DLD 586: No Pentium Jokes Allowed

In episode 586 of Dots, Lines & Destinations, hosts Stephen Seagraves, Seth Miller, and Fosma Moon reflect on their recent Southern California trip, including a memorable meal at Bundukhan in Fullerton and a visit to the lively 13 Coins bar. They discuss the major AirAsia order of 150 A220 aircraft, highlighting its political significance with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Quebec officials attending the ceremony, and the strategic implications of the plane being built in Canada rather than the U.S. The hosts analyze the A220’s evolving configuration, including the upcoming double overwing exits and potential A220-500 variant, and debate its economic advantages over the A320 Neo. They also explore Alaska Airlines’ growing presence in Santa Rosa as a regional hub, its expansion to new markets like Phoenix and Boise, and its controversial practice of rerouting SFO flights to Oakland—raising concerns about operational clarity and passenger experience. The episode touches on Virgin Atlantic’s temporary exit from Seattle due to fuel costs, Delta’s new European routes, and a tragic incident where a Frontier flight struck a pedestrian on a runway at Denver. The hosts express skepticism about Alaska’s operational decisions while celebrating the vibrant travel ecosystem in the U.S. West Coast.