Airways Center — Aviation Desk: airlines, airports and how flying works

Airports & Hubs

How Air Traffic Control Uses Separation Standards to Keep You Safe — and On Time

If you’ve ever waited at a gate and heard that your flight is “waiting for a slot,” it’s easy to assume that the cause of the delay is some invisible…

Why Airport Codes Like ORD, MCO and YYZ Don't Match the City Name

Airport codes can seem like an arbitrary jumble of letters, especially when you're in a rush to book a flight. But the three-letter codes managed by…

Hub-and-Spoke vs Point-to-Point: Why America's Flights Are Built the Way They Are

It's a frustration most frequent US travelers will recognize. You're looking for a flight from your city to a destination that seems like it should…

Flying Smart

Delayed or Cancelled in the US: What the Airline Owes You

Passengers whose flights have been canceled or significantly delayed are now entitled to automatic cash refunds under a new rule from the U.S…

Why boarding on flights is so slow - and the boarding strategies that actually work

Imagine you are on flight 435 to London Heathrow. The airline boards the plane in five zones. As a Zone 4 passenger, you board last. Why does the…

Keep it in the Cabin: Navigating Carry-On Size Rules at the Airport

When packing for your next flight, make sure to check your airline's carry-on size rules. The regulations governing cabin baggage are a mix of…

Safety & Operations

Aircraft Turnaround Process Explained: What Happens Between Landing and Departure

An aircraft on the ground between flights is often mistaken for downtime - but in reality, the turnaround is one of the most tightly coordinated…

What Causes Turbulence — and Why Crews Are Not Worried

Turbulence is a common feature of air travel, but it is rarely a threat to the aircraft itself. The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board…

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Aircraft & Tech

What's the Difference Between Narrowbody and Widebody Aircraft?

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We publish contributed features from airlines, airports, ground handlers, training schools and travel businesses — reviewed by an editor, kept online permanently, labelled where a link is paid.

Rates and how to pitch

What Happened to US Airways: How a Major Carrier Became American Airlines

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