Had to be one, thanks @airuphere. That really throws the "fuel particles" claim out the window and, combined with the pilot's background for sensationalism makes it a very interesting question.

(Written on 2019/08/22)(Permalink)

Interesting article posted by @ToddBaldwin3 about the pilot's profile and history. But a stupid question from a non-pilot and former auto mechanic -- don't they use fuel filters on aircraft like that?

(Written on 2019/08/22)(Permalink)

Yes, several questions arise, the answer to which I do not know. What about crew time? Isn't there a limit on on-duty time for pilots? An A320 is not likely to be a double-crew overseas run with two crews. What issues are there with the computer system when passengers are taken off a plane? What do the ramp people do with the baggage if people are returned to the terminal to possibly seek alternate transportation out of there? What happens to the ATC flight plan filed which has expired? And how long does it take "company" to re-assess weather, upper level winds and fuel loading and file a new flight plan and wait for approval? Not making excuses for Delta, but it ain't as simple as it sounds. And yes, a nightmare for everyone.

(Written on 2019/08/21)(Permalink)

Since airports receive part of the profits of over-priced concessions, it could be a simple business decision on the part of airport management seeking a 24/7/365 occupant.

(Written on 2019/05/29)(Permalink)

Hell with the laptop. I'm 6'4" with long legs. Some seats in steerage class place my knees in direct contact with the seat frame in front of me. I've been forced to pay extra for "Economy Plus" seating which often costs me several hundred dollars on long flights. Often, with today's full flights, they are not available when I have to buy my ticket. And using the seatback in front to stand is virtually essential for someone with long legs because you can't get your weight far forward enough to stand. (Don't believe me? Try sitting in a normal upright position and stand up without leaning forward.)

(Written on 2019/04/15)(Permalink)

Just a quick comment: the report states it was learned by "customer disclosure." The question here is whether or not a firearm really was carried through, or did a customer with an alternate agenda (perhaps) report it when it didn't happen? Another thought is whether or not it might have been a plastic 3D printer made weapon with insufficient metal to alert a screening device or x-ray.

(Written on 2019/01/14)(Permalink)

It has gotten so bad that except for my rare overseas flights, I will always -- ALWAYS -- choose to drive rather than fly. The price of 2" more knee room for my long 6'4" legs is outrageous. Seats in steerage were designed by 4' tall engineers. What the airlines haven't gained is their own loss.

(Written on 2018/01/15)(Permalink)

There is no better sound than that of a military radial on those old war birds.

(Written on 2017/07/26)(Permalink)

Yes, some of it is, but on the 777's they actually have a section between business/1C and steerage that has regular seats but extra knee room spacing. It's just a devious way of getting higher fares from taller passengers. I think they should charge passengers by weight, not by height.

(Written on 2017/06/27)(Permalink)

With packed planes and record profits, they have finally crunched the public into paying for a price increase while advertising cheap seats for midgets. I avoid flying now at all costs. I don't have to stand in line for a full body cavity search when loading the car for vacation.

(Written on 2017/06/27)(Permalink)