We see flight attendants often, but pilots tend to be much more secluded. With so much airtime and so little face time, there are a few things they want to share with the masses.
We asked commercial airline pilots who have their own aviation blogs to name the one thing they wish their “pax” ― that’s airline speak for “passengers” ― knew. Their responses, along with some shared by their friends, shed a whole new light on life in the cockpit.
1. Pilots don’t like cancelled flights, either.
“As passengers, one of the most aggravating situations is an extensive delay followed by the ultimate cancellation. We miss our friend’s wedding, our cruise, or our child’s baseball game. However, I wish passengers knew that when we cancel a flight, the flight crews miss their special events, too.” ― Karlene Petitt of Flight to Success
2. You shouldn’t cut it too close when booking.
“Passengers plan a trip and fly up to the last minute before they need to be there or back at work. Then they get mad at airlines if there is a delay/cancellation.” ― Pilot who asked to remain anonymous
“’On time’ for departure is pushing back from the gate at published departure time (and up to 14 minutes later). ‘On time’ for arrival is plus or minus 14 minutes.” ― Pilot who asked to remain anonymous
4. Turbulence can come out of nowhere.
“Pilots can avoid predicted or reported turbulence, but that hardly guarantees a smooth ride. The atmosphere is an ever-changing fluid, producing turbulence almost instantaneously. So ALWAYS keep your seatbelt on when seated.” ― Chris Manno of JetHead, who is also pilot with American Airlines
5. But there’s a way to have less of it on your flight.
“If people are concerned about turbulence, they need to take early-morning flights for the smoothest air.” ― Laura Einsetler of Captain Laura
6. Flight durations aren’t set in stone.
“The length of a flight at the time someone books a ticket is based on historical data. The real length of a flight varies.” ― Pilot who asked to remain anonymous
7. Autopilot isn’t all its cracked up to be.
“It’s pilots ― human beings, and not some high-tech autopilot ― that are flying your plane. People have a vastly exaggerated notion of what cockpit automation actually does.” ― Patrick Smith of Ask the Pilot
8. Your pilot is no dummy.
“I wish people knew how much experience, training, education and requirements must be met before we are allowed to even fly these jets.” ― Laura Einsetler of Captain Laura
9. Cancellations could save your life.
“Pilots use their experience and best judgment to make that very hard choice to stay on the ground and cancel a flight. That choice is not made lightly and is always based on safety. ” ― Karlene Petitt of Flight to Success
10. Looking around could save your life, too.
“I wish passengers knew how many rows to their nearest exit. Most accidents are survivable if you get out.” ― Anne Fletcher
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
It's Another Trump-Biden Showdown — And We Need Your Help
The Future Of Democracy Is At Stake
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
The 2024 election is heating up, and women's rights, health care, voting rights, and the very future of democracy are all at stake. Donald Trump will face Joe Biden in the most consequential vote of our time. And HuffPost will be there, covering every twist and turn. America's future hangs in the balance. Would you consider contributing to support our journalism and keep it free for all during this critical season?
HuffPost believes news should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay for it. We rely on readers like you to help fund our work. Any contribution you can make — even as little as $2 — goes directly toward supporting the impactful journalism that we will continue to produce this year. Thank you for being part of our story.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
It's official: Donald Trump will face Joe Biden this fall in the presidential election. As we face the most consequential presidential election of our time, HuffPost is committed to bringing you up-to-date, accurate news about the 2024 race. While other outlets have retreated behind paywalls, you can trust our news will stay free.
But we can't do it without your help. Reader funding is one of the key ways we support our newsroom. Would you consider making a donation to help fund our news during this critical time? Your contributions are vital to supporting a free press.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you'll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.
Support HuffPostAlready contributed? Log in to hide these messages.