DLD 603: Hot Summer Nights

Stephan and Fozz are on the road this week, with some interesting flights and other industry insights to share.

A new very long 737 MAX route isn't the longest for Alaska Airlines, but it sure is interesting. Plus, Australia gets more Indonesia access, O'Hare is a mess, and more.

The A340-600 is retired at Lufthansa, leaving a long hole in our hearts. Plus a new airport, more summer seasonal routes, and major changes in two loyalty programs, some of which aren't terrible.

Premium refreshes, and a lounge experience that matches all the others. Plus more cancellations, some more permanently than others.

More summer transatlantic fun coming, balanced against the current troubles in the Middle East. Plus an unlikely new longhaul play and better buses.

The new Aurora product from Alaska Airlines is special in many ways. Plus an awards snafu, an almost tragedy, new routes, and more.

Small airlines matter, too, even though we talk a lot about bigger planes. Plus more new routes and partners and an almost laughably absurd series of bad news stories for the industry, one of which might be good news.

Summer seasonal premium demand is real, and an all-premium airline is still working to cash in. Plus a west coast shift for Philly and fuel costs causing cuts in Asia and Europe.

Sometimes the effort to get there isn't really worthwhile. Other times it is just the airline out to screw you. Good luck.

More new premium seats are now flying, others are coming soon, while still other premium offerings are delayed. Just like always...