About Air Travel

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• Chasing the Sun - History of commercial aviation, from PBS

Air travel

Questions and Answers

Air Travel?

Q) How much has the amount of people using air travel increased over the last 50 or so years? Its for my coursework and i cant find anything anywhere :( if possible leave reference thanks

A) Interesting article relating to the aviation industry with charts showing statistics: http://www.grida.no/climate/ipcc/aviation/133.htm

Air travel is statistically fairly safe. But if something does go wrong, what is likely to be?

Q) What is the most likely to cause injury or death in air travel? Take off, landing, mechanical failure, pilot error, terrorist action or something else?

A) The biggest cause of air accidents is pilot error (more than half of all incidents), then mechanical failure. The most likely time of an accident is during landing (more than half of all incidents). However the most likely time to be killed in an accident if one happens is during main climb (25% of fatalities) Causes - Pilot Error 33% - Pilot Error (weather related) 16% - Pilot Error (mechanical related) 4% Total Pilot Error 53% Other Human Error 7% Weather 11% Mechanical Failure 21% Sabotage 7% Other Cause 1% Timing of accidents Parked & taxiing 5% Take-off & initial climb 17% Climb, cruise, descent and initial approach 24% Final approach & landing 51% Timing of fatalities Parked & taxiing 0% Take-off & initial climb 22% Climb (25%), cruise (8%), descent (12%) and initial approach (13%) 58% Final approach & landing 18%

Can anybody tell me where is the best air travel route from Manila to Arizona?

Q) Hi, guys... I need your help...I'll be travelling alone in the US for the few months. My destination is Arizona. Can anybody tell me what is the best air travel route from Manila to Arizona? By the way, the place I'll be staying is Pinon,Az. It is very far away from Phoenix.

A) Check out this link: http://go.travelpn.com/flights/AirSearch.do?SEQ=11883159187417282007&affiliateId=10016561 Flight Manila - Tucson, Arizona via Tokyo and Los Angeles. $785-

How much pollution does air travel cause and what are the solutions to the pollution caused by air travel?

Q) It has recently become recognised that air travel is a major source of air pollution. How much does air travel contribute to air pollution and global warming exactly? And what are the solutions to the pollution caused by air travel? No one wants (WE ALL SAY) to make pollution and global warming worse. Yet no one wants to stop travelling by air to go on holiday etc etc... So, what can be done????

A) Air travel causes a lot more damage to the environment via carbon emissions than any other form of transport because it burns much more fuel, and aviation fuel (kerosene) is particularly polluting. Airlines do not pay tax on their fuel so they have no incentive to use less or make their prices reflect the damage done to the environment by flying. Some facts: Air travel cause 0.17kg/km/per person, whereas driving a car causes 0.14kg/km/per person. The world's 16,000 commercial jet aircraft produce more than 600 million tonnes of CO2 annually, almost as much as the entire African continent. A return flight from London to Miami (14,207 kms) produces 2,415 kg of CO2 per passenger, more than the 2,255 kg produced annually by the average British motorist's 16,108 km. But as you say - it's nice to be able to fly places! The solution really is to cut down on transport use in everday life - cycle, walk or take the bus instead of driving. Shop close to home and go on holidays around your area. Try to limit international travel to when it is absolutely necessary (use teleconferencing!), and (especially in Europe where flights are so cheap!) cath the train rather than fly! Ultimately, aviation fuel should be taxed to reflect the damage it does to the environment - and then plane flights will become more expensive so that people will only take them when necessary - and not from London to Cardiff!

Could putting a yearly/two yearly limit on everyone's air travel to reduce carbon emisions,work?

Q) There is all this stuff about off-setting it but surely thats just treating the symptoms and we need to look at changing our behaviour to save the environment. Re: air travel for instance what if everyone was given a certain amount of miles they could travel by air every couple of years, and they couldn't travel beyond this unless an emergency? I love my holidays and would be reluctant to do this but would for the good of the country. One limitation I have thought of (over and above individual selfishness) is its financial affects on tourism. Are there any other positives or negatives to this?

A) Most definitely. It would help the whole planet not just our country. However global dimming would need to be addressed too. Personally I think everyone should be responsible enough not to exceed 2 flights a year any way for the sake of the planet. It has been said that one flight to europe is the equivalent of carbon emission of household lighting for 6 months! I guess it boils down to how important it is to the individual if they want to aid the slowing down of global warming. The postives are we would all be able to enjoy our planet for much longer. The negatives are death and discomfort will arrive much more quickly.

When compared on a per trip basis (instead of mileage) is Air travel as safe as some people think?

Q) According to statistics from World Health Organization (WHO), over 1.3 million people die through road accidents worldwide every year About 1,000 pax die each year in air crashes. So risk differs by a factor of about 1,300. But how many road trips are there pa?

A) There is a huge difference between aviation safety in developed and developing nations. The WHO report doesn't take this into account. The meaningful comparison is nation by nation. In developed nations like Europe or North America aviation is by far the safer travel option of the two.

