On-Air with Dan and Alex

Viral 777 Low Pass Backlash, Ryanair Controversy, Power Bank Bans 01.07.2026 45min

On this episode of On-Air, Dan and Alex break down the viral Boeing 777 low pass over Horseshoe Bay Resort in Texas, the Jetran aircraft destined for Qatar Airways Cargo that flew within feet of the ground, and why the FAA is now investigating. They also compare US airlines versus European airlines in 2026, discussing Delta's LAX lounge and the shifting balance of cabin quality.The conversation moves to Ryanair's family seating fee reversal following a UK CMA probe, new EU261 compensation rules, and mandatory carry-on legislation in Europe. A public service announcement covers the rising risk of lithium battery and power bank fires on aircraft, including CAA data on overheating incidents.Q&A covers Japan Airlines' infant seat map feature, why Riyadh Air exists separately from Saudia, and Air Zimbabwe's resumed Harare to London Gatwick route after a 14 year absence. Aviation news, airline reviews, and travel industry analysis from Nonstop Dan.Please send us your questions, topics, or opinions via direct message on Instagram below.Follow Nonstop Dan on YouTube and Instagram.Follow Alex Macheras on X (Twitter) and Instagram.Contact for sponsorship: collabs@nonstopdan.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Aircraft Dan Flew as a Kid Was Destroyed by a Missile 24.06.2026 45min

Dan is recovering from a mysterious illness that sent him spiraling through AI diagnoses, hospital visits, and an emergency hotel stay, while Alex shares hard-won food safety lessons from decades of globe-trotting. Then the conversation shifts to airline catering: how it works, why it sometimes fails, and the current crisis at American Airlines forcing double catering out of Heathrow. The episode also covers Dan's emotional farewell to the Airbus A340-600, including the shocking discovery that the exact aircraft he flew as a child was later destroyed by a missile strike in Iran. Plus: Somalia's viral new airline Rayan Air operating a 36-year-old Fokker 50, Africa's smart legislation forcing better aircraft on their routes, airline consolidation targets in Europe, Emirates equipment swaps amid post-war schedule uncertainty, and a hypothetical Alaska/Hawaiian/JetBlue merger that could reshape US aviation.Please send us your questions, topics, or opinions via direct message on Instagram below.Follow Nonstop Dan on YouTube and Instagram.Follow Alex Macheras on X (Twitter) and Instagram.Contact for sponsorship: collabs@nonstopdan.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The One Where Dan Flies Riyadh Air (Behind The Scenes) 19.06.2026 59min

Dan is fresh off the inaugural Riyadh Air domestic flight from Riyadh to Jeddah — one of the first people in the world to fly the airline since it launched operations. He and Alex break down the full experience: the stunning cabin aesthetics, the dense seat configurations, the dry airline policy, and what it all means for the airline's future competitiveness against Emirates and Qatar Airways. They also cover Qantas Project Sunrise — the confirmed Sydney to London nonstop route launching October 2027 on the A350-1000ULR, and what 19+ hours in the air actually means for passengers. Plus: airline alliance politics, the Oneworld vs StarLux drama, updated Middle East travel advisories, Emirates and Etihad's new conflict travel insurance products, and whether airfare prices will drop following the Gulf peace deal. Essential listening for aviation enthusiasts and frequent flyers.Please send us your questions, topics, or opinions via direct message on Instagram below.Follow Nonstop Dan on YouTube and Instagram.Follow Alex Macheras on X (Twitter) and Instagram.Contact for sponsorship: collabs@nonstopdan.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The One Where Alex Goes To Brazil 10.06.2026 56min

