On-Air with Dan and Alex

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

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

When Air France gathered the aviation world in Paris to unveil their billion-euro La Premiere redesign, the room fell silent—not in awe, but confusion. Dan and Alex break down what went wrong with the world's most exclusive first class product, from that awkward reveal moment to why they're now giving away free flights to influencers. The duo explore the uncomfortable truth about luxury airline branding versus actual passenger experience, compare Air France's $30,000 pricing against Emirates and Singapore Airlines, and discuss what first class really needs to deliver in 2026. 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

Today On-Air, Dan and Alex dissect India's unprecedented aviation meltdown as IndiGo faces thousands of flight cancellations after failing to prepare for new pilot rest regulations. Despite two years' notice on updated duty time rules, India's largest carrier has stranded passengers nationwide, prompting government intervention and widespread industry criticism. Plus: Korean Air becomes the first major Asian airline to announce fleet-wide free Starlink WiFi, revolutionizing connectivity at 41,000 feet. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport plans terminal renaming to eliminate confusing gate systems by 2027. The hosts also discuss EU261 compensation rights, Skytrax's controversial European airport rankings, and debate airport infrastructure across Europe versus Asia.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

Today On-Air, Dan and Alex discuss Etihad Airways' game-changing US pre-clearance at Abu Dhabi Airport, making immigration seamless for American arrivals. Topics include New York's Christmas atmosphere, Emirates pushing for stretched aircraft (A350-2000, Boeing 777-10), Philippine Airlines' 10-abreast A350 configuration, and the world's major unserved flight routes like London-Kathmandu and LA-Yerevan. The hosts analyze Bangkok's declining hub status, Thai Airways' recovery prospects, Starlink WiFi passenger behavior concerns, and answer listener Q&A about airline lounges, Priority Pass access, and Manchester Terminal closures. Plus: air traffic control stories and Dan's A400M military aircraft cockpit experience. 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

Join Dan and Alex as they welcome their first-ever guest co-host, Nicky Kelvin from The Points Guy, for a deep dive into all things aviation. The trio debates Korean Air's controversial new livery, questions whether Skytrax ratings truly matter, and shares their most memorable flight experiences—from Singapore Suites to unexpected Asiana excellence.The conversation explores underrated destinations like South Korea and Uzbekistan versus overhyped spots like Bali, while calling out airlines that don't live up to their reputations. They tackle this year's aviation safety concerns, discuss what they'd fix if they ran British Airways (spoiler: crew training and lounge consistency), and fire through hot takes on narrow-body long-haul flights, in-flight phone calls, and airport theories.Packed with insider insights, honest opinions, and genuine aviation passion, this episode captures what happens when three frequent flyers who've collectively taken hundreds of flights get together to talk planes.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