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Incredible footage emerges of plane crashing and flipping upside down

Terrified passengers have recalled the moment they were left "hanging upside down like bats" after a plane crashed and flipped during an icy landing. The Delta Airlines plane was landing at Toronto Pearson Airport during snowy conditions, when the plane touched down and immediately caught fire. Skidding along the runway, the plane then flipped upside down with 80 people onboard before coming to a halt. Video obtained by CNN shows the plane landing hard on the runway, with the plane's rear landing gear buckling upon impact with the snow and erupting into a fireball. <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DGN-pIIOR-G/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DGN-pIIOR-G/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by CNN (@cnn)</a> </div> </blockquote> According to passengers John Nelson and Peter Koukov, the rollover left travellers hanging aloft until they could be freed. "We were upside down hanging like bats," Koukov said. The man was able to unbuckle himself and stand upright on the ceiling of the plane, but some people needed help getting down from their seats. Officials said on Monday 21 people were taken to hospitals with injuries, including a child in good condition. All but two of them had been released from hospital on Tuesday morning. US man Pete Carlson was on board and told CBC News that it was "really amazing" he and his fellow passengers were alive. "Everything just kind of went sideways," Carlson recalled. "One minute you're landing, kind of waiting to see your friends and your people, and the next minute you're physically upside down." Koukov, a professional skier from Colorado, told the New York Times that the flight was completely normal up until the final descent. "The second that the wheels hit the ground, then everything happened," he said. "The next thing I know, we're sideways." "We ended up completely upside-down. I unbuckled pretty fast and kind of lowered myself to the floor, which was the ceiling. People were panicking." Image credits: Instagram

Travel Trouble

‘A virtual seat at the family table’: why older people are among the biggest users of social media

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/bernardo-figueiredo-336532">Bernardo Figueiredo</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/rmit-university-1063">RMIT University</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/torgeir-aleti-92509">Torgeir Aleti</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/rmit-university-1063">RMIT University</a> The Australian government’s <a href="https://theconversation.com/australias-social-media-ban-for-kids-under-16-just-became-law-how-it-will-work-remains-a-mystery-244736">recent decision to ban under 16s</a> from social media has focused attention on the harms it can cause – especially for young people. But young people are just one segment of the population who use social media. According to the <a href="https://wearesocial.com/au/blog/2024/01/digital-2024/">Digital 2024 report</a>, 78.3% of Australians regularly use platforms such as Facebook and Instagram – mainly for keeping in touch with friends and family. Perhaps surprisingly, a large proportion of these users are older people. For example, the Digital 2024 report also shows that 21.3% of Meta’s ad audience in Australia (on Messenger, Facebook and Instagram) are 55 years or older. This makes it the second largest age group after 25–34 year olds (25.4%). So what does research say about how social media affects older people’s social lives and wellbeing? <h2>The growing presence of older adults on social media</h2> <a href="https://www.digitalinclusionindex.org.au/digital-inclusion-the-australian-context-in-2023/">The digital divide is shrinking</a> as older generations embrace social media. <a href="https://www.benetas.com.au/news/digial-habits-of-older-australians">According to data from earlier this year</a>, more than 70% of Australians aged 65 and older use social media to some degree. <a href="https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/research/surveys_statistics/technology/2023/2023-tech-trends.doi.10.26419-2Fres.00584.001.pdf">Facebook remains the most popular</a> among this demographic, serving as a gateway to reconnect with family and long-lost friends. Beyond reconnecting, <a href="https://apo.org.au/node/313717">our research indicates</a> older adults often use these platforms to share memories, participate in community groups and access news. This growing trend is driven by both internal and external factors. <a href="https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/oir-06-2021-0332/full/html">Research shows</a> many older users are motivated by the desire to stay connected with their families, particularly grandchildren, who often share their lives through social media. For others, the COVID pandemic <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-05-18/are-we-headed-to-a-cashless-economy-post-coronavirus/12244846">accelerated the adoption of digital tools</a>, making social media a lifeline during periods of isolation. <h2>Enhanced connection</h2> <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41562-024-02048-7">A recent study</a> found positive associations between internet use and mental health among older adults in 23 countries. Social media, in particular, works by: 1. Maintaining family ties. Social media provides older adults with a virtual seat at the family table. By viewing photos, videos and updates, <a href="https://theconversation.com/video-chats-can-ease-social-isolation-for-older-adults-during-coronavirus-pandemic-135890">they can remain engaged with their loved ones’ lives</a>, no matter the physical distance. Platforms such as WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger are particularly popular for private family group chats, enabling older adults to exchange messages and share moments in real time. 2. Rekindling old friendships. Platforms such as Facebook have proven effective in <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/10510974.2021.1975143?needAccess=true">reconnecting older adults with long-lost friends</a>. For many, revisiting old relationships provides a sense of nostalgia and belonging. Studies have shown such interactions can <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32700541/">bolster feelings of inclusion</a> and reduce loneliness, a significant concern for ageing populations. 3. Building new communities. Social media groups dedicated to specific interests such as gardening, photography or travel offer older adults opportunities to form new connections. <a href="https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/jkm-02-2021-0087/full/html">These virtual communities</a> are inclusive spaces where members exchange advice, share experiences and foster friendships based on shared hobbies. <h2>Improved well-being</h2> Social media’s ability to foster connection among older adults <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8465959/#B7-healthcare-09-01143">directly impacts their wellbeing</a>. Regular online interactions can reduce feelings of loneliness and depression, providing a sense of purpose and belonging. <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10410236.2020.1859722">Research shows</a> active participation, such as posting photos, is associated with a feeling of competence in older users, which is related to well-being. For some, becoming “<a href="https://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/life-and-relationships/80-years-old-with-11-million-followers-meet-tiktok-s-granfluencers-20230602-p5ddje.html">grandfluencers</a>” on platforms like Instagram or TikTok introduces an unexpected avenue for creative expression and social influence. Online forums are also gaining traction as a tool for health information and advocacy. <a href="https://www.jmir.org/2013/2/e35">Older adults participate in support groups</a> for chronic conditions, share wellness tips and even engage in civic discussions. This demonstrates social media platforms’ broader potential beyond social interaction. <h2>Online challenges</h2> Despite its benefits, social media is not without challenges for older adults. For some, navigating the complex interface of platforms can be intimidating. <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2076-0760/13/9/496">Our research</a> shows half of older adults feel anxious about using communication technologies, with older women experiencing more anxiety than older men. Issues such as <a href="https://apo.org.au/sites/default/files/resource-files/2021-08/apo-nid313717.pdf">privacy concerns, misinformation and online scams can also create barriers to engagement</a>. Additionally, while social media facilitates connection, it <a href="https://agsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jgs.18546">cannot replace the depth of face-to-face interactions</a>. <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/14413582231187652">Our research</a> shows those with higher digital literacy are more likely to experience the positive effects of social media because of ongoing “self-socialisation” without having to interact with others, which might undermine learning and confidence. For others, initiatives aimed at <a href="https://www.dss.gov.au/improving-digital-skills-older-australians/resource/evaluation-be-connected">improving digital skills among older adults</a> – such as digital mentoring programs – can significantly enhance their confidence and ability to engage safely online. <h2>A bridge and a barrier</h2> Social media can keep older adults connected. But its impact <a href="https://karger.com/ger/article/59/4/378/149065/Social-Media-Use-of-Older-Adults-A-Mini-Review">depends on how it is used</a>. For many, it serves as a vital link to family, friends and new communities, enriching their social lives and reducing isolation. However, to unlock its full potential, addressing barriers such as digital literacy and online safety are crucial. As the world becomes increasingly digital, <a href="https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/jsm-12-2022-0393/full/html?skipTracking=true">empowering older adults</a> to engage meaningfully with social media will ensure they remain not only connected but also active participants in a rapidly evolving social landscape.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/245156/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/bernardo-figueiredo-336532">Bernardo Figueiredo</a>, Associate Professor of Marketing, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/rmit-university-1063">RMIT University</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/torgeir-aleti-92509">Torgeir Aleti</a>, Senior Lecturer in Marketing, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/rmit-university-1063">RMIT University</a> Image credits: Shutterstock This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/a-virtual-seat-at-the-family-table-why-older-people-are-among-the-biggest-users-of-social-media-245156">original article</a>. </div>