Is it legal in the UK to allow an 8 year old to air travel unaccompanied on any airline?

Q) Can an 8 year old travel unacompanied from the UK on an airoplane to Russia ...then met at the destination by an aldult?

A) It is Illegal for a 8 year old or anyone younger than 12 to travel alone but if you pay extra money you can have an air hostess look after him/her. The last time I checked it was about £62 but the prices might have changed.

What will the future of air travel be like with oil prices soaring?

Q) I find this whole subject really depressing. I thought we were supposed to be progressing with technology but all of a sudden we are going back in time because of the climate change theory. Nowadays, a return flight from the UK to the US is more or less about £400. What will it be like in 5, 10.... years time? Do you think we will be using alternative fueled aircraft any time soon?

A) prices fluctuate each 3 months anyway! and you can get a cheaper deal if you book earlier or at diffrent airports. but the fuel duty tax will go up. fuel and airport tax are always added to the ticket price. so you can get a ticket for as cheap as the tax'es are or a couple of £ on top if you book early enough!! i got a ticket price to spain for £3 !! which went up to £190 when there was 2 weeks left to fly.

Retaining fluid due to Air travel - How can you reduce this?

Q) A question for the Cabin Crew out there! I'd like to know if there is any way of reducing fluid retention when flying? or how to eliminate it quickly once on the ground, I've got a long flight followed by a party where I'll be wearing a tight fitting dress and am concerned about squeezing into it!

A) Hi, i have been on quiet a few planes, and i find the best thing is to buy some flights stockings, Yes i know they look horrible, But they do help, they use the same type things in hospitals, while a paintent is not very mobile. and try and do leg exercise's whilst in the air. Also drink lots of water.

Does anyone know the real reason why we cannot use our mobile phones on air travel?

Q) Many airlines, many standards. Some say you can when the doors are opened after landing, some say only when you are in the arrival hall. By now, we should have resolved the interference issues. We should be having in-flight internet! The airlines make hundreds of millions US Dollars profit by making the passengers use the AIRFONE system on board which works with the same GSM antenna outside the aircraft.

A) It is true that there are so many different standards across the airlines - I travel a lot and some airlines will allow phones on if they have a flight safe mode whilst others strictly forbid having them switched on at all when on the plane. To be honest the interference thing is probably partly true, although I doubt anyone could pick up a network at 35,000 feet - sometimes I can't pick up network on the ground!! There is probably also the terrorism prevention element, although they don't physically check that everyone's phones are off. The thing is that there are some airlines where you can use a credit card phone (at extortionate prices) so surely this is an interference hazard too??!

Air Travel?

Q) Can anyone tell me how and what kind of ticket to buy. Want to go from Connecticut (BDL) to Texas (IAH) and back to Connecticut (BDL) round trip, but on way to Texas want to stop over in Oregon (PDX) for 4 days! Do I need to buy two separate tickets, or what do I do? (Very inexperienced in air travel!) Thank you for any help I can get!!! :)

A) You just need to buy one ticket -- it's still a round trip. If booking online select 'multi-destinations' and you can build your itinerary with as many stops as you like.

Is the air travel advisable during the last 4 months of pregnancy? What might be the negative effects?

Q) I've heard that after 6th month of pregnancy, its dangerous to travel by air coz of thge air pressure and shortage of oxigen. Further, it can result in pre-mature delivery,dont know whats right n wats wrong.

A) I checked out the rules at three different airlines plus consulted with my doctor when I recently flew at seven months pregnant. The airlines generally do not allow travel in the last four weeks of pregnancy and the doctor said she could not see any reason why I shouldn't travel at seven months. As long as you're healthy and bp isn't elevated, you shouldn't need to worry. Just make sure to drink lots of water and sit by the aisle if you can, so you can easily get up and stretch. Also note that you are not allowed to sit by the emergency exits when you're pregnant.

Can hamsters handle the stress of air travel?

Q) I would like to carry my hamster on a plane (90 minute flight). Delta allows hamsters and I have the permission to carry her with me. I am wondering if anyone could share similar experience with me. Can hamsters handle the stress of air travel? My hamster Biscoot is 1 year old and she has travelled (7 hrs) in car before. Also, where can I buy an appropriate travel cage for her? Thanks for your time.

A) No.

What causes earache in some people during air travel and what is the antidote?

Q) I recently flew Lufthansa from Abuja to frankfurt but my journey was spoilt by the terrible presurre-like pain I felt in my ear towards the end if the trip. I'm now scarred of air travel as a result. Has anyone else had a similar experience? How can one possibly prevent such, cope with it when it occurs or recover quickly from it afterwards?

A) It's caused by the change in air-pressure. Chew gum to stimulate your swallowing reflex; that will mitigate the muzziness.

How do I travel by air when I am dependent on oxygen and prone to blood clots?

