Doug and Drew ring in the holiday season with our rendition of Home for the Holidays - don’t worry, its just the first two verses. Where exactly was Karen Carpenter when she was singing about people coming and going through Pennsylvania for some homemade pumpkin pie? PHL, PIT, or MEM? We tank dive which airport she was in and which airline. Also on this episode. The traffic is terrific - heavy load factors this week How NOT to run a Winter Operation Frontier’s Unlimited Flight Pass 5G interferen...
Nov 21, 2022•57 min•Ep 156•Transcript available on Metacast Doug and Drew were on flip flop and laptop trips this week (we'll explain) with Doug being best man and wedding cruise director and Drew working LAX Ops. We also discuss: ITA ownership and Italian government control Boeing betting on China despite a trade war Embraer 195-E2 vs 737 Max 7 We end the episode talking about how failures got us to where we are. https://www.nexttripnetwork.com/ https://www.nexttripnetwork.com/...
Nov 14, 2022•57 min•Ep 155•Transcript available on Metacast Doug and Drew are back to work with Drew hosting an avgeek group with the airport authority and Doug doing his last simulator ride on the KC10. Doug squeezes in a quick trip to see family and breaks his reluctance to use his standby airline travel benefits. Also in this episode. Mexico’s president Obrador wants foreign airlines to compete for domestic traffic Airbus makes the A350 cabin wider. Is 10 across coming? Frontier, now free from merger talks, is interested in the A321XLR and internation...
Nov 07, 2022•55 min•Ep 154•Transcript available on Metacast Doug and Drew, taping from a Houston airline lounge, are fresh off their excellent avgeek adventure to Europe. We’re excited to regale you with our stories about tailcams, nail-biting nonrev travel, Eurobiz, and Singapore Business Class. This whirlwind trip included flying on SAS to Copenhagen, then Manchester, and back to the US on Singapore Airlines. We enjoyed visiting and getting to know listeners in both cities. Thanks to Dominik and David for showing us around! We also discuss: American re...
Oct 31, 2022•57 min•Ep 153•Transcript available on Metacast Drew’s flight instructor tells him to get ready to rock and roll with high winds. We discuss turbulence, crosswind landings, and “beating up” the pattern. We also discuss:: United, American, and Lufthansa earnings. Cathay Pacific finally adding flights Hawaiian operating freighters for Amazon We end with a tease about our European trip next week. https://www.nexttripnetwork.com/ https://www.nexttripnetwork.com/...
Oct 24, 2022•54 min•Ep 152•Transcript available on Metacast Drew is back from a Winter Ops meeting and Doug is at a nondescript hotel room (sound familiar) getting rested for a red eye flight. We talk about company loyalty and how it has changed over the years. The example we used was a listener poll on whether airlines should board employee standbys by time of check in or seniority. The answers will surprise you! We also discuss: Delta third quarter results United may order 100 widebodies Why do airlines hold seats? https://www.nexttripnetwork.com/ http...
Oct 17, 2022•1 hr 1 min•Ep 151•Transcript available on Metacast Doug see’s some strange lights on a red eye flight between SFO an EWR and other flights report the same. The FAA hasn’t come back with any confirmation so we have some fun with what we think they might be. Drew and Doug meet up at IAD to take a look at Drew’s workplace and Doug’s office (a 777 flight deck). Also on this episode: IAD mobile lounges Supply chain issues delaying Boeing and Airbus deliveries FAA Category 1 and 2 airlines FAA increases flight attendant minimum rest time to 10 hours f...
Oct 10, 2022•1 hr 1 min•Ep 150•Transcript available on Metacast This week our thoughts are with our listeners in Florida who are dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Ian. We highlight NOAA and their work studying and other storms, to improve forecasts, and we take a close look at their Hurricane Hunter aircraft. Currently two Lockheed WP-3D aircraft named Kermit and Ms. Piggy are tasked with flying into the eye’s of storms. An engineer on one of the passes through Ian called it the worst flight he’s ever had in terms of turbulence! Other topics on this ep...
