fly list" be shared among the industry and made public? Listener Q's plus a complaint about Frontier- Fine or Whine? A shout-out to Bamboo Air in Vietnam

This week: Andrew Levy, Founder, Chairman & CEO Avelo Airlines;  British Airways, alternative fuel, & questions needing answers; Can American replace the  LATAM alliance loss with GOL? Who will get the open slots at Newark? A listener challenges the argument for PFCs, & from Australia: Potential for a Spirit/Frontier merger? An upset Delta Elite-Fine or Whine?

This week: Dave Dickson, Fmr Airline Audit Chair at Ernst & Young; 9-11 recollections; Stepped up employee Covid requirements; Navigating airline labor concerns and shortages; Alternate fuel use by 2030; Listener Q's; Why did I get a meal in economy? Stuck on the tarmac for 6 hours - Fine or Whine?

THANK YOU for landing us in the top 1% of all podcasts! This week: Guest: Christina Cassotis CEO Allegheny County Airport Authority (Pittsburgh); Business travel's slower return; Q3 reports/projections; Southwest Pilots sue; Boeing 787 delivery delays; Listener questions, Fine or Whine? & Shoutouts.

This week: Our correspondent Chris Sloan on JetBlue's inaugural London flight; Delta's insurance surcharge for unvaccinated employees; Arrivederci to Alitalia; Southwest cuts 27 flights; British Air launching a low cost carrier. Next week: We celebrate episode #100!

This week: Guest: Felix Antelo, President/CEO, Viva Air Colombia; The mask mandate extension; A look at new data on service and customer satisfaction; Listener question: "My wife didn't board the plane, why did her bag still fly?"; An Alaska Airlines passenger complaint-Fine or Whine?

This week: A wide-ranging labor discussion with Jerry Glass of F&H Solutions Group; Covid variant alters recovery outlook; JetBlue's inaugural flight to London; Spirit's meltdown recovery process;  Listener Q's: from Italy regarding Wizz Air; Should Delta re-brand? Southwest pricing complaint-Fine or Whine? Shout-outs.

This week: Chris Sloan talks Ghost Airports (Boo!); The Spirit operational meltdown; Copa Airlines Q2 results & competitive advantages; United's Scott Kirby announces 100% employee vaccine requirement; The Frontier duct tape passenger take-down. Plus listener questions and shout-outs.

This week, Guest: John Heimlich, VP/Chief Economist, Airlines for America; New Covid guidelines; Delta extends elite benefits to 2023; What Southwest's new deal with Sabre means; United's buying spree continues; Plus Fine? or Whine?

This week: How do engine purchases really work? Encouraging earnings reports? Is the outlook for business travel bullish...or bull****? Breeze pulls back; Congress getting into delays/cancellations; Listener Q: Why no Delta Lounge access with my first class ticket?

This week: Interview with Barry Eccleston, former CEO Airbus America; Delta turns a profit in Q2; Listener question: Was Southwest caught with their pants down? Plus shout-outs.

This week: New regulations on fee transparency & refunds? More United flights on the way; Startup Avelo quickly drops 3 cities; New entrant Play debuts; Listener question: Why are airfare prices higher now? and a shoutout to Brad Paisley!

This week: Interview with Greg Webb, CEO Travelport - plus holiday weekend travel observations; Examining the United new aircraft order; American sues Sabre Corporation; Is Southwest Airlines being mean to Skiplagged? Support service staffing shortages; Fine or Whine & shoutouts.

This week: New Southwest CEO-Changes? British Airways puts some employees back on furlough; Aircraft orders by United & Delta; Flight cuts at American due to "an employee shortage";   Listener question: Why no ASM level reports?  Wide-body and pilot pay potential.

This Week: Interview - David Short, Fmr. Acting Under Secretary for Policy @DOT;  Multiple airlines experience tech system issues; Single pilot long haul flights by 2025? Can airlines confiscate your miles for bad behavior?

This week: Spirit dives into Miami-why now? How will American react? 737 MAX is back; Virgin Atlantic & American invest in vertical aerospace; How are FAA passenger fines handled? Stay tuned in for BONUS interview Ken Witcher, Dean Embry-Riddle;

This week: Mike Cox from Seabury Capital on current airline realities, demand for single vs twin aisle aircraft and more; United goes supersonic; The report on UFO sightings; Listener Question: How vulnerable are aircraft to cyber hackers? Complaint: Accused of vaping in the bathroom & kicked off the plane-Fine? or Whine?

