# Contrail > Independent airline reviews and aviation news for everyday travelers, from a college student flying around the world. Public Ghost content for AI and LLM tooling. This file includes a bounded export of public pages first, then recent public posts. Append `.md` to any post or page URL to get the content in Markdown (for example, `/example-post.md`). ## Pages ### The Team URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/the-team/ Last updated: 2026-09-13T17:41:27.000Z Zachary Benitez Founder & Editor-in-Chief As the founder of Contrail, Zach hopes to bring clarity to the commercial aviation industry, a corner of the travel world he describes as mired in obscurity. That pursuit has taken him around the world documenting airlines and airports, all while enrolled as a full-time student at NYU. So far in 2026 he has flown over 120 times, spanning 270,000 miles. **Home airport**JFK*New York* **Home country**United States contrail.travel Gomolemo Mokonyane Staff Writer Gomolemo covers African aviation for Contrail, a beat almost nobody serves for a general audience. He is also a working flight attendant for an African carrier, which gives him a view of the industry from inside the cabin rather than from a press release. **Home airport**JNB*Johannesburg* **Home country**South Africa contrail.travel Iqram Magdon-Ismail Advisory Board Member Iqram co-founded Venmo and now builds JellyJelly. He advises Contrail on product and on the problem every independent publication starts with, which is growing an audience from nothing. **Home airport**JFK*New York* **Home country**United States contrail.travel Derick Mains Advisory Board Member Derick has spent 33 years in communications and operations roles across government and large tech companies. He now manages operations for the CEO of a Fortune 500 company, work that keeps him on planes and in airports constantly. **Home airport**SFO*San Francisco* **Home country**United States contrail.travel Axel Wells Advisory Board Member Axel has spent more than 30 years in marketing, customer experience, and change management across a range of industries. A Delta flyer for over 36 years, he's been traveling the globe for more than 50. **Home airport**SEA*Seattle* **Home country**United States contrail.travel ### (Untitled) URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/about/ Last updated: 2026-10-02T16:00:47.000Z ## 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. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_4495-2.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_1131.JPEG) --- ## 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 **8.3**Overall A beautifully finished cabin and a superb dinner, with a crew that started out distant and ended up among the most attentive I've flown with. Ground experience 6.4 Seat 8.8 Amenities 9.0 Catering 9.2 Service 8.3 #### 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. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/Screenshot-2026-09-29-at-17.34.52.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/Screenshot-2026-09-29-at-17.35.03.png) 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 ### Contrail Index URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/contrail-index/ Last updated: 2026-10-11T12:23:58.000Z The Contrail Index # Every airline we've reviewed, ranked Every score comes from a real flight, judged within its own cabin class. Sort by the part of the trip you care about most, or filter by cabin. [How we score airlines](https://www.thecontrail.org/how-the-contrail-index-works/) **0**flights reviewed Sort by Overall Ground Seat Amenities Catering Service Cabin All Business Premium Economy Economy RankFlightOverallGroundSeatAmenitiesCateringService Scores are out of 10\. Overall is the average of the five categories. Tap any flight to read the full review. Flights marked "Full review soon" have been scored, and their reviews are on the way. ### How the Contrail Index Works URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/how-the-contrail-index-works/ Last updated: 2026-10-03T07:05:25.000Z The Contrail Index ranks every airline Contrail has reviewed, using scores from flights we've actually taken. Each review gives a flight five scores out of 10, and the Index brings them together so you can compare airlines side by side. --- ## The Five Scores **Ground experience** covers everything the airline controls before takeoff, like check-in, the lounge when one is included and boarding. Problems the airline can't control, such as a slow security line, don't count against it. **Seat** covers comfort, space and privacy. For lie-flat seats, it also covers how well the seat works as a bed. **Amenities** covers what comes with the seat, from the screen and Wi-Fi to bedding, headphones and amenity kits. **Catering** covers the food and drinks, including how they taste, how much you get and when they're served. **Service** covers the crew, from how attentive and friendly they are to how they handle problems. The overall score is the average of all five, so a great seat can't hide a poor meal or an unfriendly crew. --- ## Judged Within Each Cabin Every flight is scored against others in the same cabin. An economy seat is compared with other economy seats, never with business class. That's why an economy flight can outscore a business class one: it means the economy flight was better at being economy. --- ## What the Numbers Mean A 9 or 10 is exceptional, the kind of experience we'd go out of our way to book again. Scores of 8 are excellent, and 7 means good. A 6 means the flight was genuinely disappointing, and anything at 5 or below means something went seriously wrong. Very few scores fall below 4. --- ## One Flight, One Day Each score reflects a single flight, and airlines can have good and bad days. When we fly an airline again, we'll update the review and its scores so the Index stays current. Flights marked "Full review soon" have already been flown and scored, and their full reviews are on the way. --- ## How We Stay Independent Airlines don't pay for reviews or rankings, and they never see our scores before they're published. When an airline provides a flight at no cost, we say so clearly at the top of the review. [Back to Contrail Index](www.thecontrail.org/contrail-index/) ## Posts ### Northern Cyprus Is Promising a New Airline by 2028. There’s a Catch URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/cyprus-turkish-airlines-relaunch-2028/ Last updated: 2026-10-16T15:11:09.000Z On Monday, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Prime Minister Ünal Üstel announced plans to relaunch Cyprus Turkish Airlines in 2028, alongside a wider set of projects aimed at 2033, the TRNC's 50th anniversary. The program aims to improve the economy and welfare of the de facto state, recognized only by Turkey, on the island of Cyprus. The proposed airline's future is contingent on Üstel's party winning the legislative election expected in December and him remaining in office to implement the plan. The proposal could strengthen tourism and increase competition on routes to northern Cyprus, but it also carries political significance in a territory whose international isolation continues to shape its aviation industry. Northern Cyprus · Airlines ### A Comeback Airline, If the Vote Goes Its Way Target launch 2028 Depends on December election result Flying there today Turkish carriers only Route to the UK Via Turkey June 2010 The original Cyprus Turkish Airlines stops flying after years of financial trouble. Sep 21, 2026 Prime Minister Ünal Üstel promises to bring the airline back if his party is re-elected. Oct 12, 2026 The plan is laid out as part of a program aimed at 2033, the TRNC's 50th anniversary. December Legislative elections expected. If Üstel's party loses, the plan may go with it. Contrail --- ## What Happened to the Original Airline The original Cyprus Turkish Airlines ceased operations in June of 2010 after experiencing underfunding and other financial difficulties. Before its collapse, it connected northern Cyprus with destinations including Turkey and the United Kingdom, although European services generally required a stop in mainland Turkey. Its proposed revival comes as Turkish Cypriot authorities seek to expand tourism and improve transport links through Ercan International Airport. --- ## Why Flights Still Go Through Turkey Ercan Airport, which serves the TRNC or northern Cyprus, is not treated internationally as an ordinary independent international airport. Flights widely operate through Turkey, meaning that passengers traveling from northern Cyprus to destinations such as the UK typically connect through Turkish airports. Currently, Ercan is served by Turkish carriers including Turkish Airlines, Pegasus, AJet and SunExpress. Re-establishing Cyprus Turkish Airlines as a locally branded airline would not, by itself, change any restrictions or secure direct international routes. The proposed carrier would have to navigate the existing regulatory environment, airport arrangements and the limited international recognition of the TRNC. --- ## The Politics Behind It Nevertheless, the initiative could carry symbolic value for Turkish Cypriot authorities. A national carrier could possibly provide a visible expression of economic autonomy and strengthen the administration's efforts to present northern Cyprus as an internationally connected destination. International actors and critics may instead view the proposal as reinforcing the separate institutions of TRNC and the internationally recognized Republic of Cyprus. Additionally, the original airline's financial collapse illustrates the difficulties of sustaining operations in a restricted market. --- ## What Comes Next The proposed 2028 launch therefore represents both an aviation opportunity and a political statement. If Üstel's party wins the election and the project is successfully implemented, Cyprus Turkish Airlines could strengthen northern Cyprus's tourism sector. However, its ability to offer new international connections will remain constrained by the island's unresolved division. ### The Hardest Parts of Reviewing Airlines That No One Sees URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/behind-the-scenes-reviewing-airlines/ Last updated: 2026-10-15T17:13:47.000Z From the outside, reviewing airlines looks like a dream job where you fly somewhere interesting, eat the food and sleep in the bed before writing about it. I know, nobody’s feeling sorry for someone who reviews business class for a living, and I do love it. But a lot of the work happens in a few frantic minutes that most readers never picture. I’ve taken more than 130 flights this year, and nearly every review depends on getting a handful of things right. --- ## Boarding First Getting on the plane first matters more to my reviews than almost anything else. The first few minutes after boarding are the only time the cabin looks the way the airline designed it, with every seat empty and every pillow in place. Once other passengers settle in, I can't photograph their seats without photographing them, so that window closes fast. ![China Airlines Boeing 777 business class cabin with wood-grain walls and lit seat lamps](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_0659.JPG) China Airlines Boeing 777 business class. Credit: Zach Benitez / Contrail --- ## Preflight Photos Most readers don't realize that almost every photo in a review is taken before the plane pushes back. In that short window, I'm racing to capture the seat in every position along with the storage and the screen. Then I grab the amenity kit and the view down the aisle, usually while the crew are busy with their own preparations. If I miss a shot then, there's often no second chance. The cabin gets busier and darker from there, and a bag in the aisle or a sleeping neighbor can ruin the angle for the rest of the flight. ![Starlux Airbus A350 business class seat 7A with a pillow and bedding wrapped in plastic](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_4500.JPG) A Starlux Airbus A350 business class seat. Credit: Zach Benitez / Contrail --- ## Staying Awake for Meals Overnight flights add another challenge. I want to sleep as much as anyone, but the meal service and the bed are both central to a review, so I have to stay awake through dinner and photograph every course. Then I still need the bed shots before I can finally turn in, which can push lights-out well into what my body thinks is the middle of the night. ![Air France business class dinner of grilled chicken with yellow rice, salad, cheese and dessert](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_1483.JPG) Dinner in Air France business class. Credit: Zach Benitez / Contrail --- ## When a Review Doesn't Work Out Not every flight becomes a review. A while back I flew Premium Plus, United's premium economy cabin, from Paris to Newark on a flight I planned to review. I ended up shelving it because the lighting was poor and the photo opportunities just weren't there. Without good photos, I couldn't show readers what the cabin was really like, and a review that can't do that isn't worth publishing. So the next time you read a flight review, picture someone hurrying down the jet bridge to beat the crowd, then eating dinner at what feels like 3 a.m. It's more work than it looks, and it's why nearly every photo in a Contrail review comes from those first few minutes on board. ### Russia Is Short on Planes. Aeroflot Is Flying to a Vietnamese Beach Island Anyway URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/aeroflot-phu-quoc-russia-plane-shortage/ Last updated: 2026-10-15T13:42:36.000Z Aeroflot's new flights to Phu Quoc take off Thursday, connecting Moscow with one of Vietnam's most popular beach islands twice a week on an Airbus A330\. It's the Russian flag carrier's third destination in Vietnam, after Ho Chi Minh City and Nha Trang. The timing is awkward. A week ago, Russia's transport minister said Moscow had asked Vietnam to lease it passenger jets, complete with crews and maintenance, because Russian airlines are running short of planes that can fly. Aeroflot · Russia ### New Beach Route, Fewer Planes New route Moscow to Phu Quoc First flight Thursday, Oct 15 Schedule Twice weekly, Airbus A330 Flights to the US None since 2022 400+ Western-leased jets Russia kept flying after sanctions hit in 2022. 130 of 673 Planes at Russia's 11 largest airlines that are out of service, nearly a fifth. 0 Russian-built MC-21s carrying passengers, despite Aeroflot ordering 108. Contrail --- ## Why Russia Needs Planes Before Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, about [850 of the roughly 900 commercial aircraft its airlines flew were Boeing and Airbus jets](https://www.thecontrail.org/air-india-a350-aeroflot-new-brand/), and most were leased from Western companies. When sanctions hit, Russia passed a law letting its airlines re-register more than 400 of those leased planes at home and keep flying them, according to Euronews. The leasing companies have since filed about $8 billion in insurance claims. ![Aeroflot Airbus A321 parked at a terminal gate at Istanbul Airport, surrounded by ground crew and vehicles](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1725957252010-3192b59d5718?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDV8fGFlcm9mbG90fGVufDB8fHx8MTc5MjA3MDUwOHww&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) An Aeroflot Airbus A321 at Istanbul Airport. File photo. Credit: Zach Benitez / Contrail Keeping those jets in the air is getting harder. Western manufacturers can't sell Russia parts, so airlines have been taking parts from some planes to keep others flying. Russia's aviation authority certifies those parts itself, but US and European regulators don't recognize them. The result is a growing number of parked planes. Of 673 aircraft flown by Russia's 11 largest airlines, 130 aren't in service, nearly a fifth, compared with a normal rate of about 10%. The picture is better inside the Aeroflot group than at smaller Russian airlines, where close to a third of planes are idle. --- ## The Russian Jet That Isn't Ready Russia's long-term answer is to build its own planes. Last month, Aeroflot ordered 90 more Yakovlev MC-21s, a Russian-built narrowbody, bringing its total commitment to 108\. But not a single MC-21 is carrying paying passengers yet. Replacing Western parts with Russian ones added weight and cost, and deliveries to Aeroflot aren't expected to begin until the second half of 2027. That's why Moscow is knocking on doors abroad. Vietnam is studying the leasing request, but its main airline flies only Airbus and Boeing jets, so lending them to Russia could expose Vietnam to sanctions. Ethiopia turned down a similar proposal for that reason. --- ## Why Beach Routes Keep Coming If planes are scarce, why add a new route to Phu Quoc? Because that's where the demand is. Aeroflot's domestic traffic fell 9.1% in June, as Ukrainian drone strikes disrupted flights at home, while its international traffic jumped 13.9%. With Europe and North America closed to it, the airline has been leaning into places Russians can still easily visit, from Vietnam and Sri Lanka to the Seychelles and the UAE. Travel between the two countries is getting easier in the other direction too. Starting Thursday, Vietnamese citizens can visit Russia without a visa for up to 30 days, and flights between Russia and Nha Trang, Vietnam's other big beach destination, have been running close to full. Fuel is another squeeze. Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries have cut production, and some Russian airports have reportedly rationed jet fuel. Aeroflot says its own fuel supply is secure. ![Aerial view of Phu Quoc’s Sunset Town at sunset, with a clock tower, colorful buildings and the sea behind](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1730714103959-5d5a30acf547?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDN8fHBodSUyMHF1b2N8ZW58MHx8fHwxNzkyMDcxNjcxfDA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Sunset Town on Vietnam’s Phu Quoc island. File photo. Credit: Vivu Vietnam / Unsplash --- ## What It Means for Travelers For most American travelers, nothing changes directly. Russian airlines have been banned from US and European Union airspace since 2022, and Moscow's requests to restore direct flights to the US haven't produced any so far. If you're heading to Vietnam this winter, though, don't be surprised to see Aeroflot jets at Phu Quoc, Nha Trang or Ho Chi Minh City. For a country short on working planes, Russia is choosing very carefully where to send the ones it has left, and right now that means the beach. ### Riyadh's Airport Is Supposed to Reopen This Weekend. Don't Count On It Yet URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/will-riyadh-airport-reopen-october-17/ Last updated: 2026-10-15T13:02:58.000Z Will Riyadh's airport reopen on October 17? On paper, King Khalid International Airport, Saudi Arabia's main gateway, is closed until 21:00 GMT on Saturday, October 17, which is midnight at the end of Saturday in Riyadh and 5 p.m. Saturday in New York. That's according to an official notice to pilots that Saudi aviation authorities extended earlier this week. But that date is a deadline for the current closure, not a promise to reopen. And with attacks on Saudi Arabia continuing as recently as Wednesday, travelers shouldn't assume flights will be back to normal by Sunday. King Khalid International Airport · Riyadh ### When Riyadh Flights Could Return Closed until End of Saturday, Oct 17 (Riyadh time) In New York 5 p.m. Saturday Jeddah Open, but strained First step Check your airline's alerts Oct 16 Lufthansa Group's Riyadh cancellations run through this date. Oct 17 Airport closure notice expires at midnight Riyadh time, unless it's extended again. Oct 19 Etihad's Riyadh cancellations end, according to Arabian Business. End of Oct Air France and KLM's Riyadh suspension runs through the month. Nov 29 Philippine Airlines plans to return to Riyadh. Contrail --- ## Why the Airport Is Closed Riyadh's airport has been hit repeatedly since October 6 by missiles and drones launched by Yemen's Houthi rebels. The deadliest strike, on October 10, hit the complex that holds Terminals 3 and 4, and the death toll from that attack reached 13 with more than 300 injured. Terminal 4 was hit again the next day. Saudi Arabia's aviation authority has said the suspension gives officials time to complete safety procedures and check that the airport is ready to operate. It hasn't announced a schedule for reopening beyond the current notice. --- ## Why the Date Could Slip The attacks haven’t stopped. Late Tuesday, a Houthi missile hit an office tower at the headquarters of Saudi Aramco, the state oil company, in the eastern city of Dhahran. On Wednesday, the group said it would keep targeting Saudi airports and oil facilities, and Saudi forces said they intercepted a missile aimed at Riyadh. The closure has already been extended, and it can be extended again if inspections aren't finished or the security situation hasn't improved. Even if the airport does reopen, it could take days for schedules to recover, since airlines need aircraft and crews back in position and have to clear their own security reviews. ![Riyadh skyline at night with lit towers, including Kingdom Centre, above busy city streets](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1663900108404-a05e8bf82cda?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDF8fHJpeWFkaHxlbnwwfHx8fDE3OTIwMDMwNzd8MA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) The Riyadh skyline at night. File photo. Credit: سيف الظاهر / Unsplash --- ## When Airlines Plan to Return The airport reopening and your airline returning are two different things. Many carriers have set their own dates, and several go well past Saturday. According to airline announcements reported this week, Lufthansa Group has canceled Riyadh flights through October 16, while Air France and KLM have suspended Riyadh service through the end of October. Etihad has canceled Riyadh flights until October 19, according to Arabian Business, which also reported suspensions by Qatar Airways, Gulf Air and Riyadh Air. Philippine Airlines has pushed its return to November 29, and Delta has delayed its planned Atlanta to Riyadh launch until March 2027. Jeddah's airport remains open but is under strain as airlines move flights there, while Dammam and airports in Saudi Arabia's south have also been disrupted. --- ## What to Do If You're Booked Start with your airline, not the airport. Check its travel alerts page for Saudi Arabia, since many airlines flying there have posted waivers that let you change or cancel without a fee. Check whether yours has. If your airline cancels your flight and you choose not to travel, you're entitled to a cash refund on any flight to, from or within the US under Department of Transportation rules. Elsewhere, refund rules depend on the airline and the country, so ask for a refund rather than accepting a voucher if that's what you want. If you have travel insurance, read the fine print before counting on it. Many policies exclude acts of war, which could matter here. ### Rwanda Is Building a Multibillion-Dollar Airport. Can It Take On Africa's Biggest Hubs? URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/bugesera-airport-new-kigali-airport/ Last updated: 2026-10-14T18:15:48.000Z If you look at a map of Africa, particularly toward the northeastern and eastern parts of the continent, you'll notice two major airport projects that reflect African countries' ambitions to grow their aviation industries. One is being built near Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, while the other, which is the focus of this article, is Bugesera International Airport in Rwanda. Bugesera International Airport, Rwanda's new Kigali airport, is expected to open around 2027 or 2028, marking a major step in Rwanda's plans to expand its economy and open the country to more international travelers. It's one of the country's biggest infrastructure projects, with a cost that has grown into the billions of dollars. The project isn't simply about building another airport. Rwanda wants a modern aviation hub that can accommodate the country's future growth while giving its national airline, RwandAir, more room to expand. The airport is also being designed with sustainability in mind. Bugesera International Airport · Rwanda ### Rwanda's New Airport, Step by Step Expected to open 2027 or 2028 Replaces Kigali International First terminal 5 million passengers a year Owners Qatar's QIA 60%, Rwanda 40% 2016 Rwanda signs Mota-Engil to build a smaller new airport. Work starts in 2017. Dec 2019 Qatar Airways takes a 60% stake and the project is redesigned on a much bigger scale. 2025 The 4.5-kilometer runway is completed. June 2026 Qatar's sovereign wealth fund buys the 60% stake for $578 million and commits $1.1 billion more. 2027–28 Expected opening, when commercial flights move from Kigali International. Contrail --- ## Why Rwanda Needs a New Airport Rwanda's current main airport, Kigali International Airport, has limited room to grow because of the development and terrain around it. That's a challenge for a country that wants to expand its aviation industry and attract more international passengers. ****Editor’s note**: I flew through Kigali International Airport this summer, and it’s easy to see why Rwanda wants a replacement. The terminal felt cramped for an international gateway and there was little to do airside. For a country trying to become a hub, it doesn’t yet feel like one. — Zach Benitez, Editor in Chief The existing airport has served as Rwanda's main international gateway, but the country's ambitions have kept growing, and so has the number of people traveling in and out. Rwanda regularly hosts international summits and conferences attended by African and European leaders. RwandAir's expansion plans, along with Rwanda's push to attract more tourists, investors and international businesses, have increased the need for a bigger airport. --- ## What Bugesera Is Meant to Fix Bugesera International Airport is meant to solve these problems with a new facility that has space to expand. Rather than continuing to work around the physical limits of the existing airport, Rwanda is building one designed for growing passenger numbers and cargo. Once it's finished, it will replace Kigali International Airport for commercial flights. The ambition is to position Rwanda as a key connection point for passengers traveling between Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Europe. However, competing with established hubs such as Addis Ababa Bole International Airport and Cairo International Airport will take more than a large terminal and a long runway. Airlines will need to offer attractive connections, competitive schedules and enough destinations to convince passengers to connect in Rwanda. --- ## How the Project Grew The airport dates back to 2016, when the Rwandan government signed an agreement with the Portuguese construction company Mota-Engil to build and run it. Construction began in 2017 on a much smaller airport than the one now being built. As plans developed, Rwanda's ambitions for the project changed. The government wanted a larger airport that could support its long-term aviation goals, and construction was paused in 2019 for a redesign. In December 2019, Rwanda signed a new partnership with Qatar Airways. Under the deal, Qatar Airways would take a 60% stake in the project, then valued at about $1.3 billion. The planned capacity grew to 7 million passengers a year in the first phase, with a later expansion to 14 million. The partnership dramatically increased the scale of the project. What had started as a modest international airport was now meant to become a major gateway for Rwanda and a potential regional hub. ![Qatar Airways Airbus A350-1000 in flight against a clear blue sky](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1716747936903-2de320700fed?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDJ8fHFhdGFyJTIwYWlyfGVufDB8fHx8MTc5MjAwMTU4OHww&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Rows of dark leather economy seats inside a RwandAir Boeing 737 cabin with passengers seated --- ## Delays and a New Owner Like many construction projects around the world, Bugesera was slowed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Restrictions and supply chain disruptions made it harder to keep building, and the opening date was pushed back several times. In 2024, RwandAir's CEO, Yvonne Makolo, said the airport was expected to be operational "between 2027 and 2028." The ownership has changed too. On June 1, 2026, the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), Qatar's sovereign wealth fund, announced it had bought Qatar Airways' 60% stake for $578 million and committed a further $1.1 billion to finish construction. Rwanda's government-owned Aviation Travel and Logistics holds the remaining 40%. According to QIA, the airport's 4.5-kilometer runway was completed in 2025, and its first terminal is being built for 5 million passengers a year, fewer than the 7 million once planned for the first phase, with room to expand later. That's an important development, because it shows the project remains a major long-term investment even as its original plans and timeline have changed. --- ## Sustainability Plans One of the airport's key selling points is sustainability. Rwanda has said it wants Bugesera to be one of the greenest airports in Africa, and officials said as far back as 2018 that it was on track for a green building certification, which would be a first for the region. Reports in 2023 said the airport would draw power from the Rusumo hydroelectric plant on Rwanda's border with Tanzania. If those plans succeed, the airport could become an important example of how African countries are building sustainability into new aviation infrastructure. However, calling the airport emission-free would be premature. Airports generate emissions from planes, ground vehicles, buildings and much more. The more realistic question is how much its design and operations can cut those emissions compared with a conventional airport. --- ## Will Bugesera Become a Major Hub? This is where the real test begins. Building an airport that can handle millions of passengers is one thing. Attracting those passengers is another. Rwanda will need airlines to launch new routes, add more flights and use the airport as a connection point for international travel. RwandAir will play a major role. A larger airport could give the airline more room to expand its network and connect passengers between different regions, and Rwanda's location could help it market itself as a convenient stop between Africa, Europe and Asia. ![Rows of dark leather economy seats inside a RwandAir Boeing 737 cabin with passengers seated](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_6809.JPG) Economy class on a RwandAir Boeing 737\. Credit: Zach Benitez / Contrail Qatar's involvement has brought significant investment, but the airport's success will depend on how well that infrastructure gets used. Passenger demand, airline partnerships, ticket prices and the number of useful connections will all decide whether Bugesera becomes the hub Rwanda hopes for. The competition is growing, too. Ethiopia broke ground in January 2026 on a $12.5 billion airport near Addis Ababa, at Bishoftu, built to handle 60 million passengers a year in its first phase when it opens around 2030. There's also a lesson to be learned from Angola. Luanda's new Dr. António Agostinho Neto International Airport was inaugurated in 2023 with room for 15 million passengers a year, but it handled only about 756,000 in 2025, and Turkish Airlines has since dropped the city. Expensive infrastructure alone doesn't guarantee that airlines and travelers will change their habits. --- ## What Comes Next Bugesera International Airport represents Rwanda's ambition to play a bigger role in African aviation. The investment is substantial, the plans are ambitious, and the new airport is meant to remove the limits that have held back Rwanda's current one. But as the opening approaches, the big question remains: will Bugesera attract enough airlines and passengers to compete with Africa's established hubs? With the backing of the Qatar Investment Authority, room for RwandAir to grow and Rwanda's push to attract more international visitors, the foundations are being laid. The real test starts once the airport opens and has to turn those ambitions into actual flights, passengers and sustainable operations. ### A Travel Site Criticized Etihad. Now It Says It’s Blocked in the UAE URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/one-mile-at-a-time-blocked-uae-etihad/ Last updated: 2026-10-14T17:25:33.000Z One Mile at a Time, one of the most widely read travel sites in the US, appears to be blocked in the United Arab Emirates. Its founder, Ben Schlappig, said on Wednesday that the site won't load for many readers in the UAE, at least on connections through Etisalat, one of the country's main internet providers. He says the block isn't yet consistent across the country. Schlappig believes the timing is no coincidence. Last week, he reported on the sudden exit of [Etihad's](https://www.thecontrail.org/etihad-a350-1000-business-class-review/) chief commercial officer, Arik De. Then on Sunday, he published a follow-up in which more than a dozen current and former Etihad managers, all anonymous, described what he called a deeply toxic culture among the airline's senior leadership. Etihad is owned by ADQ, a holding company controlled by the Abu Dhabi government. One Mile at a Time · UAE ### How a Travel Site Went Dark in the UAE Blocked on Etisalat connections Nationwide? Not consistent yet Official reason None cited Etihad's owner Abu Dhabi government Earlier One Mile at a Time reports on the sudden exit of Etihad's chief commercial officer. Sunday, Oct 11 A follow-up quotes anonymous Etihad managers describing a toxic culture at the top. Wednesday, Oct 14 Founder Ben Schlappig says the site is being blocked in the UAE and links it to his coverage. Contrail --- ## What We Know Not much is official. Schlappig's post doesn't cite any official explanation, and Contrail hasn't seen a public statement from UAE authorities or Etihad. The country restricts many kinds of websites, so it's possible the block has a different cause. Still, a travel site going dark in the UAE just days after a critical piece about the national airline is hard to read any other way, and Schlappig is clear about how he sees it. He's also been careful to say his reporting was about the airline's leadership, not the UAE or its people. "There are a ton of incredible employees at Etihad, including many Emiratis, who do an amazing job," he wrote. --- ## It Wasn't a Review It's worth being clear about what got the site into trouble. This wasn't a harsh review of Etihad's seats or food. Schlappig has praised Etihad's cabins for years. It was reporting on how the airline is run, based on what its own managers told him. That's a different kind of criticism, and in some ways a more sensitive one. A bad review says a product isn't good enough. A story about leadership says the people in charge are the problem. For an airline owned by its government, that can quickly become a government matter. ![Etihad Airways Airbus A350 in sand-colored livery taking off past an airport terminal](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1770048500662-73e7fc4d5dae?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDR8fGV0aWhhZHxlbnwwfHx8fDE3OTE5OTcwNjV8MA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) An Etihad Airways Airbus A350 taking off. File photo. Credit: Stroopsniper Lenn / Unsplash --- ## Why This Matters to Travelers You might think how an airline treats its office staff has nothing to do with your flight. But the culture at the top shapes everything else, from how crews are treated to how problems get fixed to whether the people who spot a problem feel safe raising it. The service you get at 35,000 feet starts there. Travelers rely on independent coverage to know what an airline is really like, and that includes more than seat reviews. It means reporting on strikes, safety, refunds, layoffs and how airlines treat their own people. That coverage only works if writers can publish what they find. Gulf airlines earn a lot of praise from travel writers, often deservedly, because their cabins and service can be excellent. But that praise only means something if criticism is possible too. --- ## It Isn't Only the Gulf This isn't only a Gulf issue. This week alone, Israel detained a British TV journalist at Ben-Gurion Airport and asked him whether he believes Israel is committing genocide, before letting him in hours later. The details are very different, but the question is the same. When governments decide which journalists get in, or which websites people can read, travelers end up with less honest information about the places they're planning to visit. --- ## Why It Makes Me Nervous I'll be honest: I do get nervous sometimes when I'm reviewing or reporting on airlines from countries with a track record of taking criticism personally. There's a fine line to walk. I never go after people personally, and I never attack a country or its people. What I write is about a seat, a meal, a crew and a company's decisions, nothing more. But man, to have a product that works and a business that lasts, you have to accept negative feedback. How else do you ever get better? The airlines that improve are the ones that listen to what isn't working. Shutting down the criticism doesn't fix the problem. It just scares people off from speaking up, and the problem stays exactly where it was. --- ## Where Contrail Stands None of this will change how I cover Etihad, Emirates, Qatar Airways or Riyadh Air. I'll keep giving praise where it's earned and criticism where it isn't. Etihad's first and business class cabins are widely considered among the best in the world, and that hasn't changed. Blocking a website doesn't change what employees said, and it doesn't make the questions go away. If anything, it makes readers wonder what else they aren't hearing. The best way for any airline to answer criticism is to fix what's wrong and let its product, and its people, speak for themselves. ### “It Costs Tons of Fuel”: Lufthansa Pilots Complain After a 17-Minute Wait at SFO URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/why-planes-wait-to-take-off-lufthansa-sfo/ Last updated: 2026-10-14T16:38:40.000Z Why do planes wait to take off? Lufthansa pilots flying an Airbus A380, the world's largest passenger plane, told air traffic control in San Francisco they'd file a report after waiting about 17 minutes to take off last week. The flight was LH459 from San Francisco to Munich on October 9\. According to air traffic control audio posted online and reported by One Mile at a Time, the A380 sat at the end of the runway while a steady stream of arriving planes landed, with no gap for it to take off. Lufthansa · San Francisco ### 17 Minutes at the End of the Runway Flight LH459, SFO to Munich Date Friday, October 9 Plane Airbus A380 Wait About 17 minutes At the runway The A380 holds short while planes keep landing. The tower says final approach is "pretty booked." 17 min later A gap finally opens and the superjumbo takes off. Airborne The pilots tell controllers they'll write a report: "It costs tons of fuel." Why it happens At SFO, big long-haul jets often take off from a runway that planes are also landing on, so they have to wait for a gap between arrivals. Contrail --- ## What the Pilots Said Once airborne, the crew asked the departure controller, "Is there any coordination during approach and tower for takeoff? We had a 17 minute wait and no gap for takeoff." Earlier, the tower had told them it was "pretty booked on final," meaning the line of planes coming in to land was full. The controller suggested they raise it with the tower next time. The pilots replied that they would "still write a report and ask these questions," adding, "It costs tons of fuel." Lufthansa and the FAA hadn't publicly responded to the exchange as of Wednesday. --- ## Why Planes Wait at the End of the Runway When your plane stops short of the runway and sits there, it's usually waiting for a gap. A runway can only be used by one plane at a time, so if arrivals and departures share it, controllers have to fit takeoffs between landings. When arrivals are lined up close together, there's simply no room. San Francisco makes this especially tricky. In its usual setup, planes land on two parallel runways while most departures use two other runways that cross them, according to FAA planning documents. Big, heavy long-haul jets like the A380 often need the longer runway, which is also one that planes are landing on. That means a superjumbo heading to Europe has to squeeze in between arrivals. ![United Airlines jets parked at San Francisco International Airport with SFO-painted fuel tanks behind them](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1715266895748-5e4f9a93d0e2?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDE4fHxTRk98ZW58MHx8fHwxNzkxOTk1MTUyfDA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) United Airlines jets at San Francisco International Airport. File photo. Credit: David Syphers / Unsplash It's been a rough year for the airport, too. The FAA restricted side-by-side landings at SFO in March, and one of its runways was closed for repaving until early October, which cut how many planes could land each hour and pushed delays up. Some of those limits have since been eased. --- ## Fair Complaint or Overreaction? The pilots have a point about fuel. An A380 has four engines, and every minute it idles burns fuel the airline pays for. But a 17-minute wait at a busy US airport isn't unusual, and building gaps into a stream of arrivals has its own costs, since it can mean holding landing planes in the air longer. For passengers, there's one reassuring takeaway. When you're stuck at the end of the runway, it's rarely anything wrong with your plane. It's usually a traffic jam you can't see. ### Bourbon, Missoni and a Second Pillow: Delta’s Business Class Gets a Makeover URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/delta-one-changes-2026/ Last updated: 2026-10-14T16:05:45.000Z Delta announced a sweeping set of Delta One changes on Wednesday, and the list reads like a luxury hotel's press kit. There's Blanton's bourbon, Missoni amenity kits, a Wagyu burger and a Champagne float for dessert. It all starts this fall on flights from Los Angeles across the Pacific and reaches the rest of Delta's international network in early 2027. Those are the parts getting the headlines. The change that'll matter most on your next flight is much less glamorous. Delta One · Delta Air Lines ### What's Changing in Delta's Business Class Starts Pacific flights from LAX, this fall Everywhere Early 2027 Trial flights 36 Designed with 200+ flight attendants Nov 3 Missoni amenity kits launch, and Dassai 45 sake arrives on Tokyo Haneda flights. Dec 1 Blanton's bourbon arrives, a first for any airline according to Delta. Early 2027 New service reaches Delta's full international network. Mar 2027 New cocktails and alcohol-free drinks on international flights, then domestic in April. By 2028 Delta's Porsche transfer fleet grows from 40 to 70 cars across 15 airports. Contrail --- ## The Shiny Stuff Delta says it'll be the first airline to serve Blanton's, a Kentucky bourbon that's often hard to find in stores, starting December 1\. Missoni amenity kits arrive November 3, along with a second, smaller Missoni "cuddle pillow" for every Delta One seat. Flights to Tokyo's Haneda Airport get Dassai 45 sake the same day. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/onboard_product_shoot_4240802_product_cuddle.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/onboard_product_shoot_4240802_d1_look_06_1837_vs_r2.jpg) Credit: Delta Air Lines The menu, led by chef Simon Hulstone, adds a Delta One Wagyu burger, a chicken salad croissant and a dairy-free sorbet you can turn into a Taittinger Champagne float. New cocktails and alcohol-free versions, including a Hugo Spritz and a Paloma, follow on international flights in March 2027. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/comp_red-wine_summer-menu-shoot_26-05-4461555_ngd1_first-service-entree-lineup_hero-17875psdfh.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/onboard_product_shoot_4240802_d1_sipsettle.jpg) It's a nice list, and the bourbon in particular is a clever choice that people will talk about. But none of it changes how the flight feels as much as what comes next. Delta's Porsche transfers between connecting flights are also growing, from 40 to 70 cars across 15 airports by 2028\. They're only for travelers who pay extra for Delta's VIP Select package, though, so most Delta One passengers won't see one. --- ## The Part You'll Actually Notice The biggest shift is in how flight attendants serve the cabin. On a lot of flights, the first part of the meal is a wait for drinks to come around after takeoff. Under the new setup, which Delta calls "sip and settle," you'll find a hot towel, warm nuts and your drink of choice already waiting on your console before the first course. Delta has also moved main-course preselection to 18 hours before departure, six hours earlier than before, with more gluten-free and lighter options. Meals now come on more than 60 new pieces of tableware, with fresh cracked pepper and sauces served on the side. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/onboard_product_shoot_4240802_d1_look_06_2182_vs_r3-1.jpg) Credit: Delta Air Lines Delta says it built this service with more than 200 flight attendants over 36 trial flights and 14 months. That matters, because a service designed around how crews actually work is far more likely to show up the same way on every flight. On a long overnight trip, a smooth, well-paced meal that gets you to sleep sooner does more for the experience than any brand name on a pillowcase. --- ## What's Getting Smaller One detail moves in the other direction. Delta is cutting its wine menu rotation from four times a year to two, so frequent Delta One flyers will see the same 13 wines for twice as long. It's a small thing on any single trip, but it's a reminder that a "reimagined" product can trim as well as add. --- ## Will It Work? "Every investment we make is deliberate and designed to deliver the industry's most premium end-to-end travel experience," said Ranjan Goswami, Delta's chief marketing and product officer. The bourbon and Missoni kits are easy to deliver. The new service is the hard part, because it depends on every crew pulling it off on a full cabin in the middle of the night. If Delta gets that right, it's the change travelers will remember long after the novelty of the bourbon wears off. ### Two Passenger Jets Flew Over a Packed Rugby Stadium at Under 50 Feet. Now the Airline Could Be Grounded URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/airlink-stadium-flyover-grounded/ Last updated: 2026-10-13T15:07:11.000Z South Africa's aviation regulator says Airlink could face penalties, potentially including a grounding, over a flyover that sent two of its passenger jets screaming low over a packed rugby stadium in Cape Town. The South African Civil Aviation Authority, known as the SACAA, has given the airline until October 15 to respond to its findings, according to South African outlet MyBroadband. Airlink · Cape Town Stadium ### The Flyover Under Review Aircraft Two Embraer jets Lowest pass About 41 to 46 feet Crowd About 56,000 Deadline October 15 Apr 2026 Airlink starts planning the stadium flyover. Aug 29 Two jets fly low over Cape Town Stadium before the Springboks play the All Blacks. Sep The regulator finishes its compliance check and sends Airlink a report. Oct 15 Airlink's extended deadline to respond. A grounding is possible if wrongdoing is found. Contrail --- ## What Happened On August 29, two Airlink Embraer jets flew over Cape Town Stadium before the Springboks played the All Blacks, in front of an estimated 56,000 fans. Flypasts at big South African rugby matches are a tradition that goes back to a South African Airways Boeing 747 buzzing Johannesburg's Ellis Park before the 1995 Rugby World Cup final. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/Screenshot-2026-10-13-at-11.03.50-1.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/Screenshot-2026-10-13-at-11.03.45.png) Airlink’s two Embraer jets pass over Cape Town Stadium on August 29\. Credit: Airlink This one was lower than almost anyone expected. Flight-tracking data from Flightradar24 suggested one of the jets, painted black, passed roughly 12.5 to 14 meters above the stadium, or somewhere between about 41 and 46 feet. Videos from the stands racked up millions of views, and the reaction split sharply between people who loved the spectacle and pilots and safety experts who called it reckless. --- ## What the Regulator Says The SACAA has confirmed it approved the flyover. Its commissioner, Poppy Khoza, has stressed that approval doesn't guarantee everything went to plan, and that the authority will take corrective action if it finds wrongdoing. She noted that airlines have been grounded before in similar cases. "We will assess Airlink's response fairly and take appropriate action if the conclusion is that there was wrongdoing," Khoza said, adding that "public safety remains our overriding priority." The SACAA completed its compliance check in September and sent Airlink a report. The airline was given 15 days to respond, then asked for and received another 15, which puts the deadline at this Thursday, October 15. --- ## What Airlink Says Airlink maintains the flyover stayed within the altitude and speed limits the SACAA approved, and that it was planned starting in April and rehearsed. Each aircraft carried three senior captains, and the airline says it has handed over flight data from both jets voluntarily. The airline has also acknowledged "valid questions and concerns" about the flypast and pulled a planned flyover at a later match in Soweto. "We never intended to become the news or upstage Rugby's Greatest Rivalry," said CEO de Villiers Engelbrecht. --- ## Could Airlink Really Be Grounded? It's possible, but it would be an extreme outcome. The regulator has only said a grounding is on the table if it finds wrongdoing, and it hasn't announced any findings publicly. It also has options short of grounding a whole airline, such as fines or action against the pilots involved, and it hasn't said which it's considering. The bigger question is what Airlink's response shows. If the flight data proves the jets stayed inside what the SACAA approved, the scrutiny may shift to how a flyover that low was approved in the first place. If it shows they went lower than agreed, the airline is in far more serious trouble. For travelers, nothing changes right now. Airlink is flying its normal schedule, and any action from the regulator would come only after it reviews the airline's response. Contrail will update this story once the SACAA makes a decision. ### A Famous Actress Allegedly Attacked Two Flight Attendants on a Delta Flight URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/a-famous-actress-allegedly-attacked-two-flight-attendants-on-a-delta-flight/ Last updated: 2026-10-13T00:28:31.000Z Actress Selma Blair was arrested after an incident on a Delta Air Lines flight from Los Angeles to New York on Sunday night, according to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Blair allegedly tried to open the plane's door during the flight, then hit one flight attendant and bit another, according to reports citing the Port Authority and TMZ. Port Authority police were called to the plane around 11 p.m. after it landed and took Blair into custody. She was then taken to a hospital for evaluation. One flight attendant was also taken to a hospital. ![Woman in sunglasses and a denim shirt smiling with her arms outstretched on a city sidewalk](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_1803.jpg) Actress Selma Blair. File photo. Credit: @selmablair / Instagram The FBI, which handles alleged assaults on board aircraft, is investigating. It isn't yet clear whether Blair will face charges. Delta hadn't commented publicly as of Monday afternoon. Selma Blair · Delta ### What We Know So Far Route Los Angeles to New York When Sunday night, Oct 11 Investigating FBI Charges Not yet clear In flight Blair allegedly tries to open the plane door. In flight She allegedly hits one flight attendant and bites another. \~11 p.m. Port Authority police meet the plane and take her into custody. After Her rep says a medical emergency caused the alleged conduct. Contrail --- ## What Her Team Says A representative for Blair said she "experienced a medical emergency that led to the alleged conduct," adding that "upon landing, she received immediate medical attention and is currently in stable condition." Her team hasn't said what the emergency was. It's not the first time Blair has been involved in an incident on a plane. In 2016, she was carried off a Delta flight on a stretcher after an outburst, which she later said happened after she mixed alcohol with medication. She apologized at the time. --- ## Could She Have Opened the Door? No. At cruising altitude, the air pressure inside a plane's cabin is much higher than the pressure outside, and that difference presses the doors firmly into their frames. Most passenger jet doors are designed to open inward first before swinging out, so during flight there's effectively tons of force holding them shut. No passenger, however determined, can pull one open in the air. That doesn't make trying any less serious. Tampering with an aircraft door frightens other passengers and forces crew to step in, and it's one of the behaviors airlines and the FAA treat most harshly. --- ## What Happens Next Under federal law, interfering with a flight crew can bring up to 20 years in prison, and assaulting or intimidating crew members falls into that category. The FAA can also fine unruly passengers tens of thousands of dollars per violation, separate from any criminal case. Airlines, Delta included, can ban passengers from future flights. Whether any of that applies here will depend on the FBI's investigation and on what Blair's team shares about the medical emergency. Contrail will update this story as more details are confirmed. ### This African Safari Country Now Makes Every Visitor Buy Its $44 Insurance URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/tanzania-mandatory-travel-insurance/ Last updated: 2026-10-12T13:56:27.000Z The Government of Tanzania has introduced a new travel insurance requirement for foreign visitors entering the country by air, land or sea. Effective from October 1, 2026, travelers covered by the new rules must obtain insurance provided by the state, rather than relying solely on their existing travel insurance. The scheme is provided by the National Insurance Corporation (NIC) and applies to visitors entering mainland Tanzania. Under the new regulations, foreign visitors who arrive without a valid policy can be denied entry. Tanzania Travel Insurance ### The New $44 Rule at a Glance Cost $44 Valid for Up to 92 days Started October 1, 2026 Sold by National Insurance Corporation Covers Emergency medical care, evacuation, repatriation and lost baggage Exempt Residents of East African Community and SADC countries $88 What visitors could pay if Zanzibar's separate $44 policy also applies **Before you go**Buy the policy before you fly to speed up entry. Your own travel insurance doesn't replace it. Contrail The government says the policy is designed to cover different situations that travelers may encounter during their stay. These include medical emergencies, emergency evacuation and repatriation, and lost or stolen baggage. However, the policy comes with certain limitations, making it important for travelers to read the terms and conditions before purchasing the cover. The insurance costs $44 and is valid for up to 92 days, allowing multiple entries during the validity period without requiring travelers to renew the policy each time they enter the country. Travelers are also advised that their existing travel insurance from their home country does not replace the mandatory policy where the new requirement applies. Once payment has been completed, an electronic insurance certificate will be issued. Travelers may also request a hard copy at designated entry points. For visitors arriving on the mainland, major entry points include Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam and Kilimanjaro International Airport. The policy can be bought before travel or on arrival, but NIC has encouraged travelers to purchase the insurance before departure, saying this could help speed up the entry process. ![Air Tanzania Dash 8-400 propeller plane with a giraffe on its blue tail, parked on the tarmac at sunset in Dar es Salaam](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_7026.JPG) An Air Tanzania Dash 8-400 at Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam. File photo. Credit: Zach Benitez / Contrail --- ## Zanzibar Has Its Own Rules Travelers visiting Zanzibar should pay particular attention to the island's separate arrangements. Zanzibar has required visitors to buy its own insurance since October 2024\. That scheme is run by the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation, and it also costs $44 for up to 92 days. The two policies are not currently interchangeable. Unless the two schemes are linked in future, travelers planning to visit both Zanzibar and mainland Tanzania could end up paying for both, a total of $88\. They should confirm which policy or policies apply to their itinerary before traveling. --- ## Exemptions Not every foreign visitor is required to obtain the insurance. According to the regulations, residents of East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries are exempt from the mandatory requirement, although they may choose to purchase cover if they do not already have travel insurance. The introduction of the scheme adds another requirement for travelers planning a trip to Tanzania. While the policy is intended to provide financial protection in certain emergencies, visitors should check the applicable rules, coverage limits and exclusions before departure to avoid unexpected costs or delays on arrival. ### Saudi Arabia's Biggest Airport Is Shut for Another Week. Where Things Stand for Travelers URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/is-riyadh-airport-open-saudi-airport-closures/ Last updated: 2026-10-12T13:33:27.000Z Is Riyadh's airport open? Not for at least another week. Saudi Arabia has extended the closure of King Khalid International Airport until 21:00 UTC on October 17, which is just after midnight local time, [after a week of Houthi attacks](https://www.thecontrail.org/saudi-airspace-warnings-what-it-means-for-flights/) that has now spread to a second airport in the kingdom. The closure affects nearly 700 flights a day, according to Flightradar24\. Below is a rundown of what's happened, which airports are working and what to do if you're booked to fly. Saudi Airport Status · Oct 12 ### Where Saudi Arabia's Airports Stand Riyadh · RUH Closed Until at least Oct 17\. About 700 flights a day affected. Dammam · DMM Targeted Sunday Operating with delays. Damage being assessed. Jeddah · JED Open Heavily disrupted by cancellations and diversions. Oct 8 Strike on Riyadh's airport kills three and damages a Saudia plane. Oct 10 Deadliest attack yet kills 13 and injures more than 300. Oct 11 Riyadh is hit again, and Dammam's airport is targeted that evening. Oct 12 Riyadh's closure is extended until at least October 17. Contrail --- ## How We Got Here Yemen's Houthi movement has declared Saudi airspace a military zone and warned that planes flying over the kingdom are targets. Over the past week, it has repeatedly struck King Khalid International, Riyadh's main airport. ![White Saudi security SUV with a light bar parked outside a terminal at King Khalid International Airport at night](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_5348.JPG) A security vehicle outside King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh in June 2026\. File photo. Credit: Zach Benitez / Contrail The first deadly strike came on Thursday, October 8, [when an attack killed three people and damaged a Saudia plane](https://www.thecontrail.org/a-passenger-plane-was-reportedly-hit-at-riyadhs-main-airport/). On Saturday came the deadliest attack yet, which killed 13 people and injured more than 300, according to Saudi authorities. Riyadh's airport was hit again on Sunday afternoon, its fourth attack in a week. Then on Sunday evening, Saudi Arabia's civil aviation authority confirmed that King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, in the country's east, had also been targeted. Officials are still assessing the damage, and no casualties have been reported there. The Houthis have since warned airlines, passengers and airport staff to stay away from Saudi airports altogether. --- ## Which Airports Are Open - **Riyadh (King Khalid International):** Closed until at least October 17\. Saudi officials say they need time to check that the airport's facilities are safe. - **Dammam (King Fahd International):** Operating, but with delays and cancellations after Sunday's attack. It has also been taking flights diverted from Riyadh. - **Jeddah (King Abdulaziz International):** Open, but heavily disrupted. On Monday, Flightradar24 ranked it the second most disrupted airport in the world, behind Riyadh. Saudi Arabia's smaller airports haven't been closed, but schedules across the kingdom are shifting at short notice. --- ## Which Airlines Have Canceled Flights Most foreign airlines have stopped flying to Riyadh for now, and several have cut flights to Jeddah and Dammam too: - **Air France and KLM:** Riyadh flights suspended until the end of October. - **Lufthansa Group:** Riyadh flights suspended until October 16. - **SriLankan Airlines:** Riyadh flights suspended until October 18. - **Air India:** Riyadh flights suspended until October 15, and Air India Express until October 14. - **flydubai:** Riyadh flights canceled through October 14. - **Emirates and Etihad:** Some flights to Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam canceled. - **Qatar Airways, Kuwait Airways and Air Arabia:** Riyadh flights canceled or changed. In the US, Delta is still due to launch flights between Atlanta and Riyadh on October 23, but it hasn't said whether that will go ahead. --- ## Why It Matters Even If You're Not Going to Saudi Arabia Many flights between Europe and Asia have been crossing Saudi airspace to avoid Iran and Iraq. Europe's aviation regulator has already told airlines to avoid parts of Saudi airspace, and if the attacks keep spreading, more flights to Dubai, Doha, India and beyond could be rerouted onto longer paths. There's also the question of whether the conflict escalates. President Trump said over the weekend that [the US "may" join Saudi Arabia's fight](https://www.thecontrail.org/us-saudi-war-houthis-what-it-means-for-flights/) against the Houthis, but no decision has been announced. --- ## What to Do If You're Booked - **Flying to or from Riyadh before October 18:** Your flight is almost certainly canceled. Check with your airline about a refund or a rebooking, and don't head to the airport unless your airline confirms the flight is operating. - **Flying through Jeddah or Dammam:** Expect delays and short-notice changes. Check your flight status before you leave for the airport, and leave extra time for connections. - **Booked later in October:** Keep an eye on your airline's travel alerts. Many airlines are offering free changes for Saudi flights. - **Check your government's travel advice.** The UK now advises against all but essential travel to Riyadh, warns that further attacks on airports are "very likely" and tells British nationals to avoid King Khalid International. Travel insurance may not cover trips to areas your government advises against. ### I Flew LATAM Over the Andes Expecting Nothing Special. It Quietly Surprised Me URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/latam-a320-economy-review-buenos-aires-santiago/ Last updated: 2026-10-11T18:00:00.000Z LATAM is the biggest airline group in Latin America, and for a lot of travelers in South America it's simply the default way to fly. I'd flown plenty of airlines on the continent, but never its economy cabin on a short international hop, so I booked LATAM's A320 economy from Buenos Aires to Santiago on LA 454 to see what the default actually feels like. The flight crosses the Andes in about two and a half hours. My plane was an 11-year-old Airbus A320 registered in Brazil, which makes sense once you know LATAM shut down its Argentine airline in 2020, so flights out of Argentina are flown by its sister airlines from other countries. I went in expecting a basic, forgettable trip. It ended up being a little better than that in ways I didn't see coming. Flight Details ### LATAM LA 454 AEP Buenos Aires Aeroparque Jorge Newbery · Terminal 1 15:461m late 2h 22m · 713 mi SCL Santiago Arturo Merino Benítez Intl · Terminal 2 17:08On time Cabin Economy Aircraft Airbus A320 Aircraft age 11 years Registration PR-TYK Contrail The Verdict · LA 454 Economy **6.8**Overall An ordinary seat and messy boarding, lifted by two free snacks, Wi-Fi that actually worked and a crew that went the extra mile. Ground experience 6.4 Seat 6.3 Amenities 6.4 Catering 6.7 Service 7.9 #### What worked *✓*Friendly, Attentive Crew *✓*Two Free Snacks and Extra Drinks *✓*Wi-Fi That Worked as Advertised #### What didn't work *✕*Chaotic Boarding *✕*Dirty Tray Table and Seat Pocket *✕*Seat Power Inoperative Midflight Contrail --- ## The Airport I flew out of Aeroparque Jorge Newbery, Buenos Aires' city airport, which handles mostly domestic and regional flights while the big long-haul routes use Ezeiza farther out. Aeroparque sits right on the edge of the Río de la Plata, and the drive in along the water gives you some genuinely great views before you even reach the terminal. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_2463.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_2467.JPG) The airport itself is fine, but it isn't spacious. The check-in hall downstairs was packed, with people sitting around everywhere, although checking in with LATAM was quick and easy. My best tip is to head upstairs after check-in and before security, where there's a lot of comfortable seating and good food options that most people seemed to miss. Security took me less than five minutes. Once I was through, the terminal felt small and very crowded, and the gate areas were tight. Power outlets were in short supply at first, until I found several charging stations scattered around. It's not a great airport, but it's newer and nicer than I expected. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_2468.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_2471.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_2477.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_2482.JPG) --- ## Boarding Boarding was the low point of the ground experience. LATAM uses boarding groups, but at my gate they didn't mean much, and the line quickly turned into one big crowd pressed toward the door. It was chaotic. One thing I did appreciate was the announcements. There were a lot of them, in both Spanish and English, which made it easy to follow what was happening even with all the chaos at the gate. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_2483.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_2492.JPG) --- ## The Seat I was in 7F, a window seat toward the front of economy, which is laid out in rows of three on each side of the aisle. Seat Map Economy · 3–3 PR-TYK A B C D E F 5 A B C D E F 6 A B C D E F 7 A B C D E F 8 A B C D E F 9 A B C D E F Economy · seat 7F Contrail The seat isn't anything special, but it's better than I expected. It reclines, which plenty of short-haul seats no longer do, and it has winged headrests that make it easier to lean back and rest. Legroom was typical for economy and definitely not roomy. Still, it was a step up from the thin, flat regional seats some European airlines use on flights this length. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_2498.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_2503.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_2504.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_2505.JPG) Each set of three seats shares two power ports, one USB-A and one USB-C, which is handy if you've forgotten the right cable. They stopped working for the whole second half of the flight, so I wouldn't count on them. The plane looked to be in good shape overall, though my seatback pocket still had someone else's trash in it and the tray table was dirty. Sitting near the front also meant a long walk to the bathrooms at the back, and with only two for all of economy, there always seemed to be a line. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_2507.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_2515.JPG) --- ## Wi-Fi and Entertainment There are no seatback screens. Instead, LATAM streams movies and shows to your own phone, which didn't work for roughly the first third of the flight before it came to life. The Wi-Fi was the bigger surprise. LATAM offers three tiers for the whole flight: messaging for $2, browsing for $8 and streaming for $11.25\. LATAM Pass members on my flight got messaging for free. I bought the streaming tier, and it worked well the entire time, exactly as advertised. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_2512.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_2510.JPG) --- ## Snacks and Drinks LATAM handed out two complimentary snacks in economy, which is more than I expected on a flight this short. When I asked for a Coke, the flight attendant asked whether I'd like another drink as well, and plenty of people around me took her up on it. That's a small thing, but it's unusual in economy, and it made the service feel generous. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_2541.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_2542.JPG) --- ## The Crew The crew set a good tone from the moment I stepped on, smiling and friendly at the door. During the service, they were attentive and warm, and the offer of a second drink felt like it came from them rather than a rulebook. After the snack service, though, the crew mostly disappeared apart from one trash pickup. On a flight this length, that's normal, but it meant there was no second chance at a drink later on. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_2520.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_2548.JPG) --- ## Worth Booking? LATAM's A320 economy isn't amazing, and it doesn't try to be. Boarding was messy, the cabin needed a better clean and the power gave out halfway through. But the things that make a short flight pleasant were all there: free snacks, a crew that seemed happy to help, a seat that reclines and Wi-Fi that actually works. If you're flying between Buenos Aires and Santiago, LATAM is a solid, slightly better-than-expected choice. Just get to the gate early, and bring a battery pack. You can see how LATAM compares with every other airline I've reviewed in the [Contrail Index](https://www.thecontrail.org/contrail-index/). ### She Was Told to Cover Up Her Sports Bra on a Flight. Can Airlines Really Do That? URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/can-airlines-tell-you-what-to-wear-dress-codes/ Last updated: 2026-10-11T15:59:59.000Z Can airlines tell you what to wear? An Australian fitness influencer is the latest traveler to find out the answer is mostly yes, and that the rules behind it are a lot vaguer than most people expect. Caitlin Lyndon says Virgin Australia cabin crew told her to zip her jacket up over her sports bra on a flight from Brisbane to Melbourne this month, according to the UK's Daily Star. She says a friend traveling with her in a similar outfit wasn't asked to cover up, and that she'd worn gym clothes on her outbound flight without any problem. Lyndon says the experience left her feeling "body shamed." ![Caitlin Lyndon, a woman with long blonde hair, taking a selfie in a car](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_1776-1-1.jpg) Caitlin Lyndon, who says Virgin Australia crew told her to cover up. Credit: @fitmum93 / Instagram Virgin Australia said it had contacted Lyndon to apologize and that it's committed to treating guests fairly and respectfully. Lyndon has called that message insincere and is seeking a formal apology. Airline Dress Codes ### What the Rules Actually Say American "Bare feet or offensive clothing" not allowed United Must be "properly clothed" Delta Attire can't cause "unreasonable" offense Spirit No see-through or revealing outfits Jul 2021 American denies a fitness model boarding in Dallas over shorts and a crop top. Jan 2025 Spirit spells out what counts as "inadequately clothed" in its rules. Jun 2026 A German influencer says a Lufthansa Group gate agent in Berlin called her "naked." Oct 2026 An Australian influencer says Virgin Australia crew told her to zip up her jacket. Contrail --- ## It Keeps Happening Stories like this pop up every few months, and they tend to follow the same pattern: a woman in gym wear, a gate agent or flight attendant who decides the outfit is too revealing, and a viral video afterward. In June, German fitness influencer Edda Elisa said a gate agent in Berlin told her she was "naked" and couldn't board in a sports bra-style top and cycling shorts until she zipped up a hoodie. Lufthansa Group said it expects passengers to dress appropriately but that the word "naked" didn't meet its standards. Back in 2021, American Airlines denied a fitness model boarding in Dallas over her shorts and crop top, saying "all customers must dress appropriately and offensive clothing isn't permitted onboard our flights." --- ## What the Rules Actually Say Every airline has a set of rules you agree to when you buy a ticket, usually called the contract or conditions of carriage. Most include a line about clothing, and almost all of them are written loosely on purpose. American's says passengers must dress appropriately and that "bare feet or offensive clothing are not allowed." United requires passengers to be "properly clothed." Delta can remove passengers whose "attire" creates "an unreasonable risk of offense or annoyance to other passengers." Spirit went further than most last year, spelling out that "see-through garments or outfits that do not sufficiently cover private areas" count as inadequate clothing. Virgin Australia's published conditions don't single out clothing at all, but like most airlines, it reserves the right to refuse to carry passengers who break its rules or policies. --- ## Why the Rules Are So Vague Words like "appropriate" and "offensive" leave the final call to whoever is standing at the gate or working the cabin that day. Airlines like it that way because it lets staff deal with genuinely extreme cases without writing a rulebook for every outfit. The downside is inconsistency. What one gate agent waves through, another might stop, and that's exactly what Lyndon says happened between her two flights. It's also why these disputes so often involve women's clothing. Critics say rules this loose leave too much room for personal judgment about women's bodies. --- ## How to Avoid Trouble None of this means you need to dress up to fly. Gym wear, leggings and sweatpants are completely normal on planes. But if you'd rather not end up arguing at the gate, a few things help: - **Bring a layer.** A zip-up or light jacket in your carry-on solves almost every dress code dispute in seconds, and planes get cold anyway. - **Skip slogans that could offend.** Several airlines' rules specifically cover offensive clothing, which can include words or images on a shirt. - **Wear shoes.** Several airlines, including American, explicitly ban bare feet. - **Stay calm if you're stopped.** Ask politely which rule you're breaking, cover up if you can, and raise a complaint with the airline afterward rather than at the gate. Arguing with staff can get you denied boarding for your behavior instead. If you think you were singled out unfairly, write down the date, flight number and names if you can, and file a complaint with the airline afterward. Virgin Australia, for its part, did reach out to Lyndon after she spoke up. ### Saudi Arabia Was How Flights Avoided the Middle East's War Zones. Now It's Becoming One URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/saudi-airspace-warnings-what-it-means-for-flights/ Last updated: 2026-10-11T15:00:00.000Z The deadly attacks on Riyadh's airport aren't just a problem for people flying to Saudi Arabia. They've also set off a wave of Saudi airspace warnings that could affect flights that never land there, including many trips between Europe and Dubai, Doha, India and Asia. That's because this year, Saudi Arabia's skies quietly became one of the most important detours in aviation. Now that detour is under fire. Europe to Asia ### Three Ways Across, and Fewer Options How flights between Europe, the Gulf and Asia get around the Middle East right now. Mostly avoided #### Central route Over Iran, Iraq and Kuwait Europe advises airlines to avoid Iran and Iraq entirely, and Kuwait is closed to overflights. Now under threat #### Southern route Over Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Oman or the UAE The busiest detour, until this week's attacks. Europe now warns airlines away from parts of Saudi skies. Still open #### Northern route Over the Caucasus and Afghanistan The main alternative if Saudi skies close, but it's the long way around for many flights. Warnings from European regulators apply to European airlines. Saudi airspace remains open, and other carriers make their own decisions. Contrail --- ## Why Saudi Skies Matter Flights between Europe and Asia have traditionally cut straight across the Middle East. Today, much of that direct path is effectively closed. Europe's aviation regulator, EASA, advises airlines to avoid Iranian and Iraqi airspace at all altitudes, and Kuwait is closed to flights passing over it, according to OPSGROUP, an organization that tracks airspace risks for pilots and airlines. That has left two realistic ways around. The northern route runs over the Caucasus and Afghanistan. The southern route runs over Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Oman or the UAE, and as of last week, it was the one most airlines were using. Traffic had become so concentrated over Saudi Arabia that controllers were dealing with heavy congestion. --- ## What's Changed This Week The Houthis have declared Saudi airspace a military zone and said any plane flying over the kingdom is a target, except over Mecca and Medina. Then came three attacks on Riyadh's airport in four days, the last of which killed 12 people. Regulators have responded quickly: - **Europe:** On October 9, EASA told airlines to avoid two areas of Saudi airspace, one in the northwest and one in the southeast, and to use caution everywhere else over the kingdom. That's on top of an earlier warning about the area near the Yemen border. - **France:** A notice to French airlines on October 7 advises them to avoid most of Saudi airspace, except for routes across the north of the country or high-altitude routes over the west. - **Germany:** It has warned its airlines about missile, drone and military activity over Saudi Arabia, especially in the southwest near Yemen. These are warnings, not bans. They apply to European airlines, so carriers from other regions, including the big Gulf airlines, can make their own calls. --- ## What It Could Mean for Your Flight If more airlines start steering clear of Saudi Arabia, the southern detour gets narrower, and the main alternative left is the long way around over the Caucasus and Afghanistan. Earlier detours in the region have added an hour or more to some flights between Europe and Asia. The trips most likely to feel it are the ones that cross Saudi Arabia today: many flights between Europe and the Gulf hubs of Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi, flights between Europe and South or Southeast Asia, and flights between the Gulf and Africa. Longer routes mean more fuel, and over time that can show up in schedules and fares. None of this is certain yet. Saudi airspace is still open, and most flights over it are still operating. But the direction of travel this week has been toward more caution, not less. --- ## What Travelers Should Do If you're flying between Europe and Asia, or through a Gulf hub, in the coming weeks: - **Expect possible schedule changes** and keep an eye on emails from your airline. - **Leave more time for connections.** Longer routings can eat into tight layovers, especially through Dubai and Doha. - **Check your booking's change policy.** Airlines often waive fees when a region's security situation shifts. - **Make sure your travel insurance covers disruptions** before you go, not after. ### Another Power Bank Fire Forced a Flight to Divert. Is the One in Your Bag Safe? URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/indigo-power-bank-fire-can-you-bring-power-bank-on-plane/ Last updated: 2026-10-11T14:08:23.000Z Another power bank fire has forced a flight to divert, this time an [IndiGo service](https://www.thecontrail.org/indigo-a320neo-economy-review-tbilisi-mumbai/) from Delhi to Chennai on Sunday. It's the latest reminder that the portable charger in your bag is now one of the most common causes of fires on planes. The flight, 6E 6115, landed safely at Hyderabad's Rajiv Gandhi International Airport. According to reports in India, a passenger's power bank caught fire inside a bag in an overhead bin. Videos shared on social media appear to show passengers smothering the flames with clothing and backpacks, though Contrail hasn't independently verified them. ![Blurry video still of passengers reaching toward orange flames in an airplane overhead bin](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/Screenshot-2026-10-11-at-10.03.57.png) Passengers on IndiGo flight 6E 6115 try to put out the fire. Credit: @TheWeekLive / X IndiGo said in a statement that "the cabin crew responded promptly and the situation was brought under control," and that the pilots diverted the flight "in line with established protocols." The airline's statement described smoke rather than a fire. IndiGo arranged another aircraft to take passengers on to Chennai, and no injuries have been reported. Power Banks on Planes ### How a Pocket Charger Became a Cabin Fire Flight IndiGo 6E 6115 Route Delhi to Chennai Diverted to Hyderabad Fire started Overhead bin 89 lithium battery smoke, fire or overheating incidents on US passenger and cargo flights in 2024, a record \~40% of US battery incidents on planes over the past two decades involved portable chargers 100 Wh the usual limit for a power bank you can bring without airline approval **The simple rule**Keep power banks in your carry-on and within reach, under the seat or in the seat pocket, never in the overhead bin or a checked bag. Contrail --- ## Why Power Banks Catch Fire Power banks run on lithium-ion batteries, the same kind in your phone and laptop. They pack a lot of energy into a small space, and if a battery is damaged, poorly made or overheats, it can go into what's called thermal runaway, a chain reaction where the battery heats itself faster and faster until it bursts into flames. Once that starts, it's very hard to stop, and it can reignite even after the flames seem to be out. That's a problem on any device, but power banks are especially risky because people toss them around in bags, buy cheap ones online and often have no idea how old or worn out they are. The numbers have been climbing. In the US, the FAA recorded 89 lithium battery incidents involving smoke, fire or extreme heat on passenger and cargo flights in 2024, the most on record. Over the past two decades, nearly 40% of those incidents involved portable chargers. --- ## Why the Overhead Bin Is the Worst Place for One A small battery fire is usually manageable when someone can see it. Flight attendants are trained to deal with them and carry special equipment for the job. The danger comes when nobody notices until it's too late. That's why airlines want power banks kept close. A charger in your seat pocket or under the seat in front of you gets spotted the moment it starts smoking. One zipped inside a bag in a closed overhead bin can burn for a while before anyone smells it, and by the time the bin is opened, the fire is far harder to put out. IndiGo's own rules say power banks "must remain within the passenger's personal reach at all times" and "must not be stowed in overhead compartments or checked baggage." On Sunday's flight, that apparently didn't happen. This isn't IndiGo's first scare. In October 2025, a power bank caught fire in a seat-back pocket on an IndiGo flight from Delhi to Dimapur while it was taxiing, and the crew contained it before takeoff. --- ## The Rules for Flying With a Power Bank The exact rules vary by country and airline, but a few apply almost everywhere: - **Carry-on only.** Power banks are banned from checked bags because a fire in the cargo hold could go unnoticed. - **Watch the size.** Most airlines allow power banks up to 100 watt-hours, which covers nearly every phone charger. Larger ones, up to 160 watt-hours, usually need airline approval. The rating is printed on the charger. - **Keep it within reach.** Under the seat or in the seat pocket, never in the overhead bin. - **Check your airline before you fly.** More airlines now ban using power banks during the flight at all. India's aviation regulator, the DGCA, bars passengers from using them on board, and Emirates, Singapore Airlines and several other Asian airlines have similar bans. --- ## What You Should Do Before your next trip, take a look at your power bank. If it's swollen, cracked, unusually hot when charging or noticeably older, replace it. Buy chargers from known brands rather than the cheapest option you can find, and keep it in a bag you'll have at your seat. If your power bank, phone or any device starts to smoke or get very hot during a flight, don't try to handle it yourself or put it in a bag. Tell a flight attendant right away. They're trained for exactly this, and catching it in the first few seconds makes all the difference. ### Trump Says the US “May” Join Saudi Arabia’s War. Airlines Have the Most to Lose URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/us-saudi-war-houthis-what-it-means-for-flights/ Last updated: 2026-10-12T13:30:08.000Z **Update, Oct. 12: Riyadh’s airport is now closed until at least October 17, and Dammam’s airport has also been targeted.** [**Read the latest**](https://www.thecontrail.org/is-riyadh-airport-open-saudi-airport-closures/)**.** The United States is considering military involvement against Yemen's Houthi movement following [escalating attacks on Saudi Arabia](https://www.thecontrail.org/a-passenger-plane-was-reportedly-hit-at-riyadhs-main-airport/), many of them aimed at the kingdom's airports. The decision could shape how quickly flights to and over Saudi Arabia return to normal. On October 10, Trump indicated that Washington was considering joining Saudi Arabia's military campaign after a[n attack on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport killed 12 people and injured 309](https://www.thecontrail.org/riyadh-airport-attack-12-killed-closed/), according to Saudi Arabia's civil aviation authority. "We may. We're going to look at it," Trump said. "We will make a decision." The attack came two days after an earlier strike on the same airport killed three people, and it has disrupted flights and intensified concerns about the security of Saudi Arabia's civilian infrastructure. The US and the Houthis ### From No Strikes to "We May" Latest attack Riyadh airport, Oct 10 Killed 12 Injured 309 US decision Not yet made Sep 10 Saudi Arabia's crown prince reportedly asks Trump for military help against the Houthis. Sep 10 The US reportedly offers intelligence and targeting help, but no direct strikes for now. Oct 8 A strike on Riyadh's main airport kills three people. Oct 10 The deadliest attack yet kills 12 and injures 309 at the same airport. Oct 10 Trump says the US "may" join Saudi strikes and will decide quickly. Contrail Trump's comments could signal a shift in American policy. Although Washington has offered Saudi Arabia help with intelligence sharing and targeting, it has been reluctant to participate directly in strikes against the Houthis. In September, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reportedly requested American military assistance, but Washington declined to launch direct attacks at the time. ![Riyadh’s Kingdom Centre tower silhouetted against an orange sunset sky](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1694018359679-49465b4c0d61?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDJ8fHJpeWFkaHxlbnwwfHx8fDE3OTE3MjM4NDZ8MA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Kingdom Centre in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. File photo. Credit: Ibrahim Abdullah / Unsplash For Saudi Arabia, American involvement could provide additional military capabilities and strengthen its efforts to protect airports, energy infrastructure and commercial shipping routes. Airports are a particular concern, as the Houthis have declared Saudi airspace a military zone and said any aircraft flying over the kingdom is a target, with the exception of Mecca and Medina. However, direct American intervention carries considerable risks. US strikes could provoke retaliation against American interests and Saudi territory, potentially drawing Washington into a prolonged regional conflict. The humanitarian consequences are also significant. Renewed military operations risk worsening conditions for civilians in Yemen, where years of conflict have already caused extensive displacement and economic hardship. --- ## What It Means for Flights For travelers, the stakes are immediate. Riyadh's main airport closed again after Saturday's attack, and airlines have responded quickly. Emirates, flydubai and Air Arabia have canceled their Riyadh flights for October 11 and 12, Etihad has canceled flights on October 11 and some on October 12, and Lufthansa has suspended Riyadh service through October 16. ![Bright baggage claim hall with white columns and a curved, lit ceiling at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_5342.jpg) The baggage claim hall at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. File photo. Credit: Zach Benitez / Contrail American involvement would also raise the stakes for US airlines. [Delta is due to launch flights between Atlanta and Riyadh](https://www.thecontrail.org/delta-atlanta-riyadh-flight-launch-security/) on October 23 and has not yet confirmed whether they will go ahead. If American strikes provoke retaliation against US interests in the region, that decision becomes considerably harder. The effects extend beyond flights to Saudi Arabia itself. Many flights between Europe and Asia have been crossing Saudi airspace to avoid Iran and Iraq, and on October 9, Europe's aviation regulator advised airlines to avoid two areas of Saudi airspace. A wider conflict could push more airlines onto longer routes, adding time and cost to journeys to destinations such as Dubai, Doha and India. For Saudi Arabia's own airlines, including the new Riyadh Air, which is based at King Khalid International Airport, and Saudia, which runs one of its two main hubs there, a prolonged conflict would be particularly damaging. Whether American involvement shortens that conflict or extends it may matter as much to the kingdom's aviation ambitions as it does to its security. --- ## What Comes Next Trump's remarks do not constitute a confirmed decision to intervene. Nevertheless, they demonstrate how attacks on Saudi infrastructure are increasing pressure on the United States to reconsider its role. The central question is whether American military involvement would deter future Houthi attacks on Saudi airports or deepen a conflict whose consequences extend well beyond Yemen, and well beyond the region's skies. ### 12 Dead, 300 Hurt: The Deadliest Attack Yet Has Shut Down Riyadh's Main Airport URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/riyadh-airport-attack-12-killed-closed/ Last updated: 2026-10-12T13:29:52.000Z **Update, Oct. 12: Riyadh’s airport is now closed until at least October 17, and Dammam’s airport has also been targeted.** [**Read the latest**](https://www.thecontrail.org/is-riyadh-airport-open-saudi-airport-closures/)**.** A Riyadh airport attack on Saturday killed at least 12 people and injured 309 others, Saudi Arabia's civil aviation authority said, making it the deadliest strike yet in a week of attacks on Saudi airports. Yemen's Houthi rebels fired a ballistic missile at King Khalid International Airport, the country's main gateway, in the [third attack](https://www.thecontrail.org/a-passenger-plane-was-reportedly-hit-at-riyadhs-main-airport/) on the airport in four days. The airport has been shut since the strike. Saudi authorities have extended the closure until 21:00 UTC on Sunday, October 11, which is 5 p.m. in New York, and haven't said when normal flights will resume. Breaking · Riyadh ### The Deadliest Attack Yet Killed 12 Injured 309 Airport closed until At least 5 p.m. ET Sunday Mon, Oct 5 Houthi attacks begin on airports in southern Saudi Arabia. Wed, Oct 7 First strike on Riyadh's airport. Flights briefly halted. Thu, Oct 8 A Saudia plane is hit. Three Saudis, including a pilot, are killed. Sat, Oct 10 A ballistic missile kills 12 and injures 309\. The airport closes. Contrail --- ## The Victims According to the General Authority of Civil Aviation, the 12 people killed were four Saudi citizens and residents from Bangladesh, the US, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, the Palestinian territories and Sudan. Some of the 309 injured are in critical condition, and all are being treated in hospitals across the city. The authority said the strike also caused property damage, which it is still assessing. The authority has also now confirmed the toll from Thursday's attack on the same airport, which killed at least three Saudi citizens, including a pilot. That attack damaged facilities and a Saudia plane parked on the ground. --- ## A Week of Attacks The Houthis have been targeting Saudi airports since Monday, starting with airports in the south near the Yemen border before striking Riyadh on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. They've declared Saudi airspace a military zone and say any plane flying over the kingdom is a target, except over Mecca and Medina. The Saudi-led coalition fighting the Houthis in Yemen called Saturday's strike a "full-fledged war crime" and promised to respond "decisively." The coalition also said a projectile fell near King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, in the east of the country. In Washington, President Trump called the attack "terrible" and said he was evaluating whether the US should join the war against the Houthis. ![Busy terminal hall at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh with cafés, shops and travelers under a white lattice ceiling](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_5477.JPG) Inside a terminal at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. File photo. Credit: Zach Benitez / Contrail --- ## Flights Canceled Airlines across the region have pulled flights. Emirates, flydubai and Air Arabia have canceled their Riyadh flights for Sunday and Monday, and Emirates has also canceled many flights to Jeddah, Dammam and Medina. Etihad canceled its Riyadh flights on Sunday and some on Monday. Lufthansa Group had already suspended Riyadh flights until at least October 16. For Riyadh Air and Saudia, both based at King Khalid, a closed airport means their home base is effectively offline. Delta's [first flight between Atlanta and Riyadh](https://www.thecontrail.org/delta-atlanta-riyadh-flight-launch-security/) is still scheduled for October 23, but the airline hasn't said whether it will go ahead. Its CEO said last week that "safety is going to make the call." --- ## What Travelers Should Do The US, UK, Canada, Germany and Australia have all [warned their citizens to avoid the airport.](https://www.thecontrail.org/is-it-safe-to-travel-to-saudi-arabia-riyadh/) The US Mission in Riyadh "strongly recommends" that Americans stay away from the airport and the area around it. If you're booked to or through Riyadh in the coming days: - **Don't go to the airport** unless your airline has confirmed your flight is operating. - **Check your flight directly with the airline,** not just a third-party app. - **Ask about refunds or free changes.** If your airline cancels, you're generally entitled to a refund or rebooking, so don't settle for a credit you didn't ask for. - **Check your government's travel advice and your insurance.** Traveling against official advice can void your coverage. ### Portugal’s Airline Is Up for Sale. I Hope Air France & KLM Get It URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/tap-air-portugal-sale-air-france-klm-lufthansa/ Last updated: 2026-10-10T23:59:59.000Z The TAP Air Portugal sale is almost decided. Portugal is selling up to 44.9% of its national airline to another airline group, with up to 5% more set aside for TAP's own employees, and it's down to two bidders: Air France-KLM and Lufthansa. Both sent in their final offers on September 30, reportedly worth more than €1 billion each, and the government is expected to pick a winner around mid-October. Most of the coverage has been about price, hubs and which group gets Lisbon. That stuff matters, but I care about something simpler. Which owner would make TAP a better airline to actually fly? For me, it's not close. I'm hoping Air France-KLM gets it. Airline sale ### Who Gets TAP Air Portugal? Stake for sale Up to 44.9% State keeps At least 50.1% Pick expected Mid-October Deal closes 2027 #### BidderAir France-KLM Airlines Air France, KLM, Transavia Alliance SkyTeam (TAP would switch) US partner Delta Loyalty Flying Blue #### BidderLufthansa Group Airlines Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian, Brussels, ITA Alliance Star Alliance (TAP stays) US partner United Loyalty Miles & More Both groups sent final offers on September 30\. Up to 5% more of TAP is set aside for its employees. IAG, owner of British Airways and Iberia, didn't bid. Contrail --- ## Where the Sale Stands The state isn't giving up control yet. It keeps at least 50.1% of TAP for now, though whoever wins this round would be first in line if Portugal sells more later. The government says it'll judge the offers on price, the buyer's plan for the airline, connections for Portuguese travelers and investment in the fleet. There was a third group in the race. IAG, which owns British Airways and Iberia, qualified to bid but didn't make an offer by the April deadline. It had pushed for a clear path to full ownership, which the minority stake on offer didn't give it. If everything goes to plan, the deal gets signed by the end of the year and closes in 2027 after European regulators review it. Nothing changes for passengers before then. --- ## What TAP Could Be TAP has something most European airlines would love to have. It's the main way a huge number of people get between Europe and Brazil, it flies to more than a dozen Brazilian cities, and Lisbon sits in a perfect spot for flights to the Americas and Africa. It carried a record 16.7 million passengers last year. The network was never the problem. What TAP has been missing is the money and attention to make the experience match the map, and that's what makes this choice of owner so important. ![Downtown São Paulo at night, with high-rise buildings around a lit-up highway interchange](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1470160710819-b3bd5ec85c66?