Technology

Supersonic jets are making a comeback – but despite the hype, don’t expect to book yet

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/chris-james-1178340">Chris James</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-queensland-805">The University of Queensland</a> Late last week, American company Boom Supersonic flew faster than the speed of sound with its XB-1 supersonic demonstrator aircraft. It’s now the first <a href="https://boomsupersonic.com/press-release/boom-supersonic-achieves-supersonic-flight">piloted non-military aircraft to break the sound barrier</a> since the Concorde was retired from service in 2003. It’s the first step in Boom’s ambitious goal to have <a href="https://boomsupersonic.com/united">supersonic airliners carry passengers by 2029</a>. But what exactly is supersonic travel? There are good reasons why it’s not more common, despite the hype. <h2>What is supersonic flight?</h2> The Mach number is defined as a plane’s speed divided by the speed that sound waves move through the air. To “break the sound barrier” means to fly faster than the speed of sound, with Mach numbers greater than 1. The Mach number is an important ratio: as a plane flies, it disturbs the air in front of it. These disturbances move at the speed of sound. In supersonic flight these disturbances combine to form shock waves around the vehicle. When people say you can see a fighter jet before you hear it, they’re referring to supersonic flight: <a href="https://www.aerotime.aero/articles/top-10-worlds-fastest-fighter-jets">fighter jets can travel at around Mach 2</a>. The sound from the fighter jet is trapped inside its shock wave; until the shock wave moves to your position on the ground, you won’t hear the plane. <figure class="align-center zoomable"><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/646302/original/file-20250202-15-d01bme.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/646302/original/file-20250202-15-d01bme.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/646302/original/file-20250202-15-d01bme.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=360&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/646302/original/file-20250202-15-d01bme.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=360&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/646302/original/file-20250202-15-d01bme.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=360&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/646302/original/file-20250202-15-d01bme.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=452&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/646302/original/file-20250202-15-d01bme.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=452&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/646302/original/file-20250202-15-d01bme.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=452&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="" /></a><figcaption>Illustration of how disturbances propagate in subsonic, Mach 1, and supersonic flow. <a class="source" href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Transonico-en.svg">Chabacano/Wikimedia Commons</a>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/">CC BY-SA</a></figcaption></figure> <h2>The allure of supersonic travel</h2> For efficiency reasons, most passenger jets cruise slightly slower than the speed of sound, at around Mach 0.8 (this is subsonic flight). Boom plans to build <a href="https://boomsupersonic.com/overture">an airliner called Overture</a> that can fly at Mach 1.7. Flying supersonically can drastically decrease flight times. The company claims a trip <a href="https://boomsupersonic.com/flyby/summer-travel-trends-future-travel-onboard-overture">from New York to Rome</a> on Overture could take just four hours and 40 minutes, instead of eight hours. Boom isn’t the only company working on this lofty goal. American firm Spike Aerospace is also developing a supersonic business jet, <a href="https://www.spikeaerospace.com/spike-s-512-supersonic-diplomat/">with the tagline</a> “delivering the world in half the time”. This is the value proposition of supersonic passenger travel. In limited ways, it did already exist in the 20th century. However, due to timing, bad luck and the laws of physics, it didn’t continue. <h2>Remember the Concorde?</h2> Designs for supersonic airliners began in the mid-20th century, and by the 1970s we had supersonic passenger flight. There was the little-known <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tupolev_Tu-144">Russian Tupolev-144</a> and <a href="https://www.britannica.com/technology/Concorde">Concorde</a>, a Franco-British supersonic airliner operated by British Airways and Air France from 1976 to 2003. Concorde had a capacity of <a href="https://www.heritageconcorde.com/concorde-cabin--passenger-experience">up to 128 passengers</a> and cruised at Mach 2. It regularly travelled from London to New York <a href="https://airandspace.si.edu/stories/editorial/what-happened-concordes">in around three hours</a>. The flights were expensive, mainly shuttling business people and the rich and famous. <h2>Why supersonic passenger flight didn’t take off</h2> Concorde was designed in the 1960s when it seemed like supersonic passenger transport was going to be the next big thing. Instead, the Boeing 747 <a href="https://www.boeing.com/commercial/747-8">entered commercial service in 1970</a>. Cheap, large and efficient airliners like it blew Concorde out of the water. Designed to cruise efficiently at supersonic speeds, Concorde was extremely fuel inefficient when taking off and accelerating. Concorde’s expensive, “<a href="https://phys.org/news/2019-03-concorde-technical-feat-financial-fiasco.html">gas guzzling</a>” nature was a complaint levelled against it for most of its lifetime. A catastrophic <a href="https://www.flightglobal.com/safety/tu-144-crash-puzzle-persists-50-years-after-fatal-paris-display/153782.article">1973 Paris air show crash</a> of the competing Russian airliner, Tupolev Tu-144, also shifted public perception on supersonic flight safety at a time when many airlines were considering whether or not to purchase Concordes. <a href="https://www.heritageconcorde.com/airframe-detail">Only 20 Concordes were manufactured</a> out of the <a href="https://simpleflying.com/concorde-orders/">planned 100</a>. It is still disputed today whether Concorde <a href="http://www.concordesst.com/faq.html">ever made money for the airlines who operated it</a>. <figure class="align-right zoomable"><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/646303/original/file-20250202-15-gjm1zn.