The Next Trip – An Aviation and Travel Podcast
- Episodes
- 367
- Released
- weekly
- Latest episode
- Nov 9, 2026
About the podcast
The Next Trip is a weekly, internationally acclaimed podcast with aviation insiders Doug and Drew, who together bring more than 50 years of industry experience as a professional pilot and an airport operations manager. Join them, and their frequent guests, as they create a network for other AvGeeks and travel enthusiasts to obsess about all things aviation. Doug and Drew discuss today’s aviation news, share personal operational stories, regale listeners with trip reviews, and engage in friendly AvGeek banter. All thoughts and opinions are their own. Visit us at www.nexttripnetwork.com
Episodes 367
Boarding Pass 361: 777-9 Deliveries... Eventually...
Send us Fan MailOn this episode we discuss:Top 10 airlines for culinary optionsPossible large IndiGo orderAir India says it needs more widebodies Lufthansa enacts “Plan B” for summer 2027FOD walkWeather …
Show notes
On this episode we discuss:
- Top 10 airlines for culinary options
- Possible large IndiGo order
- Air India says it needs more widebodies
- Lufthansa enacts “Plan B” for summer 2027
- FOD walk
- Weather avoidance
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Boarding Pass 360: Alaska Airlines Anchorage to Tokyo
Send us Fan MailDoug is back from Japan and Drew hosted teenagers interested in aviation jobs. We discuss:Airport bondsPAL announces daily A350-1000 service to SFOIs the Boom Overture stalling?Airline Mileage …
Show notes
Doug is back from Japan and Drew hosted teenagers interested in aviation jobs. We discuss:
- Airport bonds
- PAL announces daily A350-1000 service to SFO
- Is the Boom Overture stalling?
- Airline Mileage program ranking
- Alaska Airlines launches Anchorage to Tokyo
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Boarding Pass 359: MAX 10 Certification
Send us Fan MailDoug makes it out of Taipei and Typhoon Champi and Drew is back from Athens after a quadjet adventure. We discuss:Our tripsFinal predictions on Southwest’s rumored WB expansion JetBlue’s …
Show notes
Doug makes it out of Taipei and Typhoon Champi and Drew is back from Athens after a quadjet adventure. We discuss:
- Our trips
- Final predictions on Southwest’s rumored WB expansion
- JetBlue’s possible bankruptcy
- The 737-10 is certified after 10 years
- Airline 3rd quarter financials
- What happens when inclement weather is predicted
- Contributor comments
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Boarding Pass 358: Southwest 787s and Goodbye A340-600
Send us Fan MailDrew explains the process of creating a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) for a crane going up by the airport and Doug succesfully completed his 777 simulator checkride. We discuss:Crane NOTAMListener …
Show notes
Drew explains the process of creating a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) for a crane going up by the airport and Doug succesfully completed his 777 simulator checkride. We discuss:
- Crane NOTAM
- Listener poll regarding Southwest WB order
- ES36 progress
- Trouble in Saudi Arabia
- New ownership at TAP
- A340-600 take two?
- Luftposttasche
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Boarding Pass 357: Flydubai Flight 1073
Send us Fan MailDoug and Drew are back from their overly dramatic trips overseas and we get back on track, well kind of. We discuss:Schengen vs. Non-SchengenUpdate on Western planes stuck in Russia New British …
Show notes
Doug and Drew are back from their overly dramatic trips overseas and we get back on track, well kind of. We discuss:
- Schengen vs. Non-Schengen
- Update on Western planes stuck in Russia
- New British Airways A380 configuration
- FlyDubai Flight 1073
- Airmailbag (or luftposttache in German)
Doug’s recommedation for Japan trips:
- Carry around 20,000 yen (about $125)
- Most places take card
- Trains are very easy
- Don’t tip
- 7-11 egg salad sammy
Tokyo
- Tokyo Tower
- Imperial Palace
- Shibuya Crossing
- Tsukiji Outer Market
Osaka
- Kuromon Market
- Namba (nightlife district)
- Okonomiyaki (omelet type dish)
Kyoto
- Kyoto Imperial Palace
- Fushimi Inari Shrine
- Nishiki Market
Boarding Pass 356: Deutschland!