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDZ8fHNhbyUyMHBhb2xvfGVufDB8fHx8MTc5MTU1MjM3NHww&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Downtown São Paulo at night. Credit: Vanessa Bumbeers / Unsplash --- ## Why Air France-KLM Air France-KLM has spent the last few years showing it cares how its flights feel, not just where they go. Air France is my favorite business class in Europe, and the gap between it and most of its competitors comes down to things you notice on board: the food, the crew and a cabin that feels designed rather than specified. That approach runs through the whole group. Across Air France and KLM, I’ve found the catering more elevated, the crews warmer and the focus on luxury much broader, with newer seats that make long flights feel like an occasion rather than a commute. A group that already thinks that way about its own airlines is far more likely to bring that thinking to TAP. Its CEO, Ben Smith, has said he wants to make Lisbon the group's "exclusive Southern European hub." That would make TAP a centerpiece of the group's plans for southern Europe, with no other airline in the group competing for that role. When an airline group needs one airline to carry a whole region, it has a reason to make that airline good. ![Tails of an Air France jet and a KLM jet side by side at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_0852.jpg) Air France and KLM jets side by side at Paris Charles de Gaulle. Credit: Zach Benitez / Contrail --- ## Why Lufthansa Worries Me Lufthansa runs its airlines as one big network. It already owns SWISS, Austrian, Brussels Airlines and, more recently, ITA Airways, and it agreed this year to take its stake in ITA up to 90%. It knows how to plug an airline into its system, share routes and squeeze out costs, and that's a real strength for the business. For passengers, though, that model tends to produce airlines that are well connected rather than special. Lufthansa's own long-awaited Allegris cabins took far longer to reach travelers than the airline first promised. If it can't move quickly on its own flagship product, I'm not convinced TAP's cabins would be near the top of its list. That matches what I’ve seen flying the Lufthansa Group. Its airlines feel focused on getting you where you’re going and not much more. The lounges are forgettable, the service is fine but rarely memorable, and the seats are more functional than enjoyable. None of that is a disaster, but it’s not the kind of product that would turn TAP into an airline people go out of their way to fly. My worry is that TAP becomes another tile in a big network map. It'd get more connections and more feed from Frankfurt and Munich, and probably not much else. ![Lufthansa Airbus A320neo in the rainbow “Lovehansa” livery taking off from Frankfurt Airport](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1673897840646-7f8ee7cd6aa4?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDd8fGx1ZnRoYW5zYXxlbnwwfHx8fDE3OTE1NTIzMzd8MA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) A Lufthansa Airbus A320neo taking off from Frankfurt. Credit: Jan Rosolino / Unsplash --- ## What It Would Mean for Travelers The most visible change would be loyalty. TAP is currently in Star Alliance, the global airline group that includes Lufthansa and United. Under Lufthansa, that wouldn't change. Under Air France-KLM, TAP would almost certainly move to SkyTeam, the rival alliance that includes Air France, KLM and Delta, and its passengers would eventually move toward Air France-KLM's Flying Blue loyalty program. That switch would be messy for some TAP regulars, and it's the strongest argument for Lufthansa. If you've got a pile of TAP Miles&Go miles, keep an eye on what happens to the program once a winner is picked. --- ## My Pick Both bidders would keep the TAP name and its Lisbon headquarters, and both would probably make the airline more profitable. Only one of them, I think, would make flying TAP feel different. TAP has the routes, the location and the history to be one of the best airlines in Europe. It just needs an owner that cares about what happens inside the plane as much as where it lands. That's why I'm rooting for Air France-KLM. ### A Woman Asked to Move Away From a Man Harassing Her on a United Flight. She Was Told No URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/a-woman-asked-to-move-away-from-a-man-harassing-her-on-a-united-flight-she-was-told-no/ Last updated: 2026-10-10T21:59:59.000Z [United Airlines](https://www.thecontrail.org/united-basic-first-class-fares/) is under pressure from Congress over how its crews handle sexual misconduct. In a letter to CEO Scott Kirby, 29 House Democrats, led by the Democratic Women's Caucus and Michigan Rep. Debbie Dingell, are demanding to know why a woman who reported that the man next to her was performing a sex act was sent back to sit beside him. The lawmakers have given United until Friday, October 16, to answer five questions about its policies and training. United Airlines ### Congress Wants Answers Flight Rochester to Newark When Labor Day weekend Lawmakers 29 House Democrats Deadline October 16 **What United has to explain** 1. How it defines sexual misconduct 2. Why police weren't called and the passenger wasn't moved 3. What crews are supposed to do when it's reported 4. How it will improve crew training 5. How it will make women feel safe on its flights The passenger was offered a $100 credit on a $400 trip. United says it's investigating, and so is the FAA. Contrail --- ## What Happened on the Flight The incident happened over Labor Day weekend on a roughly hour-long United Express flight from Rochester, New York, to Newark. United Express flights are run by smaller partner airlines, and this one was operated by Republic Airways. According to the passenger, a 25-year-old woman, the man in the seat next to her began performing a lewd act while staring at her. She told the flight attendants and asked to move, but the flight was full. She was allowed to stand for part of the flight, then told to return to her seat beside him for landing. ![United Express Embraer regional jet in flight with landing gear down against a cloudy sky](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1657409845484-02b0bfa3cb2f?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDYwfHx1bml0ZWQlMjBhaXJsaW5lc3xlbnwwfHx8fDE3OTE2NjU3MTV8MA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) A United Express Embraer regional jet. File photo. Credit: Forsaken Films / Unsplash She told NBC News that she felt "trapped." The airline didn't contact law enforcement, and she says a gate agent told her it was up to her to ask for police. The man walked off the plane in Newark with everyone else. United later offered her a $100 travel credit on a $400 trip. United has said it takes the matter seriously, has apologized to the passenger and is investigating. The FAA is also investigating, according to the lawmakers. --- ## What Congress Is Asking The letter says the passenger's "discomfort about returning to her seat was ignored multiple times," and that United staff described what happened as behavior that caused "concern" rather than sexual misconduct. The lawmakers want United to explain: - How it defines sexual misconduct, and whether this incident met that definition - Why the crew didn't notify law enforcement, move the passenger or deal with the man - What its crews are supposed to do when someone reports sexual misconduct in flight - How it plans to improve training so crews respond quickly and put the passenger's safety first - How it will make women feel safe on its flights Dingell told Bloomberg Government that United's answers could help decide whether federal law needs to change, and pointed to next year's reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act as one way to do it. "A woman should be able to get on a plane and feel safe," she said. ![Dome of the US Capitol with an American flag flying in front](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1603119761708-9252f043c139?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDN8fGNvbmdyZXNzfGVufDB8fHx8MTc5MTY2NjExOXww&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) The US Capitol in Washington. Credit: Ian Hutchinson / Unsplash --- ## Why It Matters Sexual misconduct on planes is more common than most travelers realize, and it's especially hard to deal with in a cabin where there's nowhere to go. On a full flight, moving a passenger can mean asking someone else to give up their seat, which crews can do. Many travelers would gladly swap. The bigger question is what happens on the ground. Crimes on board US flights fall under the FBI's jurisdiction, and crews can radio ahead so police meet the plane at the gate. That's exactly what happened in other recent cases Contrail has covered, from unruly passengers to assaults. In this case, according to the passenger, it didn't happen at all. --- ## If It Happens to You If someone behaves inappropriately toward you on a flight, tell a flight attendant right away and ask to be moved. You can also ask the crew to have law enforcement meet the plane when it lands, and you have the right to report it to the FBI yourself. Writing down the time, your seat number and the other person's seat can help if you report it later. ### Trash Throwing and a Stolen Airport Truck: Delta's Wild Week of Unruly Passengers URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/delta-flight-police-dca-passenger-throws-trash/ Last updated: 2026-10-10T20:26:16.000Z A Delta flight was met by police at Washington's Reagan National Airport on Thursday night after a passenger reportedly started throwing trash at other travelers. It's the second strange Delta passenger story in a week, coming just two days after another Delta customer allegedly stole an airport tug in California. Unruly passengers ### Delta's Wild Week Tue, Oct 6 · Orange County #### A stolen tug A Delta passenger allegedly drove a baggage tug across the airfield, crashed it, then tried to take a lavatory truck. Thu, Oct 8 · Washington #### Thrown trash Police met Delta Flight 832 from Atlanta after a passenger reportedly threw trash at other travelers. 1,163 unruly passenger reports on US flights through August $43,658 maximum FAA fine per violation 80%+ drop in the incident rate since the early 2021 peak Contrail --- ## What Happened on the Flight Delta Flight 832 left Atlanta on Thursday, October 8, for the roughly 90-minute trip to Reagan National Airport, known as DCA. Shortly into the flight, a passenger reportedly seated in first class began throwing trash at people sitting nearby, according to AIRLIVE. The pilots alerted authorities and asked for security to meet the plane at the gate. After the Airbus A320 landed at about 7:13 p.m., law enforcement escorted the passenger off. It hasn't been reported whether the passenger was arrested or charged, and Delta hasn't commented on this specific flight. --- ## A Stolen Tug in California Earlier in the week, a Delta passenger booked on a flight to Seattle caused chaos of a very different kind at John Wayne Airport in Orange County. On October 6, the 26-year-old man allegedly slipped through an access door at a gate and onto the airfield, where he drove off in a baggage tug and crashed it into another vehicle. Police say he then tried to take an American Airlines lavatory service truck before officers stopped him. He was arrested on suspicion of vehicle theft, trespassing and vandalism and taken to a hospital for evaluation. Delta said it has zero tolerance for unlawful behavior and is cooperating with law enforcement. Airport officials said the incident had no lasting impact on operations. --- ## Not Just Delta Neither incident says much about Delta itself. Unruly passengers turn up on every airline, and Delta just happened to have two headline-grabbing cases in the same week. The problem has improved a lot since its peak. The FAA says the rate of unruly passenger incidents has dropped by more than 80% from its record high in early 2021\. It hasn't gone away, though. US airlines filed 1,163 unruly passenger reports through August this year, and the FAA has proposed about $1.5 million in fines so far. --- ## What Unruly Flyers Can Face Acting out on a plane can get very expensive. The FAA can fine passengers up to $43,658 per violation, and a single incident can lead to several. It refers the most serious cases to the FBI for possible criminal charges, and airlines can ban disruptive passengers from flying with them again. For everyone else on board, the best move is usually to let the crew handle it. [Flight attendants](https://www.thecontrail.org/a-flight-attendant-wants-you-to-be-a-palm-tree-heres-what-he-means/) are trained to de-escalate these situations, and they can call ahead for police to meet the plane, just like the crew did in Washington. ### Can a New Military Pact Keep Saudi Arabia's Airports Safe? URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/can-a-new-military-pact-keep-saudi-arabias-airports-safe/ Last updated: 2026-10-10T14:57:02.000Z The Saudi Arabia airport attacks are giving the new Mecca Joint Defense Agreement an early test. Missile and drone strikes by Yemen's Houthi rebels on Saudi airports have exposed the limits of regional military cooperation. Although the pact could strengthen Saudi Arabia's ability to defend its airspace, questions remain over whether a mutual defense commitment can prevent further attacks on the kingdom's civilian aviation infrastructure. Mecca Joint Defense Agreement ### A New Pact Meets Its First Test Members Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Pakistan Signed August 7, 2026 Core promise Attack on one is attack on all Active troops About 1.4 million Aug 7 The three countries sign the pact in Mecca. Sep 19 Turkey says it could help meet Saudi Arabia's military needs. Oct 5 The three countries say Turkish and Pakistani forces will deploy to Saudi Arabia. Oct 8 A Houthi strike damages Riyadh's airport and a Saudia plane. Oct 9 Europe's aviation regulator widens its warning on Saudi airspace. Contrail --- ## The Attacks On Thursday, a Houthi strike on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh damaged airport facilities and a Saudia aircraft, according to Saudi Arabia's civil aviation authority. The authority says attacks on Riyadh's airport and on Abha airport in the south have killed three people and injured 36 this week. The strikes disrupted international flights and prompted Saudi-led retaliatory strikes against Houthi positions in Yemen. On Friday, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency, Europe's aviation regulator, expanded its warning against operating in parts of Saudi airspace. ![Green Saudi Arabian flag with white script and a sword, waving on a flagpole against a blue sky](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1652807517216-6a8aed433f7e?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDZ8fHNhdWRpJTIwZmxhZ3xlbnwwfHx8fDE3OTE2NDM2NTZ8MA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) The flag of Saudi Arabia. Credit: Akhilesh Sharma / Unsplash --- ## What the Agreement Says The escalation comes two months after Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan signed the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement on August 7\. The agreement states that an armed attack against one signatory will be regarded as an attack against all three, establishing a collective deterrence framework amid growing regional instability. However, the agreement's public announcement didn't specify exactly what military assistance each country would be obliged to provide in response to an attack. The question now is whether this new partnership can meaningfully change the security calculations of Yemen's Houthi movement. For airlines, airports and passengers, the question is whether the alliance makes flying in the region safer, riskier or simply no different. The agreement brings together three countries with a combined total of about 1.4 million active troops, according to the Global Firepower index. In principle, combining the trio's military capabilities could improve Saudi Arabia's ability to detect, intercept and respond to incoming missiles and drones. Access to additional air defense technology could also help protect vulnerable infrastructure, including airports. Turkey and Pakistan have certainly indicated a willingness to help. On September 19, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Saudi Arabia "may have some military needs, especially on some technical issues," and that Turkey would have "no issues in meeting these." On Monday, the three countries said in a joint statement that they would "move immediately to the practical implementation of the collective defence commitments," including a rapid deployment of Turkish and Pakistani forces to Saudi Arabia. --- ## Will It Deter the Houthis? The agreement's effectiveness will ultimately depend on how the Houthis weigh the risks of attacking Saudi Arabia now that Turkish and Pakistani involvement is on the table. A credible commitment to collective defense could raise the potential cost of further strikes. If Houthi leaders believe that attacking Saudi infrastructure could trigger a coordinated response involving Turkish or Pakistani forces, they may become more cautious about targeting Riyadh. However, the pact may have limited immediate influence over the group's calculations. The Houthis' willingness to strike Saudi airports suggests that the threat can't be addressed through diplomatic declarations alone. --- ## What It Means for Flying The consequences of the Houthi attacks extend well beyond the battlefield. Saudi Arabia's airports are important hubs connecting Europe, Asia and Africa, and Riyadh and Jeddah serve large business, tourism and religious travel markets both in the Middle East and around the world. The latest attacks have put that connectivity at risk. Following the strikes, Lufthansa Group and several Indian airlines suspended flights to Riyadh. The UK now advises against all but essential travel to Riyadh and several other parts of Saudi Arabia. The Mecca Joint Defense Agreement represents an attempt by Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan to strengthen their collective security at a time when existing regional arrangements are under pressure. Its value, however, will be measured by practical outcomes rather than the symbolism of its signing. The agreement has the potential to make Saudi infrastructure more resilient and raise the costs of future attacks. If cooperation remains largely on paper, its immediate effect on the threat facing Saudi airports may be limited. The latest strikes show that the agreement hasn't, by itself, prevented attacks on civilian aviation. Whether it can reduce the likelihood or consequences of future strikes will depend on how quickly its signatories turn their commitment into real operational cooperation. ### Southwest Might Start Flying Big Planes Overseas. I Think It's a Mistake URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/southwest-boeing-787-long-haul-international/ Last updated: 2026-10-10T14:31:10.000Z Southwest Airlines is considering Boeing 787s for its first long-haul international flights, according to a Reuters report on Thursday. Three people familiar with the airline's planning said Southwest is leaning toward the 787 Dreamliner, and one said it has thought about a fleet of dozens of them. The idea has reportedly been discussed on a timeline of about three years. Southwest says it has no fleet news to share, and nothing has been decided. Still, it's the clearest sign yet that the airline is serious about flying to Europe or Asia on its own planes. I think that'd be a mistake. Reportedly under consideration ### Southwest's Long-Haul Bet Fleet today Boeing 737 only Considering Dozens of 787s Timeline About 3 years Destinations 8 to 12 2029787s sold out through Boeing says the 787 is sold out through the end of the decade, so Southwest has reportedly looked at leased or used jets to start sooner. **Southwest's 11 international partners**Air Premia, ANA, China Airlines, Condor, EVA Air, Icelandair, LOT, Philippine Airlines, Singapore Airlines, TAP Air Portugal and Turkish Airlines Southwest says it has no fleet news to share. No decision has been made. Contrail --- ## What's Being Reported Southwest has flown only one type of plane, the Boeing 737, for its entire history. A 787 would be its first widebody, the larger twin-aisle jets airlines use for long flights across oceans. CEO Bob Jordan has been hinting at this for months. In May, he said Southwest would likely move into long-haul international flying within three to five years, and that eight to 12 destinations could cover most of where its customers want to go. He also made clear that Southwest isn't trying to copy Delta, United or American, which fly to around 120 international destinations. Airbus has also been pitching its planes, but the 787 reportedly has the stronger position. ![Boeing 787 Dreamliner approaching to land with its landing gear down against a cloudy sky](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1610642372651-fe6e7bc209ef?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDF8fGJvZWluZyUyMDc4N3xlbnwwfHx8fDE3OTE1NDg0ODh8MA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) A Boeing 787 Dreamliner coming in to land. File photo. Credit: Artturi Jalli / Unsplash --- ## Simplicity Is the Whole Point Flying just one kind of plane is a big part of why Southwest became one of the most successful airlines in American history. Every pilot can fly every plane. Every mechanic knows every jet, and spare parts work everywhere. When something breaks in Denver, the airline can swap in another 737 without reshuffling crews across the country. A 787 fleet throws much of that away. Southwest would need new pilot training, new maintenance programs, new regulatory approvals and new deals with its unions over pay and work rules for flying much longer trips. That's a lot of cost and complexity to take on for a handful of routes. --- ## The Planes Aren't Easy to Get There's also a practical problem. Boeing says the 787 is sold out through the end of the decade. Southwest has reportedly looked at leasing jets or buying used ones to get started sooner, but those routes usually mean paying more, or flying older planes that are harder to make feel new. --- ## Long-Haul Is a Different Business Long international flights don't make money the way short domestic hops do. A big share of the profit comes from the front of the plane, where business travelers pay many times the price of an economy seat for a lie-flat bed, good food and a lounge before departure. Delta, United and American have spent decades building that product, along with joint ventures with foreign airlines that feed them passengers on both sides of the ocean. Southwest is only just getting started on premium. It's added assigned seats and extra-legroom seats, and it has announced airport lounges. Those are real changes, but there's a big gap between that and a business class that can compete with United Polaris or Delta One on an overnight flight to Europe. --- ## Cheap Long-Haul Has a Rough History Plenty of airlines have tried to take a low-cost, no-frills model across the ocean, and it's often ended badly. Norwegian built a big long-haul operation on Boeing 787s and gave it up in early 2021\. WOW Air, the Icelandic budget airline, collapsed in 2019 after adding bigger planes and longer routes. Southwest isn't Norwegian or WOW. It's far bigger and has a loyal customer base. But those stories show how fast long-haul flying can turn a healthy airline into a struggling one when fuel spikes or demand dips. --- ## The Partners Already Do This The strangest part of the plan is that Southwest already has a way to sell trips overseas. It now has 11 international airline partners: Air Premia, ANA, China Airlines, Condor, EVA Air, Icelandair, LOT, Philippine Airlines, Singapore Airlines, TAP Air Portugal and Turkish Airlines. These partnerships let Southwest carry passengers to a big airport and hand them to an airline that already flies long-haul well. Icelandair's new St. Louis route is a good example. It works because Southwest can feed travelers from across the Midwest into the flight. Southwest gets the customer, and the partner takes on the expensive part. If Southwest wants to grow internationally, deepening those partnerships seems like a much safer bet than buying a fleet of widebodies. --- ## A Better Move To be fair, there's a real argument for going it alone. Southwest's loyalty program and credit card make a lot of money, and members who want to fly to Europe or Asia currently have to take those trips elsewhere. Keeping them inside Southwest is worth something. But the airline has already changed a lot in a short time, from charging for bags to adding basic fares to assigning seats. Its loyal customers are still adjusting to a very different Southwest. Adding a whole new kind of airline on top of all that is a big risk. Southwest's strength has always been doing one thing better than anyone else. Before it spends billions on 787s, I'd want to see it lean harder on the partners it already has and keep its core airline running well. ### Pakistan's Troubled National Airline Is Borrowing Dreamliners to Win Back Britain URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/pia-boeing-787-norse-atlantic-lease/ Last updated: 2026-10-09T14:21:58.000Z Pakistan International Airlines is about to fly the Boeing 787 Dreamliner for the first time, though the planes won't be its own. PIA will lease two Boeing 787-9s from Norse Atlantic Airways to add more flights between Pakistan and the UK, Norse announced on Friday. Operations are set to start in November. It's a wet lease, which means Norse supplies the planes along with the crews, maintenance and insurance, while PIA sells the tickets and puts the flights under its own name. Airlines often use these deals to add capacity quickly without waiting years for new jets. New planes ### PIA's Borrowed Dreamliners Aircraft 2 Boeing 787-9s From Norse Atlantic Used for Pakistan to UK Starts November 2026 2020 The UK bans PIA after a deadly crash and a pilot licensing scandal. July 2025 The UK lifts the ban. Dec 2025 Pakistan sells 75% of PIA to private owners. March 2026 PIA returns to London Heathrow. Nov 2026 Norse's 787s, with Norse crews, start flying for PIA. Contrail --- ## Why PIA Needs the Planes PIA has been through a dramatic couple of years. The UK banned it in 2020 after a deadly crash in Karachi and an investigation into how some Pakistani pilots had obtained their licenses. The UK lifted the ban in July 2025, and PIA has since returned to Manchester and, from March, to London Heathrow. The airline also has new owners. Pakistan sold a 75% stake in PIA to a consortium led by Arif Habib Corporation in December 2025, ending decades of state control of an airline that had lost billions. The new owners want to grow the fleet from 19 planes to 64 over roughly eight years, and they're in talks with Boeing for 16 brand-new 787s. Those new jets are still a way off, though, and PIA's long-haul flying currently relies on aging Boeing 777s. Leasing Norse's Dreamliners lets it add UK capacity now instead of waiting. The UK is one of PIA's most important markets because of the large British Pakistani community, which flies back and forth to visit family. More flights there should mean more choice and, with any luck, better fares. --- ## Why Norse Is Doing It The deal says just as much about Norse as it does about PIA. Norse launched as a low-cost airline flying cheap tickets across the Atlantic on Boeing 787s, but high fuel costs have made that business tough. It's now shifting toward leasing its planes and crews to other airlines, which gives it steady income no matter what happens to ticket prices. That plan took a hit in July, when India's IndiGo said it would end a similar arrangement with Norse. The PIA deal fills part of that gap. Norse operates 12 Boeing 787s, says it's in talks with other airlines about more deals like this one, and began a process in July to explore a possible sale or merger. --- ## What It Means for Passengers PIA hasn't yet said which UK routes the 787s will fly or how long the lease will last. Since Norse crews will be working the flights, the onboard experience may feel quite different from a typical PIA flight, and passengers will be flying on newer, quieter planes than PIA's older 777s. ![Pakistan International Airlines Boeing 777 parked at a gate at Lahore airport under a cloudy sky](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/AP-BGJ-_Boeing_777-200ER_of_Pakistan_International_Airlines_at_Allama_Iqbal_International_Airport-_2019.jpg) A PIA Boeing 777 at Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport. File photo. Credit: Ahmed Basit / Wikimedia Commons For a lot of travelers between the UK and Pakistan, that could be the most noticeable sign yet that PIA's turnaround is real. The airline still has a long way to go, but borrowing a few Dreamliners is a smart way to show it's changing while it waits for its own. ### Turbulence Just Sent 8 Flyers to the Hospital. How Does a Bumpy Flight Get That Bad? URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/avianca-turbulence-miami-how-turbulence-injures/ Last updated: 2026-10-09T14:04:46.000Z Severe turbulence forced an Avianca flight from Medellín, Colombia, to New York's JFK Airport to divert to Miami early Friday, and at least eight people were taken to the hospital. The plane landed at Miami International Airport around 3:30 a.m., where Miami-Dade Fire Rescue said it treated multiple people injured by turbulence. Video from the cabin appears to show passengers holding ice packs to their heads while being told to keep their seatbelts fastened. Local reporters at the hospital said a flight attendant in uniform and a woman in a neck brace were among those brought in on stretchers. Avianca hasn't said what caused the turbulence, and the extent of the injuries isn't yet known. ![Flightradar24 map showing Avianca Flight 42 from Medellín diverting to Miami instead of continuing to New York](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/Screenshot-2026-10-09-at-09.52.48.png) The flight path of Avianca Flight 42, which diverted to Miami. Credit: Flightradar24 It's the kind of story that makes nervous flyers even more nervous. So how does a bumpy ride end with people in the hospital? Turbulence ### When a Bumpy Flight Turns Dangerous Flight Medellín to New York Diverted to Miami Landed About 3:30 a.m. Hospitalized At least 8 1 in 3 More than a third of US airline accidents from 2009 to 2018 involved turbulence 79% of serious turbulence injuries on US flights were crew members +55% rise in severe clear-air turbulence over the North Atlantic since 1979 **The best protection**Keep your seatbelt fastened whenever you're seated, even when the sign is off. Contrail --- ## What Turbulence Is Turbulence is simply rough, uneven air. A plane flying through it gets pushed up, down and sideways, the same way a boat rocks on choppy water. Most of the time, it's mild and you'll barely spill your drink. It comes from a few main sources: - **Storms.** Thunderstorms churn the air around them, and pilots steer well clear of them when they can. - **Mountains.** Wind flowing over mountain ranges can create waves of rough air far above the peaks. - **Clear-air turbulence.** This is the tricky one. It happens in clear skies, often near the jet stream, the fast-moving river of wind high in the atmosphere. Because there are no clouds, pilots can't see it, and weather radar can't detect it. --- ## Why People Get Hurt The plane itself is rarely in danger. Commercial jets are built to handle forces far stronger than anything turbulence usually throws at them, and the NTSB found that most turbulence accidents leave the aircraft completely undamaged. People are a different story. When a plane drops suddenly, anyone who isn't strapped in keeps moving, and they can hit the ceiling, the overhead bins or the seat in front of them. Loose items like laptops, carts and coffee pots become projectiles too. That's why turbulence is one of the most common causes of serious injuries in commercial flying. The NTSB found that turbulence played a part in more than a third of accidents on major US airlines between 2009 and 2018. ![Avianca Airbus jet in its red and white livery flying through clouds with the landing gear down](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1764555735246-60b1a5592e6e?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDJ8fGF2aWFuY2F8ZW58MHx8fHwxNzkxNTUzMTg3fDA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) An Avianca Airbus jet in flight. File photo. Credit: Hieu / Unsplash --- ## The Risk for Crews The people most at risk aren't passengers at all. Flight attendants spend much of the flight standing in the aisles, serving meals and pushing carts, which leaves them exposed when the air turns rough without warning. According to FAA figures, crew members accounted for 116 of the 146 serious turbulence injuries recorded on US flights from 2009 to 2021, or about 79%. When you see a flight attendant on a stretcher after a story like this one, it's sadly the norm, not the exception. --- ## Is It Getting Worse? There's also evidence that rough air is becoming more common. A 2023 study from the University of Reading found that severe clear-air turbulence over the North Atlantic, one of the busiest flight corridors in the world, increased by 55% between 1979 and 2020\. The researchers linked it to climate change, which is strengthening wind shear in the jet stream. The most serious recent case came in 2024, when a Singapore Airlines flight from London hit extreme turbulence over Myanmar. One passenger died, dozens were injured, and investigators found the plane dropped about 178 feet in under five seconds. --- ## How to Stay Safe The good news is that the biggest thing you can do to stay safe is very simple. - **Keep your seatbelt on whenever you're seated,** even when the sign is off. It can be loose and comfortable, but it should be fastened. Most serious passenger injuries happen to people who weren't buckled in. - **Listen to the crew.** When the seatbelt sign comes on, sit down quickly and buckle up, and save the bathroom trip for later. - **Stow heavy things.** Keep laptops and bags under the seat in front of you or in the overhead bin, not loose on your tray table. - **Buckle in children properly.** The FAA recommends that young children fly in an approved child safety seat rather than on a parent's lap. Turbulence can't always be predicted, and flights like this one are a reminder that it can turn dangerous quickly. But for passengers, the fix is almost always the same one-second habit: keep that belt on. ### Saudi Arabia's Brand-New Airline Just Hit Its First Real Crisis. Can It Survive? URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/riyadh-air-houthi-attacks-survive/ Last updated: 2026-10-09T13:06:38.000Z [Riyadh Air](https://www.thecontrail.org/riyadh-air-jakarta-flights-november-2026/) has had a brutal week. Saudi Arabia's new national airline has been flying the public for only four months, and this week its only hub, King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, [was hit in drone and missile attacks](https://www.thecontrail.org/a-passenger-plane-was-reportedly-hit-at-riyadhs-main-airport/). Yemen's Houthi rebels have attacked four Saudi airports since Monday, Saudi authorities say three people have been killed, and on Thursday officials confirmed that a Saudia plane was hit on the ground in Riyadh. So can Riyadh Air survive this? I think the airline itself will be fine. The bigger plan behind it is in a lot more trouble. Riyadh Air ### A New Airline's Worst Week First public flight June 10, 2026 Owner Saudi wealth fund Hub Riyadh only 2030 goal 100 destinations Mon, Oct 5 Houthi attacks begin on airports in southern Saudi Arabia. Wed, Oct 7 Flights in Riyadh briefly halted after attacks on the airport. Thu, Oct 8 A Saudia plane is hit on the ground. About 4 in 10 Riyadh departures are canceled, and Riyadh Air pauses all departures for the day. Fri, Oct 9 Saudi officials say the airport has reopened. Lufthansa stays out until October 16. Contrail --- ## A Very Young Airline Riyadh Air's first commercial flight, from Riyadh to London Heathrow, took off on June 10\. It's owned by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, the country's giant sovereign wealth fund, and it's run by Tony Douglas, who used to lead Etihad. The airline flies a small fleet of Boeing 787-9s to places like London, Madrid, Dubai, Cairo, Bangkok and Manila, and Jakarta is due in November. It has well over 100 more jets on order and wants to fly to 100 destinations by 2030\. It's meant to be a big part of Saudi Arabia's plan to become a major tourism destination and a global connecting hub, much like Dubai and Doha. ![Riyadh Air Boeing 787-9 parked at a London Heathrow gate with ground crew unloading cargo](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_5677.JPG) A Riyadh Air Boeing 787-9 at London Heathrow. Credit: Zach Benitez / Contrail I was on board that first flight to London, and the mood that day is hard to forget. When I spoke with Tony Douglas on that flight, he told me how excited everyone at the airline was to finally be flying. You could feel it across the whole flight. Everyone seemed genuinely excited, staff morale was clearly high, and it felt like the start of something big. I also asked him about safety in Riyadh, given everything happening in the region. His answer was simple: Riyadh never shut down, even during the unrest that rattled the Middle East in the spring. At the time, that was the whole pitch. This week, for the first time, it wasn't quite true. ![Riyadh Air commemorative boarding pass tag for the first Riyadh to London Heathrow flight, held in hand](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_5601.JPG) The commemorative tag Riyadh Air gave passengers on its first flight to London. Credit: Zach Benitez / Contrail --- ## What Happened This Week Flights in Riyadh were briefly halted on Wednesday after the first attacks. Thursday was far worse. Around four in 10 departures from the airport were canceled, and Riyadh Air paused all of its departures from Riyadh for the rest of the day. A long list of foreign airlines canceled flights too, and Lufthansa has suspended its Riyadh service until October 16. By Friday morning, Saudi officials said the airport had reopened and that traffic had returned to normal, though some airlines are still canceling flights. The Houthis, meanwhile, have warned airlines that they consider any plane in Saudi airspace a target, apart from flights over Mecca and Medina. --- ## Why It'll Survive Riyadh Air isn't a normal startup that runs out of cash after a bad month. It's a national project backed by one of the richest investment funds in the world. Saudi Arabia has put too much money and pride into this airline to let a few bad weeks sink it. Saudi airports have also been here before. The Houthis attacked Abha's airport many times between 2019 and 2021, and a missile was shot down over Riyadh's airport back in 2017\. Saudia kept flying through all of it. Gulf airlines in general have a long record of riding out regional crises and bouncing back. ![Riyadh Air Hafawa Lounge entrance with a glowing R logo and a marble floor](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_5383.jpg) Riyadh Air’s Hafawa Lounge. Credit: Zach Benitez / Contrail --- ## The Real Problem The danger for Riyadh Air isn't going under. The bigger threat is that its business plan depends on something that's very easy to scare off. To become the next Emirates or Qatar Airways, Riyadh Air needs millions of people who don't care about Riyadh to connect there anyway, on their way from London to Bangkok or New York to Mumbai. Those travelers have plenty of other choices. If the news says missiles are hitting Riyadh's airport, it takes a few clicks to book through Dubai, Doha or Istanbul instead. Connecting passengers are the least loyal customers in aviation, and they're the ones Riyadh Air needs most. The same goes for the foreign airlines Saudi Arabia wants to attract. Delta's first flight between Atlanta and Riyadh is scheduled for October 23, and its CEO has said safety will decide whether it goes ahead. Every airline that pauses or delays Riyadh flights makes the hub look less reliable, and a hub's whole selling point is reliability. --- ## What Passengers Should Know If you're booked on Riyadh Air, check your flight status directly with the airline before you head to the airport, and watch for emails about changes. Flights are getting back to normal, but airlines are still making decisions day by day. It's also worth checking your government's travel advice. [The UK now advises against all but essential travel to Riyadh](https://www.thecontrail.org/is-it-safe-to-travel-to-saudi-arabia-riyadh/), and that can affect whether your travel insurance covers the trip. --- ## My Take Riyadh Air will survive this. It has the money, the planes and the government behind it. What it may lose is time, and some of that early energy. The excitement I saw on that first flight to London was real, and I have to imagine a week like this has taken some of the shine off it for the people working there. An airline trying to become a global hub needs travelers to stop thinking about where they're connecting, and this week gave a lot of people a reason to think twice about Riyadh. How fast that fades depends on whether the attacks stop. If this turns out to be one terrible week, Riyadh Air's ambitions are probably intact. If it becomes a pattern, the airline could end up flying mostly Saudis to and from their own country, which is a very different airline from the one Saudi Arabia is paying for. ### How a Few Planes Built for Russia Changed Air India's Entire Brand URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/air-india-a350-aeroflot-new-brand/ Last updated: 2026-10-09T12:00:35.000Z Air India's most important planes of the past few years weren't built for Air India at all. The airline's first Airbus A350s were made for Aeroflot, Russia's national airline. When sanctions over Russia's invasion of Ukraine stopped Airbus from delivering them, the jets needed a new home, and Air India took six of them. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_2916.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_2928.JPG) Air India's A350 at the gate at JFK and its economy cabin. Credit: Zach Benitez / Contrail It turned out to be a lucky break. Those few planes arrived just as Air India was trying to convince the world it had changed, and they ended up becoming the face of the entire rebrand. Air India · Airbus A350 ### From Aeroflot Order to Air India Flagship Jan 2022The Tata Group takes control of Air India Early 2022Sanctions block Airbus from delivering Aeroflot's remaining A350s Aug 2023Air India unveils its new logo and livery Dec 2023The first ex-Aeroflot A350 lands in Delhi, the first plane in the new look Apr 2026The first refitted older 787 is finally unveiled 28 Business suites 24 Premium economy 264 Economy Contrail --- ## Built for Moscow, Flown From Delhi Aeroflot had ordered 22 A350-900s and received seven before the sanctions hit. Airbus found new buyers for the rest, and Air India confirmed in early 2023 that it would take six. It kept the cabins exactly as Aeroflot had designed them, with 28 business class suites, 24 premium economy seats and 264 economy seats. The first one landed in Delhi on December 23, 2023\. It started on domestic routes in January 2024, beginning with Bengaluru to Mumbai, and its first international route, to Dubai, followed in May. ![Aerial view of Moscow State University's Stalin-era tower and its symmetrical wings, with the city stretching behind it](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1523509080324-9183f313dc50?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDd8fG1vc2Nvd3xlbnwwfHx8fDE3OTE0OTEyNTN8MA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) The main building of Moscow State University in Moscow, Russia. Credit: dotzero / Unsplash --- ## The Face of the "New Air India" Timing is what made these planes matter so much. The Tata Group took control of Air India in January 2022 after decades of government ownership, and the airline spent the next two years trying to shake off its reputation for tired cabins and broken seats. In August 2023, it unveiled a new logo called the Vista and a new red, purple and gold livery. The A350 was the first plane to wear that new look. It was also the first time travelers could see the "new Air India" for themselves, with business class suites that have sliding doors and every seat on board facing a personal screen. For a brand that had mostly been making promises, these jets were the proof. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_3193-1.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_3073.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_3158.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_3197.JPG) Air India's A350 business class from Delhi to Mumbai. Credit: Zach Benitez / Contrail I flew the A350's business class from Delhi to Mumbai, and it felt like a completely different airline. With the door closed, the suite was private and genuinely premium, and the whole cabin looked modern and well kept. Just as important, everything worked: the seat, the screen and the controls all did what they were supposed to. That might sound like a low bar, but it's exactly what legacy Air India was known for getting wrong. --- ## A Small Fleet Carrying a Big Job The catch is that six planes can't change an airline on their own. Much of Air India's long-haul flying still happens on older Boeing 777s and 787s, many with dated cabins. Air India has committed more than $400 million to refit them, but the program ran behind schedule. The first refitted 787 wasn't unveiled until April 2026, and the airline expects to finish the 787s in 2027, with the 777s after that. That left the ex-Aeroflot A350s doing far more than their share of the work. For a long stretch, they were where the new Air India actually lived, and booking one was the best way to get the experience the airline was advertising. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_2930-1.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_3009.JPG) Air India's A350 economy cabin and a butter chicken meal. Credit: Zach Benitez / Contrail Economy was just as big a change. On the [A350 out of New York](https://www.thecontrail.org/i-flew-air-india-economy-for-fifteen-hours-from-new-york-to-delhi/), my seat was comfortable, clean and fully working, which is a huge step up from the stained, barely functioning seats I'd come to expect from Air India's older planes. The screen worked, the cabin felt fresh, and for the first time, flying Air India economy felt like a choice rather than a compromise. --- ## A Lucky Break There's something a little ironic about it. Planes ordered by Russia's flag carrier ended up launching one of the biggest airline turnarounds in Asia. Air India has dozens more A350s on order, so these six were only ever meant to be the beginning. Still, they were the first impression, and first impressions stick. Whatever Air India becomes over the next few years, a handful of jets built for someone else is what showed travelers it was serious. ### The UK Now Warns Against Most Travel to Riyadh. What It Means for Your Trip URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/is-it-safe-to-travel-to-saudi-arabia-riyadh/ Last updated: 2026-10-08T19:58:08.000Z The UK government now advises against all but essential travel to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia's capital, after a week of attacks on Saudi airports. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, which sets the UK's official travel advice, updated its guidance for Saudi Arabia on Thursday. The new warning covers Riyadh province, along with Aseer, Najran and Jizan provinces in the south and the city of Taif and its airport. The UK also continues to advise against all travel within 10 kilometers of Saudi Arabia's border with Yemen. UK travel advice · Updated Oct 8 ### Where the UK Says Not to Go in Saudi Arabia **Against all travel** Within 10 km of the border with Yemen **Against all but essential travel** Riyadh province, Aseer, Najran and Jizan provinces, plus Taif city and Taif airport **Not covered by the new warning** The rest of Saudi Arabia Traveling against government advice can void travel insurance. Check your policy and flight status before you go. Contrail --- ## Why the Advice Changed [Yemen's Houthi rebels have attacked four Saudi airports](https://www.thecontrail.org/a-passenger-plane-was-reportedly-hit-at-riyadhs-main-airport/) since Monday. Saudi aviation authorities say three people have been killed and dozens injured, including at Abha in the south and at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. > BREAKING: A passenger plane was reportedly hit in a new Houthi strike on Riyadh's main airport today, with heavy smoke seen over the airfield. Saudi authorities haven't confirmed it yet. Attacks on Saudi airports this week have already killed three people. [pic.twitter.com/Fm1UVTVKuT](https://t.co/Fm1UVTVKuT?ref=thecontrail.org) > > — Zach Benitez | Aviation Journalist (@contrailzach) [October 8, 2026](https://x.com/contrailzach/status/2108219593533657181?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=thecontrail.org) On Thursday, the Houthis claimed a new strike on the Riyadh airport, and a passenger plane was reportedly hit on the ground there. Reports say a Saudia jet was badly damaged by fire and that dozens of flights out of Riyadh were canceled, though Saudi authorities hadn't confirmed the details at the time of writing. The UK says further attacks on airports and other infrastructure are possible. ![Row of British Union Jack flags flying on top of an ornate stone building under a gray sky](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1566518447958-da38001b61ed?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDJ8fFVLJTIwZ292fGVufDB8fHx8MTc5MTQ4OTE4OHww&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) British flags flying above a building in London. Credit: Paul Fiedler / Unsplash --- ## What "All but Essential Travel" Means The UK isn't banning travel to Riyadh. The warning means the government thinks the risk is high enough that people should only go if they really have to. The bigger issue for most travelers is insurance. Many travel insurance policies won't cover you if you travel somewhere against your government's advice. If you're from the UK and still planning a trip to Riyadh, check with your insurer before you go. --- ## What the US Is Saying On Thursday, the US State Department urged Americans in Saudi Arabia to stay alert, avoid the area near the Yemen border and check their flight status directly with airlines. US government employees now need special permission to use King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. --- ## What to Do if You're Flying If you're booked to Riyadh in the coming days: - **Check your flight often.** Airlines are deciding route by route whether to keep flying, and plans can change fast. - **Ask about refunds or changes.** Some airlines offer free changes when government advice shifts, though it's not guaranteed. - **Check your insurance.** Especially if you're from the UK, confirm whether your policy still covers the trip. Riyadh has become one of the busiest new destinations in aviation, with Riyadh Air expanding fast and [Delta's first flight between](https://www.thecontrail.org/delta-atlanta-riyadh-flight-launch-security/) Atlanta and Riyadh scheduled for October 23\. How long this advice stays in place could shape whether those plans go ahead on time. Contrail will update this story as more airlines respond. ### Icelandair Is Flying to St. Louis. It's Less Random Than It Sounds URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/icelandair-st-louis-reykjavik-southwest/ Last updated: 2026-10-08T18:00:36.000Z Icelandair's new St. Louis flights caught a lot of people off guard. The Icelandic airline announced on October 7 that it will fly nonstop between St. Louis and Reykjavik starting May 14, 2027\. On paper, it looks like a strange choice. St. Louis isn't New York or Chicago, and it's not exactly known as a gateway to Europe. But look a little closer, and the pick makes a lot of sense. The biggest clue is another airline entirely. New route · Summer 2027 ### Icelandair Is Coming to St. Louis Route St. Louis to Reykjavik Starts May 14, 2027 Flights 3 to 4 a week Season ends October 24 57.7%Southwest's STL share Southwest carried most of St. Louis's passengers in 2022, and it's Icelandair's partner. Travelers can connect between the two airlines on a single itinerary. **Icelandair–Southwest gateways**Baltimore, Denver, Nashville, Orlando, Pittsburgh, Raleigh-Durham and now St. Louis Contrail --- ## The Route Icelandair will fly the route three to four times a week, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, through October 24\. That makes it a summer route, timed for the busiest season for travel to Iceland and Europe. Like most Icelandair flights, it's built around connections. Passengers can stop in Iceland or connect in Reykjavik to cities across Europe. Icelandair has long let travelers add a stopover in Iceland on the way at no extra airfare, so a trip to Paris can include a few days seeing waterfalls. St. Louis will be Icelandair's 16th destination in the US, joining big cities like New York, Chicago and Washington, D.C. ![Icelandair business class meal tray with chicken skewers, bread, cheese, cured meats, olives, tomatoes and a glass of beer](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_2010.JPG) An Icelandair Saga Premium (business class) meal. Credit: Zach Benitez / Contrail --- ## The Southwest Connection The part of the announcement that explains everything is easy to miss. St. Louis will also become a new gateway for Icelandair's partnership with Southwest Airlines. The two airlines started working together in 2025, in Southwest's first airline partnership in decades. It's what's known as an interline agreement, which lets travelers book Southwest and Icelandair flights together on a single itinerary. Until now, the connecting cities have been Baltimore, Denver, Nashville, Orlando, Pittsburgh and Raleigh-Durham. ![Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 in blue, red and yellow livery climbing against a clear blue sky](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/photo-1559271138-f347143c63c8.jpeg) A Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 in flight. Credit: Nick Morales / Unsplash St. Louis fits that list perfectly, because it's one of Southwest's strongest cities anywhere. Southwest carried 57.7% of St. Louis passengers in 2022, more than every other airline at the airport combined. That changes the math for Icelandair. It doesn't need to fill its planes with people who live in St. Louis alone. A traveler in Kansas City, Omaha or Memphis could fly Southwest into St. Louis and connect to Icelandair on the same booking, then on to Europe. In other words, St. Louis can act like a hub for the whole region, with Southwest doing the feeding. --- ## St. Louis Has Been Here Before This isn't the first time an Icelandic airline has bet on St. Louis. WOW Air, Iceland's former budget airline, started flying to St. Louis in 2018\. It was the city's first nonstop flight to Europe in about 15 years, and it drew plenty of excitement. It didn't last. WOW pulled out of St. Louis in January 2019, just months before the airline collapsed entirely. Icelandair is a different story. It's the country's established national airline, with a hub built around connecting North America and Europe, and now a partner that dominates the airport it's flying into. --- ## Europe Is Getting Closer for St. Louis Icelandair's route also adds to a bigger trend. St. Louis now has more ways to reach Europe than it has had in years. Lufthansa flies to Frankfurt, and British Airways started flying to London Heathrow in April 2026. For travelers in the middle of the country, that's good news. More nonstop options mean fewer connections through Chicago or New York, and potentially more competition on fares. If the Southwest partnership works the way it's designed to, St. Louis might not stay a "random" pick for long. ### A Passenger Plane Was Reportedly Hit at Riyadh's Main Airport URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/a-passenger-plane-was-reportedly-hit-at-riyadhs-main-airport/ Last updated: 2026-10-09T14:55:04.000Z A passenger plane was reportedly hit on Thursday at [King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia's main international gateway](https://www.thecontrail.org/is-it-safe-to-travel-to-saudi-arabia-riyadh/), after Yemen's Houthi rebels claimed a new ballistic missile strike on the airport. Smoke was seen rising over the airfield, and the airport was reportedly closed, according to reports from several outlets. Images shared online appear to show a Saudia jet on fire, though Contrail hasn't independently verified them. Saudi authorities hadn't confirmed the attack, any damage to aircraft or any injuries at the time of writing. The reported strike caps a week of attacks on Saudi airports. The Houthis have targeted four of them since Monday, and Saudi aviation authorities say three people have been killed and dozens injured. Breaking · Saudi Arabia ### Saudi Airports Attacked This Week **3**Killed **39**Injured Riyadh 1 killed, 8 injured Plane reportedly hit Thursday, not yet confirmed Abha 2 killed, 28 injured Jazan and Najran 3 injured Both airports damaged Monday Houthi warning Airlines told to avoid Saudi airspace Figures from Saudi Arabia's General Authority of Civil Aviation. Check your flight status before traveling. Contrail --- ### What's Confirmed According to Saudi Arabia's General Authority of Civil Aviation: - **Jazan and Najran:** both airports in the south were attacked on Monday evening. Three people were injured, and both suffered damage. - **Abha:** attacks on the southern airport killed two women, from Morocco and Algeria, and injured 28 people. - **Riyadh:** an earlier attack on King Khalid International killed a Sudanese resident and injured eight people. The authority said emergency teams were deployed immediately and that it was working to assess the damage and make sure facilities were safe. The Saudi-led coalition fighting the Houthis in Yemen said the attacks "will not go unpunished" and that it had struck more than 80 Houthi military sites in response. --- ### A Warning to Airlines The Houthis are now directly warning airlines. Their military spokesperson, Yahya Saree, told airlines "for the last time" not to keep flying in Saudi airspace, which the group described as a zone for its military operations. The Houthis have also targeted Aden International Airport in Yemen, where a missile landed near the runway shortly before a passenger flight from Cairo was due to land. --- ### What It Means if You're Flying If you're flying to, from or through Saudi Arabia in the coming days, check your flight status often and watch for messages from your airline. Airlines decide individually whether to change routes or cancel flights, and those decisions can come quickly as the situation develops. It's also worth checking your government's travel advice for Saudi Arabia. The US State Department and other governments update their advisories when the security situation changes. The attacks come at a sensitive moment for Saudi aviation. Riyadh Air, the country's new national airline, has been launching routes from Riyadh at a rapid pace, and [Delta's first flight between Atlanta and Riyadh](https://www.thecontrail.org/delta-atlanta-riyadh-flight-launch-security/) is scheduled for October 23\. Contrail will update this story as more is confirmed. ### United's Cheapest First Class Ticket Comes With a Catch URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/united-basic-first-class-fares/ Last updated: 2026-10-08T15:00:32.000Z United basic first class fares are on their way. The airline is adding a cheaper "base" tier to United First on domestic flights and to United Business on short-haul international routes to Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean, with the change rolling out this fall. The idea will sound familiar to anyone who's booked basic economy. You get the same seat and the same service on board, but fewer of the perks that used to come with the ticket. --- ## What Each Tier Includes First and business class tickets on these routes will now come in three tiers: base, standard and flexible. United says all three include the same onboard experience, so the seat, the meal and the drinks don't change. Base is the cheapest. It includes one checked bag and a carry-on, but choosing your seat costs extra, and you can't change or refund the ticket. Standard adds free seat selection, a second checked bag and the ability to change your flight, though it still can't be refunded. Flexible includes everything in standard, plus refunds. On United Business routes, all three tiers also include access to United Club lounges. Fare Tiers ### What United's First Class Fares Include | | Base | Standard | Flexible | | -------------- | ---- | -------- | -------- | | Seat selection | Fee | Free | Free | | Checked bags | 1 | 2 | 2 | | Carry-on | 1 | 1 | 1 | | Flight changes | No | Yes | Yes | | Refunds | No | No | Yes | All three tiers get the same seat and onboard service. On United Business routes to Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean, every tier also includes United Club access. Contrail --- ## Why It Matters United already uses the same three tiers on Polaris, its long-haul business class, and on its Premium Plus premium economy. Those arrived earlier this year, so domestic first class was the obvious next step. The catch is what used to be standard. Free seat selection and the ability to change your flight came with every first class ticket, and now they only come with the pricier tiers. Critics say that quietly raises the cost of the first class experience travelers are used to. United says the change is about giving customers the choice to pick the experience that best matches their needs. --- ## What to Do If you're booking first class on United, check which tier you're buying before you pay, especially if your plans might change or you care where you sit. A base fare can still be a good deal on a short trip with fixed plans, as long as one checked bag is enough and you're fine paying for a seat. ### Chasing Zebras Off the Runway Is a Real Job in Africa. This Week Showed Why URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/plane-hits-zebra-serengeti-safari-airstrip-wildlife/ Last updated: 2026-10-08T12:00:23.000Z On Sunday morning, a plane hit a zebra while taking off from the Serengeti. Thirty people on board walked away unhurt after a belly landing at Kilimanjaro, but the zebra strike pointed to one of the strangest jobs in aviation. At airstrips across Africa's national parks, someone is responsible for making sure lions, giraffes and zebras aren't standing on the runway when a plane comes in. --- ## What Happened in the Serengeti The plane was an Embraer Brasilia, a 30-seat turboprop flown by Sindbard Air, a Tanzanian charter airline. It was leaving Seronera, a gravel airstrip in the middle of Serengeti National Park, for Zanzibar on Sunday with 26 passengers > A safari plane hit a zebra taking off from the Serengeti on Sunday, then belly-landed at Kilimanjaro with 30 people on board. Everyone walked away. At bush airstrips across Africa, keeping animals off the runway is somebody's actual job. 🦓 [pic.twitter.com/Scvo50Jt4H](https://t.co/Scvo50Jt4H?ref=thecontrail.org) > > — Zachary Benitez (@contrailzach) [October 7, 2026](https://x.com/contrailzach/status/2107824004966842716?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=thecontrail.org) The crew diverted to Kilimanjaro International Airport, and when the main landing gear wouldn't come down, they landed the plane on its belly. Video shows smoke trailing from the aircraft as it scraped down the runway. No one was hurt, and the airport closed for several hours while crews cleared the plane away. Tanzania's accident investigators have opened an inquiry, and they haven't confirmed whether the zebra actually caused the landing gear problem. Either way, the strike itself shows how normal it is for planes and wildlife to share the same patch of ground in places like the Serengeti. --- ## The Job Nobody Talks About Safari airstrips aren't airports in the usual sense. Most are unfenced strips of gravel or packed dirt built right into the parks, because that's where tourists want to go. The animals don't know the difference between a runway and any other open field, and some seem to prefer it. A guide to the Masai Mara's airstrips in Kenya notes that topi, zebra and sometimes giraffes sleep on the warm gravel at night and graze on the strips during the day. So before a plane arrives, someone goes to clear the way. At Londolozi, a private reserve in South Africa, rangers drive up to the airstrip well before each flight is due to land, along with the reserve's air marshal. They often have to drive toward impala, giraffe, wildebeest or zebra milling around the grass to move them off the strip. Pilots do their part too. At many bush strips, a plane makes a low pass over the runway before landing, flying in fast and close to the ground to scare animals away, then circling back to land for real. If you've ever been on a safari flight that seemed to buzz the airstrip for no reason, that was the reason. ![a car driving down a road next to a lush green forest](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1696963608883-a7bf6eb66ff4?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDl8fGFmcmljYW4lMjBhaXJwb3J0fGVufDB8fHx8MTc5MTM3OTQ3OHww&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by Micah Camper / Unsplash --- ## Big Airports Do It Too Wildlife control isn't just a bush-strip problem. Under international aviation standards, airports everywhere are expected to manage the risk of birds and animals getting in the way of planes, and the biggest ones have entire teams for it. The Kenya Airports Authority, which runs Nairobi's main airport, has advertised a full-time role for a "Manager, Birds & Wildlife Control." According to the listing, the job is to develop and oversee "the airport's bird/wildlife hazard management program to minimize the risk of bird and wildlife strikes." At a major airport, that usually means fences, grass kept at the right height to discourage birds and animals, and staff on patrol. The difference at a place like Seronera is that the whole point is to be surrounded by wildlife. You can't fence off the Serengeti, so the job comes down to people, vehicles and pilots checking the runway every time. --- ## Should Safari Travelers Worry? Not really. Collisions with animals as big as a zebra are uncommon, which is why this one made headlines around the world, and the crew still got everyone down safely despite a serious problem with the plane. If anything, it's a reminder to appreciate the people you never see on a safari trip. Before your little plane touches down in the middle of the bush, someone has probably already driven down the runway to make sure a zebra wasn't lying on it. ### American Airlines Has a Food Problem at One of Its Major Hubs URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/american-airlines-has-a-food-problem-at-one-of-its-major-hubs/ Last updated: 2026-10-07T23:04:47.000Z American Airlines is having trouble getting food onto its planes at New York's JFK, one of its major hubs, and it's warning passengers that their meal may not be what they expected. In an email sent on Wednesday and seen by Contrail, the airline said it is "making temporary adjustments to its inflight dining experience" on flights from JFK "due to a disruption in our catering operations." The letter says meals will still be served on board, but certain selections may be affected. American also warned that it "may be unable to guarantee pre-ordered meals, special meal requests, or other specific meal selections." American Airlines · JFK ### What American Is Telling JFK Passengers Affected Flights from JFK Cause Catering disruption Apology 10,000 miles Still happening - Meals served on board - Substitutes where possible Not guaranteed - Pre-ordered meals - Special meal requests - Specific meal choices Based on a letter from American Airlines dated October 7, 2026\. American hasn't said how long the disruption will last. Contrail --- ## 10,000 Miles as an Apology As a goodwill gesture, American is crediting at least some affected passengers with 10,000 AAdvantage miles, the airline's frequent flyer currency. The letter didn't say whether every passenger on an affected flight will get the miles, or how long the disruption is expected to last. American didn't explain what caused the problem. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/Screenshot-2026-10-08-at-01.01.36.png) --- ## What It Means if You're Flying If you're flying American out of JFK in the next few days, it's worth planning as if your meal might not show up. That matters most for anyone who relies on a special meal for dietary or religious reasons, since the airline says it can't promise those right now. Eating before you board or bringing your own food is the safest bet. If you pre-ordered a meal in business or first class, you may still get a meal, but it might not be the one you picked. --- ## Not the First Time This Year This isn't American's first catering headache in 2026\. In late February, the airline stopped catering its London Heathrow flights locally after a problem with its caterer there. For nearly two months, it flew the food for both directions over from the US instead, and passengers on those flights saw fewer meal choices and missing pre-orders. Full local catering in London didn't return until late April. It's not yet clear whether the JFK disruption will last anywhere near that long. For now, American's message to New York flyers is simple: there'll be food, just maybe not the food you ordered. ### A Flight Attendant Said He'd Been Awake for 24 Hours. Is That Even Allowed? URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/flight-attendant-rest-rules-american-airlines-maui/ Last updated: 2026-10-07T21:00:35.000Z How long can flight attendants work before they have to rest? It's a question most travelers never ask, but it got a lot of attention after an American Airlines flight to Maui last week. On October 2, American Flight 271 from Los Angeles to Kahului turned back with a mechanical problem, and when passengers finally boarded a replacement plane hours later, one of the new flight attendants told them, "I've been up almost 24 hours." The flight eventually reached Maui about five hours late. --- ## What Happened The original plane had a landing gear door that got stuck, so it returned to Los Angeles, and American had to find both another plane and another crew. The replacement crew had been scheduled to work a flight to New York, not Hawaii, which meant a much longer day than they'd prepared for. That frustration came out in front of passengers. Along with the comment about being awake, the flight attendant told the cabin, "The company has let all of y'all down and it's also let us down today." A passenger who posted video of the flight said some of the crew stayed visibly irritated during the trip. His complaint was aimed at American rather than the passengers, but saying it out loud to a plane full of delayed travelers raised a bigger question about whether he should have been working the flight at all. What Happened ### A Delayed Flight to Maui, Explained 1 October 2: American Flight 271 leaves Los Angeles for Kahului, Maui. 2 A stuck landing gear door sends the plane back to Los Angeles. 3 Passengers wait hours for another plane and a crew that had been scheduled for New York. 4 A flight attendant tells passengers he has been awake almost 24 hours. 5 The flight reaches Maui about five hours late. Flight attendant rest At least 10 hours in a row between duty periods Pilots Separate, stricter fatigue rules Time awake Not the same as time on duty If crew are too tired Airlines have processes to report fatigue Rest limits are one reason a quick plane swap can take hours. Contrail --- ## The Rules Under federal rules, flight attendants must get at least 10 hours of rest in a row between duty periods. Pilots fall under separate, stricter fatigue rules that also cap how long they can be on duty. Time awake isn't the same as time on duty, though. A crew member can be up for many hours before a shift begins, after a long commute to their base or a sleepless night, without the airline breaking any rule. There's no sign American broke the rest rules on this flight, and that gap between being awake and being on duty is likely what the flight attendant was describing. Airlines also have a process for crew members to report that they're too tired to work and be taken off a flight, so an exhausted employee doesn't have to keep going. ![photo of plane interior](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1493235818145-77224bfd6e5c?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDE1fHxmbGlnaHQlMjBhdHRlbmRhbnR8ZW58MHx8fHwxNzkxMzIxNjI1fDA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by Omar Prestwich / Unsplash --- ## Why It Matters to You Most delays like this one start with a mechanical problem and then grow as the airline scrambles to find another plane and a crew whose limits still allow them to fly. Rest rules are part of why a "quick" swap can take hours, since airlines can't put a crew on a flight if it would push them past those limits. That's frustrating when you're the one waiting at the gate, but the rules exist for safety. The people responsible for getting you out of an emergency need to be alert enough to do it. ### Kenya Airways' Business Class Did Almost Everything Wrong, Except the One Thing That Mattered URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/kenya-airways-787-8-business-class-review-paris-nairobi/ Last updated: 2026-10-08T17:41:05.000Z I flew Kenya Airways' 787-8 business class overnight from Paris to Nairobi on KQ 115, and it was one of the strangest business class flights I've reviewed. Kenya Airways is Kenya's national airline and a member of SkyTeam, the alliance that includes Air France, KLM and Delta. Its Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner is a long-range jet it flies to Europe, and its business class cabin is clearly from another era. Somehow it still gave me one of the best nights of sleep I've ever had in the air. Flight Details ### Kenya Airways KQ 115 CDG Paris Charles de Gaulle · Terminal 2C 23:101h late 8h 27m · 4,035 mi NBO Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta Intl · Terminal 1A 08:37+147m late 8h 27m · 4,035 mi Cabin Business Aircraft Boeing 787-8 Aircraft age 11 years Registration 5Y-KZJ Contrail The Verdict · KQ 115 Business **6.2**Overall A dated, open cabin and a forgettable dinner, rescued by one of the best beds I've slept in and a crew with real character. Ground experience 5.8 Seat 7.0 Amenities 6.8 Catering 4.9 Service 6.6 #### What worked *✓*Fast, Friendly Business Check-In *✓*Wide, Comfortable Bed *✓*Plush Fleece Comforter and Bedding #### What didn't work *✕*No Privacy in Open Seating *✕*Unappetizing Main Course *✕*Cold Welcome at Boarding Contrail --- ## Check-In and the Lounge Check-in at Charles de Gaulle was chaos, though not because of Kenya Airways. The neighboring Air Senegal counters were surrounded by police and furious passengers, and when I asked airport staff what was going on, they told me a flight had just been canceled. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_0859.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_0866.jpg) Kenya Airways' business class line moved quickly anyway, and the agent who helped me was genuinely kind. That stood out, since in my experience, check-in agents at Charles de Gaulle aren't known for their warmth. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_0862.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_0869-1.jpg) Passport control was another story. Only two of the 10 to 15 automated passport gates seemed to be working, and everyone in line was fed up by the time they got through. Security went faster after that, though I've never warmed to this airport's industrial feel and confusing layout, and this visit didn't help. The lounge was the next puzzle, because although our flight left from the A gates, Kenya Airways sends its business class passengers to one over on the C side. I struggled to find it tucked underneath the terminal, and once inside it wasn't much nicer than the gate area. It was somewhat relaxing and never crowded, but it was very dark, and a surprising number of people had their phone notifications turned all the way up. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_0888.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_0894.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_0897.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_0896.jpg) The flight left an hour late because the incoming plane from Nairobi arrived late, which seems to be a pattern. Over the previous 60 days, flight tracking data showed this flight running late 64% of the time. Illustrated for Contrail Kenya Airways Boeing 787-8 · 5Y-KZJ Drawn by **Caleb St. John** · Caleb's Aviation Every Contrail review carries an original drawing of the aircraft flown, made for us by Caleb St. John, who draws aircraft to raise awareness for young people in aviation living with health conditions. --- ## Boarding The gate had a few fun moments, including an announcement asking for anyone who spoke Swahili to help translate. Boarding itself was orderly until the usual wait on the jet bridge. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_0902.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_0906.jpg) The welcome onboard was cold, starting with a flight attendant in the galley who just stared at me when I said hello. Crew members in the aisles didn't seem much warmer during boarding, which wasn't the start I'd hoped for in business class. The atmosphere made up for some of that once the crew dimmed the cabin lights after boarding, and the boarding music was a calming mix of birdsong and nature sounds that played again in the bathroom. It's the best boarding music I've heard on any airline, because it pulls you toward the destination before you've even left Paris. Every seat in business class was taken. Seat Map Business · 2–2–2 5Y-KZJ A C D F G J 1 A C D F G J 2 A C D F G J 3 A C D F G J 4 A C D F G J 5 A C D F G J Business · rows 1–5 · seat 2J Contrail --- ## Seat and Cabin The cabin is laid out in pairs of two across each row, with 30 seats in total, and that means there's no privacy at all. There's nothing tall between seats or around them, so I'd argue it feels less private than economy, where at least the seat backs block your view of everyone else. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_0919.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_0908-1.jpg) The center console is the only thing separating you from your neighbor, where some airlines would add at least a small partition. The armrest between seats rises about six to eight inches for privacy while sleeping, which helps a little, though it's uncomfortable and awkward when you're sitting up. In a pair like mine at 2J, the window passenger also has to step past their neighbor to reach the aisle. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_0926.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_0914-1.jpg) Storage is a real weakness, with a small space between the screens that's nearly impossible to reach, a compartment in the center armrest and a spot under the footrest that you can't get to once the seat is a bed. That last one ended up holding the bedding anyway, so I crammed my things in next to me. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_0937.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_0924.jpg) The seat wasn't dirty, but it wasn't spotless either, and the cabin showed clear signs of wear. Its controls were finicky and didn't always respond, and the screens felt small because you sit so far back from them, even though they're a decent size. The directed reading light between seats was a nice touch, but to compete in 2026, Kenya Airways needs new seats. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_0936.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_0935.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_0931.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_0932.jpg) --- ## Sleeping Then I lay down, and everything changed. Because the seat has no narrow footwell, the space for your feet in bed mode is wide and open, which matters more than almost anything else for sleep. The footrest itself is hard, but I barely noticed, because I slept shockingly well in what I'd call a legendary bed. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_0956.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_0987.jpg) The bedding deserves a lot of the credit, since Kenya Airways gives you a mattress cover and a fleece comforter that's the coziest airline blanket I can remember. My pillow was the weak link, flattening into nothing the moment I put any weight on it. --- ## Amenities and Entertainment Waiting at the seat were headphones, an amenity kit, the comforter and the mattress cover. The headphones felt cheap and plasticky, there were no slippers, and menus only came out after boarding with no separate drink list. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_0933.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_0949.jpg) My entertainment screen didn't work at first but was fixed shortly after boarding, and the bathroom was a typical Dreamliner bathroom apart from the bird and nature soundtrack. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_0922.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_0946.jpg) Kenya Airways' personality really shows in the details, from the crew's stunning bright red uniforms to the boarding music and safety video. --- ## Dinner Before takeoff, the crew offered orange juice and sparkling wine, and that orange juice was the worst I've had on a plane. It tasted like cough syrup mixed with sugar. Things picked up with the hot towel that started the meal service, the hottest one I've ever been handed. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_0940.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_0960.jpg) The menu was basic and listed no starter, and none came. Service was slow to start, which was frustrating when all I wanted was to sleep. Meals came from a cart like in economy, yet the crew still laid out tablecloths, so it felt like business class with random corners cut. I ordered the beef, and it arrived sitting in a dish full of a mysterious liquid. The beef itself was soft and fine, if not very flavorful, but the dish looked deeply unappetizing. The woman next to me poked hers with a fork like it was radioactive sludge, then gave up and handed her tray back. To the crew's credit, they cleared everything quickly afterward. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_0961.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_0976.jpg) I slept through breakfast, and after that dinner I didn't feel I'd missed much. --- ## Service The crew warmed up as the flight went on and started smiling more after the meal. About two hours before landing, they turned the cabin lights back on, though they didn't seem to be doing much. In the last quarter of the flight, the crew made a big announcement congratulating a couple on their 50th anniversary. It was a sweet, thoughtful message and another sign of the airline's character. It was also a big interruption in a dark cabin full of people trying to sleep. Waking up with 15 minutes to go, I went to the galley to ask for a coffee. I was told service was suspended, and then a flight attendant made me one almost immediately anyway. The service had a somewhat militant edge with real warmth mixed in, and I can't think of another airline that feels quite like it, in a way that wasn't bad so much as different. We landed in Nairobi 47 minutes late, after a journey of about eight and a half hours. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_0990.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_0991.jpg) --- ## Worth Booking? If sleep is your priority on the overnight flight from Paris to Nairobi, Kenya Airways' business class delivers where it counts most. The bed and bedding beat what the tired cabin suggests, and the airline's warmth and personality come through by the end. Everything else feels behind the times. The open seating, poor storage and worn cabin don't hold up against what other airlines fly to Africa today, and the dinner was the weakest part of the trip. I'd eat before boarding and plan to sleep as much as possible, because that's when Kenya Airways is at its best. You can see how Kenya Airways compares with every other airline I've reviewed in the [Contrail Index](https://www.thecontrail.org/contrail-index/). ### Europe's Airlines Are Racing to Add Starlink. KLM Just Joined In, Late URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/klm-starlink-free-wifi-2027/ Last updated: 2026-10-07T17:09:28.000Z [KLM](https://www.thecontrail.org/klm-787-10-premium-economy-review-new-york-amsterdam/) is getting Starlink. The Dutch airline announced on Wednesday that it has chosen Starlink, the satellite internet service from Elon Musk's SpaceX, to connect its fleet. Starting in mid-2027, KLM's Starlink Wi-Fi will be free on its intercontinental flights, according to Airways Magazine. That's a big change for anyone who flies KLM across an ocean. It also puts KLM on track to match Air France, its sister airline, which has spent the past year installing Starlink on its own planes. KLM · Wi-Fi ### KLM Is Getting Starlink Provider Starlink Starts Mid-2027 Cost Free Flights Intercontinental Starlink at Europe's big airlines **Air France**About 60% done, rest by end of 2026 **British Airways**Flying since March 2026 **Virgin Atlantic**Flying since May 2026 **Iberia**Flying since June 2026 **Lufthansa Group**About 850 planes by 2029 **KLM**Starting mid-2027 KLM already offers free Wi-Fi on many flights within Europe through a different provider, Viasat. Contrail --- ## What's Changing Starlink works differently from most airplane Wi-Fi. Older systems rely on satellites parked very far above the Earth, which is a big reason airplane internet has a reputation for being slow and patchy. Starlink uses thousands of satellites in much lower orbits, so it's fast enough to stream video, join a video call or work the way you would on the ground. On KLM's long flights today, getting online usually means buying a Wi-Fi pass. The airline already made Wi-Fi free on many of its flights within Europe in January, using a different provider called Viasat. This new announcement is about the long flights, where fast Wi-Fi that costs nothing changes the most about how the hours go. Some details aren't public yet, including whether passengers will need to join Flying Blue to get it free and how quickly each plane will be fitted. Flying Blue is the loyalty program KLM shares with Air France, and it costs nothing to join. We'll update this story as KLM shares more. --- ## Catching Up With Air France Air France began installing Starlink in 2025, and by June 2026 about 60% of its fleet had it. The airline expects to finish by the end of this year, and the Wi-Fi is free for Flying Blue members. That's left KLM in an awkward spot. The two airlines share an owner, a loyalty program and plenty of passengers who switch between them on the same trip. Yet someone flying to New York from Paris on Air France can often stream a show the whole way, while a passenger leaving Amsterdam on KLM can't count on the same. Once KLM's planes are fitted, that gap should finally close. Starlink is one of the main reasons Air France is my favorite business class in Europe. Having Wi-Fi that actually works on a nine-hour flight turns dead time into time you can use, whether that's for work or catching up with people at home. --- ## Is KLM Ahead of Europe's Other Airlines? Not quite. Starlink has spread fast across Europe over the past year. British Airways ran its first Starlink flight in March, Virgin Atlantic started in May and Iberia followed in June. Latvia's airBaltic got there even earlier with Starlink across its whole Airbus A220 fleet. The Lufthansa Group plans to put it on about 850 planes by 2029, across airlines including SWISS, Austrian and Brussels Airlines. With a start date of mid-2027, KLM is one of the later big European airlines to sign on. Where it can still stand out is in how generous the offer turns out to be. If the Wi-Fi ends up free for everyone on board, KLM would have one of the better deals in Europe despite arriving late. --- ## What It Means for Travelers If you're flying KLM on a long trip before mid-2027, expect the same Wi-Fi it offers today. After that, it's worth checking which plane you're booked on, because new Wi-Fi almost always reaches some aircraft before others. Until then, Air France is the easier bet within the same airline family if fast, free Wi-Fi across the Atlantic matters to you. ### KLM's Best Marketing Fits in the Palm of Your Hand URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/klms-best-marketing-fits-in-the-palm-of-your-hand/ Last updated: 2026-10-08T11:22:06.000Z [KLM](https://www.thecontrail.org/klm-787-10-premium-economy-review-new-york-amsterdam/) turned 107 on October 7, and like every year on its birthday, it revealed a new Delft Blue house. KLM's Delft Blue houses are tiny blue-and-white ceramic copies of real Dutch buildings, filled with Dutch gin and handed out to business class passengers on long-haul flights. I've picked up four of them over the past year, I liked the gin inside every one, and I'll admit I now want the whole set. That last part is exactly why I think these little houses are the smartest marketing in the airline business. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_0515-1.jpg) --- ## Meet House No. 107 This year's house is Wijnhoeve De Kleine Schorre, a winery in the village of Dreischor in the Dutch province of Zeeland. The vineyard was founded in 2001, when plenty of people doubted you could make good wine in Zeeland's heavy clay soil. It has since become one of the best-known wineries in the Netherlands, and it has supplied wine to KLM for more than 20 years. "For 107 years, KLM has connected the Netherlands with the world," KLM CEO Marjan Rintel said, calling the new house "a fitting symbol of our 107th anniversary." October 7, 2026 ### KLM's Newest Delft Blue House 107House No. Wijnhoeve De Kleine Schorre A winery in Dreischor, Zeeland, founded in 2001 and a KLM wine supplier for more than 20 years. Tradition since The 1950s New house Every Oct 7 since 1994 Inside Bols Dutch gin Who gets one Long-haul business class **Free advertising**Passengers take the houses home and put them on display, where friends ask about them. **A game to finish**Numbered houses turn every business class trip into a chance to complete the set. Contrail The tradition goes back to the 1950s. As the story goes, industry rules at the time barred airlines from giving passengers gifts. KLM got around them by calling its little houses a final drink on the house rather than a gift, just served in a ceramic building instead of a glass. Since 1994, KLM has released one new house every year on October 7, its founding date, and each house's number matches the airline's age. Today's is No. 107. --- ## Your Shelf Does the Advertising Most airline perks disappear the moment you land. A good meal, a comfortable bed and a friendly crew all live on only in your memory. A Delft Blue house comes home with you and sits on a shelf for years. That turns every passenger into a KLM billboard. Friends see it and ask about it, and suddenly you're telling them about your business class flight to Amsterdam. I've always believed the best marketing is getting your customers to do it for you, because people trust a friend's story far more than any ad, and KLM figured that out decades before anyone called it word of mouth. It also helps that the houses are genuinely beautiful. Nobody hides a pretty little canal house in a drawer, so it stays out where people will see it. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_7169-2.JPG) --- ## The Game You Can't Stop Playing The second trick is even smarter. Because every house is numbered, getting one makes you wonder about the rest. Getting four makes you want them all. That's gamification, the same idea behind trading cards and video game achievements, and it works on me without question. Each new flight in KLM business class turns into a chance to add to my collection, which gives me a reason to choose KLM over another airline flying the same route. A loyalty program does the same thing with points, but points are invisible. A row of tiny houses on a shelf shows you exactly how far you've gotten and how far you have left to go. Collectors take it seriously too. There are websites that track every house, resale listings for the ones people are missing, and rare editions given only to people like royalty and newlyweds that reportedly sell for thousands of euros. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_6869-1.JPG) --- ## Why Other Airlines Should Pay Attention Plenty of airlines hand out amenity kits, and most of them end up in a drawer or the trash. KLM found something people actually want to keep, display and complete, and it has kept the tradition going for more than 70 years without losing its charm. The cost of a small ceramic house is tiny next to what an airline pays to win a business class passenger. If one of those houses ends up on a shelf, starts a conversation and makes someone choose KLM for their next trip, it may be the best money the airline spends all year. As for me, I'm four down, and I'll be looking for No. 107 on my next KLM flight. ### Condor's Striped Planes Look Ridiculous. That Might Be the Point URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/condor-striped-livery-marketing/ Last updated: 2026-10-07T15:00:32.000Z Condor's striped livery is, to me, one of the strangest paint jobs flying today. The German vacation airline paints each of its planes in bold vertical stripes of one bright color. Every time I see one at an airport, it looks less like an airplane and more like a beach towel that learned to fly. Still, I almost never see one without hearing someone nearby talk about it. Most recently, it happened in Cape Town. As our bus crossed the tarmac to my far more boring FlySafair plane, a kid near me pointed out the window and asked, "What plane is that? It looks cool." It was a Condor jet, stripes and all. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_1424-1.jpg) --- ## Where the Stripes Came From Condor unveiled the design in April 2022\. Its first striped plane, a yellow Airbus A321, flew from Frankfurt to the Canary Islands. The airline says the stripes are inspired by beach umbrellas, beach towels and deck chairs. Each color has a vacation name: Sunshine yellow, Passion red, Sea blue, Island green and Beach beige. The timing explains a lot. Condor had been owned by Thomas Cook, the British travel company that collapsed in 2019\. The new look was a way for Condor to announce itself as an independent airline, and its CEO summed up the idea in three words: "Condor is vacation." Not everyone was sold. When the livery launched, one aviation outlet openly asked whether it was the worst airline color scheme ever. The Stripes ### Condor's Five Colors **Sunshine yellow** **Passion red** **Sea blue** **Island green** **Beach beige** Unveiled April 2022 First striped flight Yellow A321, Frankfurt to the Canary Islands Inspired by Beach umbrellas, towels and deck chairs The idea "Condor is vacation" The new look followed Condor's split from Thomas Cook, its former owner, which collapsed in 2019. Contrail --- ## Why I Think It Works Most airline liveries look roughly the same: a white plane, a logo and maybe a stripe of color on the tail. You could swap a lot of them around and most travelers wouldn't notice. Nobody mixes up a Condor plane. You can spot one across the airport and remember it afterward, and apparently you talk about it too. For an airline that sells beach vacations, getting people to associate its planes with summer vacations is the whole job, and the stripes do that instantly. There's also something smart about having five colors. A striped plane parked next to another striped plane in a different color looks deliberate, like a set, which makes the whole fleet feel like a brand rather than a collection of planes. --- ## Ridiculous or Genius? I think it's both. I still find the stripes a little ridiculous, and I'm not sure they'll age well. But an airline livery has two jobs: to be recognized and to make you feel something about the airline. Condor's does both better than almost anyone's. If the goal was to get people pointing at the window and talking about Condor, it's working. I'm proof, since I'm writing a whole article about it. ### The Hidden Reason Some Brussels Flights Will Take Off Friday and Others Won't URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/brussels-airport-strike-october-9-flights/ Last updated: 2026-10-07T11:34:38.000Z The Brussels Airport strike on Friday, October 9, will cancel about 140 flights, including roughly 40% of Brussels Airlines' schedule. But walk through the terminal that day and you'll find something odd. A British Airways flight to London should leave on time, while a Brussels Airlines flight parked nearby might not leave at all. Same airport, same strike, same day. The difference comes down to who loads the bags. --- ## Why Some Flights Are Safe Most travelers never think about ground handling, but it's the work that gets a plane ready between flights. That means loading and unloading bags, guiding the plane in and out of the gate and handling everything else on the ramp. At Brussels, two companies split most of that job, Alyzia and Aviapartner. On Friday, Alyzia's staff are joining a national demonstration in Brussels organized by Belgium's two largest unions to protest the federal government's policies. With only about half of Alyzia's flights expected to run, the roughly 20 airlines that use it are cutting flights. Aviapartner's staff aren't part of the action, so its airlines are expected to operate as normal. Friday, October 9 ### Will Your Brussels Flight Go? Check Who Handles It Two companies do most of the ground work at Brussels Airport. Only one is on strike. Flights canceled About 140 Brussels Airlines About 40% of flights cut Passengers affected About 30,000 At risk Handled by Alyzia About half its flights expected to run - Brussels Airlines - Air China - Air Senegal - Air Arabia Maroc - AJet Expected to fly Handled by Aviapartner Staff not part of the strike - British Airways - Aer Lingus - Air Canada - Ryanair - TUI Full refund or a new flightYes Meals, and a hotel if you're stuck overnightYes Up to €600 in cash compensationUnlikely Strikes by outside workers protesting the government are usually treated as out of the airline's control under EU rules. Lists show examples, not every airline. Contrail That's why Brussels Airlines, Belgium's main airline and part of the Lufthansa Group, is hit so hard. It relies on Alyzia at its home airport, while airlines like British Airways, Aer Lingus, Air Canada, Ryanair and TUI use Aviapartner. A plane can have a full crew and be ready to fly, but if no one is there to load the bags and push it back, it isn't going anywhere. --- ## Why You Probably Won't Get Compensation This is where the strike's cause matters for your wallet. Under EU rules, a canceled flight can earn you up to €600 in cash, but only if the cancellation was within the airline's control. Europe's top court ruled in 2021 that a strike by an airline's own pilots or flight attendants doesn't get it off the hook, since dealing with your own staff is part of running an airline. Friday is different. The people walking out work for an outside company, and they're protesting the government, not Brussels Airlines. Strikes by outside workers, like airport staff and air traffic controllers, are usually treated as out of the airline's control, so most passengers shouldn't count on a cash payout. The airline still has to prove it, though, so it's worth keeping your booking details if you want to try. ![Airplane approaching for landing with windsocks visible](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1767474998492-abc961629e77?