Alex is live from Rio de Janeiro at the 2026 IATA AGM - the world's biggest annual gathering of airline CEOs and aviation leaders. In this episode: what it's actually like navigating Brazil as a first-timer, the chaos of São Paulo's domestic terminal, LATAM's surprisingly impressive onboard experience, and the biggest takeaways from the airline industry's most important conference. Jet fuel shortages, rising airfares, Philippine Airlines joining Oneworld, Willie Walsh's exit from IATA, Etihad's unsustainably low fares, Boeing's progress under new leadership, and next year's AGM in Xiamen, China. All the aviation news you need in one place.Please send us your questions, topics, or opinions via direct message on Instagram below.Follow Nonstop Dan on YouTube and Instagram.Follow Alex Macheras on X (Twitter) and Instagram.Contact for sponsorship: collabs@nonstopdan.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Kuwait Airport Struck, 777X Pushed to 2028 & Your Summer Travel Questions Answered 03.06.2026 39min

Boeing 777X delayed again, EES chaos at European airports, and your summer travel questions answered - this week on On-Air with Dan and Alex. We break down the latest Boeing 777X certification setback, now pushed to late 2027 or early 2028, and what it means for new Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, Cathay Pacific, and Lufthansa cabin launches. We cover the Iranian drone strike on Kuwait Airport Terminal 1 and what the fragile Gulf ceasefire means for travelers. Then it's all about summer travel tips: morning flights vs. evening delays, fast-track security, EES entry/exit queues at European airports, secondary airports vs. major hubs, Air Tag your luggage, and why the last flight of the day is the riskiest. We also explain the airline no-show rule, the hidden city loophole, and whether wearing shorts in first class is acceptable. Plus: Thai Airways government pressure and Lufthansa's last domestic flight.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Why Nobody's Flying to the World Cup (And What That Means for Fares This Summer) 27.05.2026 46min

Are flight fares actually rising 20% this summer? Is travel insurance worth it? And what does the Air France 447 verdict mean for aviation today? In this episode of On-Air with Dan and Alex, we dig into the biggest travel and aviation stories of the week -- Lufthansa's 20,000 flight cancellations, why no one's flying to the US for the World Cup, and the geopolitics reshaping global air travel. We also cover Gulf carrier staff bonuses, the future of airline loyalty programs, and the destination wedding dilemma every frequent traveler knows too well. Subscribe for weekly aviation and travel insights.Please send us your questions, topics, or opinions via direct message on Instagram below.Follow Nonstop Dan on YouTube and Instagram.Follow Alex Macheras on X (Twitter) and Instagram.Contact for sponsorship: collabs@nonstopdan.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Riyadh Air Starts Selling Tickets for First Flights! 20.05.2026 44min

Today On-Air, Dan books the very first Riyadh Air ticket live on air as the new Saudi carrier announces its inaugural London flight for July 2026. Alex and Dan break down what this means for Gulf aviation, the ongoing Iran conflict's impact on Qatar Airways, Emirates, and Etihad flexible booking policies, and Michael O'Leary's claim that Europe's jet fuel shortage is solved. They also cover British Airways' Terminal 5 baggage meltdown, Lufthansa's 20,000 flight cancellations, and listener Q&As on the Asiana-Korean Air merger date and whether exit row passengers should be banned from drinking alcohol before flights.Please send us your questions, topics, or opinions via direct message on Instagram below.Follow Nonstop Dan on YouTube and Instagram.Follow Alex Macheras on X (Twitter) and Instagram.Contact for sponsorship: collabs@nonstopdan.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Ryanair Wants Alcohol Bans, Emirates' $6.8B Record Profit & Buying Spirit Airlines?! 13.05.2026 56min

Today On-Air, Dan and Alex discuss people bidding to buy Spirit Airlines, Ryanair's hidden agenda, and the airport alcohol ban debate headline. We break down whether Wizz Air and airBaltic will survive winter, Air France-KLM's rebrand dilemma, and our pitch for the "Riviera Group." Plus: Riyadh Air is secretly selling tickets through travel agents despite claiming to be "digitally native." Emirates posts record $6.8B profit with 20-week staff bonuses, AirAsia places the biggest A220 order in history, and Qatar Airways preps the A321LR with brand-new cabins. And yes, someone is trying to crowdfund Spirit Airlines back to life.Please send us your questions, topics, or opinions via direct message on Instagram below.Follow Nonstop Dan on YouTube and Instagram.Follow Alex Macheras on X (Twitter) and Instagram.Contact for sponsorship: collabs@nonstopdan.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Why Spirit Failed (And Ryanair Never Will) 06.05.2026 46min