Send us Fan MailDoug and Drew are back from their German weekends and things did not go as planned. Drew said it would be A340-600 or bust - well…. We let you hear our anxiety and relief as we tape snippets …
Show notes
Doug and Drew are back from their German weekends and things did not go as planned. Drew said it would be A340-600 or bust - well…. We let you hear our anxiety and relief as we tape snippets during our trips. We discuss:
- How our trips look
- A question about NFL charters
- Qantas Project Sunrise update
- Spirit continues its liquidation
- New issue with the MAX
- Our trips!
- Contributor comments
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Boarding Pass 355: Most Connected Airports of 2026
Send us Fan MailDoug is back from a long layover in Taipei and Drew celebrates more concession revenue at his airport. We discuss:The most connected international airportsHeart Aerospace updateAirline …
Show notes
Doug is back from a long layover in Taipei and Drew celebrates more concession revenue at his airport. We discuss:
- The most connected international airports
- Heart Aerospace update
- Airline performance stats
- How do airports make money
- Airmailbag
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Links from this episode:
Bureau of Transportation Statistics Airline Service Quality
Boarding Pass 354: Cruise Lines Partnering with Airlines
Send us Fan MailDrew met up with Doug’s parents in DC, and Doug refueled a C5 Galaxy over the California coast. We discuss:Cruiseships are immune to elevated fuel costs?Fuel costsJetZero updateJetlag case study …
Show notes
Drew met up with Doug’s parents in DC, and Doug refueled a C5 Galaxy over the California coast. We discuss:
- Cruiseships are immune to elevated fuel costs?
- Fuel costs
- JetZero update
- Jetlag case study using an NFL game in Australia
- Aircraft maintenance, specifically deferred items and MELs
- Airmailbag
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Boarding Pass 353: Prime Air 7598
Send us Fan MailDoug was able to escape Hurricane Lowell in Hawaii and was part of the crew on the captain’s retirement flight. Meanwhile in DC, Drew is escorting jetways on taxiways - we’ll explain. Airline …
Show notes
Doug was able to escape Hurricane Lowell in Hawaii and was part of the crew on the captain’s retirement flight. Meanwhile in DC, Drew is escorting jetways on taxiways - we’ll explain.
- Airline ticket prices
- What happened to the global hub in Anchorage?
- United maintains Air Micronesia’s GUM hub
- Prime Air 7598 and unstable approaches
- Airmail bag
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Boarding Pass 352: Southwest (Chase) Lounges Incoming!
Send us Fan MailDrew is back from visiting family in California and Doug had a fun trip to “Bankfurt”. We discuss:Remembering 9/11A loooooooooow flyover in Cape TownNew TSA program for terminal accessThe worst …
Show notes
Drew is back from visiting family in California and Doug had a fun trip to “Bankfurt”. We discuss:
- Remembering 9/11
- A loooooooooow flyover in Cape Town
- New TSA program for terminal access
- The worst kept secret - Southwest formally announces lounges
- Why is ANC no longer a hub?
- Airmail bag
Doug’s Frankfurt riverside restaurant:
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Boarding Pass 351: Rustbelt Re-Hub
Send us Fan MailDoug is back from sunny Munich and Drew had a successful airport closure and snow equipment training exercise. Doug and Drew come out as "foamers" on the show. (We'll explain). We …
Show notes
Doug is back from sunny Munich and Drew had a successful airport closure and snow equipment training exercise. Doug and Drew come out as "foamers" on the show. (We'll explain). We discuss:
- Could BNA be renamed Dolly Parton International?
- CVG, STL, PIT, or CLE - which will become a hub again?
