Passenger jets have never been more advanced. With Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner, introduced in 2011, leading the charge, and new models like the 737 MAX and the Airbus A320neo following in its wake, the aircraft on which we travel are safer, smoother, quieter and more fuel efficient than ever. They also appear perfectly capable of flying faster than their predecessors. Earlier this year the low-cost carrier Norwegian issued a celebratory press release after one of its Dreamliners whizzed from John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York to London Gatwick in five hours and 13 minutes, setting a new transatlantic record for a subsonic plane. That’s three minutes quicker than the previous best time set by British Airways in January 2015. So why, record-breaking feats notwithstanding, are airlines claiming it takes longer and longer to fly from A to B? That’s according to a study by Which? Travel, published this week, as well as research by OAG, the aviation analyst, … [Read more...] about Report claims airlines are extending flight times to avoid payouts for delays
International flights when to arrive at airport
Giraffe headbutts filmmaker to death at South African safari lodge
An award-wining film director was headbutted to death by a giraffe while shooting footage at a safari lodge in South Africa. Carlos Carvalho, 47, was taking close-ups of the animal named Gerald when it suddenly swung its neck and knocked him flying through the air. Mr Carvalho died of his injuries that night after being flown to a Johannesburg hospital, said filming agency CallaCrew. He had been shooting scenes at the Glen Afric farm in Broederstroom, which is famous for featuring in the British TV series "Wild at Heart". Read more Car window smashes on giraffe's head at safari park Giraffes caught on video ‘scavenging’ on buffalo carcass Giraffes should be listed as endangered animals as populations plummet Richard Brooker, whose family owns the lodge, said the bull giraffe would not be put down as he was not considered dangerous. "When Carlos was standing in front of the giraffe, the animal spread its legs, bent its neck and swung its head at Carlos," he said. "Gerald … [Read more...] about Giraffe headbutts filmmaker to death at South African safari lodge
British scientist arrives at airport to fly to Swiss suicide clinic
A 104-year-old scientist arrived at the airport to fly to Switzerland to end his life in a jumper bearing the words 'ageing disgracefully.' Renowned academic David Goodall, who was born in London but has been living in Perth, Australia, was pictured in a wheelchair as he prepared to board his business class flight on Wednesday. Dr Goodall, an honorary research associate at Edith Cowan University in Perth, does not have a terminal illness, but is seeking voluntary euthanasia - which is illegal in Australia - on the grounds his quality of life has deteriorated. The botanist and ecologist has made arrangements to travel to the Swiss city of Basel, where an end of life clinic has approved his application for euthanasia, the ABC reported Tuesday. Scroll down for video Dr David Goodall (pictured,left) a 104-year-old renowned academic and scientist arrived at the airport to board a flight to Switzerland to end his life wearing a jumper that read 'Ageing Disgracefully' In a … [Read more...] about British scientist arrives at airport to fly to Swiss suicide clinic
What are the rules when it comes to taking food off international flights?
After a Colorado woman, Crystal Tadlock, was fined $500 (£360) for taking an apple from a transatlantic flight off the aircraft, Simon Calder surveys the many ways to infringe the rules on taking food across borders. Why was this woman treated so harshly? She had broken the strict US Customs and Border Protection requirement on biosecurity: “You must declare all food products.” In one sense she got off lightly; the maximum penalty is $10,000. In many cases like this the only sanction is a ticking off, but evidently the authorities have chosen to make an example out of Ms Tadlock’s forbidden fruit. Why the concern about an apple? Read more Taking these prescription drugs into Dubai could get you arrested In common with many fresh foods, apples can harbour all manner of agricultural diseases and pests, which can threaten crop production and the livestock industry. From apples, the risks include fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and bitter rot, or larvae … [Read more...] about What are the rules when it comes to taking food off international flights?
Second Southwest airlines flight forced to make emergency landing after bird strike
Another Southwest Airlines flight has been forced to make an emergency landing, this time in Nashville, Tennessee, as a result of a bird strike. “The captain in command declared an emergency and safely landed the flight,” a spokesperson for the airline said. The airline told CBS News about the Phoenix, Arizona-bound flight: "We've confirmed flight 577 departing Nashville experienced a bird strike shortly after takeoff," adding that its "local Nashville Employees are working diligently to accommodate those passengers on to their destination". The aircraft has been taken out for service for maintenance just one day after a disastrous emergency landing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania yesterday. Read more Listen to how hero Southwest pilot kept calm and saved her passengers A Southwest plane’s engine had exploded during the flight from New York to Dallas, Texas, and shrapnel from it broke a window, sucking one passenger halfway out. Fellow … [Read more...] about Second Southwest airlines flight forced to make emergency landing after bird strike