Flying — and surviving — the unfriendly skies

Planning on flying this summer?

0

0

Survey: Americans make 41M fewer air trips

Nearly half of American air travelers would fly more if it were easier, and more than one-fourth said they skipped at least one air trip in the past 12 months because of the hassles involved, according to an industry survey.

0

0

U.S. to Implement Passport Requirement

Virtually all air travelers entering the United States after Jan. 23 will need to show passports — even U.S. citizens, the Homeland Security Department announced Wednesday.

17

40

Travelers Embrace Relaxed Security Rules

Happy that new security rules have cleared their liquids and gels for takeoff, air travelers presented small, clear plastic bags filled with toiletries for inspection Tuesday, but long lines grew at some airports as others confused about the changes filled trash cans with containers that were too large.

7

2

U.S. to Relax Ban on Liquids on Planes

Passengers will be able to carry lotions and gels onto airliners again after a six-week ban — but only in tiny containers of 3 ounces or less and only if they're in clear zip-top plastic bags.

9

9

In 2007, a leading neuropsychologist likened passing through Heathrow to facing a riot. Two years on, we consider whether the air travel experience has improved and list 20 of readers' biggest gripes.

0

0

India pilots in mid-air 'scuffle' Pilots and cabin crew have come to blows on an international flight bound for India, media reports say. Imagine being a passenger on this flight!

1

2

If you hate travelling by tube in London then you should certainly avoid a new aircraft design which plans to have passengers sat opposite each other in rows.

11

35

My big puzzle/complaint with TSA: how can they enforce and man discriminatory lines in the airport check in? If someone is paying United more for a first class seat they can enjoy better service and seating on United--but in going through gov't run, TSA-manned security, how can …

12

42

A man was arrested - thank god - after stripping and punching a female passenger on the way from Oakland to Vegas. Good thing the flight wasn't any longer. Southwest Flight.

2

3

Buckle up or get a free ride to the ceiling of your airplane!

0

0

An essay on one man's lyrical approach to the fear of flying

0

0

For about 15 days a month, Alaska Airlines pilot Jim Lancaster lives in a motor home in Parking Lot B near the southernmost runway at Los Angeles International Airport.

7

5

Delta Adds The "Fee For Not Paying A Fee" Fee Following in the fee-laden footsteps of US Airways, Delta has added a $5 fee for not paying your baggage fees online in advance. Delta adds $5 to fee for bags checked at airport

2

3

Ryanair wants to add standing room for some passengers according to the Daily Mail.

2

5

You pay for checking your baggage, for snacks and for extra legroom. Word is one airline has even toyed with charging you to use the toilet. So it makes perfect sense to some fliers that heavier passengers should pay for spilling over into the next seat.

3

5

The largest airline in the Middle East has reported a drop in profits of 72% for the 2008/2009 fiscal year.

0

0

I have, for some time now, not trusted my penis. It has that look. Nervous. Shifty. From a very young age, I sensed that it was up to something sinister. Now, my suspicions are beginning to grow (so to speak).

24

67

A blind man flying with his wife from Philadelphia to Belgium (where he works as a translator) was arrested and dragged off the plane when he stood up and demanded to know, after two hours, why they were sitting on the tarmac, with no drinks and no news.

41

139

Where does lost airline luggage end up?

The European Commission last month launched an investigation into lost airline luggage, voicing concern over the scale of the problem. Last year 32.8 million pieces of luggage were mishandled by airlines around the world.

2

1

A passenger on a charter flight in northern Canada forced open the aircraft's door and leapt to his death, making the freezing cabin depressurise at 23,000ft.

7

10

According to a report in New Scientist, an Italian team has demonstrated how feather-like structures help reduce drag on a cylinder and says they could have the same effect on underwater and aerial vehicles.

3

2

Starting today, United Airlines may bump severely overweight passengers from sold-out flights.

12

21

Luton Airport will charge £1 for dropping passengers off at the terminal. Motorists will have to pay the charge to spend up to 10 minutes in a refurbished drop-off zone.

3

2

Us Airways quietly started adding a new fee - charging thirsty passengers for water and soda - but they've rescinded this plan. Looks like htere IS such thing as bad publicity after all.

0

0

"One thing we have looked at in the past and are looking at again is the possibility of maybe putting a coin slot on the toilet door so that people might actually have to spend a pound (about $1.43) to spend a penny in future," O'Leary told the BBC while being asked about the car …

26

89

The pilot was asked to take off his shoes and belt like everyone -- but completely lost the plot, the source said. He pulled down his trousers and pants to completely expose himself, then turned to the security guard and asked angrily, 'Do you want to search this?'

1

2

"[The pilot] said, 'Do you see that over there? That's your luggage,'" Tadel recalled. She looked out the plane's window and saw a man with a hose and a big plume of smoke.

5

5

The Mukilteo/North Lynnwood/South Everett community loses this long battle against expansion of the airport at Paine Field.

0

0

"Flying while Muslim" is the new "driving while black", according to air travellers who believe they are being targeted for extra security measures on the basis of racial and religious profiling

3

1