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/646303/original/file-20250202-15-gjm1zn.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/646303/original/file-20250202-15-gjm1zn.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=600&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/646303/original/file-20250202-15-gjm1zn.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=600&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/646303/original/file-20250202-15-gjm1zn.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=600&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/646303/original/file-20250202-15-gjm1zn.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=754&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/646303/original/file-20250202-15-gjm1zn.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=754&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/646303/original/file-20250202-15-gjm1zn.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=754&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="" /></a><figcaption>Illustration of a shock wave propagating from a supersonic aeroplane and hitting the ground to produce a sonic boom. <a class="source" href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Supersonic_shockwave_cone.svg">Cmglee/Wikimedia Commons</a>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/">CC BY-SA</a></figcaption></figure> <h2>Noise is a real problem for supersonic flight</h2> Remember the fighter jets? When a plane travels supersonically, its shock waves propagate to the ground, <a href="https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/104540/sonic-boom/">causing loud disturbances called sonic booms</a>. In extreme cases they can shatter windows and damage buildings. In the early 1970s, sonic boom concerns led the United States government to <a href="https://aerospaceamerica.aiaa.org/features/supersonic-travel-dead-on-arrival/">ban supersonic passenger flight over land in the US</a>. This hurt the Concorde’s potential market, hence its only two regular routes were trans-Atlantic flights principally over the water. The Concorde was also a very loud plane at take off, since it needed a lot of thrust to leave the ground. <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3x9hO7n5WiA?wmode=transparent&start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe><figcaption>Video footage of the final Concorde takeoff from New York’s JFK airport.</figcaption></figure> <h2>The future of supersonic travel</h2> A future for supersonic travel relies on solving some or all of the issues Concorde faced. <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/mission/quesst/">NASA and Lockheed Martin’s Quesst project</a> aims to show sonic boom can be dissipated to manageable levels. They plan to fly their X-59 supersonic aircraft over US cities and gauge responses from citizens. Quesst aims to use the geometry of the X-59, with a long elongated nose, to dissipate sonic booms to a weak “thump”, hopefully allowing supersonic airliners to travel over land in the future. Spike Aerospace’s Spike S-512 Diplomat concept also aims to be a <a href="https://www.spikeaerospace.com/quiet-supersonic-flight/">“quiet” supersonic aircraft</a> with a less disruptive sonic boom. <h2>Can Boom surpass Concorde?</h2> Boom Supersonic don’t plan to fly supersonically over land. Their plan is to fly over land at Mach 0.94, which they claim will allow <a href="https://boomsupersonic.com/overture">20% faster overland travel</a> than standard passenger airliners, even subsonically. They also claim the design of their engines will ensure Overture is <a href="https://boomsupersonic.com/flyby/the-new-sound-of-supersonic-q-a-with-booms-principal-acoustic-engineer">no louder than modern subsonic airliners when it takes off</a>. In terms of gas guzzling, they plan to use up to 100% sustainable aviation fuel to reduce emissions and <a href="https://boomsupersonic.com/press-release/boom-supersonic-and-dimensional-energy-announce-sustainable-aviation-fuel-offtake-agreement">their carbon footprint</a>. Concorde was made of aluminium using design tools available in the 1960s. Modern design methods and modern aerospace materials such as titanium and carbon fibre should also allow Overture and similar craft to weigh much less than Concorde, improving efficiency. While Boom are currently receiving a lot of interest, <a href="https://boomsupersonic.com/overture">with orders from many airlines</a>, Concorde did have similar commitment before it become available. <a href="https://www.heritageconcorde.com/concorde-orders-and-options">Most of it didn’t eventuate</a>. Additionally, Concorde was the product of an analogue era when the idea of flying to London or New York for the day for an important business meeting seemed like a necessary thing. In a world of remote work and video meetings, is there still a need for a supersonic airliner in the 2020s? For now, supersonic airliners like Overture are likely to remain in the realm of the rich and famous, like Concorde did. But with modern technological advances, it will be interesting to see whether supersonic passenger travel once again becomes reality – or even goes mainstream. Only time will tell.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/248656/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/chris-james-1178340">Chris James</a>, UQ Amplify Senior Lecturer, Centre for Hypersonics, School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-queensland-805">The University of Queensland</a> Image credits: Boom Supersonic This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/supersonic-jets-are-making-a-comeback-but-despite-the-hype-dont-expect-to-book-yet-248656">original article</a>. </div>

International Travel

Olympic couple identified in horror plane crash

Two world champion figure skaters are among dozens of casualties killed after a passenger plane carrying 64 people collided with a military Black Hawk helicopter in the US. The mid-air crash happened about 9pm US Eastern Time on Wednesday (1pm Thursday AEDT), when the aircrafts collided and crashed into the Potomac River near Reagan National Airport in Washington DC. As officials confirmed that rescue efforts had shifted to a recovery operation, two of the first victims identified were Russian Olympians and married couple Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov. Their son, Maxim Naumov, 23, is also feared to have been on board. Shishkova, 52, and Naumov, 55, won the pairs title at the 1994 world championships and competed at the Winter Olympics twice. It is believed the family were returning home after Maxim had been competing at the US figure skating championships in Wichita, Kansas. Russia’s Mash news outlet published a list of 13 skaters, many of them the children of Russian emigres to the US, who it said were believed to have been on the plane. Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed their death to reporter, saying, "Unfortunately, we see that this sad information is being confirmed. There were other fellow citizens there. Bad news today from Washington." "We are sorry and send condolences to the families and friends who lost those of our fellow citizens who died in the plane crash." The bodies of three US soldiers have also been recovered from the river as the recovery operations remains ongoing. American Airlines CEO Robert Isom said at this stage it wasn't known why the two aircrafts collided. "I want to express my sincere condolences for the accident that happened at DCA last night," he said. "We're absolutely heartbroken for the family and loved ones of the passengers and crew members, and also for those that were on the military aircraft." According to Jonathan Koziol, chief of staff for Army aviation, the helicopter crew "very experienced" and had flown the nighttime route countless times before. US President Donald Trump addressed the devastating crash in the White House, located about five kilometres away from the fatal crash site. "As one nation, we grieve for every precious soul that has been taken from us so suddenly," Trump said. "We'll find out how this disaster occurred and will ensure that nothing like this ever happens again." Image credits: Instagram

Travel Trouble

Mum furious over grandmother’s refusal to use car seat for her child

A mother has voiced her frustration over her own mother’s major babysitting error. The woman, who has a son of her own, shared that her parents regularly look after their grandchild, but has grown more and more annoyed that one request has been ignored. In her lengthy post on Reddit, the woman wrote that her mother has taken her grandson in a car without a car seat more than once. She wrote, "I'm livid and won't be letting her take him out again but needed to vent. My parents look after my son for me now and again, he loves them, and they love him, but my mom is really testing me. Twice now she has had him in someone's car without his car seat." She continued: "The first time it happened, I didn't let her see him for a month. I knew they were taking him out and had left his car seat for them, but she didn't use it as they were only 'going around the corner.' I screamed and shouted about her putting my son at risk.” “She tried to backtrack and lie her way out of it, but at the end of the day, she disrespected me." "That was almost a year ago; yesterday, she had him as I had work in London, and hubby was at work; she said they were taking him out and promised she would use the car seat. I stressed to her how she won't see him again if they don't use it and guess what, they didn't use it." The end of the post reads: "I'm livid, I'm going to see her today to shout and give an ultimatum, why don't people listen?! 'Oh, he was fine. We only went two streets away. You're being dramatic…'" "'Dramatic' when there's an insane storm going on, and anything could have happened. [She] won't be having him again. I feel like a d*** for trusting and believing her.” Hundreds of comments poured in from other mothers backing up the woman’s decision, as one person wrote, "She is playing Russian roulette with your child's life. Stay strong in this decision." Another simply wrote, “Why even take the risk? Why?!" Image credits: Shutterstock

Family & Pets

Woman's "clever" Pringles plane hack sparks debate

A woman has sparked a debate online after she used a Pringles tube to stop the person in front of her from reclining their seat. Clare Duggan shared the hack on TikTok, with the video from her plane seat showing the packet wedged securely between the top and bottom of the tray table. “This is the best life hack when you’ve got someone in front who is trying to put the seat down constantly,” she said. In just a week, the video received over 1.5 million views and received thousands of comments from TikTok users divided over the act. Many described it as a “brilliant” and “genius” idea, while others were less impressed, calling the act "ridiculous". “You know, the seats go back so people can relax,” one person commented. “I would never do it,” another added. “I’d just ask the cabin crew to see why my chair won’t recline," a third wrote. Some people said that while the move was "clever" all passengers were “entitled to put seat back”. <div class="embed" style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #323338; font-family: Figtree, Roboto, 'Noto Sans Hebrew', 'Noto Kufi Arabic', 'Noto Sans JP', sans-serif; background-color: #ffffff; outline: none !important;"><iframe class="embedly-embed" style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border-width: 0px; border-style: initial; vertical-align: baseline; width: 535px; outline: none !important;" title="tiktok embed" src="https://cdn.embedly.com/widgets/media.html?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2Fembed%2Fv2%2F7461268433301261600&display_name=tiktok&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F%40clareduggan1982%2Fvideo%2F7461268433301261600&image=https%3A%2F%2Fp16-sign-useast2a.tiktokcdn.com%2Fobj%2Ftos-useast2a-p-0037-euttp%2FoAbTEBfEQ9idhI4vCo5LLnzCwSILxAPgiI8AAL%3Flk3s%3Db59d6b55%26x-expires%3D1738278000%26x-signature%3DAJXi175GcI7KVGH1AbaDNFgzBTY%253D%26shp%3Db59d6b55%26shcp%3D-&type=text%2Fhtml&schema=tiktok" width="340" height="700" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></div> “The seats are literally made to recline,” one person wrote. “I never understand why people get annoyed about a seat going back. Doesn’t bother me,” another added. “Quite frankly, you should be banned from flying bloody pathetic," a third wrote. Following the wave of comments, Duggan explained that while she doesn't mind people reclining, the passenger in front of her kept ignoring her requests to incline his seat during meal service. “But this guy was refusing to lift his up when I was eating even though politely asked. So this seemed like a fair way of dealing with it,” she said. She added that the flight attendant had asked him to put up his seat, but he still didn't comply. “I always respect the person behind me by asking if they mind if I recline the seat back. That’s called consideration but I love this hack, well shared," one person commented. Image: TikTok

Travel Tips

Woman restrained and gagged on plane for "disruptive" behaviour

A woman has been restrained and gagged on an international flight over her disruptive and abusive behaviour. Footage of the shocking moment the woman was restrained by cabin crew has been obtained by <a href="https://www.news.com.au/travel/travel-updates/incidents/woman-restrained-with-duct-tape-after-outburst-during-fiji-airways-flight/news-story/e088405a65c3d6ca889a0612e746702e" target="_blank" rel="noopener">news.com.au</a>, showing the flight attendants trying to contain the 69-year-old woman's actions. Police claim the woman was “intoxicated and causing a nuisance”, on the flight from San Francisco to Nadi, leading her to be arrested by Fiji police when the plane landed. A fellow passenger who filmed the altercation said airline staff were “forced to resort to restraining and taping the mouth” of the woman, whose comments were allegedly “racist and vulgar” in nature. The passenger explained that the situation unfolded about halfway into the 11-hour flight towards Nadi, after the woman started to “raise her voice” within the cabin. “It became known to crew and nearby passengers early into the incident that the woman was travelling with her husband, though they were sitting in different areas of the plane,” the witness, who was seated several rows away from the woman, claimed. <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DFL_vyMIQkH/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DFL_vyMIQkH/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by news.com.au (@newscomauhq)</a> </div> </blockquote> “The husband requested to be seated elsewhere when the woman started to raise her voice, and the altercation between the woman and crew started when the crew refused to tell the woman where he had been moved to.” The witness told news.com.au the woman “caused great distress to all nearby passengers and crew by screaming and yelling abuse” as well as “threatening and throwing objects such as cups at crew members”. “She had also slapped the hands of a flight attendant,” the witness claimed. In the footage, crew can be seen trying to tape the woman’s mouth shut when she refused to stop yelling abuse. “The other passengers were particularly upset by her overtly racist comments towards the Fijian crew members, with many calling out to the woman to be quiet and behave,” the witness recalled. “Parents with children onboard were clearly upset with the excessive vulgar language and swearing with many seen blocking the ears of their children.” “The crew forcibly moved the woman to the back of the plane but this didn’t stop the (passenger’s) abusive behaviour, which continued throughout the remainder of the flight,” the witness said. News.com.au has confirmed the woman was charged by police in Fiji where she remains in custody awaiting a court appearance, while the airline also confirmed the incident is now the subject of a “legal investigation”. Image credits: news.com.au / Shutterstock

Travel Trouble

Pilot explains why airplane mode on phones is so important

A seasoned pilot has explained the real reason why your phone needs to be on airplane mode for the duration of your next flight. The pilot broke down the precaution in a video he posted to TikTok, with the explanation racking up over 2 million views. “The plane mode button on your phone is not a conspiracy,” declared the pilot, before reassuring passengers that using your phone onboard won't cause the plane to “fall out of the sky” or even really “mess with the systems on board”. However, if too many flyers choose to use their phones all at once, it can inadvertently mess with the pilots’ radio communications with the control tower. “If you have an aircraft with 70, 80, 150 people on board, and even three or four people’s phones start to try to make a connection to a radio tower for an incoming phone call, it sends out radio waves,” the captain explained. “There’s the potential that those radio waves can interfere with the radio waves of the headset that the pilots are using.” He recalled a recent flight where he was using his headset to get “clearance on which way to go” and the message interference made it feel like there was a “mosquito” in his ear. “It’s definitely not the end of the world but it’s pretty annoying when you’re trying to copy down instructions and it sounds like there’s a wasp or something flying around,” the pilot declared. “So if you’re ever curious why you’ve got to put on plane mode, that’s why.” Image credits: Shutterstock

Travel Trouble

Pilot explains why plane windows are rounded

A pilot has revealed why plane windows are the unique shape that we see today, sharing a glimpse into the world of airplane design and engineering. American Airlines pilot Captain Steve, who regularly makes TikTok videos on the marvel of flying, shared the reason why plane windows today are slightly rounded instead of square, revealing why this design became the norm. "Some of the airliners were designed with square windows and over in Europe as airplanes started to climb higher and require more pressurisation, they discovered a problem," he shared in a clip that has since been viewed over two million times. Following a series of inflight disasters caused by their rectangular counterparts, the window designs had to be changed, as Captain Steve said, “The airplanes literally came apart.” He added that "they lost a few airplanes in midair" because the square windows created "a hairline crack" right in the edge, and the stress on the airframe caused by the pressurisation was simply too much. As a result, engineers decided to round the windows' frames so they wouldn't break under the strain and they've "never had a problem since," according to the pilot. The video was flooded with comments by curious passengers, with one person writing, “I have never thought about this but it makes so much sense! Captain Steve is teaching us yet again.” Image credits: Shutterstock

Travel Tips

Victorian plane crash victims identified

Three young men have been killed after a light plane crash in eastern Victoria at around 5.45pm on Saturday. Pilot Luke Smith, 20, his younger brother Ben Smith, 16, and their cousin Dustin Daly, 15, were on board the plane when it crashed into a paddock and burst into flames at Tinamba West in east Gippsland. They were only 15 minutes into the flight, which took off from West Sale airport, when the tragic incident occurred. The plane was reportedly seen circling several times, with witnesses saying they heard a strange sound coming from the aircraft in the moments before the crash. “From accounts that I’ve seen, there may have been circling or manoeuvring to resolve that issue or to try to find somewhere to land and unfortunately, that has happened,” Aviation Projects managing director Keith Tonkin said. Luke Smith has held a pilot licence since 2022 and was also an instructor. His aviation consultant and flying instructor Lorraine MacGillivray has paid tribute to the three young men. “They were all absolutely delightful human beings, and so this is a terrible loss,” MacGillivray said. “The conversations I had with him, he was diligent and he was committed and he was passionate about his flying,” MacGillivray said. “He was also a flight instructor.” The brothers were also heavily involved in the Tongala football and cricket clubs, who have since offered counselling to the grieving regional community. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) is investigating the crash, with a team of investigators specialising aircraft operations and maintenance looking into what happened. The ATSB described the plane as "amateur-built light aircraft" and will examine the wreckage, interview witnesses and comb through flight tracking data to try and determine what went wrong. “We’ll start looking at the records of the plane itself, and maintenance records and pilot qualifications and the actual tasking or the nature of the flight itself,” ATSB Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell said. Witnesses who saw the incident or anyone who has photos or videos of the plane have been asked to come forward. Images: 7News

