Bringing Transparency to the Airline Industry
Contrail is an independent publication that covers airlines and air travel for everyday travelers. Most aviation coverage is written for enthusiasts. We write for the person who flies a few times a year and wants to know which airline to book, which seat to pick and what's changing at the airport.
What We Cover
Flight reviews are the heart of Contrail. Every review comes from a flight we actually took, and we've reviewed airlines in more than 50 countries, with a focus on carriers and regions most American outlets rarely cover. Alongside reviews, we publish daily aviation news, explainers on how the industry works and editorials on where air travel is heading.
How We Review
Each review scores a flight in five categories: ground experience, seat, amenities, catering and service. We judge every cabin within its own class, so an economy seat is measured against other economy seats rather than against business class. A review reflects one flight on one day, and we say so when a single experience may not represent an airline as a whole.
The Verdict · JX 12 Business
What worked
✓Private Seats With Closing Doors
✓Pajamas Handed Out Before Takeoff
✓Standout Multi-Course Dinner
What didn't work
✕Nearby Lounge Closed Without Notice
✕Distant Crew During Boarding
✕Angled Footwell in Bed Mode
Contrail
Our Standards
Contrail is editorially independent. Airlines don't pay for reviews or coverage, and they don't see our stories before they're published. When an airline provides travel at no cost, we disclose it clearly at the top of the review.
We check our facts, credit our sources and photographers, and correct mistakes openly. If you spot an error, email us and we'll fix it and note the correction.
Who We Are
Contrail was founded by Zach Benitez, an aviation journalist and New York University student who flies hundreds of thousands of miles a year reviewing airlines. His writing has appeared in numerous outlets, including Business Insider.
Zach works alongside a phenomenal team of students and industry professionals around the world. Our contributors change often by design, since we want to showcase as many voices from across aviation as possible.
Get in Touch
Have a tip, a correction or a story idea? Email zach@thecontrail.org