Skip to main content

Tagged With "rocket plane"

Comment

Re: Ryanair's O'Leary: I have a way to make flying free

GarryRF ·
I would call some of his ideas just "plane" silly - but never threatening. Twice. But Michael O'Leary is often the victim of the American media circus who love to inflame public opinion .
Comment

Re: Canada gets its first non-stop to India

Paul Heymont ·
So you’ll probably get the super-new plane…noticed after posting that some of the flights for now are being flown by a 787-8, but starting in February, it will be the -9… Green with envy about everything…except the length of the flight!
Comment

Re: WestJet Unveils 'Frozen' Themed Plane

DrFumblefinger ·
Westjet also released a video about the unveiling of the plane, which might be fun if you're a "Frozen" fan.
Comment

Re: Slim airline seats unpopular

DrFumblefinger ·
I think the intent of a lot of the airlines is to move the rows closer together, PHeymont, but give the illusion that you still have the same amount of space. They can squeeze 2-3 extra rows into a plane (depending on the type), so that's at least 12 or so extra seats for sale. But if they genuinely use it to enhance personal space, all the better!
Reply

Re: Whom did you say was flying this plane?

Former Member ·
At least an automated plane would not have to "shield its eyes" from some nut with a laser pointer. http://www.news.com.au/travel/...frfq80-1226780573826
Reply

Re: Whom did you say was flying this plane?

DrFumblefinger ·
I don't mind autopilot and I don't mind a second opinion from a computer, but I don't like the computer deciding when to "fly" and override the humans, unless with very clear program instructions (eg. If plane is clearly out of control. JFK Jr could have used such a system to prevent his plane crash because he was completely disoriented when he crashed his private plane)
Comment

Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Jan. 8, 2014: Blue Sky, Over Me

GarryRF ·
Coming in to land on a plane - just as the sun's setting ! The sky's on fire ......
Comment

Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Jan. 8, 2014: Blue Sky, Over Me

Paul Heymont ·
Garry...what a great picture! I usually try to avoid the plane being in my airborne pictures, but in this one it really gives the picture extra drama!
Comment

Re: Please Don't Squeeze the Passengers: Airbus

DrFumblefinger ·
I've never flown an A380, Mac. They still haven't caught on in North America, where Boeing clearly dominates the market. One thing that I've wonder about is with all those people to board (somewhere over 500), is the process of getting on and off the plane very slow or have they figured out how to make this move along with reasonable efficiency?
Reply

Re: Finishing college. Need help planning trip to U.K,

Hank ·
That's helpful too, Rob. So with your guys advice, I'm thinking of the following plan, which still has holes I need to fill. I actually like the idea of Paris more than Scotland for this trip, plus I worry about the cost of travel to Scotland back so unless I can get a really cheap plane ticket or train ticket to Edinburgh, I think I'll drop that and focus on eastern UK and then on to Paris. So this is where I'm at now: 1) Arrive in Manchester. Maybe ??2 days 2) Travel Liverpool. 3 days 3)...
Reply

Re: Renting an apartment in Europe

Paul Heymont ·
AirBnb, and the other major rental agencies, have cancellation policies upfront that give you some choice. AirBnb has several levels ...one allows you to cancel almost up to the last minute, others have shorter deadlines. An advantage of using an agency that works this way...pretty much like a hotel booking site...is that the intermediary is holding your deposit and that can save hassles. Obviously, rules about dissatisfaction vary also, but usually if it can't be ironed out, you'll get at...
Reply

Re: Safe to fly on New Years?

Former Member ·
This raises an interesting question. Since the calendar is based on the rotation of the Earth relative to the sun and the plane is in flight, is it still the year before on the plane as long as you do not touch down ?
Reply

Re: Safe to fly on New Years?

Former Member ·
If the plane arrives fifteen minutes past midnight on the New Year, that means she will be 15 minutes late all year ! Valentine's will bump into Easter. Easter will crash into the 4th of July early. The 4th of July will slam into Christmas, and before she knows it, 2015 will be all done. Oh, no !
Comment

Re: Sunrise over Mt. Rainier, Washington

DrFumblefinger ·
Taken from the plane window this morning as I was flying into and out of Seattle.
Comment

Re: Sunrise over Mt. Rainier(L) and Mt. St. Helens (R background). Washington state

DrFumblefinger ·
Taken from the plane window this morning as I was flying into and out of Seattle.
Reply

Re: Is Pre-check or Global Entry worth it?

