Author: Daniel Globe

Becoming an airline pilot in the United States takes much more than learning how to control an airplane. You must earn several FAA certificates and ratings, pass medical examinations and practical tests, build substantial flight experience, and complete airline-specific training. Your schedule, finances, training route, weather, and local job opportunities can all affect how quickly you reach an airline cockpit. Quick Answer Many full-time students need about two to six years to qualify for a U.S. airline first-officer position. An accelerated route may be faster, while university or part-time training may take longer. The largest time commitment is usually building…

Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM) gives travelers in Central Alabama a useful mix of major network airlines and lower-fare options. Passengers can fly nonstop to major hubs, business centers, and vacation destinations, then connect through those airports to hundreds of other places in the United States and abroad. Quick Answer As of July 26, 2026, Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport is served by American Airlines, Breeze Airways, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines. Together, they offer nonstop service to 22 airports in 19 U.S. cities. International destinations currently require a connecting flight. Key Takeaways Five passenger airlines currently operate at BHM:…

Spirit Airlines was famous for one of the strictest personal item policies in U.S. air travel — a policy that no longer applies to anyone, because Spirit Airlines stopped flying entirely. On May 2, 2026, the airline began an immediate, court-supervised wind-down of all operations after a last-minute federal bailout deal fell through, cancelling every flight and shutting down customer service overnight. This page keeps the details of Spirit’s old personal item rules for reference — useful if you’re researching how the airline used to operate, comparing budget-carrier history, or still sorting out an old booking — but it is…

Yes, Alaska Airlines offers Wi-Fi on most Alaska-operated flights, but the price, speed, and coverage depend on the aircraft. As of July 26, 2026, free Starlink Wi-Fi is available to Atmos Rewards members on equipped aircraft, while many other Alaska flights offer Standard or Basic internet for a flat $8 per flight. Quick Answer Alaska Airlines has Wi-Fi on most flights. Starlink is free for Atmos Rewards members on equipped aircraft. Other aircraft generally offer Standard or Basic Wi-Fi for $8 per flight. Free texting is also available on Standard and Basic Wi-Fi flights, although supported messaging does not include…

Spirit Airlines is no longer operating passenger flights. After two Chapter 11 cases and an unsuccessful attempt to complete another financial restructuring, the airline cancelled all flights and began an orderly wind-down on May 2, 2026. Travelers with unused tickets, credits, vouchers, or Free Spirit points now face different refund and bankruptcy procedures depending on how they paid. Quick Answer Yes. Spirit Airlines stopped flying and began an orderly wind-down on May 2, 2026. All Spirit flights were cancelled, customer service ended, and new bookings are unavailable. Most eligible credit- and debit-card ticket refunds were processed automatically, while credits, vouchers,…

Qatar Airways is generally considered a safe airline based on its fatal-accident history, current IATA membership and audit requirements, modern long-haul fleet, and strong independent safety ratings. However, no airline is risk-free, and a fair assessment should also acknowledge non-fatal incidents, turbulence injuries, changing airspace conditions, and the limits of commercial safety rankings. Quick Answer Yes. Qatar Airways has a strong overall safety record, with no fatal accident involving the airline recorded in the public accident history reviewed as of July 26, 2026. It is an IATA member, operates modern aircraft, and received a 7/7 AirlineRatings safety score. It has…

Southwest Airlines built its reputation on low fares and a no-frills approach to flying, and for years that included a popular route to Cozumel, the palm-fringed island off Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula famous for its coral reefs and laid-back charm. If you’re planning a Cozumel trip and assuming you can hop on Southwest, there’s an important update you need before booking your tickets. Quick Answer No — Southwest Airlines does not currently fly to Cozumel. The airline permanently ended all service to Cozumel International Airport (CZM) on August 4, 2024. Travelers can reach Cozumel directly on American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta…

Frontier Airlines can advertise very low fares because its cheapest ticket includes fewer services than many travelers expect. The airline separates the flight itself from extras such as a full-size carry-on bag, advance seat selection, checked baggage, early boarding, and some types of booking support. This model can produce real savings, but only when the final checkout total fits the way you travel. Quick Answer Frontier Airlines is cheap because its Basic fare includes only the flight and one qualifying personal item. Carry-on bags, checked bags, seat selection, airport assistance, and other services may cost extra. Frontier also controls costs…

As of July 26, 2026, Spirit Airlines is no longer operating flights. The airline began an immediate wind-down on May 2, 2026 and canceled all scheduled service. That means travelers cannot currently book a Spirit flight, purchase a checked bag, or use an old baggage-fee chart to calculate the cost of a future trip. Quick Answer Spirit Airlines has no current checked-bag price because it stopped operating and canceled all flights on May 2, 2026. Do not go to the airport for a Spirit booking. Eligible baggage fees paid by credit or debit card for canceled flights are being refunded…

American Airlines AAdvantage miles can help reduce the cash cost of flights, upgrades, hotel stays, car rentals, vacation packages, and other eligible rewards. However, getting good value requires more than collecting a large mileage balance. You need to understand how miles are earned, how American prices awards, which fees still apply, and when paying cash is the better choice. American Airlines launched the AAdvantage program on May 1, 1981. Membership is now free, and members can earn rewards through eligible flights, Citi AAdvantage credit cards, hotels, rental cars, shopping, dining, and other partners. Quick Answer To redeem American Airlines miles,…

American Airlines can feel like a poor choice after a missed connection, a last-minute cancellation, a long customer-service wait, or an uncomfortable flight. Those complaints are real, but the full picture is more balanced. Current federal data shows that American is not always the worst major U.S. carrier, though it does underperform in some areas that strongly affect passengers. Quick Answer American Airlines receives criticism for cancellations, involuntary bumping, uneven customer service, tight economy seating, and extra fees. However, recent federal data places its on-time performance near the industry average rather than at the bottom. The experience often depends on…

Saturday can feel like a major airline travel day because families, vacationers, tour groups, and event travelers often fly on weekends. However, a crowded Saturday at one airport does not mean Saturday is the busiest day for airlines nationwide. The answer changes depending on whether you measure security screenings, scheduled flights, airport foot traffic, or demand on a particular route. Recent U.S. data generally points to Thursday, Friday, or Sunday as stronger national peak days. Saturday may still be extremely busy during holiday periods, school breaks, cruise departure days, major events, or on routes serving popular leisure destinations. Quick Answer…