- Look out LHR - ORD is working on an Express train
- United’s route map explodes with 13 new flights
- AirMail bag
This week’s listener poll/question. Give us your idea for new international long haul service from a US city that currently has no international service. Clink the link below and enter your answer and a comment (optional) on why. Thank you!
Boarding Pass 350: A Midwest Hub Returns?
Send us Fan MailDoug is back from Tokyo after a long absence, and Drew had a final operations plan meeting for an airspace shutdown. We discuss:JetZero Z4, Heart ES30, or Boom Overture - which gets certified …
Show notes
Doug is back from Tokyo after a long absence, and Drew had a final operations plan meeting for an airspace shutdown. We discuss:
- JetZero Z4, Heart ES30, or Boom Overture - which gets certified first?
- American getting into the premium game, at last
- PVD airport is #1! (?)
- Dehubbed cities
- Vietnam Airlines flight 34 tailstrike
- Mailbag
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Which failed hub will rise again?
Boarding Pass 349: COMAC Goes "Global"
Send us Fan MailDrew completed his first airport operations certification class and Doug is back from a family trip to Denver. We discuss:Overhead bin restrictions?COMAC goes “global”Continued engine issuesES30 …
Show notes
Drew completed his first airport operations certification class and Doug is back from a family trip to Denver. We discuss:
- Overhead bin restrictions?
- COMAC goes “global”
- Continued engine issues
- ES30 flies!
- One major airline’s demand prediction
- NextTrip Airlines
- Mailbag
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Boarding Pass 348: JetZero Z4 and the 737-7
Send us Fan MailDoug made it to Colorado with family and Drew just did the Ops Plan for airspace closures around DCA. We discuss:Blended wing deep dive Next supply chain issue - windows?MAX 7 coming to an …
Show notes
Doug made it to Colorado with family and Drew just did the Ops Plan for airspace closures around DCA. We discuss:
- Blended wing deep dive
- Next supply chain issue - windows?
- MAX 7 coming to an airport near you!
- Quick recap of airline 2nd quarter results
- Ground air versus APU
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Boarding Pass 347: The New Dulles Airport
Send us Fan MailDrew is back from Greece, Doug is back from France, and we are ready to get back on track after two weeks away. We discuss:Mediterranean cruiseLots of Slots for Jetblue at LGAEmirates/Boeing …
Show notes
Drew is back from Greece, Doug is back from France, and we are ready to get back on track after two weeks away. We discuss:
- Mediterranean cruise
- Lots of Slots for Jetblue at LGA
- Emirates/Boeing drama
- Philippine widebody order
- Allegiant joins the list of budget airlines trying to be fancy with first class
- Changes are on the horizon for Washington Dulles
- Death of the mobile lounge?
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Throwback - Boarding Pass 183: Air Capital of the World
Send us Fan Mailhttps://www.nexttripnetwork.com/
Boarding Pass 345: The Gods of Travel
Send us Fan MailDoug is back from beautiful Barcelona where he’s found a relaxing spot away from the crowds. Drew wows visitors from a regional airport with an impromptu visit to the Control Tower. Do you need …
Show notes
Doug is back from beautiful Barcelona where he’s found a relaxing spot away from the crowds. Drew wows visitors from a regional airport with an impromptu visit to the Control Tower. Do you need divine guidance or help on your summer vacation - we have a list of gods you could look to for support. We discuss:
- Noctilucent clouds
- Gods of travel
- The Toolbelt Generation wants A&P licenses
- Air Canada gets a french speaking CEO
- The 777X gets longer legs
- The 737-7 might be certified in weeks
- Listener comments
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Links from this episode:
Boarding Pass 344: America's 250th
Send us Fan MailDrew responded to an Alert 1 (we’ll explain) and Doug is back from a not so hot Zurich. We discuss:Happy 250th America Big SAS orderAir New Zealand defers upcoming ordersEasyJet being …
Show notes
Drew responded to an Alert 1 (we’ll explain) and Doug is back from a not so hot Zurich. We discuss:
- Happy 250th America
- Big SAS order
- Air New Zealand defers upcoming orders
- EasyJet being acquired?
