Ask the Pilot

US aviation failing? We've screwed ourselves

Wed, 15 May 2013 19:21:00 GMT

Our airports are terrible, and our airlines find it harder and harder to compete. We've done it to ourselves through shortsightedness, underfunding, and flyer-unfriendly policies.

The woes of economy class, real and imagined

Tue, 07 May 2013 19:01:03 GMT

This morning I caught a flight from New York up to Boston. The two people behind me were having a spirited discussions about the assorted miseries of flying: wailing babies, long lines, delays, and cramped seats. It's that last one...

Congress moves to end air traffic crisis, but the damage was done

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 01:09:25 GMT

According to the FAA, roughly 1,000 commercial flights each day have been in some way affected by the sequester-induced furloughs, with many delays lasting several hours.

Hijacking a plane via Android? No, not quite.

Sat, 13 Apr 2013 01:40:07 GMT

A security consultant demonstrates how to take over an airplane using a smartphone application. Its mostly a nonsense story, but the media is off and running.

Airfares by the pound? Why this is, and isn't, a useful idea

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 00:18:06 GMT

A tiny airline in Samoa has begun charging fares based on the weight of its customers. Why this is, and isn't, a useful idea. Plus, everything you need to know about aircraft weight.

The 5 most annoying myths about flying

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 14:30:57 GMT

Commercial air travel has long been a breeding ground for myths, conspiracy theories, urban legends, and plain old misunderstandings. Most of what people think they know about flying is wrong. Here are some of the more stubborn myths, fallacies, and quasi-truths:

Planes, Pranks and Praise: An ode to Logan Airport

Sun, 10 Mar 2013 22:02:34 GMT

If an airport has one aesthetic obligation, its to impart a sense of place: you are here and nowhere else.

TSA's decision on small knives was a tough but sensible one

Wed, 06 Mar 2013 16:19:16 GMT

The Transportation Security Administration is ending its ban on the carriage of small knives. It's a controversial but sensible idea, and here's why.

Airfares down 50 percent from 30 years ago

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 16:14:14 GMT

Flying is cheaper and safer than ever, but good luck to anybody who makes the point.

Welcome to Ask the Pilot, the blog for All Things Air Travel

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 01:20:44 GMT

In this space, I will answer your questions and address your worries and anxieties. I will also rant and rave about whatever facet of this weird and exciting business happens to be on my mind.