Alaska Airlines Falls in Love With Debit Cards (Again)

It sees a surprisingly large opportunity.

11 hrs ago • Brian Sumers

14

September 2026

This Is Why Southwest Is Adding Lounges

I still don’t like how the airline is positioning its new clubs. But as an economic matter, it’s the right move. CFO Tom Doxey made that clear last…

Sep 25 • Brian Sumers

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Why Qantas Gave Up on A380s

The superjumbo has never been a great fit. Now, Qantas finally has enough aircraft on order to replace it. Also: Qantas has a new A321XLR strategy.

Sep 17 • Brian Sumers

8

Can an Airline Product Be Too Nice?

I think so, particularly if it doesn’t match the carrier’s brand promise.

Sep 11 • Brian Sumers

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Wait, What? United is a Cool Brand?

The airline is taking chances on social media as it tries to change how consumers see it. So far, I’d say the approach is working.

Sep 2 • Brian Sumers

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August 2026

Scott Kirby Says American Must Fold in Chicago — Now for Different Reasons

Kirby makes a sound argument for why United should win all of Chicago. I still don’t see it happening.

Aug 28 • Brian Sumers

18

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Almost Every Large U.S. Airline Soon Will Have First Class

Except Southwest — that's weird, right? Also today: Frontier is teasing profitability next year, and Air France-KLM and Lufthansa Group both want Tap…

Aug 6 • Brian Sumers

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July 2026

Robert Isom Loves Excuses

I guess he wants to keep his job.

Jul 28 • Brian Sumers

24

Scott Kirby Has Thoughts on CEOs Who Don't Raise Prices

United's CEO believes the current fuel situation is temporary, but when fuel prices eventually fall, industry fares must remain high.

Jul 22 • Brian Sumers

18

Delta's Long-Haul Dreams

With the airline facing a saturated (but still very profitable) domestic market, Delta is looking far away for its next growth stage.

Jul 14 • Brian Sumers

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WestJet's LOPA Mistake

The airline made a reasonable bet that passengers would accept very tight seat pitch in exchange for more lower-priced tickets. It failed. Its CEO told…

Jul 10 • Brian Sumers

15

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Inside the Economics of IAG's Loyalty Program

The company wants investors to fairly value its frequent flyer scheme. It shared a lot of information last month about how it all works.

Jul 1 • Brian Sumers

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