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDZ8fGJydXNzZWxzJTIwYWlycG9ydHxlbnwwfHx8fDE3OTEzNzIwNTV8MA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by Nbrs Nbrs / Unsplash --- ## What You're Owed Either Way Even without compensation, the strike doesn't leave you empty-handed. If your flight is canceled, you can choose between a full refund and a seat on another flight. If you're stuck waiting, the airline also has to cover meals, plus a hotel and transportation if you need to stay overnight. Brussels Airlines says it's contacting affected passengers directly with those options. If you're flying Friday: - Check your flight under "My Booking" on the airline's site before leaving for the airport. - If you'd rather not travel, take the refund instead of accepting the first rebooking you're offered. - Leave extra time to get to the airport, since buses, trams and the metro in Brussels are also expected to be disrupted. --- ## Not the First Time Friday will be the third time this year that Brussels Airlines' schedule has been badly disrupted by union action involving other companies, the airline says. Belgium has held several national strike days in 2026 over the government's pension and labor reforms, and the unions are calling this one a first warning before the prime minister's next major policy speech. If you're planning a trip through Brussels in the coming months, it's worth keeping an eye on Belgian strike dates the same way you'd check the weather. You can't control who loads the bags, but you can know when it might be a problem. ### Why Your Flight Attendant Might Spray Insecticide Over Your Head URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/why-airlines-spray-insecticide-cabin/ Last updated: 2026-10-07T00:00:23.000Z Some airlines spray insecticide in the cabin while passengers are still in their seats, and if you've never seen it, it can be a strange thing to watch. A flight attendant walks the aisle holding an aerosol can in each hand, the cabin fills with a faint mist, and an announcement asks you to stay seated. I've had it happen on flights from Mumbai to London, Jakarta to Kuala Lumpur and Guangzhou to Bangkok. Every time, half the cabin looked around wondering what had just happened. --- ## What It Is The practice is called disinsection, and its job is to kill any mosquitoes or other insects that hitched a ride on the plane before they can get out at the destination. Countries use it to keep out diseases spread by mosquitoes, like malaria, dengue, Zika and yellow fever, along with insects that could damage crops. The spray usually contains d-phenothrin, an insecticide the World Health Organization recommends for this use. It attacks an insect's nervous system, which is why it works on mosquitoes at a dose that's tiny for a person. ![a close up of a mosquito on a human's skin](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1707943768453-7850f916ebde?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDF8fG1vc3F1aXRvfGVufDB8fHx8MTc5MTMyMTI3Nnww&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases / Unsplash --- ## Which Countries Require It Not every country asks for the spray with people on board. According to the US Department of Transportation's list, these require it while passengers are in the cabin: Ecuador (for flights to and within the Galápagos), Grenada, Guyana, India, Kiribati, Madagascar, Panama, Seychelles, Tanzania, Timor-Leste, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay and Zimbabwe. Explained ### The Three Ways Airlines Spray for Insects With you on board Aerosol in the cabin Crew walk the aisle with spray cans. Required by India, Panama, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Seychelles, Madagascar and a handful of others. Before you board Long-lasting surface treatment Cabin surfaces are treated while the plane is empty. An option in Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Chile and a few others. Only some flights Selective Usually flights from areas with mosquito-borne disease. Countries include France, Italy, the UK, South Africa, Thailand and Indonesia. **The WHO says**No risk to health when done properly, though some people feel brief discomfort. **The US EPA says**It won't approve any insecticide for use in plane cabins. Country lists per the US Department of Transportation. Rules change, so check before you fly if you're sensitive. Contrail Other countries, including Australia and New Zealand, let airlines treat cabin surfaces with a longer-lasting insecticide while the plane is empty instead. A larger group, which includes France, Italy, the UK, South Africa, Thailand and Indonesia, only requires it on certain flights, usually ones arriving from places where mosquito-borne diseases are common. The rules change from time to time, so it's worth checking if you're sensitive and flying somewhere tropical. --- ## Is It Safe? The World Health Organization says aircraft disinsection doesn't present a risk to human health when it's done properly, though it notes that some people may feel temporary discomfort afterward. That's the official answer most airlines lean on. The US takes a more cautious view. The Environmental Protection Agency has had a policy since 1996 of not registering any insecticide for use in aircraft cabins, saying the available data don't show that the benefits outweigh the risks. That's one reason you won't see the spray on flights within the US. For most travelers, a few seconds of mist on the occasional flight is very unlikely to do you harm. People with asthma, allergies or chemical sensitivities may notice it more, with things like a scratchy throat, watery eyes or a headache. --- ## How to Handle It If the spray bothers you, there are a few easy things you can do: - Cover your nose and mouth with a scarf or a mask while the crew walks through, and close your eyes for a moment. - Keep anything you'll eat or drink covered until the mist settles. - Tell a flight attendant before the spray if you have asthma or a sensitivity. They can't skip your row, but they can make sure you know when it's coming. - If you know your route requires it, check with your doctor beforehand. It's one of those parts of flying that nobody explains, but once you know why it's happening, it's a lot less alarming. ### United's New Status Match Is a Not-So-Subtle Dig at Delta and American URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/united-status-match-delta-american-2026/ Last updated: 2026-10-08T11:19:48.000Z United's status match for [Delta](https://www.thecontrail.org/delta-starlink-wifi-mistake/) and American flyers is open, but only until October 15\. The airline announced on October 1 that frequent flyers with elite status at either rival can get matching status in MileagePlus, United's loyalty program, and test it for 90 days before deciding whether to stay. United is calling the offer "Switch to Better Wi-Fi," and that's the pitch. [The airline has been racing to install Starlink](https://www.thecontrail.org/us-airlines-free-wifi-2026/), SpaceX's fast satellite internet. It had the system on more than 600 planes by October 1, with 1,000 planned by the end of the year. Starlink Wi-Fi is free for MileagePlus members. On planes without it, Wi-Fi still costs extra. Deadline October 15 ### United's Status Match at a Glance Who can apply US MileagePlus members with earned or lifetime Delta or American status Apply by October 15, 2026 Approval Within 3 business days The challenge 90 days to fly and spend on United Spend to keep it Reportedly about $1,500 to $7,000, by tier Status lasts Through January 31, 2028 United pitches the match on its Wi-Fi: Starlink was on more than 600 United planes by October 1. Contrail --- ## Who Qualifies The match is open to MileagePlus members based in the US who hold earned or lifetime elite status with Delta or American. Status you got through another trial or promotion doesn't count. You apply on United's offer page by uploading proof of your Delta SkyMiles or American AAdvantage level, and United says it will tell you within three business days whether you're approved. Joining MileagePlus itself is free if you aren't a member yet. --- ## How You Keep It The matched status starts as a 90-day challenge. To keep it, you need to fly and spend a set amount on United or United Express during that window. Hit the target and the status lasts through January 31, 2028\. The spending required reportedly runs from about $1,500 to $7,000, depending on how high a tier you're matching. --- ## Is It Worth Switching? For travelers who live near a United hub such as Newark, Chicago or Denver, a free test of United status is low risk. You'll find out quickly whether United's network and onboard Wi-Fi suit you better than what you have now. The catch is the spending requirement. Flying enough on United in 90 days to keep the status can mean taking trips away from the airline you already have status with, so you could end up building two programs halfway instead of one fully. If most of your travel is locked into Delta or American by where you live or work, the match may cost you more than it gives you. The deadline is the part not to miss. Applications close on October 15. ### Delta Jet Hits Air Canada Plane in a Ground Collision at LAX URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/delta-air-canada-lax-ground-collision/ Last updated: 2026-10-06T20:04:20.000Z A Delta plane and an Air Canada plane were in a ground collision at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on Tuesday morning. No one was hurt, but one plane is now out of service. Breaking ### The Two Planes in the LAX Collision | | Delta | Air Canada | | ----------------- | -------------------- | ---------------------------- | | Flight | DL 7 | AC 785 | | Route | Los Angeles to Japan | Toronto to Los Angeles | | Aircraft | Airbus A350\* | Boeing 777\* | | What it was doing | Taxiing to depart | Being towed to the gate | | Part that hit | Left wingtip | Horizontal stabilizer (tail) | When Oct 6, about 10:30 a.m. Injuries None Air Canada plane Out for repairs Investigation FAA \*Aircraft types as reported. Times are local to Los Angeles. Contrail --- ## What Happened At about 10:30 a.m. local time, Air Canada flight 785, which had just arrived from Toronto, was being towed to its gate. At the same time, Delta flight 7 was taxiing out for its flight to Japan. According to the FAA, the Delta plane's left wingtip clipped the Air Canada plane's horizontal stabilizer, the small wing on the tail that keeps a plane steady in flight. The Delta plane was reportedly an Airbus A350, and the Air Canada plane a Boeing 777\. Both airlines confirmed their planes "made contact" on the ground, and neither reported any injuries. Air Canada says its plane will be taken out of service for inspection and repairs. Delta says its crews and airport team are assessing its aircraft. The FAA is investigating. --- ## Why This Keeps Happening Ground collisions like this one are rarely dangerous to the people on board, since the planes are moving at walking speed. But they happen more than most travelers think. Wingtips are far from the cockpit and out of the pilots' view, so crews depend on painted taxi lines and ground controllers to keep enough room between planes. LAX is also one of the most crowded airports in the country, with wide-body jets packed tightly around its terminals. When a plane under tow and a plane taxiing share a tight space, there is little room for error. This isn't the first time a Delta wide-body has been involved in a ground collision. In September 2024, a Delta A350 bound for Tokyo clipped the tail of a Delta regional jet while taxiing in Atlanta, knocking the smaller plane's tail off. And last October, two Delta regional jets collided on a taxiway at New York's LaGuardia, injuring a flight attendant. --- ## What It Means for Passengers If you were booked on Delta 7, expect a delay or a swap to another plane while Delta checks the wingtip. Even a small scrape means a plane has to be inspected before it can fly again. If you're flying Air Canada between Toronto and Los Angeles in the next few days, keep an eye on your booking. Taking a wide-body out of service can ripple through an airline's schedule, and Air Canada may need to swap planes or change times on other flights. Planes hitting each other on the ground can sound scary, but incidents like this one almost never put passengers at risk. The bigger cost is to the airlines, which now have to repair a plane and rework their schedules. We'll update this story as Delta, Air Canada, and the FAA share more. ### I Flew South African Airways as It Rebuilds. The Crew Impressed Me. The Plane Didn't. URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/south-african-airways-a330-economy-review-johannesburg-cape-town/ Last updated: 2026-10-06T16:28:25.000Z South African Airways nearly disappeared. The country's national airline, a member of Star Alliance alongside United and Lufthansa, ran out of money and stopped flying in 2020\. It came back in 2021 with a fraction of its old network, and it's been rebuilding ever since. I'd wanted to fly it for years, so I finally booked South African Airways' A330 economy from Johannesburg to Cape Town on SA 317 to see how that comeback looks from a seat in the back. This was a domestic flight of about two hours, but it used a widebody Airbus A330-300, a plane normally built for long international routes. The jet was heading to Cape Town to fly on to São Paulo later in the day. At nine years old, it's young for an A330, and it will likely be one of the airline's international workhorses for years. What I found onboard was an airline whose people are clearly ready, on a plane that still needs work. Flight Details ### South African Airways SA 317 JNB Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Intl · Terminal B 08:541m early 2h 4m · 790 mi CPT Cape Town Cape Town Intl 10:5812m early Cabin Economy Aircraft Airbus A330-300 Aircraft age 9 years Registration ZS-SXM Contrail The Verdict · SA 317 Economy **6.4**Overall A tired cabin with screens that never worked, made worthwhile by a hot breakfast nobody expects on a two-hour flight and a genuinely warm crew. Ground experience 5.4 Seat 5.6 Amenities 3.4 Catering 8.0 Service 8.6 #### What worked *✓*Warm, Upbeat Crew *✓*Hot Breakfast on a Two-Hour Flight *✓*Good Recline and Seat Power #### What didn't work *✕*Slow Check-In *✕*Worn, Stained Seats *✕*No Working Entertainment Contrail --- ## Check-In at O.R. Tambo O.R. Tambo International is one of Africa's most important airports, and parts of it feel overdue for a facelift. The check-in hall was a nice surprise, though, with high ceilings and plenty of light. The line looked manageable at first, but it barely moved. Some of that was passengers repacking overstuffed suitcases at the counter, including one family working through a bag full of diapers. The real problem turned out to be a broken baggage belt. An agent told us nobody could be checked in until it was fixed, and it took me 20 to 30 minutes to finally get through. When I did, the agent mentioned that the flight was very empty, which made me even more curious about what was waiting onboard. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_1300.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_1302.jpg) --- ## The Gate and Boarding The airport swung between feeling polished and feeling like a cramped bus terminal. Our domestic gates in the C area had almost nowhere to sit, just a few seats lined along the walkway, while the D gates next door had much better seating. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_1318.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_1307.jpg) Boarding started only a minute or two late, and staff did their best to organize everyone. The narrow hallway leading to the plane made it a tight squeeze, though that's more about the building than the airline. Illustrated for Contrail South African Airways Airbus A330-300 · ZS-SXM Drawn by **Caleb St. John** · Caleb's Aviation Every Contrail review carries an original drawing of the aircraft flown, made for us by Caleb St. John, who draws aircraft to raise awareness for young people in aviation living with health conditions. --- ## The Seat My assigned seat was 46H, an aisle seat near the front of economy, which is laid out in pairs by the windows and a row of four in the middle. With the cabin as quiet as promised, I moved over to spread out. Seat Map Economy · 2–4–2 ZS-SXM A C D E F G H K 45 A C D E F G H K 46 A C D E F G H K 47 A C D E F G H K 48 A C D E F G H K 49 A C D E F G H K 50 A C D E F G H K Economy · rows 45–71 · seat 46H Contrail At first the seat felt comfortable and not at all tight, and the recline was genuinely good. Each seat also has a power outlet and a USB port, which isn't a given on a short flight. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_1331.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_1335.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_1344.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_1357.jpg) That comfort didn't last long. After a few minutes, I realized the headrest was the hardest I've ever leaned on. It was firmer than anything I've had on a budget airline, which I didn't think was possible. The bigger letdown was the condition of the cabin. Seats were covered in marks, small rips and stains. For a plane that's only nine years old, the upkeep simply wasn't good. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_1336.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_1353.jpg) --- ## Screens and Wi-Fi The seatback screens looked newer than the rest of the cabin and were bright and sharp, but unfortunately they didn't do anything. Mine only showed a "thank you for flying" message for the whole trip. It told me to press a button on a handheld controller to turn the system back on, but there were no controllers anywhere, which was almost funny. There was no Wi-Fi either, so on this flight, the screens were just decoration. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_1338-1.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_1385.jpg) --- ## Breakfast Then the crew started the meal service, and I couldn't believe it. On a flight of under two hours, South African Airways served a full breakfast, with a choice of a hot option or a cold one. I chose the hot plate of sausage, eggs and potatoes, which came with a croissant and an energy bar. It wasn't the most refined breakfast I've had on a plane, but that's beside the point. Most airlines wouldn't even consider serving a hot meal on a flight this short, and it made the trip feel far more generous than the ticket suggested. Drinks oddly came well after the food, but that's a small complaint. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_1389.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_1387.jpg) --- ## The Crew The crew were the best part of the flight. They were friendly at the door, and I watched them being kind and patient with other passengers as everyone boarded. Service started quickly after takeoff, too. Before taking each order, the flight attendants said good morning and asked passengers how they were doing, and they kept that cheerful energy the whole way to Cape Town. > Love this pre-flight announcement on my South African Airways flight from Johannesburg to Cape Town. 🇿🇦 [pic.twitter.com/M6yBDp1Yn3](https://t.co/M6yBDp1Yn3?ref=thecontrail.org) > > — Zachary Benitez (@contrailzach) [October 6, 2026](https://x.com/contrailzach/status/2107507630545477979?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=thecontrail.org) --- ## The Bathrooms The bathrooms were the clearest sign of cost-cutting, with no paper towels or tissues and only toilet paper. The hot water tap didn't work either. I've seen plenty of tired airplane bathrooms, but I can't remember one where only the cold water worked. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_1395.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_1396.jpg) --- ## Worth Booking? For a short domestic hop, South African Airways delivers more than you'd expect where it counts for many travelers: a real hot breakfast and a crew that seems glad to see you. That combination made the flight feel generous, and it's the part I'll remember. The plane itself tells a different story. Stained seats, a rock-hard headrest, screens that don't work and bare bathrooms all suggest an airline still cutting costs after its comeback. If you're choosing between airlines on this route, book South African Airways for the service and the breakfast, but bring your own entertainment. You can see how South African Airways compares with every other airline I've reviewed in the [Contrail Index](https://www.thecontrail.org/contrail-index/). ### Free Wi-Fi Is Now the Norm on US Airlines. What Each One Offers URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/us-airlines-free-wifi-2026/ Last updated: 2026-10-08T11:27:49.000Z Free Wi-Fi on US airlines has gone from a rare perk to a standard feature in about three years. Delta was the first of the biggest airlines to make it free in 2023, Southwest followed last fall, and American and United expanded free access this year. --- ## The Catch On almost every airline, free Wi-Fi requires a loyalty account. You'll need to sign in with the airline's free program, such as Delta SkyMiles or American AAdvantage. Joining costs nothing and takes a few minutes, so it's worth doing before you get to the airport. JetBlue is the exception, since its Fly-Fi is free for everyone without an account. ![black and white samsung remote control](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1603731955465-2c3277cbebe1?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDIyfHx3aWZpfGVufDB8fHx8MTc5MTIyODYyM3ww&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by Brett Jordan / Unsplash --- ## Airline by Airline Delta offers free Wi-Fi to SkyMiles members on most domestic flights and many international ones, sponsored by T-Mobile. American started offering free Wi-Fi to AAdvantage members in January, sponsored by AT&T. It now covers all of its narrowbody jets and most of its smaller regional planes. United's Wi-Fi is free for MileagePlus members, but only on planes with Starlink, SpaceX's satellite internet service that's fast enough to stream video. United had Starlink on more than 600 planes by October 1 and aims for 1,000 by the end of the year. On its other planes, Wi-Fi still costs money, with passes starting at $8 for MileagePlus members on domestic flights, so it's worth checking which plane you're on before you fly. Southwest has offered free Wi-Fi to Rapid Rewards members since last October, and it began adding Starlink to its planes this year. Alaska Airlines is rolling out free Starlink for Atmos Rewards members. Its sister airline, Hawaiian, already has Starlink on its Airbus jets. JetBlue's Fly-Fi is free for everyone on every plane, as it has been for years. --- ## What's Next The next race is about speed. Starlink is spreading quickly, and American reportedly plans to add it across its fleet, with installation on its Airbus jets expected to begin next year. Delta and JetBlue have chosen Amazon's satellite network instead, though that service is still a while away from passengers. For now, the simplest tip is the most useful one. Before your next flight, sign up for the airline's free loyalty program and keep the login handy, because that's usually all it takes to get online for free. ### Holiday Flights Are the Most Expensive in a Decade. The Right Dates Can Still Save You Hundreds URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/holiday-flight-prices-2026-when-to-book/ Last updated: 2026-10-06T12:00:44.000Z Thanksgiving and Christmas flight prices in 2026 are the highest in a decade. According to the travel booking app Hopper, domestic round-trip fares for Thanksgiving are averaging $402, up 31% from last year. Christmas fares are averaging $452, an increase of 23%. Fuel is the main reason. Jet fuel prices have stayed high for months, largely because of the conflict in the Middle East, and airlines have passed much of that cost on to passengers. It's the same pressure that pushed checked bag fees up at most major US airlines earlier this year. ![a group of people walking through an airport](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1653795163859-9ee39ecc6d62?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDl8fGJ1c3klMjBhaXJwb3J0JTIwfGVufDB8fHx8MTc5MTE5MDYyOXww&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by Daniel / Unsplash --- ## When to Book Hopper's advice is to book both flights and hotels before Halloween. Travelers are already booking earlier than usual to lock in prices, which is a good sign that waiting won't make this year's trip any cheaper. --- ## The Cheapest Days to Fly For Thanksgiving, the most expensive day to fly home is the Sunday after the holiday, which is November 29 this year. Average fares that day climb past $600\. Flying on Thanksgiving Day itself, Black Friday or Cyber Monday is usually much cheaper, so shifting your return by a single day can make a real difference. Christmas falls on a Friday this year, and Hopper says the lowest fares come from leaving on the Monday or Tuesday before, December 21 or 22. Holiday Travel 2026 ### What Holiday Flights Cost This Year Thanksgiving average $402 round trip, up 31% Christmas average $452 round trip, up 23% Cheapest Thanksgiving days Thanksgiving Day, Black Friday or Cyber Monday Most expensive day Sunday, Nov. 29, over $600 Cheapest Christmas departures Monday, Dec. 21, or Tuesday, Dec. 22 Book by Halloween Average domestic round-trip fares. Source: Hopper's 2026 Holiday Travel Index. Contrail --- ## Hotels Hotels are a mixed picture. Thanksgiving rates are holding steady at about $170 a night, but Christmas stays have jumped 18% to an average of $197. ![A white multi-story hotel building with balconies and palm trees in a courtyard](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1455587734955-081b22074882?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDEzfHxob3RlbHxlbnwwfHx8fDE3OTExOTA1NzR8MA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by Francesca Saraco / Unsplash --- ## Where People Are Going New York, Miami and Orlando are the most popular domestic destinations for both holidays. International travelers are heading mostly to Tokyo, London, Paris and Bangkok. If your dates have any flexibility at all, use it this year. Moving a Thanksgiving return from Sunday to Monday is one of the easiest ways to keep a holiday trip from costing far more than it did last year. ### Delta Will Now Fly Your Case of California Wine Home for Free URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/delta-free-wine-checked-bag/ Last updated: 2026-10-05T22:00:23.000Z Delta's free checked wine perk starts October 6, letting SkyMiles members bring a case of wine home from Northern California without paying a bag fee. It's aimed squarely at wine country visitors, who've long had to choose between pricey winery shipping and wrapping a few bottles in clothes and hoping for the best. --- ## Where It Works The perk covers Delta and Delta Connection flights within the United States that depart from five Northern California airports: San Francisco, Oakland and San Jose in the Bay Area, plus Sacramento and Sonoma County. Sonoma's airport sits right in wine country, and the other four are a drive away from Napa and Sonoma. --- ## The Rules You need to be at least 21 and a member of SkyMiles, Delta's free loyalty program. You don't need elite status or a Delta credit card to qualify. The case can hold up to 12 standard 750 ml bottles and weigh up to 50 pounds. It also has to fit Delta's normal size limit for checked bags, which is 62 inches when you add the length, width and height together. Bottles need to be packed in a proper wine shipping box or travel case, and you present it at the Delta ticket counter for inspection before it's checked. At the other end, it comes out at baggage claim with everything else. Starts October 6 ### Where Delta Checks Your Wine for Free ✓ San Francisco (SFO) ✓ Oakland (OAK) ✓ San Jose (SJC) ✓ Sacramento (SMF) ✓ Sonoma County (STS) Who SkyMiles members, 21 and older How much Up to 12 bottles of 750 ml Weight limit 50 pounds Size limit 62 linear inches Free on Delta and Delta Connection flights within the US. Wine must be packed in a proper shipping box or travel case and inspected at the ticket counter. Contrail The free allowance only covers the wine. Your regular bags still cost what they normally would, and wine travels as a fragile item, so packing it well is up to you. --- ## How It Compares Delta isn't the first airline to do this. Alaska Airlines has run a similar free wine program from West Coast airports for years, and Southwest launched its own version in April alongside its new Sonoma County flights. For travelers who already fly Delta home, though, this removes one more reason to book another airline just to bring back a case. ### What a "Reconsider Travel" Warning Actually Means for Your Trip URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/us-travel-advisory-levels-explained/ Last updated: 2026-10-05T19:00:44.000Z The State Department rates every country from Level 1 to Level 4. What each one means for your flights, your insurance and your plans. _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Etihad Is Building a Path Into Nigeria, and It Could Make Flying There Easier URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/etihad-lagos-flights-nigeria-partners/ Last updated: 2026-10-08T11:20:50.000Z Etihad's Lagos flights return in March 2027, and the Abu Dhabi airline is already lining up partners to carry passengers beyond Nigeria's biggest city. On October 5, it signed a deal with Ibom Air, a smaller Nigerian airline. From March 2027, travelers will be able to connect through Lagos or Accra on one ticket to five Nigerian cities including Abuja, Port Harcourt and Uyo. It's the second deal of its kind in three months. In July, Etihad signed a similar agreement with Air Peace, Nigeria's largest airline. That deal opens up 20 destinations across Nigeria and West and Central Africa. ![a busy city street filled with lots of traffic](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1648023199223-25d3622bcb13?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDN8fGxhZ29zfGVufDB8fHx8MTc5MTE5Mzk3N3ww&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by Opeyemi Adisa / Unsplash --- ## The New Routes Etihad plans daily flights between Abu Dhabi and Lagos starting March 23, 2027, bringing back a route it dropped years ago. It's also adding Accra, Ghana's capital, with four flights a week from March. Right now, Emirates is the only airline flying nonstop between the UAE and Nigeria, with a daily flight between Dubai and Lagos. Etihad's return means travelers heading between Nigeria and the Gulf, Asia or beyond will have a second Gulf airline to choose from. Coming in 2027 ### Etihad's Push Into Nigeria Abu Dhabi to Lagos Daily from March 23, 2027 Abu Dhabi to Accra 4 times a week from March 24, 2027 Partner: Air Peace Signed July 2026, 20 destinations Partner: Ibom Air Signed October 2026, 5 Nigerian cities Ibom Air cities Abuja, Uyo, Port Harcourt, Calabar, Enugu Current competition Emirates, Dubai to Lagos Partner flights connect through Lagos or Accra on a single Etihad ticket once the new routes begin. Contrail --- ## Who Ibom Air Is Ibom Air is owned by the government of Akwa Ibom State in southeastern Nigeria and has been flying since 2019\. It's based in Uyo, the state capital, and serves a small network of Nigerian cities plus Accra. For Etihad, it fills in cities a long way from Lagos, especially in the country's south and east. --- ## What a Single Ticket Gets You The deals are what airlines call interline agreements, which let two airlines sell one ticket covering both of their flights. That's more useful than it sounds. Your bags are usually checked all the way to your final city, so you don't have to collect them in Lagos and check in again. If a late first flight makes you miss your connection, the airlines are generally responsible for getting you on the next one. Book the same trip as two separate tickets and you're on your own. A delay into Lagos could mean buying a brand-new ticket for the second flight, which is why a single ticket matters most on trips with tight connections. --- ## Why Nigeria Nigeria is Africa's most populous country and one of its largest economies, and a large Nigerian community lives in the UAE. The two countries also signed a trade agreement in January 2026, which gives airlines another reason to expect more travel between them. Nothing changes for travelers until March 2027\. When it does, anyone flying between Nigeria and the Middle East or Asia will have a real alternative to Emirates, with easier connections to cities well beyond Lagos. ### You Can Fly to Antarctica From Cape Town Again This November URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/flights-to-antarctica-from-cape-town/ Last updated: 2026-10-08T11:26:56.000Z Antarctica is the world's coldest, driest and least-populated continent, and it's becoming more accessible from an unlikely gateway in Cape Town. For a few months every year, specially arranged flights to Antarctica leave Cape Town and head south toward the frozen continent, and the next season begins this November. These operations are unlike almost any other flight in the world. There are no normal airports, no long-term airport infrastructure and very few options if the weather suddenly changes. One of the companies behind these unique journeys is White Desert, a British luxury travel company that runs its Antarctic flights out of Cape Town. The company flies tourists, scientists and other visitors to the continent in just over five hours, rather than the days it takes to travel there by sea. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/Screenshot-2026-10-05-at-00.36.28.png) via White Desert --- ## White Desert White Desert operates its Antarctic programs during the continent's short summer season, generally between November and February. This is when Antarctica experiences its most favorable conditions for tourism and aviation, with longer periods of daylight and comparatively milder weather. The company operates Wolf's Fang Runway, a private blue-ice runway in the interior of Antarctica that opened in 2017\. Unlike a conventional airport runway, it is formed from natural glacial ice and requires continuous monitoring to ensure that it remains suitable for aircraft operations. White Desert also operates luxury camps on the continent, allowing visitors to spend several days experiencing Antarctica rather than simply flying in and leaving immediately. None of it is cheap. A one-day trip costs $16,500, and multi-day trips run from about $75,000 to more than $115,000. For those who want to explore further, the company can use smaller aircraft to transport guests to different parts of Antarctica. This gives visitors the opportunity to see areas that would otherwise be extremely difficult to reach. The main flights use large Airbus A340 and A330 jets from Hi Fly, a charter airline that supplies planes along with their crews. In late 2025, Hi Fly became the first airline to fly an A330 to Antarctica. These operations are carefully planned because flying into Antarctica is very different from operating a normal commercial route. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/Screenshot-2026-10-05-at-00.36.02.png) via White Desert --- ## Antarctica: The Ice Continent Antarctica is centered around the geographic South Pole and contains the world's largest ice sheet. Despite its extreme conditions, the continent is home to remarkable wildlife such as penguins, seals and whales. It is also one of the most important places on Earth for scientific research. Research stations run by many different countries are spread across the continent. Scientists there study everything from climate change and ice to astronomy and wildlife. Tourism is another growing part of Antarctica's relationship with the outside world. Visitors can experience the landscape and wildlife, although access to many areas is strictly controlled to protect the environment. Antarctica is governed through the Antarctic Treaty System rather than being owned by a single country. The system regulates activities on the continent and places a strong focus on peaceful use, scientific research and environmental protection. Even during the summer, when activity increases significantly, Antarctica remains one of the least populated places on Earth. --- ## Getting to Antarctica: The Hard Part Getting to Antarctica by aircraft is not as simple as booking a normal flight. The continent has very limited aviation infrastructure, and many of the landing areas are built on snow or ice rather than conventional paved surfaces. This means that pilots, engineers and ground crews have to work in conditions that are very different from those found at normal airports. Timing is extremely important. Antarctic aviation operations are generally concentrated during the summer months between November and February. During the winter, extreme cold, darkness and severe weather make many tourism and aviation operations impractical. Once an aircraft begins its journey south, there are also very few alternative airports available. This means that flight planning becomes extremely important. The aircraft must carry enough fuel and have carefully calculated contingency plans, because there is no network of nearby airports like there would be when flying between major cities. ![top view of ice land](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1486566584569-b9319dc74315?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDR8fGFudGFyY3RpY2F8ZW58MHx8fHwxNzkxMTg1NTIwfDA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by Matt Palmer / Unsplash --- ## The Runway Is Ice Perhaps the most interesting part of Antarctic aviation is the runway itself. At Wolf's Fang, the runway is made from blue glacial ice. Unlike a normal airport runway, its condition can change depending on temperature, ice movement and weather. The runway therefore has to be continuously inspected and monitored before aircraft operations can take place. For the pilots, landing on an Antarctic ice runway is also a very different experience. Navigation and approach procedures are carefully planned, and visual conditions can become extremely important. Weather, visibility, wind and the condition of the landing surface all have to be considered before an aircraft can safely land. There is also no room for complacency. Antarctic weather can change quickly, with strong winds, blowing snow and poor visibility creating serious challenges for aviation. Crews and ground teams therefore need constant weather information before deciding whether an operation can proceed. --- ## An Aviation Operation Like No Other What makes flying to Antarctica so fascinating is that the aircraft itself may not look particularly unusual, but almost everything surrounding the flight is. There are no major terminals, busy taxiways or rows of aircraft waiting for passengers. Instead, there is an enormous frozen landscape, an ice runway and a small group of highly trained people making the operation possible. The journey from Cape Town to Antarctica therefore represents much more than simply another flight. It is a carefully planned aviation operation that combines specialized aircraft, experienced crews, constantly changing weather and one of the most extreme environments on Earth. For passengers, the destination is Antarctica. But for anyone who loves flying, the flight itself is part of the adventure. ### Riyadh Air Will Fly to Jakarta in November. How Is Saudi Arabia's New Airline Doing So Far? URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/riyadh-air-jakarta-flights-november-2026/ Last updated: 2026-10-08T11:22:50.000Z Riyadh Air Jakarta flights start on November 16, 2026, when Saudi Arabia's new national airline links its Riyadh hub with the Indonesian capital for the first time. Earlier this year, no airline flew nonstop between the two cities, so the route fills a real gap rather than piling onto a crowded one. The announcement also marks a good moment to check in on Riyadh Air itself. The airline only started selling regular flights to the public in June, and it has been adding destinations at a pace few new airlines manage. --- ## The Jakarta Flights Riyadh Air will fly the route three times a week on the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, the long-range widebody jet that makes up its entire passenger fleet. Flights leave Riyadh at 9:45 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and land in Jakarta at 10:30 a.m. the next morning. The return leaves Jakarta at 1 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays and reaches Riyadh at 6:40 p.m. the same day. Jakarta will be Riyadh Air's fourth city in Southeast Asia, joining Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok and Manila. Indonesia sends more pilgrims to Saudi Arabia each year than any other country, though most of that traffic flows through Jeddah and Medina rather than Riyadh. The new route gives Indonesian travelers another option, and its timing lets passengers from Jakarta connect in Riyadh to flights onward to Europe. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_5620.JPG) --- ## A Slow Start Riyadh Air was announced in 2023 with backing from Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, the country's sovereign wealth fund. It's a key part of Vision 2030, the government's plan to diversify the economy and turn Riyadh into a global travel hub. Its chief executive is Tony Douglas, who previously ran Etihad Airways. The launch didn't go to plan. Delays in Boeing's 787 deliveries pushed its planned launch from 2025 into 2026\. Riyadh Air ran limited trial flights between Riyadh and London Heathrow from October 2025, but its first factory-new 787s only arrived on June 5, 2026\. Full commercial service began five days later, on June 10, with London. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_5676.jpg) --- ## Where It Flies Now Once the planes arrived, the network grew quickly. Jeddah, Dubai and Cairo followed in June, and July added Madrid, Kuala Lumpur and a summer-only route to Malaga. August brought four cities in South Asia: Mumbai, Dhaka, Islamabad and Lahore. Bangkok, Manila and Manchester then launched in September. That's roughly 14 destinations in under four months, all flown with a fleet of around eight 787s. The airline has also ordered 60 Airbus A321neos for shorter routes and 31 Airbus A350-1000s for longer ones, which will let it fly to many more places once they arrive. Timeline ### Riyadh Air's Fast First Months Hub Riyadh Fleet About 8 Boeing 787-9s Destinations About 14, plus Jakarta Goal 22 destinations by March 2027 Oct 2025 Limited trial flights begin between Riyadh and London Heathrow. Jun 5, 2026 The first factory-new 787-9s arrive after long Boeing delays. Jun 10, 2026 Full commercial service launches with London Heathrow. Jun 2026 Jeddah, Dubai and Cairo join the network. Jul 2026 Madrid, Kuala Lumpur and a summer-only route to Malaga. Aug 2026 Mumbai, Dhaka, Islamabad and Lahore. Sep 2026 Bangkok, Manila and Manchester. Nov 16, 2026 Jakarta launches, three times a week. Riyadh Air aims to serve more than 100 destinations by 2030. Contrail --- ## How It's Doing On the surface, the numbers look strong. Douglas has said Riyadh Air will serve 22 destinations by March 2027 and more than 100 by 2030, and the airline is on pace for the first goal. It has also signed partnerships, including a cooperation agreement with Japan's ANA, that should help it sell connections beyond its own network. The harder question is whether travelers will choose it. Most of Riyadh Air's routes were already served from Riyadh by Saudia, the country's established national airline, and Gulf giants like Emirates and Qatar Airways run huge connecting hubs just a short flight away. Its smaller Airbus jets have also slipped to late 2026, which limits how quickly it can add shorter routes. Jakarta is a smart move in that light. It's one of the few cities Riyadh Air can claim as its own from Riyadh, and that's the kind of route a new airline needs if it wants to give people a reason to book it over the competition. ### KLM's Crew Won Me Over. Its Premium Economy Seat Didn't. URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/klm-787-10-premium-economy-review-new-york-amsterdam/ Last updated: 2026-10-04T21:00:47.000Z KLM calls its premium economy cabin Premium Comfort, and I flew it on KL 642 from New York's JFK to Amsterdam after upgrading from economy at the gate for $305\. It's my first review of KLM's 787-10 premium economy, which sits between economy and business class on the longest version of Boeing's Dreamliner. Flight Details ### KLM KL 642 JFK New York JFK Intl · Terminal 4 16:346m early 6h 55m · 3,634 mi AMS Amsterdam Schiphol 05:29+131m early Cabin Premium Comfort Aircraft Boeing 787-10 Aircraft age 6 years Registration PH-BKG Contrail The Verdict · KL 642 Premium Comfort **7.1**Overall A warm, upbeat crew and a quick entertainment system carried a premium economy cabin whose worn seats badly need replacing. Ground experience 6.3 Seat 6.2 Amenities 7.2 Catering 7.3 Service 8.4 #### What worked *✓*Warm, Upbeat Cabin Crew *✓*Fast, Easy Entertainment System *✓*Flavorful Chicken and Rice Main #### What didn't work *✕*Crowded SkyPriority Check-In *✕*Thin, Worn Seat Padding *✕*Inoperative USB Ports Contrail --- ## Check-In and Boarding KLM's check-in at JFK's Terminal 4 is handled by Delta, its American partner, and both the economy line and the SkyPriority line were crowded. SkyPriority is meant to be the faster lane for premium passengers and elite members, though on this afternoon it didn't move much quicker. The hall also produced the most memorable moment of the day when a passenger's dog had an accident near the counters and its owner loudly asked it what it thought it was doing. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_0479.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_0481.jpg) Premium economy boards early, and boarding started a few minutes ahead of schedule. KLM's jets are some of the best-looking in the sky, and this one's bright blue paint looked stunning up close. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_0515.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_0513.jpg) The welcome at the door was just as bright. The flight attendants greeted everyone with real smiles and spent boarding helping people find their seats. They were also singing and joking with each other as the cabin filled, and I loved how they handled it. Crews sometimes entertain themselves while passengers fend for themselves, but this group never stopped helping anyone, so the singing only added to the upbeat mood KLM seems to cultivate. Illustrated for Contrail KLM Boeing 787-10 · PH-BKG Drawn by **Caleb St. John** · Caleb's Aviation Every Contrail review carries an original drawing of the aircraft flown, made for us by Caleb St. John, who draws aircraft to raise awareness for young people in aviation living with health conditions. Seat Map Premium Comfort · 2–3–2 PH-BKG A C D E G H K 11 A C D E G H K 12 A C D E G H K 14 A C D E G H K 15 A C D E G H K Premium Comfort · rows 11–15 · seat 12G Contrail --- ## The Seat Inside, the plane is less remarkable. Premium Comfort on this 787-10 has 28 seats across four rows, with two seats by each window and three in the middle. Upkeep was acceptable but not great, with a peeling cover on my armrest, scratches on the plastic around the seat and plenty of crumbs left behind. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_0527.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_0531.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_0552.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_0555.jpg) The seat gives you the extra space you'd expect from premium economy, and I never felt cramped. Comfort is another matter, because this is the hardest premium economy seat I've sat in. The padding feels thin and worn through rather than simply firm, and within a few hours my back and lower half were feeling it. Of everything in this cabin, that matters most, because a better seat is the main thing people pay extra for on an overnight flight. The storage is standard for this class. A small pocket under the armrest was dirty and hard to reach into, though almost every airline's premium economy seat has the same cramped pocket. The space under the seat in front was clear of any entertainment equipment, which is less common than it should be and meant my bag fit with room left for my feet. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_0536.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_0538.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_0597.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_0541.jpg) Power was another letdown, since the USB-A and USB-C ports lit up as if they were working but neither charged my phone with either of the two cables I tried. Luckily, there were functional power outlets. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_0542.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_0543.jpg) --- ## Amenities and Screens Headphones and a blanket were waiting at the seat, which is about the minimum for premium economy. More arrived once boarding wrapped up, when the crew handed out menus and an amenity kit. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_0559.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_0557.jpg) KLM calls the kit a laundry bag. It's a reusable mesh pouch holding the usual essentials, and I like the idea, since it's cheap to make but still useful long after the flight. The name is harder to explain. It's far too small for actual laundry unless you're packing a couple pairs of underwear, and even that depends heavily on your taste in underwear. It also came with a tiny pen, which I only discovered hours later sitting in my lap. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_0590.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_0592.jpg) A cold towel and a bottle of water came after takeoff. There was no drink before departure, but otherwise the cabin covered the basics of a good premium economy, which is rarer than you'd think in a class that varies so much from one airline to the next. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_0608.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_0607.jpg) The screens went dark during taxi and stuck on a "please wait" message, usually a bad sign before a long flight. They came back just before takeoff, and from then on the entertainment system was quick and easy to use, without the clutter some airlines pile on. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_0534.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_0600.jpg) KLM had texted me that morning to say the flight wouldn't have Wi-Fi, and then it did. I appreciate an airline lowering expectations, but the same mix-up happened on my last two KLM flights, which suggests the system sending those messages needs a look. Wi-Fi costs 29 euros for the whole flight, which is steep. It worked well at first and then dropped in and out once the turbulence started. The bathrooms were typical apart from some striking blue wallpaper, a small touch that made them feel more like KLM than a generic plane. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_0563.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_0567.jpg) The cabin's mood lighting deserves its own mention, because it was absolutely stunning. It looked like a cross between a sunset and Miami Vice, and the crew kept it on for the final stretch of the flight. It's a small touch, but it made a 5 a.m. arrival in Amsterdam feel a lot gentler. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_0642.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_0640-1.jpg) --- ## The Meal Drinks and nuts came out soon after takeoff, and I tried KLM's signature blue drink (referred to as *Royal Blue Legend*). Even now I can't tell you whether it looks more like juice or cleaning fluid, and the taste didn't settle it. It's odd, but I'd rather an airline have one strange signature drink than nothing distinctive at all, and after hours of water it made a welcome change. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_0610.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_0612.jpg) Not long after, real turbulence stopped service and the crew had to take their seats. Whenever the ride smoothed out they were back in the aisles moving quickly, and dinner reached me without much more delay. Dinner was chicken with rice and peppers, served on a tray with real metal cutlery but disposable dishes. Some premium economy cabins use real dishware, so the cutlery felt like half an upgrade. The meal itself was good, mostly thanks to the peppers that gave the whole dish its flavor. A few pieces of chicken had an odd texture, but most of it was excellent and the rice was soft. Only the bread let it down, sticky with an almost rubbery chew. Vanilla ice cream also came around about 30 minutes after the trays were cleared. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_0617.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_0638.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_0623.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_0635.jpg) Breakfast came out later in the flight, and it was better than I expected. When I've flown premium economy from New York to Paris on Air France, KLM's sister airline, breakfast has been little more than a small box of food. A full tray of solid food felt almost generous by comparison. The highlight was a piece of hot French toast, though it was tiny and served only as a side dish. The bread on this tray made up for dinner too, since this time it was a proper texture and actually tasted good. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_0653.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_0654.jpg) --- ## The Service The crew were the best part of this flight from the door to the landing. They kept their energy through a full cabin and a bumpy stretch, and they worked hard to get the meal out in the short windows the turbulence allowed. They came through a couple of times afterward offering drinks and collecting trash. On an overnight flight I'd have liked one or two more passes during the middle of the trip, but that's a small gap in otherwise excellent service. We landed in Amsterdam 31 minutes early, after a crossing of just under seven hours. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_0652.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_0636.jpg) --- ## Should You Book It? If you're flying KLM between New York and Amsterdam, the crew and the entertainment system make it a pleasant way to cross the Atlantic. Premium Comfort adds more room, a proper meal and a clever amenity kit. It doesn't add a comfortable seat, though, and on an overnight flight that's a real cost. Whether it's worth the money depends on what you're quoted. My $305 bought more room, earlier boarding and an amenity kit, but not a good night's sleep. Next to the [Delta Premium Select seat I flew to Taipei](https://www.thecontrail.org/delta-a350-premium-select-is-nearly-perfect/), KLM's felt far less comfortable, even though the people working this cabin were some of the warmest I've flown with. A seat refresh would go a long way here. You can see how KLM compares with every other airline I've reviewed in the [Contrail Index](https://www.thecontrail.org/contrail-index/) ### Canada Is Teaming Up With Europe on Air Traffic Control. Travelers Could Benefit. URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/canada-is-teaming-up-with-europe-on-air-traffic-control-travelers-could-benefit/ Last updated: 2026-10-04T16:00:57.000Z After a whirlwind month of retaliatory tariffs between the United States and Canada, the European Union has stepped up to substantially fill the gap left in Canada's export economy. Within the blitz, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called on the European Union to offer a new "associate member" position to Canada. That partnership now extends to air traffic control, the system that guides every flight across the Atlantic. While the details of this new agreement (and the position itself) are nowhere near finalized, Canada has already taken substantive steps to bring itself closer to the European Union. In the nine years since Canada and Europe's Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), trade between the two has nearly doubled. This sets the EU firmly as Canada's second largest trading partner, with new deals only set to expand this collaboration. ![blue and yellow star flag](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1608817576203-3c27ed168bd2?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDF8fEVVJTIwfGVufDB8fHx8MTc5MTAyNjMwOXww&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by Christian Lue / Unsplash Beyond solely economic agreements, Canadian and European partnerships have already started to reach the skies. NAV Canada, the private nonprofit that runs Canada's air traffic control, announced a partnership with the European iTEC Alliance in March of 2024\. iTEC is a group of air traffic control providers that jointly build the systems controllers use, and NAV Canada became its first member from outside of Europe. Physical implementation of these projects has already begun on Canadian soil, with Edmonton's Air Control Centre receiving upgrades in mid-2025. Recent aerial advancements have made it even farther off the ground. On June 30, 2026, NAV Canada became an associate member of the SESAR 3 Joint Undertaking. It is the European Union's public-private research accelerator for modernizing air traffic control. NAV Canada is taking part in four key research projects as part of the membership. Explained ### The Four Projects Linking Canada's Skies to Europe's What each piece of NAV Canada's European research work does, in plain English. ARTEMISA iTEC Collaboration Builds shared air traffic control software so Canadian and European controllers work on compatible systems. **For travelers**Smoother handoffs as flights cross the Atlantic from one control center to another. NETWORK TBO 2 Led by Eurocontrol Lets airlines and controllers share each flight's planned path in detail, so planes can follow precise, agreed routes from start to finish. **For travelers**More predictable departure and arrival times. GEESE 2 Led by Airbus Tests planes flying behind one another to ride the lift from the leader's wake, much like geese flying in formation. **For travelers**Flights that burn less fuel and produce fewer emissions. NATICA Led by Frequentis Plans arrival times and landing order long before planes reach the airport, and helps the system recover from disruptions. **For travelers**Less time waiting to land once your flight is near the airport. Work on all four projects begins in September 2026\. NAV Canada is the first air traffic control provider from outside Europe to join the program. Contrail This first-ever approval of an air traffic control provider from outside Europe comes largely thanks to the framework NAV Canada had already developed. Through its 2024 entry into the iTEC alliance, Canada was already involved in the ARTEMISA program. NAV Canada has also begun research and implementation through its TBO Phase 1 workplan, a plan to let flights follow more precise and pre-agreed paths, and that work actively contributes to SESAR's NETWORK TBO 2 project. This pre-made integration was exactly Canada's target. Dave Sheppard, Vice President and Chief Technology and Information Officer at NAV Canada, described SESAR's projects as "not adjacent to our modernization program; they are part of it." Canada has long been pushing toward greater European integration and standardization, and these past few months have finally begun to show the fruits of years of effort. ![an airplane is taking off from an airport](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1713182568612-58dd29b515b7?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDE4fHxhaXIlMjB0cmFmZmljJTIwY29udHJvbHxlbnwwfHx8fDE3OTEwMjYzNTB8MA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by Joel Ambass / Unsplash Each of the projects laid out by SESAR will have substantial effects on the future of transatlantic travel, and they aim to create long-term benefits for airlines and travelers alike. Three of the four SESAR projects directly aim to reduce travel times and increase the accuracy of timing projections. The fourth, GEESE 2, aims to use wake energy retrieval to reduce pollution from global air travel. It would also save airlines money on fuel, and potentially save passengers money too. While all of these projects are being collaborated on, there is always room for an increasing connection, and we've already seen the airline industry rapidly increasing at that. In 2024, Canada and Europe opened nine new routes across all carriers. By the end of September 2026, 18 new routes have already been confirmed. Since 2024, more than 11 European nations have had new connections established to major Canadian hubs, from European and Canadian airlines alike. The rapid speed of increasing interconnectedness between these two regions, with all of the projects still to come, can provide some comfort toward the future. If companies are already feeling confident about Canadian transatlantic routes, the reach of airline travel is only likely to increase once SESAR and the wider European collaboration make progress. In the longer term, Canada paving a pathway for European airline integration before the United States will open Canada up to far greater long-term opportunities. By establishing the relevant infrastructure now, Canadian and European airlines are setting themselves up for a more efficient expansion, likely introducing an increasing number of brand new routes and restoring other previously canceled connections. ### Air Congo Takes Off: The African Airline is Growing Rapidly and Aggressively. URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/air-congo-airline-growth/ Last updated: 2026-10-08T11:24:40.000Z For many years, a strong national airline has been an ambition of the Democratic Republic of Congo and its people, and Air Congo is now turning that ambition into reality. The DRC is Africa's second-largest country, covering about 905,000 square miles, and its population of more than 100 million is spread widely across that territory. Some regions were extremely difficult or even impossible to reach any other way, so the country needed an airline that could transport its citizens and connect every part of the nation. Air Congo was established by Ethiopian Airlines Group, Africa's largest airline group, in partnership with the DRC government. The government holds the majority stake at 51%, with Ethiopian owning the remaining 49%. This kind of national carrier ownership has become common for Ethiopian, which has similar agreements with other governments for their airlines. The airline was a long time coming for the government, which has laid out numerous plans for major and small airports across the country. ![An ethiopian airlines airplane taking off with landing gear down](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1782730493872-7324b9c68c84?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDEzfHxldGhpb3BpYW4lMjBhaXJsaW5lc3xlbnwwfHx8fDE3OTExMDA0NTJ8MA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by Abdelhamid Azoui / Unsplash --- ## The Hope of Africa Air Congo launched on December 1, 2024, carrying the hopes of a country that had waited a long time for it. It was created mainly to address two issues for the Congolese people: connectivity and affordability. Travel inside the country depended heavily on small charter aircraft, which limited the regions and distances a single flight could reach. Hiring an aircraft was also extremely expensive, so flying was accessible to only a small minority. Those flights had no schedules or consistency either, which made air travel even more difficult for ordinary people. The airline's primary hub is N'djili International Airport in Kinshasa, where it's also headquartered. For international travel, passengers had depended mostly on foreign carriers such as Ethiopian Airlines, which serves both Kinshasa and Lubumbashi. Another challenge was building a network that would improve on the one its predecessor had. Congo Airways, the former national carrier, never escaped the European Union's safety ban. That ban still bars every airline certified in the DRC from flying to Europe, and Congo Airways has also been grounded for much of 2026. Timeline ### Air Congo's First 19 Months Launched December 2024 Owners DRC 51%, Ethiopian 49% Fleet 5 planes plus a leased 787 Hub Kinshasa Dec 1, 2024 First flights, using two Boeing 737-800s leased from Ethiopian on domestic routes. Dec 17, 2024 President Félix Tshisekedi officially inaugurates the airline in Kinshasa. Late 2025 One year in, Air Congo serves 11 cities across the country. Feb 2026 The airline announces its first international routes. Mar 22, 2026 First international flights, to Johannesburg and Entebbe. Mar 28, 2026 Cotonou in Benin and Douala in Cameroon join the network. May 2026 A second ATR 72-600 turboprop arrives, bringing the fleet to five. Jul 1, 2026 Kinshasa to Brussels launches on a 787 from Ethiopian, the first Congolese airline flight to Europe since 2008. Congolese airlines remain banned from EU skies, so Ethiopian's plane and crew fly the Brussels route under the Air Congo name. Contrail --- ## The Starting Point On December 1, 2024, the airline began scheduled service with two Boeing 737-800s leased from Ethiopian Airlines. It flew domestic routes from seven airports, including Kinshasa, Lubumbashi, Goma and Kisangani. On December 17, President Félix Tshisekedi officially inaugurated the airline in Kinshasa. Still with two aircraft and a domestic-only network, the airline didn't worry its competitors or catch anyone's eye as a main player in African aviation. Through 2025, the carrier stayed quiet as it focused on its domestic routes, and by its first anniversary it was serving seven domestic cities, with the government saying its planes were flying 80% to 100% full. ![cars on road under blue sky and white clouds during daytime](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1623930180584-1b14bc584169?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDF8fGtpbnNoYXNhfGVufDB8fHx8MTc5MTEwMDUwNHww&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by Kaysha / Unsplash --- ## The Growth In February 2026, the expansion started. The airline announced its first international routes, and on March 22 it flew to Johannesburg by way of Lubumbashi and to Entebbe in Uganda. The Johannesburg route now operates three times a week, on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Within a week, Air Congo added Cotonou in Benin and Douala in Cameroon. By May, a third Boeing 737-800 had joined the fleet. Next, the airline brought the ATR 72-600 into service on domestic routes, a turboprop built for shorter regional hops. Its second ATR arrived in May 2026, bringing the fleet to five aircraft. Then came an agreement for Ethiopian to provide Air Congo with a Boeing 787 Dreamliner through a wet lease, in which Ethiopian supplies the plane along with its crew, maintenance and insurance. With this new agreement and the ambition the airline was showing, the question that followed was which route was next on its list. The answer was Europe. On July 1, 2026, a Congolese airline flew to Europe for the first time in 18 years with nonstop flights between Kinshasa and Brussels. The last one to do so was Hewa Bora Airways, before the EU banned it in 2008\. This was huge! The new route officially put Air Congo on the map. Because DRC airlines remain banned from EU skies, Ethiopian's 787 and crew operate the flights under the Air Congo name. Air Congo became a real competitor on the route, ending Brussels Airlines' long-held monopoly on nonstop flights between the two cities. --- ## Conclusion In less than two years, Air Congo has gone from two leased planes to a network that stretches across Africa and into Europe. The airline's leadership has already talked about flights to Paris and Dubai, and if it keeps growing at this pace, it may truly become the hope of Africa. ### Why Airfares Are Still So High, Even When Fuel Prices Drop URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/why-airfares-are-still-so-high-even-when-fuel-prices-drop/ Last updated: 2026-10-03T19:59:30.000Z If you've wondered why airfares are so high right now, the answer starts with jet fuel. Prices have swung sharply since the war with Iran began in late February, and they climbed again in September to $4.53 a gallon in the U.S., according to the Associated Press. The International Air Transport Association, the airline industry's global trade group, says jet fuel averaged about $99 a barrel worldwide before the war began. --- ## The Cost of Fuel Fuel is one of an airline's biggest expenses. It expects fuel to make up nearly a third of airline operating costs this year, up from about a quarter in 2025, so price swings ripple quickly into fares. Fighting in the region has disrupted oil and jet fuel supplies from the Persian Gulf. That's why prices have risen even in the U.S., a country that exports jet fuel. Airfares ### Why Flights Cost More Right Now Jet fuel, September $4.53/gal Before the war $99/barrel United seats presold About 35% Fuel's share of airline costs 2025About 1/4 2026Nearly 1/3 Sources: Associated Press and the International Air Transport Association. Contrail --- ## Flight Cuts When fuel gets expensive, airlines don't just raise prices. They also cut flights they can no longer make money on, and fewer seats tend to push fares higher. United, for example, pulled some December flights and has warned of more cuts in 2027 if fuel stays expensive. [Across the industry, the upheaval has been widespread](https://www.thecontrail.org/jet-fuel-prices-budget-airlines-cutting-routes/), and Spirit Airlines stopped flying altogether in May. --- ## The Lag in Prices Airlines sell many tickets months ahead, which means price changes take time to show up in either direction. By the time fuel jumped again this summer, United had already sold about 35% of its tickets for the last three months of the year, and it couldn't raise those fares after the fact. The same lag works against travelers when fuel gets cheaper. Once airlines have cut flights, they're in no hurry to add them back, so fares can stay high even after fuel prices ease. --- ## Tips for Travelers If you're planning holiday travel, booking earlier rather than waiting for a price drop is usually the safer bet right now. Flexible fares cost more upfront, but they let you rebook if prices fall or plans change. Fare alerts for the routes you care about are worth setting up too. So is checking nearby alternate airports, where smaller airlines sometimes offer lower prices. ### Why a Passenger's Alleged Sex Act on an American Airlines Flight Became an FBI Case URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/why-a-passengers-alleged-sex-act-on-an-american-airlines-flight-became-an-fbi-case/ Last updated: 2026-10-03T15:00:17.000Z When a crime happens on a plane, it usually isn't a matter for local police. That's why a strange incident on an American Airlines flight from Baltimore to Miami last month ended up with the FBI. According to a police report, a 46-year-old woman allegedly removed her pants and performed a sex act in her seat about 20 minutes after takeoff on September 11\. Another passenger alerted a flight attendant, who told her to get dressed, and she complied and slept for the rest of the flight. She later told officers that she'd had several drinks during a two-hour delay before boarding and didn't remember what happened. Because it took place in the air, the sheriff's office in Miami sent its report to the FBI, and no charges appear to have been filed so far. --- ## Why the FBI Gets Involved A plane in flight isn't really in any city or county, so federal law covers what happens on board. Under U.S. law, crimes committed on an aircraft in flight fall under federal jurisdiction, which is why the FBI handles them rather than the local police waiting at the gate. In practice, local officers often meet the plane, interview witnesses and write the first report. The case then goes to the FBI, which decides whether to investigate further and whether federal prosecutors should bring charges. --- ## What Passengers Can Face Criminal charges are only one possibility. The Federal Aviation Administration can also fine unruly passengers on its own, and those fines can reach tens of thousands of dollars per violation. Since 2021, the agency has followed a zero-tolerance approach to passengers who disrupt flights or interfere with crew members. Airlines can also ban passengers from future flights, and some keep internal no-fly lists of travelers who've caused serious problems on board. --- ## The Role of Alcohol Alcohol plays a part in many of these incidents, and airport delays can make it worse when travelers spend extra time at the bar. Federal rules bar airlines from serving passengers who appear to be intoxicated, and from letting them board in the first place, but drinks bought in the terminal are harder to track. For most travelers, the lesson is simple. What happens on a plane is treated more seriously than people expect, and a bad decision at 30,000 feet can follow you long after you land. ### The Flydubai Co-Pilot Attacked His Captain With the Cockpit's Emergency Axe, UAE Says URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/flydubai-co-pilot-crash-axe-uae-prosecutor/ Last updated: 2026-10-03T07:13:53.000Z The [flydubai co-pilot accused of trying to crash flight FZ1073](https://www.thecontrail.org/flydubai-fz1073-cockpit-emergency-saudi-arabia/) attacked his captain with the cockpit's crash axe, the emergency tool kept on board, the United Arab Emirates' top prosecutor said on Saturday. UAE Prosecutor General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi called it an attempted "terrorist act," according to the state news agency WAM. Al Shamsi said the co-pilot also tried to take control of the aircraft's flight controls during Wednesday's flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv. His comments were the first time Emirati authorities had officially described the incident as an attempted terrorist attack. --- ## What the UAE Said Investigators are working to uncover the circumstances of the attack, its motives and any wider connections, Al Shamsi said. They're also completing technical examinations of the aircraft and reviewing physical and digital evidence, and he said the final results will be announced once that work is done. The co-pilot has been identified in reports as Hamam al-Hammami, a 29-year-old Omani national. He [had reportedly been suspended from flying](https://www.thecontrail.org/flydubai-pilot-security-risk-vetting/) by Oman Air in 2024 over extremist materials, and investigators are still trying to determine how he went on to fly for flydubai. --- ## How the Attack Was Stopped Captain Smit Machchhar was seriously injured but managed to open the cockpit door. That let crew members and passengers rush in and overpower the co-pilot. A reserve flydubai pilot who was traveling on the flight then took the controls and landed the plane in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where Saudi authorities detained the co-pilot. Most of the 174 passengers on board were Israeli, and all of them survived. > Watching passengers run toward the cockpit on flydubai FZ1073 gave me chills. The co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain mid-flight, and so many people stepped up. 🙏[pic.twitter.com/ksDilaWzJX](https://t.co/ksDilaWzJX?ref=thecontrail.org) > > — Zachary Benitez (@contrailzach) [October 1, 2026](https://x.com/contrailzach/status/2105464082161901775?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=thecontrail.org) --- ## Why Cockpits Carry an Axe A crash axe sounds alarming, but it's standard safety equipment on airliners. It's kept in the cockpit so pilots can cut through panels or reach a fire hidden behind them in an emergency, and on a normal flight it stays stowed. That's part of what makes this case so unsettling. Locked cockpit doors are designed to stop threats from coming in from the cabin, but the tools inside the cockpit are there for the pilots trusted to be at the controls. ![An airplane cockpit at night with glowing instrument panels and a horizon line](https://images.unsplash.com/flagged/photo-1579750481098-8b3a62c9b85d?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDF8fGNvY2twaXR8ZW58MHx8fHwxNzkxMDExMzQ1fDA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by Andrés Dallimonti / Unsplash --- ## What Happens Next Officials in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Israel are all involved in the case, with Israel looking into whether the co-pilot acted on anyone's direction. [Flydubai has suspended its flights to Israel](https://www.thecontrail.org/flydubai-hijacking-reputation/) while the inquiry continues. ### Accused Flydubai Pilot Was Reportedly Flagged as a Risk Years Earlier URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/flydubai-pilot-security-risk-vetting/ Last updated: 2026-10-03T05:58:47.000Z New details in the investigation into flight FZ1073 are raising a question every traveler will want answered. [The flydubai co-pilot accused of attacking his captain](https://www.thecontrail.org/flydubai-fz1073-cockpit-emergency-saudi-arabia/) and trying to crash the plane had reportedly been flagged as a security risk at another airline two years earlier, yet he still ended up in the cockpit of a flight bound for Israel. Senior intelligence and law enforcement officials told ABC News that the suspect, a 29-year-old Omani national, was suspended from flying by Oman Air in 2024 while he was a co-pilot trainee. He had been found with extremist materials, the officials said, though he was allowed to keep working at the airline in an administrative role. Investigators are now trying to determine how he was later hired by flydubai and allowed to fly as first officer. --- ## What Investigators Have Said According to sources who spoke to ABC News, the suspect has been moved from Saudi Arabia to the UAE and is cooperating with investigators. He has indicated that he intended to crash the plane in Israel, those sources said. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said the suspect underwent "Islamist radicalization." Anwar Gargash, a senior adviser to the UAE's president, called the attack a "dangerous terrorist act" on Friday. He's the first senior Emirati official to publicly describe it as terrorism. The captain, Smit Machchhar, survived the attack and later told India's prime minister that he had been "fighting for my life." --- ## How Airlines Check Pilots Most travelers assume that anyone flying their plane has been thoroughly checked, and in many ways they have. Commercial pilots need licenses issued by national aviation regulators, and airlines review their flying experience, training records and references before hiring them. Pilots also go through security background checks to get the badges that let them into restricted parts of the airport. Gaps can appear when a pilot moves between airlines in different countries. There's no single global database that tracks pilots flagged for security concerns, and what one airline can share about a former employee often depends on local privacy and employment laws. A red flag at one airline doesn't automatically follow a pilot to the next one, especially across borders. ![two men inside the plane](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1530469353049-18df0403f42b?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDZ8fHBpbG90fGVufDB8fHx8MTc5MTAwNjk3MXww&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by Blake Guidry / Unsplash --- ## Questions for Flydubai It isn't yet clear [what flydubai knew about the suspect's history](https://www.thecontrail.org/flydubai-hijacking-reputation/) when it hired him, or whether Oman Air's concerns were ever passed along. Those are likely to be central questions as the investigation continues, and the answers could shape how airlines in the region share information about pilots in the future. After the 2015 Germanwings crash, when a co-pilot deliberately flew a plane into the French Alps, European regulators tightened how airlines assess and support pilots. This case could prompt a similar rethink of security screening, particularly on politically sensitive routes. Crew members and passengers stopped the attack before it could succeed, and all 174 passengers on board survived. ### Why Airlines Keep Painting Pokémon on Their Planes URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/pokemon-planes-ana-garuda-indonesia/ Last updated: 2026-10-02T18:37:01.000Z It's no secret that Pokémon is among the most popular media franchises of all time. It's the highest-grossing one ever, beating out the likes of Star Wars, Hello Kitty and even Barbie, but its presence isn't limited to video games and toys. In fact, Pokémon plays a pivotal role in advertising all around the world. It's on McDonald's Happy Meals, it's been minted onto Pepsi bottle caps and it's even printed on the back of UNIQLO T-shirts for a fashionable flair. But hold on, let's not get ahead of ourselves here. What exactly are Pokémon, anyhow? Pokémon is a Japanese franchise centered on its title characters, "Pocket Monsters" that humans can catch, train and battle with. Since their debut, Pokémon have been so popular that some have gone beyond selling products, with individual Pokémon even serving as official ambassadors for some of Japan's prefectures. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/_prw_PI10lg_5vhxeF1x.jpg) Credit: Kochi Prefecture (Look at him go.) Truly, there are virtually no limits for Pokémon in the world of modern advertising. I'm Ethan Chen, certified Pokémon Professor and Pokémon correspondent for Contrail, and today we're diving into the role Pokémon plays in the aviation industry. It all started in the '90s. Back in 1996, All Nippon Airways (ANA), Japan's largest airline, painted one of its Boeing 747s with characters from Peanuts dressed in ski gear. The paint job was mainly for ANA's Ski Hokkaido campaign, which encouraged travelers to visit the northernmost of Japan's main islands during the winter. Records are hard to find, but it seems to have been a hit with the public, so much so that ANA renewed the campaign the following winter and even added a second painted plane. Meanwhile, the first Pokémon games, Pokémon Red and Green, came out in Japan in 1996 to massive commercial success. The games launched on the Nintendo Game Boy and were the first of their kind. They encouraged players to battle and trade with their friends in real life, which only fanned the flames of their popularity. ![blue and black digital device](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1593693846836-86921cc9fd08?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDJ8fHBva2Vtb24lMjBnYW1lYm95fGVufDB8fHx8MTc5MDk2MDU1OXww&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by Denise Jans / Unsplash Of course, the success of Pokémon wasn't limited to the games. A trading card game followed later that year, then an animated TV show, then toys and so on and so forth. Every new product doubled as an advertisement for the rest, creating a feedback loop where the more people saw, the more they wanted. With all that in mind, it's practically no wonder ANA decided to combine two massive successes and create the first Pokémon airliner. In 1998, it revealed a Boeing 747-400D painted with a cast of recognizable characters, capitalizing on the hype around the first generation of games and the first Pokémon movie, which had just come out. The design featured everyone from the ever-lovable Pikachu and Clefairy (that's the little pink guy up front) to the movie's fearsome villain, Mewtwo. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/All_Nippon_Airways_Boeing_747-481D_-JA8965-27436-1060-_-13483851145-.jpg) contri via Wikimedia Commons Well? How did this little marketing stunt work out for ANA, you might ask? So well that ANA has released eleven more unique Pokémon paint jobs since, and seven other airlines across Asia have followed suit with Pokémon planes of their own. But a lot has changed since that first 747 took flight. This year, ANA is rolling out its newest liveries: the Pokémon Jets Red, Green and Blue. They celebrate Pokémon's 30th anniversary, since Pokémon Red and Green first came out in 1996, along with 40 years of ANA's international flights. Jet Red, a Boeing 787, started flying domestic routes in July, Jet Green is set to fly internationally this fall and Jet Blue is still to come. All three jets share a similar design. Pikachu, the mascot of Pokémon itself, is featured mainly on the tail, while the length of each plane is covered in Pokémon matching its color: Fire types for Jet Red, Water types for Jet Blue and Grass types for Jet Green. They'll even feature the new starter Pokémon from the upcoming tenth generation of games: Pombon, the fire puppy Pokémon; Gecqua, the water gecko Pokémon; and Browt, the grass owl Pokémon. (Between you and me? Pombon's my favorite. Zach says Browt is his favorite. Not sure what he is talking about.) > The second of three special 30th anniversary Pokémon livery aircraft has joined the ANA fleet. Red and Green Pokémon 787s are now flying with a Blue 737 to follow. [https://t.co/Ii2eFujGMn](https://t.co/Ii2eFujGMn?ref=thecontrail.org) [pic.twitter.com/dvUH0sWKTY](https://t.co/dvUH0sWKTY?ref=thecontrail.org) > > — Flightradar24 (@flightradar24) [September 22, 2026](https://x.com/flightradar24/status/2102504207236604374?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=thecontrail.org) And it's not just the outside. The interior is filled to the brim with Pokémon theming too, from limited-edition paper cups and napkins to small commemorative stamp-like stickers that passengers are encouraged to take home as souvenirs. Even the headrest covers are custom made, though ANA politely asks, "Please do not take the headrest cover with you." That's insane. Who's going around ripping off headrest covers? (It's me.) ANA hasn't confirmed it on its website yet, but I wouldn't be surprised to see flight attendants in custom uniforms too, just like on its Pokémon Jets in 2023. It's no surprise ANA has kept the partnership going for so long. In fact, the airline has reported a 50% increase in children flying on its Pokémon jets compared with its standard planes. Of course, ANA isn't the only airline chasing the Pokémon craze. A much more recent entry comes from Garuda Indonesia, the country's national airline. Its latest repainted Airbus A330-300, called the Pikachu Jet GA2, is a real departure from the norm for Pokémon planes. While most earlier jets featured a wide array of Pokémon, GA2 has just two species. The surprise is Magikarp, tucked onto the side of the right engine, while the obvious one is Pikachu, this time dressed in batik, Indonesia's traditional wax-dyed fabric. It's important to mention that while the plane itself is a departure (haha, get it? GET IT?) from the norm, a cosplaying Pikachu is pretty par for the course. Plenty of Pokémon merchandise, especially destination collaborations, dresses Pikachu up in whatever local outfit the designers see fit. Oh. We've veered too far off topic already. Well, the pictures from our field correspondent look pretty amazing! Thanks, past Zach (that's our editor-in-chief, who took these photos on board), and go give yourself a pat on the back for this one. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_6497.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_6520.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_6722.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_6654.JPG) The decor on board looks carefully chosen. The temporary headrest covers all feature Pikachu in batik, and the paper cups sport a custom black-and-white design of Pikachu with balloons tied around its waist. I have an inkling this design is a holdover from GA1, Garuda's first Pikachu Jet, which features that same "flying Pikachu" as one of its main motifs. GA1 has its own full-color cups, though, featuring many of the other Pokémon painted on its body. So what does this mean exactly? I have no idea. But the in-flight restroom more than makes up for the inconsistency. Look at that Pikachu go with his suitcase! It's basically as tall as he is! That's so impractical! And why does he need to bring so much luggage anyhow? All questions left unanswered. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/IMG_6701.JPG) Credit: Zach In my brief time today, I've only covered two of the many, many, many examples of Pokémon licensing in the aviation industry. ANA and Garuda show how Pokémon can be a huge draw for families traveling abroad, and a relatively low-cost way to make your planes stand out in an industry that can feel so monotonous. Until next time, Contrail readers! ### Alaska Airlines Now Lets You Choose How You Earn Miles. Which Option Is Best for You? URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/atmos-rewards-choose-how-you-earn/ Last updated: 2026-10-02T17:00:48.000Z Alaska and Hawaiian flyers can now pick whether they earn points by distance, spending or number of flights. The right choice depends on how you fly. _This post is for subscribers only._ ### American Airlines Will Soon Let You Pay With Cash and Miles. Is It a Good Deal? URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/american-airlines-cash-and-miles/ Last updated: 2026-10-02T16:04:39.000Z American Airlines cash and miles bookings are coming soon. In the coming weeks, AAdvantage members will be able to combine cash and miles when booking flights on American's website and app, the airline announced on Friday. Members of AAdvantage, American's frequent flyer program, will see a slider at checkout. It lets you choose how many miles to put toward a ticket, and using more miles brings a bigger discount. --- ## How It Works The feature is useful when you don't have enough miles for a full award ticket but want to bring down the price. American's website says it will start with flights within the lower 48 states, with more routes to come. American is catching up here. United and Delta already let travelers mix cash and miles. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/10/100226-cash-miles-01.jpg) via American Airlines --- ## Is It a Good Deal? That depends on how much each mile is worth to you. With most U.S. airlines, cash and miles works like a regular ticket with a discount, and the rate you get for your miles is often modest. Cash and Miles ### How to Tell If It's Worth It Cash only $428.50 Cash and miles $369 plus 6,000 miles Cash you save$59.50 Miles you use6,000 **Value per mile** (savings ÷ miles)About 1¢ Example: United, Newark to Paris, one way in early November, as reported by CNBC. Contrail CNBC found a United example that shows the math. A one-way ticket from Newark to Paris in early November cost $428.50 in cash or $369 plus 6,000 miles, which means those 6,000 miles saved about $59.50, or roughly 1 cent each. Full award tickets, especially in premium cabins, can often stretch miles further. It's worth comparing both options before you move the slider. --- ## When to Use It Cash and miles makes the most sense when you have a small balance sitting unused, or when you'd rather save some money now than wait for a bigger redemption. A quick check helps: divide the dollars you'd save by the number of miles you'd use. If the result is around 1 cent per mile or lower, you might be better off saving your miles for a bigger trip. ### Boeing's Engineers Won't Strike After All. Why That Matters for Your Next Flight URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/boeing-engineers-strike-averted/ Last updated: 2026-10-02T14:11:17.000Z A Boeing engineers strike is off the table. About 17,000 engineers and technical workers voted on October 1 to approve new four-year contracts, just days before their old ones were set to expire on October 6. Their union, the Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace, is known as SPEEA. Engineers approved the deal with 67.6% of the vote, while technical workers backed it more narrowly at 53.5%. Both groups got a 10% raise that took effect on October 2. Boeing Contract Vote ### How Boeing's Engineers Voted Engineers (Professional unit) August64% no October 168% yes Technical workers (Technical unit) August72% no October 154% yes The new four-year contracts include a 10% raise that took effect on October 2. Contrail --- ## The Vote It took two tries to get here. In August, members rejected Boeing's first offer by wide margins and authorized a strike, with 64% of engineers and about 72% of technical workers voting no. Boeing responded by activating its strike contingency plan, then came back with an improved offer. Under the new deal, SPEEA expects average engineer pay to rise from $152,000 to $208,000 over the life of the contract. --- ## The Impact on Travelers These aren't the workers who build planes on the factory floor. SPEEA's members include engineers and specialists who handle work such as certification, the process of proving to regulators that a new plane is safe to fly. Without a deal, work on two planes airlines badly want could have slowed. The Boeing 777X is a new version of Boeing's big long-haul jet, and the 737 MAX 10 is the largest model in its most popular family of single-aisle planes. Both have already faced long delays, and Boeing has more than 620 orders for the 777X family. Avoiding a walkout keeps that work moving, which matters to airlines like Emirates and Lufthansa that are counting on the 777X to replace older jets. ![Airplanes sit in a hangar](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1750027948449-5f9aa1f9349a?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDF8fDc3N3h8ZW58MHx8fHwxNzkwOTUwMTk0fDA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by David Syphers / Unsplash --- ## The Road Ahead A labor deal doesn't guarantee the new planes arrive on time, since certification depends on regulators too. It does remove one major risk, which is welcome news for travelers hoping to fly on newer and quieter jets. ### Delta Made the Wrong Call on Wi-Fi, and It's Doubling Down URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/delta-starlink-wifi-mistake/ Last updated: 2026-10-02T16:04:48.000Z Delta's Starlink decision is starting to look like one of the airline's rare unforced errors. United, Alaska and Southwest are racing to install SpaceX's satellite Wi-Fi. Delta passed on it and is waiting for Amazon's alternative, which won't start appearing on its planes until 2028. I've always given Delta credit for getting the details right. It runs one of the most reliable operations in the U.S., and it was among the first big American airlines to make Wi-Fi free for loyalty members. That's exactly why this decision frustrates me. --- ## The Choice Starlink, SpaceX's satellite internet service, uses satellites that orbit much closer to Earth than older systems do. In practice, that means faster speeds and less lag, which is why it's quickly become the standard other airlines are measured against. United has already installed it on more than 600 planes, about 36% of its fleet, and expects to finish in 2027. Delta went another way. A deal signed in March will put Amazon Leo, Amazon's new satellite service, on 500 of its planes starting in 2028\. Until then, it's relying on its existing providers, Viasat and Hughes. According to Elon Musk, the sticking point was Delta's insistence on keeping its own login portal, which Starlink doesn't allow. CEO Ed Bastian reportedly told employees at internal events that Delta doesn't "want to be with Elon Musk," though those comments haven't been confirmed. --- ## The Competition Waiting until 2028 is a long time in a competitive business, and United has noticed. This week it launched a status match campaign aimed squarely at Delta's frequent flyers, pitching its faster Wi-Fi as a reason to switch. Business travelers are [Delta's most valuable customers](https://www.thecontrail.org/delta-a350-premium-select-is-nearly-perfect/), and they're exactly the people who work on planes. If a consultant flying from Atlanta to New York every week can count on smooth video calls on United but can't be sure of the same on Delta, that matters more than any lounge or seat upgrade. Delta's Wi-Fi also still has gaps. According to the airline, it plans to bring complimentary access to its full global fleet by the end of 2026, which means some flights still go without it today. > Both [@United](https://x.com/united?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=thecontrail.org) and [@AmericanAir](https://x.com/AmericanAir?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=thecontrail.org) have [@Starlink](https://x.com/Starlink?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=thecontrail.org)! [pic.twitter.com/7EfINWq1nU](https://t.co/7EfINWq1nU?ref=thecontrail.org) > > — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) [October 1, 2026](https://x.com/elonmusk/status/2105681004371542326?