Spirit Airlines has collapsed, and 15,000 jobs are gone. We break down why ultra-low-cost aviation fails in the US, how the Iran conflict was the final blow, and why the Biden administration's blocked JetBlue merger may have sealed Spirit's fate. We also cover Singapore Airlines delaying its $835M cabin overhaul to 2027, their frustratingly slow Starlink rollout, and the viral foot massage photo that fooled the internet. Plus: British Airways quietly cutting Club Europe antimacassars, the chaos of aviation misinformation on social media, and Dan's firsthand account of having a disruptive passenger offloaded mid-boarding. All that On-Air with Dan and Alex.Please send us your questions, topics, or opinions via direct message on Instagram below.Follow Nonstop Dan on YouTube and Instagram.Follow Alex Macheras on X (Twitter) and Instagram.Contact for sponsorship: collabs@nonstopdan.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The State of Aviation Right Now: Q&A Episode 29.04.2026 46min

Dan and Alex are back with a full Q&A episode covering the biggest stories in aviation right now. From Icelandair red eyes and narrow-body long-haul fatigue to the American Airlines A321XLR crew complaints, EU EES border delays, and the American-United merger rumor — nothing is off limits. They dive into Spirit Airlines and US airline instability, Riyadh Air's ongoing delays, EasyJet's loyalty program future, BA first class food poisoning, double catering risks, and whether extra legroom economy seats are actually worth paying for. Plus: airline-rail partnerships, European airline quality post-COVID, and a live Copa Airlines Boeing order.Please send us your questions, topics, or opinions via direct message on Instagram below.Follow Nonstop Dan on YouTube and Instagram.Follow Alex Macheras on X (Twitter) and Instagram.Contact for sponsorship: collabs@nonstopdan.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Aviation Fuel Crisis Is Here: Lufthansa Cancels 20,000 Summer Flights 22.04.2026 55min

The aviation industry is at a breaking point. With the Strait of Hormuz closed and jet fuel in critical shortage, Europe faces catastrophic disruptions. Lufthansa just cancelled 20,000 flights. Gulf carriers are struggling. Meanwhile, Scott Kirby's audacious lobbying for a United-American Airlines merger could reshape US aviation forever—if approved. Air New Zealand launches their revolutionary Sky Nest bunks at $300 per four-hour pod on the New York-Auckland route. Plus, the EU's new Entry Exit System is creating border chaos across Europe. Join Dan and Alex as they unpack the geopolitical, economic, and logistical crises reshaping global travel in real time.Please send us your questions, topics, or opinions via direct message on Instagram below.Follow Nonstop Dan on YouTube and Instagram.Follow Alex Macheras on X (Twitter) and Instagram.Contact for sponsorship: collabs@nonstopdan.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

5 Flights Through China: Leaving Asia When the Gulf Shut Down 08.04.2026 48min

Dan and Alex are back with another deep-dive into the ongoing Middle East aviation crisis — now hitting global airlines where it hurts most: jet fuel supply. Dan recounts his epic five-flight economy routing from Bangkok through China (Guangzhou, Wuhan, Urumqi) to Istanbul on China Southern, including a surprise COMAC C919 flight and navigating China's transit visa rules. The duo break down the global jet fuel shortage, airline fuel hedging strategies (Lufthansa, Ryanair, Singapore Airlines), skyrocketing fuel surcharges at Cathay Pacific, Air France-KLM, JAL, ANA, and more — plus mass flight cancellations at SAS, Air New Zealand, and Qantas. They also weigh in on Trump's proposal to privatize TSA security in the US.Please send us your questions, topics, or opinions via direct message on Instagram below.Follow Nonstop Dan on YouTube and Instagram.Follow Alex Macheras on X (Twitter) and Instagram.Contact for sponsorship: collabs@nonstopdan.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