This week: General Counsel & Secretary of the Flight Safety Foundation & top ranked aviation lawyer Ken Quinn; The Belarus hijacking of a Ryan Air flight;Our roving reporter Chris Sloan reviews the inaugural flight of Breeze. A Southwest complaint-Fine? or Whine? Listener questions & shout-outs.

This week: An interview with Brian Kough, Aviation Week's Senior Director of Forecast & Aerospace Insights; Ryan Air's subsidy case; How Americans getting fatter affects operating envelope rulings; Can Delta legally require new employees to be vaccinated?

This week: An interview with Paul Kinstedt COO, Republic Airways; The 737-Max update; Frontier tries to cramp Avelo Airlines in Burbank, A listener question on the return of change/cancelation fees; A bag fee hassle-Fine? or Whine? The week's Shout-outs.

This week: From MRO Americas: Colby Harvey CEO of Rizse; Air France & KLM raising more capital; Are airlines being both bullish and pessimistic? Breeze changes course on structuring Flight Attendant position; A question about aircraft maintenance;  This week's shout outs.

This week: From MRO Americas an interview w/ Lydia Janow, Managing Dir. Events/Tradeshows @‎Aviation Week; Our Roving Correspondent Chris Sloan reviews the 1st JetBlue A220 flight & The 1st Flight of new airline Avelo; Summer capacity projections, listener questions, shoutouts.

This week: Southwest reports a profit due to government funding; Avelo Airlines debuts; Atlanta gets replaced as world's busiest airport; Should the mask mandate be extended?; Listener comments, Fine or Whine? and shout-outs.

This week: David Grizzle former FAA COO talks public vs private, technology implementation, his tour of duty in Afghanistan & much more; Another issue with the 737-Max; Canada's approach to supporting it's airlines; Listener questions/corrections; This week's shout outs.

This week: A look at how summer capacity is shaping up; Impact on the US cruise industry; Will vaccination cards become mandatory for travel? Say goodbye to the hellish experience of Gate 35X at DCA;  A listener asks if his "nice guy" gesture cost Delta $800; Shout-outs of the week.

This week: Special Guest Declan Ryan Chairman/President Viva Air on low cost carriers as an investment & much more; Also, what to keep an eye on in the proposed 2 Trillion dollar infrastructure bill; New guidance from the CDC; A pilot listener comment on Scope negotiations; Passenger complaint: My vouchers are expiring-they won't extend them, Fine? or Whine?

This week: The scope of pilot union contracts; Frontier introduces a new type of lighter weight seat; A look at Frontier and Sun Country IPOs; Listener question about low-cost transatlantic service; and shout-outs of the week.

This week: Special Guest Helane Becker, Airline Analyst-how she builds her financial models and much more; Plus a listener question on Allegiant's earnings call; We hear from a female pilot about federal funding, seniority list placement; A complaint about Lufthansa on a minor being split from travel companion-Fine? or Whine? A shoutout to Alaska Airlines.

This week: Covid Funding bill passes & 27,000 furloughs recalled; Restrictions with the money? CDC with a confusing travel alert; A good time to start an airline? Which one would Ben bet on? Listener question on Allegiant's disruption capability; shout-outs of the week.

This week: Airline icon Bob Crandall. Topics include deregulation, stock buy-backs, government bailouts, and how the industry is handling the Covid crisis; A listener question on how airlines design & research their routes; What is refrigerator scheduling? Complaint: The air nozzles didn't work-Fine or Whine?; plus our shout-outs of the week.

This Week: The IAG acquisition of Air Europa - will it create a mega-hub in Madrid? Can the Frenchbee A350 with 488 seats be profitable? What % of people would give up sex for a year to be able to travel again? Listener question: Why was Qatar flying from LAX to Mexico City? Plus this week's shoutouts...including the TSA?

This week: Weather & damage; $14 billion stimulus to airlines?; Are single pilot planes coming soon?; Amy has a question about "QC" airplanes; Kyle asks: Is there a "list price" for a commercial jetliner? Fatima has a complaint about Qatar Airways - Fine? or Whine?

This week: A trial balloon that didn't fly; New routes announced; A look OAG data indicates who's actually travelling; Listener complaint: Hawaiian Airlines charged $300 in change fees - Fine or Whine? and this week's shout-outs.

This Week: Special Guest WSJ Travel Editor Scott McCartney with the Best & Worst US Airlines of 2020; Airline staffing and who's asking for more government funding; A listener upset with United ticketing "schemes"- Fine? or Whine?

This week: The staggering amount US Airlines lost this past year; What were Southwest and American really saying in their earnings calls? Will pre-flight Covid testing for all domestic passengers be a requirement soon? New slot rules...now?  A pilot/listener follows up on pilots breaks during flight; Shout-outs to Peter Ingram and Gary Kelly.