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=thecontrail.org) --- ## Delta's Argument To be fair, Delta isn't starting from zero. Free Wi-Fi is already available on more than 1,000 of its planes, and speeds are fast on many of them. Amazon Leo could also turn out to be excellent, and keeping control of its own Wi-Fi experience lets Delta tie it closely to SkyMiles. Passengers judge Wi-Fi on the flight they're actually on, though. For the next couple of years, more of those flights are likely to feel slower on Delta than on its biggest rival. --- ## Next Steps Doubling down makes this worse. This is an airline that built its reputation on not letting pride get in the way of the customer experience, and digging in over a login screen or a personal rivalry doesn't fit that story. A smarter move would be a bridge: putting Starlink on the planes that matter most to business travelers now, then moving to Amazon Leo if it proves better. Airlines use different Wi-Fi providers across their fleets all the time, and Delta already does. The airline has been right about a lot over the years. When it comes to Wi-Fi, the longer it waits, the more travelers it gives United a reason to try. ### U.S. Airlines Are Flying to Israel Again. Is It Too Soon? URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/us-airlines-resume-tel-aviv-flights/ Last updated: 2026-10-01T12:00:23.000Z After months of suspensions, US airlines are beginning to return to Israel. Delta resumed daily flights between New York (JFK) and Tel Aviv (TLV) on September 6, followed by United Airlines' twice-daily Newark service two days later. American Airlines, however, has curiously pushed its return to 2027. Flights to Israel ### Which U.S. Airlines Are Back in Tel Aviv Delta New York JFK to Tel Aviv, daily. Back since September 6. Flying United Newark to Tel Aviv, twice daily. Back since September 8, with San Francisco planned for March 2027. Flying American New York JFK to Tel Aviv. Return pushed to 2027. Suspended Schedules can change quickly. Check with your airline before booking. Contrail --- ## Fares and Competition The return of Delta and United is significant for passengers. Since the war with Iran began in February, travelers flying nonstop between the U.S. and Israel had been entirely dependent on Israeli carriers such as El Al and Arkia. The resulting lack of competition contributed to sharply higher fares, with some New York–Tel Aviv tickets reportedly exceeding $2,000 during the summer. The return of several major US carriers allows for more capacity and potentially greater competition on a route that has been severely disrupted since the escalation of regional conflict. --- ## Safety Concerns The restoration of flights to Tel Aviv has led to concerns about whether airlines have decided to reopen routes because conditions in the region have truly stabilized, or instead because the commercial pressure to restore lucrative routes has become too strong to ignore. Yoram Elgrabli, Israel's tourism commissioner for North America, has claimed that U.S. carriers' decision to reopen is because "Israel is safe for tourists." Delta says its decision followed a "thorough review" of the regional security environment and that it will continue monitoring developments. Yet, the recent history of the route demonstrates how quickly circumstances can change. In 2025, United had resumed Tel Aviv service only to suspend it again after renewed regional conflict. Delta similarly withdrew its flights following the closure of Israeli airspace in February 2026\. American's decision to remain outside the market until 2027 provides an interesting parallel to its stateside competitors. Rather than treating the reopening of Ben Gurion as synonymous with a return to normality, the airline appears to be approaching reinvestment in flights to Israel with caution. As we pointed out in a [prior Contrail article](https://www.thecontrail.org/israir-tel-aviv-new-york-launch/), the cycle of opening and closing routes comes at a large cost for airlines. Only time will tell if American's hesitancy pays off. ![a large passenger jet flying through a blue sky](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1645631036644-9f94c526ca26?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDEwfHxhbWVyaWNhbiUyMGFpcmxpbmVzfGVufDB8fHx8MTc5MDgxNjQzN3ww&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by Lukas Souza / Unsplash --- ## The Flydubai Incident Recent events concerning flight security may further increase doubts about airlines reopening their routes to Israel. On September 30, a [flydubai plane bound for Tel Aviv](https://www.thecontrail.org/flydubai-fz1073-cockpit-emergency-saudi-arabia/) was forced to make an emergency landing after the flight's co-pilot allegedly stabbed the captain and tried to crash the plane, according to Israeli officials. Israeli authorities subsequently announced tighter security checks for pilots flying into the country. The incident is not evidence that commercial flights to Tel Aviv are inherently unsafe, but it certainly illustrates the extraordinary security environment in which airlines are now operating. > Watching passengers run toward the cockpit on flydubai FZ1073 gave me chills. The co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain mid-flight, and so many people stepped up. 🙏[pic.twitter.com/ksDilaWzJX](https://t.co/ksDilaWzJX?ref=thecontrail.org) > > — Zachary Benitez (@contrailzach) [October 1, 2026](https://x.com/contrailzach/status/2105464082161901775?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=thecontrail.org) --- ## Looking Ahead For passengers, U.S. carriers' return to delivering flights to Israel should mean cheaper fares, a wider choice of airline, and restored connectivity in time for the upcoming holiday season. For several U.S. airlines, their decision to reinvest is a complicated balance of risk and reward. Their choice to rejoin a lucrative market comes with accepting the possibility that another potential escalation in a volatile region could force them to withdraw again all too soon. ### A Quiet Florida Beach Town Just Got Six New Flights, Starting at $74. URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/breeze-airways-vero-beach-new-routes/ Last updated: 2026-10-01T00:11:53.000Z Breeze Airways is launching six new routes from Florida's Vero Beach this week and next, with one-way fares starting at $74\. The new nonstops connect the small airport north of Palm Beach with Baltimore and Pittsburgh, plus Trenton and Atlantic City in New Jersey. Burlington in Vermont and Provo in Utah complete the list. Founded by JetBlue founder David Neeleman, Breeze is a low-fare airline. It focuses on flying between smaller airports that the big carriers often skip. ![a large blue airplane flying through a blue sky](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1677533360539-952bb7afe0b3?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDF8fGJyZWV6ZSUyMGFpcndheXN8ZW58MHx8fHwxNzkwODA4NTI3fDA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by Aerojet / Unsplash --- ## The New Routes Flights to Trenton, New Jersey, kicked off the rollout on Wednesday. Baltimore and Pittsburgh follow on Thursday, with Atlantic City and Provo starting on Friday. Burlington flights round things out on October 4. Most Breeze routes run a few times a week rather than every day, so it's worth checking the schedule before planning a trip around a specific date. --- ## Why It Matters For people who live around Vero Beach, these routes cut out the drive to bigger airports like Palm Beach or Orlando. Smaller airports also tend to mean shorter security lines and less walking, which is a big part of Breeze's appeal. It works the other way too. Travelers in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic get a direct line to a quieter corner of Florida heading into the winter season, when demand for sunshine peaks. The Burlington route is especially well timed, since it launches right as fall foliage season hits Vermont. Provo is the outlier on the list. Breeze has a base there, about 45 miles south of Salt Lake City, and the route gives Floridians an easier way to reach Utah's mountains and national parks. --- ## Part of a Bigger Florida Push These Vero Beach routes are part of nearly two dozen new and returning Florida routes Breeze has announced this year. Earlier this week, the airline added a route between Trenton and Fort Lauderdale. Nonstop flights between Trenton and Fort Myers are set to start on January 8, 2027. ### Can Flydubai's Reputation Survive a Suspected Hijacking? URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/flydubai-hijacking-reputation/ Last updated: 2026-09-30T20:14:06.000Z Flydubai's reputation is suddenly under a spotlight after Wednesday's [suspected hijacking of flight FZ1073](https://www.thecontrail.org/flydubai-fz1073-cockpit-emergency-saudi-arabia/), when a violent struggle in the cockpit forced the Dubai to Tel Aviv flight to land in Saudi Arabia. By Wednesday evening, the airline had temporarily suspended all of its flights to and from Israel while the investigation continues. Israeli officials say they're investigating the first officer on suspicion of trying to crash the plane, and the country's defense minister has called it an attempted terror attack. Flydubai says the cause and motive are still under official investigation, and it has apologized to passengers whose plans have been disrupted. So will this do lasting damage to the airline? That depends on what investigators find and on what flydubai does next. Timeline ### Flydubai Flight FZ1073 Route Dubai to Tel Aviv On board 174 passengers Sudden descent About 13,000 ft Landed in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia Morning FZ1073 departs Dubai for Tel Aviv. 2.5 hours in A violent struggle breaks out in the cockpit, and the plane suddenly drops about 13,000 feet. In flight The crew signals a general emergency, then a possible hijacking. Israel scrambles fighter jets. 9:45 a.m. The plane lands safely in Tabuk. Both pilots are taken to the hospital. Afternoon A replacement plane flies passengers on to Tel Aviv. Evening Flydubai suspends all flights to and from Israel while the investigation continues. Israeli officials describe it as an attempted terror attack. Flydubai says the cause and motive remain under official investigation. Contrail --- ## The Impact in Israel Israel is where the damage is clearest, since flydubai had built unusual goodwill there. After war broke out in October 2023, many foreign airlines stopped flying to Israel, but flydubai kept going. By November 2024 it had operated more than 1,800 flights there while canceling just 77, according to aviation analytics firm Cirium. For many Israelis, it became one of the few reliable ways to leave the country. That relationship is now being tested. Transportation Minister Miri Regev has pushed for flydubai flights to stay suspended until the investigation is complete. She has also questioned whether the airline broke the aviation agreement between Israel and the UAE, which she says restricts which pilots can fly to Israel. Not everyone agrees. Israel's former ambassador to the UAE argued the airline deserves a full investigation rather than action based on speculation, pointing out that it kept flying through the hardest times. ![city during night](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1544971587-b842c27f8e14?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDN8fHRlbCUyMGF2aXZ8ZW58MHx8fHwxNzkwNzk5MTcwfDA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by Shai Pal / Unsplash --- ## Past Recoveries Airlines have come back from far worse. Flydubai itself survived a fatal crash in Russia in 2016 that killed all 62 people on board, and it went on to grow into one of the region's biggest budget airlines. Germanwings faced global scrutiny after its co-pilot deliberately crashed a plane in 2015, yet its parent company Lufthansa remains one of Europe's biggest and best-known airline groups. Travelers often seem to separate the act of one individual from the airline as a whole, especially when the airline responds openly. What tends to hurt more is a sense that the company missed warning signs or failed to cooperate. --- ## What Comes Next Three questions will shape how travelers see flydubai from here: whether investigators find gaps in how the airline screens and monitors its pilots, whether it answers Israel's questions about the aviation agreement and how openly it shares what it learns. For travelers outside Israel, the day-to-day impact is likely to be small. Most of flydubai's passengers fly elsewhere in a network that spans much of the Middle East, Africa and Asia along with parts of Europe. Inside Israel, winning back trust will take longer. It may also depend on more than the airline's own actions, since the decision to resume flights now sits partly with Israeli security officials. Wednesday also showed something reassuring about the system around the airline. Crew and passengers stopped the threat, a pilot landed the plane safely and everyone on board survived. How flydubai handles the weeks ahead will matter more to its reputation than the terrifying minutes in the air. ### A Flydubai Jet Plunged 13,000 Feet After a Cockpit Fight. Everyone Survived. URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/flydubai-fz1073-cockpit-emergency-saudi-arabia/ Last updated: 2026-09-30T13:44:44.000Z Flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday after a violent incident in the cockpit sent the plane into a steep descent. It was carrying 174 passengers, including 27 children, and everyone on board was reported safe after landing at Tabuk airport. What exactly happened is still under investigation, and accounts differ. Flydubai confirmed an "inflight incident" and later said the emergency was triggered by a fight between the pilots. Two Israeli officials told Reuters that their government believes it may have been an attempted terror attack by one of the pilots. A passenger told Israeli media that someone had stabbed a pilot with a pocketknife and that a doctor and nurse on board gave first aid. --- ## What We Know About two and a half hours after leaving Dubai, the plane suddenly dropped nearly 4,000 meters, or about 13,000 feet. The crew's transponder first broadcast a general emergency code, then switched to the code that signals unlawful interference, which is how pilots tell air traffic control that a hijacking may be underway. That signal prompted Israel to scramble fighter jets and briefly close its airspace. Other crew members reportedly subdued the pilot involved with help from Israeli passengers, while one pilot stayed at the controls until landing. Tabuk airport said both the captain and the co-pilot were injured and taken to the hospital. A replacement plane is being sent to take passengers on to Israel, and a second flydubai flight to Tel Aviv turned back to Dubai later in the day. ![a large sign that says i love tabuk in front of a building](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1601222813785-6cdeeb94241a?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDV8fHRhYnVrfGVufDB8fHx8MTc5MDc3NTgzNXww&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by SALEH / Unsplash --- ## Why Two Pilots Matter Incidents like this are extraordinarily rare, but they're a reminder of something most travelers never think about: modern airliners are built around the idea that no single person should ever be the only thing standing between a plane and disaster. That's why every airliner has two pilots, each fully able to fly the plane alone. Most of the time, the second pilot is there to catch mistakes, share the workload and take over if the other becomes ill. On Wednesday, according to the accounts so far, it meant someone could keep flying the plane while the situation in the cockpit was brought under control. The cockpit is also where aviation's safety rules face their hardest trade-off. Reinforced, locked cockpit doors became standard after the September 11 attacks to keep threats out. But a locked door can't protect against a threat that's already inside, as the world learned in 2015 when a Germanwings co-pilot locked his captain out and deliberately crashed into the French Alps. Since then, the industry has debated how to monitor pilot mental health and how many people should be in the cockpit at any time. That debate matters now more than ever. Some manufacturers and airlines have explored flying the cruise portion of long-haul flights with just one pilot at the controls, arguing that modern automation makes it safe. Wednesday's emergency is likely to come up in that debate, especially among those who say two sets of hands in the cockpit are irreplaceable. --- ## What Happens Next Investigators will need to establish what caused the fight and whether it was a deliberate attack. Israel's transportation minister has asked the country's security agency to suspend flydubai flights to and from Israel while the facts are established. For travelers, the most important fact is the one that's easy to overlook. Even in one of the most frightening situations imaginable, the plane landed safely, and every passenger walked off it. ### An Iranian Plane Was Seized in Istanbul With Passengers Already on Board. URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/caspian-airlines-plane-seized-istanbul-airport/ Last updated: 2026-09-29T21:09:29.000Z Most flight delays come down to weather, a late crew or a mechanical problem. Passengers on a Caspian Airlines flight at Istanbul Airport on Monday got something far stranger. They had already boarded their Boeing 737 to Iran and were waiting to take off when officials arrived with a court order, seized the plane and made everyone get off. Caspian Airlines is a Tehran-based carrier that flies Boeing 737s on domestic and international routes, including to Istanbul. According to Turkey's state news agency Anadolu, the aircraft had finished boarding and was preparing for departure when enforcement officers and lawyers for a creditor reached the plane and served the seizure order before it could leave. Passengers and cabin crew were taken off and walked back to the terminal. --- ## Why the Plane Was Seized It all came down to money. A Turkish company called ACM Temsil Gözetim, which provides representation and supervision services to airlines, says Caspian owes it about €3 million (roughly $3.4 million) for services at Istanbul Airport. It took the dispute to court and won an order allowing it to hold the plane. In a statement, the airline described the situation as a "temporary operational restriction" caused by an administrative issue, and Iranian state television said the airline had taken steps to deal with the debt. The same report said the plane would return to Iran on Tuesday. It's still unclear how quickly the stranded passengers were rebooked. Seizing an airplane over unpaid bills is rare, but it's one of the more effective tools creditors have against airlines based abroad. A plane sitting on the ground in another country is an asset a court can reach, and taking it is the fastest way to force an airline to pay. For the people already sitting in their seats, though, it's hard to imagine a more bizarre way to have a flight canceled. --- ## A Squeeze From Every Direction The seizure doesn't appear to be connected to U.S. sanctions, and the reports didn't link the two. Still, it lands at an especially difficult moment for Iran's airlines. Earlier this month, [Washington threatened to cut off anyone doing business with Iranian airlines from the dollar-based global financial system](https://www.thecontrail.org/turkish-airlines-gulf-carriers-stop-flying-iran-sanctions/), and several countries and carriers have since pulled back. Mahan Air, one of Iran's largest airlines, suspended its flights to Turkey. Lufthansa and Austrian Airlines have also halted their Iran routes through October 24\. According to flight tracking data, daily international flights at Tehran's main airport have fallen from 80 to 90 before the sanctions to around 41. Turkey itself hasn't followed the new sanctions, and Iran Air still flies regularly between the two countries. Caspian has been under separate U.S. sanctions since 2014, when the Treasury Department accused it of transporting personnel and weapons to Syria for Iran's Revolutionary Guard. For Iranian travelers, the result is fewer ways out of the country and less certainty that a flight will actually leave, even after everyone's on board. ### Air Senegal Sidelines Its Paris Flight Attendants Over a Suspected Package Side Hustle URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/air-senegal-suspends-dakar-paris-cabin-crew/ Last updated: 2026-09-29T17:00:37.000Z Senegal's national airline has pulled its own cabin crew off the Dakar to Paris route while it investigates claims they were carrying packages for cash. _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Ethiopian Airlines Is Bringing Back Flights to Durban, South Africa's Beach City URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/ethiopian-airlines-durban-addis-ababa-flights/ Last updated: 2026-09-29T14:21:20.000Z Daily flights between Durban and Addis Ababa return in December, giving travelers from the U.S. and beyond a new way to reach South Africa's Indian Ocean coast without going through Johannesburg. _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Airline Joint Ventures, Explained: Why Alaska Wants to Join American, British Airways and JAL URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/what-is-an-airline-joint-venture-alaska/ Last updated: 2026-09-29T13:30:08.000Z What is an airline joint venture, and why does it matter that Alaska Airlines wants to join one? On Tuesday, [Alaska Air Group said at its investor day](https://www.thecontrail.org/alaska-hawaiian-new-suites-premium-economy-lounges/) in Seattle that it plans to join the transatlantic and transpacific joint ventures American Airlines runs with British Airways, Japan Airlines and other partners. It's one of the most important moves an airline can make on international routes, even if most travelers have never heard the term. --- ## What a Joint Venture Is A joint venture is the closest partnership two or more airlines can have without merging. Partners coordinate schedules and fares on international routes and share the revenue from those flights. Because the money is split, it matters much less which airline actually operates a given flight. The industry calls this being "metal-neutral," since the plane you're on doesn't change who profits. That changes how airlines behave. Instead of competing on the same routes, they plan them together, spreading departures across the day and building connections that work for all of them. --- ## How It Differs From Alliances and Codeshares Airlines partner in three main ways, and each goes deeper than the last. An alliance is the loosest. Alliances like oneworld let you earn and use miles across member airlines and share lounges and elite perks. Its members include American, British Airways and [Alaska](https://www.thecontrail.org/alaska-airlines-paine-field-expansion-san-jose/), but they still compete with each other on price. A codeshare goes a step further. One airline sells seats on a partner's flight under its own flight number, so a single booking can include several airlines. Joint ventures add shared revenue and coordinated pricing on top of all that. They're the only option of the three where partners effectively act as one airline on the routes they cover. Explained ### How Airlines Team Up | | Alliance | Codeshare | Joint venture | | ---------------------------------- | -------- | --------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------- | | Earn and use miles across partners | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | | Share lounges and elite perks | ✓ | Varies | ✓ | | Sell seats on each other's flights | ✕ | ✓ | ✓ | | Plan schedules and fares together | ✕ | ✕ | ✓ | | Share revenue | ✕ | ✕ | ✓ | | Needs antitrust immunity | ✕ | ✕ | ✓ | | Example | oneworld | A partner's flight sold under your airline's number | American, British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus and Finnair | Alaska plans to join American's joint ventures with British Airways and Japan Airlines, pending U.S. Department of Transportation approval. Contrail --- ## The Big Joint Ventures Today American's joint venture across the Atlantic brings together British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus and Finnair. United runs a rival venture with the Lufthansa Group, and Delta has its own with Air France-KLM and Virgin Atlantic. Across the Pacific, American partners with Japan Airlines, United with ANA and Delta with Korean Air. According to Alaska, more than 85% of U.S. airlines' global long-haul flying already operates inside these kinds of approved partnerships. That's why being outside one puts an airline at a real disadvantage overseas. --- ## Why the Government Has to Approve Them Coordinating prices with a competitor is normally illegal, so joint ventures need antitrust immunity. In the U.S., that comes from the Department of Transportation, which weighs whether the benefits to travelers outweigh the lost competition. Regulators take that question seriously. The Northeast Alliance, American's domestic partnership with JetBlue, was struck down in court and later ended. Not every airline tie-up survives that scrutiny. --- ## What It Means for Travelers Joint ventures usually bring better-timed connections, more flight options and an easier time earning and redeeming miles across partners. On the downside, there are fewer airlines competing independently on the same routes, which can mean less pressure on fares. --- ## Where Alaska Fits Alaska has been growing fast overseas. It launched its first transatlantic flights this year, starting with Seattle to Rome in April, and it wants to reach at least 15 long-haul international destinations by 2030. Joining these ventures would plug Alaska's West Coast network into its partners' flights across Europe and Asia. Someone flying from Boise to Tokyo could connect through Seattle onto a flight Alaska and Japan Airlines plan together, with fares and timing designed as one trip. None of this happens overnight. Reports of early talks between American and Alaska surfaced back in April, and the Department of Transportation still has to approve Alaska's entry, a process that can take months. ### Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines Are Getting Lie-Flat Suites, Premium Economy and New Lounges URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/alaska-hawaiian-new-suites-premium-economy-lounges/ Last updated: 2026-09-29T13:35:15.000Z [Alaska Airlines](https://www.thecontrail.org/alaska-airlines-paine-field-expansion-san-jose/) and Hawaiian Airlines are getting new business class suites, a premium economy cabin and new airport lounges, [Alaska Air Group announced Tuesday at its 2026 Investor Day](https://www.thecontrail.org/what-is-an-airline-joint-venture-alaska/) in Seattle. The company, which bought Hawaiian in 2024 but still runs the two as separate brands, is betting that travelers will keep paying more to sit up front. --- ## The New Suites Alaska's Boeing 787 Dreamliners, the planes it flies to Europe and Asia, are getting new Aurora Suites. For the first time, Alaska will also put lie-flat suites on some of its narrow-body jets. They'll go on new Boeing 737 MAX 10s and could appear on key coast-to-coast routes as soon as 2028. Hawaiian is getting its own upgrade. Each of its 24 Airbus A330s, the widebody jets it flies to the mainland and beyond, will get new Leihōkū Suites with sliding privacy doors and lie-flat beds. Those jets are also getting all-new interiors from the first row to the last. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/ALASKA-737-10-MAX-AURORA-SUITES-CABIN_RENDERING_01.webp) via Alaska ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/Alaska-Airilnes-787-AURORA-CABIN-render.png) via Alaska --- ## Premium Economy Both airlines are adding a premium economy cabin called Premium Reserve, a roomier middle option between economy and business class. It debuts in 2028 with 35 seats on each 787, 28 on the A330s and 12 on the 737 MAX 10s. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/Alaska-Airilnes-787-PREMIUM-RESERVE-render2.webp) via Alaska --- ## New Lounges and Check-In New premium lounges are planned in Seattle, Honolulu and San Diego, including a 13,000-square-foot lounge in Honolulu. Starting in 2027, top-tier Titanium elites and travelers in the new suites will also get private check-in areas and dedicated fast-track security lanes on eligible routes. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/SEA_L4-Credentialing_FINAL.png) via Alaska ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/SEA_L5-Fireplace-Lounge.png) via Alaska --- ## Changes to Atmos Rewards Atmos Rewards, the loyalty program Alaska and Hawaiian now share, is changing sooner. Starting Thursday, members will choose whether to earn miles based on distance flown, ticket price or number of flights. That choice matters, since long-distance travelers on cheap fares and short-hop business travelers on expensive tickets will each come out ahead under a different option. An Atmos debit card is also planned for early 2027. --- ## Why Alaska Is Doing This Behind all of it is a push to make Alaska a global, more premium airline. By 2030, it plans to serve at least 15 long-haul international destinations. It also expects premium revenue to exceed 40% of its total by then, up from 35% today. Most of these changes are still a few years away, with airport projects largely arriving between 2028 and 2029\. The Atmos earning change is the one travelers will notice first, so it's worth picking the option that fits how you fly before your next trip. ### Delta's First Flight to Saudi Arabia Is Weeks Away. Will It Still Happen? URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/delta-atlanta-riyadh-flight-launch-security/ Last updated: 2026-09-29T13:58:12.000Z Delta's Atlanta to Riyadh flight, the first nonstop route to Saudi Arabia by a U.S. airline, is scheduled to launch on October 23\. A missile attack near Riyadh's main airport earlier this month has travelers asking whether it will still go ahead. [Delta](https://www.thecontrail.org/delta-a350-premium-select-is-nearly-perfect/) hasn't announced any change to the launch. Last week, though, aviation schedule analyst Enilria reported that the airline was weighing whether to start the route as planned. ![A large passenger jet flying over a city](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1732975368845-40da93ba6e55?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDF8fGRlbHRhJTIwYTM1MHxlbnwwfHx8fDE3OTA2MzQxMjh8MA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by David Syphers / Unsplash --- ## What Happened in Riyadh On September 19, Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen fired a ballistic missile at Riyadh. Saudi air defenses intercepted it, but residents reported explosions and a large plume of black smoke rising from the fuel storage area at King Khalid International Airport, the city's main airport. The Houthis claimed responsibility for the attack, which set Aramco fuel tanks near the airport on fire and briefly grounded most flights. Firefighters had the blaze under control by that morning, and the airport returned to normal operations over the following day. All of this is part of a wider conflict. Fighting between the United States and Iran began in February, and Iran-backed groups have repeatedly targeted Saudi Arabia with drones and missiles since then. --- ## The Travel Advisory Some travelers online have said the U.S. government just raised its warning for Saudi Arabia, but that isn't quite what happened. The State Department has kept Saudi Arabia at Level 3 since March. That's its "Reconsider Travel" warning, one step below Level 4, which means do not travel. It refreshed the advisory's summary on September 15 and issued a security alert after the Riyadh attack, but it didn't raise the level. That alert warned that Iran-backed Houthis have attacked Saudi civilian airports and that the conflict could escalate quickly. It also advised Americans traveling to or from the region to keep an eye on airport and airline operations. ![The Kingdom Centre skyscraper against a warm orange sky in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1694018359679-49465b4c0d61?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDV8fHNhdWRpJTIwYXJhYmlhfGVufDB8fHx8MTc5MDYzNDI4MHww&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by Ibrahim Abdullah / Unsplash --- ## Why Delta Wants This Route Riyadh is a big bet for Delta. At 7,283 miles, it's one of the airline's longest routes. It's also tied to Delta's partnership with Riyadh Air, the new Saudi airline that plans to start its own flights to the U.S. Saudi Arabia is also pushing to grow tourism and business travel under Vision 2030, its plan to diversify the economy beyond oil. Nonstop flights between the two countries aren't new, though. Saudia, Saudi Arabia's national airline, already flies to several U.S. cities, but no American airline currently serves the kingdom. --- ## If You're Booked For now, the flights are still on the schedule, so it's best to watch your booking and Delta's own updates rather than social media speculation. If Delta cancels the flight or changes it significantly, U.S. Department of Transportation rules entitle you to a refund if you choose not to travel. It's also worth checking your travel insurance, since many policies exclude events tied to war or armed conflict. Having promoted the launch heavily, including SkyMiles award deals for travel to Riyadh, Delta would be making a notable reversal if it pulled the route now. With less than four weeks to go, a decision either way can't be far off. ### Washington Wants Another $30 Billion to Fix Air Traffic Control URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/modern-skies-act-30-billion-air-traffic-control/ Last updated: 2026-09-28T22:09:04.000Z The Transportation Department says its air traffic control overhaul can't be finished without more money, and a new bill in the Senate would provide it. _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Emirates Is Bringing Its Newest Plane to the U.S. URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/emirates-a350-orlando-dubai/ Last updated: 2026-09-28T21:40:42.000Z Starting November 1, Emirates' daily Dubai to Orlando flight switches to the Airbus A350, which is set to be the airline's first A350 route in the U.S. _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Business Class Isn't Getting Cheaper, So Get Your Money's Worth URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/how-to-get-the-most-out-of-business-class/ Last updated: 2026-09-28T13:33:17.000Z Business class fares haven't been getting any friendlier this year. Fuel costs have pushed many fares up, and more travelers are shopping for the front of the plane than before, with Trip.com reporting that searches for first and business class nearly doubled in the first half of 2026\. When demand climbs like that, prices rarely come down to meet you. I spend a lot of time in these cabins reviewing them for Contrail, and the travelers who get the most out of them aren't always the ones with the fanciest tickets. They're the ones who actually use what they paid for, and a few simple habits make a big difference. --- ## Ask for What You Want This is the one people struggle with most. Plenty of travelers in business class sit quietly for hours because they don't want to bother the crew, even when they'd love another drink or a snack between meals. I understand the instinct, but the fare you paid covers a much more hands-on level of service than economy, and there are more flight attendants per passenger to deliver it. So order what you want from the menu and ask for items that aren't on it. Use the call button when you need something, too. In a sense, you're paying for permission to be a little annoying, so go ahead and use it. Being polite still matters, of course, but asking for what you want isn't the same as being rude. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_4898.JPG) --- ## Don't Force Sleep A lie-flat bed makes it tempting to treat the flight like a mission: eat quickly, lie down and knock yourself out. When sleep doesn't come on command, that plan turns into hours of frustration and checking the flight map. I've learned to let it go. Stretching out flat under a proper blanket with your eyes closed is restful in its own right, and it's something you can't do in economy at any price. If sleep follows, great. If it doesn't, you'll still land far more rested than you would after the same hours sitting upright. --- ## Use the Space The biggest thing you're paying for is room, so spread out. Change into the pajamas if the airline hands them out, and keep what you need within reach so you're not digging through a bag in the overhead bin. Then move between sitting, lounging and lying flat whenever you feel like it. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_4866.JPG) It helps to think of the seat as a small private room rather than a place to wait out the flight. Stretch your legs, rearrange your pillows and get comfortable in whatever position suits the moment, since the whole point of the cabin is that you finally have the space to do that. None of these habits cost anything extra, and on a ticket this expensive, they're the easiest value you'll find. ### Uganda's Newest International Airport Just Welcomed Its First Passengers URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/kabalega-international-airport-uganda-first-passenger-flights/ Last updated: 2026-09-28T14:56:03.000Z Uganda is making some major moves in its aviation sector as the country continues to develop its infrastructure and strengthen its position as a regional economic hub in East Africa. One of the most interesting developments is Kabalega International Airport in western Uganda, also known as Hoima International Airport. This weekend, it welcomed its first passenger flights. The airport isn't being developed to replace Uganda's main international gateway, Entebbe International Airport. Instead, it's expected to complement Entebbe by providing a new gateway to the western part of the country, particularly the rapidly developing Albertine region around Lake Albert. The location of the airport is no coincidence. Western Uganda has become increasingly important because of the country's developing oil and gas industry. Kabalega International Airport was originally developed to support the movement of heavy equipment, machinery and personnel required for oil and gas projects in the region. Its runway of roughly 2.2 miles (3.5 kilometers) is designed to accommodate large aircraft, making it an important piece of infrastructure for Uganda's wider economic plans. --- ## Where It Is Located in Hoima District, Kabalega International Airport is positioned close to Uganda's oil-producing region and the country's planned refinery and industrial developments. The airport is expected to support more than just aviation. It forms part of a much larger economic development taking place around Hoima and the Albertine region. The airport was initially focused heavily on supporting the oil and gas sector, particularly the transportation of equipment and machinery. However, its role has now expanded, with passenger operations becoming an important part of its future. The airport is also being developed at an interesting time for Uganda. The country will co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the continent's top international soccer tournament, alongside Kenya and Tanzania. Hoima is among the Ugandan locations involved. Hoima City Stadium is located close to the airport, making Kabalega particularly important for the movement of teams, officials and visitors. The Ugandan government has allocated significant funding toward establishing a passenger terminal at Kabalega so that it can operate as an international passenger gateway ahead of AFCON 2027. This could give the airport a second major purpose. What began largely as an airport to support Uganda's oil ambitions is now also becoming part of the country's preparations for one of Africa's biggest sporting events. --- ## The First Flights And now, the airport has finally welcomed its first passengers. On September 27, Kabalega received its first passenger flights. Aircraft from Eagle Air Uganda and Uganda Airlines brought in officials from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA, along with the Libyan national soccer team. Libya is in Uganda for an AFCON qualifier against the Uganda Cranes at Hoima City Stadium on September 29\. Eagle Air Uganda's Let L-410 Turbolet, a small twin-propeller plane, was among the first aircraft to arrive. The landings were more than just a few flights. They were a demonstration of what Kabalega is expected to do once fully operational: bring passengers directly into the Hoima region rather than requiring them to travel through Entebbe and continue by road. The Ugandan government deliberately used the arrivals to demonstrate the airport's readiness ahead of its official commissioning. Uganda Airlines was also expected to operate a flight carrying the Uganda Cranes, further highlighting the airport's role in supporting the country's soccer activities. The timing could hardly be more appropriate. With AFCON 2027 approaching, Kabalega International Airport is expected to become an important part of Uganda's transportation infrastructure for the tournament. --- ## Why It Matters What makes Kabalega International Airport interesting is that its story goes beyond simply building another airport. The airport sits at the center of Uganda's ambitions for the Albertine region. Oil and gas development has brought major investment into western Uganda, while infrastructure such as roads, industrial facilities and the refinery are expected to support the country's emerging energy sector. The airport provides the missing aviation link for this development. At the same time, AFCON 2027 has given the airport another reason to accelerate its passenger operations. The Ugandan government has committed additional funding toward a passenger terminal, with the facility expected to support international passenger operations ahead of the tournament. The airport's future will therefore depend on more than just oil. Tourism, business travel, cargo and international sporting events could all contribute to its traffic. For Uganda, Kabalega could eventually become an important second aviation gateway, complementing Entebbe while bringing international aviation closer to the western part of the country. --- ## What Comes Next Despite the first passenger flights, Kabalega International Airport isn't at the end of its journey yet. The passenger terminal and other operational requirements still have to be completed and brought into service. Officials now say President Yoweri Museveni will formally commission the airport in January 2027, after several delays to a project first due for completion in 2023. The first landings, however, are a significant milestone. An airport that was once primarily associated with Uganda's oil ambitions has now welcomed its first international soccer team. From oil and gas to soccer and tourism, Kabalega International Airport is becoming part of a much bigger story for Uganda. If the airport successfully transitions into a fully operational international gateway, it could play an important role in connecting western Uganda to the rest of Africa and beyond. ### Alaska Airlines Is Betting Big on Seattle's Other Airport URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/alaska-airlines-paine-field-expansion-san-jose/ Last updated: 2026-09-29T13:57:32.000Z Most people flying out of the Seattle area never give Paine Field a second thought. The small airport in Everett, about 25 miles north of Sea-Tac, handles a sliver of the region's air traffic from a terminal with just a handful of gates. [Alaska Airlines](https://www.thecontrail.org/alaska-hawaiian-new-suites-premium-economy-lounges/) clearly sees something in it, though, because it plans to grow its seats there by 50% between this fall and summer 2027. ![An Alaska Airlines passenger jet descending through a clear blue sky](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1786614751713-dd22e42acfbe?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDI0fHxhbGFza2ElMjBhaXJ8ZW58MHx8fHwxNzkwNTA5MjYzfDA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by Max Okhuijsen / Unsplash --- ## What's Changing The biggest addition is a new route. Horizon Air, Alaska's regional sister airline, will launch twice-daily flights to San Jose next April 14\. Those flights will use 76-seat Embraer 175 regional jets and give travelers north of Seattle a direct line to Silicon Valley. Los Angeles is moving to two flights a day, both on Boeing 737s instead of the smaller regional jet now used on one of them, and Portland is also going to twice daily. San Diego and San Francisco are getting more seats as well, with schedule data showing the San Diego flight switching to a larger 737 in November. Once San Jose starts, Paine Field's network will reach 10 cities, all on the West Coast or in Hawaii. Route Changes ### Alaska Airlines at Paine Field Seat growth +50% New route San Jose Cities by 2027 10 Rollout Fall 2026 to summer 2027 San JoseSJC NewTwice daily from April 14, 2027, on Horizon Air Embraer 175s Los AngelesLAX Twice daily, both flights on Boeing 737s PortlandPDX Twice daily San DiegoSAN More seats, moving to a Boeing 737 in November San FranciscoSFO More seats Contrail --- ## Who Uses Paine Field More people than you might expect, though nowhere near as many as Sea-Tac. Paine Field reopened to passenger flights in March 2019 with a brand-new terminal, and it handled about a million passengers in its first year. Sea-Tac set a record of more than 52.7 million passengers in 2025, which puts Everett's traffic in perspective. Paine Field is also unusual in how it's run. Snohomish County owns the airfield, while a private company called Propeller Airports runs the passenger terminal. Travelers share the field with Boeing's huge Everett factory, where test flights of brand-new jets are a regular sight. Its reputation has done a lot of the marketing. Monocle named it the world's best regional airport shortly after it opened, and The Washington Post has ranked it among the five best airports in the U.S. Much of the appeal comes down to size: the terminal has a stone fireplace, a single security checkpoint and gates just steps from where you clear it. I'm a good example of how easy the airport is to overlook. Last year I was a loyal Alaska elite flier who connected through Seattle constantly, and I never once flew out of Paine Field. That's partly by design, since its flights serve people who live north of the city rather than travelers passing through it. These days it's effectively an Alaska airport. Frontier tried low-cost flights to Denver, Las Vegas and Phoenix in 2025 but pulled out in January. --- ## Why Alaska Is Doing This [Alaska](https://www.thecontrail.org/what-is-an-airline-joint-venture-alaska/) hasn't said much beyond calling Paine Field an important part of its Puget Sound network, but a few things make the move easy to understand. With Frontier gone, Alaska has the airport to itself. There's no rival undercutting its fares on these routes, and anyone in Everett who wants to fly without driving to Sea-Tac has one choice. An informal comparison by the family travel site ParentMap found that nonstop fares from Paine Field sometimes cost double the same trip from Sea-Tac, which shows what some travelers will pay for convenience. Bigger planes are the other piece. The terminal only has a few gates, so the simplest way to add seats is to put more people on each flight rather than squeezing in more flights. A 737 carries roughly twice as many passengers as the 76-seat jets Horizon flies, and that's largely how Alaska can grow by half without needing much more room. The move also helps Alaska protect its home market. Seattle is Alaska's biggest hub, and a convenient Paine Field gives customers north of the city one less reason to shop around at Sea-Tac, where Delta also runs a large operation. Snohomish County is on board too, within limits. The county has approved plans to grow the terminal, and a long-range plan envisions about 4 million passengers a year by 2040, four times the 2019 figure. Its executive, Dave Somers, has also been clear that Paine Field won't become another Sea-Tac. --- ## Who It Helps The clearest winners are people in Snohomish County and north Seattle, who can skip the long drive south to Sea-Tac. The San Jose flights give the region's northern suburbs a direct link to Silicon Valley, while bigger jets on the Los Angeles route should make seats easier to find at busy times. The catch is price. With one airline and a limited number of flights, Paine Field can charge for its convenience, so it's worth comparing fares with Sea-Tac before booking. For travelers who can make the numbers work, 50% more seats means more chances to fly from an airport where the trip from the curb to the gate takes a few minutes. ### How Two Giant Pandas Flew From China to Atlanta URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/fedex-panda-express-pandas-china-zoo-atlanta/ Last updated: 2026-09-27T10:55:43.000Z Two giant pandas have just landed in Atlanta after spending the night crossing the Pacific aboard a FedEx Boeing 777 cargo plane. Ping Ping and Fu Shuang touched down at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Sunday morning, and they'll now live at Zoo Atlanta on loan from the Chinese government. Both pandas were born in 2020 at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in the city where their flight began. Ping Ping, the male, has a name that means "peace." Fu Shuang is female, and her name translates to "double blessings." She turns six on October 18, just a few weeks after arriving in her new home. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Middle Eastern Airlines Are Facing an Impossible Choice Over Iran URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/turkish-airlines-gulf-carriers-stop-flying-iran-sanctions/ Last updated: 2026-09-27T14:54:14.000Z It's hard enough to run a commercial airline at the best of times, but pity the predicament of chief executives in the Middle East right now. Turkish Airlines, its low-cost subsidiary AJet and the private carrier Pegasus halted all flights to and from Iran on September 21, severing one of the Islamic Republic's last reliable air links to the outside world. The booking systems on the websites of Turkish Airlines and AJet now show no Iranian departures before late March 2027\. Pegasus went further, stripping Iranian cities from its reservation platform entirely, with no indicated resumption date. A Turkish Airlines representative, asked by Iran International whether service would return in the spring, said the carrier could offer no guarantee. None of these actions were a commercial choice; all are the result of the simmering conflict between the U.S. and Iran. _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Someone Can Put Drugs in a Suitcase and Blame It on You URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/luggage-tag-switching-airport-drug-scheme/ Last updated: 2026-09-26T17:36:33.000Z Canada's national police force charged four people this week in connection with an investigation into drug smuggling at Toronto Pearson, Canada's busiest airport, after a months-long operation that seized 95 kilograms of cannabis. Twelve people have now been arrested over the past year in relation to smuggling at Canadian airports, including six Pearson baggage handlers charged last year and two Air Canada employees arrested at Montreal's Trudeau airport in August. Police haven't said whether this week's four worked at the airport, and none of the charges have been tested in court. What makes the story worth your attention isn't the arrests themselves, though. It's the method that Canadian investigators have been tracing through these cases, because it turns ordinary passengers into unwitting drug mules. ![white car on road during daytime](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1609194946597-9ad22191bf14?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDE0fHx0b3JvbnRvJTIwcG9saWNlfGVufDB8fHx8MTc5MDM3NjU0Mnww&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by N A V / Unsplash --- ## The Scheme It's called bag-tag switching, and the mechanics are simple enough to explain in a sentence. An airport employee with access to the baggage system takes the tag off a passenger's checked suitcase and attaches it to a different suitcase filled with drugs, routed to the same destination. That drug bag then travels through the system with a legitimate passenger's details attached to it. If it reaches the carousel at the other end, a courier collects it before the passenger arrives, and nobody is any the wiser. Trouble arrives when it doesn't work. If customs officers pull the bag before the courier gets to it, the tag says it belongs to the passenger whose flight it traveled on, and that passenger is the person who gets arrested. Investigators have described variations on the method too. Tags get duplicated, fraudulent ones get added to bags, and tags that travelers discard at the airport get picked up and reused. How it works ### Bag-Tag Switching Step 1 **An insider takes your bag tag**Someone with baggage system access Step 2 **It goes on a suitcase full of drugs**Routed to your destination Step 3 **A courier collects it on arrival**Before you reach the carousel If it fails **The tag says the bag is yours**You are the one arrested Cases identified 17 in the past year Arrests at Canadian airports 12 in just over a year Your defense Photograph the tag Scheme details from the RCMP and a CTV W5 investigation. Canadian government travel advice issued August 2026. Contrail --- ## Who It Has Caught A CTV investigation identified 17 cases of bag-tag switching in the past year, and some of the people caught up in it have served time abroad. Destinations are what make this serious rather than merely alarming. Several cases involve flights to countries where drug smuggling carries decades in prison or the death penalty, and where a defense of not knowing what was in the bag carries very little weight. A separate scheme has caught others out. People have been recruited through social media for courier jobs offering good money and free flights in exchange for carrying a sealed suitcase, and several Canadians have been arrested in Hong Kong after taking those offers. An RCMP spokesperson put the rule simply, saying legitimate employers never ask people to carry unknown items across borders. --- ## What You Can Do Canada's government issued travel advice about this in August, and the steps it suggests are quick enough that there's no reason to skip them. - **Photograph your bag with the tag visible** before you hand it over. That gives you a timestamped record of which tag number belonged to your suitcase, which is the single most useful thing you can have if something goes wrong later. - **Take your tag stubs with you** rather than leaving them at the airport, since discarded tags get reused. - **Check your bag tag at the carousel** before you walk away, and if the number doesn't match your receipt, take it to the baggage desk rather than leaving with it. - **Never carry a sealed bag for anyone,** however plausible the job sounds. This is the one that has put young travelers in foreign prisons. --- ## Whose Problem This Really Is None of this is really the passenger's problem to solve. The scheme depends on someone with security clearance and access to the baggage system deciding to use it, which makes it a screening and oversight failure rather than a traveler one. Peel Regional Police chief Nishan Duraiappah made that point when announcing the arrests, saying the airport's security depends on the integrity of the people trusted to work inside it. These arrests suggest that integrity is being tested more often than anyone would like, and that the systems meant to catch it are moving slowly. Until they do, the ten seconds it takes to photograph your luggage is the cheapest insurance available to you. ### Heathrow Says Its New Runway Won't Be Ready Until 2039 URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/heathrow-third-runway-delayed-2039/ Last updated: 2026-09-26T12:20:39.000Z Heathrow's long-promised third runway won't be ready until 2039 at the earliest, four years after the date the British government set for it. Airport executives have told ministers the 2035 target can't be met, according to The Times, and the government has responded that the date "has always been ambitious." The runway is the centerpiece of a £49 billion (more than $60 billion) expansion that would let Heathrow handle up to 756,000 flights and 150 million passengers a year. Last November, the government chose Heathrow's own proposal as the basis for the project and set 2035 as the target for first flights. That plan calls for a 3,500-meter runway to the northwest of the airport, supported by a new terminal complex west of Terminal 5\. Even at the time, industry observers called the 2035 date highly optimistic. Timeline ### Heathrow's Third Runway Cost £49 billion Runway length 2.2 miles Flights per year 480k → 756k Expected opening 2039 2003 A Labour government first proposes a third runway at Heathrow. 2010 The new coalition government scraps the plan. June 2018 Parliament votes to back the runway. 2020 A court rules the plan unlawful, then the Supreme Court overturns that ruling in December. Nov. 2025 The government picks Heathrow's design and sets **2035** for first flights. July 2026 Andy Burnham, a longtime critic of the runway, becomes prime minister. Sept. 2026 Heathrow tells ministers 2035 can't be met.Now 2039 New expected opening, four years late. Contrail --- ## What It Means for Travelers As [we reported earlier this month](https://www.thecontrail.org/heathrow-slots-40-airlines-flight-cap/), what actually limits Heathrow is a government cap of 480,000 flights a year, and the airport already operates close to that ceiling. Every year the runway slips is another year in which airlines fight over the same fixed number of slots, the permission to take off or land at a specific time. For passengers, that scarcity tends to show up as higher fares on the busiest routes and fewer new destinations, since airlines put their limited slots toward the flights that earn the most. It also makes delays harder to recover from, because a schedule with no slack has nowhere to absorb a late arrival. --- ## The Politics The delay lands at an awkward moment for the project. Andy Burnham, who became prime minister in July, has reportedly told Labour lawmakers he has never been in favor of Heathrow expansion. He hasn't said publicly what he'll do, but his position puts him at odds with Chancellor John Healey. As Britain's finance minister, Healey has given the project his full backing and argues the economic case for it stacks up. Burnham has said in the past that spare capacity at Manchester and Birmingham should be used instead of building at Heathrow. The government's independent climate advisers at the Climate Change Committee have also warned that expansion conflicts with the UK's climate targets. Heathrow still needs planning approval before construction can begin, and Burnham is reportedly waiting on a report from Parliament's Transport Committee before saying more. We'll update this story as more details come in. ### Somalia Is Trying to Bring Back Its National Airline After 35 Years URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/somali-airlines-revival-delays/ Last updated: 2026-09-26T10:00:08.000Z Somalia's national carrier has been grounded since 1991, and the government has spent the last two years trying to change that. Somali Airlines was supposed to fly again in 2024\. Then late 2025\. After that, September 2026\. All three dates have now passed with no aircraft in the air. Government effort here is real, and so are the obstacles. Understanding why a country can buy airplanes and still not have an airline says a lot about how commercial aviation actually works. --- ## The White Star Airline The airline was founded in 1964, four years after independence, as a joint venture between the Somali government and Alitalia. Each side held half, which mattered because Alitalia brought the technical and administrative expertise a brand-new carrier didn't have. Flights operated out of Mogadishu International Airport, with Hargeisa as a second base, and it grew quickly enough that the government eventually bought out Alitalia's stake and took full ownership. At its peak it was a serious operator. Regional routes kept the country connected. Long-haul flights reached London, Rome, Frankfurt and Cairo. That put it among the few African carriers serving Europe directly at the time. Everything changed when the central government collapsed. Civil war disrupted operations through the late 1980s, and the airline's flights stopped in the first week of January 1991\. They never resumed. --- ## What the Government Has Bought Revival efforts began properly in 2024, when the Somali Civil Aviation Authority said it had the regulatory framework in place to certify an airline and license crews. In July 2025, Transport and Civil Aviation Minister Mohamed Farah Nuh announced the government had acquired two Airbus A320-200s from a company reported as Lima Holding Group, structured as a lease that could convert to full purchase. Abdulahi Iman was appointed chief executive around the same time. Officials said at the time that flights would begin within a few months, and talked about adding two or three more aircraft later. By August 2026, the civil aviation authority said preparations were complete and flights would start in mid-September. That month has now come and gone. --- ## Why Buying Planes Isn't the Hard Part This is where people outside the industry tend to be surprised. Aircraft are the straightforward bit. Everything around them is what takes years. An airline needs an air operator certificate, which regulators only issue after inspecting manuals, procedures and training programs in detail. Pilots and cabin crew have to be trained and certified on the specific aircraft type. There has to be an approved maintenance arrangement, since an A320 requires scheduled work a new airline can't perform itself. Insurance matters too, and insurers price a startup carrier in a country with Somalia's recent history accordingly. Then come ground handling, flight planning and slots at every airport it wants to serve. Any one of those can hold up a launch on its own. This airline is building all of them at once, from nothing, which is why each deadline has slipped rather than been met. Infrastructure is its own problem. Aden Adde International Airport has served Mogadishu for decades and needs serious modernization. The government has outlined a $643 million project to build a new international airport in the Mahay area of Warsheekh, about 60 kilometers from the capital, which would eventually replace it. --- ## What It Would Mean for Travelers Mogadishu isn't cut off. Ethiopian Airlines, Qatar Airways and Turkish Airlines all serve Aden Adde. Anyone flying to Somalia today connects through Addis Ababa, Doha or Istanbul. What's missing is competition and control. Every seat to and from the country is priced by a foreign airline, and domestic connections depend on a patchwork of small private operators. A functioning national carrier would add capacity on regional routes, give the government a say in what gets flown, and cut the number of connections a Somali traveler needs to get home. There's also the part that doesn't show up in a schedule. For a country that has spent 35 years without one, a flag on a tail is a statement about stability, and the minister who announced the aircraft purchase framed it in exactly those terms. --- ## Still on the Ground Ambition here is genuine, and the groundwork is further along than it was two years ago. Regulators have a framework, the aircraft exist, and a chief executive is in post. What's missing is everything that turns those pieces into a working airline, and that part takes longer than any government wants to admit. Would you want to see the white star tail flying again, or is Somalia better served by starting something new? ### Twenty Flights a Day, Then None: How Sanctions Cut the Air Link Between Iraq and Iran URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/iraq-suspends-iranian-airlines-sanctions/ Last updated: 2026-09-25T23:32:15.000Z An employee of an Iranian airline at Najaf International Airport gave a reporter a simple measure of what changed this week. Iranian carriers normally run at least 20 flights a day through Najaf. On Friday, after the suspension took effect at two in the morning, four flights to anywhere were left on the board. Iraq has stopped Iranian airlines from using its airports, complying with American sanctions that took effect this week. Baghdad went first on Wednesday, Najaf followed on Friday on instructions from the prime minister's office, and the northern airports at Erbil and Sulaimaniyah did the same. ![The flags of Iraq and Iran hanging against a backdrop of palm trees](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1786500166993-9c3e4511acc2?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDJ8fGlyYXElMjBnb3Z8ZW58MHx8fHwxNzkwMzc5MDI3fDA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by AmirHadi Manavi Moghadam / Unsplash --- ## What Triggered It Washington's Treasury Department announced sanctions on September 8 targeting 36 individuals and entities connected to Iran's aviation sector, under a program it calls Operation Economic Outcast. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told CNBC that from September 23, Iranian airlines would be shut down around the world. What changed ### Iranian Flights, Iraqi Airports Baghdad **Iranian flights suspended**From Wednesday Najaf **All Iranian flights halted**Friday, 2am local Erbil and Sulaimaniyah **Suspensions from Friday** Also restricting **UAE, Georgia, Turkey**More than 20 airlines affected regionally Najaf before 20+ Iranian flights a day Najaf on Friday 4 flights in total Who flew them Pilgrims, students, patients Details from AFP, Reuters and Iraqi officials, September 2026\. US Treasury sanctions announced September 8. Contrail That mechanism is indirect but effective. Rather than banning the flights outright, the sanctions threaten consequences for any airport or company that handles them, which leaves governments to make their own decisions about whether the business is worth the exposure. Most have decided it isn't. The United Arab Emirates has suspended Iranian carriers, Georgia has barred them, and Mahan Air said it stopped flying to Turkey at the Turkish government's request. More than 20 airlines across the region have suspended services connected to Iran. ![a large jetliner sitting on top of an airport tarmac](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1699460070335-f9f29742f002?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDd8fG1haGFuJTIwYWlyfGVufDB8fHx8MTc5MDM3ODk4MHww&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by Alireza Akhlaghi / Unsplash --- ## Who Actually Used These Flights This is the part that gets lost in coverage of sanctions policy. Najaf is one of the holiest cities in Shia Islam, and its airport exists largely to move religious travelers. The Iranian flights carried Iraqi pilgrims heading to shrines in Iran and Iranian pilgrims coming the other way to sites in Iraq, in both directions, constantly. Those same flights carried Iraqi students enrolled at Iranian universities and patients traveling for medical treatment. Iraqi airlines stopped flying to Iran when the war began in February, which left Iranian carriers as effectively the only air link between two neighboring countries with deep religious and family ties. Removing them removes the connection entirely. Land routes remain open, and people will use them. Driving from Najaf to the Iranian border takes hours rather than the hour or so the flight took, and it isn't a realistic option for everyone making these trips, patients especially. --- ## The Reaction in Iraq This has become a domestic political issue in Iraq within days. Akram al-Kaabi, who leads the Iran-backed militia Harakat al-Nujaba, said on Friday that his group would organize sit-ins at Iraqi airports unless the flights resumed. He told the Iraqi news agency Shafaq News that his group would not wait long, and criticized Iraqi politicians for letting Washington make the country's aviation decisions. Washington designates the group a terrorist organization. Iraq's foreign minister, Fuad Hussein, said earlier on Friday that Baghdad had informed Tehran of the restrictions and intended to raise the sanctions with Washington --- ## Aviation as Leverage Aviation has become one of the main instruments of economic pressure available to governments, and this is what it looks like in practice. It works because commercial aviation depends on a web of things that cross borders. Insurance and ground handling, spare parts and fuel contracts, and the willingness of other countries' airports to accept your aircraft. Cut enough of those and an airline stops being able to fly internationally, whatever its own government decides. People who feel it first are rarely the ones the pressure is aimed at. In this case they're pilgrims, students and patients who now have a long drive instead of a short flight, and an airline employee in Najaf who told a reporter there was no longer much point going to work. ### Woman Arrested After Throwing Bag of Dog Waste at Deputy in New Orleans Airport URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/new-orleans-airport-dog-poop-arrest/ Last updated: 2026-09-25T23:24:25.000Z Most airport arrests start with something small. This one started with a dog. A woman was walking through Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport with her service dog, a medium-sized shepherd, when the animal defecated on the terminal floor. She bagged it up, but there was a residue left on the floor, so she went looking for something to finish the job. Her search for napkins is where it went wrong. She walked to a nearby security podium and started rummaging through it for napkins. A St. Charles Parish sheriff's deputy who had stepped away from the station came back, found her going through it and asked what she was doing. According to the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office, she became verbally aggressive at that point. She swore at the deputy and called her a name. The woman then walked off, wiped up the floor with the napkins and headed for the exit. Before she got there, she turned back toward the deputy and threw the bag of dog waste at her. It hit the deputy in the shoulder. --- ## What Happened Next The first deputy drew her Taser and ordered the woman to stop. The woman kept walking. A Jefferson Parish deputy responded to the call for assistance and tried to take her into custody. According to the arrest report, she refused to hand over the dog's leash so she could be handcuffed, holding it above her head instead. In his report, the second deputy wrote that he forcefully moved her into a wall to gain compliance. Both people were hurt. He reported a cut finger, and the woman was treated for a cut to her hand. Her dog was handed over to a friend before she was taken to the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center in Gretna. Booking records show she was charged on September 18 with aggravated assault upon a police officer and battery of an officer with injury, along with criminal mischief and resisting an officer. She was released three days later on a $15,000 bond. Neither she nor her attorney had responded to a request for comment as of Friday evening. --- ## Why Airport Arrests Escalate So Fast Reading the sequence, the striking thing is how little separates the beginning from the end. A cleanup, an argument over napkins, and four charges including assault on a police officer. Airports compress a lot of the conditions that make confrontations worse. Everyone is stressed and often late. Law enforcement is armed and visible in a way it isn't at a train station. Passengers are managing bags, animals and children while being told what to do by several different people. And the jurisdictions overlap, which is how you get deputies from two different parishes involved in one incident inside the same terminal. It's also why the charges pile up. Throwing something at an officer, however petty the object, is assault. Declining to stop when told is resisting. Each step adds a count, which is how a mess on the floor turns into a felony-level booking. Louis Armstrong has a longer history with this sort of thing than most airports its size. Deputies there have handled a passenger who bit six of them on Thanksgiving after being removed from a Spirit flight, and a woman who arrived at the Spirit counter with no clothes on and refused to leave. ### I Flew the Gulf Airline Nobody Talks About URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/oman-air-787-economy-review-muscat-paris/ Last updated: 2026-09-25T23:00:01.000Z Everyone knows Emirates and Qatar. Oman Air sits between them on the map and gets a fraction of the attention, even though it flies the same kind of aircraft to a lot of the same places. I wanted to know what you get from a Gulf airline that isn't trying to be a global brand. So I booked economy from Muscat to Paris on a Boeing 787-9 that had been in service for about two months. Seven and a half hours, a full flight, and a fare well below what the big two charge on similar routes. The short version is that Oman Air spends its money on the things you sit in and eat, and not much on anything else. Flight Details ### Oman Air WY 131 MCT Muscat Muscat Intl · Gate B7 14:10On time 7h 32m · 3,465 mi CDG Paris Charles de Gaulle · Terminal 1 19:423m early Cabin Economy Aircraft Boeing 787-9 Aircraft age 2 months Registration A4O-SJ Contrail The Verdict · WY 131 Economy **6.3**Overall A comfortable seat and a capable crew, undermined by broken Wi-Fi, failing screens and no word at the gate. Ground experience 6.2 Seat 6.8 Amenities 5.5 Catering 6.4 Service 6.8 #### What worked *✓*Soft, Comfortable Seat Cushion *✓*Flavorful Chicken Main Course *✓*Professional Cabin Crew #### What didn't work *✕*No Gate Information Before Boarding *✕*Wi-Fi That Never Worked *✕*Unresponsive Seatback Screens Contrail --- ## Getting Out of Muscat Online check-in refused to work for me, and it only went through after I called Oman Air and had them strip the extras off my booking. That made me expect a slow morning at the airport, and the opposite happened. I was at the counter for about three seconds with nobody ahead of me, though the whole terminal was quiet enough that I doubt I needed a special line to manage it. Muscat's airport deserves a mention of its own. There's a sort of nature theme running through the building that I haven't seen anywhere else in the Gulf, and the whole place is calmer than Doha or Dubai will ever be. It's less lavish than either of them and a bit tighter on space, but I would take the calm over the marble. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_1726.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_1727.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_1728.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_1737.JPG) Things fell apart at the gate. Twenty minutes before boarding was supposed to start, the departure screens still hadn't assigned one, which is unusual anywhere. I wandered over to a gate at random and it turned out to be mine, something I only worked out when an agent stepped outside and shouted for the Paris flight to line up. Illustrated for Contrail Oman Air Boeing 787-9 · A4O-SJ Drawn by **Caleb St. John** · Caleb's Aviation Every Contrail review carries an original drawing of the aircraft flown, made for us by Caleb St. John, who draws aircraft to raise awareness for young people in aviation living with health conditions. No aircraft was waiting there either. Ours landed sixteen minutes after boarding should have begun, and it still had to unload the previous passengers and get cleaned before we could get on. Nobody announced any of this, and no gate agents appeared until well past our scheduled departure time. A single announcement explaining the delay would have made the whole wait feel completely different. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_1751.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_1746.JPG) --- ## The Seat Our cabin welcome was fine, with a flight attendant at the door pointing people toward the correct aisle. Every window shade was already dimmed as we boarded, which made the cabin feel like a room somebody had closed up for the night. Seat Map Economy · 3–3–3 A4O-SJ A B C D E F G H K 20 A B C D E F G H K 21 A B C D E F G H K 22 A B C D E F G H K 23 A B C D E F G H K 24 A B C D E F G H K 25 A B C D E F G H K Economy · rows 20–46 · seat 23C (rows 20–25 shown) Contrail My seat genuinely surprised me. The base is soft rather than the thin, firm pad most airlines put in long-haul economy. I never got sore across seven and a half hours, which almost never happens to me in the back of a plane. I also love that Oman Air commits to its green. So many cabins are gray now that an airline using its own color counts for something. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_1757-1.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_1760.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_1762.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_1761.JPG) Legroom is where the seat gives ground. It's tight to begin with, and the whole seat pan slides forward when you recline rather than the back simply tilting, so you give up knee room to get the angle. That design is better for whoever is sitting behind you than it is for you. Everything else at the seat is plain. There's a USB-A port for charging but no power outlet that I could find, and there are reading lights overhead but no personal air vents, which I missed later on. A two-part tray table is handy when you only want half of it out, though mine wasn't clean when I sat down. A coat hook hides along the side of the seat where you would never spot it, and that's about the extent of the storage. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_1770.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_1772.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_1774.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_1766.JPG) --- ## Screens and Wi-Fi My screen was quick to respond when it worked, and I appreciated that the shows on it ran as full seasons in order rather than a random scattering of episodes. These screens also have a privacy filter fitted, so your neighbor's movie isn't glowing away in the corner of your eye. It did quit twice on me. About an hour in the picture started pulsing blue until I opened the menu and it settled down, and then it went dark completely for a stretch in the second half of the flight before coming back on its own. The Wi-Fi never connected at all, and nothing in the cabin or on the screen explained how it was supposed to work. Amenities are thin beyond that. You get a pillow, a blanket and a pair of cheap earbuds, with no amenity kit and no hot towel at any point. Download something to watch before you fly and you won't miss any of it. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_1773.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_1767.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_1768.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_1763.JPG) --- ## The Food Food came about an hour and a half after takeoff, with a choice of chicken and rice or vegetable pasta. My tray had a plastic cup of water included, which is a small thing I wish more airlines copied. My chicken came buried underneath the rice, so digging it out sent rice across the whole tray, and it was tough by the time I got to it. The flavor was great though, and the portion beat most economy meals I've had this year. Dessert was a solid chocolate cake, and the crew came round with coffee and tea afterward. There was also a pool of water sitting on my tray that hadn't come from the cup, and I still have no idea where it came from. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_1788.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_1790.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_1792.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_1791.JPG) That pre-landing snack was the low point of the flight. It was a cold bread roll filled with vegetables I couldn't identify, with no alternative offered, alongside a chocolate cookie hard enough to worry a dentist. Looking around the cabin, most people left both of them alone. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_1800.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_1802.JPG) --- ## The Crew Service took a long time to get going. A full hour into the flight nobody had come through the cabin at all, and the first drink run started later still. Nobody came round with water between services either, though there was some in the galley if you were willing to get up and ask. Once the crew were working the aisles, they were good. They didn't smile much, but they were professional in a way that reads as proper training rather than coldness, calling passengers sir and kneeling down beside the seat to talk at eye level. Later in the flight they came through handing out bags of chili-flavored potato sticks, which felt like the most Omani moment of the whole trip. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_1799.JPG) A few other things stood out along the way. Air in the cabin ran stuffy for most of the flight, which the lack of individual vents didn't help. Lavatories were basic and not especially clean when I went midway through, and our landing in Paris was one of the firmest I've taken in a while. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_1798.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_1797.JPG) --- ## Worth Booking? I would if the fare is lower than other higher end carriers. You get a comfortable seat, a good main meal and a crew that knows what it's doing, on an aircraft barely out of the factory. What you don't get is much of anything beyond that, and Oman Air seems fairly honest about which end of the market it's competing in. If you're booking this route, load your phone with something to watch before you go, and pick a seat toward the front of the cabin if you want to be off the aircraft quickly. I also wouldn't plan anything tight at the other end, given how the boarding went in Muscat. ### Military Plane Crashes Into Homes in Congo, Killing All 13 on Board URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/dr-congo-l410-crash-kenge/ Last updated: 2026-09-26T02:20:25.000Z ❗ ****Update**: Congo's military has confirmed that two of its highest-ranking legal officers were killed in Friday's crash near Kenge. They're Lieutenant General Mutombo Katalayi Tiende, who headed the military court, and Lieutenant General Bakumi Likulia, the armed forces' auditor general, a role that makes him the military's top prosecutor. A small military transport aircraft crashed into a residential area of Kenge in the Democratic Republic of Congo on Friday, killing all 13 people on board. It was a Let L-410, a twin-engine turboprop operated by Tracep Congo Aviation, flying from the southwestern city of Kikwit to the capital Kinshasa. Kwango province vice governor Remy Saki Bokinda told Reuters the crew reported a technical problem and tried to land at Kenge, which has no airport. His description was blunt. With no landing strip available in Kenge, he said, the plane crashed into a residential plot. Local reporting said it circled above the town while the pilot looked for somewhere to put it down. The aircraft came down in the Manzau neighborhood and caught fire. > Earlier today, 13 people were killed after a small plane crashed near airport in Kenge, DR Congo. [pic.twitter.com/eB4RP1a3DJ](https://t.co/eB4RP1a3DJ?ref=thecontrail.org) > > — Open Source Intel (@Osint613) [September 25, 2026](https://x.com/Osint613/status/2103568499457032491?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=thecontrail.org) What is known ### The Kenge Crash Aircraft **Let L-410 twin turboprop**Registration 9S-GUC Operator **Tracep Congo Aviation**Military flight Route **Kikwit to Kinshasa**Diverted toward Kenge On board **13 people, no survivors**Included the army's auditor general Status **Investigation opened**Congolese accident authority Where Kenge, Kwango province Airport at Kenge None Congolese airlines Banned from EU airspace Details from Reuters, AeroTime and the Congolese Press Agency, September 25, 2026\. Situation developing. Contrail --- ## Who Was on Board Among the dead was General Likulia Bakumi, the auditor general of the Congolese armed forces. A major, a captain, other military personnel and civilians were also on board. The provincial official confirmed there were no survivors. Congo's aviation accident investigation authority has opened a probe, according to a government statement. Kenge's police chief told the Congolese Press Agency that investigators were still working to establish the cause. --- ## The Aircraft Czech-built and designed for short flights into small airfields, the L-410 typically carries up to 19 passengers. It has been in production in various forms since the 1970s and remains common across Africa, Central Asia and parts of Europe, precisely because it can operate where larger aircraft cannot. That capability is also what puts it in the most difficult operating environments. In Congo, a country roughly the size of Western Europe with very little usable road network, aviation isn't a convenience. For many routes it's the only practical way to move people and cargo, which puts pressure on aging aircraft and thin infrastructure. --- ## A Long-Running Safety Problem Congo has one of the worst aviation safety records in the world. Every airline certified in the country is banned from operating in European Union airspace, a restriction that has been in place for years and applies to the carriers as a group rather than to specific operators. That ban reflects a long pattern. In 2019, a Busy Bee Congo aircraft crashed into a residential neighborhood in Goma shortly after takeoff, killing everyone on board and several people on the ground. Crashes involving small turboprops on domestic routes recur with a regularity that has not meaningfully improved. Friday's crash follows a familiar shape. A short domestic flight on an aging light aircraft, a technical problem, and a town with nowhere to land. This story will be updated as the investigation develops. ### I Asked a Funeral Director What Airlines Get Wrong When Someone Dies on a Plane URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/funeral-director-death-on-a-plane/ Last updated: 2026-09-25T14:25:19.000Z About ten hours into a fourteen-hour Qatar Airways flight from Melbourne to Doha, a woman left the lavatory, collapsed in the aisle and could not be revived. What happened next is the part people argued about for weeks. The crew tried to move her toward business class and couldn't get her through the aisle. They asked the passenger in the row beside her, an Australian named Mitchell Ring, to shift over. Then they placed her body, covered in blankets, in the seat he had been sitting in. He stayed there for the remaining four hours. His partner, Jennifer Colin, was offered a seat across the aisle by another passenger. Both described the experience as traumatic, and said the crew kept them seated after landing while authorities dealt with the body. ![A large jetliner sitting on top of an airport runway](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1731047605059-7de4dde9a4ca?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDR8fHFhdGFyJTIwYXJ3YXlzfGVufDB8fHx8MTc5MDI0OTk2NHww&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by Bornil Amin / Unsplash Qatar Airways said an internal review found its crew acted quickly, appropriately and professionally. The airline described the handling as in line with training and industry standard practice, and said a crew member sat with the deceased passenger until landing. I wanted to know what the alternative looks like from someone who deals with death every day rather than once in a career. So I asked Nicholas Welzenbach to talk it through with me. He's a managing partner at Darling Fisher, a funeral home in the San Francisco Bay Area. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/Screenshot-2026-09-24-at-10.37.14.png)](https://www.youtube.com/@KCATTV15?ref=thecontrail.org) [via KCATTV15 / YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@KCATTV15?ref=thecontrail.org) --- ## What Happens on the Ground His first point was that the ground version of this has a step a plane doesn't. "What happens immediately when someone passes away," he said, is going into the motions of next steps. Someone calls hospice, or a nurse calls the funeral director. Then a professional arrives and takes the body into their care. "We're gonna come to the care and bring that loved one away from the family." That removal is the thing that lets everyone else begin processing. It usually happens within an hour or two, and it's carried out by people trained to do it gently. He also pushed back on an assumption about who finds this difficult. Professionals do too. "It's a forever experience," he said of witnessing a death. "It's not something that we forget." --- ## Why a Plane Is Different The obvious answer is that nobody can leave. Welzenbach's answer went further than that. "You're talking about someone who can't walk away, and we can't come to the rescue," he said. In a hospital or a funeral home, moving a body is a practiced skill with equipment behind it. "Our secret weapon is the sheet," he said, when a person is lying down. On an aircraft, a person has died sitting up, in a space too narrow for any of that. Then he described something most passengers would recognize. Your seat becomes yours within seconds of sitting in it. "We've now said and identified in our own minds that this is my spot," he said, and then that changes completely. His point about the setting stuck with me. People ask him constantly whether funeral homes are haunted, which he finds backwards. "The funeral home's not haunted, the cemetery's not haunted," he said. "But as it relates to that plane, that's the place where they've died." ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_4216.JPG) --- ## The Logistics We went through the options a crew actually has. Empty seats are rarer than they used to be, since flights run fuller than at any point in the industry's history. Moving a body through a single-aisle cabin affects everyone within several rows. Crew need the jump seats themselves for landing. Taking a lavatory out of service breaks the rules on how many an aircraft must have available. Welzenbach's question cut through all of it. "Who are we burdening with this experience?" His answer was that the fixable part isn't the logistics. It's what people say. --- ## What He Would Change In his industry, language is trained. He told me his team doesn't say sorry for your loss. "We say thank you for your trust." That's a small shift with a lot behind it, and it's exactly what he thinks cabin crew are missing. Cabin crew training is built around safety and service. Sitting with someone through the worst hour of their year is a different skill, and one that nobody hands them a script for. The specifics he'd want are modest. Check in on the people nearby, repeatedly. Let them stand up and move around when it's safe. Cover the person properly, with more than the thin blanket everyone gets handed. Think about whether the whole cabin needs to be told, the way crews handle the return of a service member's casket with an announcement that prepares people rather than surprising them. "No matter what we do with words," he said, "the most important is how you communicate it and how you check in." --- ## The Helpers The last thing he said has stayed with me. He reached for Fred Rogers, and the advice to look for the helpers. "I want to believe that if I was asked to support in that particular moment and sit in that seat," he said, "hopefully I would make that decision to make somebody else's experience" better. That's the part passengers can act on. Unexpected deaths happen on aircraft more often than most travelers imagine, and crews are not always going to have the right words ready. Someone else on board might. If it happens on a flight you're on, and you can be the person who offers the seat or sits with the stranger who has just watched someone die, that's worth more than any procedure an airline could write. ### What Is Premium Economy, and Is It Actually Worth the Money? URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/what-is-premium-economy-worth-it/ Last updated: 2026-09-25T12:00:11.000Z Premium economy is the cabin most travelers have heard of and few have sat in. It sits between coach and business class, usually costs two to three times an economy fare, and airlines describe it in language vague enough to be useless. What you're actually buying depends heavily on which airline you pick. Cabin comparison ### What the Upgrade Actually Buys **Economy** **Premium economy** Legroom 31 to 32 inches **34 to 38 inches** Seat width 17 to 18 inches **18 to 21 inches** Recline A few inches **Deeper, plus a leg rest** Meal Standard tray **Improved tray, real cutlery** Checked bags Usually one **Usually two** Typical fare 2 to 3x economy Worth it above 8-hour flights Still not A flat bed Ranges are typical across long-haul carriers. Exact pitch and width vary by airline and aircraft, so check a seat map for your flight. Contrail --- ## What It Is A separate cabin, typically four to seven rows, with wider seats than economy and several more inches of legroom. The seat reclines further and often has a leg rest, though it doesn't lie flat. You'll usually get a better meal, a real amenity kit on some airlines, earlier boarding and an extra checked bag. What it isn't is a small business class. You're still sitting upright for the whole flight, and on most airlines the difference in sleep quality between premium economy and coach is modest. --- ## What You're Really Paying For Three things, in order of how much they matter. **Space.** An extra four to seven inches of legroom and a seat two to four inches wider. Over a ten-hour flight, that's the difference you'll feel most. **A quieter cabin.** Fewer rows, fewer people and no families with infants in bassinet rows, since those are usually up front in economy. **The ground stuff.** Priority boarding, an extra bag, faster check-in on some carriers. Worth something, though rarely worth the fare gap on its own. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_2894-1.JPG) --- ## Where It's Genuinely Good Quality varies more in this cabin than in any other. Some airlines built premium economy from scratch with its own seat, its own catering and its own crew service flow. Others simply blocked off the front rows of coach, added a few inches and charged double. The tell is the seat itself. If it's a distinct seat with a fixed shell, a leg rest and a wider frame, the airline invested. If it looks like an economy seat with extra space around it, you're paying mostly for legroom. --- ## When It's Worth Paying - **Flights over about eight hours.** Below that, the extra space is a luxury rather than a difference in how you arrive. - **When you're working or need to arrive functional.** The tray table and space make a laptop usable in a way economy doesn't allow. - **When the fare gap is under about double coach.** Above that, price business class before you commit, since sale fares can land closer than you'd expect. - **When you're tall.** This is the single biggest factor nobody accounts for, and it changes the math completely. --- ## When to Skip It Daytime flights under eight hours, routes where an exit row costs a fraction of the upgrade, and any airline whose premium economy is just economy with legroom. Check a seat map before booking. If the cabin has the same seat layout as economy behind it, you're buying space and not much else. ### American Will Start Hunting for a Better Seat While You're Not Looking URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/american-airlines-automatic-seat-change/ Last updated: 2026-09-24T23:00:44.000Z Anyone who has booked a middle seat knows the routine. Open the app, check the seat map, see nothing. Then you close it and do the same thing again a few hours later, until the flight leaves. American is about to automate that. Under two features being added to its app, you'll be able to tell it what kind of seat you want, and it will move you when one opens up and let you know afterward. The second feature lets the airline's top two tiers reserve their free snack before the flight. ![A group of american airlines planes parked at an airport](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1739840786951-1e4bb564d50c?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDE3fHxhbWVyaWNhbiUyMGFpcmxpbmVzfGVufDB8fHx8MTc5MDI1OTkxNnww&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by David Syphers / Unsplash --- ## The Seat Feature You set the parameters. You tell the app what counts as an improvement for you. That might be an aisle or a window, something further forward, or a row with an empty seat beside it. The airline watches the seat map for you and moves you when something matches. Seats free up constantly in the days before departure, which is why the feature works at all. People get upgraded out of the main cabin and plans change. Itineraries get rebooked after delays, and the airline releases seats it was holding back. Most of those openings happen while you're asleep or at work. United has run a version of this for a while, monitoring availability until 12 hours before departure. By mid-2024 the airline said more than 30% of customers who saved a preference ended up in the seat they wanted, which suggests these tools do more than they sound like they would. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_0616.jpg) --- ## The Snack Part This one is narrower. Executive Platinum and ConciergeKey members, American's top two status tiers, will be able to preorder the free snack they get in the main cabin. The cutoff looks to be around 20 hours before departure. It's a small thing, and it solves a real annoyance. Cabin crews work from the front, so passengers at the back of the aircraft often get whatever's left rather than what they wanted. --- ## Using It Well A few things worth knowing when the feature arrives. - **Be specific about what you want.** A preference that accepts almost anything will move you for marginal gains. Aisle only, or forward of the wing only, produces better results. - **Set it as soon as you book.** The longer the tool watches, the more openings it sees. - **Check where your seat sits before you accept an aisle anywhere.** Row 30 on the aisle isn't obviously better than row 12 in a middle seat if you have a tight connection. - **Remember the rows that don't recline.