"No Fuel Left" - Could Global Aviation Soon Come to a Standstill? 01.04.2026 42min

Jet fuel prices have doubled. Airlines are cutting schedules, cancelling routes, and quietly grounding aircraft. Today On-Air, Dan and Alex break down the deepening global aviation fuel crisis triggered by the US-Iran conflict and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. From Sydney Airport warning of no fuel guarantees, to US carriers with zero hedging exposure, to European hubs weeks from running dry - no market is safe. They cover airline groundings, soaring fares, fuel tankering, the 1970s energy crisis parallel, and answer listener questions on whether your upcoming flight is at risk.Please send us your questions, topics, or opinions via direct message on Instagram below.Follow Nonstop Dan on YouTube and Instagram.Follow Alex Macheras on X (Twitter) and Instagram.Contact for sponsorship: collabs@nonstopdan.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Air Canada Jet Collides with Fire Truck at New York LaGuardia Airport 25.03.2026 43min

Today On-Air, Dan and Alex discuss the LaGuardia Air Canada Jazz CRJ-900 collision with a fire truck exposes a US air traffic control system stretched to its breaking point — one controller, alone in the tower, making a split-second mistake no single person should bear. Dan and Alex break down the crash, the systemic failures behind it, and the cascading global impact of the Middle East conflict on aviation: Gulf carrier flight counts, SAS mass cancellations, jet fuel price spikes, Norwegian stepping in, and Asian carriers capitalizing. Plus: Air France KLM and Lufthansa CEO comments calling out Gulf carriers — and why Dan thinks that take is completely off base.Please send us your questions, topics, or opinions via direct message on Instagram below.Follow Nonstop Dan on YouTube and Instagram.Follow Alex Macheras on X (Twitter) and Instagram.Contact for sponsorship: collabs@nonstopdan.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

An Uncertain Future for Middle Eastern Aviation 18.03.2026 49min

Dan and Alex are back with another weekly roundup of how the Middle East conflict is reshaping global aviation. From Qatar Airways operating extraordinary non-stop charter flights out of Bangkok to British Airways launching a new London–Kuala Lumpur–Melbourne route, airlines are being forced to stay agile. The hosts break down airspace availability, Gulf airline strategies, and the corridor over Azerbaijan keeping east-west travel alive. They also answer listener questions on travel advice for upcoming Middle East connections, Oman Air's surprising flexibility, and the 787's seating configurations. A must-listen for aviation enthusiasts tracking how geopolitics disrupts air travel worldwide.Please send us your questions, topics, or opinions via direct message on Instagram below.Follow Nonstop Dan on YouTube and Instagram.Follow Alex Macheras on X (Twitter) and Instagram.Contact for sponsorship: collabs@nonstopdan.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Middle East Crisis - Gulf Carrier Refunds, Reroutes & What To Do Now 11.03.2026 42min

The Middle East aviation crisis drags into its second week and the situation is far from resolved. Dan and Alex break down the latest: Thai Airways hiking fares 15%, Emirates still operating at roughly 60% capacity, Qatar down to just 66 flights from nearly 600, and Etihad barely flying. They explain your refund rights across all three Gulf carriers, why you shouldn't accept a refund before exploring rerouting options, and how airlines like Cathay Pacific and British Airways are adding emergency frequencies. Plus, the controversial repatriation flight pricing scandal and listener Q&A tackling real booking dilemmas.------------------------Please send us your questions, topics, or opinions via direct message on Instagram below.Follow Nonstop Dan on YouTube and Instagram.Follow Alex Macheras on X (Twitter) and Instagram.Contact for sponsorship: collabs@nonstopdan.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Biggest Aviation Disruption Since COVID 08.03.2026 21min

