What's Your Favorite Aviation-Themed Movie?
Much like the world of film, aviation has the power to inspire, and is is therefore unsurprising that aircraft and the people involved in their operations have formed the basis of countless films over the years. On the commercial side, my favorites are Tom Hanks' 'The Terminal' and the raucous comedy 'Airplane!', while the two 'Top Gun' movies are a must-watch on the military side. Let us know your favorites in the comments!
Jake Hardiman
18
Will Supersonic Flight Be More Accessible This Time Around?
Supersonic commercial flight is set to make an ambitious return by the time this decade is over. A major player in the game, Boom Supersonic, has sights for service entry by 2029. With the likes of American Airlines, United Airlines, and Japan Airlines placing orders for the Boom Overture, boarding one of these aircraft could be an option for your future journeys. One of the challenges of the Concorde program was its high costs, meaning that only those with large wallets could afford to fly the legend. However, I am hopeful that more passengers will be able to fly on supersonic aircraft during in this second coming. After all, in a previous interview with Boom, the company told me that tickets would be 75% cheaper than Concorde. Do you believe such savings could be made? Let us know below!
Sumit Singh
21
What Do You Look Forward To Most When Flying?
While flying can be stressful for some, it’s something to look forward to for many members of the Simple Flying community. There’s nothing like strapping in, sipping on an ice-cold drink, and enjoying the views from above. One of my favorite parts of the experience is having a moment to myself and resetting away from all the everyday requirements on the ground. I like to use the time in the air to reorganize my thoughts and plans while listening to some calming music. What do you look forward to the most?
Sumit Singh
16
Should Obese Passengers Have To Pay For An Extra Seat On Flights?
As Southwest moves to assigned seating, some passengers are concerned about how this change will affect people of size when traveling. For more than three decades, Southwest has allowed passengers of size to purchase an extra seat during booking, something that Jae’lynn Chaney from the Fat Girls Guide described as a ‘gamechanger.’ Indeed, passengers can even claim back the cost of the second seat. Southwest isn’t the only airline to provide for passengers of size, but it is one of the most generous. However, the move to assigned seating could see the end of this policy. As airline seats get smaller, people are getting bigger, and in a world where we strive to be as inclusive as possible, it makes sense to have something in place to allow larger people to travel too. However, the notion of an airline just giving away a seat is unusual. Airlines operate on incredibly thin profit margins - around 2.7% according to IATA - so every seat is important to their bottom line. In my opinion, ever
Joanna Bailey
91
Why Has Direct Aisle Access Become Such A Crucial Aspect Of Long-Haul Business Class?
Recent decades have seen direct aisle access become an increasingly important part of premium travel in long-haul aviation - in other words, seats that allow passengers to access the aisle without having to get past anyone else. More and more, widebody operators are ditching higher-density 2-2-2 layouts in favor of 1-2-1 or even 1-1-1 setups to achieve this, with passengers reaping the benefits of access and, additionally, increased privacy and a more personal experience. However, this also benefits airlines, which can likely charge more money due to the better product, increasing the yield in their premium cabins even though their capacities are lower. As a result, I am now someone who has come not only to appreciate but also to expect direct aisle access in long-haul business class, but what do you think? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
Jake Hardiman
13
Is 'Bring Your Own Device' Streaming An Acceptable Alternative To Integrated IFE Screens On Airliners?
Since onboard WiFi became more widespread, airlines have increasingly experimented with 'bring your own device' inflight entertainment offerings. Essentially, these allow passengers to access the carrier's audiovisual content via their phones, tablets, or laptops through the plane's WiFi, rather than by the means of an integrated seatback screen. While this saves airlines money due to not having to install dedicated IFE systems, for me, it doesn't pass as an acceptable alternative to the real thing. Most passengers only travel with a phone, so, this way, the big-screen experience is limited to those with tablets and laptops. It also prompts battery usage that would otherwise be saved by not using a phone midflight, and only a small (albeit increasing) number of seats have the means to hold a phone or tablet at eye height, meaning passengers often have to balance their phone on the tray table and crane their necks downwards for hours on end. Therefore, it's integrated seatback IFE scree
Jake Hardiman
20