Caring

Why planes still have no smoking signs

Have you ever wondered why planes still have dozens of no smoking signs inside an aircraft, even 30 years after a worldwide ban was implemented? A travel expert has answered this age-old question, just weeks after the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) got rid of the off switch for no smoking signs. This means that for all American planes across every US airline, the no smoking signs stay lit throughout the entire time you’re on board, which includes taxing, takeoff, cruising and landing. While it would seem that no smoking signs onboard planes are no longer needed nowadays, they are actually very much needed. “While no smoking signs may seem like an old and outdated practice, they are still a necessity for a few different reasons,” RVshare travel expert Maddi Bourgerie told <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/news/nation/planes-no-smoking-signs-why-expert">Thrillist.</a> Firstly, it’s down to public health and safety, as Ms Bourgerie said, “There are aviation regulations in place that require airlines to maintain a no-smoking policy, which is largely due to the flammability of materials in the cabin.” She added, “the signs reinforce a smoke-free environment for all passengers and crew,” with second-hand smoke being dangerous to those around you in an enclosed space. Ms Bourgerie also explained that having the signs gives the airline some protection from potential lawsuits, with the signs acting as a safety net if a smoking-related incident occurs on board. The travel expert also pointed to a less obvious reason for keeping the no smoking signs, explaining, “Many procedures and protocols in aviation are maintained for consistency and familiarity.” “And the no smoking sign has become a standard part of the in-flight experience.” Image credits: Shutterstock

Travel Trouble

Baggage handler reveals the best kind of luggage to travel with

A baggage handler has revealed the best kind of suitcase you should travel with when travelling by plane. With years of experience loading planes with thousands of kinds of suitcases, a ramp agent for American Airlines has spilled the secrets on why some kinds of luggage are better than others. The worker said that while many people may gravitate towards hard-shell suitcases for extra protection, they are not the best for air travel. "Avoid plastic hard shell suitcases," the airline worker revealed on Reddit. "These are incredibly slick and prone to sliding off the bag cart while turning - taking everything on top of it with it." Instead, cloth suitcases have more friction and are "more likely to stay where we put them." He also said these days, four wheels on a suitcase is an absolute must as opposed to ones that glide on just two wheels. "If your bag has four wheels, it can simply be rolled along the floor. If it does not, it will be thrown. We don't try to slam it into anything, but it's still going to drop about 2ft (6m) over the course of its 'flight'," the crew member shared. Another thing to consider when buying your next suitcase is finding one that has handles on the side as it gives baggage handlers "far more control" over the luggage. "It's easier to get a grip with an actual handle than by grabbing a wheel," he added. The worker also said using a big bag for no reason is only going to cause the bag to collapse once it is stacked and cause a "baggage avalanche", with the same going for bags that are not "normally shaped" suitcases. Image credits: Shutterstock

Travel Tips

Qantas faces the music for selling seats on cancelled flights

Qantas has been fined a whopping $120 million for purposefully misleading customers on flight bookings for several years. After being sued by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) over dishonest conduct relating to the sale of tickets on cancelled flights, the airline admitted they were deceiving travellers by continuing to sell tickets on flights that had already been cancelled. On Tuesday, Justice Helen Rofe formally ordered Qantas to pay a $100 million fine for their conduct, and another $20 million to travellers who were affected. Qantas agreed to pay $225 to affected customers on domestic flights and $450 on international flights. "This is a substantial penalty, which sets a strong signal to all businesses, big or small, that they will face serious consequences if they mislead their customers," ACCC chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb said in a statement following the court orders. Earlier this year, Cass-Gottlieb described Qantas’ conduct as “egregious and unacceptable”, after data showed that between May 2021 and August 2023, the airline sold tickets on cancelled flights to more than 86,000 customers. In addition to cancelling the flights, the airline also failed to inform travellers that their flights were no longer going ahead as scheduled. ACCC barrister Christopher Caleo claimed that some senior airline managers knew about different aspects of the issue, including the fact that cancelled flights were not removed from booking pages or that customers could still book those flights, but no single manager was aware of the severity of the issue. "Qantas was aware of deficiencies in their systems," Caleo said. "Despite their awareness, it persisted over an extended period of time and affected a large number of consumers." Caleo added that the sizable fine presented to Qantas was required in order to deter them from any further devious conduct. "A penalty must send a signal to other companies in Australia, particularly to other large companies, that contraventions of Australian consumer law will not be tolerated," he said. "It must sting and must not be an acceptable cost for Qantas for failing to have systems in place." Qantas said it has made changes to its systems and agreed to notify customers of cancelled flights no longer than 48 hours from cancelling a flight and stop selling tickets for those journeys within 24 hours, with these changes also taking effect with subsidiary Jetstar. "The fact that Qantas made these changes makes it clear that Qantas wants to avoid the matter from occurring again," barrister Ruth Higgins said. Image credits: Shutterstock

Travel Trouble

Airline bans couple after racist row over reclined seat

Two travellers have been banned from Cathay Pacific flights after an argument over seat etiquette descended into racist insults. The incident occurred on a flight from Hong Kong to London, with a woman documenting her experience in a video posted on Xiaohongshu, China's version of Instagram. The woman, from mainland China, explained, "The lady sitting behind me asked me to put my seat up because it was blocking her husband's view of the TV. I politely declined, and she started stretching her feet onto my armrest, kicking my arm and cursing at me like crazy." A flight attendant stepped in to find a solution to the issue, but when the woman continued to refuse to put her chair up, the situation only escalated. "When (the female passenger) realised my Cantonese wasn't so great, she started throwing around some nasty comments, calling me a 'Mainland girl' and other derogatory stuff," the woman said, explaining how people from Hong Kong speak mainly Cantonese, whereas mainland Chinese mainly speak Mandarin. "Once I started recording, the husband behind me even shoved his hand on my armrest and started shaking it like crazy. I felt my personal space had been completely violated," added the woman, who said other passengers then intervened. In footage of the incident uploaded by the woman, a female voice can be heard saying in Mandarin: "You're old enough — why are you bullying a young girl?" And others can be heard shouting in Cantonese: "You're embarrassing us Hongkongers!" "After some passengers spoke up for me, the flight attendant finally said I could switch seats. I felt it was absurd—what if no one had backed me up? Would I have just been left to deal with it on my own?" the passenger said. "As a major airline, isn't Cathay supposed to know how to handle such disputes? Shouldn't treating passengers differently get some consequences? In a statement released Saturday, Cathay Pacific said it wanted to "sincerely apologise" for the "unpleasant experience," with the airline saying, "We maintain a zero-tolerance policy for any behaviour that violates aviation safety regulations or disrespects the rights of other customers." "We will deny future travel on any Cathay Group flights to the two customers involved in this incident." Image credits: Shutterstock

