Insights
Bird strikes are a significant safety concern in aviation. These events usually happen at low altitude when aircraft are on approach or departure to airports. While modern aircraft are designed to handle these situations, bird strikes can still pose a serious risk to both the plane and its passengers. Impact
Airlines
Airlines operate a fleet of airplanes to serve passengers and cargo needs, but there comes a point when even the most reliable aircraft reach the end of their operational life. Retiring an airplane is a significant process that involves detailed planning, regulatory compliance, and cost considerations. While some retired aircraft
Hotel Reviews
If anyone knows me, I find it a struggle to find a decent LAX airport hotel. I've gotten close with both the Hyatt Regency and the Marriott, however for the true AvGeek, there is only one hotel you should be staying at. The H Hotel, which is a
Insights
The idea of a passenger replacing a suddenly incapacitated pilot is a scenario that has fascinated and concerned people for years. With the increasing accessibility of air travel, many have wondered whether, in a dire situation, an ordinary passenger could step into the cockpit and land the plane. Hollywood movies
Chase, known for having one of the best travel credit cards around, is lacking in actual airport amenities. While their competition has a whole network of lounges, Chase just as of recently have slowly been opening up their own lounges. One of their first lounges was in Boston. However instead
Insights
Airports play a critical role in global transportation, serving as gateways for passengers and cargo. But while they are essential infrastructure, operating an airport is a complex and costly endeavor. Airports require vast amounts of capital for construction, expansion, daily operations, and maintenance. Understanding how airports get funding and generate
Travel
Traveling with pets by air can be a daunting task for both the owner and the animal. While some airlines have become more accommodating to furry companions, navigating the process requires careful planning and a solid understanding of airline policies. With proper preparation, flying with your pet can be a
When it comes to staying at a hotel, I expect to pay for a good night’s rest, convenience, and maybe even a little luxury. What I don’t expect? Being slapped with hidden costs—namely, “destination fees.” These fees have quietly crept into the hospitality industry and become a
A METAR (Meteorological Aerodrome Report) is a standardized format for reporting weather observations, crucial for aviation operations. These reports provide a snapshot of weather conditions at an airport or aerodrome, typically updated every hour. Decoding a METAR might seem daunting due to its concise and coded format, but with practice,
Despite significant advancements in aviation technology, a surprising relic from the past continues to linger in the skies: leaded fuel. Specifically, 100LL aviation gasoline, commonly known as avgas, remains the standard fuel for many general aviation aircraft. This raises significant environmental and health concerns, prompting a call for the industry
When it comes to air travel, everyone has their preferences and pet peeves. For me, the bane of my flying experience is the boarding process of Southwest Airlines and their policy of not assigning seats. While some may argue that this system is efficient and even enjoyable, I find it
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The bodycam footage from the student who damaged more than 10 planes at a flight school because he didn't get his solo sign-off has been released. He has since been sentenced to 226 days in jail for criminal mischief. Reports were that he flew into a rage after
I really enjoyed my time in Taipei, but after what felt like a short week, it was time to go home. First stop after clearing security and customs at the Taipei airport was the lounge. China Airlines runs only a few lounges around the world, besides two in Taipei (Terminal
Air travel has become a routine part of modern life, yet many aspects of the process go unnoticed. One such element is the long-standing tradition of boarding an airplane from the left side. Whether it’s a large commercial jet or a small private aircraft, passengers nearly always enter through
On a recent trip to Boston I was trying to find reasonably priced hotels, however on the week that I was going, there seemed to have been an event in town and I could not find a hotel room for under $350. Unable to find a reasonable hotel room, I
In an exciting move for frequent flyers, United Airlines has announced a partnership with SpaceX to equip its fleet with Starlink satellite internet, offering free high-speed Wi-Fi to all passengers. Starlink, which utilizes a network of low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, promises a significant upgrade over traditional in-flight internet services. For
In a recent announcement, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) revealed plans to delay the implementation of the REAL ID program until May 5, 2027. This marks yet another extension of a law initially passed in 2005. The goal of the REAL ID Act was to enhance national security by establishing
It has been awhile since I've flown a non-legacy carrier. I was supposed to fly JetBlue last year on my way to review Tailwind Air, a seaplane you can take from downtown New York to Boston Harbor. Due to multiple unforeseen circumstances, I had to cancel my JetBlue
Working for an airline has its perks, and one of the most coveted benefits is the ability to travel for free or at a significantly reduced cost. This is commonly known as non-revenue travel (often shortened to "non-rev"). Airline employees, and sometimes their family members, can enjoy access
The window seat on an airplane often feels like a prime location. It offers access to breathtaking views that unfold as the aircraft climbs into the sky or descends back to earth. However, one question often debated among travelers is whether to keep the window shade open or closed. Depending
When it comes to staying at a hotel, I expect to pay for a good night’s rest, convenience, and maybe even a little luxury. What I don’t expect? Being slapped with hidden costs—namely, “destination fees.” These fees have quietly crept into the hospitality industry and become a
Becoming a commercial airline pilot is a dream for many, but the path to the cockpit is a significant investment of time, effort, and, most notably, money. While the rewards of flying a commercial aircraft, including an attractive salary and the opportunity to travel the world, are undeniable, aspiring pilots
On my recent travel around the world, I made a pit stop in the United Kingdom before my final flight back home. I happened to be traveling Virgin Atlantic from Manchester to Atlanta, a new route for me, and decided to check out their contract lounge. Virgin Atlantic, while having