This week: United shows leadership; A look into the new Washington DC leadership change; What qualifies someone to be Secretary of Transportation? Special guest Richard Mintz; and a Spirit complaint-Fine? or Whine? *Note: We apologize for some audio technical difficulties this week.

Delta says they can hit cash break even by summer. Can they? Norwegian ceases transatlantic flights.How long is OK for a pilot to be out of the cockpit during a flight? and Dan gets the Geek of the Week Award for his question of Yield vs PRASM

Welcome Ben's new Co-Host Chris Chiames; Can Chinese state-owned Comac succeed in the USA? Ryan Air's covid ad campaign; Listener question on SkyWest's; Should the people who stormed Capitol Hill be banned from flying? and is Alexandra's complaint about Alaska rebooking her and not letting her take her cats onboard - "Fine or Whine?"

Seth with a big announcement; We welcome Chris Chiames to the podcast; A look at how holiday travel went; Listener questions: Is a 717 or 757-Max in our future? Did Boeing actually benefit from corner cutting? and Richard in Houston has a complaint about Delta Comfort-Fine? or Whine?

Wishing you a Happy New Year! A listener question: Is the Saint Louis airport going away? What is United currently flying from St Louis and what makes hubs succeed or fail? Another listener asks:  Is the FAA too cozy with Boeing regarding the 737 Max? and a "Fine or Whine" complaint that's a very clear Fine!

This Week: Jet Blue new flight destinations including Miami? Did one airline accidentally match another airline's business class pricing mistake? Insider trivia: What is the "through flight assignment model"?and a baggage compensation complaint in India - Fine? or Whine?

This week: 2020 Holiday travel; Aircraft financing; The logic of flight numbers; A complaint about Aeromexico - Fine? or Whine? and is Covid isolation good for redheads?

This week: Special guest Chris Sloan from The Airchive; The 737-Max takes flight again. How will people feel about flying on it? Why does Delta have multiple Midwest hubs? What's the business structure of airline alliances? and Seth has a complaint about Spirit...is it Fine? or a Whine?

This week: Airlines & the distribution of the covid vaccine; Does one airline actually taxi faster than other airlines? A passenger gets arrested while behaving badly; and a complaint about KLM ticket change charge - Fine? or Whine?

This week: An Asiana - Korean Air merger? An update of the AA rules around heavy wheelchairs; Letter grades on how individual airlines are handling the covid situation from a business & customer perspective; and Charlene says her United plane was dirty and she felt unsafe...Fine? or Whine?

This week: Southwest adds to their 737 Max fleet; A flight attendant behaves badly; A weight limit for wheelchairs? and a complaint about United asking for proof of death.

This week: Saluting all Veterans; Current opportunities in the airline industry; Do exclusive gate deal for airlines still exist? Anthony with a complaint about a paid boarding upgrade on Southwest - Fine? or Whine?

This week: Will holiday travel demand return? First-ever Southwest layoffs? How long will passengers who refuse to wear a mask be banned from flying? Passengers Behaving Badly...on Spirit; and is a Frontier pricing complaint Fine? or a Whine?

This week: Lots o' listener questions and a couple of corrections; Do emergency operations differ between airlines? The deal on Southwest at Love Field; Cousin Ross the pilot clears up some info on turbulence; Why is Delta still flying a 767-400? and a complaint about Copa Airlines-Fine? or Whine?

This week: TSA one-day passenger count hits 1 million; Southwest breaking into United territory; A passenger behaves badly yelling and coughing on EasyJet; and in Fine or Whine, the passenger blames the pilot for turbulence.

This week: Recorded LIVE on stage at the Boyd Group IAFS in Cincinnati with special guest Mike Boyd. Southwest's surprising moves; What changes in the industry will be perminent?; Study: Airflow IN the aircraft; & a Passenger Behaving Badly on Allegiant.

This week: Airline network moves; What's Jet Blue up to in Newark?; Passengers behaving badly; Pam in Palm Beach with a very legit complaint. Attending the Boyd Group IAFS? We'll see you in Cincinnati next week.

This week: Is American close to an employee deal? How does that timing work with a government bailout? A follow up on DC restricted airspace; More about the value of frequent flier programs; and listener questions and comments.

The week: Some of the economics of frequent flyer programs; A listener question about restricted airspace around the Whitehouse; A complaint about Delta Comfort Plus; and Ben discovers some "other" Seth Kaplans.