Travel Trouble

Drunk couple forces emergency landing after mid-air meltdown

A Ryanair flight to Ibiza had to be diverted after a drunk couple allegedly assaulted cabin crew and other passengers. The plane, carrying holiday-makers from Manchester to Ibiza had to make an emergency landing in Toulouse, where police hauled the intoxicated passengers off the plane. A British traveller on the flight, who asked to remain anonymous, recalled the man "swigging duty free vodka" on the first hour of the flight, before he started arguing with a male cabin crew member and punched him in the face. As they tried to restrain him, the intoxicated man assaulted another passenger and spat at a woman, hurling verbal abuse at her. “He was kicking off with everyone, he was out of control,” the witness said. Flight attendants reportedly warned him that the flight would have to be diverted if he didn't calm down, but he replied: “I don’t give a f***.” The altercation lasted for about 40 minutes until Flight FR2626 had to land in Toulouse, and 12 police officers took him away in custody. Video of the attack showed the man shouting and swearing at the police, before assaulting another traveller as he was being escorted off the flight. After he left the plane, his partner started harassing another traveller, hitting him and calling him a "paedo". In another video, police were filmed physically restraining the woman, before removing her from the plane. The flight spent just over an hour and a half on the tarmac at the Toulouse-Blagnac Airport before continuing its journey to Ibiza. Just last week Ryanair chief executive Michael O’Leary called for flyers to be limited to two drinks at airports to crack down on disorderly behaviour on flights. “We don’t want to begrudge people having a drink," he said. “But we don’t allow people to drink-drive, yet we keep putting them up in aircraft at 33,000ft. “In the old days, people who drank too much would eventually fall over or fall asleep. But now those passengers are also on tablets and powder. “It’s the mix. You get much more aggressive behaviour that becomes very difficult to manage.” The airline has started carrying out hand luggage checks to stop passengers on flights to Ibiza and the Greek islands from smuggling duty-free alcohol on-board. A Ryanair spokesperson has apologised for the incident saying: “This flight from Manchester to Ibiza diverted to Toulouse after a small group of passengers became disruptive in-flight." “The crew called ahead for police assistance, who met the aircraft upon landing at Toulouse and offloaded two passengers before this flight continued to Ibiza. “We sincerely apologise to passengers for any inconvenience caused as a result of these unruly passengers’ behaviour, which was beyond Ryanair’s control. This is now a matter for local police.” Image: news.com.au

Travel Trouble

Strangers lock toddler in plane bathroom to stop her tantrums

The video of a controversial incident on a plane has caused outrage, as two women reprimanded a screaming toddler by locking her in the bathroom on the aircraft. On a Juneyao Airlines flight from Guiyang to Shanghai, China, in late August, a one-year-old child, who was travelling with her grandparents, reportedly sobbed non-stop during the nearly three-hour flight according to the <a href="https://nypost.com/2024/08/30/lifestyle/strangers-lock-crying-tot-in-airplane-bathroom-to-educate-her/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NY Post</a>. After being fed up with the toddler's tantrum, two women who were strangers to the family reportedly transported her to the bathroom to “educate her.” Shockingly, the child’s grandmother consented to the treatment. The punitive pair then shared the video of this alleged “potty training” on Douyin, China’s version of TikTok. In the clip, the women can be seen seated in the locked lavatory with the screaming infant, as one of the women is heard saying, “If you stop crying, aunty will take you back to grandma” and “We won’t let you out unless you stop crying.” As the girl stopped crying, the woman filming the video picked her up and told her: “If you make any noise again, we’ll come back (to the bathroom).” One of the women was initially proud of her cruel and unusual-seeming form of discipline, as she wrote that the tantrum was so disruptive that “many passengers were using tissues to block their ears” while others “had moved to the back of the plane to escape the noise.” According to a statement from the airline, the little girl's mother, who was not travelling with them, reportedly sympathised with the self-appointed aeroplane posse’s behaviour. Since the video went viral, and was subsequently deleted, Juneyao Airlines’ reps have since condemned the pairs’ actions and apologised for the incident and “oversight of the crew”. Despite the video being wiped from the social media site, many were quick to slam the behaviour of the women, saying their discipline was completely unacceptable. “Adults in their 30s can have emotional breakdowns, but people don’t allow toddlers to have theirs,” one person commented, Another wrote, “The grandmother and the two aunts should be sued, and social services should intervene. If there are parents like this, children will suffer in the future.” “When will these people understand that babies have the right to cry and the right to travel, they are part of society, and so are babies!!!!!!!” declared a third. Image credits: Weibo

Travel Trouble

Passenger sparks debate over travellers sleeping in aisle seats

A heated debate has erupted online after a passenger suggested those sitting in an aisle seat should remain alert and awake for the entire flight, with the only exception being if it's a long-flight of seven hours or more. “A person sitting in an aisle seat on a plane should not be allowed to sleep," they wrote on Reddit. The reason behind it, according to the passenger, is to ensure that middle and window seat passengers can access the toilet, get served by flight attendants, and evacuate quickly in an emergency. “There are some exceptions and those would probably be on any flight longer than seven hours. “But anything shorter than that, you should not be sleeping. What if the middle or window passenger needs the bathroom, or if the flight attendant needs to hand them something – You’ll be in the way.” They added that a snoozing aisle seat passenger could potentially slow down evacuation during an emergency and put everyone at risk. “Now you would be risking people’s lives because you fell asleep,” they wrote. Social media users flocked to the Reddit thread to share their thoughts. “Nah, just poke me and wake me up if you need me to get up or do something," one wrote. “I’m well aware that I’m in the way, believe me. I’m certainly not there because I wanted to be in the aisle seat.” “If you sleep in an aisle seat, you deal with people getting up. That’s the unwritten rule," another added. A few others supported the idea, but shared their own take on plane etiquette. “My take on this: if you sleep in the aisle seat, you must be okay with being woken up multiple times to let the folks in your row get up. “Other flight rules: middle seat gets the armrest, and window seat must raise the window shade during taxi, takeoff, and landing so the rest of us in the row can watch.” Image: Shutterstock