Former Member ·
I dunno...most of my overseas flights have come home through Kennedy in NY or gone out that way, and the way it's been sometimes, I think at $100 for 5 years, I'd take it. I'd probably even take it as a $50 per round-trip deal. When you get off the plane, you want to go home, not wait hours in a line...
Comment

Re: FCC: Cell Phone Use In Flight Coming Soon

DrFumblefinger ·
I love the extended use of electronics, but don't like the idea of using a cell phone (as a phone -- go ahead and play games with but shut up!). Imagine a cross continent flight beside an aggressive salesman? Not quite as bad as dying and going to hell, but not far from it. Will need to be sure to buy some top quality ear plugs if that's the case. Like to sleep on a plane? Hope you can fall asleep to 30 people speaking loudly (the airplane is noisy, after all).
Comment

Re: World's most dangerous airport? Would you land here? Lukla, Nepal

PortMoresby ·
Your pictures remind me very much of the Shimla Airport, same end of runway in space, same commitment required by pilot and passengers alike. The plane was tiny, I sat immediately behind the pilot, a Sikh with headphones perched atop his turban rather than over his ears, unique in my experience. The view was a bit too immediate for my liking but we made it off just fine and bounced in the heat all the way to Delhi. Thanks for the memory, DrF.
Comment

Re: Flight Attendants Say NO to Phone Calls

FlashFlyer ·
I have mixed feelings on this one... Been on buses, been on trains where people can use their cells. With a few exceptions--and you can find them on the street, in the airport in restaurants, too--people just don't act as bad as some of you expect. P.S....before people get too excited, this isn't going to be cheap, either. You will pay extra to use the relay circuits that go plane to satellite to cell tower!
Comment

Re: Airbus Survey: 41% Willing to Pay for More Space

DrFumblefinger ·
Good for Airbus! It seems the airline industry may have reached a tipping point where people will pay a little more for a little comfort. I hope that's the case and that they listen and provide options. I always look for a good airfare, but I also look at what kind of comfort that airfare buys me and am willing to pay a little more for a little more. 8-12 hours on a plane is not great fun, although I can divert my attention usually. But it's made infinitely more pleasant by a few extra...
Reply

Re: Whom did you say was flying this plane?

FlashFlyer ·
Anyone remember the movie Westworld? Where nothing can go wrong...go wrong....go wrong... I'm okay with the pilot using automation, but the idea of automation REPLACING the pilot....nah... I want someone who can grab the controls and fly by the seat of his or her pants, not have the plane crash because some tiny part shorted out. Same goes for robot cars on the highway. I don't wanna get killed head-on by a car reacting to a sunspot in GPS. OTOH if you could get government on autopilot...oh,...
Reply

Re: Whom did you say was flying this plane?

GarryRF ·
Plane from the UK had to abort landing at Cologne Airport yesterday when the Pilot spotted another plane already on the runway. Just 400 metres from touchdown - that's only a few seconds ! I wouldn't leave that decision to a Flight Simulator !
Reply

Re: Whom did you say was flying this plane?

Former Member ·
Wouldn't the self fly plane sense the heat or something from the nasty intruder aircraft long before that near collision ? In that case, the self fly plane would take evasive maneuvers. Then again, if it were also a self fly plane on the runway, it would "know better" than to be there in the first place, yes ?
Reply

Re: Whom did you say was flying this plane?

Paul Heymont ·
Well, of course Bling is right that a completely automated system wouldn't have resulted in that situation...assuming it was functioning properly (note the Westworld reference above). That's why so many systems (cruise control in your car, autopilot on a plane, driverless transit trains) all have a human override built in.
Comment

Re: The World's Best Airlines

DrFumblefinger ·
Grouchy, I thought you had a magic carpet and didn't need to bother with such trivialities as plane flights
Comment

Re: WiFi on the way for international flights

DrFumblefinger ·
I've been told that wi-fi over the ocean is a real technological challenge, because it requires constant re-positioning of 2 moving targets (the plane and satellite). In contrast, Wi-Fi over a continent only involves connecting one moving target with a stationary one, a simpler thing to do. Glad to hear this problem seems to be mostly solved. It would be nice to catch up on some wi-fi chores while on a long flight (although I usually manage to fill such flights watching movies or working on...
Comment

Re: WiFi on the way for international flights

FlashFlyer ·
Not sure I understand that. The plane is moving, but the data aren't, they are launched into geo-synchronous or its so they are always over the same patch of earth. So why should it matter whether the flight is ny to la or ny to London? Anyone know?
Comment

Re: WiFi on the way for international flights

DrFumblefinger ·
Geosynchronous orbit is only close enough to planes flying in that area (ie. around the equator). A plane flying the polar route from North America to Europe won't be able to connect with a geosynchronous satellite. They will be connecting with a series of lower altitude satellites, not unlike global satellite phone system. These satellites are moving quickly, as is the plane.
Reply

Re: Hi Everybody! I'm new here.