Q) I would like to travel by air but I do not know how to go about it when I require pure oxygen when resting and active. I am aslo prone to blood clots and have been told that air travel may cause me problems.

A) First, you need to speak to your doctor to see if you are medically stable to fly. If the dr clears you, most airlines will require a letter from your dr stating that you are medically cleared to fly and that you need to have an O2 bottle. Next, call the airline you want to fly and ask what their policies are for passengers using bottled O2, as it can pose a safety risk. Some airlines (Southwest for example) try to avoid passengers who need O2. As for blood clots, again you need to talk to your dr. He will most likely recommend support/compression socks or panty hose. These can be found at most places that sell diabetic or medical supplies. If possible, during the flight try to walk up and down the asile a few times every 1-2 hours to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT). When you make your reservations for your flight, let the airline know you need a wheelchair escort to the gate, and another one when you reach your destination. This way you won't have to walk through the airport. Allow extra time to get through secuirty because you will need it. Again, I can't stress enough the fact that you need to speak with your doctor about flying. ETA: I just came across this today on the TSA website. I don't know why I hadn't see it before. http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/specialneeds/editorial_1374.shtm#2

What causes feet to swell during air travel and why do some people swell more?

Q) What should be done after the flight to help the swelling to go away? Can/should it last a couple of days after the air travel?

A) Blood and extra cellular fluid often pool in the feet and legs, causing them to swell, it is called edema. As an artery becomes a capillary the blood pressure is greater than the extra cellular fluid pressure, so some of the fluids from the blood flows out of the blood. At the end of the capillary much of that fluid flows back into the blood due to osmotic forces and the lower pressure in the veins. Often in the extremities the flow of fluid back into the blood is dependent upon muscle contraction, and when you just sit down for hours there is no muscle contraction in your feet and legs, causing edema in some people, particularly the elderly and diabetics and anyone with decreased lymph flow. The fact that airplane cabins are at lower pressure than sea level also contributes. I would recommend getting up and walking around at least once an hour if this is a problem for you. It can last a couple of days after the air travel, particularly if you are in a wheel chair or have landed at a city in the mountains.

why does air travel faster over the top of the aerofoil than the bottom?

Q) I know it is related to the pressure differences but why does the air actually travel faster? please no answers containing the 'equal transit time' or 'venturi nozzel' theories.

A) have u observed when u dip a thin glass tube in a beaker of water what happens? water rises in the inner end of the tubes right? what force pushes the water up? its the same force that will drive the air faster. if u wanna know how that force is generated then u have to learn the 'equal transit time' or 'venturi nozzel' theories, which u dont want!!

what do you think of air travel in the next seventy years?

Q) how feasible is travelling by air in the next seventy years be the only means of transportatoin. do you think it's possible in the next seventy years that we'll be travelling to space the way we travel from country to county

A) Phoebe, I think it's a definite possibility. I can picture aviation getting to the point where everyone owns (and possibly even flies) their own family plane. I will definitely say that aviation will become more personal and direct flights will be made easy by air taxi services and more private jets. As far as going to other planets or just out in space, I think that's what a lot of people are pushing for here in the US. The company who put together SpaceShip One to win the XPrize is hoping to capitalize off of trips to space for the public. President Bush is also pushing NASA to return to the moon and explore out to Mars. All of those programs make space travel more likely for the average person. The only other thing that I can say for sure is that it will be interesting to see how everything turns out!

How is it to air travel with infants? I'll be traveling overseas in the next few months with a 14 and a?

Q) 2 months old. Has any one traveled by air with small childrens? I'll be traveling with my DH, but I am still courious to know what to expect and how difficult it is to travel this way with kids.

A) It isn't difficult to fly with them at all. Just make sure your children over the age of your infant has their own ticket. If your infant doesn't have a ticket that is OK. You can carry your child on to the plane(many do) as a lap child. Just let the ticket/gate agent know. But do bring something to entertain your children. Also infants usually have a hard time with the cabin pressure (your ears popping) so bring a bottle or some liquid on to the plane to help ease the infants pain. Being two months old, I'd consult your doctor. Most doctors will want to check the infant and make sure they are 100% ready to fly. Its really not that difficult, people do it all the time. Just be sure to arrive at the airport at least two hours before your flight departs (the sooner the better). Security usually takes an hour easy if not more. Just be prepared. And you'll be fine! -Ron (flight attendant)

Are you worried about air travel and do you think it's safe to fly in light of today's news ?

Q) In view of the terrorist plot to blow up planes bound for the U. S, today , what are your thoughts ? Personally , I have absolute confidence that our president is going to be vigilent in keeping air travel safe .

A) There are tens of thousands of planes that fly each day... trully. And last time i checked the news none of those planes had blown up today... U still have a much bigger chance of dying crossing a street downtown than traveling by plane... so i'd say u can still safely travel by plane... I still do regularly... and sept 11th hasn't stopped me or scarred me in that respect... i guess those guys failed in their attempt to "terrorise" me... lol... losers have a good one