Oct 03, 2022•49 min•Ep 149•Transcript available on Metacast Leave it to our British friends to turn a line into an institution. We discuss The Queue to pay last respects to Queen Elizabeth and guess what? There's an aviation tangent. Drew regales Doug with his trip to LAX via Fargo and LAX to DC via Maui (it's complicated). Also on this episode: Cargo traffic declines while passenger loads stay strong FAA upholds 1,500 hour requirement for pilots to fly for scheduled carriers IATA kicks EWR out of the NYC airports designation Join the conversat...
Sep 26, 2022•55 min•Ep 148•Transcript available on Metacast World traveler and friend of the show, Ian, joins us to talk about frequent flier programs and the benefits of having status on multiple airlines. He mentions the “holy trinity” 🤣 of the Star Alliance, oneworld, and Skyteam and being elite on all three. We also discuss whether Boom's Overture will go forward after Rolls Royce announced they’re leaving the project, the rise in business travel, and the United/Emirates partnership. Find Ian on Instagram at @iandeyoung https://www.nexttripnetw...
Sep 19, 2022•57 min•Ep 147•Transcript available on Metacast We're semi-unplugged this week with Doug taping with his cellphone from a layover hotel room. Forgive us for too much realness on this MacGyver'ed episode. Drew gives an update on private pilot training and Doug is back from a 2nd LHR trip. We discuss what rights you have when your flight cancels. Surprise, you will get less from ULCC's (ultra low cost carriers). The DOT hss created a dashboard to help you fund the answers at: Customer Sevice Dashboard Other topics on this episode...
Sep 12, 2022•57 min•Ep 146•Transcript available on Metacast Doug has the smoothest flight ever to Eefrow (London Heathrow) and Drew is planning to fill in as ops manager at SFO where his airline career started. Doug’s flight from SFO to LHR carries the legacy of Pan Am flight 1 which flew the route in the 90’s. Pan Am flight 1 of yore flew around the world in 1947. We discuss the other “Flight 1’s” of the world which represent several airline’s most prestigious routes. Also on the episode: United and Emirates plan a possible codeshare agreement Italy’s I...
Sep 05, 2022•51 min•Ep 145•Transcript available on Metacast High wing or low wing, what’s better and what’s the difference? We discuss that, trying to sleep during a 3 hour break on an 11 hour flight (spoiler…it’s hard), and a glass cockpit in a Cessna 172. Also: Sizing airlines by available seat miles Inflation is easing and so are ticket prices Frontier is free from merger shackles with Spirit and plans for huge growth Join the conversation! https://www.nexttripnetwork.com/ https://www.nexttripnetwork.com/...
Aug 29, 2022•58 min•Ep 144•Transcript available on Metacast This week’s show has an airport theme with our buddy Francis, an airport ops supervisor, joining us for the 2nd time. Francis explains airport classifications, signage, and how they deal with diversions. We also dicuss: American Airlines joining the list of customers for the Boom SST Why tarmacs are made of asphalt or concrete We end with a quick lesson on airport signage and lighting that will raise your avgeek credentials. Join the conversation! https://www.nexttripnetwork.com/ https://www.nex...
Aug 22, 2022•1 hr 1 min•Ep 143•Transcript available on Metacast Doug and Drew meet up in California and tape in person. Drew takes Doug to Concord Buchanan Airport where he started his aviation career as a lineserviceman. Doug tells us about his first charter flight and how being on reserve is like nonreving for your job. Also on this episode: The Jetblue/Spirit merger and ticket prices We meet up with Nate of “In the Air” on Youtube for spotting We spend a lot of time bantering with each other, and you, so sit back, relax, and enjoy the trip, the Next Trip!...