Theodore Behr ·
Originally Posted by Travel Luver: Hi Ted, I think we're all pretty new here. I'm from the Pacific Northwest. Welcome to the group. I get out to LA some. My business takes me to Ventura County (Amgen). Any good tips for a place to eat out that way? I saw the link to www.roadfood.com on a different thread, so I'll check that out, but wonder if there's some place you like to go. Hi Nature Lover, Amgen is T.O., just west of the San Fernando Valley and I really never go there. But about 20 miles...
Comment

Re: Charging your mobile devices on the go

Paul Heymont ·
That article has good advice...but should have noted one thing more: Not all USB ports on planes and trains carry power for devices (including chargers). Some are data links only; if you don't know about a particular plane or airline, check or don't count on it!
Comment

Re: Ryanair: Sell the Extras, Give Away the Tickets?

Paul Heymont ·
I certainly remember People Express...the only reason I became familiar with Newark Airport. We used to fly to Buffalo ($19, $29, $39) and then rent a car to visit family in Toronto. Then we snagged $49 specials from NY to SFO...and while we were sitting on the plane realized we could have gone to London for the same price! Which we did the next year, but it cost us a bit more. PE didn't always make its schedule, and other things could go wrong, but the staff were unfailingly friendly and...
Reply

Re: Welcome to The Golden State.

PortMoresby ·
Later today, after I'd posted this photo, I was watching the local 6:00 news, Sacramento. A fire had started in Lincoln, NE of Sacramento, a yard full of trucks engulfed and spreading into grass, moving toward a subdivision. A spotter plane left the Grass Valley Base, flew over my house and I looked to see what it was. About 10 minutes later the news helicopter showed it arriving low over the fire to inspect it. I went out again to watch the next plane, a retardant tanker, possibly the one...
Comment

Re: Airbus opens new Factory in the USA

GarryRF ·
On my frequent visits to Philadelphia from England I always fly with US Airways. Not an exciting experience - just a reliable journey with convenient times. But my last round trip was an amazing transformation. AMERICAN AIRLINES and US Airways have merged and the staff were amazing. The plane was a new Airbus 330 both times. The legroom was more than enough. I usually purchase extra legroom and this time I'm glad I didn't. The food was good and served hot. Free cans of Cola and orange etc.
Comment

Re: With no Emirates order, A380 production may end

Paul Heymont ·
UPDATE: Emirates saves the day for Airbus , January 18 Emirates Airlines has saved the day for Airbus, with an order for 20 more A380s, and an option for 16 more, extending the production life of the huge plane. Airbus says that it will now be able to keep the line going for 10 years, and hopes that in that time the plane will generate more orders. List price for the plane approaches $500,000,000, but since large orders usually get sizable discounts and since Airbus really, really needed...
Comment

Re: Frommers Color Complete Guides: A New Debut

vivie ·
I agree with PortMoresby. Your writing and DrFumblefinger's pics made me want to hop on a plane...
Comment

Re: What do travelers like least about airlines?

Travel Rob ·
I was thinking about what I like least about airlines and it's really the lack of info some airlines supply you with. I recently had two good flights on American Airlines. One from Atlanta to Phoenix and then a connector plane to Tucson. So you'd think that would be a positive experience. During my short layover in Phoenix though , American Airlines changed gates of my plane at least 4 times, having passengers move to gates and await various countdowns.The flight was only delayed about an...
Comment

Re: Marriott to offer free wi-fi to all its Rewards member

DrFumblefinger ·
The main clients of larger upscale hotels are business travelers, not mom and pop travelers. These are the same travelers that pay 10x what we pay to fly at the back of the plane for the privilege of a slightly larger seat and being able to get out 4 minutes before I do. Most don't care about wifi charges because their businesses pick them up. I think Marriott's action is a step in the right direction and they should be applauded for it. I've been a premier Marriott member for years so I get...
Comment

Re: For those who hate Heathrow, Gatwick plans new allure

PortMoresby ·
Maybe part of a proposal for Heathrow could include making it less complex to negotiate. I've never had a problem with it, although I know it's the airport people love to hate. Never having flown into Gatwick, I can't compare. The other 2 I have used are Stansted & Luton, but, like Gatwick, transport to them is limited compared to Heathrow. I'd prefer they get it all right at one, rather than have 4 less than convenient. Maybe I'll just charter a plane and go into City next time, which I...
Reply

Re: Planes taking off at LAX

PortMoresby ·
I suspect the overriding concern was design - which plane fit where as well as a variety of airlines. I'd be fascinated to know if the position shown has any relationship to where the plane was in real life. Or were they just pasted in where they fit to form the uniform pattern. I suspect the latter. Trouble is, now kids won't believe pictures of the Blue Angels, our family's first choice of weekend entertainment when they were nearby.
Comment

Re: World's 10 Best Airports? Maybe...

