American Airlines is eliminating 335 customer service positions in Phoenix, and will be handling most simpler calls overseas. More complex calls and sensitive issues will continue to be handled by Customer Success teams based in the United States. While many companies, including airlines, have been offshoring for decades, we have continued to see lower quality…
In the world of air travel, bigger isn’t always better. Small airports in the United States offer travelers a unique and serene experience, often overlooked by the crowds and chaos of major hubs. These compact aviation gateways are characterized by efficiency, charm, and convenience. Join us on a journey to explore the eight best small…
For many situations, booking your tickets online is the easiest and best approach. But, if your situation is more complicated or you just prefer talking to a person, the telephone may be an option. Of course, you can call the airline directly, but a third party may sometimes be preferable. A good travel agent is…
Back in 2010, we mourned the loss of the old Terminal 6 at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport, which was knocked down to allow JetBlue at Terminal 5 to consolidate its operations. I.M. Pei, who died in 2019 at the age of 102, was very unhappy to hear the old Terminal 6, which…
Traveling offers a world of adventure, exploration, and the unexpected. While the thrill of the unknown is part of the allure, it also brings forth the importance of safeguarding your journey against unforeseen circumstances. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the question that often lingers in the minds of travelers: Should you purchase travel…
Updated August 2026 If you are flying Southwest from Boston Logan, go to Terminal B. More specifically, Southwest currently lists its Boston operation as Terminal B, Pier A, using Gates 31A through 35. That “Pier A” label can be confusing. It does not mean Terminal A. Southwest is in Terminal B. Pier A is a…
United FareLock Still Around After All These Years 13 years ago, in late 2010, we wrote about a new service being offered by Continental Airlines called FareLock. We were amazed that they chose to launch this innovative new product in the middle of their merger with United Airlines. So we are pretty surprised that United…
Updated: May 2026 When FlightWisdom first covered bereavement fares back in 2006, 2008, and 2010, they were already fading. Even when more airlines offered them, the value was questionable. Today, they’re almost gone — a quaint vestige of another era, not unlike the onboard lounges of the past. We even remember a call center agent…
In the vast expanse of the United States, air travel plays a pivotal role in connecting cities, states, and regions. Two primary operational models dominate the landscape of domestic airlines: the hub-and-spoke system and the point-to-point system. In this basic comparative analysis, we’ll delve into the intricacies of each model, exploring the strengths, weaknesses, and…
[gallery link="file" size="medium" ids="7483,7482,7481"] Last week, I found myself at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport(BWI) with a bit of time before my flight. I notices a sign pointing to the “Observation Deck” and convinced my reluctant traveling companion to join me on a visit. It was a bit after 8 in the morning on…
Air travel has undergone significant changes over the decades, and while modern airports offer a plethora of conveniences, there are some charming amenities from the past that many travelers reminisce about. In this blog post, we’ll take a nostalgic journey through aviation history and explore seven airport amenities of yesteryear that evoke a sense of…
Embarking on a journey, whether for business or leisure, begins with a well-chosen piece of carry-on luggage. The right carry-on not only makes your travel experience seamless but also ensures your essentials are within arm’s reach. In this guide, we’ll explore eleven essential tips to help you make an informed decision when buying the best…
For avid travelers and budget-conscious adventurers, the quest for affordable flights is an art form. The good news is that with a bit of savvy searching and strategic planning, you can soar to your dream destinations without breaking the bank. In this blog post, we’ll uncover six tried-and-true tips to help you navigate the world…
In the complex world of air travel, passengers often seek creative ways to navigate the system and find cost-effective solutions to reach their destinations. One such strategy that has gained notoriety is “skiplagging.” In this article, we’ll delve into the concept of skiplagging, explore how it works, and unravel the reasons why airlines are keen…
Embarking on a family adventure by air can be a thrilling experience, but it often comes with unique challenges when traveling with young children. In this blog post, we’ll uncover valuable tips to help make your air travel with little ones not only manageable but an enjoyable journey filled with smiles and cherished memories. Early…
Jet lag is a common woe for travelers, disrupting sleep patterns and leaving you feeling groggy and disoriented. Jet lag can ruin your trip- or your return, Whether you’re a frequent flyer or embarking on a long-haul adventure, conquering jet lag is essential for making the most of your travels. In this guide, we’ll explore…
Air travel, with its intricate web of schedules and logistics, is susceptible to a variety of disruptions. While many disruptions fall under the umbrella of terms like force majeure, extraordinary circumstances, and controllable irregularities, understanding your rights is crucial for both passengers and airlines. We’ll delve into the complexities of these concepts and how they…
American Airlines is built around a hub-and-spoke network. Instead of flying every city pair nonstop, American uses major connecting airports to move passengers across the United States and around the world. American currently describes its hub network as nine hubs: Charlotte (CLT), Chicago O’Hare (ORD), Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), Los Angeles (LAX), Miami (MIA), New York…
“No One Should Pick You Up At The Airport” blares the Wall Street Journal headline. Nikki Waller says you’ll be a hero if you just ride share yourself home. “if you can order a burrito from your phone, you can hail a ride-share car,” she says. Sure, perhaps Ms. Waller has never tried to catch…
Canadian airports have become transit hubs for US passengers due to the implementation of US Customs Preclearance. This process involves a partnership between Canadian Customs and Immigration, US immigration, and US Customs and Border Patrol to establish US border points within major Canadian airports. The main objective behind this collaboration is to allow travelers to…
We started this site in 2006. Things have changed a lot since then, but the realization that it has been ten years since a plane landed on the Hudson River has made us realize it may be time to revisit this site, which has been idle for a bit now. [caption id="attachment_856" align="alignright" width="225"] USAirways…
New Mexican President President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has scrapped a $13 billion new airport in Mexico City that the previous administration insisted was 1/3 completed. Partially completed structures remain throughout the property. The government may seek to create a public park out of part of the site. As a result of cancelling the project, the…
As things go in  an industry that has been slow to change, seatback screens for in flight entertainment are a relatively new innovation. Yet their days are already numbered. Claiming that 90% of passengers have a screen of their own, American Airlines has chosen to remove the displays from 737MAX planes it will be receiving…
A highly-decorated Army veteran with PTSD was mocked by American Airlines employees on two separate occasions.