- What exactly do gate agents do as they “open” a gate?
- Contributor comments
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Boarding Pass 343: The Best Time to Book a Flight
Send us Fan MailDoug is in Palm Springs on a family road trip and Drew is entertaining family from California. They say all aviation regulations are written in blood. Are nautical regulations the same? We …
Show notes
Doug is in Palm Springs on a family road trip and Drew is entertaining family from California. They say all aviation regulations are written in blood. Are nautical regulations the same? We discuss:
- All aviation and nautical regulations are written in blood
- When is the best time to book airline tickets?
- Breeze Airways starts service to BWI, DAY, and TTN (Trenton NJ)
- Airbus leans toward launching the A220-500
- JetBlue is the biggest winner from Spirit’s demise
- Parker from SLC asks about pilot crew pairing and influencer pilots
- John from JAX asks how airlines manage crews in IRROPs
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Boarding Pass 342: Next Golden Age Planes
Send us Fan MailDoug is back from his W routing, doing SFO-LHR-IAD-LHR-SFO, and met up with Doug in DC. Drew is celebrating his airport’s 85th anniversary. We discuss:DCA’s 85th birthdayThe sun is rising on …
Show notes
Doug is back from his W routing, doing SFO-LHR-IAD-LHR-SFO, and met up with Doug in DC. Drew is celebrating his airport’s 85th anniversary. We discuss:
- DCA’s 85th birthday
- The sun is rising on Qantas’ Project Sunrise
- Airlines get a break on fuel prices
- More airlines adding CMB to the route map
- Updates on Boom Overture, Archer Midnight, Heart Aerospace ES30, and JetZero Z4
- What are squawk codes?
- Those pesky transit visas
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Links from this episode:
Boarding Pass 341: Now Flying... Riyadh Air
Send us Fan MailDoug and Drew catch you up on our last two weeks. Drew’s been busy welcoming new employees and showing them around airport operations while Doug talks about his trips to Barcelona and Rome. Drew …
Show notes
Doug and Drew catch you up on our last two weeks. Drew’s been busy welcoming new employees and showing them around airport operations while Doug talks about his trips to Barcelona and Rome. Drew gets his mom into a travel nightmare, but quickly finds a backup plan, and Doug gets training on night vision goggles. We discuss:
- IATA’s Director General, Willie Walsh, sounds the alarm
- Riyadh Air takes to the sky
- Travel Insurance
- Listener comments
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Link from this episode:
Doug’s non-touristy fine dining Rome restaurant, Ristorante Il Piccolo Mondo.
Boarding Pass 340: Eivind Roald, CEO of Norse Atlantic Airways
Send us Fan MailWe’re honored to have Eivind Roald, CEO of Norse Atlantic Airways, on the show today. Eivind talks about how he came into aviation from IT, left, but then was drawn back in. He was a VP for SAS …
Show notes
We’re honored to have Eivind Roald, CEO of Norse Atlantic Airways, on the show today. Eivind talks about how he came into aviation from IT, left, but then was drawn back in. He was a VP for SAS before his aviation journey brought him to Norse Atlantic. We discuss Norse’s history and challenges and Eivind shares his ideas for how Norse grows, going forward, as well as the possiblity of a merger or acquisition.
We finish with Eivind talking about his favorite destinations around the world and in Norway.
