Airline Ratings is out with its list of the 20 safest airlines in 2021. While I appreciate recognizing an airline’s stellar safety record, I’m not sure a “top 20” list accurately reflects which airline is safer. The 20 Safest...
“Personal Protection Window” Debuted As Latest Flight Safety Measure
A UK company has introduced a new “personal protection window” it claims will help mitigate safety-related fears about filling airplane middle seats. The new “personal protection window” isn’t all that revolutionary, but does create an extra layer of protection...
Two Passengers Ejected From Delta Flight For Mobile Phone Joke
A couple of general travel tips. First, put your phones in airplane mode when asked by a flight attendant. Second, don’t scare people by naming your phone or wi-fi network something sinister. Nerves are easily rattled onboard a plane…as...
Does Terror Alter Your Travel Choices?
Another terror attack in London and the Hague sparked concerns for my family and raised the question of whether or not acts of terror alter our travel choices. If you haven’t followed us on Facebook or Instagram, add us...
FAA Bans Select Apple Laptops From Flights
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has banned select Apple laptops from commercial flights due to fire risks posed by internal lithium batteries. FAA rules prohibit recalled lithium batteries onboard commercial flights: Lithium batteries recalled by the manufacturer/vendor must not...
Delta, JetBlue Offer Travel Waivers For Dominican Republic
After a number of highly-publicized deaths of U.S. tourists, Delta and JetBlue are offering official travel waivers for passengers traveling to the Dominican Republic in the months ahead. Meanwhile, American and United are offering “re-accomodation” on a case-by-case basis....
Ask The Pilot: When Lighting Strikes An Airplane
One working theory around the crash landing of the Aeroflot Sukhoi Superjet-100 that killed 41 in Moscow last week is that lighting struck the aircraft, causing significant damage. I asked LALF reader 121Pilot, a U.S. commercial airline pilot, if lightning can...
Duct Tape On The Wing Of A 787?
Do airlines use duct tape on an aircraft as a “temporary fix” for items in need of quick repair? FlyerTalk member ContinentalFan posted the following pictures of a United Airlines 787-9 with a similar question. Looking at the pictures,...
“Belligerent” Alaska Airlines Passenger Caught Smoking, Reacts Oddly
An Alaska flight diverted to Chicago after a passenger responded poorly to a flight attendant request to extinguish his cigarette. Perhaps the passenger did not get the memo that domestic flights in the USA have been non-smoking since 1990....
A History Of Aircraft Groundings (Part 3 – Boeing 737 MAX)
121pilot, a commercial airline pilot in the USA, has graciously written a three-part series on the history of aircraft groundings. Today, we explore part three, on the current Boeing 737 MAX grounding. Click here for part one on the...
A History Of Aircraft Groundings (Part 2 – The Jet Age)
121pilot, a commercial airline pilot in the USA, has graciously written a three-part series on the history of aircraft groundings. Today, we explore part two, the jet age. Click here for part one. McDonnell Douglas DC-10 The fifth aircraft...
A History Of Aircraft Groundings (The Early Years – Part 1)
121pilot, a commercial airline pilot in the USA, has graciously written a three-part series on the history of aircraft groundings. Today, we explore the propeller era. In evaluating the FAA’s decision to ground the 737MAX, it’s helpful to review...