** Being moved in front of an exit row is a downgrade the app won't know about. --- ## Why Airlines Want This Seat selection has become one of the biggest sources of extra revenue in the industry, and airlines charge for the good ones. A tool that finds you a better seat for free might look like it works against that. It doesn't, quite. Seats handed out this way are the ones nobody paid for, and the feature costs the airline nothing to run. What it buys is goodwill and time in the app, which is where airlines want their customers making decisions. Most big carriers will have something like it before long, because the ones that don't will look dated by comparison. ### Bangladesh Just Bought 11 More Boeing Jets, and the US Commerce Secretary Was in the Room URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/biman-bangladesh-boeing-order-787-737-max/ Last updated: 2026-09-24T18:00:43.000Z Biman Bangladesh Airlines has ordered 11 more Boeing aircraft, five 787-10s and six 737 MAX 8s. That takes the national carrier's total for the year to 25 jets, after an order for 14 in April that was already the largest in its history. These aircraft matter for anyone flying to or from Dhaka. What's more interesting is where the deal got signed. Order book ### What Biman Bought This Year April **Largest order in Biman's history**14 Boeing 787 and 737 MAX jets September **Follow-on order**5 Boeing 787-10s and 6 737 MAX 8s Total for 2026 **25 aircraft on order**Both deals announced by Boeing Flying today 787, 777 and older 737s 787-10 adds Seats on existing routes 737 MAX 8 adds Range on shorter routes Order details from Boeing. The fuel efficiency gain of 20 to 25% over replaced aircraft is the manufacturer's own figure. Contrail --- ## Where It Was Signed Boeing and Biman announced the order on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, with a row of officials from both governments standing behind it. Bangladesh sent its civil aviation minister, a state minister for foreign affairs and an advisor to the prime minister. Washington sent Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau. That's a lot of political weight for 11 airplanes. It also isn't unusual anymore. Large aircraft orders have become one of the few transactions a government can point to in public when it wants to show a relationship is healthy. They involve big numbers, they run for years, and they support jobs in the country selling them. Turkish Airlines finalized an order for up to 150 Boeing 737 MAX jets the same week, which gives you a sense of how busy that particular diplomatic channel has been. None of that means the aircraft aren't needed. It does mean the timing and the venue were chosen carefully. --- ## The Order Biman flies 787s, 777s and older 737s today. Its network connects Bangladesh with the Middle East, South and Southeast Asia, and Europe. Each type in this order does a different job. A 787-10 is the largest version of the Dreamliner, so it adds seats on routes Biman already flies rather than opening new ones. MAX 8s fly farther than the older 737s they replace, which stretches how far the airline can reach on single-aisle routes. Boeing says both families burn 20 to 25% less fuel than the aircraft they replace. That's the manufacturer's own figure, though the direction is right, and fuel is the cost that decides whether a route survives. ![A large jetliner taking off from an airport runway](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1732649528894-964e3e3bd15b?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDExfHxiaW1hbnxlbnwwfHx8fDE3OTAyNDc1NDJ8MA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by Bornil Amin / Unsplash --- ## What It Means for Passengers Not much immediately. Aircraft ordered this year arrive over the back half of the decade, and airlines rarely announce which routes get them until closer to delivery. Over time, three things usually follow an order this size: - **Newer cabins.** Replacement aircraft mean better seats and working entertainment systems, which matters on an airline whose older jets vary a lot. - **More capacity to the same places.** The 787-10 points at busier existing routes rather than new destinations. - **Longer single-aisle flights.** The MAX 8's range lets Biman serve places that previously needed a widebody. Whether that translates into a better trip depends on things an order doesn't fix. Fleet renewal is the easiest part of running an airline to announce and the hardest to feel from seat 34K until the aircraft actually shows up. ### Qantas Workers Walked Out Today. Airport Strikes Keep Happening for the Same Reason. URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/qantas-airport-strike-why-strikes-keep-happening/ Last updated: 2026-09-24T17:34:34.000Z Hundreds of Qantas airport workers began a 24-hour strike this morning at Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth. Their union, the Transport Workers' Union, says they want pay that matches industry standards. They're also after more full-time jobs and better safety on the ramp. Those involved work for Qantas Ground Services, the freight operation Australian Air Express and the regional arm QantasLink. In Sydney they were joined by around 400 security screeners staging two separate two-hour walkouts, with another three-hour stoppage planned for Sunday. ![an aerial view of an airport with many planes](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1715268358642-fdab48114710?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDF8fHN5ZG5leSUyMGFpcnBvcnR8ZW58MHx8fHwxNzkwMjUwODM0fDA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by David Syphers / Unsplash --- ## If You're Flying Today Less than the headline suggests, which is usually true of airport strikes. The striking staff mostly handle freight rather than Qantas mainline domestic and international flights. A smaller group supports QantasLink at Sydney. Screener walkouts are the part passengers will feel. Fewer security lanes open means longer lines at Sydney, so if you're flying from there today, build in extra time. Check your flight status before leaving, and give yourself a bigger buffer than usual if you're connecting. --- ## The Dispute This one has been building for nearly a year. Both sides have been negotiating for around 11 months and stayed deadlocked at Australia's Fair Work Commission, the tribunal that handles industrial disputes. In a ballot, 97% of the 350 workers who voted backed taking action. Structure is the union's specific complaint. Qantas splits these employees across different subsidiaries, and the TWU argues that fragments the workforce and drives down conditions. Union national secretary Michael Kaine called strike action a last resort, and said the airline needs a fundamental reset after years of cost-cutting. There's history here too. Qantas outsourced more than 1,800 ground handling jobs during the pandemic, a decision the courts later found illegal, and a judge ordered the airline to pay a record fine of A$90 million over it. ![a group of airplanes that are sitting on a runway](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1705782416111-eee19bb69d75?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDN8fFFhbnRhc3xlbnwwfHx8fDE3OTAyNTA5NzV8MA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by Josh Withers / Unsplash --- ## Why Airport Strikes Keep Happening Airport strikes hit somewhere in the world most months, and they're remarkably consistent in what causes them. **Airlines pushed ground work outside the company.** Baggage handling, cleaning, catering and refueling were once done by airline staff, and so was screening. Most of it now sits with contractors and subsidiaries competing on price, which is exactly the setup that produces pay disputes. **A small group can stop a large operation.** Two hundred refuelers or four hundred screeners can slow an airport in a way that two hundred office workers never could. That leverage is the point, and unions know precisely when to use it. **Margins are thin, so labor is where the savings come from.** Airlines don't make much per ticket, even in good years. Fuel, aircraft and airport fees are largely fixed, which leaves wages as the flexible cost, and squeezing it repeatedly is what eventually produces a ballot. **Strike law makes them public and scheduled.** In most countries, workers must give notice before striking. That's why you see announcements days ahead rather than surprise walkouts, and why airlines have time to cancel flights in advance. **Peak travel gives the most leverage.** Strikes cluster around holidays and busy seasons because that's when a stoppage costs the employer most. That's also when it costs passengers most, which is the uncomfortable part of how this works. **Pandemic cuts are still working through the system.** Airlines cut deep in 2020 and 2021, then rehired quickly when demand returned. A lot of today's disputes are workers trying to win back what they lost in those years. --- ## If It's Your Flight - **Check whether your specific flight is affected,** since most strikes cover a subset of an airline's operation rather than all of it. - **Watch for a travel waiver.** Airlines usually let passengers rebook free during announced industrial action. - **Know your refund right.** If your flight is canceled and you don't take the alternative, you're owed your money back, whatever the cause. - **Arrive earlier than you think you need to** if screeners are involved, since that's the delay passengers feel most. ### Why Your Next Cheap Flight Might Not Exist URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/jet-fuel-prices-budget-airlines-cutting-routes/ Last updated: 2026-09-24T17:34:28.000Z Flair Airlines is scaling back its push into the United States and its pursuit of business travelers, and the reason is the price of jet fuel. Chief executive Len Corrado told the Canadian Press that fuel makes up close to a third of the airline's costs. That share is the whole story. A full-service airline selling business class and premium economy alongside coach has more places to absorb a cost increase. An airline selling cheap seats has almost none, because the fare is the product. Who is pulling back ### Budget Airlines Cutting as Fuel Climbs Flair **Pulling back from US routes and business travelers** Canada Ryanair **Full-year forecast cut from 216m to 214m passengers** Europe Corendon **Winter fleet shrinking from 30 aircraft to 21** Europe AirAsia **Long-haul expansion shelved for now** Asia US jet fuel, Sep 17 $4.53 a gallon Global price, one week Up 6.1% Fuel at Flair About a third of costs Fuel prices from Airlines for America. Airline plans as stated by their executives in September 2026. Contrail --- ## The Same Week, the Same Story Flair is not alone, and the list has grown quickly this month. - **Ryanair** cut its full-year passenger forecast from 216 million to 214 million, and chief executive Michael O'Leary warned that oil prices could push its fares up. - **Corendon**, a leisure airline flying Europeans to beach destinations, is shrinking its fleet from 30 aircraft to 21 this winter. - **AirAsia** has shelved its long-haul expansion, with co-founder Tony Fernandes saying now is not the time. US jet fuel hit $4.53 a gallon on September 17 according to Airlines for America, and the global price rose 6.1% in a single week. ![white and blue plane](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1562368221-a2e827a7a6eb?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDN8fHJ5YW5haXJ8ZW58MHx8fHwxNzkwMTY1MDM1fDA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by Kevin Hackert / Unsplash --- ## Why Budget Carriers Feel It First Three things make low-cost airlines more exposed. **Their margins are thinner per seat.** A few dollars of extra fuel cost matters more on a $59 fare than on a $590 one. **They fly more marginal routes.** Budget carriers build networks out of thin city pairs that barely work in good conditions, and those are the first to stop making sense. **They hedge less.** Large carriers often lock in fuel prices months ahead, which softens a spike. Smaller airlines frequently pay closer to the market rate, so a spike lands on them immediately. Bigger airlines aren't immune either. American says fuel adds about $1 billion to its fourth-quarter costs, United has pulled some December flights and Southwest halved its growth plan for the year. The difference is that a network carrier trims the edges of its schedule, while a budget airline may pull out of a market completely. --- ## What It Means for Fares Cheap seats don't disappear overnight, though they do get scarcer, and the cheapest ones go first. Practically, that means fewer $39 fares on quiet days and fewer routes flown once or twice a week. It also means less competition on the routes that remain. When a city loses its only budget airline, prices usually rise on every other carrier serving it. If you're booking winter travel on a low-cost carrier, book earlier than you normally would, and check whether the route has more than one flight a week. A schedule that thin is the kind an airline drops when fuel stays expensive. ### The World's Longest Passenger Jet Makes Its Last Flight Next Month URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/lufthansa-a340-600-final-flight-retirement/ Last updated: 2026-09-23T18:00:07.000Z Just over a month from now, on October 25, the Airbus A340-600 makes its last scheduled passenger flight. That service leaves Riyadh for Frankfurt, and when it lands, one of the most distinctive aircraft of the past 25 years goes quiet for good. Only one airline in the world still flies passengers on the type, and that's Lufthansa. The German carrier has been the most loyal operator the A340-600 ever had, running 24 of them at its peak out of the 97 Airbus ever built. A handful are left now, and most of those have already been parked. Until then you can still catch one. Through October 24, Lufthansa is flying daily rotations from Frankfurt to New York JFK, Washington Dulles and Riyadh. That's 145 flights in the type's final month. End of the line ### The Last A340-600 in Passenger Service Final flight **October 25, 2026**Riyadh to Frankfurt Last routes **Frankfurt to JFK, Dulles and Riyadh**Daily through October 24 First flight **2001**Virgin Atlantic was launch customer Lufthansa fleet **24 at its peak**Out of 97 ever built Cabin **281 seats in four classes**Eight first class suites Length 75.36 m (247 ft 5 in) Range About 7,500 nautical miles Engines Four Rolls-Royce Trent 556 Schedule data from Cirium. Lufthansa is the last airline flying the A340-600 in passenger service. Contrail --- ## Why Four Engines Lost Quadjets built modern aviation. For decades, four engines meant range, and an airline wanting to cross an ocean needed them. So why are they disappearing? It comes down to one word: money. Four engines cost more to run than two, and the gap isn't small. Today's twins pair highly efficient engines with less weight and less drag. Maintenance bills are far lower too, since there are half as many engines to inspect, service and eventually replace. What changed is that twins caught up on the things quads used to own. Boeing's 787 and the Airbus A350 fly the distances that once required four engines, and they carry a comparable load of passengers. Lufthansa's A340-600 seats 281 people across four cabins, which is well within what a modern twin handles. That leaves airlines with an aircraft that does the same job for more money. Flying a full A340-600 can cost more than flying a half-empty 787, and no amount of affection for a design survives that math for long. --- ## What Made It Special This variant stretched the A340 family into something genuinely unusual. When it entered service it was the longest airliner ever built, measuring 75.36 meters or 247 feet and 5 inches. Boeing's 747-8 and 777-9 have since passed it, but for years nothing else came close. It first flew in 2001, with Virgin Atlantic as the launch customer, and Lufthansa introduced its own in 2003\. Four Rolls-Royce Trent 556 engines push it to a cruising speed around Mach 0.83, and it can fly roughly 7,500 nautical miles, far enough to connect almost any two major cities in a single hop. Its wingspan measures 63.45 meters, and a fully loaded example weighs up to 368 tonnes at takeoff. Inside, the cabin is a time capsule of early 2000s long-haul design. Lufthansa's version has eight first class suites in a 1-2-1 layout, business class in an angled 2-2-2 arrangement where window passengers climb over a neighbor to reach the aisle, premium economy at 2-3-2 and economy at 2-4-2\. Some of the lavatories sit below the main deck, down a staircase, which almost no other airliner has done. ![White airbus aircraft nose section parked outdoors](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1784478507124-3d6a087c8363?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDF8fGEzNDAtNjAwfGVufDB8fHx8MTc5MDE2MDg1NHww&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by Pierre Goiffon / Unsplash --- ## A Bittersweet Goodbye Lufthansa isn't giving up on big old aircraft entirely. It still flies the world's largest passenger fleet of Boeing 747s, so the four-engine sound won't vanish from Frankfurt when the A340s go. Even so, October 25 is a real ending. An aircraft that carried Lufthansa's flag across the Atlantic for two decades is being replaced by something quieter and cheaper. To a lot of people who love flying, it's also considerably less interesting to watch. If you want one last ride, the Frankfurt routes to JFK, Dulles and Riyadh are the only places left to find one. There are just a few weeks to do it. ### I Spent Five Hours on a Brand-New Plane With Nothing Inside It URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/indigo-a320neo-economy-review-tbilisi-mumbai/ Last updated: 2026-09-23T11:52:45.000Z IndiGo is India's largest airline and one of the biggest low-cost carriers in the world, and it flies one of the youngest fleets anywhere. My plane had taken its first flight less than two years before I stepped on it. I recently flew them from Tbilisi to Mumbai, a five-hour hop that's longer than most people picture when they hear low-cost, on an Airbus A320neo. That's the newer and more fuel-efficient version of the single-aisle jet most of us fly on short routes. My fare included a meal. I also paid for Fast Forward, IndiGo's priority check-in and boarding service, mostly so I'd have time to photograph the plane. Flight Details ### IndiGo 6E 1824 TBS Tbilisi Tbilisi Intl · Gate 103 10:2614m early 5h 10m · 2,261 mi BOM Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Intl · Terminal 2 17:0624m early Cabin Economy Aircraft Airbus A320neo Aircraft age Almost 2 years Registration VT-IQL Contrail The Verdict · 6E 1824 Economy **6.0**Overall A nearly new A320neo with almost nothing in the cabin, rescued by a crew that kept showing up. Ground experience 6.6 Seat 6.0 Amenities 3.2 Catering 6.0 Service 8.0 #### What worked *✓*Warm, Attentive Cabin Crew *✓*Generous Under-Seat Floor Space *✓*Fair Buy-On-Board Prices #### What didn't work *✕*Unexplained Boarding Sequence *✕*Inoperative Recline Button *✕*No Power Outlets at Any Seat Contrail --- ## Leaving Tbilisi Tbilisi International is a small airport with a big name and not many flights a day, and Georgia has talked about expanding it to keep up with demand. Having spent an evening there, I'd say that's overdue. High ceilings keep it from feeling grim, but there aren't nearly enough seats at the gates. The chairs are rock hard, and the whole place smells faintly of smoke. There are more shops than places to eat, though Costa Coffee sits near the gates, along with a Dunkin' and a Wendy's. If American fast food in this part of the world excites you, this is your airport. Check-in was quick and there was no line at all with Fast Forward. The agent handed me an arrival card to fill out on the spot, then never collected it, and there was some doubt about my visa before we got that far. Security is run in small batches, letting only a few people through at a time, which takes a lot of the stress out of it. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_3172-1.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_3180.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_3188.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_3199-2.JPG) Boarding was posted for a full hour before departure, and the crew actually started six minutes after that time. Since the clock had been set so early, nobody was inconvenienced. What I couldn't work out was the order. Boarding began with groups 2 and 3, and I found no explanation anywhere for why. Illustrated for Contrail IndiGo Airbus A320neo · VT-IQL Drawn by **Caleb St. John** · Caleb's Aviation Every Contrail review carries an original drawing of the aircraft flown, made for us by Caleb St. John, who draws aircraft to raise awareness for young people in aviation living with health conditions. --- ## A Nearly New Cabin With Nothing In It Walking on, the cabin showed more wear than I expected from a plane this new. It wasn't in bad shape, and the seats and tray tables were genuinely clean, so nothing felt neglected. The recline button on my seat was completely broken, though, and the carpet was an odd choice. Seat Map Economy · 3–3 VT-IQL A B C D E F 1 A B C D E F 2 A B C D E F 3 A B C D E F 4 A B C D E F 5 A B C D E F 6 A B C D E F Economy · rows 1–31 · seat 3C (rows 1–6 shown) Contrail Seat comfort is the real problem. These are thin, hard and among the least comfortable I've sat in, particularly right under where you sit. Armrests are narrow, and the seatback pocket is too small to hold much. Every time the passenger behind me grabbed my seat to stand up, the whole thing rocked. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_3215.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_3218.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_3226.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_3232.JPG) Two things surprised me in the other direction. Legroom was better than I expected for a low-cost carrier, and knee room is what stands out most about this cabin. Floor space is excellent too, because there are no entertainment boxes bolted under the seats. Anyone who's had a foot wedged sideways around one of those boxes on another airline will understand why I noticed. On amenities there's nothing to report, and I mean nothing. No screens and no Wi-Fi. No power outlets or USB ports, no headphones and no pillows. A seatback magazine is mostly ads, though at least it carries the food menu. With no internet, you can't stream anything to your own device either, which feels like a missed opportunity on a fleet this new. IndiGo could sell Wi-Fi and make passengers happier at the same time. Bring something to do, because you'll need it for five hours. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_3239.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_3279.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_3270.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_3248.JPG) --- ## Five Dollars for Instant Noodles Food gets complicated on IndiGo, because almost everything costs money unless your fare includes it. Mine came with a sandwich and a snack bag, and drinks didn't appear to be free for anyone who hadn't bought a meal. The buy-on-board menu is reasonable, and the prices aren't outrageous by airline standards. I pressed the call button to order and a flight attendant came quickly, then explained they were about to come through selling food anyway, so my order could wait. My included sandwich was bad, which is why I spent five dollars on a cup of instant noodles instead. Those were great. A mango smoothie drink was good, and the snacks were snacks. One warning: the wooden fork split while I was eating and jabbed the inside of my lip. That hurt. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_3295-1.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_3301-1.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_3306.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_3320.JPG) --- ## The Crew Carried It Service is where this flight went from forgettable to fine. The crew were professional in a way that felt practiced rather than scripted, addressing me as sir and responding fast whenever I asked for anything. The lead flight attendant brought me a cup of water with a smile every time I asked, including once on her way back up the aisle after the meal service. A line formed several times for the single forward lavatory, which was basic but reasonably clean when I got in. Its sink wasn't working. The crew checked it, apologized and couldn't fix it, so they gave me a cup of water to rinse my hands. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_3335.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_3344.JPG) Trash was the one gap. Nobody collected it for a long stretch after the meal, long enough that passengers started carrying their own cups and wrappers up to the galley. I eventually did the same, and the crew were nice about it. Somebody did come through for it in the end, and it struck me as an odd oversight from a team this attentive. Then they did something I wasn't expecting. Twice in the run-up to landing they came down the aisle with trays of water. On a five-hour flight, those two rounds went a long way, and for a low-cost airline it's more than most bother with. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_3350.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_3234.JPG) --- ## Would I Do It Again? Probably not, though it wasn't the ordeal I'd half expected. IndiGo has newer planes than most airlines you'll fly and it puts almost nothing inside them. On a two-hour domestic hop across India, that trade makes sense. Five hours is where the hard seat and the empty seatback start to wear on you. If you're booking it, pay for the meal or plan on buying the noodles. Load your phone with something to watch before you leave, and go for an exit row if the budget stretches. The crew will take care of the rest. ### A New Federal Rule Could Cost You the Hotel Room After a Canceled Flight URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/dot-rule-delay-cancellation-hotel-meal-benefits/ Last updated: 2026-09-22T21:56:17.000Z When your flight falls apart, one question decides whether you get anything beyond a new seat on a later flight: whose fault was it? US airlines promise meals, hotel rooms, ground transportation and free rebooking when a disruption is within their control. When it isn't, you're mostly on your own. A federal rule taking effect on October 19 moves ten specific causes out of the airline's column. Published by the Department of Transportation on September 3, it carries out an instruction Congress wrote into the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024. Rule change ### Ten Causes Leaving the Airline's Column No longer the airline's fault Cleaning after a passenger dies onboard Aircraft damage from weather, debris or sabotage Some baggage system failures Cyberattacks, if security rules were followed Government system failures affecting safety Also moving out Overheated brakes after a safety incident Unscheduled maintenance that can't be deferred Medical emergencies the airline didn't cause Removing an unruly passenger Airport closures from ash, wind or wind shear Takes effect October 19, 2026 Meals and hotels May no longer apply Refund rights Unchanged Based on the Department of Transportation final rule published September 3, 2026, carrying out Section 511(b) of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024. Contrail --- ## What Changes Until now, airlines have reported most disruptions under a category called "Air Carrier," which the government reserves for things a carrier could have controlled. That reporting code is also what many airline customer service commitments hang on. This rule creates a new category named after Section 511(b) of the law. Ten causes move into it: - Cleaning an aircraft after a passenger dies onboard - Aircraft damage from extreme weather, debris on the runway or sabotage - Certain baggage system failures outside the airline's control - Cyberattacks, as long as the airline followed the required security rules - Unexpected government system failures that affect safe operations - Overheated brakes following a safety incident - Certain unscheduled maintenance that can't be deferred - Medical emergencies the airline didn't cause - Removing an unruly passenger - Airport closures from volcanic ash, high winds or wind shear --- ## What It Means for Passengers DOT expects the total value of amenities and compensation airlines hand out to fall, because fewer disruptions will sit in the category that triggers them. It also said it can't estimate how much, since it doesn't know how often these ten causes actually come up. In practice, this shows up on the day your trip goes wrong. Say an unruly passenger gets removed and your flight times out, or a maintenance problem appears that can't wait. Your airline may no longer classify that as controllable, and the hotel room it would have covered in September becomes your problem in November. Monday's air traffic failure in New York is a useful example. A construction crew cut a fiber line, the FAA lost the telecom links it needed and flights stopped across the Northeast. Under the new rule, a government system failure like that sits squarely in the Section 511(b) category. --- ## Your Refund Rights Don't Change This part matters, because the two things get confused constantly. Federal refund rules are separate and still apply. If an airline cancels your flight or makes a significant change to it, and you don't accept the alternative it offers, you're owed a prompt refund. The reason for the cancellation makes no difference to that right, and no airline classification affects it. What the new rule touches is the extra help: meals, hotels, ground transportation and rebooking promises that airlines publish in their customer service plans. Those are commitments each airline makes for disruptions it considers within its control, and the government holds them to what they've published. ### Air Zimbabwe Is Flying to London Again After 14 Years. There's a Catch in How. URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/air-zimbabwe-harare-london-gatwick-return/ Last updated: 2026-09-22T16:49:39.000Z After 14 years away, Air Zimbabwe has landed back in London. The airline resumed nonstop flights between Harare and London Gatwick on July 22, a few weeks after the UK Civil Aviation Authority granted it a foreign operator permit, the license any overseas airline needs to fly scheduled service into Britain. Flights now run three times a week. They leave Harare on Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Return flights depart Gatwick on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays. For many Zimbabweans, and for travelers who remember the old service, it's a genuinely nostalgic moment. There's also a catch that most of the celebration skipped over. Harare to London ### Air Zimbabwe's Road Back to Gatwick 2007 **British Airways leaves Harare**Air Zimbabwe keeps the only nonstop Dec 2011 **A Boeing 767 is impounded at Gatwick**Seized over an unpaid debt 2012 **London service suspended** May 2017 **Added to the EU Air Safety List**Britain applies the same ban Jul 1, 2026 **UK operating permit granted** Jul 22, 2026 **Harare to Gatwick returns**On a wet-leased Plus Ultra A330 Schedule 3 flights a week Aircraft A330-300, 302 seats Lease runs 13 months Operated by Plus Ultra of Spain on Air Zimbabwe's behalf: 30 business class and 272 economy seats. Contrail --- ## Why It Matters Plenty of people travel between London and Zimbabwe, and until July almost none of them could do it without changing planes. Depending on the airline, that meant stopping in Dubai or Addis Ababa. Others routed through Johannesburg, Luanda or Kigali. Some trips needed two stops, adding hours and cost every time. A nonstop takes all of that out. A nonstop also gives southern Africa another direct link to Europe outside South Africa, where the London routes are among the most competitive on the continent. British Airways and Virgin Atlantic both fly daily nonstops to South Africa, and Air Zimbabwe has chosen not to compete there directly. --- ## How the Airline Fell Apart That long absence wasn't an accident. When Zimbabwe's economy entered a deep crisis in the early 2000s, the currency lost most of its value and the country eventually switched to the US dollar. As a state-owned airline, it went through frequent leadership changes and allegations of fraud and corruption among senior officials. IATA, the global airline trade body, suspended it at various points over unpaid debts. Pilot strikes became routine. Creditors began going after its aircraft. London's low point came in December 2011, when one of the airline's Boeing 767s was impounded at Gatwick over an unpaid debt. Service was suspended in early 2012. Then came the problem that still shapes everything today. In May 2017, Air Zimbabwe was placed on the EU Air Safety List, which bars listed airlines from flying their own aircraft into European airspace. Britain applied the same ban. ![a street sign that says you are now entering zimbawe](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1678059466227-d19beeff7557?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDJ8fHppbWJhYndlfGVufDB8fHx8MTc5MDA5NTczMXww&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by Chloe Evans / Unsplash --- ## Getting Around the Ban That ban is still in force. So how is an airline that can't fly its own planes into Britain flying to Gatwick three times a week? It's using a wet lease, which the industry calls an ACMI deal. Under one, another airline supplies the aircraft and crew along with the maintenance and insurance. Spanish airline Plus Ultra supplies a 302-seat Airbus A330-300 along with its own pilots, cabin crew, maintenance and insurance. Air Zimbabwe sells the tickets, puts its flight code on the booking and handles the passengers. Safety regulators allow this because the flight is operated by a carrier that isn't on the list. In practice, that means passengers are flying on a Spanish-registered aircraft under Spanish safety oversight, whatever the logo on the ticket says. --- ## What Could Go Right, and Wrong This arrangement has real advantages. Air Zimbabwe can test whether London works commercially without buying or leasing a long-haul jet and taking on all the cost of crewing and maintaining it. It can focus on selling seats and marketing the route, which is where its energy belongs right now. Early signs are good, with the airline reporting full A330 flights and new cargo business alongside its passenger service. Control is the risk. Plus Ultra's deal runs for 13 months, after which it can be renewed or allowed to lapse. If it lapses and Air Zimbabwe hasn't lined up another aircraft, the route could disappear as quickly as it came back. Management has said it wants more aircraft, but it hasn't announced any firm orders. At home, Air Zimbabwe is also expanding domestically, with plans for services to Victoria Falls and Masvingo on smaller ATR 42 and Dash 8 turboprops. --- ## The Real Test Air Zimbabwe's return to London is an important moment, but getting back into the market was the easier part. What passengers and business partners will be watching is whether it can run a reliable operation for long enough to earn back the trust it lost. Government ownership will shape that as much as anything. State support can help the airline grow, while frequent interference in management has a track record of doing the opposite, and a balance between the two will decide a lot. So will the 13-month clock on the lease. By the time it runs out, Air Zimbabwe needs to have shown it's more than a nostalgic comeback, and that it can keep a long-haul route flying on its own terms. ### A One-Millisecond Flaw Canceled 2,000 Flights. Britain Now Knows Why. URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/nats-report-uk-air-traffic-control-failure-2026/ Last updated: 2026-09-21T18:00:43.000Z Britain now has an explanation for the day its airspace seized up. NATS, the company that runs air traffic control in the UK, published a preliminary report on Friday. It covers the September 8 failure that canceled more than 2,000 flights and disrupted travel for over 300,000 people. It came down to a defect buried in a small piece of old code, and the window in which it could go wrong was about one millisecond. Timeline ### How Six Hours Grounded a Country Sep 8 **Squawk code request interrupted**A higher-priority task pauses a valid manual request Milliseconds later **Legacy defect corrupts flight data**The exposure window is about one thousandth of a second Within hours **London Area Control falls back to manual**Traffic limits go out across the UK That day **2,000+ flights canceled**About 1,800 fewer flights handled than planned Sep 18 **Preliminary report published**Cyberattack and military interference ruled out Within 60 days **Full investigation due**Root causes, resilience and NATS' response Passengers affected 300,000+ Ryanair cancellations 260 flights British Airways Close to 200 Cancellation figures from Cirium. Sequence as described in the NATS preliminary report. Contrail --- ## What Went Wrong That defect sat inside the National Airspace System, the platform that manages flight data across the UK. One part of it assigns squawk codes, which are the four-digit identifiers a plane transmits so controllers can match it on radar to the right flight plan. A controller made a perfectly valid manual request for one of those codes. While the system was working on it, a higher-priority message arrived and briefly paused the job. When the software went back to finish, a previously unknown defect corrupted the result. Corrupted data then spread. It generated repeated loss-of-connection messages between London Area Control and the wider system, and controllers had to fall back on manual procedures. Handling traffic that way is slower and safer only if you reduce the number of aircraft, so restrictions went out across the country. NATS handled about 1,800 fewer flights than planned that day. ![A large group of people sitting in an airport](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1729970582271-8dad00732eb5?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDJ8fGxvbmRvbiUyMGhlYXRocm93fGVufDB8fHx8MTc4OTk5OTYwMXww&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by Chris Bahr / Unsplash --- ## What It Wasn't NATS ruled out a few explanations that had been circulating. Chief executive Martin Rolfe said there's no evidence of a cyberattack or any malicious activity, and he dismissed speculation about military interference. The report also found no incorrect actions by civil or military operators. NATS says this was unrelated to its August 2023 flight-planning outage, the one that stranded travelers over a UK bank holiday weekend, and unrelated to a radar problem in July 2025\. Three major failures in three years is still three major failures, which is why the resilience question hasn't gone away. --- ## Who Got Hit Hardest Ryanair canceled 260 flights affecting 48,000 passengers and British Airways canceled close to 200, according to aviation analytics firm Cirium. Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester and Birmingham took the worst of it. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander, who requested this report, called the disruption completely unacceptable. Ryanair has criticized NATS over resilience and is seeking compensation for its costs. Rolfe apologized for the failure and rejected calls to resign. ![white and red plane on the sky](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1595279211419-88239fbff506?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDN8fGJyaXRpc2glMjBhaXJ8ZW58MHx8fHwxNzg5OTk5NTEyfDA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by Nick Fewings / Unsplash --- ## What Happens Next A mitigation is already in place, and NATS says a permanent fix is being safety tested before it goes live. The full investigation is due within 60 days of the incident. It'll look at root causes, at how resilient the system is, and at how NATS handled its response and communications. The Civil Aviation Authority is running an independent review alongside it. --- ## If You Were Caught Up In It Compensation for this kind of event is where travelers usually get a nasty surprise. Under UK rules, airlines owe cash compensation when a cancellation is their fault, but an air traffic control failure is generally treated as an extraordinary circumstance outside their control. That means most passengers won't get a compensation payment. What airlines do still owe is care. If you were delayed long enough, that covers meals and refreshments, and a hotel plus transport when you were stuck overnight. If you paid for those yourself and kept receipts, you can still claim them back. You're also entitled to a rebooking or a full refund when your flight was canceled, and that right doesn't depend on whose fault it was. If your airline sent you a blanket denial citing the outage, the compensation part is probably right and the care part may not be. Those are two different claims, and they're worth filing separately. ### Flights to New York and Philadelphia Are Being Held on the Ground After an FAA Equipment Failure URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/faa-equipment-outage-ground-stop-newark-jfk-laguardia/ Last updated: 2026-09-21T18:31:53.000Z ✅ ****Update, 1:50 p.m. ET:** Traffic appears to be resuming at all affected airports, but slowly. Diverted flights still need to reposition to their original destinations, and they're competing for limited arrival slots with everything that was held on the ground. Expect delays and some cancellations for the rest of the day, even with the ground stops lifting. Flights headed to six airports in the New York and Philadelphia area are being held at their departure airports on Monday after an equipment outage in the Federal Aviation Administration's air traffic system. It issued ground stops, which keep flights bound for an affected airport from taking off until the restriction lifts. Flight tracker Flightradar24 reported the stop began at Newark, Philadelphia and Teterboro. It has since expanded to JFK and LaGuardia, along with Westchester County Airport. By late morning Newark had logged 92 cancellations and nearly 70 diversions, with planes already in the air sent to other airports. So far the FAA hasn't said what failed or when normal operations will resume. Ground stop ### Airports Affected Right Now EWR **Newark Liberty**92 cancellations, nearly 70 diversions PHL **Philadelphia**Flights held at origin TEB **Teterboro**Flights held at origin JFK **John F. Kennedy**Added to ground stop LGA **LaGuardia**Added to ground stop HPN **Westchester County**Added to ground stop Cause FAA equipment outage Restriction Ground stop Sunday Separate JFK radar failure Airport list and Newark figures from Flightradar24, Monday, September 21\. Situation developing. Contrail --- ## The Second Failure in Two Days It's the second breakdown in the same airspace in two days. On Sunday, JFK suffered a total radar failure and Westchester lost its radio frequencies, forcing Newark and LaGuardia to hold flights too. Ground stops there were lifted by late morning, and the cause of that disruption is still under investigation. Newark's approach equipment has a troubled history. In 2025, controllers at the Philadelphia facility that handles Newark's approach traffic lost radar and radio contact with aircraft for about 90 seconds, and outages there repeated several times that spring. The FAA has been replacing aging copper wiring with fiber optic lines between its Philadelphia and New York facilities as part of a wider plan to modernize the air traffic control system. > New York airports JFK and La Guardia have now been added to the list of airports ground stopped (flights to those airports are held on the ground at their origin) due to the FAA equipment outage. > > All airports affected now: > > JFK > LGA > EWR > TEB > PHL > HPN [https://t.co/iY65Ywht3d](https://t.co/iY65Ywht3d?ref=thecontrail.org) > > — Flightradar24 (@flightradar24) [September 21, 2026](https://x.com/flightradar24/status/2102083166831861948?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=thecontrail.org) --- ## Why One Outage Spreads So Far New York is the most crowded airspace in the country, and its three major airports share approach paths packed tightly together. When controllers lose equipment, the safe response is to reduce how many planes are in the air, and that means stopping them before they leave. A ground stop in New York ripples into delays at airports across the country, because the aircraft and crews meant for later flights end up stuck somewhere else. --- ## If You're Flying Today - **Check your flight status directly with your airline** before heading to the airport, since departure boards update faster than third-party apps. - **Look for a travel waiver.** Airlines often let passengers rebook for free during a large disruption, and those waivers appear on their websites. - **If your flight is canceled, you're entitled to a refund** if you choose not to travel, regardless of the cause. - **Expect knock-on delays** well into the evening even after the ground stop lifts, because aircraft and crews will be out of position. This story will be updated as the FAA releases more information. ### Where Airplane Toilet Waste Actually Goes URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/how-airplane-toilets-work-waste/ Last updated: 2026-09-21T13:39:30.000Z Few things onboard generate more confident misinformation than the toilet. People believe waste gets released over the countryside, that the blue liquid is what breaks it down, and that the roar when you press the button is the sound of it being sucked out of the plane. None of that is true, and what actually happens is more interesting. Myth vs reality ### How Airplane Toilets Work What people think Waste is released in flight The blue liquid breaks it down The flush noise is suction to the outside A smell means a full tank What actually happens The tank stays sealed until a truck drains it on the ground Modern vacuum toilets use very little of it, and mainly for sanitizing It's cabin air rushing through the waste line It usually means a leaking seal or a servicing error System Vacuum, not water What moves it Cabin pressure Emptied On the ground Leak on the outside Called blue ice Contrail --- ## The Vacuum, Not the Water Your toilet at home uses gravity and several liters of water. That wouldn't work well on a plane, where every liter weighs money in fuel and the whole thing tips backward on climb out. Instead, aircraft use a vacuum system. The cabin is pressurized while the outside air is thin, and that pressure difference does the work. Press the button and a valve opens onto a pipe held at lower pressure, and the contents get pulled along the line into a sealed tank toward the rear of the aircraft. Almost no water is involved, just a small rinse of the bowl and a nonstick coating that helps everything slide. That's also the reason for the noise. What you hear is air rushing through the pipe, which is much louder than water and gives the impression of something being expelled from the plane. --- ## Where It Goes Nowhere, until the plane lands. The tank stays sealed for the whole flight. On the ground, a service truck connects to a panel on the fuselage and drains the tank. It then gets rinsed and given a measured dose of disinfectant to keep odor down between flights. A long-haul widebody can carry several hundred gallons of capacity, which is why the system copes with a full flight to Asia without anyone noticing. The famous blue liquid is largely a thing of the past. It belonged to the older chemical toilets, where fluid in the bowl did the work of masking and breaking down waste. Modern vacuum systems use much less of it, and what's added at servicing is mainly to keep the tank sanitary. --- ## So What Is Blue Ice? There's one narrow case where waste does leave an aircraft in flight, and it's a maintenance failure rather than anything intentional. If a seal on the external service panel leaks, a small amount of fluid can escape into the airstream and freeze onto the outside of the aircraft. The industry calls this blue ice, after the color the disinfectant used to be. It can break away as the plane descends and warms up, which is the origin of every news story about something unpleasant falling out of the sky. It's rare, and it's a problem crews can't do anything about from the cockpit. --- ## Why You Can Sometimes Smell It Anyway A sealed system should give off no odor at all, so if you can smell one, something is wrong. Usually it's one of two things: a leaking seal or joint in the waste line, letting odor into the cabin through the floor or sidewalls, or a servicing error where a tank was emptied without being properly rinsed and recharged. The smell spreads because cabin air moves downward from the ceiling and toward the rear before it's filtered and recirculated. On a small regional jet there isn't much distance for anything to dissipate, so an odor at the back can reach the cockpit within minutes. If it happens on your flight, tell a flight attendant rather than putting up with it. A sewage smell isn't dangerous, and it's a different thing from what crews call a fume event, where engine oil or hydraulic fluid gets into the air supply and produces a burning or oily smell that can make people ill. Crews treat every unexplained smell as a possible fume event until they've identified it, which is why a leaking toilet gets reported to the flight deck and not just noted for the cleaners. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_7789-1.JPG) --- ## The Job Nobody Thinks About Somebody has to empty all of this in every kind of weather, usually in the 40 minutes between one flight leaving and the next boarding. Lavatory servicing is one of the least pleasant jobs on the ramp and one of the most reliably done. The measure of how well it works is that most passengers have flown hundreds of times and never once thought about where any of it went. ### Southwest Used to Include Everything. Now 60% of Flyers Pay Extra. URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/southwest-fees-assigned-seating-bags-2026/ Last updated: 2026-09-22T18:29:31.000Z For most of its history Southwest sold one experience to everyone on the plane. Two free checked bags, no assigned seats, and no way to pay for anything better. That model is gone, and the airline now has a number showing how completely it's gone. Chief financial officer Tom Doxey told investors at a Morgan Stanley conference this week that about 60% of Southwest passengers are buying extras like seat assignments or extra-legroom rows. Before the changes, the figure was under 20%. Asked whether 60% was a ceiling, Doxey said he doesn't think the company has a target, and that there's still room to go. What changed ### Southwest, Then and Now Until 2025 Two checked bags free for everyone Open seating, no assignments No extra-legroom rows to buy Under 20% of passengers bought extras Now $45 first bag, $55 second, on most fares Assigned seats, chosen at booking or check-in Extra-legroom and preferred seats sold separately About 60% of passengers buy extras Seating profit, 2026 Over $1 billion Bag fee profit About $1 billion a year Business revenue Up 30% Figures as stated by Southwest chief financial officer Tom Doxey at a Morgan Stanley conference, September 2026. Contrail --- ## How Southwest Got Here The shift happened in stages. Checked bag charges arrived in May 2025, ending a 54-year policy that had been the airline's single best-known feature. Assigned seating followed in January 2026, replacing the open boarding scramble with seats on your boarding pass. Extra-legroom rows went on sale at the same time. In April the airline raised bag fees to sit almost exactly where Delta and United had theirs. What's left is a fare ladder that looks like everyone else's. A Basic ticket gets you a seat assigned at check-in rather than at booking, boarding in the last group, and a flight credit instead of a refund if your plans change. Checked bags run $45 for the first and $55 for the second on every fare except the most expensive one. ![An aerial view of a blue and white airplane](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1732321657427-d1438af4226e?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDIwfHxzb3V0aHdlc3R8ZW58MHx8fHwxNzg5OTE3NDU5fDA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by David Syphers / Unsplash --- ## Why It's Working Money, mostly. Doxey said assigned seating and extra-legroom seats should produce more than $1 billion in operating profit this year and about $1.5 billion next year, with bag fees adding roughly another $1 billion a year. Business travel revenue is up 30% compared with last year. Those products cost very little to deliver, since the seats were already on the plane. That makes them far more profitable per dollar than selling another ticket, and it's the reason every large airline has moved this way. Southwest isn't finished either. It's rolling out Starlink internet, working with Chase on airport lounges, and considering a premium credit card to compete with the Delta and United versions. --- ## Is It Still Worth Booking? Sometimes, and the math is different than it used to be. - **Compare the total, not the fare.** A Southwest ticket plus a checked bag now costs about what the same trip costs on Delta or United. The old assumption that Southwest wins on price no longer holds by default. - **The bag fee is the swing factor.** If you travel with only a carry-on, Southwest fares still compete well. Check a bag and the gap mostly closes. - **Basic fares are restrictive.** Getting a seat assigned at check-in means families should expect to be split up unless they pay. - **The credit card still matters.** Southwest's co-brand cards include a checked bag benefit that can pay for itself on two round trips. The wider point for travelers is that the last major US airline offering a genuinely different deal has stopped offering it. Doxey's 60% figure suggests passengers made their peace with that quickly, though it's worth remembering they weren't given much choice. Once a fare exists that leaves you in the back with a bag charge, paying to avoid it stops feeling optional. ### How I Bought an $8,000 First Class Seat for $1,395 URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/buying-airline-miles-cheap-business-class/ Last updated: 2026-09-27T15:02:35.000Z People assume that flying 135 times in a year means I'm either rich or comped. Neither is true. I pay for my own tickets, no airline has ever flown me anywhere to review them, and I'm a college student. What I do have is one habit that most travelers never consider, and that the points world treats as slightly disreputable. I buy miles with cash. That's not credit card points earned from spending, and it isn't elite status either. I go to an airline's website, buy a pile of its currency during a promotion, then spend it on a seat that would cost several thousand dollars in cash. When it works, a long-haul business class ticket costs me less than a domestic coach fare. When it doesn't work, and I've had it not work, it's an expensive lesson in a currency I can't return. Below is the whole method. The math I run before every purchase, the three programs worth buying from, and the mistakes that cost me money before I understood them. _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Why Every Airline Suddenly Wants to Fly to This African Island URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/zanzibar-new-flights-airlines-2026-2027/ Last updated: 2026-09-19T23:00:10.000Z British Airways announced on Wednesday that it's going back to Tanzania for the first time since 2012\. Starting May 29, 2027, it'll fly from London Gatwick three times a week. Each rotation lands at Kilimanjaro first, continues to Zanzibar and flies home from there. The service runs through October 31, which lines up with UK school holidays and the peak safari season, and fares start at £849 round trip. For British travelers that's a useful piece of news, since reaching either airport has meant changing planes at somebody else's hub. Look at the last year of route announcements, though, and something bigger shows up. Airline after airline has been adding this one island. Route tracker ### Who Is Adding Zanzibar Jun 2026 **Airlink**Johannesburg Launched Jun–Sep 2026 **Etihad**Abu Dhabi Seasonal Sep 4, 2026 **EgyptAir**Cairo 2x weekly Oct 3, 2026 **Airlink**Cape Town, first nonstop Weekly May 29, 2027 **British Airways**London Gatwick via Kilimanjaro 3x weekly Jul 2027 **Air Tanzania**London Gatwick 3x weekly Visitors in 2025 917,167 Growth on 2024 Up nearly 25% Airport target 3m passengers a year Contrail --- ## Five Airlines in About a Year **EgyptAir** started flying Cairo to Zanzibar on September 4 this year, twice a week on Fridays and Sundays. It gave the islands their first direct link to North Africa without stopping in Nairobi, Addis Ababa or Dar es Salaam, and the first flight went out more than 90% full. **Airlink**, the South African carrier, launched Johannesburg to Zanzibar in June. On October 3 it adds the first nonstop between Cape Town and the island, flying every Saturday, so travelers in the Western Cape no longer have to backtrack through Johannesburg. **Etihad** brought back Abu Dhabi to Zanzibar this summer as a seasonal route, running from mid-June to early September. **Air Tanzania** plans to fly Gatwick to Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar from July 2027, three times a week. That would be the first nonstop service between the UK and Tanzania by any airline, and the carrier is buying eight aircraft over five years to make it work. Those join a list of existing services that already reads like a much larger airport. Arrivals on a single day this week included flights from Istanbul and Frankfurt. Rome, Dubai and Doha were on the board too, along with Nairobi and Addis Ababa. --- ## Why Now The visitor numbers explain most of it. Zanzibar welcomed a record 917,167 international visitors in 2025, which is up nearly 25% on the year before. Tourism boards everywhere claim growth like that. Very few actually post it. Airlines watch those figures closely, because a destination growing at that rate can usually fill seats without stealing passengers from anyone else. The island also sells two trips at once. Most visitors pair a few beach days with a safari on the mainland, which is exactly why British Airways built its route as a triangle through Kilimanjaro rather than flying straight to the coast. Politics helps too. Tanzanian officials have spent years pushing to diversify beyond the European charter market, and Zanzibar's government has been openly courting carriers from the Gulf and southern Africa. ![a hammock between two palm trees on a beach](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1646668072507-b2215b873c70?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDN8fHphbnppYmFyfGVufDB8fHx8MTc4OTg1NjcxMHww&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by Danai Tsoutreli / Unsplash --- ## The Airport Is the Bottleneck All of this lands at one airport with one runway, and it's being rebuilt while the flights keep arriving. Terminal 3 opened in 2020 and was designed for about 1.5 million passengers a year. A rebuilt Terminal 2 was 90% finished as of August and adds capacity for another 1.4 million. Officials say the airport will be able to handle up to three million passengers a year once the work is done, and they want it ready before Tanzania co-hosts the Africa Cup of Nations next year. Other pieces are further out. A much larger apron, which is the parking area where planes sit between flights, was only about a quarter built in August and isn't due until 2028\. A bridge linking the two terminals was a little over halfway done. That timing matters, because new routes arrive faster than concrete gets poured. Anyone flying in during peak season over the next two years should expect a busy terminal. --- ## What It Means If You're Going More competition usually means better fares, and the effect shows up first on connections rather than nonstops. Someone flying from the US now has more one-stop options through Doha and Dubai, Istanbul and Addis Ababa, and now Cairo as well. Those airlines have to price against each other. Two practical notes. British Airways opened sales this week for flights that are still 20 months away, and the cheapest seats on a new seasonal route tend to go early. And if you're combining a safari with the beach, look for itineraries that fly into Kilimanjaro and home from Zanzibar, since that's how the new schedules are built. The thing worth watching is whether the island can absorb what it's asked for. Roads, water and hotel capacity all have limits that a bigger terminal doesn't fix, and destinations that grow 25% in a year tend to find those limits quickly. ### One of Europe's Silliest Route Wars Is Happening in the Balkans URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/air-serbia-air-montenegro-frequency-war/ Last updated: 2026-09-22T18:29:43.000Z Belgrade to Podgorica is about 380 kilometers. It's under an hour in the air. This winter it will have 45 weekly departures, because Air Serbia and Air Montenegro have spent the last few weeks answering each other's schedule filings like a game of poker nobody wants to fold. Add Belgrade to Tivat and the two countries will be linked by 76 weekly flights from October 25, when the winter season starts. That's roughly eleven departures a day between Serbia and Montenegro, in the off season, on routes short enough that the seatbelt sign barely goes off. I love this. Let me explain how it happened. --- ## The escalation, in order It started with Air Montenegro filing 14 weekly flights between Podgorica and Belgrade. Air Serbia then boosted its own Podgorica service to four daily from Monday through Saturday, reaching 27 weekly. Montenegro's carrier came back with 18, up from the 14 it had filed. That includes three daily services on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays. Meanwhile on Tivat, Air Montenegro had already gone from seven weekly last winter to ten this year. Air Serbia responded by adding another daily flight, taking its own total to 21\. According to EX-YU Aviation News, which has been tracking every move, Air Montenegro is considering pushing Tivat higher still. So the tally as it stands: 45 weekly between Belgrade and Podgorica, 31 between Belgrade and Tivat. Neither airline has said it's done. Winter 2026/27 · from October 25 ### Seventy-six weekly flights, two countries Both carriers have raised frequencies more than once this month. Neither has said it's finished. Air Serbia Air Montenegro Belgrade – Podgorica*About 380km, under an hour* 45 weekly Air Serbia 27*4x daily Mon–Sat* Air Montenegro 18*up from 14 filed* Belgrade – Tivat*Montenegro's coastal airport* 31 weekly Air Serbia 21*added a daily* Air Montenegro 10*7 last winter* Passengers, 2025 685,316 Both routes combined, up 6.6% on 2024 Belgrade – Podgorica 356,896 Up 9.4%. Busiest route within the former Yugoslav markets Belgrade – Tivat 328,420 Up 3.7%. Tivat's largest market, ahead of Tel Aviv Frequencies for the season beginning 25 October 2026\. Passenger figures are full-year 2025\. Reporting by EX-YU Aviation News. Montenegro's population is around 620,000. contrail.travel --- ## The strange part is that the demand is real This looks like two small carriers losing their minds, and then you look at the passenger numbers. Those two routes carried a combined 685,316 passengers in 2025, up 6.6% on the year before. Belgrade to Podgorica alone did 356,896 and grew 9.4%, making it the busiest route within the former Yugoslav markets. Belgrade to Tivat handled 328,420. For scale, Belgrade was Podgorica's single busiest route last year. Istanbul came second at 290,827\. It was also Tivat's largest market, ahead of Tel Aviv at 201,531. Montenegro has a population of about 620,000\. Between them, those two airports moved over a million passengers to and from Belgrade last year, which is a ratio I had to check twice. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/sevcan-alkan-m0EVUgK_J5s-unsplash.jpg) --- ## Why a short flight beats the alternative Geography and paperwork explain why this corridor works so hard. The terrain between Belgrade and the Montenegrin coast is mountainous, which makes fast rail expensive to the point of implausibility and keeps road journeys long. Then you hit the border, a real crossing with real queues. Add both together and a flight of under an hour becomes the only way to do Belgrade to Podgorica and back in a working day. Then there are the family and property connections that survived the breakup of Yugoslavia. People go back and forth year round for reasons that have nothing to do with holidays, which is why the winter numbers hold up on a route you'd assume was seasonal. Summer adds tourists on top. --- ## The two airlines aren't fighting the same fight The asymmetry is what makes this more interesting than a straight capacity race. Belgrade is run as a connecting hub by Air Serbia, with a fleet that reached a record 40 aircraft this year. Its frequencies are designed to feed onward flights to New York, Chicago, Toronto and Shanghai among others. A passenger from Podgorica isn't only going to Belgrade. Quite a few are going through it. Podgorica isn't a transfer hub, and Air Montenegro sells the flight rather than the connection. So Belgrade is close to its whole game on this corridor, which explains why it keeps matching Air Serbia move for move. It can't afford to lose the one route that carries it. There's a fleet difference too. The Serbian carrier has been buying ATR 72-600 turboprops precisely so it can run high frequencies on short routes without flying half-empty jets. On a sub-hour sector with jet fuel around $171 a barrel, that's a structural advantage rather than a preference. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/Belgrade_Nikola_Tesla_Airport_2023.jpg) Credit: kallerna via Wikimedia Commons --- ## The context nobody is mentioning Now hold this up against what the rest of the industry is doing. Turkish Airlines is further reducing its ex-Yugoslav operations this winter. LOT is cutting its ex-Yugoslav flying by around 40%. IATA has halved its 2026 industry profit forecast. Ryanair has trimmed growth plans to reduce fuel exposure. Two carriers with a combined footprint smaller than a single European major are adding frequencies into a winter that everyone else is retreating from. Either they know something about this specific corridor that the majors don't, which is entirely possible given the numbers above, or somebody is going to spend a cold January flying a lot of empty seats. My guess is the first one, at least for Air Serbia. The route data supports the capacity and the turboprops make the economics work. Air Montenegro is the one taking the real risk, and it's taking it because the alternative is conceding the only market it has. Either way, 76 weekly flights over 380 kilometers in the dead of winter is a genuinely absurd number, and I mean that as a compliment. ### A Company Wants You to Borrow Money for a Flight You Can't Afford Yet URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/buy-now-pay-later-flights-bad-idea/ Last updated: 2026-09-24T11:57:50.000Z Laters.com is a flight booking site that lets you pay for your ticket in installments. It covers 650 airlines and partners with more than 40 lenders, among them Klarna, Afterpay and Affirm. And it puts "no credit check" on the homepage as a selling point. His own explanation of why he built it is the best argument against it, so let him make it. He describes finding a flight you want, discovering the whole fare is due today, and waiting until you've saved a little more. A few days later the price has gone up and the trip feels further away. His conclusion: don't save, because waiting costs you. Read that again as advice. You can't afford this today. Prices will rise while you try. So borrow. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/Screenshot-2026-09-16-at-13.11.22.png) laters.com --- ## Airlines have wanted this for years Worth saying clearly that the impulse isn't new or unique to one startup. Airlines have always wanted you to buy a ticket you can't pay for, which is why they push co-branded credit cards at you on every flight. Paying for a flight over time isn't some novel abuse. People have been doing it on credit cards for decades. What's changed is the friction. Getting a credit card requires an application, a credit check and a decision you make once, away from the checkout page. Buy now, pay later happens in the same three seconds as picking your seat, and the entire design goal is that you don't stop to think. --- ## A flight is the worst possible thing to buy this way This is the point where it stops being a general complaint about consumer credit and becomes specifically about aviation. Buy a sofa on installments and default, and there's still a sofa. A lender can repossess it, resell it, recover something. Debt attached to an object can be recovered. Default on a flight after you've already flown it, and there is nothing. Your seat was used. Your fuel was burned. The asset evaporated the moment the aircraft landed, which is why the industry calls a seat a perishable good. There's money owed for something that no longer exists in any form, and no amount of chasing recovers it. That's true of a restaurant meal too. What differs is the amount. Nobody splits a $40 dinner into four payments and gets into trouble. Long-haul fares run into hundreds or thousands of dollars, and Laters specifically promotes monthly plans of three to twelve months for larger fares. Paying for flights in installments ### What's left if you stop paying Every other installment purchase leaves something behind. A flight doesn't. Buy a sofa There's still a sofa. A lender can repossess it and resell it. Some of the money comes back, so the debt is attached to something real. Buy a flight There's nothing. The seat was used and the fuel was burned. The industry calls a seat a perishable good, and once the aircraft lands it cannot be recovered or resold. And if the airline fails, you owe two people **Your refund claim** sits with an airline that may or may not pay it, and may no longer exist. Spirit Airlines shut down in May. airBaltic filed for bankruptcy protection in September. **Your payment plan** continues on schedule regardless. Nothing pauses it because your flight stopped existing. In the company's own words **"No credit check"**Listed on the homepage as a feature. Pay-in-four plans involve no hard credit check, which also means nobody assesses whether you can afford the fare **Three to twelve month plans**Offered through Affirm and Klarna for larger fares, with interest on longer plans **"Paying later is a form of credit"**From the site's own FAQ, which also warns that missing payments may make borrowing harder or more expensive. It appears as item eleven of thirteen Laters.com is a licensed travel agent in Singapore, issues real airline tickets and processes payments through regulated partners. The lenders are established firms including Klarna, Afterpay and Affirm. Everything quoted here is published on the company's own site as of September 16, 2026. contrail.travel --- ## And then the airline might not be there This second problem is one the company can't control and doesn't mention. Airlines fail. Spirit Airlines shut down in May. airBaltic filed for Chapter 11 protection two days ago and a New York judge had to approve emergency financing yesterday to keep it flying. Both of those happened this year, in an industry where jet fuel prices have roughly doubled. If your airline collapses while you're four months into a twelve-month plan, you have two separate problems that don't cancel each other out. You have a claim against an airline that may or may not pay, and you have a debt to a lender who wants their money on schedule regardless. Nobody pauses the payment plan because your flight stopped existing. --- ## What the company gets right, and it matters I'm not going to pretend this is a scam, because it isn't and saying so would be both wrong and lazy. Laters is a licensed travel agent in Singapore and takes payments through regulated processors. Real airline tickets get issued, and customer reviews are strong, including several from people describing genuinely good support when things went wrong. Klarna, Affirm and Afterpay are the lenders rather than anyone obscure. Laters also discloses the risk in plain language. Its own FAQ states that paying later is a form of credit and that missing payments may make borrowing harder or more expensive. That's accurate and more than some competitors bother with. It's disclosure in item eleven of thirteen, underneath a homepage that says "party mode" and offers 7.5% off for paying in cryptocurrency. But it's there. --- ## Where I actually land For someone who could pay the full fare today and prefers to spread it, interest-free installments are just cashflow management and nobody needs protecting from that. That isn't who the marketing is for, though. "No credit check" is a feature aimed squarely at people whose credit wouldn't survive one. That founder's pitch is aimed at people who were saving and hadn't finished. The destination guides lead with Bali and the Maldives, which are not business trips. Flying is the one purchase where the thing you bought is gone before the bill arrives, the airline might fold before you finish paying, and nobody checked whether you could afford it in the first place. Selling credit into that gap is legal, disclosed, and still the wrong product. If the fare is more than you have, there's an answer the industry stopped saying out loud. Fly somewhere cheaper, or go later. ### There's No Opening a Window: Inside the Air Canada Flight That Smelled Like a Leaking Toilet URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/air-canada-ac8822-lavatory-smell-washington-montreal/ Last updated: 2026-09-18T18:00:04.000Z Crew on a Washington to Montreal flight reported a smell they called nauseating, and it eventually reached the pilots. _This post is for subscribers only._ ### I Flew Italy's ITA Airways Business Class to Miami. It Was Beautiful and Frustrating. URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/ita-airways-a330neo-business-class-review-rome-miami/ Last updated: 2026-09-22T18:30:01.000Z ITA Airways is Italy's national airline, set up by the Italian government in 2021 after Alitalia finally shut down. Lufthansa has since bought 41% of it, and in April ITA joined Star Alliance, the airline alliance that includes United and Air Canada. I flew ITA from Rome to Miami in business class on the Airbus A330neo, a newer version of Airbus's midsize long-haul jet. I paid with United miles because the two airlines are partners, although finding an open seat took real digging. Usually I've made up my mind about a flight somewhere over the ocean. After nearly 12 hours on this one I still hadn't, because it was so good and so bad at the same time. Flight Details ### ITA Airways AZ 630 FCO Rome Fiumicino · Terminal 1 10:182m early 11h 56m · 5,175 mi MIA Miami Miami Intl · Terminal S 16:141m early Cabin Business Aircraft Airbus A330-900neo Aircraft age 2 years Registration EI-TYA Contrail The Verdict · AZ 630 Business **7.3**Overall A beautiful cabin and a genuinely warm crew, held back by an uncleaned seat, a hard bed and uneven food. Ground experience 7.0 Seat 6.5 Amenities 9.4 Catering 6.2 Service 7.6 #### What worked *✓*Warm, Attentive Cabin Crew *✓*Beautiful Cabin Design *✓*Generous Onboard Amenities #### What didn't work *✕*Cramped Business Class Lounge *✕*Overly Firm Bed *✕*Tough, Partly Inedible Pasta Contrail --- ## Getting Through Rome My frustration started before I reached the airport. On my ticket, ITA wanted extra money just to choose a seat in business class, and the fee didn't go away even at check-in. Lufthansa does something similar with Allegris, its new business class cabin, but it's an odd move for an airline trying to win over people paying for the front of the plane. At Fiumicino, Rome's main airport, the business class counters are tucked around a corner from economy, so I had to ask an agent where to go. Once I found them there was no wait, and my agent was genuinely helpful in pointing me toward the lounge. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_7603.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_7604.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_7608.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_7611.JPG) ITA's main lounge in Rome is the Piazza di Spagna Lounge, named for the square below the Spanish Steps. My favorite detail was the set of blue animal sculptures at the entrance. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_7622-1.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_7623.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_7629.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_7631.JPG) The finishes inside are nice, but the muted colors could use more of ITA's signature blue, and I was surprised the room wasn't bigger. At 8 a.m. there was only breakfast, which caught me off guard for an airline's main lounge. The pastries were fine, while the bacon was quite possibly the worst I've had, as tough as a tire. It was already crowded in January, too, before joining Star Alliance meant top-tier frequent flyers from other member airlines could start using it. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_7625-1.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_7624-1.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_7626-1.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_7627-2.JPG) Business class passengers in zones 1 and 2 had their own clearly marked boarding line. Gate agents called each zone separately and checked boarding passes before letting anyone line up, which was a big improvement over the short ITA flight I'd taken the day before. It was still a lot of hurry up and wait, though. We got called to line up, then called again to board, and then we stood in the jet bridge before a smiling crew member welcomed me at the door. Illustrated for Contrail ITA Airways Airbus A330-900neo · EI-TYA Drawn by **Caleb St. John** · Caleb's Aviation Every Contrail review carries an original drawing of the aircraft flown, made for us by Caleb St. John, who draws aircraft to raise awareness for young people in aviation living with health conditions. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_7633.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_7635.JPG) --- ## A Stunning Cabin With a Hard Bed Seat Map Business · 1–2–1 EI-TYA A D G L 1 A D G L 2 A D G L 3 A D G L 4 A D G L 5 A D G L 6 A D G L 7 A D G L 8 A D G L Business · rows 1–8 · seat 3A Contrail This cabin is gorgeous. The blue and gray finishes, the leather and the soft colored lighting make most airline interiors look boring by comparison. There are 30 fully flat seats, one by each window and two in the middle, so everyone gets their own access to the aisle. The rows zigzag, which means window seats alternate between sitting against the wall and sitting a little closer to the aisle. I was in 3A, one of the seats closer to the aisle, and it came with a huge side table between me and the window that was big enough to work on my laptop. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_7642.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_7637.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_7683.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_7662.JPG) A sloped panel leads down into the footwell. It makes a nice leg rest but leaves no room for a bag underneath. The charging port is strong enough to power a laptop, and the seatback screen was quick and responsive. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_7648-1.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_7675.JPG) Unfortunately, the seat hadn't been cleaned. I noticed crumbs as soon as I sat down and kept finding more all the way to Miami. The cushion is also very hard. These seats have no doors, although the limited privacy bothered me less than I expected. There are no personal air vents, and the cabin ran hot the whole way. My power outlet didn't work at first either, though the crew got it running after taking meal orders. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_7682.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_7679.JPG) In bed mode, the hardness only gets worse. There's no mattress pad, the headrest is firm underneath and the space for your feet is tight. When I asked for a blanket to cover the crumbs, a flight attendant brought one right away, so I ended up using two blankets as my own mattress pad. Side sleepers will have an easier time than back sleepers, since the bed is reasonably wide at the shoulders. ITA says the window seats against the wall, in even-numbered rows, have more room. One more warning is that the dark blue side table is slippery, and I ended up with water in my lap during turbulence. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_7774.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_7778.JPG) ITA goes further than almost anyone with what's waiting at the seat. I found headphones and a pillow waiting along with slippers and a blanket, plus water, a snack and two small bags of travel goodies. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_7673-1.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_7670.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_7686.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_7688.JPG) The standard toiletry bag was forgettable apart from the pouch itself. The second was a wellness kit, and it was fun and unlike anything I've gotten from another airline, even if nothing in it was usable during the flight. Flight attendants handed out codes for free onboard messaging, but the full internet I paid for was painfully slow. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_7743.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_7741.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_7742.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_7702.JPG) The bathrooms were a weak point. The one I used after lunch was bright and seemed new but had no toiletries. By the end of the flight the front bathroom was out of order, and the one I used was in terrible condition. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_7788.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_7789.JPG) --- ## Lunch, Slightly Out of Order The menu follows an Italian meal structure, with a pasta course before the main dish, although there were only two mains to choose from. Flight attendants laid a tablecloth and set the table carefully, but the salt and pepper arrived in a little bag tossed on top. The tomato starter was good yet served far too cold, and the rosemary bread was much better than the first round. Then my fish showed up before the pasta. My flight attendant caught the mistake right away and apologized more than once. The fish itself was excellent, especially the sun-dried tomato alongside it. That pasta was the letdown, since it tasted great but parts of it were so tough they were inedible. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_7747.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_7749.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_7757-2.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_7758.JPG) What saved lunch was the service. My flight attendant noticed both of my drinks were empty and came right back to refill them. When I asked for fruit afterward, she brought fresh utensils with it. Coffee and tea followed, and then another hot towel. The crew weren't bubbly, but they were professional and genuinely warm, and it was some of the warmest service I've had from a European airline. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_7751.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_7763.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_7711.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_7768.JPG) --- ## Sleeping Through the Second Meal With my body still on Asia time, I fell asleep after lunch. Earlier, the crew had made a point of asking whether I wanted to be woken for the second meal, and I'd said yes. Nobody woke me. I got up with 45 minutes left and realized everyone else had eaten a while ago. A flight attendant still offered me something and remembered on her own that I'd been drinking pineapple juice. I can't say whether what arrived was the real second meal or just a snack. The pizza-style dish wasn't warm or soft and tasted microwaved, which left me wondering why an Italian airline struggles so much with Italian food. To their credit, they gave me plenty of time to eat. Missing the meal didn't ruin the flight, but the crew had my permission to wake me, and it's hard to see it as anything other than being forgotten. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_7794.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_7795.JPG) --- ## Should You Book It? ITA has a gorgeous cabin and one of the warmest crews I've flown with in Europe, and on a better day that combination could beat plenty of its rivals across the Atlantic. On my flight, a dirty seat and a hard bed kept dragging it down, along with uneven food and a lounge that doesn't live up to being the airline's showpiece. I'd fly ITA again. Next time I'd pay for an even-numbered window seat against the wall, order the fish and skip the lounge bacon. If you need a soft bed to sleep on a long flight, though, I'd look at other airlines first. ### Skytrax Just Named Singapore Airlines the World's Best, and No US Carrier Made the Top 20 URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/skytrax-world-airline-awards-2026-winners/ Last updated: 2026-09-18T13:16:22.000Z Skytrax named Singapore Airlines the world's best airline at its awards ceremony in London on Thursday, and the carrier takes back a title Qatar Airways had held since 2024\. Skytrax is the London rating firm behind the industry's biggest passenger survey, and its annual awards get called the Oscars of aviation. This is Singapore's sixth win, and the result comes from passenger votes rather than a panel of judges or any measurement of the airlines themselves. Qatar Airways finished second in Skytrax's ranking and Cathay Pacific third, followed by ANA All Nippon Airways and Turkish Airlines. The results were announced at The Langham hotel with airline chief executives in the room. Skytrax 2026 ### The World's Top 10 Airlines 1 Singapore Airlines Up from 2nd 2 Qatar Airways Down from 1st 3 Cathay Pacific Holds 3rd 4 ANA All Nippon Airways Up from 5th 5 Turkish Airlines Up from 6th 6 Emirates Down from 4th 7 Air France Up from 8th 8 Hainan Airlines Up from 10th 9 Japan Airlines Holds 9th 10 Korean Air Down from 7th Best economy class Singapore Airlines Best business class Qatar Airways Best cabin crew Cathay Pacific Contrail --- ## What the Award Actually Measures The rankings come from an online survey that ran from September 2025 through August 2026, offered in eight languages, covering more than 300 airlines and drawing votes from over 100 nationalities. Passengers rate the whole journey, from booking and check-in to the seat, the food and the crew. Skytrax says it screened every entry to remove duplicates and suspect votes, and it pays for both the survey and the ceremony so that no airline can buy its way in. What a poll like this can't control is who chooses to fill it out, which is why the same group of Asian and Gulf carriers tends to cluster at the top year after year. --- ## Singapore Also Won for Economy The result that matters most to ordinary travelers isn't the headline trophy. Skytrax also gave Singapore Airlines its awards for the world's best economy class and best economy class catering, a rare double for an airline better known for its suites and its business class. Chief executive Goh Choon Phong thanked customers for their trust and credited the airline's staff for the win. Qatar Airways didn't leave empty-handed. Skytrax gave it best business class for the thirteenth time, best business class lounge for Al Mourjan The Garden in Doha, and best airline in the Middle East. It also took a brand new category introduced this year, best onboard Wi-Fi, which tells you something about what passengers have started to care about. Cathay Pacific won best cabin crew and best first class lounge, while Air France swept the first class categories. --- ## Where US Airlines Landed No US airline finished in Skytrax's top 20, and that's been true for years now. The card above has the top ten. Places 11 through 20 went to: - EVA Air, Qantas and STARLUX Airlines - Lufthansa, Saudia and Iberia - Air Canada, Virgin Atlantic, Swiss and Thai Airways American carriers did show up elsewhere. American Airlines placed fourth for most improved airline, Allegiant won best low-cost airline in North America for the third year running, and JetBlue came seventh among regional airlines. Air Canada took best airline in North America. The most interesting American result came in lounges, where the top independent lounge award went to the Chase Sapphire Lounge at LaGuardia, with Capital One's lounge at JFK in fifth. Credit card companies are now winning awards that airlines used to dominate. ![a large passenger jet flying through a cloudy sky](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1718095223674-134980242842?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDR8fGFtZXJpY2FuJTIwYWlybGluZXN8ZW58MHx8fHwxNzg5NzM1NjE2fDA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by Shutr / Unsplash --- ## The Rest of the Winners A few more of Skytrax's 2026 winners: - **EgyptAir** was named most improved airline, with Air India second in that category. - **AirAsia** won best low-cost airline for the seventeenth year in a row, and Scoot won best long-haul budget carrier for the sixth. - **Vueling** won best low-cost airline in Europe for the first time. - **STARLUX**, the six-year-old Taiwanese airline, was named cleanest airline in the world. - **EVA Air** won best premium economy and most family friendly airline. - **Bangkok Airways** took best regional airline for the tenth consecutive year. - **Ethiopian Airlines** won best airline in Africa, and **oneworld** was named best alliance for the first time since 2021. --- ## Should You Book Based on an Award? Treat any of these awards as a rough signal. A survey this size is good at telling you which airlines consistently satisfy a lot of people, and the carriers near the top generally do deliver a better long-haul experience than what most Americans are used to. It won't tell you whether the specific plane you're booking has a good seat, since airlines fly several different cabins on the same route. That gap between an industry-wide poll and the flight you actually take is where the award stops being useful, and it's worth keeping in mind when the winner turns up in an ad campaign next week. ### A Condor A320 Was 875 Feet From Landing in Frankfurt When the Tower Said No URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/condor-frankfurt-curfew-diversion-cologne/ Last updated: 2026-09-17T23:00:29.000Z Frankfurt Airport shuts down at night. Scheduled flights stop at 11pm, with a grace period running to midnight. After that the runways are closed, because people live nearby and Germany doesn't mess around about aircraft noise. On September 11, Condor flight DE1809 from Olbia in Sardinia was still in the air at 11:59pm. Air traffic control had cleared the A320 to approach runway 25C. Landing gear was already down. By 875 feet, maybe thirty seconds from touchdown, it was almost home. And then the tower declined to give it landing clearance, because midnight had arrived. So the crew pushed the power up, climbed away, and flew to Cologne instead. That's 85 miles away and one of the few big German airports open around the clock. Roughly 180 passengers got off there and were put on buses to Frankfurt. About two hours, in the middle of the night. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/hudson-graves-2NNc4Ye_OHA-unsplash.jpg) Photo by Hudson Graves on Unsplash --- ## The flight was never going to make it One detail turns this from bad luck into something else. DE1809 was already running more than two hours behind before it left Sardinia, and didn't get airborne until well after its scheduled pushback. To beat the midnight cutoff, it needed to complete the flight roughly three minutes faster than the fastest time that route has ever been recorded doing. Not faster than average. Faster than anything that route's ever done. None of it was physically possible. Crew flew it well and made good time anyway, which is presumably why they got as far as 875 feet before anyone told them no. --- ## Condor has done this before In June 2025, a Condor A321 flying from Palma to Munich missed that airport's curfew by ten seconds. It was 2,101 feet from touchdown when clearance was refused. That one diverted to Frankfurt-Hahn, about 230 miles from Munich, landing at 1:13am. Passengers were bussed to Frankfurt, arriving around 4:30am. They were then put on a 6:50am flight and reached Munich at 8am. Roughly eight hours late. That aircraft flew to Munich empty and arrived before its passengers did. Condor · two curfew misses, fifteen months apart ### Seconds from the runway, twice Both flights were denied landing clearance with the gear already down. Olbia to Frankfurt*DE1809, Airbus A320, September 11, 2026* Missed by seconds 875 ftAltitude when refused Cleared to approach runway 25C, then denied clearance as midnight passed. Roughly thirty seconds from touchdown. **Diverted**Cologne, 85 miles away, one of few 24/7 German airports **Then**About 180 passengers bussed to Frankfurt, roughly two hours Palma to Munich*DE1513, Airbus A321, June 2025* Missed by 10 seconds 2,101 ftDistance from touchdown Lined up for runway 8R with the undercarriage down, turned away for a landing that would have been seconds late. **Diverted**Frankfurt-Hahn, about 230 miles from Munich, landing 01:13 **Then**Bus to Frankfurt by roughly 04:30, 06:50 flight, Munich at 08:00 **Meanwhile**The aircraft flew to Munich empty and arrived first Both flights left late and both crews flew hard. **DE1809 would have needed to beat the fastest time ever recorded on its route by about three minutes** to make the cutoff, which means it was never going to arrive in time. Frankfurt's scheduled operations stop at 11pm with a grace period to midnight. Munich's curfew starts at midnight with a 30-minute extension for late arrivals. Flight-data analysis of DE1809 by One Mile at a Time. All figures as reported. contrail.travel Twice in fifteen months, and I don't think it's bad luck either time. Both flights left late, both crews flew hard, and both ran into the same wall at the same speed. --- ## Why an airline takes the bet anyway This is where it stops being funny. Under EU passenger rights rules, a long delay and a cancellation land an airline in similar territory for compensation. If Condor cancels in Sardinia, it's on the hook for payouts plus hotels plus meals for 180 people, and the aircraft's stuck in the wrong country for the morning schedule. Fly and make the curfew, and it owes the delay compensation while keeping the aircraft where it needs to be. Fly and miss, and it owes roughly what cancelling would have cost anyway. Flying is the free option. Condor has almost nothing to lose by trying, and passengers absorb the difference between the good outcome and the bad one. I doubt anyone at Condor was being careless. The incentives simply point at launching a flight that can't make it, and nothing in the rules pushes back. --- ## The noise rule made more noise Frankfurt's curfew exists to reduce noise. A go-around at 875 feet means an A320 putting its engines to climb power directly over the neighborhoods the rule protects, at midnight, then flying away. Landing normally would have been quieter than what actually happened. So the curfew got enforced exactly as written, and the thing it exists to prevent happened anyway. ### A Fistfight Broke Out on a Flight to London. A Plane Is the Worst Place to Start One. URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/biman-bangladesh-airlines-fight-sylhet-london/ Last updated: 2026-09-17T16:41:38.000Z Two passengers turned a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight into a boxing ring on Thursday. The plane had taken off that morning from Sylhet, in northeastern Bangladesh, and was on its way to London when an argument between two men turned physical. Video of the fight spread fast on social media. It shows the pair shouting at each other before they start swinging, and at one point one man's T-shirt gets torn. Cabin crew and other passengers jumped in to pull them apart, while children and elderly travelers sat a few rows away. Biman, Bangladesh's state-owned national airline, confirmed the fight to The Business Standard. A spokesperson said the crew stepped in and resolved the situation. The airline hasn't said what started it, whether anyone was hurt, or whether police met the aircraft when it landed. Some early reports described the flight as heading from London to Bangladesh, but Biman's own account puts it on the Sylhet to London route. > Two men threw hands on a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight between London and Bangladesh before crew and passengers pulled them apart. > > Planes are the WORST possible place to start a fight. There's nowhere to go, everyone's filming, and the police are waiting when you land. 😭… > > — Contrail (@contrailnews) [September 17, 2026](https://x.com/contrailnews/status/2100623050064449901?