This week: Is United staffing sports charters with flight attendants based on looks?; Airport codes followup with much listener input & the story on BWI; Seth on ease of refunds; and a customer complaint about AA in "Fine or Whine".

This week: Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes fees changing; Why would Southwest be launching service in Miami?; How does an airport change it code?; A listener question about new service to Orange County; and a listener complaint about a Delta change fee - Fine? or Whine?

This Week: The roller coaster trends in new bookings; It is getting riskier or safer to fly?; More about the middle(seat); Passengers behaving Badly; and "The gate agent said OK but I still got charged!" Fine or Whine?

This week: The new numbers on airline job losses; Our listeners correct us on a few things; and in "Fine or Whine" why did one passenger get charged $400 for his bags when the airline said it was only supposed to be $100?

An invitation from Ben Baldanza to Airlines Confidential listeners to join and participate in an Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University LIVE Zoom event Wed Aug 26th.

This week: An update/discussion on federal aviation industry bailout dollars; How is airline business for September shaping up? A listener question on the ADA, reasonable accommodations, and masks; A passenger behaving badly in Phoenix; and another "Fine or Whine?"

This week: Why are airline stocks up? Some ramifications of a tighter mask policy; Is American singing kumbaya with it's pilots? Lots of listener comments questions and answers. Plus "United won't let me go to Croatia" Fine or Whine?

This week: Update on federal aid & employee furloughs; Are airlines critical to economic recovery?; Listener question on turning off devices; passenger complaint about United and refunds-Fine? or Whine?

This week: Frontier IPO gets postponed; What does an airline Board of Directors actually discuss?;This week's Passenger Behaving Badly; and Edith in GA with a complaint about pricing on American: "Fine? or Whine?"

This week: What does the new American/JetBlue partnership mean to you?; 3 passengers behave really badly; Listener question: How do airlines keep track of mentally ill pilots?; and a customer complaint-is it fine? or just a whine?

This Week: JetBlue's major West Coast service change; MIT study: Do your odds of dying from Covid-19 change if the middle seat is filled?  Passengers Behaving Badly:  1 with a gun. The other a US Senator; Listener question on credit card use for inflight purchases; and who do those masks protect?

This week: Empty middle seats-Healthier or just marketing? 7000 literally take a trip to nowhere; Are seatback screens worth the cost to the airlines? A private jet lands in Italy and officials won't let the American's off - Fine or Whine?

This week: Middle seats and masks on planes; Listener question: is Delta yesterday's genius? How can 30,000 passengers stop behaving badly?Customer complaint: I booked then had to pay more later- Fine or Whine?

This week: How do the cruise lines affect the airlines? Will an MBA get you a job in airline management? Complaint: The worst seat on the plane "Fine or Whine?"; No Mask or MEGA hat got him banned from AA?

This week: Why seemingly similar airlines are taking different business approaches; A look at July airline schedules; A listener question about saving fuel while taxiing; and passenger behaving badly...involving alcohol.

This week: What year will the airline industry recover?; Ben's 2-airport adventure; AA CEO's noteworthy experience on a Southwest flight; The status of regional airlines; and this week's customer complaint: "Fine or Whine?"

This week: Airline employee buyout and layoff options; Frontier, Southwest announce new routes; Passengers Behaving Badly; and "Fine or Whine?"

This week: The biggest airline bankruptcy yet; Who are the 3 best airline execs of all time?; Passengers Behaving Badly with women's underwear; and is the complaint fine? or is it a whine?

This week: Exclusive Stats! Scheduled vs Actual Operating flights data; One Airline says it's laying off older workers to "keep the workforce young"; A listener complaint in "Fine or Whine" on a Southwest boarding incident.

This week: Avianca goes Ch 11; Is United getting leaner or just meaner?; Is this a good time to start a new airline? and in "Fine or Whine" was it really going to get choppy or did the crew just want a break?

This week: Flying? You'll now be wearing a mask; Big cuts come to United and others; Passengers Behaving Badly-on Spirit-and this time things got bloody.

This Week: How airlines are handling elite status and refunds; A crackdown on using "hidden cities"; in Fine or Whine: A Qantas complaint; and Seth sings again (at the end)

This week: Virgin Australia enters Voluntary Administration (essentially Chapter 11); How can governments get bailouts right? Are middle seats gone forever? and this week's "Fine or Whine" complaint: Why is Southwest keeping my money?

This Week: Is Coronavirus the fault of airlines? Who currently has the leverage on aircraft purchases? A Passenger Behaving Badly misinterprets Spirit's Bare Fares marketing; and in "Fine or Whine" - Why can't my dog fly Delta?