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Links from this episode:
Boarding Pass 339: 737-7 Nears Certification
Send us Fan MailDoug is excited to get back to flying after weeks at home and Drew is dealing with record bird strikes at the airport. We discuss:Drew’s travel planningPossible customs chaos 737-7 certification …
Show notes
Doug is excited to get back to flying after weeks at home and Drew is dealing with record bird strikes at the airport. We discuss:
- Drew’s travel planning
- Possible customs chaos
- 737-7 certification progress
- Norse Atlantic is for sale
- Geography lesson
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Boarding Pass 338: Summer Travel Forecasts
Send us Fan MailDrew is back from a quick trip to Albuquerque and Doug was busy managing his family’s travel. We discuss:Summer travel forecast Air France and Airbus litigation Runway closure at a major NYC …
Show notes
Drew is back from a quick trip to Albuquerque and Doug was busy managing his family’s travel. We discuss:
- Summer travel forecast
- Air France and Airbus litigation
- Runway closure at a major NYC airport
- New TSA pilot program in Boston
- UPS 2976 update
- Listener feedback
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Boarding Pass 337: Engine Deep Dive
Send us Fan MailDrew is studying for his first Airport Operations certification and Doug had his hands full managing a kids’ carnival. We’re joined by our buddy and engine geek, Greg, from Cincinnati. We …
Show notes
Drew is studying for his first Airport Operations certification and Doug had his hands full managing a kids’ carnival. We’re joined by our buddy and engine geek, Greg, from Cincinnati. We discuss:
- How a jet engine works
- Allegiant and Sun Country merge
- Boeing may be launching a 757 size plane this decade
- Lufthansa increases stake it ITA to 90%
- United Flight Attendants get a huge raise
- An overview of the CFM Leap and PW1000G engines
- Listener Survey
Want to reach out to Greg or follow him? Find him at @gwpet01 on Instagram.
Boarding Pass 336: In Memoriam - Spirit Airlines
Send us Fan MailDarth Vader invaded Drew’s ops center and Doug had an emergency air return between layovers in paradise. We discuss:A major airline just announced it is cutting cabin serviceNTSB releases …
Show notes
Darth Vader invaded Drew’s ops center and Doug had an emergency air return between layovers in paradise. We discuss:
- A major airline just announced it is cutting cabin service
- NTSB releases information on 2022 China Eastern crash
- A United plane clipped a truck… while landing
- Spirit’s Board pulls the plug
- What happens after an airline shuts down
- Flight path guidance
- Bonus positive story to end the week
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Boarding Pass 335: The 737-7/10 Close to Certification
Send us Fan MailDoug has an Air Force flight delay and Drew is escorting 737s around the airport and scaring birds away We discuss:LAX Theme Building (the Spider) Return of the MD11?The 737-7 and 737-10 near …
Show notes
Doug has an Air Force flight delay and Drew is escorting 737s around the airport and scaring birds away We discuss:
- LAX Theme Building (the Spider)
- Return of the MD11?
- The 737-7 and 737-10 near certification
- Fuel prices, yes fuel prices, again
- Scope clauses, what are they, and what are the aircraft restrictions?
- Spirit’s last days?
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Boarding Pass 334: Airfares Continue to Rise
Send us Fan MailAired on April 27, 2026Drew is learning how to use a firearm at the airport and Doug just made his wine and cheese cruise in Amsterdam. We discuss:The next big U.S. carrier reports 1st quarter …
Show notes
Aired on April 27, 2026
Drew is learning how to use a firearm at the airport and Doug just made his wine and cheese cruise in Amsterdam. We discuss:
- The next big U.S. carrier reports 1st quarter results
- Trump opposed to some mergers, but not others
- A European airline adds fees after tickets are sold
- Alaska says it is not increasing fares due to rising fuel costs
- Listener feedback
Links from this episode:
Join the Network.
Boarding Pass 333: United and American?
Send us Fan MailDoug is back from Frankfurt and Drew is playing airport cop catching speeders. We discuss: No meowing on the frequency pleaseUnited Airlines moonshot merger dream with American AirlinesJetBlue …
Show notes
Doug is back from Frankfurt and Drew is playing airport cop catching speeders. We discuss:
- No meowing on the frequency please
- United Airlines moonshot merger dream with American Airlines
- JetBlue reportedly looking to be acquired
- Allegiant merger with Sun Country is approved
- Airline cutbacks due to fuel prices
- Busiest airports of 2025
- Contributor comments
Join the Network!
These are the latest 40 of 367 episodes. You’ll find older episodes in the podcast’s feed.
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