Naked guy forces Albuquerque landing

by Tom Johansmeyer on

Keith Wright, a New Yorker (damn!) felt restricted by more than just cramped airline seating today. On a flight from Charlotte to Los Angeles, he ditched his clothing and did not respond (vocally, at least) to flight attendant requests to put them back on. The mile-high nudist also wouldn’t accept the cover of a blanket.

As a result of Wright’s defiance, the US Airways flight was diverted to Albuquerque, where the passenger was met by federal authorities. According to the FBI, he’s now in federal custody, with a charge of interfering with flight crew members and attendants. Once Wright got off (the plane), the flight continued to its planned destination.

Every story has a moral: you’ll have no problem getting a blanket from a flight attendant if you strip.

Itching to learn more about high-altitude nekkidness? Click here to get the bare truth.

Layover: Boston

by Brenda Yun on


Beantown! As one of the most historic cities in the U.S., there’s plenty to look forward to should you have some time during a layover at the Boston Logan International airport or close by. Boston’s public transportation system, the “T” for short, reaches Logan on the Blue (Wonderland) line, and is also just 20 minutes from downtown (via the Sumner Tunnel) by car.

Try some of these layover activities on for size…

Short Layovers (3 hours or less):

  • The Logan Airport is one of the few that hosts a selection of salons and spas on the premises. Check out the Classique Hair and Nail Salon in Terminal C. While you’re there, you can get a jet setter’s pampering at the Jet Setter Mini Spa, also in Terminal C. There’s also the XpresSpa in Terminal B.
  • If you really want to get pampered (or need some exercise) and don’t mind shelling out a little extra dough, head to the Hilton Health Club & Spa at Logan International Airport, a sun-flooded facility that has a gym, sauna, and express massages. Take one of the free buses that run every 10 to 15 minutes between the airport and hotel.
  • If you need to fill that belly, there are a few decent locally established restaurants. Both Boston Beer Works and the Legal Seafoods Restaurant are located in Terminal C.
  • Revere Beach near the quaint enough town of Winthrop is worth a quick look if you’re really itching to dart out of the airport.

Longer Layovers (4 hours or more):

  • America’s oldest park, the Boston Common, also functions as the heart of Boston. Part of the Freedom Trail runs through the common, and a wintertime favorite is the Frog Pond, which doubles as an ice skating rink. Check out the spooky old graveyard near the Boylston “T” stop. The famous Cheers bar is also close by at 84 Beacon Street.
  • Faneuil Hall or Haymarket Square is a great place to grab some grub, people watch, and shop.
  • Boston’s very own little Italy called the North End is within walking distance from Faneuil Hall, and there’s a beautiful new green that is worthy of a stroll.
  • The Aquarium is also close by and has a spacious IMAX theater there.

Other tips:
Got kids? Head to Terminal A and let your kids play at the “Kidport,” a comfortable place for kids to let out some energy, complete with an airplane climbing sculpture, baggage claim slide, wall mural, window display, and magnetic poetry wall.

United Airlines computer problem delays O’Hare flights

by Scott Carmichael on

United Airlines is currently experiencing some major delays and cancellations at Chicago O’Hare.

The computer systems responsible for checking you in, are down and passengers have to be manually processed the old fashioned way.

Most delays are between 2 to 3 hours, but many flights are also being canceled because of the glitch.

United has issued a travel waiver for tickets issued for travel today, though I’m pretty sure that won’t be much help to people who had planned to get away for the holiday weekend. Finding an alternative flight may prove to be near impossible.

United Airlines is advising passengers to check their flight status at United.com before leaving for the airport, and if you are heading to O’Hare for a United flight, I recommend preparing for a long wait.

Are slot machines at Miami airport a winning idea?

by Mike Barish on

As someone who routinely gets to the airport incredibly early, I can attest that they are boring, uncomfortable places. It’s rare to find free wi-fi, sufficient power sources or quality food. Basically, you sit there, read a book and tolerate the chaos. But, if you’re traveling out of Miami International Airport, you may soon have a new activity while you’re waiting for your flight: slot machines.

USA Today is reporting that the Miami-Dade County commissioners voted 8-3 yesterday to allow slot machines at the airport. The devices would be located beyond security checkpoints and would potentially allow the county to recoup some of the money that the airport is hemorrhaging. At present, the operating cost of the airport is $600 million and could more than double in the next six years. The slots could provide a much-needed revenue stream.

Sure, more money will come into the airport and some gambling addicts will be able to pass the time while waiting for their flights (and you’ll often be waiting for your delayed flight at Miami International), but do you really want to hear that racket? Between the PA announcements, screaming children and people yelling into their phones, the last thing any airport needs is more noise. But money talks and Miami-Dade County needs the help.

So, do slot machines belong in airports? Would you pass the time waiting for a flight by pulling the handle and letting it ride? Or would you rather listen to your iPod, read a book and try to tune out all that chaos? Let us know in the comments.

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Photo from flickr user Jeff Kubina.

Birds vs planes. Another bird loses and forces an emergency landing.

by Jamie Rhein on

The bird strike in the skies above LaGuardia airport yesterday didn’t faze the passengers–they didn’t know it occurred. When American Airlines Flight 1256 was arriving from Miami, getting ready to land, it met up with some of our feathered friends. Good-bye birds. Also, good- bye nose gear hydraulic system

After landing, the pilot discovered that the system wasn’t working, thus the 737-800 had to be towed to a gate. Upon inspection, a large bird was discovered stuck in the landing gear. This story reminds me of when we were hitting pheasants right and left in North Dakota last summer.

As you have probably read a bit about, bird strikes are quite the concern. In this human vs the wild story, the humans are determined to win and killing off some of the birds is part of the solution. Scott’s post explains just how.

Kent Wien, Gadling’s beloved pilot extraordinaire provided this photo of his own bird vs plane experience. This gross occurrence happened on a final approach to Barbados last year. Paradise can be hell. Seeing this photo made me think too bad that I don’t have shot of my husband removing a pheasant from the grill of our car.