Paul Heymont ·
I think the comments, and mine are all hitting on the same point: better airport is not more amenities for while you're trapped there...better airport is not trapping you there. I get disbelieving stares when I tell people that Laguardia is my favorite. But, while it looks a bit dated, its size means you don't have ridiculous hikes, and it's easy to get in and get out. Heathrow T5, on the other hand...especially if you are transferring from T3...is an experience that makes you feel like...
Reply

Re: How loooong does it take to get to your airport?

Paul Heymont ·
There's certainly a lot of variation, as I also noted above. And sometimes the planners don't help much either, as is the case with all three of our New York airports, where the whole AirTrain concept is completely botched. At Kennedy, the AirTrain's stations are not in, but sort of near, the terminals. That means you have to drag your stuff outside, across the roadways, and then up stairs or elevator to the train. And then, you have a choice of going to the commuter rail station (about 3...
Reply

Re: How loooong does it take to get to your airport?

TravelGirlJenn ·
Originally Posted by PHeymont You just have to conclude that all this planning is done by people who have chauffeurs or helicopters to get them to the plane on time... Or progress is blocked by some politician or lobbyist... ;-) I did just get a chance to read the blog you linked. While I agree that public transportation is much more available in Europe, and perhaps Asia, however with the few examples he sites, there really are few cities that have that 15-20 minute from "airport to...
Comment

Re: Economy Ticket, Private Jet!

PortMoresby ·
In the spirit of one-upmanship, same number of passengers, bigger plane, I was once one of 2 passengers on a Lufthansa flight from Frankfurt to San Francisco. It wasn't the advantage I thought it might be as all the flight attendants just went to sleep, so no service rather than personal service. It was a long time ago but memorable enough that I still remember the airline.
Comment

Re: Boeing, Airbus and Bombardier?

DrFumblefinger ·
If it's a quality plane fairly priced, there will be a market for it. In many ways it's a jet perfect for many Canadian connections and it's likely the Canadian airlines and regionals will buy a lot of them.
Reply

Re: Beating Jet Lag

Paul Heymont ·
I hate to say it, but I think that Songhua Ni's advice—sleep as much as you can, and walk around a bit—is going to work much better for front-of-the-plane flat-bed-seat people like him than it is for the rest of us. I recently had the pleasure of New York-Doha round-trip on Qatar, bumped up to the front, and it made an immense difference in my sleep, especially the quality of it. Otherwise, my best advice, based mostly on trans-Atlantic travel, is get on the plane to Europe tired, sleep as...
Reply

Re: Beating Jet Lag

Paul Heymont ·
I forgot that important point Garry makes...the watch. When you're dozing on the plane, in and out, you lose sense of the time...which makes it the ideal time to fool yourself onto destination time. Setting your watch ahead 6 hours when you're wide awake and just got off the plane doesn't really work.
Reply

Re: Beating Jet Lag

DrFumblefinger ·
Some people claim the newer generations of jet-liners, like the Boeing 787, will reduce jet lag because they allow higher humidity in the cabin and higher air pressure (more oxygen). In fact that was discussed right here on a TravelGumbo during an interview with Norwegian Air . A few more points. I try not to have more than one or two connections on any flight, especially on overseas trips (for people traveling from small cities, this can be challenging). I find the fatigue factor clouds my...
Comment

Re: Airbus logs #9000, an A321 for VietJetAir

Paul Heymont ·
DrF, I admit that I used to worry about too few engines...but of course, the plane is designed so it can fly safely with one. Or so they tell us. That reassures me a little...almost enough to overcome my belief (which I only believe while waiting for takeoff) that flight of such a huge and heavy thing is totally impossible and I'm going nowhere but the end of the runway. Every take-off and landing seems a miracle, although I'm not among those who clap on landing.
Reply

Re: Beating Jet Lag

Jonathan L ·
I always change my watch as soon as I get on the plane. I do this even with a short change (like 1 hour NY-CHI). I try to adjust my sleep to the destination - so when it is bed time (around midnight) I will take a "PM" pill to help on a long flight. When I get to my destination I will immediately get on that day's schedule, do as much as possible and and get to sleep at as close to my regular time ( again, with the help of a sleep aid if needed).
Comment

Re: As scheduled Cuba service nears, charter operators face unknown future

GarryRF ·
On leaving Cuba last year our flight home to the UK was delayed. We had to wait on the plane for 4 hours. The airport had run out of Jet Fuel A1. So a fuel tanker was dispatched to fetch some. I do hope the US embargo stops before I go again. I'm not fighting American Airlines for the last drop of Jet Fuel !!
 
×
×
×
×