Travel Tips

Young Aussie medallist's sweet plane gesture

Australian gold medallist Arisa Trew has warmed hearts after sharing her sweet gesture on the plane back from Paris. Trew became the youngest Australian to ever win a gold medal at the Paris games after emerging victorious in the skateboarding competition, capturing the hearts of Australia with her incredible performance. Trew was one of dozens of Aussies who <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/travel/international-travel/just-magical-aussie-olympians-return-home-in-triumph" target="_blank" rel="noopener">flew back</a> from Paris on Wednesday morning, and explained why she was quick to give up her business class seat as a medallist. Sunrise host Matt Shirvington said there was a pecking order to the seat allocation on the Qantas plane, explaining, “Apparently, the breakdown is the medallists get first pick of business class, then the two-time Olympians or more get a shot at premium economy, and the rest are out the back of the plane.” By winning gold, Trew was allowed to be in the expensive business class seats, but she told the Jase & Lauren radio show on Nova radio that she had other plans for the lengthy flight. “Where did you get to sit on the plane? Because you’re a gold medallist, you’re 14 years old. Were you right up the front?” Lauren Phillips asked Trew. Trew’s reply stunned the radio hosts, as she admitted, “I mean, I could have been sitting in business with all the medallists, but instead I chose to sit in economy with my two best friends, Chloe and Ruby.” Those friends are fellow skateboarders Chloe Covell and Ruby Trew who both missed out on medals, hence their seats “out the back”. “You’re the cutest thing ever. We couldn’t love you anymore,” Phillips said. “So Arisa, does that mean you got to give someone your gold medal business class seat?” Trew replied, “I’m pretty sure somebody else got it because me and my friends were walking around the plane, and we went up there, and it was all full. So I definitely think somebody else was sitting there but I don’t mind.” Trew also revealed she was heading straight back to school after touching down in Australia and would be there bright and early on Thursday. “I’m gonna go back. I just love going to school, because it’s the skate park where I go to school,” she said. “So I get to see all my friends that skate, that I skate with every day and train with, my coaches, the teachers. Like, it’s just the best thing in the world.” Image credits: Ulrik Pedersen/CSM/Shutterstock Editorial

International Travel

Woman “bullied” on plane over budget seating trick

A young woman has recalled a flight from hell when she was “bullied” by a couple who were trying to utilise a seating hack that went viral on TikTok. The solo traveller took to Reddit to recount the story and ask social media users if she was in the wrong for her action. The woman began by saying she usually pays more to select her plane seat ahead of time, but a medical emergency on another plane had her waiting on standby and left with no option other than to sit in a middle seat. When she was finally able to board, she was greeted by a couple who had purchased both the window and aisle seats in a bid to have more space, utilising a travel “trick” that has been popular on TikTok. The method, which has been dubbed the 'poor man's business class', usually leaves travellers with an empty middle seat and more space, and few travellers opt to pick a middle seat. “When I got to my row the man and woman were chatting and sharing a snack... it was obvious they were together. I mentioned to the man that I'm in the middle, and he got up to let me in,” the unsuspecting traveller wrote on Reddit. “I asked them if they would prefer to sit together, I said I was totally okay with that. The woman reacted rudely to this and said ‘you're not supposed to be sitting here anyway’.” After noticing how the plane was full, she offered to show the pair her new ticket with the correct seat number on it. “She flicked her hand at my ticket and made a disgusted sound. I offered again if they wanted to sit together to which she didn't reply, her partner said it's okay and... made some small talk,” she continued. The man’s girlfriend then interrupted their conversation to ask,”'Did you use one of those third party websites to book your flight? It's so frustrating when people cheap out to inconvenience others.” The American woman explained that she had booked her flight directly and she had been placed on standby like everyone else and didn't choose the middle seat - she was assigned it. She then tried to keep the peace by refusing to engage with the furious woman. “I was so done with her attitude, I put my headphones on and attempted to do my own thing,” she explained. But the “entitled” girlfriend wasn't letting it go, as the woman explained, “This woman kept reaching over me and tapping her partner and trying to talk to him in a way that was super intrusive.” “I could tell even her partner was trying to engage her less so that she would hopefully stop, but she didn't.” “I think they tried to pull that tactic where they don't sit together on purpose...hoping no one will sit between them. But on full flights it doesn't work. And even so - it's not the other person's fault.” The traveller's post was met with hundreds of comments slamming the girlfriend’s behaviour, as one person wrote, “It's like a toddler having a tantrum.” “She was disappointed and a total a**hole. Gross entitled people,” another added. Another person applauded the traveller’s level-headed behaviour, writing, “Wow! You are my hero for keeping it classy - I’m afraid I would not have been as kind as you.” Image credits: Shutterstock

Travel Trouble

“Great initiative”: Airline's world first move to make female travellers safer

A popular airline has introduced a new measure to help female travellers feel safer on their journey. IndiGo will make the change in August, giving female travellers the option to choose not to sit next to a man on their flight. Prior to booking, women will be able to check the gender of the flyer sitting next to them and select if they don't want a male seat mate. However, this change will not apply to men, as male travellers will not be shown the gender of their seat mate when making a booking and instead will only be able to view available seats. The low-cost carrier is a codeshare partner of Qantas, and Australian passengers travel on-board its planes for destinations such as India, as well as within the country. The idea for the change came from an IndiGo survey where the airline asked females what would make travel more comfortable, and many said they would feel safer to have more power over who they spent their journey sitting next to. “IndiGo is proud to announce the introduction of a new feature that aims to make the travel experience more comfortable for our female passengers,” the airline said. “We are committed to providing an unparalleled travel experience for all our passengers, and this new feature is just one of the many steps we are taking towards achieving that goal.” There has been a mixed reaction on social media to to IndiGo’s attempt to make female flyers feel safer, as one commenter wrote on X: “Why can’t they allocate left side for one gender and right side for another gender?" There was also concern about how the good seats could be snapped up, writing, “Almost all seats available will be the middle ones”. Meanwhile a man protested, “What if I don’t want to sit by her? It works both ways”, while many simply praised it as a “great initiative”. Image credits: Shutterstock

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