Aug 15, 2022•56 min•Ep 142•Transcript available on Metacast Doug embarks on his Atlantic IOE with a flight to Frankfurt that is pure aviation magic from two sunsets, during takeoff, and a rare view of the aurora borealis on a summertime flight. Drew might be changing from Team Piper to Team Cessna with a new instructor and flight school. A Cessna with a low budget “EICAS” system…whaaat? Also: In-class vs. in-the-field training 787 deliveries are starting up again Forget hate-selling, BA is “not-selling” tickets on LHR short haul FAA asks for public comme...
Aug 08, 2022•1 hr 1 min•Ep 141•Transcript available on Metacast Are we seeing aviation stabilizing as airlines hire workers back and the travel surge starts to ease? We discuss positive trends we’re seeing in the supply chain, load factors, and our daily work life. Also on this episode: The Spirit merger Toronto Pearson Airport struggles with explosive travel growth Boeing forecasts the global air fleet to double in the next 20 years Engine failures on a 777 and a Piper Warrior We end the show answering some great questions about LCC’s, pilot training, and d...
Aug 01, 2022•1 hr 7 min•Ep 140•Transcript available on Metacast Summer travel is in full swing and so are Doug with a family vacation, and Drew with a busy airport operation. We give you tips on how to avoid drama at the airport by planning ahead. Get there early, have back up plans, use the airline apps, and check the FAA's National Airspace System Status to avoid problem airports. Also on this episode: The Boom Overture SST makes progress Alaska launches electronic bag tags in the US Piper Warrior and Boeing 777 takeoff procedures Join the conversatio...
Jul 25, 2022•1 hr 7 min•Ep 139•Transcript available on Metacast Would you pay extra to use a flat bed on a long flight? Air New Zealand thinks you will with their Skynest which are 6 stacked bunks mid cabin. We discuss this and commiserata about both of our crazy work days negotiating East Coast thunderstorms and a pigeon (?). Drew is hitting the private pilot training books and Doug has a previous KC10 pilot and coworker jumpseating on his flight. Also on this episode: The Jetblue and Fronter merger courtship of Spirit continues Heathrow turning away passen...
Jul 18, 2022•1 hr 6 min•Ep 138•Transcript available on Metacast Matt joins us for the third time and is now an official co-host! His love for aviation started as a nonrev flying on his dad’s benefits on the original Frontier. He then went from ramper, to operations agent, to zone controller, to customer service supervisor, and finally to travel agent. He regales us with stories from when suits were required for employees. We also discuss: Travel chaos from Sydney to Amsterdam as airlines cope with heavy traffic SAS files for bankruptcy Singapore Airlines Nor...
Jul 11, 2022•1 hr 7 min•Ep 137•Transcript available on Metacast Happy 4th of July to our American listeners! On this holiday weekend Doug gets a call to fly to Taiwan, 20 minutes after the check-in time, to cover a 777 first officer opening. We tape with Doug in a glorified hotel “jail” cell in Taipei with the country still under severe Covid-19 restrictions. We talk about Doug’s trip to Asia, Drew’s “seconds to cancelation” story about how everything has to come together in Airport Ops to get a flight out of the gate and off the ground. We also discuss: The...
Jul 04, 2022•54 min•Ep 136•Transcript available on Metacast Just off our Boeing 777 and Piper Warrior flights we are pumped up and ready to talk aviation! Doug gets to fly a frequent flier across the 4 million mile mark and Drew gets comfortable with Warrior landing patterns and touch and goes. We then dive into: A listener’s poll about how you decide on what ticket to buy (price, schedule, service?) Jetblue increases its offer for Spirit US Transportation Secretary asks airlines to do better Air India is in talks to buy 300 narrowbodies and 50 A350’s Sk...
Jun 27, 2022•1 hr 2 min•Transcript available on Metacast Doug is fresh off his first 777 flight with a trip from San Francisco to Honolulu, to Guam, and back. Drew has a bunch of questions for Doug on the 777 and the airports he visited, and has his own story flying the other end of the spectrum - a single engine Piper Warrior. Other topics on this episode: Biden Administration lifts the testing requirement to travel to the US Jetblue/Spirit/Frontier merger triangle drama continues The new Air Force One will not have the Trump inspired dark livery - w...
