Questions & Answers

If you’ve ever had a question or concern about air travel, chances are the answer appears in one of the discussions below.

Curious about a topic not covered?  Send an email via the contact page, and Patrick will respond when he can.

Turbulence: Everything You Need to Know

The barking dog: those strange noises on Airbus planes

We are told that planes basically fly themselves. How true is this?

The truth about cabin air

What’s with those annoying safety briefings?

Aborted Landings for Dummies

Conspiracy Nation: myths, madness, and the “truth” about 9/11

Why do flights to Europe always depart in the evening?

Airfares a la carte: blankets, luggage and lunch. These things used to be free!

Why is airline service so terrible, and what can be done about it?

Looking on the bright side: airfares, routes, and safety

Is Qantas really the safest airline? And if not, which is?

Those dangerous foreign airlines?

The heroics of Captain Sully and the “Miracle on the Hudson”

Regional airline safety and pilot standards. Should you worry?

How are pilots evaluated for raises or promotions?

Please clarify the terms captain, first officer, pilot and copilot.

Why have delays become so prevalent, and what can be done about it?

Why do between the US & Europe go far north, sometimes over Greenland?

What if somebody opens a door during flight?

Why all the rules about window shades, seat-backs, tray tables & reading lights?

What’s the lowdown on cell phones and electronic devices?

Where are the trickiest places to land? Should we be wary of certain airports?

What’s that trail of mist coming from the wingtip? Is it fuel?

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