787 Dreamliner: Clearing the Air

by Iva Skoch on

Following up on yesterday’s launch of the new Boeing plane (coming to airlines next year): the interior air should be substantially better than in current planes.

Here’s the thing: the Boeing 787 Dreamliner is made from three carbon-plastic composite “tubes” that are “snapped” together. These materials have a higher strength than aluminum (the current airplane material of choice) and can withstand higher pressures and higher humidity.

This means that the planes can be pressurized more and can contain air that is more humid than older planes. Essentially, planes are now pressurized at the equivalent of 8,000 feet of elevation when you’re flying at 35,000+ feet, so that there’s not too much strain put on the airframe. Likewise, the humidity inside is kept pretty low because water vapor can cause metal fatigue.

The new plane can be pressurized to about 6,000 feet equivalent, and can have much higher air humidity internally and operate just fine. This could make us much, much more comfortable in the air.

Not only that, but the materials can allow bigger windows!

Watch the Premiere of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner Live Today

by Justin Glow on

Today, Sunday, July 8, at 3:30 PM PDT (-7 GMT), Boeing will officially unveil the new 787 Dreamliner live on the Internet and via 35 international satellite TV networks. Why today? It is 07/08/07, of course. So grab some peanuts, get cozy, and watch the Dreamliner make its first official public appearance as its rolled out of the hanger at the Boeing plant in Seattle.

You may remember our post a few weeks ago about the not-so-official appearance of the 787, when a sharpshooter over at Airliners.net snapped a few spy shots of the unpainted plane as it left the hangar. Something tells me the 787 will be painted and ready to be photographed today.

WHO Is Worried About Your Legs. Should You Be Too?

by Martha Edwards on

With travel to exotic destinations peaking around summertime, The World Health Organization has expressed concern for traveler’s legs, and in particular the risk of developing Deep Vein Thrombosis. DVT is a potentially fatal condition characterized by blood clots, and your risk of developing it increases if your legs are immobilized for long periods of time.

However, it’s not a serious concern unless you’re:

  • Obese
  • Over the age of 50
  • Under 5’4 or over 6’4
  • Using oral contraceptives

So on your next long flight, get up and walk around a bit, if possible. Or do those recommended exercises in the free in-flight magazine. As for me? I keep my limbs limber by doing yoga before the flight, funny looks from other passengers be darned.

(via Fitsugar)

Packing Tips: Tried and True

by Jamie Rhein on

I’m an overpacker. I read the missives about how to pack less, but my adage is, better safe than sorry. Here are some things I’ve found that help when I’m packing to deal with my excess.

With the number of allowable pounds per bag dropping, for instance on Sky Bus it’s 50, if you are going to be buying souvenirs, presents and great deals you can’t pass up while on vacation, pack an extra duffle bag. This way, if you get to the airport and find out you are overweight, you can unload some of the items and repack them in your extra bag. Last year, I used this method in the Denver airport. I have no qualms about repacking at the side of the check-in line.

  • When packing toilet paper, take out the tube. That way it squishes down to a smaller size. Put toilet paper in a ziplock bag though so it doesn’t shred.
  • Stuff socks into shoes. Put shoes in plastic bags and place them, soles out, at each side of the suitcase.
  • Roll up T-shirts as tightly as you can. They take up less room that way. Rolling up underwear works too. Underwear can also fit inside shoes.
  • Buy travel size shampoos and lotions so you can throw out the bottles as they are used up. Put them into small ziplock bags so that if they leak you won’t have a mess.

Here are some other packing tips from Travel Sense. And one last tip, when zipping up a suitcase, I always find sitting on it helps.

Universal Pass to (nearly) All Airline Lounges

by Neil Woodburn on

Wouldn’t it be cool to get off an airplane and instead of squishing uncomfortably into some hard chair to await your next flight, you can strut right into the nearest airline lounge no matter which airline it happens to be?

Well, it’s now a reality. Almost.

The Priority Pass is designed for the frequent traveler who might find himself stranded at an airport that does not have their lounge of choice.

For just $399 a year, the Priority Pass gains access to more than 500 lounges in 90 countries and 275 cities around the world.

But, be careful before buying your pass; not all airports and lounges are included in the pass. I took a peak at LAX, for example, and learned that the pass gains access to five lounges; Delta Crown Room Club, Alaska Airlines Board Room, Continental Presidents Club, Northwest World Club, and US Airways Club. Not too bad! That’s one club in five of the seven terminals.

I also jumped over to check out Frankfurt, Germany where I tend to find myself on layovers while flying from LAX. Frankfurt boasts the American Airlines Admirals Club in Terminal 1, and the Skyclub Lounge and Delta Crown Room in Terminal 2.

Personally, I think this is a great deal for those who fly on a regular basis. Think about it; how much time do you spend waiting in nasty terminals when you would rather be lounging somewhere clean, comfortable, and relaxing?

(via Forbes.com)