September, 2014

• 27 September

  FAA Forgets About Entire Aircraft Type in New $5 Billion System

  Despite apparently being reminded multiple times that something called “drones” exists, the FAA forgot to include them–at all–in their new $5 billion system. From Gizmodo: We didn’t understand the magnitude to which (drones) would be an oncoming tidal wave, something that must be dealt with, and quickly,” said Ed Bolton, …

  Read More »
• 26 September

  Cell Phones to Be Allowed In-Flight in Europe

  Cell phones not in airplane mode will now be allowed on European Flights. From US News:  European skies may soon be alive with the sound of small talk with new safety rules allowing the use of all portable electronics, including cell phones, at any time during flights. Under the guidelines issued …

  Read More »
• 26 September

  Free Way to Learn a Language Before Traveling Somewhere

  

  When I travel to a country with a language I’m unfamiliar with, I try to make sure I have some key phrases down.  For a while, I had tried Rosetta Stone which, in addition to being expensive, didn’t emphasize the types of words I wanted to learn quickly. I can …

  Read More »
• 26 September

  Beer Pipeline Being Built in Belgium

  I think this is going to be your new-must-visit vacation spot.  Belgium is literally building a beer pipeline. From Fox News: Agence France-Presse reports that the pipeline is set to connect the historic De Halve Maan brewery to a bottling factory two miles away, eliminating the 500 trucks that drive …

  Read More »
• 26 September

  Midwest Flights Grounded After Radar Fire; Strange Situation

  Flights have been grounded in the Midwest after a fire broke out in a radar facility AND a man was found with self-inflicted wounds within the building.  It is unclear if the two are connected yet. From the Chicago Tribune:  The Federal Aviation Administration said no planes in the United …

  Read More »
• 26 September

  But Is That Country Safe for a Young Woman?!

  One of the things I get asked often is, “Isn’t it unsafe to travel by yourself, as a young woman?” I’m taking a solo trip to Europe next month and I don’t speak the language of the countries I’m going to.  I’ve been asked so many times if I think …

  Read More »
• 25 September

  M life Benefits on Royal Caribbean (including free cruise!)

  

  In addition to being a partner with Hyatt, M life is also a partner with Royal Caribbean.  You can get a bunch of benefits on through them, including (in some cases) a free cruise: The Onboard Internet Service reminds me just *how* expensive internet is on a cruise and why …

  Read More »
• 25 September

  Flight Turns Around on Account of Engine Sticking Out Side of Plane

  There are some images that can make even the most frequent of flyers shiver.  Like this one: Whelp folks, looks like we’re going to have to turn back. This photo is courtesy of this thread on reddit and the comments include some interesting commentary from real pilots and, well, some …

  Read More »
• 24 September

  When Are We Going to Get Gyms on Planes?

  

  With the recent scientific news that sitting for long periods of time causes even more health problems than we’ve assumed, I have to ask–when are we going to get gyms in flight? I’ve often told people that being in flight is not that different from being in the office.  I have the …

  Read More »
• 24 September

  You Think YOUR Flight Delay is Bad?

  The most epic-ly delayed flight ever may finally take off in February or March of next year.  After three years of delays, adventurous tourists may finally get the chance to travel to outer space.  Seriously. KRQE reports on the Virgin Galactic’s impending flight: Initial plans had Virgin Galactic’s first commercial …

  Read More »