Skip to main content

Ever wondered why flight times seem to be getting longer? It’s called “padding”,

Ever wondered why flight times seem to be getting longer? It’s called “padding”, a phenomenon that helps airlines arrive on time – but at a cost. – The BBC

  • By Kathryn B. Creedy
9 April 2019
“In the 1960s it took five hours to fly from New York to Los Angeles, and just 45 minutes to hop from New York to Washington, DC. Today, these same flights now take six-plus hours and 75 minutes respectively, although the airports haven’t moved further apart.”
“It’s called “schedule creep”, or padding. And it’s a secret the airlines don’t want you to know about, especially given the spillover effects for the environment.”
“Padding is the extra time airlines allow themselves to fly from A to B. Because these flights were consistently late, airlines have now baked delays experienced for decades into their schedules instead of improving operations.”

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular Posts

Climate change

 Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns . While some of these shifts are natural, human activities have been the main driver of climate change since the 1800s, primarily due to the burning of fossil fuels.   Causes of Climate Change The primary cause of climate change is the greenhouse effect , which is intensified by human activities. Here's a breakdown of the main contributors:   Greenhouse Gases: The burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas for energy, transport, and industry releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. The main greenhouse gases include:   Carbon dioxide ( C O 2 ​ ) : The largest contributor to global warming.   Methane ( C H 4 ​ ) : A potent greenhouse gas produced from sources like livestock farming and natural gas flaring.   Nitrous oxide ( N 2 ​ O ) : Primarily emitted from agricultural practices, including the use of fertilizers.   Deforestation: Trees absorb C O 2 ​ f...
Post a Comment
Read more

Aircraft noise environmental justice issue

 Aircraft noise is also an environmental justice issue, as it disproportionately impacts children, seniors, racial minorities, and the poor.  Southern Maryland, Fair Skies Coalition, was founded to seek solutions to decrease aircraft noise and air pollution south of DCA. The most severely impacted neighborhoods are Accokeek (CDP), Bryans Road (CDP), Bennsville (CDP), and Fort Washington (CDP), Maryland. Aircraft noise is also an environmental justice issue, as it disproportionately impacts children, seniors, racial minorities, and the poor.   How to Submit a Reagan National Aircraft Noise Complaint: File a Noise Complaint Sources of information Airport noise and pollution Working-Class Americans Inhale Private Jet Fumes; National Public Radio, Dec. 26, 2022 READ MORE → Information about the severe health risks of aircraft noise and concentrated flight paths, go to Study: Airport Flight Patterns Influence Health Care Costs; The Business Monthly, Oct. 3, 2022 READ MOR...
Post a Comment
Read more

health linked to the climate

Health and Well-being Under Threat Our health is directly linked to the climate. Rising temperatures create dangerous conditions and exacerbate existing health problems. Extreme Heat: More frequent and intense heatwaves increase the risk of heatstroke and dehydration. They also put significant strain on the cardiovascular system, which is especially dangerous for the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions. Worsening Air Quality: Higher temperatures can increase ground-level ozone (smog), which damages lung tissue and can worsen conditions like asthma and bronchitis. Wildfires, made more common by climate change, also release massive amounts of harmful smoke into the atmosphere. 🔥 Spreading Diseases: Warmer climates allow disease-carrying insects like mosquitoes and ticks to expand their habitats. This increases the risk of illnesses such as malaria, dengue fever, West Nile virus, and Lyme disease in new regions. 🦟 The Economic Cost 💰 Climate change hits our wallets ...
Post a Comment
Read more

pgc climate action plan

  Prince George's County's Climate Action Plan (CAP) Prince George's County's Climate Action Plan (CAP) is a roadmap for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and building resilience to climate change impacts. The plan, developed by the  Prince George's County Climate Action Commission , sets a goal of reducing carbon emissions by 50% from 2005 levels by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. The plan includes 26 priority recommendations for county-wide climate action, focusing on both mitigation and adaptation strategies.  Key aspects of the plan include: Emissions Reduction: The plan aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030, aligning with state and regional goals.  Climate Resilience: The plan addresses the impacts of climate change —such as extreme heat, flooding, and severe storms —by integrating climate resilience into long-range planning and infrastructure development.  Community Engagement: The plan emphasizes a collabo...
Post a Comment
Read more