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=thecontrail.org) --- ## Same Route, Different Year This isn't a first for Biman's London service. In May 2022, a fight broke out on another Biman flight from Sylhet to London, and the airline's chief executive later explained that it started because one passenger's leg touched someone sitting in the next row. He called the episode embarrassing and said the crew followed standard procedure, reporting it to authorities after the plane landed at Heathrow. It shows how little it takes. A long-haul flight squeezes hundreds of strangers together for nine or ten hours, and small irritations like a knee in your back or a reclined seat can snowball when nobody can get any space. --- ## There's Nowhere to Storm Off To On the ground, a fight usually ends when someone walks away. On a plane, you can't. Everyone involved is still sitting a few rows apart for the rest of the flight, and the flight attendants who have to break it up are trained mainly for safety emergencies, not for refereeing grown men. If crew decide a situation is dangerous, the captain can land at the nearest suitable airport. That turns one argument into a missed connection for hundreds of people, and it can leave the passenger who caused it with a very expensive problem. Meanwhile, as this week proved again, a dozen phones are recording the whole thing. --- ## What a Mid-Air Punch Can Cost Because this flight was headed to London, British rules give a good sense of what's at stake. According to the UK's aviation regulator, the Civil Aviation Authority, being drunk on a plane can bring a fine of up to £5,000 and two years in prison, while endangering the safety of an aircraft carries a prison sentence of up to five years. Under UK aviation rules, threatening or disruptive behavior on its own can bring a fine of up to £2,500. Then comes the airline's bill. When a disruptive passenger forces a plane to divert, they can be asked to repay the cost, which can run past £10,000, and UK industry campaigns have warned the figure can reach £80,000\. Airlines can also ban troublemakers for life, and the British government has been exploring a national list that would let airlines share the names of disruptive passengers. Most of those penalties are aimed at drunk passengers, but the lesson holds for anyone. Whatever the argument is about, it's cheaper to settle it after landing. --- ## If It Kicks Off Near You If you're the one getting annoyed, call a flight attendant before it turns into a shouting match. Crew would much rather find you a different seat than write up an incident report, and "the man behind me keeps kicking my seat" is a request they hear all the time. If a fight breaks out a few rows away, stay in your seat, keep children close and let the crew take charge. Jumping in can get you hurt or tangled up in the aftermath, and filming from the aisle blocks the people trying to stop it. Keep your seatbelt fastened, too, since a scuffle can knock people off balance quickly. The two men on Thursday's flight will likely be remembered as a viral clip for a while. With any luck, the next passenger thinking about throwing a punch at 35,000 feet will remember it first. ### Frontier Is Taking Spirit's Routes and Abandoning Spirit's Strategy URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/frontier-orlando-colombia-routes/ Last updated: 2026-09-17T12:30:48.000Z Frontier announced on September 10 that it will fly from Orlando to Colombia in December, its first service to South America. Medellín goes daily on December 10\. Bogotá starts six times a week on the 14th and moves to daily in March. Cartagena runs once a week from the 19th. Introductory one-way fares start at $99 to Bogotá. Read alongside everything else happening to cheap airlines in America, that looks strange. Spirit Airlines shut down in May after losing more than $2.5 billion since 2020, and Frontier is about to fly the routes it left behind. JetBlue has struggled to make money since 2019\. Frontier itself has been posting losses and swapped its chief executive for an interim one. It spent the year cutting routes that weren't working. Southwest abandoned the open seating it had used for fifty years. And every one of them has spent the past two years adding premium seats. Frontier's own first class, announced in December 2024, finally started appearing on aircraft in early 2026. So the budget airline model is in trouble, budget airlines are trying to stop being budget airlines, and Frontier is expanding into a new continent on $99 fares. I don't think that's a contradiction. I think both moves are the same move, and it isn't expansion. --- ## Frontier said the quiet part in its own filings The phrase that explains this appears in Frontier's own corporate materials, describing its route strategy as prioritizing underserved and **higher-fare** markets with point-to-point flying. Not cheaper markets. Higher-fare ones. Stop on that for a second, because it's the opposite of what an ultra-low-cost airline is supposed to do. The original model was to find the biggest and busiest markets, undercut everyone on price, and win on volume. Fly a lot of people very cheaply between places lots of people already go. What Frontier is describing instead is finding routes where fares are already high and competition is thin, then charging slightly less than the incumbent. Which isn't a price war so much as picking soft targets. Colombia fits exactly. Three cities with large diaspora populations in Florida, substantial existing demand, and almost no ultra-low-cost competition on the route. ![buildings near mountain](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1568632234157-ce7aecd03d0d?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDJ8fEJvZ290JUMzJUExfGVufDB8fHx8MTc4OTU5ODY5OHww&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by Random Institute / Unsplash --- ## First class is the same logic applied to the seat Now put the premium cabin next to that. Frontier's first class takes the first two rows of ordinary economy, which held six seats across in threes, and replaces them with four seats across in pairs. Same floor space, fewer passengers, considerably more money per passenger. Its former chief executive Barry Biffle projected the premium push would bring in $250 million in 2026 and more than $500 million by 2028. Frontier · two moves, one strategy ### First class and Colombia are the same decision They look like opposites. They aren't. Frontier describes its route strategy as prioritizing underserved and **higher-fare** markets with point-to-point flying. From the airline's own corporate materials. Not cheaper markets. Higher-fare ones. The seat First class, from early 2026 The first two rows of economy held six seats across in threes. They now hold four across in pairs. Same floor space, two fewer passengers per row. Carry fewer people. Charge each one more. The route Colombia, from December 2026 Three cities with large Florida diaspora populations, established demand, and almost no low-cost competition since Spirit's collapse. Fly where fares are already high. Undercut slightly. What changed about the model The original idea Find the biggest, busiest markets. Undercut everyone. Win on volume. Fly a lot of people very cheaply. What it does now Find thin markets where fares are high and rivals are few. Carry fewer passengers at better margins. **And the competitor who'd have fought for Colombia is gone.** Spirit lost more than $2.5 billion pursuing the original model and shut down in May. The gap Frontier is filling exists because ultra-low-cost flying failed, and it's being filled by an airline that agrees it failed. Frontier's former chief executive projected the premium push would generate $250 million in 2026 and more than $500 million by 2028\. The airline has since posted losses, replaced its chief executive on an interim basis, and cut routes that weren't working. Figures as reported. contrail.travel Seat strategy and route strategy are the same thing here. Carry fewer people and charge each of them more. Fly where the money is rather than where the crowds are. Neither of those is ultra-low-cost flying. Both are what a regular airline does. --- ## Which brings us to Spirit's empty desk Colombia is also possible because the competitor who would have fought Frontier for it no longer exists. Spirit was enormous in the Florida to Latin America market, and it's gone. Those passengers still want to travel, the routes still have demand, and nobody is serving them at a low fare. So Frontier is moving into territory vacated by a company that died pursuing the strategy Frontier is now abandoning. That, to me, is the genuinely striking bit. That hole exists because the ultra-low-cost model failed, and it's being filled by an airline that agrees the model failed. --- ## What it means if you're the one buying the ticket Two practical things, because the strategy shift has consequences at the checkout page. That $99 headline is one-way to one of the three cities. It's before bags, before a seat assignment, and before anything else Frontier charges for. A realistic round trip with a carry-on and a seat you chose will be a multiple of that. Worth pricing properly against Avianca or American before assuming it's cheaper. Orlando to Colombia · from December 2026 ### Three routes, three very different products Frontier's first service to South America, pending Colombian approval. Medellín*José María Córdova, Rionegro* $169one way, from Starts December 10 Frequency Daily Aircraft A320neo Bogotá*El Dorado International* $99one way, from Starts December 14 Frequency 6 weekly, daily from March 6 Cheapest fare Of the three Cartagena*Rafael Núñez International* $129one way, from Starts December 19 Frequency Once a week If cancelled Next flight in 7 days **What those fares don't include.** Each figure is one way, before a checked bag, before a carry-on above the free allowance, before choosing a seat, and before anything else that carries a charge. A realistic round trip with luggage will be a multiple of the headline. **And a weekly route has no recovery option.** Frontier flies point to point with no partner airlines in Colombia, so a cancellation on the Cartagena service means waiting for the next one rather than being rebooked on somebody else. Up to 14 weekly departures at launch, rising to 15 once Bogotá goes daily. All three routes are subject to approval by Colombia's civil aviation authority. Fares as advertised at announcement and subject to change. contrail.travel And the routes themselves are thin. Cartagena is once a week. If your flight is cancelled on a weekly route, the next one is seven days later, and Frontier has no partner airlines to put you on instead. Thin routes carry a recovery risk that never appears anywhere in the fare. --- ## Where I land None of this is Frontier doing something wrong. A company losing money should change what it does, and going where the fares are better is a rational response to a model that stopped working. What I'd stop calling it is expansion. Frontier is not growing into Colombia because cheap flying is working. It's going there because cheap flying stopped working at home, a competitor died proving it, and Colombia is where the yields look survivable. The bear on the tail is the same. Almost everything behind it has changed. # ### I Flew Air India Economy for Fifteen Hours From New York to Delhi URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/i-flew-air-india-economy-for-fifteen-hours-from-new-york-to-delhi/ Last updated: 2026-09-16T23:29:01.000Z Air India has spent the last few years trying to convince people it's a different airline than the one they remember, and the Airbus A350 is the aircraft doing most of that arguing. It's the newest and largest thing the airline flies, it wears the new paint scheme, and it gets put on the routes the airline most wants to be judged on. New York to Delhi is one of those. This route matters because it's one of the few places Air India competes on something other than price. Flying nonstop from JFK to Delhi is a genuine advantage over connecting through the Gulf, which is how a large share of this traffic still moves. Emirates, Qatar and Etihad will all sell you Delhi with one stop, usually cheaper. Air India's pitch is that you skip that stop. So the real question isn't whether a new aircraft beats a seventeen-year-old one. It's whether fifteen and a half hours in the back of this one beats changing planes in Dubai or Doha. I flew it in economy to find out. Flight Details ### Air India AI 102 JFK New York John F Kennedy Intl · T4 11:4510m early 15h 31m · 7,304 mi DEL Delhi Indira Gandhi Intl · T3 12:46+114m early Cabin Economy Aircraft Airbus A350-900 Aircraft age 2 years Registration VT-JRI The Contrail The Verdict · AI 102 Economy **7.3**Overall A well-kept cabin and a crew who clearly enjoy the aircraft, held back by a slow galley and systems that quit before Delhi. Ground experience 8.0 Seat 8.1 Amenities 6.8 Catering 6.2 Service 7.6 #### What worked *✓*Genuinely Attentive Crew *✓*Complimentary Wi-Fi In Economy *✓*Well-Cushioned Headrests #### What didn't work *✕*Bland Main Course *✕*Meals Two Hours After Departure *✕*Wi-Fi Inoperative For Final Hours The Contrail --- ## Ground Experience Check-in at Terminal 4 had a line, though nothing that felt out of hand, and it moved. The airline doesn't have its own terminal at JFK and it shows in the way the operation borrows space, but the desks were staffed and I was through without a story to tell about it. Past security, the concourse itself was the surprise. T4 can be genuinely unpleasant when several long-haul flights push back at once, and I've been through it on worse afternoons. This one was calm. Air India departs from the A gates, which sit on the shorter arm of the terminal. That's a real advantage if you've ever walked the full length of the other side to a far gate with a rolling bag. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_2894.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_2895.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_2913.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_2921.JPG) What sticks with me is the wheelchair count. There were 46 passengers requiring wheelchair assistance on my flight, and when I mentioned it to the gate agent she laughed and said she's seen well over a hundred on this route. That number tells you something about who flies JFK to Delhi that no passenger statistic would. This is family travel, elderly passengers going home or going to visit, and a boarding process that starts long before the rest of us are called. She also mentioned the load was light, which it was. I'd caution against reading too much into one flight, and the airline hasn't said anything publicly about demand on this route, so I'm noting it rather than explaining it. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_2916.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_2922.JPG) --- ## Boarding and First Impressions Boarding took a while, which is what happens when 46 wheelchairs go first, and the crew handled it without visible strain. Agents worked the queue properly and the sequence held together. Illustrated for The Contrail Air India Airbus A350-900 · VT-JRI Drawn by **Caleb St. John** · Caleb's Aviation Every Contrail review carries an original drawing of the aircraft flown, made for us by Caleb St. John, matching the exact registration in the flight details above. At the door I got one of the better greetings I've had in economy this year. Two crew, both engaged, neither doing the thing where they look past you at the next person. That sounds like a small thing. Over the next fifteen hours it set the tone for everything after. Walking in, I was struck by how much pride the airline seems to take in this aircraft. You can feel it in how the crew talk about the cabin and how well-kept it is. Air India got handed an opportunity with these A350s, and my read from the door was that they know it. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_2930-1.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_2932.JPG) Then the row situation happened, and it's my favorite thing that happened on this flight. With the light cabin load, the crew were letting people move into empty rows. I asked. The man behind me asked the flight attendant for the same row at roughly the same moment, in Hindi, and what followed was an exchange I only half understood but thoroughly enjoyed. She gave it to me and told him he was too slow. He took it well. Everyone laughed. Ten minutes later there was a full-cabin search for a woman's lost earring, which they found. That's a crew enjoying its job, and it's not something you can put in a seat map. --- ## Seat I was assigned 21D and moved to an empty window triple before departure once the crew signed off on it. So my read on the seat comes with an asterisk, because three seats to yourself changes a fifteen-hour flight more than any single feature of the product does. Seat Map Economy · 3–3–3 VT-JRI A B C D E G H J K 19 A B C D E G H J K 20 A B C D E G H J K 21 A B C D E G H J K 22 A B C D E G H J K 23 A B C D E G H J K Economy · rows 11–40 · assigned seat 21D (rows 19–23 shown) Moved to an empty window-side row of three before departure, with crew approval. The Contrail Judged as a seat rather than as a row, it holds up. Headrests are the standout here, properly cushioned and soft in a way a lot of economy headrests aren't. On an overnight flight that matters more to me than an extra inch of legroom. Cabin condition was good throughout, clean and unmarked, which you'd hope for on a two-year-old airframe and don't always get. Two complaints. Tray tables are flimsy, with enough flex that a full cup feels precarious, and mine wasn't clean when I sat down. Armrests are harder than they need to be too, which you notice around hour eight. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_2931.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_2945.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_2947.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_2971.JPG) --- ## Amenities Start with the screens, because they're good. Its interface is quick and the layout makes sense. There are also external cameras, which I call out every time because they're among the more interesting things on a seatback screen and hardly anybody finds them. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_2999.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_2995.JPG) Wi-Fi is complimentary, and in economy on a sector this long that's worth real money. Its behavior was strange, though. Nothing worked when I boarded. It connected on its own without me touching anything, ran reasonably well for about five hours, and died for the last two or three. Entertainment went with it near the end, leaving a handful of movies and no map, so for the final stretch I had no idea where we were or how long was left. Systems that give up before you land are more frustrating than modest ones that hold, and the score reflects that. Something that works well and then quits before you land is more frustrating than something modest that holds. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_2962.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_2964.JPG) --- ## Catering Drink service came round first, and the cranberry juice tasted like sugar water. Sour cream and onion corn nuts were excellent, though, and the crew came back round with seconds. I suspect that was the light load. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_3004.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_3007.JPG) Then things slowed down. Meals arrived about two hours after departure. Some of that was moderate turbulence that paused the service around the halfway point of the cabin, but it was already slow before the turbulence started, so I won't hand the whole delay to the weather. Choices were butter chicken with rice or paneer with rice. I took the chicken, and it was the weakest part of the tray. Portion was small and the sauce had almost no seasoning, which for butter chicken is a particular kind of disappointment. Everything around it was better. Rice and sides were good, and the dessert was the one thing I'd order again. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_3010.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_3012.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_3014.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_3015.JPG) Halfway through came a basil pesto pizza, the only snack option, and it had the consistency of tire rubber. It also fell apart when I picked it up. They served it, with some irony, right as we crossed Italy. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_3052.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_3049.JPG) Breakfast was an omelette, chosen mostly because I didn't catch the full list of options. It was workable, which is the fairest word for most of what came out of that galley, and I mean it as a middle-ranking rather than an insult. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_3063.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_3068.JPG) --- ## Service This crew is the reason the review scores where it does rather than lower. Door greeting, row negotiation and earring search all happened inside the first hour, and they were the kind of interactions that make a cabin feel run by people rather than by a manual. An hour after the meal, crew came through the aisles with cups of water without being asked. Unprompted water laps have disappeared from a lot of long-haul economy. There's no snack counter you can help yourself from, but when I went back and asked they gave me two kinds of cookies without hesitation, even if the portions were small. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_3045.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_3036.JPG) Where it fell short was consistency. Once the meal service was done, the tone went functional and a little cold. Lavatory trash was already full partway through the flight and it wasn't especially clean. Cabin lights came all the way up at almost exactly the midpoint of an overnight flight, which felt arbitrary. And the crew didn't ask anyone to close window shades, which I'll admit is a contested point among passengers but does make a difference when half the cabin is trying to sleep. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_3042.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_3073.JPG) Passenger behavior didn't help. People were playing reels out loud, which isn't the airline's fault but is something crew can address and didn't. At the end, the cabin manager came and introduced himself and asked me to leave feedback on the flight. I have no idea whether he'd worked out what I was doing, but the timing was good. --- ## The Verdict This cabin is a better product than the airline's reputation, and the gap between those two things is the story of this whole transformation project. The cabin is genuinely well kept. Seats are comfortable in the places that matter overnight, screens are quick and well laid out, and the Wi-Fi costs nothing. What holds it back is execution rather than hardware. A two-hour wait for a meal. A main course with no seasoning. A snack nobody should have to eat, and systems that gave up before Delhi. None of those require a new aircraft to fix. They require the operation around the aircraft to catch up to it. Would I take it over a Gulf connection? For a nonstop with a crew like that one, and free Wi-Fi for most of the way, yes. I'd eat before I board though. ### Heathrow's Runways Aren't Full. Its Permission to Use Them Is URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/heathrow-slots-40-airlines-flight-cap/ Last updated: 2026-09-16T18:00:05.000Z Heathrow published its summer figures last week and led with a line about demand. More than 40 airlines, both ones already flying there and ones that want to start, are trying to get slots at the airport and can't. Around three quarters of the routes they want to launch would be long-haul. Chief executive Thomas Woldbye said the longest queue at Heathrow is now the one made up of those 40 airlines, and that none of them can get a slot because both runways are already full. It's a good line, and it's aimed squarely at getting a third runway built. Further down the same release, passenger numbers for the peak holiday month were down. ![a large jetliner sitting on top of an airport runway](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1698367503940-c093a450ac6d?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDF8fGhlYXRocm93fGVufDB8fHx8MTc4OTUxNzk0MHww&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by Harrison Lugard / Unsplash --- ## Both things are true, and that's the interesting part Heathrow handled 23 million passengers over the peak summer period and 84.26 million across the twelve months to August, up 0.3% on the year before. Flat, in other words, with a dip in the busiest month. So the airport is simultaneously saying that demand far exceeds what it can handle and reporting that the number of people going through it isn't growing. Both are accurate. They're just measuring different things, and the gap between them is the whole story. --- ## What's actually full isn't the concrete This is the bit that gets lost, and it's the reason the two facts sit together. Heathrow is limited to 480,000 flights a year by government. That's a cap written into planning permission, not a physical limit of the tarmac. The airport has been bumping against that ceiling for years. A slot is permission to use the runway at a specific time on a specific day. Because there's a hard ceiling on total flights, those slots are finite and fully allocated. The only way to get one is to buy it from an airline that already holds it. Heathrow slot pairs have changed hands for tens of millions of dollars. So when Woldbye says the runways are full, he means the permitted movements are used up. A third runway would raise the cap to around 720,000 flights. Heathrow · flights permitted per year ### The limit is written on paper, not poured in concrete Government planning permission caps how many times aircraft can use the runways. Allowed todayTwo runways, cap set by government 480,000 With a third runwayPlanning permission targeted for 2029 \~720,000 Bars scaled to the higher figure Airlines wanting slots 40+ Existing operators and new entrants, per Heathrow Of their proposed routes \~75% Would be long-haul services Passengers, year to August 84.26m Up 0.3%, with a dip in the peak month **Why both can be true.** With a hard ceiling on total flights, the airlines already inside hold the slots and won't release them. Their only route to growth is flying bigger aircraft on the routes they already have, which lifts passenger numbers slowly rather than sharply. Meanwhile nobody new can get in at all. A slot is permission to use the runway at a specific time on a specific day. Heathrow's are fully allocated, so the only way to obtain one is to buy it from an airline that holds it, and slot pairs there have changed hands for tens of millions of dollars. Figures as reported; the passenger data is Heathrow's own. contrail.travel That's why passenger numbers can stay flat while 40 airlines queue outside. Airlines already inside hold the slots and aren't giving them up, so the only growth available to them is putting bigger aircraft on routes they already fly. Which they've done, which is why traffic has crept up rather than jumped. --- ## Where the third runway actually stands Longer than most coverage suggests. An Airports Commission recommended expansion back in 2015\. Britain's Department for Transport later selected Heathrow's plan for a 3,500-meter runway with a realignment of the M25 motorway as its preferred option. Heathrow's board approved work on the planning application in January, and the airport is targeting planning permission by 2029, which would put first flights roughly a decade out. Britain's Civil Aviation Authority has been examining Heathrow's funding model, which matters because the airlines paying for expansion through charges have their own views about the bill. Neighboring councils including Richmond and Hillingdon oppose it on noise and environmental grounds. By the airport's own numbers, expansion would support 108,000 jobs and raise the UK's trading capacity by 50%. --- ## What I'd take from it Nothing about the 40-airline number is untrue. It's just being used as a lobbying instrument rather than reported as a neutral fact, and it arrived in a release showing flat traffic. What I'd want from Heathrow, and haven't seen, is which airlines and which routes. Forty carriers and a list of the long-haul destinations Britain is missing would be considerably more persuasive than a round number. It would also be checkable. Practically, if you fly through Heathrow: nothing changes for years. What the cap means day to day is that the airport runs with almost no slack, which is why one problem there spreads across the whole schedule so quickly. Keep your connections long. # ### You're Using Your Airline Miles Wrong URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/airline-miles-devaluation-stop-hoarding-points/ Last updated: 2026-09-17T20:24:30.000Z Nobody holds a savings account that loses value every year on purpose. Nobody buys a stock they know will be worth less next quarter and holds it for a decade. Yet almost everyone with airline miles is doing exactly that, deliberately, and feeling responsible about it. Everyone's instinct is to save. Build the balance, wait for the dream trip, then redeem it all at once for business class somewhere far away. It feels like discipline. It's the single most expensive mistake in the entire points economy, and the airlines are counting on you making it. _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Latvia's Airline Bought 54 of One Plane. Then the Engines Broke URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/airbaltic-chapter-11-bankruptcy-a220/ Last updated: 2026-09-16T13:31:26.000Z A New York bankruptcy judge gave Latvia's national airline permission on Tuesday to draw nearly $162 million in emergency financing, overruling objections from its own bondholders. That decision clears airBaltic to keep flying while it restructures. airBaltic filed for Chapter 11 on September 14 in the US Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York, along with its training arm and its cargo handling subsidiary. Flights are operating normally. Tickets, reservations, vouchers and loyalty benefits all remain valid. Restructuring is expected to complete by around June 2027\. If you're booked on airBaltic, nothing you need to do has changed. I'm more interested in why a Latvian airline ended up in a New York courtroom, and which two decisions put it there. --- ## One creditor explains a lot of this Reporting on the court documents indicates Pratt & Whitney is airBaltic's largest external unsecured creditor, with a claim of around $66.5 million. Read that again. Pratt & Whitney's durability problems helped ground this fleet, and it now sits near the front of the queue among creditors the airline can't fully pay. The carrier operates an all-Airbus A220-300 fleet, 54 aircraft as of the filing. Its PW1500G is the only engine certified for that aircraft. From 2022 onward, a shortage of spare PW1500G engines tied to Pratt & Whitney's powder metal issues kept airBaltic aircraft out of service. There was no fallback available. I don't think that reflects bad management so much as how the airline was built. --- ## Single-type fleets are usually the smart answer Flying a single aircraft type is standard industry thinking, and for good reasons. One type means one pilot training pipeline, one spares inventory and one maintenance program. Ryanair built an empire on 737s and Southwest on the same idea. Riga went all-in on the A220-300 and planned to reach 100 of them by 2030. airBaltic · A220-300 fleet ### From 100 aircraft to 36 One airframe, one certified engine, and no fuel hedge either. Previous planTarget for 2030 100 At the filingSeptember 2026 54 End of 2026August business plan 36 By 2031Gradual recovery 40 Bars scaled to the 100-aircraft target Why one aircraft type became the problem The **PW1500G is the only engine certified for the A220-300**. From 2022, a shortage of spare engines tied to Pratt & Whitney's powder metal issues kept aircraft out of service. An airline with several aircraft types grounds part of its operation and flies the rest. An all-A220 operator grounds a share of everything it owns, with no other type to move the flying onto and no other engine approved for the wing. **airBaltic also hadn't hedged its fuel** when prices roughly doubled this year. Two unhedged bets running at the same time, during an engine shortage and a war. Chapter 11 will be used to cancel or indefinitely defer 40 firm A220-300 orders carrying more than $3.5 billion in list-price commitments, plus roughly $106.7 million of undelivered Pratt & Whitney engines. Twenty surplus aircraft are also going back to their lessors, with rent reductions sought on others. Figures as reported. contrail.travel What nobody prices properly is that flying one type is also putting everything in one basket. A mixed-fleet carrier with an engine problem grounds part of its operation and flies the rest. An all-A220 operator with a PW1500G problem grounds a proportion of everything it owns, with no other type to shift flying onto and no alternative engine certified for the airframe. That's the thing I'd take away from this filing. Single-type isn't wrong as a strategy, but it converts a supplier's problem directly into an existential one, and the supplier doesn't share the downside. --- ## It wasn't only engines Three shocks stacked up over six years, on top of debt taken on to fund pre-pandemic growth. Growth on that scale was financed partly by a bond issued in 2019\. It later issued senior secured notes due 2029 carrying 14.5% interest, with about €380 million outstanding. In August, bondholders approved changes to those terms. Interest payments were deferred and the minimum cash the airline had to keep on hand was temporarily waived. Then Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022 forced permanent suspension of Russian, Belarusian and Ukrainian routes and pushed remaining flying onto longer, costlier routings. Suspending Russia and Ukraine alone cut 2022 passenger revenue by an estimated $46.4 million. And this year, fuel. Jet fuel prices roughly doubled after the outbreak of the US and Iran war, in what's been described as the worst crisis for the sector since the pandemic. It hadn't hedged. Most airlines buy fuel forward at a fixed price precisely so a spike can't wipe out a year, and airBaltic had no such protection in place when prices climbed. So there were two unhedged bets running at once. One aircraft type with one certified engine, and fuel bought at whatever the market charged. Either alone is survivable. Both together, during an engine shortage and a war, is how you end up in a courtroom. Even so, 5.2 million passengers in 2025 on €779.3 million of revenue produced a €44.3 million net loss. --- ## What Chapter 11 actually buys them Two things, mainly. Cash. There are commitments for €350 million in debtor-in-possession financing at roughly 12% interest, subject to court approval. Lenders include Strategic Value Partners, Barclays, Morgan Stanley and Oaktree. SOFR plus eight percent is the rate, which currently works out around 12%. Put that next to what came before it. On September 3, airBaltic had announced a €257 million interim financing deal that reporting put at 25% interest. Getting to roughly 12% through bankruptcy rather than 25% outside it is the clearest available measure of how bad the alternative looked. Bondholders didn't want it. A group of them, including the Israeli investment firm Klirmark Capital, had negotiated the earlier proposal. They objected to parts of the DIP package, arguing they faced losing the value of their collateral. They asked the judge to delay it and preserve their right to challenge the terms later. He overruled them and let airBaltic draw the money. airBaltic · the cost of money ### Twenty-five percent outside, twelve inside What the airline was offered before filing, against what a judge approved on September 15. September 3, before filing 25% €257 million interim deal Announced with an initial €180 million tranche, at a rate reporting put at 25% Approved September 15 \~12% \~$162 million released First draw against a €350 million commitment at SOFR plus 8%. Arranged by Strategic Value Partners, with Barclays, Hayfin, Morgan Stanley and Oaktree Who's owed, and the debt behind it Pratt & WhitneyReported largest external unsecured creditor **$66.5m** Senior secured notes due 2029Carrying 14.5% interest. Terms amended in August to defer interest **€380m** 2025 net lossOn €779.3m of revenue and 5.2m passengers **€44.3m** A group of bondholders including Klirmark Capital objected to parts of the financing package, arguing they faced losing the value of their collateral, and asked the judge to delay it. He overruled them. Restructuring is expected to complete by around June 2027\. Figures as reported; the Pratt & Whitney claim comes from coverage of the petition rather than the docket. contrail.travel Second is the ability to walk away from commitments. The airline intends to use the process to cancel or indefinitely defer 40 firm A220-300 orders carrying more than $3.5 billion in list-price obligations, plus roughly $106.7 million of undelivered Pratt & Whitney engines. Five other routes were considered first, among them a UK restructuring, EU state aid and Latvian insolvency proceedings. Ultimately the board concluded the DIP money was only available through Chapter 11. Twenty surplus aircraft are also going back to their lessors and reduce the rent on others. That's the 100-aircraft plan being formally abandoned in court. An August business plan already cut the fleet to 36 aircraft by the end of this year, recovering to around 40 by 2031\. Riga had once intended to reach 100 jets and list on a stock exchange. From 100 to 36\. That is the size of the reversal. --- ## Why New York It's a fair question, a state-controlled Latvian airline using US bankruptcy law. airBaltic says it chose Chapter 11 because its financial obligations are international in nature and the process is well established. Scandinavian Airlines restructured this way in 2022 and Brazil's GOL filed in 2024, so there's a well-worn path. In practical terms, Chapter 11 offers restructuring tools and interim financing mechanisms that European insolvency regimes generally don't, and foreign airlines have used it before for exactly that reason. Latvia's government holds a controlling stake, reported at 97.97%, and Lufthansa Group took a 10% minority position in 2025\. Latvian officials have said the government continues to look for a strategic investor while the restructuring runs. Whether one appears is the question that decides what airBaltic looks like in 2028. ### Turkish Airlines Just Cut Five African Capitals. Is It Turning Its Back on Africa? URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/turkish-airlines-african-destinations-cut/ Last updated: 2026-09-15T22:00:45.000Z Istanbul Airport is one of the better placed connecting airports in the world. Major cities and capitals including London, Warsaw and Paris sit within a 3,500 km radius, as do the cities of the Middle East and North Africa. Almost all of them are reachable in under five hours, which is what makes it work as a place to change planes. The Iran and US war, which has been ongoing for months now, has given Istanbul an influx of traffic. Much of it appears to have been redirected from Dubai and Doha as Gulf operations came under pressure. Today Turkish Airlines, Turkey's national airline, serves more than 350 destinations and, by its own count, 131 countries. It holds a Guinness World Record for flying to more countries than any other airline, a title it has held since 2012\. The carrier continues to expand further west and east, capitalizing on its position. Somewhat, though, African countries seem to be suffering from that expansion, as the airline's focus appears directed toward European, Asian and North American markets. --- ## Five African capitals, permanently removed On September 11, five major African destinations were cancelled and permanently removed from the airline's schedules. They are Lusaka, Luanda, Kinshasa, Libreville and Juba. This shows a notable shift for the airline. Over the past decade and a half it pushed hard for dominance in the African market, building a network that let passengers across the continent reach almost anywhere through Istanbul. Passengers from these cities will now have to look at alternatives to reach Europe and Asia. The airline emerging as that alternative is Ethiopian Airlines, which runs its own connecting operation through Addis Ababa and is Africa's largest carrier. Ethiopian has been a competitor on these markets for years. ![A large jetliner taking off from an airport runway](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1730627667733-f40d7bcd6dc0?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDR8fGV0aGlvcGlhbiUyMGFpcmxpbmVzfGVufDB8fHx8MTc4OTQ4MzEzN3ww&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by Bornil Amin / Unsplash --- ## The capacity did not disappear A further six destinations outside Africa have also been affected by the changes, as the airline looks to free up capacity within its network. However, that capacity has not simply been removed. New flights and higher frequencies have been added elsewhere, including daily service to Santiago in Chile and increased frequencies to Sydney, Seville, Chengdu and Phnom Penh. Turkish Airlines · September 11, 2026 ### Where the capacity went Eleven destinations removed permanently, with frequencies raised elsewhere. Removed permanently *✕* **Lusaka** · Zambia *✕* **Luanda** · Angola *✕* **Kinshasa** · DR Congo *✕* **Libreville** · Gabon *✕* **Juba** · South Sudan A further six destinations outside Africa were also cut. Added or increased *✓* **Santiago** · to daily *✓* **Sydney** · more frequencies *✓* **Seville** · more frequencies *✓* **Chengdu** · more frequencies *✓* **Phnom Penh** · more frequencies Europe, Asia and the Americas absorbed the freed capacity. The exception South Africa went the other way. Turkish is raising frequencies on both Istanbul to Johannesburg and Istanbul to Cape Town. Turkish Airlines holds a Guinness World Record for flying to more countries than any other airline, certified at 120 countries on active routes and 131 by the airline's own count including suspended services. It has not publicly explained the African removals. contrail.travel South Africa is the exception within the African market. Turkish is actually adding flights on both Istanbul to Johannesburg and Istanbul to Cape Town. This highlights the continued importance of the South African market to Turkish Airlines, despite the wider adjustments being made to its international network. ## A new phase, and a selective one The latest changes show how quickly the global aviation market can change, and how airlines must constantly adjust their networks to meet demand. Istanbul's location continues to give Turkish Airlines a major advantage in connecting Europe, Asia, Africa and North America. Removing several African destinations, however, raises questions about the airline's future strategy on the continent. While some African cities may lose direct access to Istanbul, competitors such as Ethiopian Airlines could use the opportunity to strengthen their own networks. At the same time, the increased services to South Africa show that Turkish Airlines has not completely turned away from Africa. So, is the airline turning its back on Africa? Perhaps it is concentrating capacity on markets it considers more important for future growth. Ultimately the change marks the beginning of a new phase for Turkish Airlines, one where expansion is combined with a more selective approach to its global network. Unfortunately, some African countries could suffer from it. # ### Air France Is Building Its Biggest Lounge Abroad at JFK, and There's a Catch in the Footnote URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/air-france-jfk-terminal-one-lounge/ Last updated: 2026-09-15T14:57:05.000Z Air France announced on Monday that it will move all of its New York JFK flights into the airport's new Terminal One when the building opens, and that it will open a lounge there of more than 2,700 square meters. That makes it the largest lounge in the airline's international network. Bigger than anything it runs outside France. Two levels and more than 400 seats, designed with the agency MARKS Brandimage. There's a bar pouring French wines and champagnes, plus food built around French cooking. Separate zones cover treatments, relaxation and work. Flying Blue Ultimate members get their own area. La Première passengers, who sit in the top cabin, get an exclusive space with a menu created for them by a French chef. They also get a route through the airport designed to be quicker and more private from curb to gate. It looks genuinely good. Then you read the small print. --- ## Business class doesn't automatically get you in The release lists who the lounge is for: La Première, Business, Flying Blue Elite Plus, and eligible passengers traveling with KLM and other SkyTeam partner airlines. There's an asterisk on Business. It reads "excluding Business light fare." Air France · JFK Terminal One ### Who actually gets into the new lounge Announced September 2026, opening with the terminal. Floor area 2,700 m² Largest in Air France's international network, per the airline Seats 400+ Across two levels Daily flights, summer up to 6 Paris to JFK, four on 777-300ERs with the new La Première Gets you in *✓*La PremièrePlus an exclusive space and a chef-designed menu *✓*BusinessMost fares *✓*Flying Blue Elite Plus *✓*Flying Blue UltimateDedicated area within the lounge *✓*Eligible KLM and SkyTeam partner passengers Doesn't *✕*Business lightAir France's cheapest business fare is excluded, per a footnote in the announcement *✕*Economy and Premium EconomyNo access listed **When.** Air France says it will move next year. JFK's new Terminal One is opening in phases, and the first phase was originally targeted for June 2026 before slipping later into the year. The lounge image in the announcement is a 3D projection. The new Terminal One is a $9.5 billion project within the Port Authority's $19 billion JFK rebuild, reaching roughly 23 gates and 2.6 million square feet at completion around 2030\. Qatar Airways, Korean Air and Turkish Airlines are all planning lounges in the same building. contrail.travel So Air France's cheapest business class ticket doesn't include access to the lounge it just announced. Buy Business light to New York and you'll walk past that lounge on your way to the gate. I don't think that's outrageous. Airlines have unbundled fares for years and light fares generally strip out seat selection, baggage and changes. But lounge access in business class is the thing most people assume comes with the seat, and this detail appears in a footnote on a press release most readers will never open. Worth knowing before you book, which is the whole reason to mention it. --- ## Why New York gets the big one The size makes sense once you look at what Air France flies there. In summer the airline runs up to 11 daily flights between Paris Charles de Gaulle and New York, split between JFK and Newark. Up to six of those serve JFK, four on Boeing 777-300ERs fitted with the new La Première cabin, plus three more operated by joint venture partner Delta. Newark gets up to two. That's a lot of premium passengers arriving at one building. A 400-seat lounge is a response to volume rather than a vanity project. --- ## The building isn't finished One part of this is worth holding lightly. JFK's new Terminal One is a $9.5 billion project inside the Port Authority's $19 billion airport rebuild. It's going up on the site of the current Terminal 1, where Air France already operates, along with the former Terminals 2 and 3\. When it's complete around 2030 it will have roughly 23 gates across 2.6 million square feet, making it the largest terminal at JFK. It's opening in phases. The first phase brings a new arrivals and departures hall plus about 14 gates. That phase was originally targeted at June 2026, and reporting from mid-2026 indicated it had slipped to at least November, with the developer declining to name a firm replacement date. Air France says it will move "next year." The lounge image in the release is a 3D projection. None of that makes the announcement hollow. More than 20 international airlines have committed to the building, and Qatar Airways, Korean Air and Turkish Airlines are all planning flagship lounges of their own there. A year of notice for a lounge is reasonable, and considerably better than the industry's recent record on announcing cabins. But if you're at JFK Terminal 1 in the next few months, plan for the building that exists. Check your boarding pass on the day. > Air France to move into New York-JFK’s New Terminal One in 2027, unveiling a new 2,700-square-metre lounge [https://t.co/gWhCvlzh5x](https://t.co/gWhCvlzh5x?ref=thecontrail.org) [pic.twitter.com/N7CYkW845Q](https://t.co/N7CYkW845Q?ref=thecontrail.org) > > — Air France Newsroom (@AFnewsroom) [September 15, 2026](https://x.com/AFnewsroom/status/2099792974716522847?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=thecontrail.org) ### Washington Has Three Airports. One of Them Is Doing All the Work. URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/dca-air-safety-act-slots-perimeter-rule/ Last updated: 2026-09-16T11:35:06.000Z Two Virginia senators announced a bill last Thursday that would cut 30 slots at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, cap arrivals at 28 an hour, and stop flights bunching up in short windows. Tim Kaine and Mark Warner say they'll introduce the DCA Air Safety Act next week, so it isn't law or even formally before Congress yet. Every piece I've read about it frames this as a safety bill, which it is. In January 2025 a midair collision between an American regional jet and an Army Black Hawk killed 67 people, and the NTSB investigation named airspace congestion and high controller workload among the contributing factors. That's the reason the senators give and it's a real one. But there's a whole second argument buried in this that nobody is writing about, and it has nothing to do with helicopters. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/DCA_Nacional_Airport-_Reagan_Nacional_Airport_2-1.jpg) Credit: Kurtkaiser via Wikimedia Commons --- ## The perimeter rule was built to protect two other airports Since 1986, Congress has restricted how many nonstop flights can leave DCA for airports beyond 1,250 miles. That rule wasn't an accident or a quirk. It exists because Dulles and BWI were designed to be the region's growth airports. DCA sits on a small footprint with a short runway in constrained airspace, and it was meant to handle the shorter stuff. Washington was supposed to work as a three-airport system. DCA takes the regional flying, Dulles takes the long haul because its size allows bigger aircraft, and BWI absorbs the rest. Congress has spent decades chipping away at that. Every beyond-perimeter exemption it grants is another transcon flight operating from the wrong airport in the system, and the senators have said plainly that those additions have kept Dulles from realizing its potential as the region's primary long-haul destination. That fight has been close, too. In July 2023 the House defeated an amendment that would have added 14 flights at DCA. Senate Commerce then put ten into a manager's amendment, and those ten survived into the 2024 reauthorization. --- ## The number that should be in every version of this story One figure turned up in a letter these same senators sent to the Commerce and Transportation committees in March 2024, and I haven't seen it anywhere in the coverage of this bill. Adding flights at DCA, they wrote, threatens current service reliability to **92 other inside-perimeter airports** across the country. They attached a list of them. Reagan National · slots and the perimeter ### Who the 1,250-mile rule was written for Congress has restricted nonstops beyond 1,250 miles from DCA since 1986. 92 **Airports inside the perimeter**Their service reliability to Washington runs through DCA. Beyond-perimeter flights use larger aircraft, and larger aircraft need wider separation standards, which slows the cadence of takeoffs and landings for every route using the airport. Designed to serve 15M passengers a year On pace for, 2024 25M ten million over design capacity Flights delayed 20–22% averaging 67 minutes, per the senators' 2024 letter The three-airport system as designed DCA **Short-haul**Small footprint, short runway, constrained airspace. Built for regional flying IAD **Long-haul**Dulles was designated a growth airport, with room for larger aircraft BWI **Overflow and growth**Planned alongside Dulles to absorb the region's expansion Today Arrival rate of 30 aircraft an hour No cap on clustering within the hour Beyond-perimeter exemptions granted repeatedly by Congress 2024 FAA Reauthorization added five slots, meaning ten flights Under the bill Arrival rate capped at 28 per consecutive 60 minutes Binding 30-minute interval caps within 180 days 30 slots removed over five years, at least 26 beyond-perimeter Reports to Congress, public comment and expert input required The DCA Air Safety Act was announced on September 11 by Senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner, who said they would introduce it the following week. The 92-airport figure, the design capacity and the delay statistics come from a March 2024 letter the Virginia and Maryland senators sent to the Senate Commerce and House Transportation & Infrastructure committees, which included an appendix naming the airports. contrail.travel Ninety-two. Those are the small and mid-size cities whose Washington connection runs through DCA, and I had assumed the harm to them was commercial. A transcon flight earns more per slot than a service to a small city, so the small city loses out. That reasoning turns out to be wrong, and the real explanation is more specific. Beyond-perimeter flights use bigger aircraft. Kaine and Warner put the difference at roughly 70 additional passengers per flight, and bigger aircraft need wider separation standards, which slows the cadence of takeoffs and landings across the whole airport. So a transcontinental flight doesn't just occupy a slot. It reduces how many aircraft the runway can process per hour, which produces delays and cancellations that land on every route using DCA. The same problem shows up on the landside. Those extra passengers strain roadways, parking and baggage systems that were sized for a smaller airport. So when Congress adds ten beyond-perimeter flights, the cost doesn't fall on the airport in some abstract way. It falls on a city somewhere inside the perimeter that quietly loses reliability, and has no senator making speeches about it because the effect is spread across ninety-two places at once. That's the part of this bill I find genuinely interesting. Of the 30 slots it would cut, at least 26 come from beyond-perimeter exemptions. Read that as a safety measure if you like. It's also a deliberate attempt to undo four decades of Congress redirecting DCA's capacity toward long-haul routes it was never designed to serve. --- ## DCA was built for 15 million passengers That same 2024 letter is worth reading in full, because it puts numbers on overcrowding that most coverage describes in adjectives. DCA was designed to accommodate 15 million passengers a year. In 2024 it was on pace to serve 25 million, which the senators attribute partly to previous congressional carve-outs to the slot and perimeter rules. They also cite a 2022 report putting DCA's cancellation rate third worst among the country's busiest airports, and say that 20 to 22 percent of flights into and out of the airport were experiencing delays averaging 67 minutes. On the landside, during one holiday weekend in 2022, more than 800 customers were turned away because the parking garages were full. Ten million a year over design capacity. I wrote about Newark Terminal B last week, a building handling roughly 11.5 million against a 6.8 million design, and thought that was the starkest example I'd come across. This is a bigger gap in absolute terms at an airport with one runway doing the heavy lifting. --- ## What the bill actually does Four things, and the mechanics matter. First, the Airport Arrival Rate gets capped at no more than 28 aircraft during any consecutive 60-minute period, down from 30. That figure has been moving. Before the January 2025 collision, DCA allowed 36 arrivals an hour. The FAA cut it to 26 afterward and later restored it to 30\. This bill would settle it at 28, which is lower than today and still well above the post-accident restriction. Reagan National · arrivals per hour ### The rate has moved three times in two years How many aircraft the FAA allows to land at DCA in a 60-minute period. Before Jan 2025Pre-collision 36 After Jan 2025FAA restriction 26 TodayRestored by the FAA 30 Under the billProposed cap 28 Bars scaled to the 36 figure What the hourly cap doesn't fix Clustering, where airlines compress departures and arrivals into short high-intensity windows inside the hour The bill would give the FAA 180 days to set binding 30-minute interval caps, forcing operations to spread across the hour Airlines create clustering through scheduling, so an hourly number alone leaves it untouched The January 2025 midair collision between an American regional jet and a US Army Black Hawk killed 67 people. The NTSB investigation identified airspace congestion and high controller workload among the contributing factors. The proposed cap is 28 aircraft during any consecutive 60-minute period. contrail.travel Second, it attacks clustering, which is when departures and arrivals get compressed into short high-intensity windows. The FAA would have 180 days to establish binding 30-minute interval caps so operations spread evenly across the hour. That's the provision I'd watch most closely, because clustering is an operational reality airlines create through scheduling rather than something the hourly cap addresses on its own. Third, it eliminates 30 slots over five years, at least 26 of them beyond-perimeter exemptions. Fourth, it mandates reports to Congress, a public comment process and expert input on implementation. Slot decisions usually happen quietly, so that's a meaningful change on its own. --- ## Who loses flights Fewer western nonstops from DCA, if it passes as written. American operates a hub there and would face the most schedule reshuffling. Passengers heading to the west coast would lean more on Dulles and BWI, which is exactly what the perimeter rule intended in the first place. I'd point out the obvious thing about my own read here, which is that this is also convenient. Virginia's senators have opposed slot and perimeter changes for years, and this bill lets them pursue a long-held network position through a safety argument nobody can easily dispute. Both things can be true at once. Congestion in that airspace is real, and the people saying so also wanted these flights gone before anyone died. --- ## What happens next Nothing quickly. Nothing has been introduced yet, it needs a vote, and the slot eliminations would phase in over five years even if it passes. What I'll be watching is whether any senator from outside the region signs on. Congressional support for adding DCA slots has historically come from members who want a shorter commute home, and reversing that means asking people to vote against their own convenience. If this bill gets cosponsors from beyond the perimeter, it's serious. If it stays a Virginia and Maryland project, it's a statement. ### Delta and Hyatt Announced a Benefit Hyatt Already Took Away URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/delta-hyatt-loyalty-partnership/ Last updated: 2026-09-14T21:49:25.000Z Hyatt confirmed on September 9 that it isn't continuing its loyalty relationship with American Airlines. Hours later, on the same day, it announced a long-term strategic collaboration with Delta. Every piece I've read on this frames it as a win for Delta flyers, which it might turn out to be. Two things in the sequence get much less attention, and both change how I'd read the announcement. First, Hyatt clearly had Delta lined up before it let American go. Nobody ends a seven-year partnership in the morning and finds a replacement by lunchtime. Both companies keep using the word exclusive, which means Delta replaced American rather than joining it. Second, and more interesting, is what that headline benefit actually is. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/delta_skymiles_world_of_hyatt_lockup.png) Credit: Delta --- ## Dual earn already existed, and Hyatt cut it Dual earn is the centerpiece of the Delta announcement. Eligible World of Hyatt elite members will earn Hyatt points on qualifying Delta airfare in qualifying fare classes, and Delta SkyMiles Medallion members will earn miles for qualifying stays at participating Hyatt properties. That benefit is not new. It was the popular part of American's partnership with Hyatt, which began in 2019, and it was scaled back last year. So the headline perk is something Hyatt already offered, then reduced, and is now restoring with a different airline. If you're an American elite who arranged your travel around it, you didn't gain anything. You lost a partner and watched the benefit reappear somewhere you'd have to start over. I don't think that's cynical on Hyatt's part so much as it's how loyalty currency works. The benefit is the negotiating chip, and which airline holds it depends on who paid more this time. --- ## The announcement is a teaser, not a program Before I call this good news, I'd want five things. None of them exist yet. No earning rates. Nobody has said how many Hyatt points you get per dollar of Delta airfare, or how many SkyMiles per qualifying Hyatt stay. Without that number the benefit is unquantifiable. No launch date. Both companies say the collaboration launches in the coming months, and further eligibility and benefit details will be shared soon. No word on elite reciprocity. Whether Delta status gets you anything at Hyatt, or the reverse, isn't mentioned. The American relationship eventually offered a version of that. Nothing on Medallion Qualification Dollars. Whether Hyatt spending counts toward Delta status rather than just earning miles is the question frequent flyers actually care about, and neither company has addressed it. Nothing on lounge crossover, redemption changes or transfer ratios either. Compare that to how the American and Hyatt arrangement was eventually documented, with specific Loyalty Point thresholds, named status tiers and defined trial periods. This is an announcement of an intention. It reads like two companies wanting the news cycle before the terms were finished. Delta & Hyatt · announced September 9 ### What the announcement actually contains Both companies say details will follow in the coming months. Confirmed *✓*Dual earn for eligible elite members on both sides *✓*Hyatt points on qualifying Delta airfare, in qualifying fare classes *✓*SkyMiles for qualifying stays at participating Hyatt properties *✓*Described as exclusive, and long term *✓*Additional loyalty experiences promised Not announced *✕*Earning rates on either side *✕*A launch date *✕*Whether elite status is recognized across programs *✕*Whether Hyatt spend counts toward Medallion status *✕*Lounge access, redemptions or transfer ratios The deadlines belong to the partnership that's ending **Nov 15, 2026**11:59 p.m. Central. Last chance to link AAdvantage and World of Hyatt accounts **Dec 31, 2026**World of Hyatt members stop earning AAdvantage rewards through Milestone Rewards **Feb 28, 2027**AAdvantage members stop earning World of Hyatt awards through Loyalty Point Rewards Hyatt confirmed it would not continue its American Airlines loyalty relationship on the same day it announced the Delta collaboration. American's partnership with Hyatt had been in place since 2019, and the dual earn benefit at its center was scaled back last year. contrail.travel --- ## The only deadline in this story Real deadlines are attached to the wind-down rather than the launch. American has said customers can keep earning and redeeming for the remainder of the two programs' respective earning years. What matters is **November 15 at 11:59 p.m. Central**, the cutoff for linking AAdvantage and World of Hyatt accounts. If you link by then, AAdvantage members can keep earning World of Hyatt awards through Loyalty Point Rewards until **February 28, 2027**. World of Hyatt members who link by the same date can keep earning AAdvantage rewards through Milestone Rewards until **December 31, 2026**. If you haven't linked your accounts and you have any intention of using this, do it before November 15\. It costs nothing and it's the only action item in this entire story. --- ## Why I'm reading this alongside a different Delta story One more thing worth putting next to this. Last week Delta opened applications for its 2027 flight attendant classes. In the same stretch, American asked 1,205 flight attendants to volunteer for unpaid leave in September. Now Delta has taken American's hotel partner too. That's three data points in one week, all pointing the same way, and none of them are individually decisive. American is managing costs through a fuel shock while Delta is signing long-term deals and hiring for the year after next. Read that as Delta being stronger or as Delta being more exposed if the cost picture doesn't improve. Both are defensible. What I'd say with more confidence is that the Hyatt announcement is worth less than the coverage suggests until somebody publishes an earning rate. Until then it's a press release with a good headline and a missing middle. ### Airlines Are Announcing Cabins Years Before Anyone Can Sit in Them URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/airline-cabin-announcement-delivery-delays/ Last updated: 2026-09-16T11:35:50.000Z In 2017, Lufthansa announced a complete overhaul of its long-haul cabins. New seats in every class, a business class where everyone gets direct access to an aisle, some seats with doors that close. The airline gave the whole thing a name, Allegris, and put out the press release. I was twelve. The first aircraft carrying those seats flew a 40-minute nonrevenue hop from Munich to Frankfurt in April 2024\. As recently as this March, there were still three business class seats on its 787-9s that regulators hadn't cleared for passengers to sit in. Seven years from announcement to service, and counting, for a cabin that isn't finished yet. That's the extreme end of something I run into constantly now. An airline announces a new aircraft or a new cabin, collects the coverage, and then the thing simply doesn't exist for years. Somewhere between the press release and the boarding pass, an entire product cycle disappears. If you've ever booked a flight expecting the seat you saw in an article and gotten something twenty years old instead, this is why. I want to work out whether that's the airlines hyping too early or the industry breaking underneath them after the fact. Having gone through it, the answer is both, and the two feed each other in a way nobody planned. --- ## Start with the aircraft nobody has The Boeing 777X is the replacement for the 777, the big twin-engine jet that does a lot of the world's long-haul flying. Boeing launched the program in 2013, and the aircraft was originally due to carry passengers in 2020. Boeing confirmed in its first quarter 2026 results that the 777-9 program continued to make progress on certification and that it anticipates first delivery in 2027\. Launch customer Lufthansa is expected to receive the first aircraft, with Lufthansa Aviation Training indicating mid-2027\. Cathay Pacific has said it expects its first 777-9 in 2027\. Emirates has signaled late 2027. Boeing 777X ### Launched in 2013, still arriving Program launch to first delivery, against the original plan. Planned entry 2020 Program launched 2013 Now expected 2027 Boeing anticipates first delivery, per Q1 2026 results Cost of the slip \~$15bn Estimated write-offs and cost overruns LufthansaLaunch customer 2027 Cathay Pacific21 ordered 2027 EmiratesLargest commitment late 2027 Qatar Airways50 ordered in 2013 2027 Qatar had planned a 2022 launch for the type and intended to introduce a new first class product on it. Emirates has taken A350-900s to cover the gap and retrofitted its 777-300ERs and A380s. Dates as indicated by the carriers and by Boeing, and all have moved before. contrail.travel That's seven years late on a program estimated to have absorbed around $15 billion in write-offs and cost overruns. Causes reported along the way include GE9X engine durability issues under high-compression testing. Flight control software compliance and increased FAA scrutiny have also been cited. In March the FAA cleared the 777-9 into Type Inspection Authorization Phase 4A, which is a real milestone and also the kind of milestone most people outside the industry have no way to interpret. Follow the knock-on effects and this gets more interesting. Emirates holds the largest commitment on the type and has taken Airbus A350-900s to plug the gap, while pouring money into retrofitting its existing 777-300ERs and A380s so the premium cabins feel current. Qatar Airways ordered 50 in 2013 and had planned a 2022 launch, with a new first class product intended for the aircraft. Singapore Airlines has been developing new first and business products specifically for the platform. So there are airlines that designed cabins for an aircraft that has been arriving next year for seven consecutive years. --- ## The cabin that outlived its aircraft Allegris was meant to debut on the 777-9 in 2020\. When that slipped, Lufthansa eventually moved it onto A350s and 787s instead, which is the sensible response to an aircraft that won't come. What happened next isn't Boeing's fault. Rather than buying an off-the-shelf business class seat, Lufthansa commissioned a bespoke product. Not one seat, but several variants with different features. And the seats are built by different manufacturers depending on which aircraft type they're going into. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/csm_Lufthansa-Allegris-Business-Class-Business-Doppelsuite-0548_95719bf043.jpg) Lufthansa Group Worth explaining what certification means here, because the whole story runs on it. Before a seat can carry a paying passenger, a regulator has to approve it. In the US that's the FAA, in Europe it's EASA, and approval covers things like whether the seat holds together in a 16g impact and whether people can get out of the row in an evacuation. It applies to the specific seat, built by the specific manufacturer, installed in the specific aircraft type. Which is where Lufthansa's structure becomes brutal. The 787 seats need FAA approval separately from the A350 seats, despite looking essentially identical, because they're a different product from a different manufacturer on a different airframe. On top of that, each seat variant needs approving individually. What followed was a fleet of brand new Dreamliners sitting on the ground. At least thirteen completed 787s were reported parked awaiting certification at one point. When they finally entered service in October 2025 they flew with most business class seats blocked. By March 2026, 25 of 28 seats were cleared. Twenty-one joined the four already in service, leaving the full second row off limits. Lufthansa Allegris ### Nine years from press release to a finished cabin And the last three seats still aren't cleared. 2017 **Announced**Intended to debut on the Boeing 777-9 in 2020\. SkyTrax awards Lufthansa a five-star rating the same year, later revoked 2020 **The aircraft doesn't arrive**777X entry into service slips, repeatedly. Lufthansa moves the cabin to A350s and 787s Apr 2024 **First flight with the seats**A 40-minute nonrevenue hop, Munich to Frankfurt. First class initially unavailable 2025 **Finished 787s sit on the ground**At least 13 completed aircraft parked awaiting FAA certification of the business seats Oct 2025 **787s enter service anyway**Flying with most business class seats blocked for sale Mar 2026 **25 of 28 seats certified**Twenty-one join the four already in service. The full second row stays off limits Announcement to first service 7 years 2017 to 2024 Seats still not cleared 3 of 28 On the 787-9, as of March 2026 Two separate problems compounded here. The 777X delay was Boeing's. The certification queue came from Lufthansa commissioning several bespoke seat variants, built by different manufacturers for different aircraft types, each needing approval on its own. Dates and figures as reported. contrail.travel There's more. Allegris doesn't fit the upper deck of Lufthansa's 747-8s because of the narrow nose, so two of those aircraft are getting a staggered arrangement with Allegris on one level and the old seats on the other. SWISS is introducing the same seats under the name Senses and reportedly has to install around 1.5 tons of ballast in the back of its A330s because the first class cabin is too heavy at the front. None of that was caused by a delayed aircraft. It was caused by choosing a complicated product. --- ## The hype arrived seven years early SkyTrax is the outfit that hands out the airline star ratings you see in adverts, and in 2017 it gave Lufthansa five stars on the strength of the Allegris announcement. Not on the seat, which nobody had sat in. On the announcement. SkyTrax later revoked it. I find that single fact more revealing than any of the delay numbers, because it shows what the announcement was actually for. It generated a rating and a competitive position years before a passenger could book the product. In the meantime Lufthansa kept taking delivery of aircraft with the old business class well into the 2020s, while competitors put comparable seats into service. United, El Al and Air France have all been flying products in the same class for a while. So the announcement did its job and then the airline spent seven years living with the gap between what people expected and what it could sell. --- ## What I actually object to I review cabins for a living and this genuinely frustrates me, though not for the reason you might expect. Delays on their own I can live with. Certification exists for good reasons, and a business class seat with a door and a privacy screen is a far more complex object than it looks. It's a piece of furniture that has to survive a crash, contain its own electronics, and let a stranger climb out of it in the dark. I'd rather that took longer than didn't happen. What bothers me is the timing of the announcement relative to the product. An airline gets one moment of genuine attention for a new cabin, and burning it seven years ahead of the seat existing wastes it twice over. It wastes the launch, because by the time the seat arrives the coverage has already happened and the reaction is muted. And it wastes the wait, because every month between announcement and service is a month where the airline is being measured against a product it can't deliver. A cabin announced eight months out would land differently. Coverage would arrive when people can act on it. Judgment would land on a seat that exists. And the announcement would be a launch rather than a promise. --- ## Both things are true To answer my own question, which I started out genuinely unsure about. Airlines are hyping too early, and the reason isn't vanity so much as planning. Cabin programs get announced when they're committed internally, which is years before they fly, and once an airline has committed the money it has an interest in the market knowing. And they are getting caught out afterward. The 777X delay is Boeing's, the certification queue is a regulator's, and the supply chain is nobody's in particular. Boeing delivered four 787s in August, down from ten in July and thirteen in June, and it wasn't clear from the reporting what caused the dip. An airline can't plan around a month like that. Where those two things meet is the problem. Announcing early is a bet that the schedule holds, and no widebody schedule has held in a decade. So every announcement made on that assumption is a promise the airline may not get to keep. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/777x-gallery-5.jpeg) Boeing I don't think airlines will stop announcing early, because the incentives all point the other way. But I'd like a bit more honesty in how it's framed. Say the seat is coming in 2028 rather than implying next year. Put the aircraft and the certification dependency in the release. Anyone who reads this closely enough to care will respect it more, and the airline stops writing checks against a delivery date that was never in its control. Allegris will be a genuinely good product when it's fully in service. It will also have taken longer to arrive than I've been in this industry. ### A Single Software Fault Took Out a Day of UK Flying. It's the Fourth Since 2014 URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/nats-failure-september-2026-uk-flights/ Last updated: 2026-09-14T13:00:56.000Z Heathrow stopped all departures at 12:48 BST on Tuesday, September 8\. The cause was a technical fault in the system that processes flight data at NATS, the UK's air traffic control provider. Arrivals kept landing. That detail does a lot of work, because a fault that stops departures while arrivals continue is a flight data problem rather than an airport one. NATS confirmed the issue at 13:46 and identified the cause at 15:25 as a failure in its flight processing system. A fix went in around 16:40 and the matter was declared resolved at 19:30\. Around 15 UK airports were affected. The worst disruption hit Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester and Birmingham. A cyber attack has been ruled out, and the precise root cause hasn't been published. Tuesday, September 8 · times BST ### Six hours and forty-two minutes From the first grounded departure to NATS declaring the fault resolved. 12:48 **Heathrow stops all departures**Arrivals keep landing, which points to a flight data fault rather than an airport problem 13:46 **NATS confirms an issue**Air traffic restrictions in place while engineers work 15:25 **Cause identified**A failure in the flight processing system. A cyber attack is ruled out 16:40 **Fix applied**Around four hours after the fault began 19:30 **Declared resolved**Backlog cancellations continue into September 9 Airports affected \~15 Worst at Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester and Birmingham Flights cancelled 425–1,000+ Same-day reports conflict. Cumulative over two days exceeded 2,000 What airlines reported **Ryanair**65,000+ passengers delayed, 50+ flights cancelled **British Airways**100+ cancelled or diverted **easyJet**around 200 cancelled Timestamps and figures as reported. Cancellation counts varied widely across outlets covering the same event, so the range is shown rather than a single number. The Civil Aviation Authority is reviewing the cause and the precise root cause has not been published. contrail.travel --- ## Nobody agrees on the count Cancellation figures vary a lot depending on who counted and when. I'd rather show you that spread than pick the biggest number and present it as settled. Reports put same-day cancellations anywhere from about 425 to more than 1,000\. Cumulative totals across the two days exceeded 2,000 as carriers repositioned aircraft and crews and worked through the backlog. Individual airlines were clearer. Ryanair said more than 65,000 of its passengers were delayed and that it cancelled over 50 flights. Ryanair also called for the resignation of NATS chief executive Martin Rolfe. British Airways cancelled or diverted more than 100 flights. easyJet cancelled around 200. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/gabor-koszegi-N5f4W5vbtgM-unsplash.jpg) Photo by Gabor Koszegi on Unsplash --- ## Four failures in twelve years This was the fourth major NATS failure since 2014 and the second involving flight plan processing, after the August 2023 bank holiday outage. The company has said the September 2026 event was a different issue from the earlier ones, and that it hit the flight data system rather than whatever broke in 2023. Fine, and from a departure hall it makes no difference whatsoever. Twice in three years, one piece of software has gone wrong and emptied a meaningful share of European airspace for a day. I have a particular reason for caring about this one. I've spent a good part of this year building a model that estimates the odds your flight is delayed. It reads historical data, airline operations, inbound aircraft rotation and weather. It can tell you a lot. What it can't tell you is that a flight data processing system is about to fail at lunchtime on a Tuesday. Nothing can. That kind of failure sits entirely outside anything a passenger or a model can see coming, which is exactly why the architecture matters more than the forecast. --- ## If you were on one of those flights A nationwide air traffic control failure is generally treated as an extraordinary circumstance, which means fixed cash compensation under UK261 is unlikely. Your airline still owes you duty of care regardless of the cause. That covers rerouting onto an alternative flight, including on another carrier. The duty also covers meals and refreshments while you wait, plus hotel accommodation and transport if you're stranded overnight. If your airline didn't provide those and you paid for them yourself, you can claim the money back. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/tomek-baginski-GCRZqAWLp5s-unsplash.jpg) Photo by Tomek Baginski on Unsplash --- ## The review is where this gets decided The Civil Aviation Authority will establish the cause. I'll be reading for whether it examines the architecture or stops at the component that failed, because a fourth failure usually points somewhere other than the last thing that broke. ### Dolly Parton Is One Step Closer to Having an Airport Named After Her URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/nashville-airport-dolly-parton-renaming-vote/ Last updated: 2026-09-13T23:00:38.000Z Nashville's airport authority voted 6-0 on Friday to change the policy that governs what its airport can be called, the first formal step toward putting Dolly Parton's name on Nashville International Airport. Friday's vote did not rename anything. That question goes to the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority board on Thursday, September 17. This distinction matters, because two separate things had to happen. MNAA's existing naming policy required that airport property only be named for someone dead at least two years. Parton died on August 25 at 80, so the rule had to go first. Friday's vote was that. Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced the intent on August 28, saying he had spoken with Parton's team and that they were open to continuing the conversation. A petition started more than a year before her death had passed 160,000 signatures by the time of his announcement. MNAA said on Friday that no final name has been settled and that it is working with the appropriate parties on how Parton's name and legacy get incorporated. Nashville · Where it stands ### How a US airport actually gets renamed The FAA does not approve airport names. Every decision below is local. 1 #### Clear the naming policy MNAA's rule required a two-year wait after someone's death. The board voted 6-0 on September 11 to change it. Done 2 #### Vote on the renaming The board decides whether the airport is renamed at all. Scheduled for September 17\. No final wording has been announced. Next 3 #### File the change with the FAA Administrative only. The agency updates navigational charts and databases so the paperwork matches the sign. FAA 4 #### Replace everything with the name on it Signage, merchandise, uniforms, shuttle decals, and hundreds of legal contracts and government documents. Airport 5 #### Bookable under the new name Six months to a year from the vote. The BNA code stays throughout, so boarding passes and baggage tags never change. 6–12 months Cost estimated at $8 million to $10 million, funded from Metro, state and airport resources. Verify each step against MNAA and the FAA before relying on this timeline. contrail.travel --- ## What won't change BNA, the airport's current code, is staying. Those three letters honor Colonel Harry S. Berry, who helped build the airport in 1939, and MNAA has said the code stays. So for anyone flying through Nashville, the name on the terminal changes while the boarding pass doesn't. Baggage tags, booking engines and flight plans all keep saying BNA. The last major US airport renaming went differently. When Palm Beach International became President Donald J. Trump International Airport on July 9 this year, the identifiers changed too, from KPBI and PBI to KDJT and DJT. The FAA issued guidance warning operators about documents that still said PBI. Certificates, authorizing documents and information systems referencing the old code ninety days on could be considered noncompliant. That left a gap during the changeover. Tickets and interline baggage tags kept showing PBI while airport signage and air traffic operations had moved to DJT. Keeping BNA avoids all of that. It also means that if you book a flight to Dolly Parton International next year, the confirmation email will still say BNA. --- ## What it costs, and who pays MNAA has put the renaming at $8 million to $10 million, with funding expected from Metro, state and airport resources. The full process, including signage and administrative paperwork, is expected to run six months to a year before travelers can book to the new name. MNAA has run these numbers before. In 2025, after discussion of renaming BNA for Trump, the authority studied what a name change would involve. It came back at $10.34 million, according to the Tennessean. That covered signage and updated merchandise, uniforms and shuttle bus decals, plus hundreds of legal contracts and government documents. The Trump proposal did not advance. Palm Beach County's Department of Airports estimated its own renaming at about $5.5 million. Signage and uniforms there, plus equipment, promotional material and technology updates. Florida pledged roughly half. Its county administrator told the Miami Herald that baseline signage work was covered, but the full job would need the remainder from the state. --- ## Who actually signs off on this According to the FAA, changing an airport name is a local issue and the agency does not approve name changes. What it does is administrative, updating navigational charts and databases so the paperwork matches the sign. Which is why the timeline runs to months rather than weeks, even when a vote is unanimous. Decisions sit with the airport authority, and the charts follow afterward. --- ## What happens next Thursday's board vote is the one that determines whether the airport is renamed. If it passes, MNAA begins the administrative name change process with the FAA, and the signage and contract work starts after that. What has not been announced is the name itself. Dolly Parton International Airport is the version in circulation, including on MNAA's own social channels, but the authority has been careful to say the final wording is unresolved. ### Two Frankfurt Airport Workers Have Died After Contracting Malaria at Work URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/frankfurt-airport-malaria-workers-died/ Last updated: 2026-09-16T11:35:15.000Z Six employees at Frankfurt Airport contracted malaria in connection with their work there, and two of them have died, according to Fraport, the company that operates the airport. Frankfurt's health department confirmed the deaths. Four other workers have recovered. Fraport said it was shocked and saddened by the loss of its colleagues. Malaria is not endemic to Germany. The infections have a documented explanation, and it is called airport malaria. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/ekamelev-sZIjgg4Peu0-unsplash.jpg) Photo by Егор Камелев on Unsplash --- ## What airport malaria is Germany's Robert Koch Institute has pointed to an imported Anopheles mosquito, most likely carried in on an aircraft, as the probable source of the infections. A mosquito carrying the malaria parasite gets into an aircraft somewhere the disease is endemic, survives the flight, and leaves the aircraft at the destination. If it bites someone before it dies, that person can contract malaria in a country where the disease does not otherwise circulate. Germany's last airport-linked malaria outbreak was in 2023, according to the RKI. Two factors make it more dangerous than its frequency suggests. First, nobody is looking for it. A doctor in Germany seeing fever, chills, a headache and muscle aches has a long list of likelier explanations. The CDC notes that malaria can become severe or deadly if it is not diagnosed and treated quickly. Second, the exposure falls on staff rather than travelers. A mosquito that leaves an aircraft is loose around the apron, the baggage hall and the ramp. Ground crews work entire shifts in those areas. Passengers pass through them in minutes, if at all. --- ## What Fraport has done Fraport's response has two parts. It told employees to inform their doctors that they work at the airport and that airport malaria cases have been identified there. The point is to get malaria onto the list of things a physician tests for, since it would not normally be on that list in Germany. Fraport has also installed mosquito traps throughout the airport. Insects collected from them are going to the Institute of Tropical Medicine in Antwerp, Belgium, for genetic testing to identify the species and possible origin. Species and origin would tell Fraport which routes and which arriving aircraft to look at, and whether this was one insect or a recurring pathway. --- ## Screening is not built for this Airports have added health measures on several fronts this year. Parts of Asia increased precautions after a Nipah virus outbreak in India, and Thailand added monitoring and screening procedures at international travel checkpoints, according to the country's Department of Disease Control. Those measures are designed to detect disease in people crossing a border. Airport malaria presents a different problem, because what crosses the border is an insect rather than a passenger, and no passenger screening regime is built to catch it. --- ## What it means if you fly, and if you work there For passengers, the practical risk is very low. Every case in this cluster was someone employed at the airport, working there over long shifts, rather than a traveler passing through. For ground staff at hubs receiving long-haul arrivals from regions where malaria circulates, Fraport's advice to its own employees applies more widely. If you develop an unexplained fever, tell the doctor where you work. That is what gets malaria tested for. Fraport said its departments are continuing to monitor the situation. ### The One Airport Terminal I Avoid at All Costs URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/newark-terminal-b-worst-international-terminal/ Last updated: 2026-09-13T12:00:56.000Z I fly out of New York a lot, and there's one building in this region I'll route around if there's any way to do it. It isn't a regional field or some forgotten commuter pier. It's Newark Terminal B, which is where a lot of the world lands when it arrives in the New York area, and it's the weakest international facility I've used in the United States. What makes it worse is what's around it. Every other terminal in the region has been getting fixed. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_2882.jpeg) --- ## Everyone else got the memo The region has spent the last decade rebuilding itself. LaGuardia went from a national punchline to a genuinely pleasant airport. JFK has T4 expanded, the new T1 coming online in phases, and T6 under construction. Newark's own Terminal A opened in 2023 and it's a lovely piece of work. Bright, legible, and built for the number of people who actually use it. Then there's B, sitting right next door, opened in 1973 and designed for about 6.8 million passengers a year. You can feel that the moment you walk in. In 2025 it handled roughly 11.5 million. Newark Terminal B ### Built for one number, running at another The terminal opened in 1973 and hasn't been rebuilt since. Designed to serve 6.8M passengers a year Served in 2025 11.5M passengers, around 69% above design capacity **Design capacity** marked at 6.8M **Actual** 11.5M Figures from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. A $200 million interim refresh is underway, with a replacement Terminal B targeted for the mid-2030s under the EWR Vision Plan. contrail.travel --- ## What it's actually like Start with the light, or the lack of it. Not moody, not atmospheric, just dim in the way buildings get when the lighting was specified fifty years ago and nobody has touched it since. Then there's the noise. Ceilings are low, surfaces are hard, and every gate announcement competes with every other one in a space with no acoustic forgiveness at all. And it's cramped, which compounds all of it. Gate areas run out of seats, circulation space doubles as queueing space, and you end up standing in a corridor because there's nowhere else to be. I've waited for a transatlantic departure leaning on a wall. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_2861.jpeg) --- ## The design is the real problem None of that is why I actively avoid it, though. The layout is. Terminal B is split into satellite concourses, and each one has its own security checkpoint. That sounds like a small piece of trivia until you're inside one. Whatever your satellite has is what you get. Lounges, food and shops are all contained in whichever pod your flight leaves from. If you want something on the other side, you clear security again. So a terminal that's already short on amenities divides the few it has into portions, and then puts a checkpoint between you and most of them. There are only one or two lounges in the whole building. Depending on where your gate is, you may have access to neither. I've never understood the thinking. Newer terminals consolidate security into one hall and open the airside space so everyone shares whatever's there. B went the other way, in the building that could least afford it, and I have no idea what problem that was supposed to solve. --- ## What a terminal like this says An international terminal is usually where a country makes its case. It's the first room a visitor stands in, and most places treat it accordingly. Istanbul, Doha and Singapore all treat the arrivals and departures hall as a national statement, whether or not anyone says so out loud. Terminal B is a statement too, just not one anyone intended. And the airlines operating out of it aren't budget carriers. Some of the more premium long-haul brands in the world board their flights from those gates, selling cabins that cost thousands, from a building that would embarrass a mid-size domestic airport. That mismatch is my actual complaint. Plenty of old terminals work fine, so age on its own doesn't bother me. What I can't square is the leaving it alone. Look at the passenger numbers, look at who boards there, look at Terminal A sitting next door. Then explain how this building survived as long as it has. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_2871.jpeg) --- ## Something is finally happening To be fair, the Port Authority has stopped pretending it's fine. In May the board authorized $75 million as the first phase of a three-year $200 million program, drawn from the 2026-2035 Capital Plan. The money goes at the things you'd hope for. Gate seating, flooring and lighting. Restrooms, escalators, elevators and boarding bridges. HVAC and baggage systems, plus ADA accessibility work. Phase one goes after gate areas and restrooms first, along with high-traffic circulation, frontage and lighting. Then whichever equipment breaks most often. The Port Authority's executive director framed it as going after the things customers encounter on every trip, and that's the right framing. New seats and working escalators will help. What it won't do is fix the layout. A refresh can replace the flooring in a satellite concourse. It can't merge three checkpoints into one or put a lounge where there's no room for a lounge. The actual fix is the replacement terminal under the EWR Vision Plan, modeled on Terminal A, and the Port Authority is hoping for mid-2030s. That's another decade of this. So my advice stands. If you have a choice between Terminal B and almost anything else in this region, take almost anything else. # ### New York to Tel Aviv Is About to Have Five Airlines. Nobody Expects Fares to Drop URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/israir-tel-aviv-new-york-launch/ Last updated: 2026-09-12T23:00:19.000Z Israir starts flying to New York next week, which will make it the third Israeli carrier on the route and the fifth operator overall. Four months ago this market was effectively closed. I think the speed of the refill says something about how airlines are reading the risk now. Israir's first departure leaves Ben Gurion on September 15\. The first JFK to Tel Aviv rotation follows on September 17\. The airline's running it with two Airbus A330-200s it bought outright, having made the final payment on May 27 as part of a roughly $85 million investment covering the aircraft, service modifications and a spare parts inventory. Israir says it turned those aircraft around operationally in about three and a half months. Along the way it signed more than sixty agreements and cleared the Israeli Civil Aviation Authority, the US Department of Transportation and the FAA. The FAA sign-off was the last of them and came through on August 24. Three weekly to start, rising to four from October 19 and six from December 1\. The airline has said publicly it expects to be daily by the end of October. Economy fares open around $800 each way. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/16-03-30-Ben_Gurion_International_Airport-RalfR-DSCF7547.jpg) Credit: Ralf Roletschek via Wikimedia Commons --- ## It already quit this route once Here's the part I keep coming back to. Israir flew New York from 2004 to 2008 and walked away when fuel prices made it unworkable. Eighteen years later it's buying widebodies to try again, and it's doing that with a plan to wet-lease two more on top of the two it owns, while still running its eight A320s. Compare that with Arkia, which has been flying New York since February 2025 on wet-leased widebodies. Renting capacity lets you hand it back. Owning two A330s does not. --- ## Everybody came back at once All this capacity is landing in the same two weeks because the US carriers had frozen the market during the war with Iran and are restoring it now, ahead of the Jewish autumn holidays. Israeli national elections follow in late October. Delta restarted daily JFK service on September 7 with an A330-900neo. United restored its Newark flying on September 8\. El Al, which never left, is running five to six daily departures across JFK and Newark. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/4X-ERC-Micha.jpg) Credit: LLHZ2805 via Wikimedia Commons American is the holdout. It has the route suspended through March 27, 2027, putting it about six months behind Delta and United on a route all three have entered and exited repeatedly as airspace conditions shifted. I wouldn't read that as timidity, and I'd be careful about anyone who does. Delta and United have both suspended and resumed this route more than once, and every one of those cycles costs money in rebooking, crew positioning and goodwill. Committing to March 2027 looks to me like a decision not to do that again. American hasn't said why, so that's my read rather than theirs. --- ## The thing I'd expect to be strange, and isn't By December there'll be five carriers on the route, and a wave of new widebody capacity is arriving into the holiday peak. Fares still aren't expected to fall. If seats were the only constraint, this much lift arriving inside six weeks should move prices. Not many people in the market seem to think it will. My read: the demand sitting behind the holidays and an election runs deep enough to soak up roughly everything anyone can put in the air. I could be wrong about the mechanism. Fuel is expensive, insurance for the region is expensive, and either could be holding fares up on its own. But the simplest explanation I can find is that the capacity showed up because there's more demand here than anyone has been able to serve, and price never entered into it. --- ## I've been trying to review these airlines for a year I should say where my own interest in this comes from. I've spent the past twelve months trying to get on El Al and Israir to review them, and I've had every attempt fall apart. Flights cancelled, schedules pulled, routes suspended before I could get on them. Every time it was geopolitical rather than commercial, and every time the airline had no say in it. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/Screenshot-2026-09-12-at-14.57.49.png) That's a small inconvenience for me and a review I still haven't written. For an airline it's the whole problem with this market. You can own the aircraft, hold the approvals and file the schedule and still not fly. What closes the route has nothing to do with how well you run an airline. Which is what makes Israir buying two A330s outright interesting to me rather than just notable. I've been on the losing end of this market's unpredictability in the most trivial way possible, and Israir has committed $85 million into the same conditions. --- ## What February looks like The competitive question comes later. Once the holidays are done and the election is decided, five carriers will still be holding the schedules they filed. One Jerusalem travel agency CEO put the case for Israir plainly, saying its chance rests on price and on having the resources to stay in the fight long enough. That sounds right to me. It's going up against a flag carrier that flies the route six times a day, having put real capital into a market that closed on it once already. Nobody has reported how much of this traffic is actually discretionary, and it's the number I'd chase first. Family travel, business and holidays that won't move would put a floor under all five. Leisure that can wait until next year would not, and the fifth airline in is the one that finds out first. ### Air France Has an A320 at Miami, and It Just Got a Fourth Weekly Flight. URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/air-france-a320-miami-guadeloupe/ Last updated: 2026-09-12T19:30:21.000Z If you spend enough time at Miami International you'll eventually see an Air France A320 on the ramp, and the first reaction is usually that something's gone wrong. Miami is a widebody route for them out of Paris. A narrowbody with a European-style cabin, sitting at MIA, looks like somebody mistyped a schedule. It isn't. And Air France just added a flight to it. From December 11, the carrier goes to four weekly between Pointe-à-Pitre in Guadeloupe and Miami for the winter season, up from three. The flights are AF616 southbound and AF617 back, both on the A320. --- ## How it got there Most people assume this has to be a fifth freedom route, a European carrier picking up traffic between two other countries. Wrong on both counts, and the real answer is more interesting. Guadeloupe isn't a French territory in the loose sense. It's an overseas department, part of France and part of the EU. So a flight from Pointe-à-Pitre to Miami is a flight from France to the United States, running on the same rights as Paris to New York. There's nothing clever going on. It's an international route out of the airline's own country, and that country happens to include a couple of Caribbean islands. Once you see it that way the rest makes sense. Two A320s are based at Pointe-à-Pitre, and they spend their lives on a regional network linking France's Caribbean and South American departments to each other and to a few nearby foreign markets. Pointe-à-Pitre to Fort-de-France in Martinique is a half-hour hop between two parts of the same country, thousands of miles from Europe. From Martinique it carries on to Cayenne in French Guiana. Miami, Belém and Fortaleza hang off the same two airframes. The Miami run used to stop in Port-au-Prince. The Haiti segment went as the security situation there got worse and US authorities restricted flights to the country. What's left is a direct. Why it's legal ### Not a fifth freedom route The common assumption, and what's actually happening. What people assume Fifth freedom A carrier picking up traffic between two countries that aren't its own. Needs specifically negotiated rights, and they're rare. What it actually is Third and fourth freedom Guadeloupe is an overseas department, so it's part of France and part of the EU. The flight is France to the United States. **Which means**Pointe-à-Pitre to Miami runs on the same rights as Paris to New York. The unusual part isn't the paperwork. It's that France has territory in the Caribbean and puts a narrowbody on it. contrail.travel --- ## What else changed for winter Three things moved in the same schedule, and they're worth reading together. Miami goes from three weekly to four on December 11\. A new Pointe-à-Pitre to Panama City route starts the same day, twice weekly into early March, timed to feed Copa's network and to work for passengers coming in from Fort-de-France and Cayenne. And Pointe-à-Pitre to Montreal, which ran twice weekly last winter, isn't in the 2026/27 schedule at all. Air France never opened reservations for it. That looks to me like a reallocation rather than a cut, though the airline hasn't said so. Two aircraft can only be in so many places. Moving that capacity from a Canadian leisure market into a Miami frequency and a Panama connection gets you more out of it, because the Montreal flight served one market and the Panama flight works for Guadeloupe, Martinique and French Guiana at once. I like this operation, and I say that as someone who's spent a lot of this year in narrowbody cabins on routes that had no business being flown by a narrowbody. The airline is running what amounts to a bus network between bits of France scattered across two continents, with two aircraft, and using whatever's left over to add city pairs nobody else would bother with. It gets no attention because it isn't glamorous. ### The Pre-9/11 Gate Goodbye Returns With a Membership Fee URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/tsa-gateside-gate-pass-program/ Last updated: 2026-09-16T11:35:32.000Z TSA is bringing back the airport goodbye. As of this month, people without a ticket can clear security and walk to the gate at thirteen US airports, through a program called Gateside by TSA PreCheck. It's the widest rollback yet of a restriction that came in after 9/11, and it landed in the same week as the twenty-fifth anniversary of the attacks. Let me be straight about where I sit before I make my argument. I've got PreCheck, I fly constantly, and I'd qualify for this. I also think the emotional case for it is real. Meeting your grandmother at the gate instead of at baggage claim is better. Watching a service member come home to their family in the jet bridge, rather than forty minutes later in a parking garage, is better. I'm not going to pretend otherwise. My concern isn't the idea. It's the room. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/daniel-x6tdU7EwAC4-unsplash.jpg) Credit: Daniel via Unsplash --- ## What the program actually does The mechanics are simple enough. You need PreCheck benefits and a Known Traveler Number, you apply online one to three days before your visit, and if you're approved you show an acceptable ID at the PreCheck lane on the day. There's no paper or digital pass to carry. The visit is free, good for one calendar day, and it lets you come and go the same day. Eligibility runs to US citizens and US nationals, plus lawful permanent residents and active members of the Armed Forces. Children have to be added to a parent or guardian's application. If you don't have an acceptable ID, TSA says it will verify who you are through its ConfirmID service for a fee. Everybody going into the secure area still gets screened, which is worth saying plainly. Whatever the boarding pass requirement was doing for the past twenty-five years, the screening itself hasn't changed. It's live at thirteen airports so far, and TSA says it plans to expand. Where it works · 13 airports at launch ### Gateside by TSA PreCheck Airports accepting non-traveler gate access as of September 2026. LAXLos Angeles InternationalLos Angeles, CA DFWDallas Fort Worth InternationalDallas, TX LASHarry Reid InternationalLas Vegas, NV SANSan Diego InternationalSan Diego, CA SLCSalt Lake City InternationalSalt Lake City, UT DTWDetroit Metropolitan Wayne CountyDetroit, MI CMHJohn Glenn Columbus InternationalColumbus, OH AZAPhoenix-Mesa GatewayMesa, AZ INDIndianapolis InternationalIndianapolis, IN OMAEppley AirfieldOmaha, NE OKCWill Rogers InternationalOklahoma City, OK ICTDwight D. Eisenhower NationalWichita, KS LITBill and Hillary Clinton NationalLittle Rock, AR Access requires TSA PreCheck benefits and a Known Traveler Number, and applies only to the airport approved for that visit. TSA says it plans to add more airports. Detroit and San Diego separately run their own visitor pass programs. contrail.travel --- ## Look at the uses TSA lists Here's where I start to part ways with the framing. The program's being sold on reunion and homecoming, and those are the images most of the coverage reached for. But look at the uses TSA itself puts on the page: meeting family at the gate, joining a friend on a long layover for a meal, visiting airport dining and shopping, and greeting service members returning from deployment. Two of those four are shopping and eating. The chief executive of the Columbus airport authority talked about the program in terms of sharing a meal together before a flight and spending time in the terminal. My read, and it's only my read, is that a program which sends more people past the concession stands is worth something to an airport beyond the goodwill. I don't think that's sinister. I'd just rather it were part of the conversation, because the nostalgia framing doesn't mention it at all. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_0392.jpg) --- ## The capacity question Anyone who flies a lot knows the gate area isn't exactly roomy. I've spent a good part of this year in them, and the ordinary experience at a mid-afternoon bank of departures is that the seats went first, the floor outlets went second, and a decent share of the people waiting to board are standing. That's before you add anybody who isn't flying. TSA's own page notes that availability may be limited when an airport is operating at high capacity. I read that as the agency acknowledging the program adds load, and that the load will sometimes be more than a concourse can take. What the page doesn't say is who gets priority when that happens, or what "limited" means in practice at LAX on a Friday afternoon. I'd like to know, because if there's a cost here it doesn't land on the program. It lands on the person who paid for a seat on the aircraft and can't find a seat at the gate. --- ## The gate area runs on a shared stake There's a quieter thing I keep coming back to. Gate areas work, to the extent they work at all, because everybody standing in one has the same problem. You're all trying to get on the same aircraft. I think that shared stake is part of what keeps the crowding from getting worse than it already does, and part of why a gate agent's announcement lands with any authority at all. Take it away and you've got people in that space with no stake in the departure and no particular reason to listen to a boarding announcement. I'm not suggesting visitors will behave badly. I'm suggesting that boarding is already where passenger behavior is roughest, and that I can't see what in this program would push in the other direction. Gate agents are the ones working that space. A gate agent at boarding time is handling the podium, the standby list, the upgrade list, the bag count and a departure time, in front of a crowd that's already anxious. Adding people who are there to say goodbye, and who are under no obligation to be anywhere at any particular moment, seems likely to change that job. I haven't found any public comment from the airlines or the agent unions on it either way, which is its own answer of a kind. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/Screenshot-2026-09-11-at-17.25.53.png) --- ## The part that bothers me most If this is mainly about reuniting families, the program is aimed oddly. You need PreCheck to use it, which means an application, a background check, fingerprints and a fee. The airline-issued gate pass, which airlines have long given out in limited cases like accompanying a minor or a passenger with a disability, or meeting a military member, still sends the holder through the standard screening lane regardless of what trusted traveler program they're in. So on the sources as I read them, the narrow cases go through the regular line and the paid enrollees get the PreCheck one. Detroit and San Diego are both on the Gateside list while already running their own visitor pass programs, which means at those two airports there are now two routes airside operating side by side. That's my actual objection, and it isn't about the idea of visitors at the gate. The mismatch isn't in the program, it's in the label. A membership benefit is being described as the return of something that used to be open to everybody. --- ## What would change my mind Publish the numbers. Tell us how many passes a day each airport is issuing, what the cap is, and how that cap moves with the departure bank. Ask the gate agents what happens when a concourse is full. And if the goal really is homecomings and goodbyes, I'd rather the door were wider, so the family on a visitor visa seeing their daughter off has a route airside too. I'll use this. I'll probably use it before the year is over, and I expect the first time I watch somebody meet their mother at the gate I'll think it was worth it. That doesn't settle the question of who absorbs the crowding, and on the evidence so far it's the person standing by the window with a boarding pass and nowhere to sit. # ### A Flight Attendant Wants You to 'Be a Palm Tree.' Here's What He Means. URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/a-flight-attendant-wants-you-to-be-a-palm-tree-heres-what-he-means/ Last updated: 2026-09-13T18:18:52.000Z I spent half an hour talking to Isreal, a flight attendant at a US airline, about what actually happens to crew during delays and cancellations. We covered pay, timing out, the crew room, the no-fly list, and what to do with a passenger who won't sit down. But the thing I keep thinking about is the palm tree. It came up when I asked whether a cancellation is secretly good news for crew. Free night in a city, dinner on the company, hang out with your colleagues. Isreal said sometimes, sure, but mostly you just want to go home, and then he said this: "They call us palm trees, like meaning you kinda go with the wind, you just adapt and you go." They teach it in flight attendant training. Isreal brought it up again at the very end of our conversation, unprompted, when I asked if he had anything to add. "Be a palm tree. That is like the biggest thing I can tell anybody. They teach you this in training. You must always adapt. You must always just go with the flow, go with the wind. They tell you just let things fall as they are and roll with it. And that's exactly what a palm tree does. They just go with the wind and they go with the motion. And I think that's how everybody should be." ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/thomas-lefebvre-V63oM8OPJSo-unsplash.jpg) Credit: Thomas Lefebvre via Unsplash --- ## The part that makes it more than a slogan Here's what gives the line its weight, and it's the actual reporting from our conversation. The crew are bending harder than you are. Isreal walked me through a recent one in Boston. The countdown clock at the gate, the text saying the flight is delayed fifteen or twenty minutes, then the text saying it's cancelled. And then a to-do list passengers never see: call the company, sort a hotel, sort a car to the hotel, and find out whether you're working the flight home tomorrow or riding it as a passenger. Separately, he described what a cancellation does to a trip you've already packed for. "I packed for a three day trip, but this just turned into a four and a half day trip. You're so low on your clothes right now." That's the person standing at the front of the cabin you're thinking about yelling at. They're stranded too, they found out by text like you did, and they packed for a shorter trip. And they're barely being paid for the wait. Isreal explained that you don't earn your actual rate until the aircraft door shuts, and that it varies by airline. Some pay nothing until boarding is done. Before the door closes you're on a token amount, which he put at around two dollars fifty. "So you think you're getting paid exactly all the way, but it is a bit different than what we expect." So the palm tree advice comes from someone doing the bending for very little money, in clothes they packed for a shorter trip, while being asked to absorb everyone else's frustration. Field guide ### Two ways to stand in a delay Flight attendants are taught to be palm trees. Here's the same weather, two responses. The palm Bends, doesn't break Storm comes through, trunk goes most of the way over, springs back up. *✓*Asks the gate agent what's actually known *✓*Rebooks itself in the app while the line forms *✓*Assumes the crew found out when you did *✓*Eats something, finds a plug, waits The oak Holds firm, comes down Refuses to move an inch, snaps at the trunk in the same wind. *✕*Demands a different answer from the same person *✕*Stands in line instead of using the app *✕*Assumes somebody chose this to spite them *✕*Raises their voice in front of the whole gate **Palm, four hours later**On the next flight, or asleep in a hotel the airline booked. **Oak, four hours later**On the same flight as the palm. Possibly on a list. Neither tree controls the weather. The delay is the same length either way. "They call us palm trees, like meaning you kinda go with the wind, you just adapt and you go." — Isreal, flight attendant The Contrail ## It also works, which is the best part The most striking thing Isreal said about difficult passengers wasn't about handcuffs or the no-fly list, though we got to those. It was how often people come back around. "I see it more often than not." He described a recent flight where a woman was clearly upset. He didn't raise his voice and he didn't hover over her. In his words, he came down to her level and asked what was going on. She was coming back from a funeral. "She calmed down, apologized, hey, I apologize for acting this way. I know it's not right. I'm just frustrated. I'm going through a lot right now." That's a palm tree on both sides of the exchange. He bent, she bent, and nothing escalated. The version where he matched her energy ends somewhere much worse for everyone. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/suhyeon-choi-tTfDMaRq-FE-unsplash.jpg) Credit: Suhyeon Choi via Unsplash --- ## So: be a palm tree I've taken well over a hundred flights this year and I've had my share of cancellations, gate changes and nights I didn't plan for. I've never had a single one improved by being rigid about it. Isreal's version of this is a training-manual line about adapting to the wind. Mine is simpler, and it's the thing I'd actually tell people. The person in front of you at the gate found out at the same time you did, is going through the same night you are, and is on something like two dollars fifty until the door shuts, and is standing there while you decide how to react. Bend. Listen to the full Contrail podcast episode to learn more about my conversation with Isreal: ### Avianca Just Admitted What's Been Wrong With Their Product URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/avianca-premium-upgrades-what-they-reveal/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T21:15:56.000Z Avianca put out a release on Thursday about elevating the travel experience for US customers. It runs through expanded business class, new economy benefits, Wi-Fi, lounges, a new top loyalty tier, and a redesigned long-haul cabin arriving in 2027. I read it twice, and the second time I stopped reading it as an announcement and started reading it as a list. Because almost every item on it is Avianca adding back something a full-service airline is normally assumed to have already. I should say upfront that I have flown Avianca and I don't like flying Avianca. So take the opinions here as mine. But the facts in this piece are all from Avianca's own release, and they're the more interesting part. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_2658.jpeg) --- ## "Seating within the first three rows" Start with the headline item. Business Class Americas is now available on 100% of Avianca's routes within the Americas, including domestic flights in Colombia, Ecuador and Guatemala. Good, on the face of it. Then Avianca describes what you get: priority services on the ground, lounge access, extra baggage, LifeMiles accrual, and "seating within the first three rows of the aircraft." That's the airline's own phrasing. Not lie-flat. Not a dedicated cabin. Not even a specific seat. Seating within the first three rows. It's followed by the line "onboard service is tailored according to the duration of each flight," which is a graceful way of saying that on a short flight there isn't much of it. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_2607.jpeg) Contrail | Zachary Benitez Here's the distinction the release doesn't spell out, and it's the one that matters most. Avianca sells two entirely different things under the business class heading. INSIGNIA by Avianca, the product with the actual seat, runs on its 787s, on flights to Madrid, Barcelona, London and Paris, and on New York services operated by the widebody. That's the one getting private suites and lie-flat beds in 2027. Business Class Americas is the other one. It's the A320 product, and it's what you get on almost everything else, including every US route not flown by a 787. Avianca's fleet is 140 aircraft, and the overwhelming majority are A320s. On an A320 there is no separate business cabin to be in, so what you're buying is the front of the plane, a blocked middle seat, and a lounge pass. That's a recliner, and it's roughly what US carriers sell as domestic first. The difference is that American and Delta don't have a Star Alliance badge inviting you to assume otherwise. So when Avianca says business class is now available on 100% of its routes in the Americas, that's true. It just doesn't mean what a lot of people booking it will think it means. This is the thing I find genuinely frustrating about Avianca, and it's why I'd rather they said it plainly. I have paid for the front of an Avianca A320 expecting something closer to what the alliance implies, and got a slightly wider economy seat with a curtain in front of it. --- ## The economy list reads like a list of past complaints Here's where the release becomes unintentionally revealing. A 22-pound carry-on is now included in all fares on international flights, including to and from the US. Which means, until now, it wasn't. On a Star Alliance carrier, on an international flight. Food and beverages are now included on international flights within the Americas lasting more than three and a half hours. Which means, until now, they weren't. And note the threshold: at three hours and twenty minutes, you're still buying your own lunch. Café del Cielo, the onboard sales service, continues alongside it. Wi-Fi is being "progressively" rolled out across the fleet. Which means most of the fleet doesn't have it yet. None of that is a scandal. Plenty of airlines charge for bags and food. But those airlines are called low-cost carriers, and they don't generally market their front rows as business class to passengers connecting from a Lufthansa long-haul. I'll add my own data point, for what it's worth as one flight. On a flight of over six hours from Guayaquil to New York, the service I got amounted to two passes with water, one near the start and one near the end. Under the policy announced this week, that route would now include food. Which tells you that the policy announced this week is a real improvement, and tells you what it's improving on. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_2645.jpeg) ## The part that's actually good I want to be fair, because two things in here are genuinely worth something. The 2027 INSIGNIA cabin sounds like a real business class, and on the 787 there's a genuine cabin to put it in. Private suites with sliding doors, fully lie-flat seats with 180-degree recline, pajamas by Maaji, Meridian noise-canceling headphones, amenity kits made with artisans from the Chimichagua community, and a menu from chefs Álvaro Clavijo and Rafael Buitrago. If that arrives as described, it's a competitive long-haul product and I'd happily fly it. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/Avianca-presenta-la-evolucio--n-de-su-propuesta-premium-1.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/Avianca-presenta-la-evolucio--n-de-su-propuesta-premium-2.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/Avianca-presenta-la-evolucio--n-de-su-propuesta-premium-4.jpg) And the network numbers are not small. More than 400 weekly flights, 41 routes from the US into Central and South America, and 2.57 million passengers carried to and from the US in the first half of 2026, up 9.2% year on year. Avianca connects a lot of places nobody else connects, and for many of those city pairs it's the only sensible option. That's worth real money to a lot of travelers, and it's the reason the airline can get away with the rest. ## What it actually is Here's my read, and it isn't a hostile one. Avianca came out of restructuring as a hybrid. It unbundled fares, charged for the things low-cost carriers charge for, and kept the Star Alliance membership, the lounges and the loyalty program that make it look like a legacy carrier. That's a deliberate commercial model, not incompetence, and on price it often works out well for passengers. The problem is the gap between the model and the signaling. A passenger booking "Business Class" on a Star Alliance member has a set of expectations, and "seating within the first three rows" is not it. The mismatch isn't in the product. It's in the label. So this week's announcements are good news, and I'd encourage anyone reading it to notice what the good news consists of. A free carry-on on international flights. A meal if your flight is long enough. Wi-Fi, eventually. A lie-flat seat in 2027, on some aircraft, on some routes. Everything on that list should be welcomed. It's just worth being honest that most of it is Avianca catching up to where passengers already assumed it was. ## ### United Is Winning the Part of Flying That Isn't the Flight URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/united-app-strategy-gate-food-standby/ Last updated: 2026-09-13T18:17:38.000Z Last week United started letting passengers at nine gates in Terminal C at Newark order a sandwich on their phone and pick it up off a shelf by the gate. That's the whole announcement. No new aircraft, no new cabin, no new route. A shelf with a sandwich on it. I still think it's one of the more revealing things a US airline has done this year, and I'll explain why. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/United-Airlines-EWR-Food-Delivery-Pilot---Sept-2026.jpg) Credit: United Airlines --- ## What they actually launched The pilot went live on September 2 at gates C125 through C138 at Newark. Eligible passengers get a push notification or an email before departure and can order sandwiches, salads, drinks, kids' meals, chips and candy, plus travel essentials like over-the-counter medicine, travel pillows and charging cords. Orders are prepared by OTG, the airport restaurant operator, drawing on Newark restaurants including Nonna's Kitchen and Victory Grill, and left waiting on a designated shelf at the gate. Houston comes later this year with national restaurant brands and the option of delivery directly to the gate rather than pickup. If it works more widely, United has said it would integrate ordering into seatback screens, so a connecting passenger could order before they've even landed. Look at which gates they picked, though. C125 through C138 is a corner of Newark where connections get tight enough that wandering off to find food is a real gamble. I don't think this is a test of whether people want airport sandwiches. It's a test of whether people will buy food when they're worried about missing a boarding call. --- ## The week it landed in Here's the part that made me want to write this in the first place. The food pilot was announced on September 2\. The day before, United announced something a lot more useful and almost nobody covered it. If your flight is disrupted and United rebooks you onto a later departure, the app now lets you join the standby list for up to three earlier flights on the same day, without giving up your confirmed seat. You don't have to keep refreshing anything. United monitors availability in the background and texts you if a seat opens. If nothing clears, you keep the flight you already had. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/United-Airlines---Standby-Waitlist-App-Feature---Sept-2026.jpg) Credit: United If you've ever stood in a rebooking line at 11pm, you know exactly what that solves. And it's sitting on top of a whole pile of similar stuff they've added recently. Estimated TSA security wait times at the hubs, which United says makes it the first major US carrier to offer them. Inbound aircraft status on the flight page, so you can see where your plane is coming from. Turn-by-turn walking directions between connecting gates with estimated walking times. Bag tracking that now works with Apple's Share Item Location, so you can send United the location of your AirTag if a bag goes missing. Digital ID in Apple Wallet to enroll in TSA PreCheck Touchless ID from inside the app. None of those are headline features. Every one of them cuts down the number of moments in a trip where you have no idea what's going on. --- ## Why the app is the real strategy United says more than 85% of its customers use the app on the day they travel. For me that number explains everything else. If the app is where nearly every passenger already is on travel day, then as far as the experience goes, the app is the airline. The aircraft matters for the hours you're on it. The app matters for the whole day. It also explains why the food thing has a shot when DoorDash-style airport delivery mostly hasn't. United's app already knows your flight, your departure time and your gate. So it can offer you food at the exact moment you're most likely to want it, and you don't have to find a service, make an account or download anything. Nobody else in that terminal knows all of that about you. That's the pattern running through all of it. Take the flight details they already have, and use them to take a decision off your plate. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_0316.jpeg) --- ## The transparency part, and the catch I'll say the obvious thing here, because it's what this publication exists for. Almost all of these are transparency features. Where's my plane coming from. How long is security right now. Which earlier flights could I get on. How far is my connecting gate. They exist because passengers have always been the least informed people in the airport, and United has decided that's a fixable problem instead of just how flying works. That's genuinely good, and it's the direction I'd like the whole industry to move in. The catch is that the same pipe carries both things. The system telling you your plane is late is the same system offering to sell you a sandwich, and United hasn't said how the money works with its food vendors or what happens to the data the ordering service generates. Neither of those is a scandal. They're just the questions worth asking when an airline becomes the layer between you and everything you buy in an airport. --- ## What it means for everyone else Delta and American both have perfectly good apps. Neither of them is shipping at this pace, and honestly none of what United has added in the last month is technically hard. Standby monitoring is a background job. Security wait times are a data feed. Gate-side pickup is a shelf and a partnership. The hard part isn't engineering. It's deciding that the fifteen minutes before boarding is worth designing at all, instead of dead time between the seat map and the safety demo. United has decided it is. The others will follow eventually, because this kind of thing goes from novelty to expected in about a year. So no, a sandwich on a shelf at gate C130 isn't a big story on its own. But it's the visible edge of the most interesting thing going on in US aviation right now, which is an airline working out that the flight is only part of the job. ## ### Etihad's New Business Class Gets Almost Everything Right URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/etihad-a350-1000-business-class-review/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T21:31:06.000Z India to the Gulf is one of the most competitive stretches of sky anywhere. Emirates, Qatar Airways and Etihad all run dense schedules into Mumbai and Delhi, IndiGo and Air India fight them from the other side, and a huge share of the passengers are connecting onward to Europe or North America through one of the three Gulf hubs. That means the short flight to Doha, Dubai or Abu Dhabi is often the first impression of a much longer journey, and the airlines know it. It's why you'll find widebodies with full long-haul business cabins flying sectors that barely clear three hours. I flew Etihad's A350-1000 in business class from Mumbai to Abu Dhabi. I was excited for this one, and the aircraft delivered. The seat is one of the better business products I've sat in. The crew is where it fell a bit short. Flight Details ### Etihad Airways EY 207 BOM Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Intl · Terminal 2 04:5515m late 3h 26m · 1,225 mi AUH Abu Dhabi Zayed Intl · Terminal A 06:5126m late Cabin Business Aircraft Airbus A350-1000 Aircraft age 6 months Registration A6-XWG The Contrail The Verdict · EY 207 Business **8.2**Overall A brand new suite that does everything right and nothing daring, undercut by a crew that disappeared after the meal. Ground experience 7.3 Seat 9.4 Amenities 8.5 Catering 8.8 Service 6.9 #### What worked *✓*Genuinely Excellent Bed *✓*Standout Breakfast Service *✓*Huge, Responsive Screens #### What didn't work *✕*Absent Crew After the Meal *✕*Armrest Leather Catches Your Arm *✕*Cabin Hot on Boarding, No Air Vents The Contrail --- ## Ground Experience First, a complaint about the schedule. Almost every flight between India and the Gulf leaves at a genuinely awful hour, and even my driver acknowledged it. A departure at 4:40 in the morning is worse than a midnight or 1am departure, because at least with those you can sleep first. This one has you awake from midnight until five. Getting into Chhatrapati Shivaji is a process at that hour. There was a large line for economy check-in and bag drop, but hardly anyone in the business queue, which is exactly what you want to see. The check-in agent was professional and handed me a lounge card. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_3390.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_3391.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_3408.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_3407.JPG) Security was quick. Immigration was slower and became a real bottleneck, and I didn't see priority lanes for business passengers at either. Business Class passengers on Etihad get access to the Adani East Lounge, which overall is a solid space. It was decently crowded but still felt calm, and I liked that it's actually decorated rather than feeling like a sterile room. It's a good place to wait, though I wouldn't arrive early for it. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_3418.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_3421.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_3423.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_3425.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_3427.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_3429.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_3420.JPG) The airport itself is good, with decent shops and food, though everything is crowded at that hour and the bathroom lines were long even for the men's. The gate area looks nice with fun energy, but there are nowhere near enough chairs. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_3439.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_3441.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_3443.JPG) At 3:40, which was the scheduled boarding time, staff came around to everyone standing at the gate and announced a twenty minute delay, then asked everyone to sit down. The problem is that there was nowhere to sit. They suggested seats at neighboring gates, but an IndiGo and a Virgin flight were departing next to us and those were full too. When boarding did start, everyone simply stormed the gate lanes. The boarding line setup was nice and there were plenty of staff, but none of it survived contact with the crowd. --- ## Boarding and First Impressions Illustrated for The Contrail Etihad Airways Airbus A350-1000 · A6-XWG Drawn by **Caleb St. John** · Caleb's Aviation Every Contrail review carries an original drawing of the aircraft flown, made for us by Caleb St. John, who draws aircraft to raise awareness for young people in aviation living with health conditions. Things started out well with good boarding music and mood lighting, at least until the music glitched and started sounding genuinely demonic. That killed the atmosphere, and it's an odd fault on an aircraft this new. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_3454.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_3456.JPG) The crew welcomed me by name and took my meal order before takeoff, which is a nice touch on a short flight. They came across as professional and competent, but reserved rather than warm. The pre-departure beverage was orange juice or lemon mint. The cabin was hot on boarding and there are no air vents, so there's nothing you can do about it. Not unbearable, but worth knowing. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_3518.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_3528.JPG) --- ## Seat Business on Etihad's A350-1000 is 1-2-1 across rows 5 to 15, 44 seats in total. I was in a window seat around row 10. Seat Map Business · 1–2–1 A6-XWG A D G K 8 A D G K 9 A D G K 10 A D G K 11 A D G K 12 A D G K Business · rows 5–15 · seat 10A (rows 8–12 shown) The Contrail These are excellent seats. They're comfortable, they feel genuinely spacious, and the storage is strong. The screens are massive, and there's a genuinely smart detail where they've left a dedicated gap for cables to come out of the cabinet. Another nice touch is that the reading lamp switches off automatically when you recline the seat. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_3462.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_3466.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_3479.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_3485.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_3490.JPG) I'm a fan of the seat material, and I like the armrest on the left side, though it comes with the flight's most persistent annoyance. The leather extends out beyond the plastic, so your arm catches on it every time you raise or lower it. It's minor, but I noticed it repeatedly, and it makes the seat feel tight when you're just sitting and eating. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_3500.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_3499.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_3498.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_3504.JPG) The bed is the standout. It's genuinely cushy, and from a pure softness standpoint it's among the most comfortable I've slept in. There is a gap between the cushions that makes side sleeping awkward, which is my recurring complaint with this seat type, though sleeping on my back solved it because your spine arches over the gap anyway. Even with that, it's a well above average business class bed. The footwell is fine, which is to say average. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_3621.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_3627.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_3634.JPG) A few oddities. The middle cabinet shelf won't close if you just push it; you have to press a button and push down. There are no electronic window shades. And there was an eye mask sitting in the footwell, which I'm fairly confident was left over from a previous flight rather than a deliberate way of presenting it. Here's my honest read on the seat overall. It's excellent, and it plays it safe, and in this case those two things sit happily together. There's no single feature that feels revolutionary the way Qatar's Qsuite or ANA's The Room do. What there is instead is a suite that gets every fundamental right: a door, a huge screen, real storage, and a bed I'd happily sleep in again. Not every seat needs a gimmick, and I'd take this one over most business products flying. I do wish there were more color in the cabin. The light scheme reads as desert, which makes some sense, but a bit of Etihad gold on the outside of the suite walls would go a long way. --- ## Amenities The screens are the standout. They're huge, bright, and extremely responsive, and watching the tail camera on one of them is genuinely great. The Wi-Fi appeared to be free. I connected without entering any information about my cabin, and I never saw a charge, despite the portal advertising paid plans starting around $9.99\. I don't know why it was free, but it was quite good, and I was even able to stream video. The blanket is one of the most comfortable I've had on any aircraft, and the pillow is good too. Credit to Etihad for putting proper bedding on a route this short. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_3505.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_3514.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_3540-1.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_3541-1.JPG) There's no amenity kit or slippers, but on a three and a half hour breakfast flight I wouldn't expect either, and the rest of what's here is more than the sector needs. The one thing I'd actually flag is the lack of air vents, which mattered on a cabin this warm at boarding. --- ## Catering Meal service started fast after takeoff, which I appreciated. It came on a tray rather than course by course, but on a breakfast flight this short that's entirely reasonable. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_3641.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_3647.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_3650.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_3653.JPG) I ordered the masala omelette with chicken cutlet, chatpate aloo and cherry tomato. The food was excellent. The chicken was flavorful and very good, and the omelette was soft and well made if a little quieter on flavor. The mango juice was also outstanding. It's one of the stronger breakfasts I've been served on a plane. --- ## Service This is the one part of the flight that didn't match the rest. The crew were professional when conducting service but were seldom seen for the entire second half of the flight. There were no refills and no check-ins during the meal and nothing at all after it. The trays sat for a while before anyone came to collect them. A hot towel arrived near the end of the flight, and then sat uncollected for a long time. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_3675.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_3694.JPG) There was no thank you for flying, and no gesture of any kind at the end, which is surprising for this class of product. The result was a competent but hands-off crew experience, on an airline that usually sells itself on the opposite. --- ## The Verdict Etihad's A350-1000 business class is a genuinely strong product. The seat is one of the better ones I've flown, the bed is excellent, the screens are superb, the Wi-Fi worked and was free, and the breakfast is among the better ones I've had onboard. The suite plays it safe rather than chasing a headline feature, and I don't hold that against it. What does hold it back is the crew. Outside a handful of good moments they were hands-off, and on a product this good that's the thing standing between a very good flight and an excellent one. Getting a widebody on this route is a real advantage, and Etihad has clearly worked to bring long-haul service elements to a short-haul flight. It's a strong way to travel between India and the Middle East. I just wish the crew had seemed as invested in the flight as the aircraft clearly is. ### Two of Africa's Biggest Airlines Keep Losing Their CEOs URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/saa-kenya-airways-ceo-turnover/ Last updated: 2026-09-13T18:18:15.000Z South African Airways and Kenya Airways can't seem to get it right when it comes to choosing a Group CEO, even in an acting capacity. On August 14, SAA's board placed acting Group CEO Matshela Seshibe on special leave with immediate effect, pending the outcome of what the airline called an internal process. Seshibe has said the matter relates to his time as CEO of Air Chefs, SAA's inflight catering subsidiary, but that the allegations have not yet been formally put to him. The board has not said what the process is about, and it has said the decision should not be read as a finding of wrongdoing. > Suspended South African Airways (SAA) acting chief executive officer Matshela Seshibe was the subject of an anonymous whistleblower report, the Sunday Times has learnt. [https://t.co/4XtttHt94K](https://t.co/4XtttHt94K?ref=thecontrail.org) > > — Times LIVE (@TimesLIVE) [August 16, 2026](https://x.com/TimesLIVE/status/2088825994559762521?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=thecontrail.org) It comes just four months after Seshibe's appointment, which followed the sudden resignation of his predecessor, Professor John Lamola, alongside three board members and the airline's acting CFO. Those departures followed the Auditor-General issuing a disclaimed opinion on SAA's 2024/25 financial statements. In the interim, the board has appointed the Group's Chief Legal Officer, Koekie Mbeki, as acting Group CEO. Mbeki has been with SAA for ten years and was most recently acting CEO of SAA Technical. She is now the airline's third Group CEO in four months. The process of finding a permanent CEO is still ongoing. --- ## A recovery that has stalled This all comes at a time when the airline is facing financial and stability problems. Since restarting operations in September 2021 after business rescue, SAA has been trying to rebuild toward the position it once held in global aviation. The fleet has grown to around 19 aircraft, but it is built primarily around short-haul Airbus A320s, and the airline appears to have slowed in its efforts to add long-haul planes and restore the international routes that once made it a serious carrier. Every change at the top slows that effort down, because each new acting CEO has to start with a strategy someone else put in place. --- ## Kenya Airways loses another one Kenya Airways has also lost another CEO. On September 1, Captain George Kamal formally submitted his resignation, citing personal reasons, with his final day set for September 30\. Kamal had been acting CEO since December 2025, less than nine months, after Allan Kilavuka stepped down following nearly six years in the role. > Kenya Airways acting CEO George Kamal resigns [https://t.co/5iOjPlKgJQ](https://t.co/5iOjPlKgJQ?ref=thecontrail.org) > > — Citizen TV Kenya (@citizentvkenya) [September 2, 2026](https://x.com/citizentvkenya/status/2095044140497043586?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=thecontrail.org) The board has appointed Habil Waswani as acting Group Managing Director and CEO, effective September 15\. Waswani is the airline's Company Secretary and Director of Legal Services, with more than five years at Kenya Airways and over two decades of corporate and legal experience. Both airlines have now turned to their legal chiefs to hold the top job in the interim. Kamal's departure came days after Kenya Airways reported a net loss of roughly KSh 16 billion for the first half of 2026, wider than the same period a year earlier, driven by higher fuel costs, maintenance delays and spare parts shortages. It also came in the middle of a dispute between the government and aviation workers that halted Kenya Airways operations and caused massive delays at airports across the country. There is a brighter note. The airline is introducing the Boeing 777-300ER on its Nairobi to London Heathrow route, which Contrail will be reviewing soon. --- ## Why it matters The recent changes at both airlines show how much stable leadership matters, especially when the industry is already under financial, operational and reputational pressure. Constant changes in the CEO's office, whether permanent or acting, make it very difficult for an airline to hold a clear direction and deliver on long-term goals. For SAA, the continued search for a permanent Group CEO comes at a critical moment, as the airline works to rebuild its network, expand its fleet and regain the standing it once had. Kenya Airways faces a similar test, with another leadership change arriving while the airline manages operational disruptions and wider challenges in the country's aviation sector. Ultimately, both airlines need more than new CEOs. They need strong, consistent and accountable leadership that can provide stability and a clear vision. Frequent changes at the top create uncertainty. But with the right people in place, and the support of their boards and governments, both SAA and Kenya Airways still have an opportunity to rebuild, regain confidence and strengthen their position in African aviation. ### Amazon Prime Air 767 Overruns Runway at Miami International, Ends Up on a Road URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/amazon-prime-air-767-miami-runway-overrun/ Last updated: 2026-09-06T18:44:43.000Z An Amazon Prime Air Boeing 767 has overrun the runway at Miami International Airport and come to rest across a road outside the airport boundary, according to multiple reports on X on Sunday afternoon. Video posted by BNO News shows the aircraft, in Prime Air livery, stopped beside a roadway with heavy black smoke rising from the scene and vehicles halted nearby. A separate clip appears to show the moments immediately after the aircraft left the runway. > WATCH: Moments after a Prime Air Boeing 767 overshot the runway at Miami International Airport and crossed a road [pic.twitter.com/kyCeeOpHdp](https://t.co/kyCeeOpHdp?ref=thecontrail.org) > > — BNO News (@BNONews) [September 6, 2026](https://x.com/BNONews/status/2096667017411465660?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=thecontrail.org) Flight tracking data shared alongside the reports shows the aircraft operating as flight CSB7598 from San Juan, Puerto Rico, to Miami. The FlightRadar24 track ends just outside the airport's north-west boundary. BNO News reported there was no word yet on injuries. Prime Air 767 freighters typically carry a flight crew of two or three and no passengers. ## What we know - The aircraft is a Boeing 767 freighter in Amazon Prime Air livery. - It was arriving from San Juan (SJU), according to tracking data circulating with the reports. - It overran the runway and crossed a road outside the airport perimeter. - Video shows significant smoke at the scene. ## Context Amazon's Prime Air freighter fleet is operated under contract by several cargo airlines rather than by Amazon itself. Miami is a major hub for the network. Runway overruns on landing are among the most common categories of serious accident in commercial aviation, and the cause is typically established through the flight data recorder and the NTSB's investigation, which will follow. THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY ### Thunderstorms Halt Arrivals at South Africa's Busiest Airport URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/or-tambo-storms-disrupt-flights/ Last updated: 2026-09-06T16:09:35.000Z Severe weather over Johannesburg has disrupted operations at OR Tambo International Airport, with arriving flights held in holding patterns and a number of aircraft diverted to Lanseria International Airport and King Shaka International in Durban. As of 5:57pm local time, FlightRadar24 was listing OR Tambo as the most disrupted airport in the world, a live ranking the tracker calculates from the share of flights delayed, cancelled or diverted at each airport. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/Screenshot-2026-09-06-at-11.57.58.png) The disruption was forecast. On Saturday afternoon, the South African Weather Service issued a warning for the possibility of severe thunderstorms across Gauteng on Sunday, citing flooding, hail, gusty winds and excessive lightning. Thunderstorms are among the most disruptive conditions for an airport, because unlike fog they don't just reduce visibility. Lightning halts ground operations, since ramp staff can't safely work outside, and pilots avoid flying through active storm cells, which closes off approach paths even when the runway itself is usable. > ⚠️ ALERT: THE SA WEATHER SERVICE HAS ISSUED A WARNING FOR THE POSSIBILITY OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ACROSS GAUTENG ON SUNDAY. FLOODING, HAIL, GUSTY WINDS & EXCESSIVE LIGHTNING POSSIBLE IN PLACES > > — Gauteng Weather (@tWeatherSA) [September 5, 2026](https://x.com/tWeatherSA/status/2096292101021413535?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=thecontrail.org) Passengers on diverted flights are being held on board at those airports while airlines and airport operators work out how to get them to Johannesburg. A flight attendant on one of the diverted aircraft, a Johannesburg-bound flight now on the ground at Lanseria, told Contrail that the aircraft circled for some time before the diversion, and that passengers on board are frustrated at being kept on the aircraft with no clear timeline. ## What's happening When storms sit over an airport, air traffic control has to route arrivals around the active cells and space them further apart, which cuts the number of flights that can land each hour. If lightning is close enough, ground handling stops entirely. Aircraft that can't be sequenced in are put into holding patterns, and once fuel or crew duty limits come into play, they divert. Lanseria, about 45 kilometres north-west of Johannesburg, is the usual first alternate for OR Tambo and has absorbed diversions in previous weather disruptions this year. Durban is around an hour's flying time away, which means passengers diverted there face a much longer wait to reach Johannesburg, or a change of plans entirely. Diverted aircraft often can't let passengers off. The alternate airport may not have the gate space, ground handling, or immigration facilities to process an unexpected arrival, particularly an international one, so passengers sit on board until the aircraft can either continue to Johannesburg or the airport arranges to disembark them. ## If you're flying today Check your flight status directly with your airline before travelling to OR Tambo. If you're meeting an arriving passenger, confirm which airport they actually landed at before setting off. Lanseria is a long way from OR Tambo by road. If you're on a diverted aircraft, stay in touch with the crew about disembarkation. In extended ground delays, airlines are generally expected to provide water and, where possible, food. ## ### Virgin Atlantic Gets Economy Catering Right. The Seat, Less So. URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/virgin-atlantic-a330neo-economy-review/ Last updated: 2026-09-02T19:50:34.000Z Virgin Atlantic is one of the more distinctive airlines crossing the Atlantic, and the A330-900neo is their newest aircraft. I flew their economy cabin from London Heathrow to Boston, a shade over seven hours. The transatlantic market is about as competitive as flying gets. London to the US East Coast is fought over by British Airways, Virgin, Delta, United, American and JetBlue, and most of them are selling the same journey at a similar price. That leaves very little room to compete on anything except the experience itself, which is why the food, the crew and the seat matter more here than they would almost anywhere else. Flight Details ### Virgin Atlantic VS 157 LHR London Heathrow · Terminal 3 13:041m early 7h 20m · 3,257 mi BOS Boston Logan Intl · Terminal E 15:2436m early Cabin Economy Aircraft Airbus A330-900neo Aircraft age 1 year Registration G-VEYR The Contrail The Verdict · VS 157 Economy **7.8**Overall A narrow but well-equipped new cabin, lifted by catering that's well above what transatlantic economy usually delivers. Ground experience 7.3 Seat 7.5 Amenities 7.2 Catering 9.1 Service 8.0 #### What worked *✓*Excellent Catering for Economy *✓*Memorable Headrest *✓*Warm, Personable Crew #### What didn't work *✕*Unanswered Call Bell *✕*Narrow Seat and Thin Armrests *✕*Expensive, Spotty Wi-Fi The Contrail ****Transparency note:** I hold Flying Club Gold, and this was one of my first Virgin Atlantic flights. The crew gave me a champagne welcome and, after takeoff, invited me to move to an empty row so I could stretch out. I've set all of that aside for the purposes of this review. The seat I moved to was identical to the one I booked, so nothing about the product I'm describing was different because of my status. --- ## Ground Experience Heathrow Terminal 3 departures always impresses me. The drop-off area and the check-in hall are large and calm, which is not something you can take for granted at an airport this busy. Economy check-in was pretty chill, honestly. I got there around 10:30 to find mostly kiosks for checking in and tagging bags, then a small line for bag drop after that. The Virgin staff buzzing around the check-in area have a fun energy about them and were clearly happy to help, which set a good tone for the day. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_8298-1.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_8301.JPG) The terminal itself is nice, with slightly crazy mall vibes. The duty free section right after security is a bit of a bottleneck, though. I'll say that Heathrow's layout and design have never really wowed me, but it isn't bad either. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_8303.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_8302.JPG) Where it falls down is the gates. Mine was gate 24, which is a bus gate, and the services and facilities get thin once you leave the shopping area and head down there. There were no bathrooms in the gate area at all. A lot of the gates here are also the board-then-sit type, which I don't think is up to the standard you'd expect from a major international airport. To be fair to them, the lower bus gate area is well lit with high ceilings, and the plane views from down there are great. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_8323.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_8327.JPG) Virgin makes bus boarding about as painless as it can be. They announced everything clearly and communicated well the whole way through. They did call for priority boarding, though nobody was actually checking anything, so the order dissolved pretty quickly. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_8331.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_8333.JPG) ## Boarding and First Impressions The crew were nice at the door, and boarding came with upbeat pop music and pink mood lighting, which suits Virgin's whole personality. They also made an announcement I've never heard on any other airline. Photos and video are welcome onboard, as long as you get permission from any crew or passengers in the frame. That's a stark change from a recent KLM flight where filming got banned outright because of me. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_8337.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_8339.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_8362.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_8371.JPG) The aircraft also smelled faintly of dog, which I'll leave there without further comment. Check-in had told me the forward economy section was almost entirely blocked off for weight and balance reasons, and I could confirm that with my own eyes once I was onboard. The flight was remarkably empty. The crew announced a passenger count, and while I can't be certain I heard it right, I believe they said 114. --- ## Seat Virgin's A330neo economy is laid out 2-4-2 across rows 45 to 68, with 184 seats back there. I was in 57G, an aisle in the center block, before moving to 51G after takeoff. Seat Map Economy · 2–4–2 G-VEYR A C D E F G H K 49 A C D E F G H K 50 A C D E F G H K 51 A C D E F G H K 52 A C D E F G H K 53 A C D E F G H K Economy · rows 45–68 · seat 51G (rows 49–53 shown) The Contrail The seats are new but nothing incredible. The space seems about right to me, neither generous nor cramped. What I did notice is the width. Economy seats are always hard to judge on space, but this one felt especially narrow, and the armrests feel very thin. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_8340-1.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_8343.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_8346.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_8353.JPG) The cabin is in good condition overall, though my tray table and the area around it were a bit dirty, and the seat next to mine had some fraying down the side. The headrest, on the other hand, is excellent. It's soft, and the wings are sturdy without being rigid. It's one of the better ones I've come across. There's one power outlet for every two seats, which is reasonable enough, and you get individual air vents. Air vents are impressive on a new aircraft from a non-US carrier, and I will always appreciate them. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_8348.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_8349.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_8350.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_8357.JPG) The lavatories are tiny, but they're really nice for economy. The dark color scheme and the bright vanity mirror make them feel more thought through than they needed to be. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_8374.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_8373.JPG) --- ## Amenities Waiting at my seat were headphones, a pillow and a blanket. There were somehow two sets of headphones, which I still can't explain. No amenity kit, which is normal for economy on this route. The blanket was fine but the pillow was subpar. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_8360.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_8366.JPG) The screens are the first thing that grabs you. They're big, bright and responsive, and the selection is more than large enough. Apple TV onboard is a nice touch, and I'm a map guy, so I was well served either way. There's no remote, which didn't bother me at all. Wi-Fi costs £18.99 for the full flight, which works out at around 26 US dollars. That feels on the higher side for a flight under seven hours. It performed well for most of the way, and I was even able to stream video at points, but it dropped out for stretches of the last quarter. Spotty at the end, solid otherwise. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_8352.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_8399.JPG) --- ## Catering This is where the flight earns its score. Drinks came round quickly after takeoff, and the crew then came back to collect cups and trash from that service before the meal arrived. It's a small thing, but it makes the cabin feel looked after. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_8381.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_8383.JPG) The meal service itself was slow to get going, arriving about an hour and a half after takeoff. I wasn't impressed with the flow of it. The food, though, was very good. The menu was chicken tikka masala or cherry tomato and feta pasta, and the crew generously let me sample both. The masala has a real kick to it and is super flavorful for an economy meal. It's not world class, but it's well above average, and it was genuinely impressive next to the Delta flight I'd taken the night before. The pasta was good too, just not as good, and I'd call it average with plenty of flavor (I forgot to take a photo before eating it). The bread was bad. The dessert was insanely good. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_8385.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_8387.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_8389.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_8393.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_8394.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_8398.JPG) You know it's a good tray when there isn't even room on it for the main courses, which is a Contrail first. Before landing they served a cold cheese and onion sandwich, but they did it as a tea service with a warm scone, which I thought was a fun way to handle it. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_8403.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_8407.JPG) --- ## Service The crew are sweet and genuinely nice, and they always seem happy on Virgin. There were frequent drink services throughout the flight, including a full one at the midpoint. They were personable too. At one point I left some plastic on a seat across the aisle and a crew member picked it up without being asked. The humor was on point as well. When one of them handed me the pasta, she announced "and here is your dessert," which tells you exactly how high the spirits were. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_8409.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/09/IMG_8397.JPG) Then the call bell. I pressed it and nothing happened. Crew walked straight past without acknowledging it. With two hours left in the flight I went to the back myself to find someone, and there was nobody there at all. As luck would have it, a beverage service started five minutes later. I asked for hot tea, and even though they had no hot water, they offered to make it and bring it to me anyway. And they did. They noticed the call bell about an hour later and apologised profusely. If The Contrail had a call button test, Virgin would fail it with flying colors. Given how responsive they were the rest of the time, though, I'm inclined to believe they just missed it. --- ## The Verdict Virgin Atlantic's A330neo economy is a solid hard product carried by two things they do genuinely well, which are the food and the crew. The seat is new but narrow, the pillow is poor, and the Wi-Fi is expensive for a sector this length. Against all that, the screens are excellent, the headrest is one of the better ones out there, and the catering is well above what transatlantic economy usually gives you. The call bell going unanswered is the one thing I'd flag, though I don't think it says much about the airline. The same crew that missed it made me tea they didn't have the hot water for, so I'm putting it down to a genuine miss. Would I fly it again? Yes, easily. Airlines and individual flights vary so much that I'm not convinced any one carrier owns this route, but Virgin makes the crossing more fun than most. ### Zimbabwe Internet Outage Delays Flights at Harare and Victoria Falls URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/zimbabwe-internet-outage-delays-flights-at-harare-and-victoria-falls/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T21:31:37.000Z Passengers at Zimbabwe's main airports are reportedly facing major delays after an internet failure took down the systems used to coordinate flights, with staff falling back on manual processes to move people through the terminals. The disruption appears limited to airport systems rather than a wider national outage. Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport in Harare and Victoria Falls Airport are both affected. The cause of the outage has not been established, but reports indicate it may due to a systems issue with Airport Company of Zimbabwe (ACZ). The account comes from flight attendants and staff on the ground in Zimbabwe. Below is the current arrivals board for Victoria Falls Airport, indicating wide spread delays and disruptions: ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/08/Screenshot-2026-08-31-at-11.53.37.png) Courtesy of FlightRadar24 --- ## What's going wrong The central problem is coordination. With the systems down, the information that normally flows automatically between check-in, gates, ramp staff and the aircraft has to be passed by hand, and that is where things are breaking. The flight attendant described one incident in which a passenger in a wheelchair was loaded onto the wrong flight after the technology used to coordinate boarding went down. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/08/actualite10145-1.jpg) Credit: newsaero.info Without working departure control, check-in, bag tagging and boarding pass issuance all revert to paper. That is slow on its own, and the delay compounds through the day as each departure inherits the backlog from the one before it. ## What we don't know yet The cause of the outage is unknown, as is the expected restoration status. It is also unclear whether flights are being cancelled as well as delayed, whether arrivals are affected alongside departures, and whether airports beyond Harare and Victoria Falls are involved. The Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe has not issued a statement at the time of writing. ## If you're flying today Check your flight status directly with your airline before travelling to the airport, and allow substantially more time than usual. Manual processing hits checked baggage hardest, so travelling with carry-on only will move you through faster. If you are travelling with someone who needs assistance, confirm their flight and gate directly with a staff member rather than relying on the boarding process to route them correctly. ### The Best Part of Gulf Air Business Class Happens on the Ground URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/the-best-part-of-gulf-air-business-class-happens-on-the-ground/ Last updated: 2026-09-13T18:18:07.000Z Gulf Air is one of those airlines Western travelers rarely think about, overshadowed by its bigger and louder neighbors (Emirates, Qatar Airways, etc). They're the flag carrier of Bahrain and the oldest airline in the Gulf, founded in 1950, back when they were the shared carrier for several Gulf states before Qatar and Abu Dhabi left to build their own. These days they're flying about 50 aircraft against neighbors with roughly 260 each, so they compete on hospitality and lounges instead of scale. But Bahrain sits in a useful spot, and if you're moving around the Gulf you'll end up on one of their A320s sooner or later. I flew their A320 in Falcon Gold, Gulf Air's business class, on a short hop from Bahrain to Muscat of under two hours, and it turned into a flight of two halves. On the ground, I had one of the best airport and lounge experiences of my life. In the air, I got a cabin that's clearly near the end of its life, with just enough space and charm to carry it. Flight Details ### Gulf Air GF 564 BAH Manama Bahrain Intl · 15:2713m early 1h 47m · 513 mi MCT Muscat Muscat Intl · 18:144m late Cabin Business Class Aircraft Airbus A320 Aircraft age 15 years Registration A9C-AC The Contrail The Verdict · GF 564 Falcon Gold **6.6**Overall An old cabin with dead screens, carried by enormous legroom — and one of the best lounges I've been in. Ground experience 9.4 Seat 7.6 Amenities 4.2 Catering 5.4 Service 6.3 #### What worked *✓*Outstanding Falcon Gold Lounge *✓*Exceptional Legroom *✓*Iconic Boarding Music #### What didn't work *✕*Dry, Reheated Meal *✕*Inoperative Entertainment Screens *✕*Inconsistent Service The Contrail --- ## Ground Experience I arrived from Doha on a connection with the same ticket straight through, so I had no check-in to deal with at all. All I had to do was clear security on the transfer, and even that was quick. It was the smoothest transfer I've ever done. Then I got to the terminal itself. Bahrain International is one of the quietest and nicest airports I've been through. There's an enormous amount of seating and a lot of good food, including real sit-down restaurants rather than the usual grab-and-go. The whole place feels bright and calm. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/08/IMG_1568.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/08/IMG_1571-1.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/08/IMG_1603-2.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/08/IMG_1590-1.jpg) Honestly, that had me worried about the Gulf Air Falcon Gold Lounge. When a terminal is this good, the lounge usually can't compete. The lounge was better. It was noon and there were maybe three of us in there, along with what felt like a million employees. The space is bright and airy and enormous, and it's exactly what you want out of a lounge. The food selection is genuinely excellent. When I walked over, staff came and opened every container for me, and I know that wasn't a show because they hadn't noticed me photographing everything beforehand. One worker then told me they could make burgers or pasta to order. Later on I was looking around for a fork, and someone spotted me from across the room. He disappeared and came back with a fork, a spoon and a napkin, and handed them straight to me. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/08/IMG_1575.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/08/IMG_1579.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/08/IMG_1583-1.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/08/IMG_1580.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/08/IMG_1577.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/08/IMG_1586.jpg) On top of all that, they came around with hot towels. In the lounge. Is this a first class lounge? It did get slightly busier as the afternoon went on, but relative to its size it stayed close to empty the whole time I was there. --- ## Boarding I headed to the gate, which is a nice enough area, though I'd note it's carpeted. Carpet is the enemy of the rolling suitcase and I will die on this hill. Boarding time on the screens said 14:40, which is a full hour before departure. That's a lot for an A320, and it turned out to be wildly inaccurate anyway. Gulf Air boards business class first, which is more than some of their neighbors manage. It began with a gate agent quietly saying "business class" in the general direction of the seats, and that was it. I was first on board again. I'm too good at this. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/08/IMG_1610.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/08/IMG_1599.jpg) The crew said hello at the door and pointed me toward my seat, and a pre-departure beverage came around not long after. I had the choice of water, orange juice or lemon mint, which is more than you get on a lot of regional flights. The livery, by the way, is my favorite in the sky right now. The new one is a genuine improvement. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/08/IMG_1628.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/08/IMG_1636.jpg) Once I got settled, the boarding music started, and I need to talk about it. It's genuinely enchanting, and it actually got me excited for the flight, which is not a sentence I expected to write about a 500 mile hop. It's the best boarding music I've heard. The rest of boarding was long and strange, with a few passengers trickling on every few minutes for what felt like forever. The flight was quite empty in the end, and only three of the sixteen business seats were occupied. --- ## Seat Falcon Gold on the A320 is four rows in a 2–2 layout, sixteen seats in total across rows 1 to 4\. I was in 2C. Seat Map Falcon Gold · 2–2 A9C-AC A C D F 1 A C D F 2 A C D F 3 A C D F 4 A C D F Falcon Gold · rows 1–4 · seat 2C The Contrail The headline here is legroom, and it's incredible. These seats are enormously spacious, and that space is what makes the whole product work. There are awkward bars and IFE boxes under the seats, which on most aircraft would ruin a window seat. Here, there's so much room that it genuinely doesn't matter. Compare it to short haul business in Europe, where you're just getting an economy seat with the middle blocked. This is a completely different league, and the same goes for most regional Asian products. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/08/IMG_1614-2.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/08/IMG_1615.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/08/IMG_1622.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/08/IMG_1616.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/08/IMG_1635.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/08/IMG_1630.jpg) The seats themselves are comfortable enough. The padding is clearly tired and the seat back is on the hard side, which is what happens to a cabin of this age. On the other hand, they recline properly and have leg rests, which is more than most narrowbodies offer. I also got individual air vents, which I will always appreciate. The cabin was freezing, though, even with all of mine shut. Overall the aircraft is in decent shape for its age, and it was reasonably clean aside from a crumpled napkin on the floor. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/08/IMG_1639.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/08/IMG_1644.jpg) --- ## Amenities This is where it all falls apart. The in-flight entertainment screens do not work. Not just mine, but any of them. This appears to be the case across Gulf Air's A320 fleet; the screens simply don't turn on. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/08/IMG_1621-1.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/08/IMG_1623.jpg) Gulf Air does offer Wi-Fi, but it only gives you access to the streaming IFE portal rather than the actual internet. In other words, you get Wi-Fi that connects you to entertainment on an aircraft where the entertainment doesn't work. The pillows, on the other hand, are amazing. Some of the best I've had. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/08/IMG_1624.jpg) --- ## Catering The meal service started with Arabic coffee and dates, which is exactly right and always welcome. I'll admit I didn't really catch what the flight attendant said when reading out the meal options. I can only recall her offering "hot bites" or something cold with turkey. I opted for the hot bites. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/08/IMG_1642.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/08/IMG_1654.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/08/IMG_1659.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/08/IMG_1656.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/08/IMG_1657.jpg) Getting a full meal at all on a flight this short was a pleasant surprise, especially since this wasn't much longer than the Doha to Bahrain hop I'd taken earlier the same day in the same cabin. The combo bread was fun, and the bread itself was surprisingly good. The rest of it wasn't great. It was dry and clearly reheated, though I'd still rather have it than not. After that, nothing happened. There was no second drink service, no refills, and nothing else offered for the rest of the flight. --- ## Service The greeting at the door and the pre-departure drink were a decent start, and I'd expected the rest to follow from there. It didn't. Beyond that, the service was flat. Gulf Air crews generally feel more restrained than other Gulf carriers, and this one didn't seem especially energetic or happy to be there. To be clear, nothing went wrong, nobody was rude and everything arrived. But there was none of the warmth the lounge staff had shown me an hour earlier. Same airline, same city, and a completely different energy. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/08/IMG_1648.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/08/IMG_1665.jpg) --- ## The Verdict Falcon Gold on the A320 is an old product carried by one enormous strength, and that's space. The legroom beats most short haul business class anywhere in the world, and it papers over a tired seat, a dead entertainment system and a forgettable meal. For me, though, the ground experience was the real story. Bahrain International is a superb airport, and the Falcon Gold Lounge is one of the best I've been in. Not because it's lavish, but because the staff were extraordinary and there was nobody else there competing for their attention. Would I fly it again? Yes, easily, especially at the right price. Just get to the airport early, eat in the lounge instead of on the plane, and bring your own entertainment. ### Vietnam Airlines Has a Questionable Business Class Seat. The Crew Made Me Not Care. URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/vietnam-airlines-has-a-questionable-business-class-seat-the-crew-made-me-not-care/ Last updated: 2026-09-13T18:18:23.000Z Vietnam Airlines doesn't get much attention from Western travelers, but between its growing network and Ho Chi Minh City's position in Southeast Asia, it's a carrier plenty of connecting passengers will run into sooner or later. This flight turned out to be a tale of two products: one of the weakest hard products I've flown this year, paired with some of the warmest service. Flight Details ### Vietnam Airlines VN 594 SGN Ho Chi Minh City Tan Son Nhat · T2 14:09+19m 2h 22m · 930 mi HKG Hong Kong Hong Kong Intl · T1 17:31+6m Date March 2026 Cabin Business Aircraft Airbus A321 Aircraft age 14 years The Contrail The Verdict · VN 594 Business **6.8**Overall A tale of two products: a dated recliner with nothing at the seat, rescued entirely by phenomenal catering and some of the warmest service around. Ground experience 5.2 Seat 6.9 Amenities 3.8 Catering 8.9 Service 9.2 #### What worked *✓*Phenomenal catering, garlic bread included *✓*Warm, fast, attentive crew throughout *✓*Made up 13 minutes despite a late pushback #### What didn't work *✕*Hard, uncomfortable recliner and a broken legrest *✕*No power, screens, menus or amenity kit *✕*Gate chaos with almost no communication The Contrail --- ## Ground Experience I arrived at Tan Son Nhat on a connection, so I can't speak to check-in — but I can speak to the terminal, which I genuinely could not figure out. International flights use Terminal 2 while the shiny new Terminal 3 handles domestic only. The layout is confusing and the signage doesn't do you many favors. After wandering a while I spotted a small sign pointing upstairs, and the third-floor level turned out to be a completely different world: more food, far fewer people, better light, and lounge access. Skip the chaos downstairs and head straight up. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/08/IMG_0793-1.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/08/IMG_0797.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/08/IMG_0799-1.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/08/IMG_0800.JPG) If you need souvenirs, congratulations — you've found the promised land. Shops line the entire terminal, even inside the gate areas, while actual food is scarce. And these salespeople do not play. I walked away with a model plane, a stuffed bear, and a bunch of candy. Well played. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/08/IMG_0840.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/08/IMG_0844.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/08/IMG_0841.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/08/IMG_0845.JPG) Business class gets the Lotus Lounges, and I chose Lotus 1 for a very scientific reason: the map showed it as the bigger one. It's bright, airy, and calm, with greenery throughout and world-class ramp views. The hut-style seating pods are a fun touch and the Wi-Fi password is printed right on the tables. Where it falls short is substance — the food was underwhelming for a flag carrier's home lounge, and power outlets are few and far between. Average-plus: low on amenities, but calm enough that I didn't mind. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/08/IMG_0806.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/08/IMG_0807.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/08/IMG_0814.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/08/IMG_0815.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/08/IMG_0817.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/08/IMG_0818.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/08/IMG_0820.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/08/IMG_0821.JPG) After leaving the lounge, I found another aircraft parked at our gate — a Sichuan Airlines jet leaving after us — while every departure board insisted both flights were using the same gate. Zero announcements. Our aircraft pulled into the neighboring gate at 13:16, and the delay was eventually communicated via a whiteboard, on which someone had handwritten that we'd be held ten minutes for "operation reason." Why this warranted a whiteboard but not an announcement remains one of aviation's great mysteries. The whiteboard was optimistic; we pushed 19 minutes late. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/08/IMG_0846.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/08/IMG_0850.JPG) --- ## Seat Seat Map Business · 2–2 VN-A326 A C D G 1 A C D G 2 A C D G 3 A C D G 4 A C D G Business class · rows 1–4 · seat 4C The Contrail ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/08/IMG_0856.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/08/IMG_0860.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/08/IMG_0861.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/08/IMG_0863.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/08/IMG_0869.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/08/IMG_0871.JPG) On paper, this recliner does recliner things well. Legroom is good, the seats are wide, and there's both a legrest and a footrest — possibly the most recline I've ever gotten out of this seat type. In practice, they're simply not comfortable. The base is hard, the back is hard, and the headrest is hard as a rock. By mid-flight my lower back genuinely hurt. The legrest mechanism barely works; you have to grab it and help it along. And all that impressive recline becomes a problem the moment the person in front of you uses it. --- ## Amenities There isn't one. No power outlets, no USB, no screens, no menus, no amenity kit — nothing at the seat whatsoever. There's a sticker promising Wi-Fi, and I did eventually connect to a streaming IFE portal through it, but it was limited and painfully slow. The volume and channel controls still built into the armrest are a fossil from an era when this seat had entertainment to control. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/08/IMG_0865.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/08/IMG_0880.JPG) --- ## Catering With no menus aboard, the crew came through reading out the options — steamed rice with seafood, minced beef fried rice, or stir-fried chicken with noodles — a charmingly analog system that matched the whiteboard energy of the day. Before the food arrived, a flight attendant set my tray table with a tablecloth, followed by a hot towel. While everything cooked, the cabin filled with the smell of garlic bread, so when the basket appeared you already know what I asked for. The minced beef fried rice was not the most appetizing-looking dish I've been served, and looks could not have been more deceiving — it was so flavorful, and the garlic bread was borderline exceptional. Basic in concept, surprising in execution. At some point the crew decided I looked hungry and came back with more bread, which I took as both a compliment and a challenge. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/08/IMG_0891-1.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/08/IMG_0894.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/08/IMG_0895.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/08/IMG_0896.JPG) --- ## Service This is what saved the flight. The greeting at the door was genuinely warm, cold towels came around after boarding, and there was a proper pre-departure beverage service with a choice of coconut juice, champagne, or water — rarely given on a regional flight. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/08/IMG_0874.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/08/IMG_0879.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/08/IMG_0913.JPG) It held all the way through. A flight attendant opened the lavatory door for me. I pressed the call bell for tea before descent and someone appeared in about five seconds. On descent the crew came through with a tray of water glasses. The lavatory even had a floral display made, on closer inspection, out of paper towels — genuinely impressive work. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/08/IMG_0906.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/08/IMG_0905.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/08/IMG_0903.JPG) Cleanliness was solid throughout, with one memorable exception: what appeared to be moss growing on the underside of my tray table. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/08/IMG_0897.JPG) --- ## The Verdict The hard product here is genuinely poor — a dated, uncomfortable recliner with a broken legrest and a total absence of amenities. And yet I walked off smiling, because the soft product is outstanding: one of the better meals I've had on a regional flight this year, and warm, fast, caring service from door to door. Credit where it's due, too. Despite the gate circus and a 19-minute-late pushback, we touched down in Hong Kong just six minutes behind schedule. Would I fly it again? For the right price, absolutely — but I'd board with my own entertainment, a full battery, and zero expectations for the seat. Come hungry, and let the crew and the catering carry you to your destination. ### Angola's New $3 Billion Airport Is Spectacular — and Almost Empty URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/angolas-3-billion-new-airport-is-spectacular-and-almost-empty/ Last updated: 2026-08-20T12:50:58.000Z Angola has a new international airport, named after the country's first President, Dr. António Agostinho Neto. The airport was built as a replacement, and a bold move to replace Angola's now old airport, Quatro de Fevereiro Airport, which sits in central Luanda. --- > # **The Twenty-Year Build** In 2004, almost 22 years ago, the Government of Angola decided that instead of remodeling and redesigning its airport — which was a challenge, because there was no room for expansion due to the urban areas built up around it — they should build a new state of the art airport, one which would be a gateway for Angola to the world and for the world to Angola. They had plans more for the future. The soon to be built airport was conceptualized to become one of Africa's biggest airports and a dominant aviation player among the likes of Johannesburg's OR Tambo International Airport and Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. In 2006 the building of the airport started, 40km from the old airport and the city. It would go on to become the largest airport ever constructed by a Chinese enterprise outside of China, and it would not be fully operational until nearly twenty years later. The build took extensive delays due to various reasons, and contract terminations between the involved parties saw the original completion date of 2012 come and go. In 2017 the work came to a standstill entirely, when the government terminated its contract with China International Fund. It was not until 2020 that Aviation Industry Corporation of China took over and got the site moving again. The final cost is estimated at over $3 billion once the supporting infrastructure is counted. President João Lourenço inaugurated the airport on 10 November 2023, but even then it opened in stages. Cargo services came first, then domestic flights in 2024\. The first international flights only came on 1 February 2025, operated by TAAG Angola Airlines to Brazzaville and Kinshasa. Many other airlines moved their flight operations from the old airport to the new one across the course of that year, with TAAG completing the move of its own international network in October 2025. I got the chance to go see the airport earlier this month during a roundtrip to and from Johannesburg. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/08/WhatsApp-Image-2026-08-18-at-17.51.13-1.jpeg) --- > # **A World-Class Terminal Still Waiting for the World** The airport is truly spectacular. It was spacious, and featured high beamed ceilings, multiple luxury and food shops, wide walkways, properly planned out seating areas, a very good airport Wi-Fi connection, and even a designated play area for children. It is an airport which would not be bad to wait at for a connecting flight, or even to use when visiting the southwest coastal land. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/08/Airlink-to-Johannesburg--NBJ.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/08/Luanda--VIDA-3.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/08/Walkway--NBJ-Inside-.jpg) Dr. Antonio Agostinho Neto International Airport But was it worth the wait? Well, its size exposed a small flaw in the airport. Its emptiness. With the airport being designed to accommodate 15 million passengers annually and to serve as a connection hub, it lacked the numbers to support this. Only a limited number of airline operators fly there daily, and there was not that much movement of airport operations and passengers. For a $3 billion building, that is a lot of terminal waiting on airlines that have not arrived yet. With that being said, I only spent a finite\\ hours within the airport, on a \[day of week\], so I may not have been able to fully grasp the airport and where it is headed to, and maybe in the next coming months there will be a different reflection. Quatro de Fevereiro has not closed completely. It stays open for executive and general aviation traffic, but after seven decades its run as Luanda's commercial gateway is over. Aeroporto Internacional Dr. António Agostinho Neto has truly the potential to be one of Africa's biggest airports and a major connection hub in the world, but will it live up to its potential? ### This Seatback Feature Helps Fight Jet Lag — And Most Passengers Don't Know About It URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/airplane-seatback-external-camera/ Last updated: 2026-09-12T15:44:25.000Z When passengers get bored on a long-haul flight — or really any flight — they often tap on their entertainment screens and put on a movie or TV show. Yet, some planes have a hidden feature deep inside these screens that passengers often overlook: external cameras. A lot of the aircraft types that have come out in recent years — like the 787 and A350 — have a customizable option where the airline can choose to install cameras at various points around the aircraft. These give passengers a view outside the aircraft, allowing for perspectives they otherwise wouldn't have access to. When the camera is mounted on the tail itself, you get a view down the top of the fuselage and across the wings, which looks phenomenal while taxiing, taking off, and landing. Some airlines even opt to install multiple cameras — with alternative views such as a downward or sideways angle. These unique devices are fun for aviation geeks — but there are several practical reasons for any traveler to tune in. These unique devices are fun for aviation geeks — but there are several practical reasons for any traveler to tune in. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/08/IMG_4683.jpeg) --- ## They help combat jet lag Some newer planes — like the 787 — have electronically dimmed windows that flight crew can lock at any brightness. It is common for crew on these aircraft to dim all the windows during cruise so passengers can sleep. Even on older aircraft where there is individual control of the windows, it's common courtesy to keep them closed for a majority of the flight. This traps passengers in an alternate world where it feels like nighttime regardless of what time it actually is outside. This is one of the main drivers of jet lag: having no idea what time of day it is. Our circadian rhythms have been trained over centuries — see light, time to get up; see dark, time to sleep. The camera feeds provide a way for passengers to start orienting to the time zone they're flying into — even while every window in the cabin remains shut. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/08/IMG_7556.jpeg) --- ## They're a window for the windowless Though not an issue on single aisle planes, two-aisle aircraft have a middle section of seats that have heavily obscured window views — if any at all. External cameras give those passengers a view outside — and with it comes information about what the plane is actually doing. Most people generally know when descent has started — but it's trickier for those with no view to predict when the plane is about to take off or touch down. For anxious flyers, not having a way to know what's happening can be difficult. Watching the cameras takes the surprise out of the experience as passengers can watch the runway approach instead of waiting and wondering. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/08/IMG_4665.jpeg) --- ## They let passengers see how flying works Passengers don't usually get much insight into what a plane is doing between the gate and the sky. Since these cameras give a wide field of view of the aircraft and everything around it, viewers get to watch the operation happen live — from navigating the taxiways to lining up on the runway. The educational advantage also applies to the aircraft itself. Cameras show flaps moving, spoilers coming up, and thrust reversers deploying during landing — components of an airliner that the everyday passenger never gets to see. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/08/IMG_2401-1.jpeg) --- External aircraft cameras might not be everybody's first choice when it comes to in-flight entertainment — but there's no denying the practical benefits of turning it on every once in a while. Next time you're on a long-haul flight, check whether the airplane has cameras by navigating through the entertainment system. In my experience, even people who aren't aviation lovers at least get a solid amount of entertainment out of it. ### I experienced Delta's canceled flight process — and came away with safety concerns. URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/i-experienced-deltas-canceled-flight-process-and-came-away-with-safety-concerns/ Last updated: 2026-08-10T17:48:55.000Z I am a frequent flyer and have flown with Delta Air Lines on and off for 35+ years. In that time, I've certainly had my fair share of travel delays and cancellations. However, the service recovery I experienced last week with Delta in the face of irregular operations surprised me — and not in a good way. --- > # **The Cancelation (& Mouse)** I was in Boston on a business trip and had spent the day going from one meeting to the next. All I wanted was a smooth flight home, but I had a feeling that things were going to be bumpy after alerts kept coming in stating low cloud ceilings were disrupting flights at Boston Logan Airport. This particular Boston to Seattle flight, the last of the day on Delta, is notorious for delays. By the time I was headed to Logan, my flight had already been pushed out. My flight, DL 324 had an original departure time of 7:25 pm with a scheduled arrival of 10:49 pm into Seattle. In the mid-afternoon, the flight was already delayed by nearly three hours to a 10:20 pm departure. Delays kept rolling in left and right, and before I knew it, what was once a nice evening flight had turned into a painful 1:40am departure. In the midst of the delays, I arrived at the airport and went to the Delta Sky Club in Terminal E. Hot tip: the other lounges close at 8 & 9 pm while the new Sky Club is typically open until 11 pm. I took full advantage of the lounge, having dinner, getting work done, and even grabbing a quick shower. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/08/Screenshot-2026-08-07-at-08.02.06.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/08/Screenshot-2026-08-07-at-08.02.19.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/08/Screenshot-2026-08-07-at-08.02.34.png) I eventually went down to the gate around midnight where I met a little mouse eating the crumbs left by my fellow passengers, which was soon interrupted by a chorus of text message dings ringing through the air. Bedlam instantly broke out as everyone simultaneously realized that our flight was not happening. Typically when Delta cancelations occur, the airline automatically rebooks you and shows the new itinerary in the app. However, I calmly called customer service because the auto-rebook didn't occur immediately. After a brief wait for a representative, I was eventually booked on a 5:55 am flight to SEA with a layover in MSP. I also received a recovery email with instructions for getting transportation, a hotel (which was easy to select), and a food voucher. Things were going really well with this disruption response...a little too well. I walked out of the airport and opened up Uber, who Delta contacted to provide transportation to the hotel. This is where things started to unravel. I was assigned a "premium pickup" and followed the instructions provided by Delta to reach what can only be described as a dimly lit deserted pickup area. I soon got a message that the driver arrived, yet he was nowhere in sight. We quickly started a phone call in which he proceeded to yell at me, repeatedly telling me that I was in the wrong place (he was at the old ride-app pickup area). I ended up having to book my own Lyft, whose driver took three wrong turns adding 30 minutes to our ride. When I finally walked into the hotel, the first words out of the clerk's mouth were "oh no." I asked what was wrong and she informed me that Delta had just rolled out a new system that will "take them a bit" to figure out. The check-in process required the help of a manager and took over 30 minutes, which felt like an eternity in the middle of the night, especially when I was due to be back at the airport around 4:00am. This night truly was a gift that kept on giving. While most of the calamities I faced were simply annoyances, I called Delta to report what I believed were two immediate safety issues: sending customers to an abandoned dimly lit pickup area and the negative experience with the original Uber driver. Delta was barely willing to acknowledge these issues, so I requested a callback from a manager. I was promptly told that they could not call back to which I ended the call as the clock struck 2:30am since I needed to get some rest. --- > # **The Aftermath** I eventually made it home to Seattle without any further drama before I called back on Monday asking to speak to a manager. After hearing that I was calling to report safety concerns, the manager on duty informed the representative I was speaking to that I would need to call the general customer service line (I was speaking to the premium service line since I'm a Diamond Medallion member). I was taken aback when I asked the representative why a manager would not want to hear about the safety issues and was met with an explanation to the tune of "the manager may not want to deal with this right now." There is no denying that the entire service recovery was a high-friction process and left a bad taste in my mouth. Delta needs to spend more time with their partners identifying gaps that exist to improve the customer journey and experience. Here are a few concrete suggestions for Delta: \-Implement a follow-up process for passenger identified safety issues. \-Include more end to end process testing in the real world before rolling out changes in their canceled flight operations (or strengthen the current testing model). \-Tighten up communication between the airline and passengers about what to do and where to go after a cancellation (especially at BOS). It's good to keep in perspective that at the end of the day, I did make it home. I got reimbursed for the Lyft costs, received an apology for the service interruptions, and was given eCredit. I also received an assurance that someone would look into the issue with ride pickup at Logan. Although I hope to avoid any future flight cancellations, I'm fascinated to see how Delta will continue to improve this process over time. ### Singapore Changi Is an Incredible Airport — With One Strange Flaw URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/singapore-changi-is-an-incredible-airport-with-one-strange-flaw/ Last updated: 2026-08-09T10:31:18.000Z The airline industry is filled with opinions — one man's favorite seat is another man's *avoid at all costs*. Yet travelers broadly agree on one thing: Singapore's Changi Airport is one of the best in the world. Changi truly has something for everyone — fancy stores, unique restaurants, and refreshing greenery line its concourses. The airport's most iconic feature is Jewel Changi, a large glass dome containing the world's tallest indoor waterfall surrounded by various places for landside passengers to sit and shop. "Spa style" music and nature vibes are abundant — quickly making you forget you're in the midst of one of the world's busiest transit hubs. But nothing is perfect, and Changi isn't immune. Despite being a marvel of a space, there is one major flaw that degrades the passenger experience. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/08/IMG_0175.jpg) Singapore's Changi Airport has a carpet problem. Most of the airport is furnished with over 3.1 million square feet of colorful woven carpet that admittedly brings character to what is often a sterile environment. The surface also dampens noise, further contributing to Changi's relaxing environment. However, carpet is one of the worst furnishings for an airport due to its friction with luggage. Many travelers are already packing more than they can handle when it comes to bag quantity, and attempting to roll suitcases on a soft surface adds a lot of resistance. This phenomenon can loosely be equated to running on sand — you're using a lot more energy for a smaller result. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/08/IMG_0147-1-1.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/08/IMG_0169.jpg) It is evident that Changi was crafted by a multitude of meticulous designers — making the decision to include such an undesirable surface for luggage even more bizarre. This flaw feels like a massive oversight when you compare it to how thoughtful the airport design is otherwise. If you are flying through Singapore anytime soon — prepare yourself for what may be a tedious luggage rolling process. That being said, the airport is so marvelous that you may very well forget what surface you're standing on, colorful carpet and all. ### Heathrow Down to a Single Runway After Grass Fire Near 27L URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/heathrow-down-to-a-single-runway-after-grass-fire-near-27l/ Last updated: 2026-08-06T20:40:29.000Z BREAKING - Britain's busiest airport has found itself in a tough spot Thursday afternoon after a grass fire shut down Runway 27 Left (27L). Heathrow, an airport that is often operating at or above its capacity, often uses its two runways in parallel to manage departure and arrival flow. The temporary loss of 27L has forced all operations to Runway 27 Right, causing significant operational delays. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/08/LHR.jpg) Credit: AirNav Radar/Air Live Footage shot by passengers and posted on social media depicts plumes of smoke drifting up from a grassy area adjacent to the runway. Multiple Heathrow Airport fire trucks can also be seen attempting to control the blaze. THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY - Last updated 1:30 PM ET / 18:30 UTC ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/08/Screenshot-2026-08-06-at-10.30.19-1.png) Credit: JamesWade180/X ### Collision Warning Forces ANA Flight to Abort Landing at Tokyo Haneda. URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/collision-warning-forces-ana-flight-to-abort-landing-at-tokyo-haneda/ Last updated: 2026-08-04T23:56:04.000Z BREAKING — Tokyo's Haneda Airport has found itself in the spotlight again for nearly becoming the site of an aviation incident. Flightradar24 reported early Tuesday morning that a Civil Aviation Bureau CitationJet flew in the path of an ANA 767 from Shanghai that was on final approach into the airport. At their closest point, the two aircraft had roughly 100ft of vertical separation and less than a mile of lateral separation, according to ADS-B data. The loss of spacing triggered a collision alert (TCAS-RA) which prompted the pilots of the ANA flight to initiate a successful go-around. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/08/HO2kqonXoAAoxvb.jpeg) CREDIT: @flightradar24/X Haneda is Japan's busiest airport, and this is the second time in three years that a government aircraft has been involved in a safety event there. In early 2024, a deadly runway collision occurred involving a Japan Airlines flight (JAL 516) and a coast guard plane which temporarily brought the airport under scrutiny from Japan's Transport Safety Board (JTSB). Fortunately, today's loss of separation incident had a much smoother ending, as all passengers onboard the ANA flight and the CAB jet are reportedly all safe and uninjured. ## Subscribe to The Contrail Timely commercial aviation news and honest flight reviews, free to your inbox. All we need is an email — then confirm via the link we send so your subscription activates. Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Azerbaijan Airlines Strange A319 Business Class URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/azerbaijan-airlines-strange-a319-business-class/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T21:31:46.000Z It's not everyday you get to board the national airline of a country most people can't even locate on a map. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't giddy with excitement to try Azerbaijan Airlines. The largely overlooked carrier is surprisingly relevant for some crafty fliers due to Azerbaijan's strategic location between Europe and Central Asia, rendering it an efficient spot for connections. With that being said, what is it like on-board Azerbaijan's flag carrier? Join me today as I try Azerbaijan Airlines's regional A319 business class product from Jeddah to their hub in Baku. Could AZAL maybe be the world's most overlooked airline? Read on to find out. Flight Details ### Azerbaijan Airlines J2 1092 JED Jeddah King Abdulaziz Intl · Terminal N 12:5223m early 3h 35m · 1,447 mi GYD Baku Heydar Aliyev Intl · Terminal 1 17:2728m early Date October 2025 Cabin Business Aircraft Airbus A319 Aircraft age 19 years The Contrail The Verdict · J2 1092 Business **6.8**Overall A dated, bare-bones seat and a chaotic Jeddah departure — rescued by warm crew and one of the best meals I've had on a plane. Ground experience 4.8 Seat 5.2 Amenities 7.1 Catering 9.3 Service 7.4 #### What worked *✓*Kind, attentive crew *✓*Genuinely excellent catering *✓*Well-maintained cabin for its age #### What didn't work *✕*Disorganized ground experience *✕*Seat controls that didn't work *✕*No power, no screens, no real Wi-Fi The Contrail --- > # **The Jeddah North Terminal Experience** Jeddah's King Abdulaziz Airport has several terminals — each of which provides a different passenger experience. Most passenger flights leave from the new modern Terminal 1 but Azerbaijan Airlines flights (along with several low cost carriers) still depart from the old North Terminal. The North Terminal is so old and out of the way that my Uber driver couldn't believe I had a flight leaving from there and instead dropped me at Terminal 1\. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/01/IMG_0885.jpg) I proceeded to run around like a lost puppy before getting assisted by an off duty Saudi Border Guard who spoke no english but was keen to help me make my flight. Another twenty minute Uber ride later (the terminals are really far apart) and I finally got dropped within walking distance of the correct terminal. My new driver couldn't find it either and had to ask a construction worker on the side of the road for assistance. 💡 ****Editors Note:** If your flight is departing from the North Terminal at Jeddah, you'll want to budget extra time since it seems most maps and drivers don't quite know how to find it. Additionally, bring your patience hat and be prepared to walk a bit to reach the terminal. This is not a 'Virgin Atlantic Upper Class' style airport arrival. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/01/IMG_0901.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/01/IMG_0908.jpg) Azerbaijan Airlines Check-in was tucked in a back corner of the terminal and was staffed with a few very helpful check-in agents. My agent was nice and professional, getting me quickly checked in after validating my Azerbaijani Visa. Business class passengers get a special check-in line that made no difference since all the check-in lines were empty when I arrived. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/01/IMG_0911.jpg) Security and passport control started with an impromptu document check-point before being allowed to enter the security/passport line. A small crowd formed as passengers arrived quicker than the airport workers could process resulting in a few arguments breaking out and one man getting thrown out of the terminal. I kept my head down and eventually got through. 💡 ****Editors Note:** When tensions rise in the airport, it's important to remember that yelling, despite seeming like an effective mechanism for change, doesn't often yield a better result. That isn't to say you can't advocate for yourself, but doing so in a more respectful manner is in everyone's best interest (including yours). ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/01/IMG_0912.jpg) Passport Control was quick but security took longer with a roughly 30 minute wait (on top of the initial queue to get in the line). I could not find any sort of priority or business class line. The North Terminal itself was nothing to write home about. It was loud, crowded, and had minimal food/shopping options. The gate areas were also small and didn't have anywhere near enough seats. The space has a sort of "bus terminal" like atmosphere and is in need of a refresh. I hope Jeddah's airport either modernizes the existing North Terminal or develops a new terminal for the carriers still using it. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/01/IMG_0916.jpg) --- > # **The 'Business Class' Lounge** I was surprised when I realized Azerbaijan Airlines passengers do receive lounge access in Jeddah. It took me a while to find it as it was strangely nestled directly to the left of security checkpoint. I had no idea at the time if I would be let in since the check-in agent didn't provide any info about a lounge but I gave it a shot and it worked out. Aside from the strange location, the lounge had a few other quirks. Unlike many airport lounges, it didn't seem to have a name, simply branding itself *Business Lounge*. Fair enough I guess. Even funnier is that the lounge seemed to also simultaneously bear the name *First Class Lounge* depending on where you looked (on maps and online). Maybe it recently got rebranded? Or maybe it's having a mid-life identity crisis. Who knows. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/01/IMG_0924.jpg) Unlike the terminal, the lounge was roomy and quiet, which was much appreciated. There was an abundance of dated but functional furniture to sit on. I'd recommend sitting by the windows as they brought some nice light in to what was otherwise a fairly dark space. I opted not to try any of the food offered as the options were limited and didn't look super fresh. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/01/IMG_0931.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/01/IMG_0935.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/01/IMG_0937.jpg) Compared to other business class lounges around the world this one certainly isn't winning any awards. However, one of the core value propositions for a lounge lies in how much better it is than sitting in the terminal itself. In this case, the lounge was a significant improvement. --- > # **Boarding & Pre-Flight Service** The North Terminal at Jeddah has no jet bridges, instead boarding all gates with busses (which is ironic considering I compared it to a *bus terminal* before). Boarding began on time but not without its fair share of chaos. There were no boarding announcements, signs for boarding groups, or really any indication of where to go. In lieu of this, most passengers crowded together and formed a rather ambiguous line that snaked through the gate area. At one point, a few women tried to cut in front of me. However, the man behind me had other plans, instantaneously yelling at them in Azerbaijani demanding that the line cutters let me proceed first. They seemed irritated and tried to fight back but this mystery man had justice on his mind and wouldn’t take no for an answer. I tried to thank him but he didn't seem interested in communicating with me. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/02/IMG_0951.jpg) The one singular perk of having a bus gate is the amazing plane views you get when boarding the aircraft. Today’s A319 — nicknamed “Gazakh” — was glistening beautifully in the sun as I grabbed some photos before stepping onboard. There is no denying that Azerbaijan Airlines' dark blue livery is one of the most recognizable in the sky. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/02/IMG_0971.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/02/IMG_0980.jpg) The boarding process left a lot to be desired, especially for business class passengers. We received the same chaotic boarding experience and vehicular transit to the plane as economy class — which was functional but fell short of the typical industry standard of offering priority boarding to premium passengers. Things started looking up when I stepped onboard and got my first glance at Azerbaijan’s slick A319 business class cabin. This 19 year old plane is not exactly a spring chicken, but the cabin itself looked clean and well maintained. There were 2 rows configured with a 2-2 layout. I was booked to be seated in row two but moved up to row one to allow a family to sit together — which turned out to be a bit of a mistake. Seat Map Business · 2–2 4K-AZ05 A C H L 1 A C H L 2 A C H L Business · rows 1–2 · seat 1A The Contrail I always give high praise to airlines who carry their brand colors into their seat design and Azerbaijan Airlines certainly deserves to be recognized here with their bright blue seat accents. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/02/IMG_0986-1.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/02/IMG_0992.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/02/IMG_1004.jpg) Flight attendants were speedy with in-flight service, bringing around hot towels, nuts, and a tray of drinks. I selected the drink with the most interesting color and asked the flight attendant what it was. To my delight, it was Azerbaijani Juice Kompot, which I enjoyed whilst watching the Yemenia plane next to us. After all — It's not everyday you come face to face with Yemen's national airline. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/02/IMG_1031.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/02/IMG_1027.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/02/IMG_1064.jpg) --- > # **Seat Analysis** The seat was comfortable and well padded with a nice leather material overtop. The headrests were plush and had adjustable sturdy wings that worked well for napping. I also liked how the seat-back padding curved inward which helps passengers feel more supported. The seats felt decently spacious from a width standpoint — assisted by the thick armrest separating neighboring passengers. The end of this armrest contained a small table suitable for drink glasses and other small items. Despite the generous width, legroom was quite limited in the first row due to the bulkhead wall. I was quite shocked when I first sat down and realized how tight it was. I'm only 5'6'' and I couldn't even get close to extending my legs — which is disappointing for business class. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/02/IMG_1020.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/02/IMG_1072.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/02/IMG_1016.jpg) These seats are fairly typical for regional business class around the world but they have a few unique quirks too. One of which is the water bottle storage located between the seats under the center console, which admittedly was quite a handy addition. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/02/IMG_1039.jpg) The seats also had some unorthodox seat controls which supposedly controlled seat recline and the extendable leg rest. Having a leg rest is a nice feature —but unfortunately my seat controls seemed to be stuck. No matter how hard I pushed and pulled, I couldn't get the seat to change position at all. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/02/IMG_1025.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/02/IMG_1044.jpg) Other then these features, the seats were pretty bare bones. There was no other storage or power outlets — the latter of which proved to be a problem for me. Azerbaijan Airlines also didn't install any sort of IFE screens on-board, which is somewhat excusable due to the short routes this plane frequently operates. However, there was a streamable IFE portal that could be accessed after connecting to the in-flight Wi-Fi network. The Wi-Fi network provided no internet connection and was solely for the purpose of streaming the airlines' limited entertainment catalog. --- > # **Amenity Overview** Azerbaijan's blue color scheme continued with their on-board amenities. Upon arrival to my seat, I was greeted by the bluest blanket I have ever seen as well as a plush pillow. There were also menus and water bottles (stored in the nifty water bottle holder) for all business class passengers. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/02/IMG_1002.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/02/IMG_0999.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/02/IMG_1011.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/02/IMG_1043.jpg) Getting such a high quality pillow and blanket on what was functionally a regional flight was quite impressive. I also always appreciate when airlines have water bottles waiting for passengers at their seats since they make it easier to stay hydrated. --- > # **Main Meal Service** The menu on board was a little lopsided for business class in that there was an impressive four choices for the main course but only one appetizer option. I'm honestly not sure how they cater four different main courses on board when the cabin can only ever seat eight passengers at most. Flight attendants began meal service quickly after takeoff. Before I knew it, my Vitello Tonnato veal appetizer arrived, served on a nicely presented tray. From a looks standpoint, this course was well above average for regional business class. The veal itself was a little dry but it was flavorful with a nice amount of salt. I also ordered a cup of tea that was served with the chocolate mousse dessert from the menu. Receiving my dessert course before I finished my appetizer was definitely a first for me and I'm still not sure why the crew thought it was necessary. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/02/IMG_1102.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/02/IMG_1106.jpg) Once I finished my appetizer, the quick and responsive service flow came to a halt as I sat with my empty appetizer tray for nearly an hour. The gap was so long that I started to wonder if the appetizer course was all we would get. Perhaps the dessert served with my tea was an indication the meal service was done? Just as I was starting to lose hope, a flight attendant came around to deliver my main course. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/02/IMG_1112.jpg) This course might not win any awards for presentation but I'd be damned if this wasn't one of the best plane meals I've ever had. I can still vividly recall the lamb's juicy flavor combined with the accompanying vegetables. I certainly didn't have Azerbaijan Airlines delivering a culinary masterclass on my bingo card, but I'm not complaining. Overall, this meal service was pretty impressive. Aside from the somewhat strange service flow and varying crew responsiveness, the meal quality and quantity well exceeded expectations. --- > # **Final Verdict** So — is Azerbaijan Airlines the world's most overlooked carrier? Not quite, but it's closer than I expected. The hard product is dated and the ground experience at Jeddah was subpar, though most of that isn't AZAL's fault. What is their fault is the lack of priority boarding, the strange seat controls that didn't work, and a disjointed onboard service flow. Luckily, all of those things are fixable. On the flip side — the crew were kind, the blanket and pillow were appreciated, and the lamb was one of the best meals I've had on a plane in recent memory. Traveling through Baku to get between Europe and Central Asia is Azerbaijan Airlines' best use case, especially considering you'll pay a lot less than you would elsewhere. ### Delta A350 Premium Select Is Nearly Perfect URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/delta-a350-premium-select-is-nearly-perfect/ Last updated: 2026-09-13T18:18:29.000Z It's no secret that US airlines are a little subpar for long distance flying when compared to their international rivals. The US's main legacy carriers have developed a reputation for inconsistent service, questionable catering, and unremarkable seats. Delta likes to refer to itself as America's premium airline, while striving to set itself apart from the competition by claiming it offers a better passenger experience. However, is this upgraded passenger experience actually competitive on long haul international routes? Join me today as I fly **Delta's A350** in **Premium Select (Premium Economy)** from **Seattle to Taipei**. Flight Details ### Delta Air Lines DL 69 SEA Seattle Seattle-Tacoma Intl · Main 16:49−6m 12h 42m · 6,063 mi TPE Taipei Taoyuan Intl · T2 20:31+1−34m Date March 2026 Cabin Premium Select Aircraft Airbus A350-900 Aircraft age 6 years The Contrail --- > # **Ground Experience in Seattle** Today's journey began at a crowded Seattle Tacoma International Airport. Delta Premium Select passengers receive Sky Priority access on the ground, which gives travelers a slew of perks such as expedited check-in and security. I was arriving from a connecting flight and did not experience this first hand, but I know from prior experiences that Sky Priority can be an absolute game changer. Unlike many other airlines around the world, I'm glad to see Delta granting fliers with an upgraded premium economy ground experience compared to economy. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/03/IMG_0369.jpg) Delta mainly uses A and B gates in Seattle, which is convenient for connecting passengers. I arrived into a B gate and was able to walk to my A gate in less than 5 minutes. The A concourse has a somewhat mediocre selection when it comes to food and shopping. If you are looking to eat, I recommend doing so in the rotunda style restaurant and seating area between the B and C concourses. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/03/IMG_0370.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/03/IMG_0373.jpg) The A concourse has somewhat of a "retro" vibe, which comes along with some charm and some annoyance. The A gates themselves struck me as fairly small, especially for large international flights. I did appreciate the large windows which let a lot of light into what was otherwise a fairly barren concourse. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/03/IMG_0374.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/03/IMG_0375.jpg) Today’s flight was operated by one of Delta’s A350-900’s, which many would say is the airline's flagship aircraft. The A350 is a quiet and smooth joy to fly on and I’m really glad Delta operates them for their long-haul trans-pacific routes. Delta is the sole North American carrier to operate the A350, with the only other carrier to have any on order being Air Canada. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/03/IMG_0376.jpg) --- > # **Boarding & Initial Impressions** Delta boards with a zone based system, with Zone 2 being the exclusive group for Premium Select. Zone 2 is only behind Diamond Medallions and Business Class Customers and ahead of pretty much everyone else including most Delta elites. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/03/IMG_0386.jpg) The boarding process was nothing short of a disaster. I’m not kidding when I say out of all the flights I’ve been on, this was one of the most chaotic boarding processes to date. The small gate area led to a ton of people congregating by the boarding lines eagerly waiting to get on, which was met by Delta agents yelling at them to move so that they didn’t block the terminal path for passengers walking by. Boarding began with pre-boarding which many passengers seemed to take as a free for all opportunity to board, pushing a lot of waiting passengers out of the way. By the time Group 2 came around, it seemed as if half the plane had already boarded. This lack of order was nicely complemented by a small group of passengers bickering over what group was supposed to board near the start of the lines, which ironically enough resulted in the lines being blocked for every else. Seat Map Premium Select · 2–4–2 N575DZ A B D E F G H J 20 A B D E F G H J 21 A B D E F G H J 22 A B D E F G H J 23 A B D E F G H J 24 A B D E F G H J Premium Select · rows 20–24 · seat 23B The Contrail Once on-board, I was greeted by Delta’s lovely looking Premium Select Cabin arranged in a 2-4-2 configuration. There’s no denying that from a looks standpoint, this cabin makes a strong first impression. The seats were spacious and stocked with a boatload of amenities. The blue triangle pattern on the backrest gave this cabin a distinct Delta flair. I was grateful when I discovered that I wouldn’t have a seat neighbor for this nearly 13 hour journey. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/03/IMG_0390.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/03/IMG_0394.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/03/IMG_0396.jpg) The seats were fairly clean and appeared to be in good condition, aside from some sort of leftover meal residue on my tray table. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/03/IMG_0418.jpg) Flight attendants came around before pushback to take meal orders, which is a level of service only usually seen in business and first class. Boarding miraculously finished on time before we took off through the rainy Seattle skies. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/03/IMG_0446.jpg) --- > # **Seat Analysis** Overall, while I was pretty impressed with Delta’s Premium Select seat, it didn’t come without its fair share of quirks. There is no doubting that the seats are markedly different from economy. On the A350, Premium Select seats have over six inches more pitch than economy making them feel much roomier. Unfortunately, my legroom was disrupted by an IFE/electrical box below the seat in-front of me. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/03/IMG_0389-1.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/03/IMG_0401.jpg) Even though the sides were wider than economy, they still felt a bit narrow overall. To be technical, the seats are 18.5 inches wide, which is only about an inch wider than economy. There was a narrow table area between seats that worked well for drinks and phones. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/03/IMG_0407.jpg) There were three seat controls located on the center console of the seat for seat recline, the leg rest extension, and the footrest (that flipped out from the legrest). I found both the leg rest and footrest to be comfortable throughout the duration of the flight. The seats had a generous amount of recline, which unfortunately is a two person game, with my seat losing a lot of space when the person in-front of me chose to participate. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/03/IMG_0409.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/03/IMG_0496.jpg) Storage at these seats was underwhelming, with only a seat-back pocket and small storage compartment on the side of the seat being available. Considering how many amenities Delta provides, the limited storage can quickly become a challenge. Some premium economy seats on other carriers come with a larger side storage bin as opposed to the narrow barely usable one on these Premium Select seats. The small water-bottle holder in the center console was a fun touch, but for some reason, I struggled a lot with getting the bottle in and out with the height of the seat cushion. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/03/IMG_0427.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/03/IMG_0415.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/03/IMG_0412.jpg) Delta's Premium Select seats feature a large and bright seat-back screen that was responsive and fast. This screen, coupled with Delta's expansive IFE content selection, ended up being a major highlight of the seat for me. There was a conveniently located power outlet with a USB-C port for charging personal devices. Flight attendants announced before push-back that Wi-Fi would be unavailable during the flight which is sadly the norm for Delta flights across the Pacific. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/03/IMG_0451.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/03/IMG_0403.jpg) --- > # **Amenity Analysis** Delta provides an abundance of amenities for premium select passengers, the following of which greeted me the moment I arrived to my seat: An Amenity Kit Pouch, Bottle of Water, Pillow, Blanket, Headphones, Menu/Seat Info Card, and Slippers. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/03/IMG_0419.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/03/IMG_0501.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/03/IMG_0426.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/03/IMG_0434.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/03/IMG_0436.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/03/IMG_0420.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/03/IMG_0424.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/03/IMG_0425.jpg) As someone who knows how dirty air travel can be, I was happy to see the pillow wrapped in plastic before being presented to passengers. Unfortunately, there was what appeared to be a human hair trapped under the plastic which sort of defeats the point... ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/03/IMG_0430.jpg) Aside from the questionable pillow cleanliness, the selection of amenities provided to Premium Select passengers was extremely impressive. I've genuinely received fewer amenities in business class on many airlines. This collection highlights Delta's efforts to make the cabin feel distinct and separate from economy. --- > # **Main Meal Service** Flight attendants began service quickly after take off, starting with hot towels and following up with tablecloths, drinks (in glassware), and a small snack. This pre-meal service was again something I'd be happy to see in business class, much less premium economy. The flight attendant servicing my row noticed how quickly I ate the cheese biscuit snack and quickly brought me another one. He was pro-active and caring during the entire service, delivering that warm and slightly relaxed US airline service culture that many of us know well. Unlike most other airlines who bundle economy and premium economy service together, Delta specifically allots two cabin crew members to exclusively work Premium Select. This practice leads to quicker more attentive service, creating a more exclusive feeling experience. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/03/IMG_0458.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/04/IMG_0461.jpg) I selected the Braised Beef Short Rib for my main course which was unexpectedly the best beef I've ever had on a plane. It was incredibly soft and tender. The accompanying rice and vegetables were also quite tasty. The only letdown on the tray was the bone dry pretzel roll. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/04/IMG_0468.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/04/IMG_0469.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/04/IMG_0470.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/04/IMG_0465.jpg) Aside from the pretzel roll, all of the food on the tray was delicious and felt like something that could've been served in a more premium cabin. Combine that with the fact the meal was served on actual dishes with metal cutlery, Delta had me wondering if I'd accidentally been served a business class meal. --- > # **Mid-Flight Experience** I kicked back after the meal while admiring Delta's stunning cabin ambiance. There is no denying that when it comes to mood lighting in the sky, Delta is one of the world's key players. The exclusive feeling (and well lit) Premium Select cabin was quiet throughout the entire flight with minimal foot traffic passing through. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/04/IMG_0454.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/04/IMG_0488.jpg) Premium Select's exclusivity takes a bit of a hit in the lavatory department. All non-business class passengers shared six lavatories that were located in the middle and rear of the plane. They were kept clean throughout the flight and impressively enough, also had fun mood lighting. Despite the fact these six lavatories were catering to over 200 passengers, I found little to no wait when I went. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/04/IMG_0471.jpg) Even after the lights went down and passengers started to rest, the crew still came around frequently with water cups and snacks. I was extremely impressed by their continued service during a period of the flight in which many crews check-out. Around halfway through the flight, flight attendants come by with a breakfast calzone, which was alright but nothing to write home about. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/04/IMG_0476.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/04/IMG_0478.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/04/IMG_0483.jpg) The crew also setup an impressive galley snack/drink array for passengers to take advantage of between meal services. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/04/IMG_0486.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/04/IMG_0485.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/04/IMG_0487.jpg) --- > # **Second Meal Service** 🍽️ ****Premium Select Meal Options** • ****Margherita Pizza** (mozzarella, roasted tomatoes, and basil.) • ****Thai Massaman Chicken Curry** (jasmine rice and stir-fry vegetables) • ****Beef and Noodle Soup** (beef broth, potatoes, bok choy, and sesame.) The lights in the cabin came back up with 1.5 hours left in the flight and the crew quickly spun into action beginning the final meal service. Similar to the first meal, tablecloths and real glassware were provided. I selected the Beef and Noodle soup which was warm and comforting after a long flight. The noodles and beef were soft but severely lacking flavor. I wish Delta provided some sort of spicy sauce to accompany the dish. The meal service concluded with my fantastic flight attendant bringing over a mini chocolate square. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/04/IMG_0491.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/04/IMG_0494.jpg) --- > # **Summary & Final Verdict** The Verdict · DL 69 Premium Select **7.8**Overall Standout catering, thoughtful service, and an impressive range of amenities, paired with a comfortable seat that enhances the long-haul experience. Ground experience 6.4 Seat 9.2 Amenities 7.5 Catering 7.8 Service 8.1 #### What worked *✓*Above-average catering *✓*Strong service *✓*Impressive amenities #### What didn't work *✕*Slightly obstructed leg room *✕*No Wi-Fi *✕*Minimal seat storage The Contrail One of the main things that stood out to me about Delta's A350 Premium Select was how much the carrier made a distinct effort to separate the cabin from economy, which was evident through the plentiful amenities and the upgraded meal services. The service on-board from our dedicated flight attendants was thoughtful and polished, furthering the cabin's premium feeling. The seat itself was spacious and comfortable, meeting industry standards. Overall, Premium Select cabin was a joy to fly on this route, providing an impressive experience that I'd be happy to pay for again. ### Riyadh Air Adds Mumbai — Entering One of Aviation's Most Important Markets URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/riyadh-air-adds-mumbai-entering-one-of-aviations-most-important-markets/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T21:31:53.000Z The Middle East's newest premium airline is growing at a rapid rate, and it is about to achieve another major milestone. On August 4th, Riyadh Air is releasing their long-awaited Mumbai route, marking their official entry into the Indian aviation market. On paper, the new Mumbai service is merely one of many new routes the airline has launched since its debut in June. The truth though is much more complex than one could decipher from a press release. India is one of the world's most important aviation markets, and other gulf carriers like Emirates and Etihad have long had a monopoly on passenger traffic in and out of the country. This is partially a result of well-placed hub airports which lie only 3-4 hours away from most major Indian cities and allow passengers to conveniently connect to and from Europe and North America. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/08/IMG_5675.JPG) --- # Serving India: The Prizes and the Problems Entering the Indian market unlocks a whole new sector of demand that many airlines profit from. Not only is India one of the world's most populous nations, it also has a large number of citizens living abroad. This results in a special market that has both an abundance of passengers going back and forth visiting family and friends (VFR travel) and passengers traveling for business activity. As such, the market is fairly well-rounded and demand is somewhat predictable, which is a rarity in the commercial aviation world. Riyadh Air's proprietary three-cabin 787's will also fit cleanly into the market, giving passengers more choices than rival airlines like Etihad and Qatar Airways who mostly operate two-cabin aircraft that lack a dedicated premium economy cabin. Riyadh Air has also made significant investments in its onboard experience, notably offering world-class entertainment screens and seat tech in all cabins coupled with professional service that rivals other ultra-premium carriers. I flew their first commercially sold passenger flight in June and was most impressed with the hard product. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/08/IMG_5553.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/08/IMG_5525.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/08/IMG_5516.jpg) Though the Indian market has a lot of upsides for airlines, it also comes along with its fair share of challenges, one of which is navigating geopolitical strife. Recent conflict along the country's borders as well as instability in neighboring nations has resulted in constantly changing airspace restrictions in the land between India and the gulf states. As a result, airlines have to carefully calculate routes that avoid restricted areas, which can increase fuel and operating costs. In an industry where margins are already razor thin, small detours can be the difference between a flight making a profit or operating at a loss. Moreover, these restrictions are often instituted in quick succession making it challenging for airlines to properly plan for disruptions. It is also a well-known industry fact that India is heavily protective of landing slots at major airports, strongly favoring their own national carriers, which can make it difficult for other airlines to establish a proper foothold in the country. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/08/IMG_3392.jpg) Outside of Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) East-west passengers flow between Europe and Asia (including India) is a massive contributor to global air travel demand, and it's only fitting that Riyadh Air joins the fight. The carrier has highly competitive seating, providing an onboard experience that can easily hold its own. The question is merely if there is space for yet another Middle Eastern airline in such an established and crowded market. Only time will tell if Riyadh Air can withstand the challenges and reap the benefits of India's aviation market. ## Subscribe & Join The Contrail College student flying around the world to bring clarity to the commercial aviation industry — timely news and honest flight reviews. Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### China Southern 787 Premium Economy — Worth It? URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/china-southern-787-premium-economy/ Last updated: 2026-09-13T18:18:36.000Z Chinese airlines don't leave much to the imagination when it comes to their names. China Southern operates out of its southerly Guangzhou Baiyun hub, and China Eastern operates out of the easterly Shanghai Pudong. Wouldn't it be nice if everything in life were this straightforward? Something that unfortunately isn't straightforward is selecting what cabin to sit in on China Southern. You could splurge for Business Class or save money with Economy Class. If neither of those options suits your fancy, you could choose to sit in Premium Economy, a cabin often shrouded in mystery. These seats offer a notable upgrade over Economy, though they remain inferior to Business. Join me as I review **China Southern's 787-9** in **Premium Economy** on a flight from **Kuala Lumpur to Guangzhou**. --- > # **Kuala Lumpur Ground Experience** Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) is a little confusing for first-timers. There are technically two airports on one site, the main KLIA (full service carriers) and KLIA 2 (low cost carriers). China Southern flights depart from the former. KLIA is certainly not a bad airport, but it's also not one of those ones that blows you away with its architecture or design. I personally find the check-in area to be a bit dark. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/01/IMG_6885.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/01/IMG_6888.jpg) I arrived roughly two hours before departure to find a small line at China Southern check-in. There was an economy and business/priority queue with no indication of where premium economy should go. I ended up going through the economy line, which took about 10 minutes. The agent weighed my suitcase to ensure it was under the limit, and after finding out it was overweight, she told me it would need to be checked. However, once I handed over my onward ticket out of China (which needed verification for transit visa purposes), she noticed I had a short transfer and graciously allowed me to keep my bag. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/01/IMG_6889.jpg) Passport Control was fairly quick, and I was soon met with a signature KLIA experience. The main airport has both a central and satellite terminal with a train ride required to get between them. The train itself is infamous for frequently not working and/or being down for maintenance. I had to take a bus from the satellite terminal when I arrived the previous night because the train was inoperative. Luckily, the train was fully operational this afternoon, which was a welcome sight considering the buses require a lot more walking and are way less comfortable. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/01/IMG_6896-1.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/01/IMG_6898.jpg) The satellite terminal is quite nice with lots of food and shopping options. The main attraction however, is the garden in the center, which brings some much-needed greenery into an otherwise stressful environment. After arriving by train, I headed straight to my gate, since China Southern premium economy passengers do not receive any sort of lounge access. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/01/IMG_6901.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/01/IMG_6902.jpg) ## Subscribe (free) to The Contrail College student flying around the world to bring clarity to the commercial aviation industry — timely news and honest flight reviews. Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. --- > # **Boarding and Initial Impressions** Today's flight departed from gate C35, where I was greeted with another KLIA Classic: Gate Security. Instead of screening passengers before they enter the terminal, Kuala Lumpur conducts security checks before letting passengers into each individual gate area. I'm a little mixed on security at the gate, but I generally find it to be more of a negative. You often have to arrive way earlier at the gate and you can't bring any liquids you bought in the terminal onto the plane. Once through, I was rewarded with stunning views of the 787-9 that would be taking us up to Guangzhou. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/01/IMG_6908.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/01/IMG_6905.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/01/IMG_6910.jpg) Boarding began 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time, with gate agents calling for *priority* passengers. There were no signs informing passengers about boarding groups. Similar to check-in, it was unclear when premium economy passengers were allowed to board. The priority boarding ended up turning into a free-for-all with 50-60 people walking into the boarding line. I ended up boarding alongside the mob, which was mostly economy class passengers. It was one of those *every-man-for-himself* boarding processes. 💡 ****Editor's Note:** There was pretty much no difference in the ground experience between Economy and Premium Economy. That isn't to say the ground experience was **bad*, just that it's no different from Economy. I stepped on the plane and was given a nice greeting by several flight attendants at the door who pointed me towards my seat. China Southern's Premium Economy cabin was arranged in a 2-3-2 configuration and had a nice vibe created by the upbeat boarding music and bright cabin finishes. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/01/IMG_6914-2.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/01/IMG_6916.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/01/IMG_6923.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/01/IMG_6921.jpg) The seats felt spacious and were a clear upgrade from regular Economy. Aside from the hair on the center table and some minimal signs of use, the cabin appeared clean and in good condition. In an era of airlines opting for muted colors, the bright blue and orange on the seat cushions was refreshing. The cabin was roughly half full for today's flight. There was a pillow, blanket, pair of headphones, and a bottle of water already placed at my seat. The water was especially thoughtful since we all had to dump liquids before entering the gate area. The blanket was thin, but the pillow was nice and plush. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/01/IMG_6930.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/01/IMG_6943.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/01/IMG_6941-1.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/01/IMG_6937.jpg) Some carriers do a quick Pre-Departure Beverage Service in premium economy, but China Southern opted not to. There also weren't any amenity kits provided, which I'd guess are reserved for long-haul flights. The on-board safety officer walked through the cabin and made his presence known after boarding was complete. This is certainly one of the more unique elements of flying on a Chinese Airline that you won't see in many other parts of the world. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/01/IMG_6947-2.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/01/IMG_6922.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/01/IMG_6955.jpg) --- > # **Seat Analysis** When it comes to Premium Economy, the star of the show is undoubtedly the seat. With two fewer seats in a row compared to economy, each passenger gets a wider space. Part of the extra width is taken up by a wide center armrest that doubles as a table-like surface, big enough for both passengers to use simultaneously as an armrest. This center area also opens up to expose a narrow storage compartment and an A/C power outlet. Unfortunately, as is common with this seat type, the narrow pocket was filthy due to how difficult it is to clean. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/01/IMG_6913-1.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/01/IMG_6917-1.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/01/IMG_6926.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/01/IMG_6929.jpg) One of the other upgrades with these seats is legroom. The space was large and wasn't blocked by any sort of IFE box. There was also a footrest, which I find people either love or hate. I generally find it works best for shorter people (like me). Storage at these seats was typical for premium economy. The under-seat storage area was large enough to fit my large backpack, but as expected, this dramatically reduced leg room. Unless your bag is small, I'd recommend storing it in the overhead bins so you can take advantage of the extra space. The seat back pocket was flexible and large enough to also provide some additional storage. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/01/IMG_6919.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/01/IMG_6920.jpg) Unfortunately for China Southern (and me), my in-flight entertainment screen did not work during the flight. Mine seemed to be stuck as no touch input or any of the remote control buttons did anything. This is a shame since the screens themselves looked large and bright. The cherry on-top of this was the fact the Wi-Fi was also inaccessible due to a faulty verification pop-up, which required that I slide some sort of bar from one side of my phone screen to the other. The only problem is that the bar never loaded, preventing me from using the Wi-Fi portal. I tried this on multiple browsers and ensured I didn't have any VPNs active. No luck. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/02/IMG_6961.jpg) --- > # **Main Meal Service** Service typically starts slower on Chinese carriers, since the crew remain seated for 20-30 minutes after takeoff. Once they were permitted to begin service, things started quickly with mini towels and drinks. The most impressive thing here was discovering that China Southern has some of the prettiest-looking cups in the sky. If bright pink paper cups are your jam, this might just be your airline. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/01/IMG_6964.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/01/IMG_6965.jpg) I was delighted when I saw the crew returning shortly after with a meal cart. For a flight of this length, a full meal in Premium Economy was not a given, and I was glad to see China Southern include one. Not sure if it's just me, but I always gravitate towards ordering chicken on board planes...for some reason. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/01/IMG_6970-1.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/01/IMG_6971.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/01/IMG_6973.jpg) My excitement about getting chicken dwindled slightly when I realized how small the portion was. This dish probably should be called *Rice with Chicken* due to the ratio between them. Nevertheless, the meal wasn't bad. The rice lacked flavor, but I'd take tasteless over a bad taste any day of the week. If you set the chicken aside, the rest of the tray was actually above average in food quantity. The meal was right about industry standard for this region of the world, and I was appreciative that China Southern did a full service on a sub-four-hour flight. The crew provided multiple drink services throughout the meal and were quick to collect trays once passengers were finished. They were professional and delivered warm, but reserved, service. --- > # **Mid-Flight Experience** After the meal, I was exposed to another feature of these seats, which just happens to be both a great strength and weakness: seat recline. These seats recline much farther than any economy seats, making them great for napping. However, the generous recline is all fun and games until the person in front of you does it too. The seats come back so far that it's nearly impossible to get out of a window seat once the passengers in front of you recline. Take note of the narrow space between the center table and the seat in front, as demonstrated by the photo below: ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/01/IMG_6963.jpg) At one point during the flight, the crew came around and asked how I was charging my phone after they noticed it was plugged in. They were concerned I was using a power bank and were relieved to see me pull out my wall charger to prove I was charging 'legally,' since the use of power banks is prohibited on board China Southern. 💡 ****Editor's Note:** Power banks on planes have become a highly contentious issue due to an increase in in-flight incidents. Some airlines ask passengers to refrain from putting them in overhead bins, and others outright ban their use onboard. I recommend conforming to the rules, especially on Chinese airlines, since the crew walked around and checked how passengers were charging. As my presumed reward for following the power bank rules, the crew came around and handed out candy. I felt a lot less special when I realized everyone received these, though they were still a fun pre-landing touch from the crew. My friend loosely translated these to read "throat lozenges." ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/01/IMG_6978.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/01/IMG_6976.jpg) Aside from the power bank enforcement, I didn't see the crew at all after the initial meal service. This was a little disappointing since we still had multiple hours left in the flight. Leftover trash from the meal service piled up and went uncollected until just before landing. The crew was professional and caring when they were present, but they were by no means proactive. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/01/IMG_6991.jpg) --- > # **Final Verdict** China Southern's Premium Economy is not a world-class experience, nor is it one of the world's better Premium Economy cabins. However, if the price is right (and it often seems to be), I wouldn't hesitate to fly China Southern's Premium Economy again on board the 787\. The soft product wasn't anything to write home about, but the hard product was strong and represented a substantial upgrade in comfort compared to economy. That being said, for those seeking to save money, economy on China Southern offers a similar experience for much less money. ### Royal Air Maroc 787 Economy Review — Chaos Is Their Middle Name URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/royal-air-maroc-economy-review/ Last updated: 2026-08-04T23:22:08.000Z Royal Air Maroc is a weird airline. Their lows are low and their highs....are not that high. Despite this, they still provide a good experience in some ways, leaving me to conclude that the airline is in the midst of an identity crisis. With several longhaul flights, a solid wide-body fleet, and affordable prices, RAM is in a position where they can either step up the plate or withdraw from the game and it seems like they can't fully make up their mind. Join me today as I braved the skies (and the Airside Bus) to try **Royal Air Maroc's 787-8 from Casablanca (CMN) to Washington D.C. (IAD)**. I opted to fly in **economy class** as I truly believe that an airline is only as good as their worst offering. Let's dive into the flight to see if I made a horrible mistake. --- > # **Casablanca's Ground experience** This was my second flight ever with Royal Air Maroc, and as per tradition it seems, the ground experience was fairly disastrous. I came in on an international flight from Paris and was connecting onward to this DC flight, so I didn’t get to see RAM’s check-in area at CMN. However, judging by the rest of the airport, I’m sure it was nothing to write home about. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_8615.jpeg) However, it is worth noting when I did check-in at paris for both that flight and this one, I had a negative interaction with a fairly hostile check-in agent who attempted to force me to check my bags because the plane is “too small,” depsite me boarding in the first boarding group. I won’t include anymore details about this here for this review since it is technically part of the first flight but this lack of communication skills and proper customer service is something that continues to show up during this flight segment. After clearing transit security, I was dumped into the A gates section of Casablanca’s Terminal 1\. I spent my 5.5 hour layover walking all over the airport there just isn’t much to note. It was about average in most areas, though it could’ve used more seating. I also struggled to find power outlets, especially in the older A gates area where my flight was set to depart from. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_8619-1.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_8625.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_8626.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_8632.jpg) My ground experience was spiced up when I received this notification an hour before boarding: ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_8634.jpg) The word “rescheduled” freaked me out at first until I saw that it was only a 15 minute delay. Oddly enough this delay was never reflected online or on any departure boards before the flight. Even RAM’s app wouldn’t show the delay after it sent the notification. This is not entirely surprising since RAM’s IT is a little…subpar. I couldn’t complete check in or change my seat online days before the flight because I couldn’t get the app or website to work at all. Their app is fairly useless for much of anything as most things I tried to do on it would not work. ## Subscribe (free) to The Contrail College student flying around the world to bring clarity to the commercial aviation industry — timely news and honest flight reviews. Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. --- > # **Boarding and Bus Transfer** I approached my gate are about 45 minutes and was met with an odd security set-up blocking entry into gates A1 and A2\. My flight to IAD was departing from A1 and RAM’s flight to JFK was leaving from A2\. To enter the gate are, passengers had to undergo a security check (which sometimes happens on international flights to the US). This is understandable and not at all an issue, however, RAM’s ground staff made it really confusing. Despite there being a lot of passengers already in the secured gate area when I arrived, they seemed to be strictly turning away most people from entering. It took me about 2-3 minutes before I could get a staff members attention, and when I did, she looked over my boarding pass and permitted me to enter. I have no idea why so many people were being denied entry, perhaps they were at the wrong gate? I didn’t make a lot of sense at all. After a security officer looked through my bag, I was allowed in where I found a grand total of zero available seats and about 50 passengers already sitting on the ground. One of the largest weaknesses of Royal Air Maroc was communication. It turns out making up weird baggage rules and randomly denying people from entering the gate with no explanation given was just the beginning. There was a grand total of 1 gate announcement for both mine and the JFK flight, and that singular announcement was a boarding agent standing in front of the JFK flight boarding lanes and saying “boarding now” without any sort of PA system or Microphone. Since nobody could hear, everyone freaked out and stormed the boarding gate for both the JFK and IAD flights (even though our IAD flight had about 20 minutes left until boarding). ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_8630.jpg) After boarding we walked down the dark corridor (with broken lights) and down some stairs to the dreaded Airside Busses. The lucky passengers going to JFK got a jetway while we were stuck with what was arguably the hottest and slowest busses of all time. A truly masterful combination. As if boarding wasn’t already pointless, the bus made it completely worthless as everyone funneled into the same two busses. We sat in the busses for around 40 minutes before we drove off. The hot summer sun beating down on the ancient bus created a sort of oven. I was genuinely worried someone would pass out from heat stroke but thankfully everyone lived to tell the tale (I think). The biggest issue about the bus was a lack of communication. There were never any updates as to what was happening or if we would ever leave. At some point, one gentleman got up and started questioning one of the RAM employees standing by the door and an entire yelling match ensued — demonstrating the tenseness of the situation. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_8618-1.jpeg) Though the bus was an unfortunate experience, I was much better once I laid my eyes on our beautiful 787\. There is something highly unique about getting to board a wide body plane with stairs. As one could reasonably expect at this point, there was no order whatsoever as people charged up the stairs to get in the plane. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_8645-1.jpg) When I got to the door, one of the flight attendants took my boarding pass, then help up his hand saying “wait” with no smile or greeting. I could tell he asked me to wait so that congestion could clear in the aisles but there are more professional ways he could have communicated that. At one point I gestured toward my boarding pass so I could get it back while waiting and he shifted it away from me! Needless to say, Royal Air Maroc didn’t deliver the best first impression in any way. I was thrilled when I finally arrived at my seat 11D, located in the second row of economy in the middle section. RAM’s economy class cabin is in a typical 3-3-3 configuration. Notably, there is no premium economy on these jets. I appreciated how RAM included a blanket and pillow at the seat for each passenger. The pillow was alright but the blanket was surprisingly comfortable and warm for economy. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_8648.jpg) One of the first things that stoop out to me about the inside of the cabin is just how dated it seemed compared to most other 787’s. Despite being 9 years old, it appeared heavily used and not well maintained. It didn’t help that the cabin was also poorly clean, as evidenced by the state of my tray table when I unfolded it for the first time to take a photo. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_8665.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_8678.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_8656.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_8671.jpg) --- > # **Seat Analysis** Once we hit cruising altitude, I had more time to analyze the seat itself. Despite all my criticisms of the cabin, I found the legroom to be pretty good, and things never felt cramped. I’m only 5’6’’ so I find most cabins comfortable in economy, but this one seemed on the more spacious side. What wasn’t comfortable was the headrest on the seat. It was somewhat adjustable but felt hard as a wood plank. The seats also have little to no padding due to the weird sticky leather material RAM opted to install. I’m guessing its more durable than other seat upholsteries but it didn’t exactly result in a pleasant experience. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_8661.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_8659.jpg) The rest of the seat was fairly barebones. There was no cupholder or device holder. The seat-back pocket was functional enough and the tray table was up to industry standards (aside from the cleanliness issues). The fun wallpaper on the front of the cabin was also a nice touch. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_8667.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_8677.jpg) The seat had a bright and responsive IFE screen with a better selection of content than I expected. There were also USB A ports for charging but no A/C power outlets. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_8681.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_8676.jpg) About 30 minutes into the flight, they made an announcement apologizing for the IFE system not working. Oddly enough mine and my seat-mates were working perfectly fine, but I did see a few pax whose were not working. The crew restarted the entire system, which temporarily knocked out screen but eventually fixed them all. I was impressed with the crew for their dedication to fix it as they all spent a good 15-20 minutes in one of the forward galleys working on the issue. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_8710.jpg) --- > # **Amenity Analysis** The amenities on-board this flight were a pleasant surprise. They weren't world class but they definitely elevated what was a questionable flight experience up to this point. When I got to my seat I was greeted with a bright purple blanket and a pillow. The pillow was alright but the blanket was surprisingly comfortable and warm for economy. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_8650.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_8652.jpg) After take off the crew came around passing out small amenity kits which was comprised of a gold eye mask and socks inside a small reusable bag. This is not typical for international economy, and I thought it was a fun gesture. The gold color scheme seemed more akin to first class rather than economy. The crew also passed out earbuds to every passenger which were pretty horrible but nice to have. Maybe they could've handed these out before departure so passengers could use the IFE during taxi and takeoff? ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_8694.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_8691.jpg) There was no Wi-Fi available on board which was disappointing for a long haul flight on a relatively modern 787\. --- > # **Mid-Flight Experience** The first meal was served about 45 minutes after take off (it was delayed due to the IFE issue). We were presented with three options which is impressive compared to many airlines who only offer two in economy. The chicken and its accompaniments were not bad at all. My tray contained the main course, a bread roll, a dish of rice, and a small cake. Far from fine dining but it got the job done. I was happy the crew honored my request for two drinks, though the orange juice RAM serves tasted more like orange colored water with a little sugar. I like how they served the meal container in a plastic purple dish on top of the tray — which made the whole thing feel slightly more premium. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_8702.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_8701.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_8703.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_8704.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_8706.jpg) My seat-mate chose the Salmon and generously let me get a photo of his meal. The accompaniments were the same as mine, with only the main course being different. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_8709.jpg) Unfortunately — due to my partially broken and sloped tray table — I had to use lighting fast reflexes to catch my entire meal from spilling into my lap on multiple occasions. The crew came around after the meal offering everyone coffee or tea. Once service began, things moved along quickly, and I was impressed with the crew for their increased professionalism after a rough start. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_8716.jpg) --- > # **Mid-Flight Experience** My fairly chaotic day calmed down significantly after the meal service when the crew took advantage of the Dreamliner’s adjustable windows and mood lighting to create an optimal environment for resting. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_8698.jpg) Any positivity I had towards the crew during the first part of the journey did not last. For most of the flight, they opted to spend their time loudly chatting in the galley and provided no service whatsoever. With nearly 6 hours between meal services, the crew could have come around offering water at least once. I don’t expect proactive refills or frequent drink service in economy, but the lack of any water service left a bad taste in my mouth. It seems the surprise amenity kit from earlier was merely a ploy to distract passengers from the fact the rest of the experience would be barebones. Touché Royal Air Maroc. Despite having minimal drinking water, I still wound up using the planes lavatories. Even though I loved the above toilet mood lighting — it didn't distract me from how dirty the floor area was. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_8719.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_8720.jpg) On my way out, I spotted a large bottle of water and some cups in the galley. I walked up and cautiously poured myself some before noticing a bunch of dirty looks from the crew. Perhaps this was not intended to be self serve? Or maybe they were just frustrated I disturbed their galley party. Who knows. At some point during the flight, I reclined the seat and successfully took a nap. This was due in part to the seats solid recline coupled with the impressive blanket. Though I wasn't initially positive about the seat — it was good enough for a nap — which says something. As the flight continued, I noticed a lot of trash building up in the aisles of the plan. I'm not fully sure if this is more a fault of the crew or passengers. On the one hand, the crew didn't come by picking up any trash for the hours between meal srrvices. However, passengers also should not be dumping their trash in the aisles of the plane. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_8723.jpg) --- > # **Pre-Landing Meal** The crew came around an hour before landing with a pre-landing meal consisting of a cold chicken sandwich, muffin, and some yogurt. The sandwich was tasteless but still far from the worst thing I've been served on a plane. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/07/IMG_8726.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/07/IMG_8727.jpg) --- > # **Final Verdict** Did I make a horrible mistake flying Royal Air Maroc's economy? Not exactly. The ground experience at Casablanca was genuinely rough, and the 40-minute sauna of a bus is something I'd rather not repeat. Communication was the weakest link throughout, from the boarding pass shuffle at the door to the six hours of silence between meals while the crew hung out in the galley. Add a sticky, unpadded seat, a broken tray table, and a cabin that looks far older than nine years, and there's a lot working against this airline. That being said, the amenity kit, the three meal choices, the crew spending twenty minutes actually fixing the IFE...those aren't nothing. That's the identity crisis in a nutshell: RAM keeps showing you flashes of an airline that cares, then immediately undercuts them. Would I book it again? Honestly, yes if the price is right and I'm connecting through Casablanca anyway. You're getting a 787 with better amenities than most European carriers hand out in economy, and the fares reflect the compromises. Just go in knowing the ground experience will test you, pack your own water, and don't count on anyone telling you what's happening. If you want a smooth, predictable long-haul, pay up and fly somebody else. If you want a decent seat on a Dreamliner for cheap and you can roll with some chaos, Royal Air Maroc will get you there. ### United's 777 Polaris Business: World-Class Seat, Worst-in-Class Service URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/united-777-polaris-business-class-great-seat-with-unacceptable-service/ Last updated: 2026-09-13T18:18:41.000Z US Airlines have long been the laughing stock of the commercial aviation industry. From lackluster products to inconsistent crews, there’s no predicting what kind of experience you’ll have on board a major US carrier. That being said, with the exorbitant prices many of these airlines charge for long haul business class, the experience shouldn't be that bad right? One of the most iconic long haul business class products in the US is **United’s Polaris**. This brand new cabin stirred up interest and intrigue upon its release nearly 10 years ago. However, can Polaris really hold up in 2025? Join me today as I fly **United’s** top **business class** from **Newark (EWR) to Dubai (DXB)** in an attempt to find out if **Polaris** is still a respectable product or another US airline rip-off. --- > # **United's Polaris Check-in** I arrived late in the afternoon to Newark’s terminal C. Polaris Business passengers should arrive at level three, which is reserved for business class and status holders. Despite a heavy international departure schedule a few hours away, the Polaris check-in area was deserted. I was instantly assisted by an agent who directed me to a kiosk for self check in as opposed to helping me at a desk. Though I understand this move from an efficiency standpoint, I still wish United offered live check in agents for business class passengers like most other airlines operating long haul flights. Having someone help check you in and explain the details of the lounge, priority access, and other business class benefits makes the experience feel more premium. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_0228-1.jpg) Outside Newark Terminal C Premiere Access Check-in ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_0229-1.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_0235-1.jpg) At one point I asked an agent for help changing my frequent flyer number as I couldn’t figure out how with the kiosk. She seemed a bit annoyed by the request and after checking on a computer, she informed me the number could not be updated after check-in. I asked if she could “un-check” me in, to which she said “we do not do that for people wanting to change frequent flyer numbers.” I eventually remedied this by calling United’s customer service and having them update it by unchecking me in, something that they were surprised the check-in agent wouldn’t do. All that to say, aside from the lack of crowds, United’s Polaris check-in experience fell short of other business class check ins. I also recommend saving some extra time for security at EWR terminal C, especially if you are departing in the late afternoon/evening. My wait time today was about 25 minutes but I’ve seen queues take upwards of 40 minutes before. --- > # **The Polaris Lounge** After security, I embarked on a quick walk to United’s Polaris lounge, conveniently located just after the TSA checkpoints. These lounges are infamously exclusive, welcoming only passengers traveling in Polaris on an international flight or international business/first class passengers on other star alliance airlines. There is no way to get in with status, a credit card, or a membership. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_0248.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_0254.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_0384.jpg) The first thing that struck me was the lounge's large lobby, where I was greeted and welcomed in by a kind agent. The space includes a plethora of amenities, such as showers, beautiful seating areas, and a Dining Room restaurant. There is also a buffet offering passengers a lot of choice when it comes to food selection. Despite being such an exclusive space, the lounge was quite busy when I arrived around 4:30pm. Seating options were limited for a while and I was disappointed to find out there was a 35 minute wait for the Dining Room restaurant. Though frustrating, I took the wait as an opportunity to explore the lounge in greater detail. As opposed to being just one room, the lounge had several different areas and an interesting hallway layout. The design elements, such as the extensive use of marble and bright lighting, created a classy and luxurious vibe. The lounge did quiet down later in the evening (around 7:30) which improved my overall sentiment towards the space. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_0262.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_0256.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_0354.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_0365.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_0377.jpg) Once I was seated in the Dining Room, the experience skyrocketed in quality. It's one thing to eat at a nice lounge buffet but its a whole different game to dine in a full service restaurant with incredible plane views. The space is within the lounge but feels appropriate separate, and of course, all the dining options on the menu are free. I really like how United created a single seating setup facing the windows, making it feel like your in your own space since your not looking right at other travelers. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_0260.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_0271.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_0282.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_0306.jpg) I ordered the *Polaris Burger* and a cookie for desert, which destroyed my healthy diet but pleased my taste buds. All of the food was fresh, high quality, and remarkably tasty. Service was professional but things did take time to come — roughly 20 minutes for each dish to be served after ordering. I'm a fast eater, but my two course dinner still took about an hour. Considering the additional wait time to be seated and I was glad I arrived at the airport hours before my flight. I recommend you do the same if you want to enjoy this beautiful space. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_0343.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_0351.jpg) ## Subscribe (free) to The Contrail College student flying around the world to bring clarity to the commercial aviation industry — timely news and honest flight reviews. Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. --- > # **United's Boarding Process** Polaris customers board in group 1 — but by the time I arrived at the gate 20 minutes prior to boarding time — there was already a huge queue next to group 1 sign. Lining up at the gate way before departure is a fairly standard and annoying aspect of taking long haul flights on US airlines. Once our scheduled boarding time of 9:25 arrived, the gate agent made an announcement explaining how we would start boarding in 20-30 minutes due to plane cleaning. Considering this plane had been at EWR for 7 hours already, I’m a little unsure why operations couldn’t have cleaned/prepped it earlier. We eventually started boarding 35 minutes late. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_0391.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_0386.jpg) A quick note on United’s boarding process for long haul flights: be ready for anything. Despite being in Group 1 and lined up fairly early, I was probably somewhere adjacent to the 70th passenger on board. As a business class customer, it feels a little odd to board after so many other passengers — which is due in part to a slough of pre-boarders. Unlike nearly all other US airlines, which reserve pre-boarding for passengers with disabilities and families with young children, United lets some of their top elites pre-board as well. This is fine in concept, but with nearly 50 elites pre-boarding on my flight, things got chaotic fast. United also doesn't just limit group 1 to Polaris passengers, enabling most statues holders to board alongside business class customers. I wrote another article discussing United's broken boarding process and how they can fix it so I won't go into anymore detail here. --- > # **Pre-Flight Impressions** Once onboard, I was greeted by a kind flight attendant at the door who pointed me to the correct aisle. My seat, 15A, was one of the best seats in the entire cabin for solo travelers due its private configuration. Solo travelers in United Polaris want to select window seats in odd number rows for the best experience. My seat — which upon first impression seemed nice and comfortable — was covered in all sorts of amenities. Maybe United really is competitive on this important route. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_0408-1.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_0421.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_0428-1.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_0417.jpg) I conducted a thorough seat tour after take off which I will share later, but a few things stood out to me right away after sitting down. One of which was the fairly questionable condition of the seats. There is no ignoring the fact that United’s Polaris cabin is getting old. The airline is working on a refresh but in the meantime, expect extensive signs of wear and tear. Even though we were delayed due to cleaning, my seat still wasn’t that clean. There were crumbs around the seat – and to my surprise – a gummy bear in the seat cup holder. The gummy bear sighting made me laugh but it's important to keep in mind that this level of cleanliness is not acceptable for a ticket of this price. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_0467.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_0497.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_0496.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_0501.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_0495.jpg) Any and all positive thoughts I was having quickly subsided once I experienced the pre-flight service…or the lack there of. There was literally no pre-departure beverages or crew greetings. This is quite frankly unacceptable for a full service airline in business class on a haul route. This omission left a horrible taste in my mouth as boarding finished. Eventually, a crew member came around to take meal orders, stating without any pleasantries, “choice of meal?” Despite the rough start, things started trending upwards after takeoff (literally and figuratively). --- > # **Polaris Seat Analysis** With the throttle of our 777-300ER's engines fading into the background after takeoff, I took the opportunity to analyze the seat. The hardware might be on the older side, but there is no doubting that these are comfortable seats. They are spacious and well designed even though they lack the privacy doors and other modern touches you'd see on many rival carriers. The only time I ever felt cramped was when attempting to enter and exit the seat — which is likely a byproduct of my poor agility and not a reflection on the seat itself. The faux marble countertop and small lamp next to the seat created a nice barrier with the aisle, and provided a sense of luxury in the process. Kudos to United as well for carrying this white marble theme from the lounge to the plane. In addition to the lamp and overhead lighting, there was a small reading light positioned just above the shoulder between the aisle and I. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_0538.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_0530.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_0408-2.jpg) This seat scores fairly high in the storage department with a moderately sized cabinet, a thin under-screen storage area and the large countertop. There was also a gap between the wall of the plane and the seat — which I used to some of my bedding. The tray table — which popped out from under the IFE screen — was sturdy and had ample space for working and eating. It also pushed away while extended allowing passengers to exit their seats during meal services. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_0511.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_0482.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_0485.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_0509.jpg) Speaking of IFE, in terms of 2025 business class seats, the screen itself is starting to fall behind. It's fully functional and more than enough for watching United's large catalog of movies and shows, it just isn't as big or bright as many competitors'. The seat contained a remote for controlling the screen — but I found the screen to be within reach in most positions rendering the remote obsolete. If the IFE system isn't entertaining enough — Wifi was available on-board for purchase and worked well for the first 70% of the flight before becoming spotty. The seat also contained both AC power and a USB A port. I appreciated how United positioned these in easy to reach places — unlike some other carriers who opt to tuck them away in the back of the cabinet. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_0492.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_0499.jpg) --- > # **Amenity Analysis** My oh my — does United know how to do amenities. For a moment, the large slough of goodies I received made the flight indistinguishable from Emirates — the main luxury competitor on this route. When I arrived to my seat I was greeted with: \-*Therabody* Amenity Kit \-Large Plush Pillow \-Cooling Gel Pillow \-Thick Comforter \-Smaller Blanket \-Headphones \-Plastic Water Bottle \-Printed Menu ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_0436.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_0447.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_0442.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_0455.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_0449.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_0462.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_0439.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_0458.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_0474-1.jpg) United's *Therabody* amenity kits have always been solid, and this one certainly reaches the mark. The standouts for me were the comfortable eye mask and the inclusion of a pen. The pouch itself is so functional and high quality that I've started using it as a toiletry case on trips. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_0617.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_0615.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_0613.jpg) Mattress pads and United Polaris pajamas are also available on request. The pajamas are a fun souvenir (albeit a little gimmicky) but the mattress pad is an absolute game changer for sleep. I highly recommend requesting both of these during the pre-flight service when your meal order is taken since supply is limited. Mattress pads notoriously run out quickly on long haul overnight flights — and despite some buzz about Pajamas being fully stocked for each passenger — I'd still request both immediately to ensure you aren't left empty handed. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_0517-1.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_0520.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_0661.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_0664.jpg) All of the amenities on-board were top notch. This array really makes it feel like United cares about their business class passengers, which is one of the best things an airline can convey. --- > # **Main Dinner Service** After seeing how good the amenities were onboard, my expectations were sky high as we transitioned to dinner service — which started about 30 minutes after take off. Service started with flight attendants bringing around hot towels along with a tablecloth, drink, and a small dish of warm nuts. Unfortunately — things stalled out from here — with the next dish being served over 40 minutes later. Its entirely possible the snarl in service was due to the the cabins massive size with 60 business class seats. Preparing that many meals in a cramped plane galley in no easy feat, but having operated these aircraft for 6+ years, you'd think United would have this straightened out. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_0626.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_0631.jpg) When my next course was ready, I was surprised to see the flight attendant walking towards me with my entire meal on a tray. United — likely in an attempt to save time — opted to forgo the multi-course service and served everything at once on the same tray. I can understand why this did this but it was still disappointing when you consider how most competitors on this route give passengers a proper multi-course meal. United advertises express dining (all on one tray) on their menu as an option — which is nice for those who want this kind of accelerated service — but I don't think they should be offering this as the norm for the main meal. That being said, the tray itself contained a solid array of food. The salmon and salad appetizers were fairly respectable — as was the toast and accompaniments provided. My beef filet was good but far from a home run. The entire dish was floating in a sort of sludge formed by an excess of beef juices and what appeared to be grease from the rutabaga gratin. It certainly wasn't the most appetizing from a looks standpoint. The dish tasted good though — with the standout surprisingly being the gratin. The beef itself, which was quite tiny, was on the tougher side. I would rank this tray and its contents as just "alright," edible and occasionally tasty but below average for business class from a quality standpoint. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_0641.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_0642.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_0643.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_0645.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_0646.jpg) Service continued to struggle during the entire meal. Aside from the slow pace, I also found it difficult to get a drink refill at any point. The crew were so preoccupied with serving passengers food that drink refills — even after the long wait — seemed to be ignored. I can't blame the crew for prioritizing meals, but a proper business class experience also shouldn't require customers to constantly request refills by ringing the crew call bell. I concluded dinner service by crushing my second desert of the evening — one of United's famous ice cream sundaes. I might be biased but this was without a doubt the highlight of the meal for me. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_0649.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_0670.jpg) --- > # **Mid-Flight Experience** Despite the seats age and the strong turbulence that occurred just as bed time was set to begin, the sleeping experience on board was top tier. There was adequate space in the footwell and I didn't feel squished at any point during my remarkable 8 hour plane sleep. A long haul business class seat is really only as good as its bed — and in the case of United Polaris — this element of the seat is worth the money. It should be noted however that sleeping in this seat is more challenging on flights in which United does not offer mattress pads. The only hinderance I had to my sleep on this particular flight was engine noise. Since the plane is so premium heavy, business class seats extend all the way to the middle of the cabin by to the engines. Our older 777 was quite loud but this wouldn't be a huge issue on modern quieter planes such as the 787\. If you're a light sleeper flying on the 777, you'd be best off selecting a seat in the front of plane away from the engine noise. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_0675.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_0676.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_0678.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_0682.jpg) During one of my middle of the night bathroom trips I walked through the galley and noticed flight attendants had set out a variety of snacks and water for passengers. There isn't much to write home about abut the lavatories themselves though. They were basic — containing a few amenities and minimal decor — but they lacked the overall glitz and glammer that some airlines use in their business class bathrooms. Is this an impactful element of the in-flight experience? Certainly not — unless your a bathroom connoisseur — in which case you might want to scope out a different airline. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_0693.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_0696.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_0697.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_0701.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_0702.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_0703.jpg) --- > # **Breakfast Service** The pre-landing meal service began roughly two hours before take off and started with flight attendants brining around hot towels. As most know, Breakfast is one of the weakest meals onboard a plane, and I admittedly didn't have high expectations United would defy the norm. I'm not sure why but I opted for the bread pudding which was served alongside some pastries, a large dish of fruit, and a vanilla yogurt. The entire tray was a blast of sugar that somehow still lacked flavor. The bread pudding was spongy and soggy. I think United could've gotten away with serving another lunch/dinner course simply due to the timing of the flight. Even though everyone was waking up around this point, the sun was actually setting outside during breakfast since evening had already arrived in Dubai. Maybe they could have catered a brunch style meal offering passengers an option between which meal they wanted? ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_0735.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_0739.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_0738.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2025/12/IMG_0737.jpg) --- > # **Final Verdict** Is Polaris still a respectable product or another US airline rip-off? Honestly, it lands somewhere in the middle. The seat was comfortable and easy to rest in with the phenomenal amenities provided. Throw in the Polaris Lounge Dining Room, which is one of the best pre-flight experiences in the US, and there’s a lot to like here. The service is another story entirely. No pre-departure service, over 40 minutes between courses, and a crew so busy that providing caring service went out the window. On a 13 hour flight at this price point, that’s simply not acceptable. United built a great business class — they just didn’t staff it like one. That being said, I’d book it again in the right situation. If you’re flying overnight and your priority is landing rested, Polaris does that job well. Request the mattress pad the moment the crew takes your meal order, grab an odd numbered window seat forward of the engines, and you’ll sleep great.