Jun 20, 2022•1 hr 4 min•Ep 134•Transcript available on Metacast Drew heads out to California with Next Trip contributor, Greg from Kentucky, while Doug waits to fly the 777. We discuss Kentucky aviation and our crazy trip out to LAX which involved a few changes due to full flights everywhere. Greg talks about Cincinnati, Ohio’s airport, CVG, which is actually in Kentucky, the large cargo hub at Louisville, and the lack of air service at Lexington. We also discuss: Jetblue sweetens the pot with a better offer for Spirit Is it time to make airplanes wider? Joi...
Jun 13, 2022•54 min•Ep 133•Transcript available on Metacast Doug is still waiting to be called to work his first 777 flight and Drew gets some family time in between crazy busy operations shifts. Busy or not, we always find time for our avgeek podcast break. Speaking of work and pleasure, what’s a good term for a combination business/leisure trip? Bleisure, Lisness, WFV (working from vacation)? We share your great ideas. What is CRM, crew resource management, and how does it apply in any work environment, not just on the flight deck? Also on this show: C...
Jun 06, 2022•1 hr•Ep 132•Transcript available on Metacast Doug is going stir crazy at home waiting for “the call”, with his first 777 assignment, and Drew is trying to keep the operation from getting crazy with 4 ramp closures for lightning within a few hours. To get our minds off our week, we obsess about why the 767-400 wasn’t successful with only 37 built. We continue our discussion about a new “Golden Age” of aviation with Bombardier flight testing the Global 8000, which will be the fastest passenger airplane, and the growth of luxurious airport lo...
May 30, 2022•59 min•Ep 131•Transcript available on Metacast What was the first airline alliance - was it STAR, NW/KL, oneworld, Wings? We discuss international alliances that help improve revenues and ease passenger connectivity across carriers. Also, we believe we may be entering a new Golden Age of Aviation with supersonic airliners running on sustainable fuel, electric sea gliders, and airlines competing on improved passenger experience. Doug waits for the call to fly his first 777 and Drew has a busy week with flight training, irregular ops at work, ...
May 23, 2022•1 hr 4 min•Ep 130•Transcript available on Metacast What's better, having a middle seat open, lounge access, and high quality meals, or a bigger seat? We discuss Eurobiz vs US domestic First. Other topics on this episode: Non-pairwise widebodies…what are they? Japan may open to tourists Fedex gets it’s first SkyCourier - weird but functional Republic Airways asks for minimum new pilots hours of 750 vs 1,500 WN improves inflight product Avianca and GOL try to team up Join the conversation! https://www.nexttripnetwork.com/ https://www.nexttrip...
May 16, 2022•1 hr 1 min•Ep 129•Transcript available on Metacast Drew is fresh off his third private pilot training flight so get ready for more small plane pilot memoirs. Doug is more excited about Drew’s business trip and asks him if it was better than Zoom - spoiler…..uhhh YES!! Also on this episode: Qantas orders the A350-1000 to launch Project Sunrise nonstop flights between Sydney and London and New York Spirit rejects jetBlue's offer to merge Airlines offer reduced price or free wifi. Does wifi or messaging affect which airline you choose The FAA&...
May 09, 2022•1 hr 5 min•Ep 128•Transcript available on Metacast We’re going from Guppies (737’s) to Bigfoot (777) as Doug finishes 777 training. One of the striking features of the 777 is its huge main landing, the largest on any aircraft. We dig into landing gear and getting aircraft on the ground vs. off the ground on this episode. Other topics discussed Drew flies jetBlue Mint for the first time Delta flight attendants start getting paid during boarding Is the A220 the 787 of long, thin domestic routes. Breeze starts A220 transcon flights ANA says outlook...
May 02, 2022•59 min•Ep 127•Transcript available on Metacast 