This Week: Are airlines now an acquisition target? RavnAir files Chapter 11; Is there currently an opportunity to reinvent the airline business? Passengers Behaving Badly (in a bathroom); and this week's passenger complaint in "Fine or Whine".

This week: Some airline news not involving Coronavirus; Huge bailout for Singapore Airlines - what about USA Airlines?; Passengers Behaving Badly; and Seth sings (at the end of the podcast).

This week: Is there a case to be made for optimism? Which airlines may be best able to weather the storm? Restrictions on government financial assistance; Passengers Behaving Badly, and more.

This week: A global crisis for the airline industry; Fuel hedging; A passenger behaving *very* badly; and this week's complaint in "Fine? or Whine?"

This Week: How some airline CEO's are thinking about the current challenges in the industry, including the effects of Coronavirus; One passenger behaving very badly; This week's complaint- Fine? or Whine?

This week: How big should your under-seat bag be allowed to be? JetBlue makes a change in their refund policy; and this week's complaint from a listener in Hawaii about Alaska Air..Is it fine? or just a whine?

This Week: An airline is going out of business but you might not even notice; More on the effects of the Coronavirus on travel; another installment of Passengers Behaving Badly; and this week's passenger complaint-is it fine? or is it a whine?

This week: Reclining in your seat-what space is really yours? Alaska Airlines joins Oneworld; Why does Delta seem so good? New segment: passengers behaving badly!

#017 This week: Are American Airlines employees getting too good a deal in the new compensation agreement? Get ready for America's exciting new start-up airline - can it succeed? and in this week's "Fine or Whine" customer complaint segment Ben and Seth seem to be in complete agreement.

016: This week: The Coronavirus and how it might affect your travel; Is a Southwest safety response concerning?; A listener question about airline regulation; and in "Fine or Whine" a customer complaint about her gift card not being valid.

This week: Is that poisonous snake really a support animal? (new rules coming); Who should be examining the black box following an incident? How much profit does an airline make from each flight? "Fine or Whine?" listener complaint segment: How come there's no window next to my window seat?

This Week: Does Boeing need to change their aircraft branding? How do low cost airlines keep the cost low? A customer complaint begs the question...When does it make sense for you to purchase frequent flyer miles?

This Week: Tips on what to look for if an airline might be going out of business; Will the Iran situation affect air travel? How do airlines decide which flights to cancel? Customer Complaint: Did the credit card holder deserve to get charged for bags? Find out in "Fine or Whine".

This Week: Do frequent fliers increase the carbon footprint? High vs Low cost airports, what is the Airline Rat Pack, a customer complaint (about Spirit!)"fine...or whine?"

This Episode: What the Congo Airways plane purchase tells us, Delta's maintenance advantage, Flashback: Keith Olbermann calls Ben the 2nd worst person in the world, and which airlines get the most complaints?

This Week: Delta stops certain auto-upgrades. Is Southwest really a low-cost carrier? Is the A380 on it's way out? Plus this week's customer complaint - Fine? or Whine?

This Week: More delays around the holidays or just seems like it? The 3 hour rule. How long is "too long" a flight? Plus this week's listener complaint - "Fine? or Whine?"

This Week: Change at the top of United. A peek behind the scenes at an airline CEO change. Are "on-time" stats meaningful? and...hear from a customer upset that his airline "stole" his miles. Did they?

This week: Is pilot training currently the most difficult issue facing aviation? An airline worker labor dispute update. And...Seth volunteers to be bumped, gets a flight +$1500...so what's his issue?

This episode: Is the FAA looking more closely at safety? The most/least expensive airports to fly in/out of...and why? Industry job talent needs. And Viktor the 22 pound cat takes a flight...with consequences.

This Week: What exactly do you get (and NOT get) with a "Basic Economy" fare? Are Frequent Flier Miles becoming extinct? plus... is boarding from the rear of the plane any faster?

Boeing & Airbus: Fleet commonality and profitability. More about when to purchase your ticket at the best price, and is a listener's pricing complaint fine or just whining?

This Episode: International Airlines Group (IAG) owner of British Airways and many more, buys another airline, is buying your ticket via Hotwire/Priceline/Expedia a great deal?, and ESPN's Randy Moss flies to Bristol...sort of.

What's next for the 737-Max & Would you fly on it? Is your airline telling you the truth about your flight delay? This week's customer complaint: Is it fine...or is it a whine?

This Week: Why do airlines bump paying passengers? What's the deal with all these annoying fees? Are planes without pilots coming soon? Complaint of the week - is it fine? or is it a whine?