In this special edition of On-Air, Dan and Alex break down the massive Middle East airspace closures disrupting global aviation. With Dubai, Doha, and Abu Dhabi effectively shut down, over 500,000 daily passengers have been displaced, sending flight prices skyrocketing — Bangkok to Europe fares exceeding $10,000. They examine how Emirates, Finnair, British Airways, and Virgin Atlantic are each responding differently, the safety debate over flying into conflict zones, the shrinking air corridor through Armenia and Azerbaijan, and what stranded travelers can do next. Plus, lessons from past aviation crises including the Iran-US tensions and MH17.Book your next luxury hotel stay and get benefits: https://nonstopdan.com/hotelsSend more to our hosts on Insta: @OnAirWithDanandAlex!------------------------Please send us your questions, topics, or opinions via direct message on Instagram below.Follow Nonstop Dan on YouTube and Instagram.Follow Alex Macheras on X (Twitter) and Instagram.Contact for sponsorship: collabs@nonstopdan.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Lufthansa Scandal That Could End in Criminal Charges 25.02.2026 51min

Dan calls in from New Zealand after flying the world's longest first class flight from Dubai to Auckland on the A380 — all timed around a pistachio raspberry cake on the February menu. The big story: Lufthansa forced passengers to sleep overnight on A320 aircraft at Munich Airport after flights were canceled and all ground staff went home. Police and prosecutors are now investigating potential criminal charges. Plus, Mexico's cartel violence disrupts Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta airports with flight cancellations and go-arounds. Listener Q&A covers Air Canada's A350-1000 ten-abreast economy concerns and Bad Bunny chartering a Qantas A380 from São Paulo to Sydney.Book your next luxury hotel stay and get benefits: https://nonstopdan.com/hotelsSend more to our hosts on Insta: @OnAirWithDanandAlex!------------------------Please send us your questions, topics, or opinions via direct message on Instagram below.Follow Nonstop Dan on YouTube and Instagram.Follow Alex Macheras on X (Twitter) and Instagram.Contact for sponsorship: collabs@nonstopdan.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

British Airways Crew Drugged by Passenger 18.02.2026 57min

Dan and Alex are back with On-Air — your go-to aviation and premium travel podcast. This week: British Airways cabin crew accidentally consumed THC gummies gifted by a passenger, sparking debate on whether airlines should ban crew from accepting gifts entirely. Air Canada confirms a landmark order for up to 16 Airbus A350-1000s amid Boeing rivalry and Trump trade tariffs. Lufthansa's long-delayed Allegris business class finally earns 787 certification. American Airlines eyes Caracas routes. Qatar Airways' new CEO courts Airbus in Toulouse. Plus listener Q&A on sick crew, airport chaos, and hotel toiletries. Subscribe, rate & review wherever you listen!Book your next luxury hotel stay and get benefits: https://nonstopdan.com/hotelsSend more to our hosts on Insta: @OnAirWithDanandAlex!------------------------Please send us your questions, topics, or opinions via direct message on Instagram below.Follow Nonstop Dan on YouTube and Instagram.Follow Alex Macheras on X (Twitter) and Instagram.Contact for sponsorship: collabs@nonstopdan.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Airline Industry News We Don't Want to Talk About 11.02.2026 53min

Dan and Alex return for another week of aviation industry analysis, breaking down critical safety incidents including the shocking SAS taxiway takeoff attempt in Brussels and San Francisco's parallel runway ATC failure. We discuss the future of self-driving technology in aviation, from Waymo cars in LA to airport innovation and last-mile solutions. The hosts analyze Lufthansa's business class expansion plans, the A321XLR passenger controversy on American Airlines and Iberia, and why airlines like Riyadh Air and Turkish keep announcing products years before delivery. Plus Q&A covering Norse Atlantic's business viability and the fierce American vs United competition in Chicago. From safety culture differences between US and Asian aviation to the problems with evening flights and connection pressure, this episode covers the aviation topics that matter most to frequent flyers and industry professionals.Book your next luxury hotel stay and get benefits: https://nonstopdan.com/hotelsSend more to our hosts on Insta: @OnAirWithDanandAlex!------------------------Please send us your questions, topics, or opinions via direct message on Instagram below.Follow Nonstop Dan on YouTube and Instagram.Follow Alex Macheras on X (Twitter) and Instagram.Contact for sponsorship: collabs@nonstopdan.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy