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Zach Wichter @zlwichter.bsky.social · 1d

I also got one of these and was floored!

Zach Wichter @zlwichter.bsky.social · 2d

As someone who gets on the Q80/10 at the Kew Gardens terminal multiple times a week, I can verify that the posted schedule bears almost no resemblance to the actual departure times on either route

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Zach Wichter @zlwichter.bsky.social · 4d

Desperately wish this had happened like two days ago so I could have included this wild story in my column about seat switching today www.usatoday.com/story/travel...

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Zach Wichter @zlwichter.bsky.social · 4d

I'm really proud of this doodle! Also, this week's Cruising Altitude is about why you can't just switch your airplane seat without asking. Yes, there's a revenue issue for airlines, but there's a safety one for passengers as well. Check it out. www.usatoday.com/story/travel...

Doodle of the right side of an economy section of an airplane. Most of the seats are full, but two in the front row are empty. They have orange headrests, denoting a more premium section, and the middle and window seats, which are unoccupied, are covered with red X marks.

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Zach Wichter @zlwichter.bsky.social · 11d

If you don’t have a seat assignment before your flight, is there anything you can do to boost your odds of a better spot? Cruising Altitude this week looks at your options, any why basically none of them are sure shots. www.usatoday.com/story/travel...

Doodle of a cell phone with a push notification. The box has a red airplane icon and the text says "Boarding Pass Ready Tap to check in." The time on the phone is 7:37.

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Zach Wichter @zlwichter.bsky.social · 17d

Most airlines are doubling down on investments to attract premium passengers. Cruising Altitude this week asks the question: as the economy softens, will travelers still pay the extra price? Here’s what experts say. www.usatoday.com/story/travel...

Doodle of a three-class airplane cabin. On the right, a passenger sleeps in a lie-flat bed. In the center, two passengers recline in international premium economy-style seats. On the left, three passengers sit upright in economy seats.

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Zach Wichter @zlwichter.bsky.social · 25d

Airlines don’t have clear guidance on what to do if you need to evacuate your flight with a service animal or pet, but Cruising Altitude this week explores how you can advocate for yourself and some of the best practices in an emergency. www.usatoday.com/story/travel...

A doodle of a stick figure person sliding down an aircraft evacuation slide holding their dog.

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Reposted by Zach Wichter

Emily L'Orange 🦆🍊 @emilylorange.bsky.social · Sep 7

Theres.... a new artist meme going around where you describe your style in detail with 3 samples and babes if that doesn't sound like training data i dont know what is

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Reposted by Zach Wichter

Will Carless, USA TODAY @willcarless.bsky.social · Sep 11

Are you the person who shot and killed Charlie Kirk?

Do you know them?

Have an idea who they are?

My DMs are open. Talk to me.

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Zach Wichter @zlwichter.bsky.social · Sep 10

I was especially surprised that *Ari Melber* didn’t call it out…

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Zach Wichter @zlwichter.bsky.social · Sep 10

I genuinely thought I heard wrong and re-watched it like three times. I feel like I’m losing my mind!

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Zach Wichter @zlwichter.bsky.social · Sep 10

Wow a guest on MSNBC talking about this Charlie Kirk thing just said off-handedly that the first terrorists in history were a movement of Jewish zealots killing Romans, so that’s cool.

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Zach Wichter @zlwichter.bsky.social · Sep 10

Yesterday I got to join JetBlue's final Embraer E190 flight and had a chance to write about why the plane means so much to me in Cruising Altitude this week www.usatoday.com/story/travel...

A doodle version of a JetBlue Embraer E190.

Zach Wichter @zlwichter.bsky.social · Sep 9

Can we similarly do something about cars that double park on roads that carry bus routes? I’m all for the car crusher. Bus drivers should be allowed to ram cars stopped in their path IMO…

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Reposted by Zach Wichter

Rachel Holliday Smith @rachelholliday.bsky.social · Nov 12

ok night night

in the law and order font:

I WANNA
TAKE A NAP
SLEEPY VICTIMS UNIT

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Zach Wichter @zlwichter.bsky.social · Sep 3

As Southwest Airlines moves to restrict its industry-leading refund policy for plus-size passengers, Cruising Altitude this week takes a look at how major U.S. airlines stack up and how passengers who need extra space can travel safely, comfortably and economically. www.usatoday.com/story/travel...

A doodle of two airline passengers who don't quite fit in their economy class seats. The body of the person on the left (window seat) is a triangle with the point facing up, and the wide base is spilling over slightly into the middle seat. The body of the person on the right (aisle) is represented by an inverted triangle and the wide shoulders are spilling over into the middle seat and aisle.

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Zach Wichter @zlwichter.bsky.social · Aug 31

Poorly, Jason! Extremely poorly lol

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Zach Wichter @zlwichter.bsky.social · Aug 28

*Jeremy. Never publish before caffeine haha

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Zach Wichter @zlwichter.bsky.social · Aug 28

How did I only just now realize that you’re THE Jim D-L? Dude I still use your archived stuff all the time in USAT. Thank you for your service 🫡

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Zach Wichter @zlwichter.bsky.social · Aug 27

I got a first look at Amtrak’s new Acela trains ahead of their entry into regular service tomorrow. Here’s what passengers can expect www.usatoday.com/story/travel...

First look inside Amtrak’s new Acela, featuring modern seating, faster Wi-Fi

Amtrak’s long-awaited NextGen Acela trains debut this week with faster top speeds, upgraded seating, improved accessibility and modern amenities.

www.usatoday.com

Zach Wichter @zlwichter.bsky.social · Aug 27

Traveling internationally with your pet may have a few extra hurdles, but with the right advanced legwork it can be a smooth and stress-free experience. Cruising Altitude this week takes a look at what you need to know. www.usatoday.com/story/travel...

Doodle of a stick figure person boarding a flight through gate 7 with an orange stick figure-style dog. The person is towing a wheelie suitcase.

Zach Wichter @zlwichter.bsky.social · Aug 20

Airlines are already using AI to help set their prices, but that doesn’t mean airfares are personalized…yet. Cruising Altitude this week looks at how airlines are already using technology to tweak ticket prices, and what the future could hold. www.usatoday.com/story/travel...

A doodle of three people purchasing airline tickets on separate laptops. They are all traveling from A to B, but the leftmost person sees airfare represented by one dollar sign, the middle person sees airfare represented by two dollar signs, and the rightmost person sees airfare represented by three dollar signs.

Zach Wichter @zlwichter.bsky.social · Aug 14

Pilots, if you have thoughts, feel free to reach out!
[email protected]

Aaron Rupar @atrupar.com · Aug 14

SORKIN: I get so many more videos of near-miss incidents in a way that I don't think I saw before. Is that a function of more people with phones out or are there really that many more near misses these days?

SEAN DUFFY: I think it's a function of maybe both. We have to have our pilots pay attention

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Zach Wichter @zlwichter.bsky.social · Aug 13

Getting older doesn’t have to stop you from traveling. Cruising Altitude this week offers some general advice on how to keep seeing the world, especially as you navigate the airports on the way. www.usatoday.com/story/travel...

Doodle of an airline passenger pre-boarding a flight at Gate 65. The passenger is carrying a small bag and walking with a cane. The gate agent looks on as the passenger approaches.

Zach Wichter @zlwichter.bsky.social · Aug 6

You can get extra space on your next flight without upgrading to business class, but you’ll probably still have to pay. Cruising Altitude this week looks at some of your options for leg and elbow room when you fly. www.usatoday.com/story/travel...

A doodle of three stick figure people in economy airline seats. The person in the left (aisle) seat is frowning. The person in the right (window) seat is similing and has his arm around a green dollar sign in the middle seat.