Episode Description
Air India and Boeing are back in the headlines, and the questions aren't getting smaller. This week, Ed and Richard break down what we know — and what we don't — about the latest fuel switch reporting, what responsibility lies with Boeing versus airline operations, and why early narratives in aviation stories are often incomplete.
From there, things get lighter: Frontier is giving away 5,000 miles (yes, really), Hyatt launches a new promotion that's worth a closer look, Aeroplan adds ITA Airways as a partner, and we revisit one of the most important lessons in modern travel: always have a backup flight plan.
If irregular operations have taught us anything lately, it's that flexibility isn't optional anymore.
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WHAT WE COVER IN THIS EPISODE
More Air India and Boeing questions
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What's being reported about fuel switches
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Where Boeing responsibility starts and stops
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Why early aviation reporting can be misleading
Frontier's 5,000 mile giveaway
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How the promotion works
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Who should (and shouldn't) care
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Why free miles aren't always free
Hyatt's latest promotion
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What Bonus Journeys is offering
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When this promo actually makes sense
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Comparing Hyatt vs Marriott value
Aeroplan adds ITA Airways
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Why this is bigger than it sounds
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Routing and redemption implications
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How this expands Star Alliance strategy
Why you always need a backup flight
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What happens during irregular ops
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Same-day backup strategy
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How points give you more flexibility
The bigger travel takeaway
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Airline reliability trends
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Why flexibility beats loyalty
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Planning for chaos instead of perfection
EPISODE 423 TIMESTAMPS
0:47 – Welcome and setting the stage
3:05 – Air India fuel switch reporting explained
8:22 – Boeing responsibility versus airline operations
13:40 – Why early aviation stories can mislead
17:18 – Frontier's 5,000 free miles promotion
21:04 – Hyatt's new promotion: worth it or not?
26:33 – Aeroplan adds ITA Airways
31:15 – Why you should always have a backup flight
36:02 – Using points for flexibility during irregular ops