Passengers dream of getting bumped to first class, but they rarely consider the nightmare of being involuntarily downgraded-until it happens to them. Here's how to handle it. Picture this: You have an exhausting long-haul flight ahead. But the good news is you’ve been planning for months and splurged on a business-class seat. Instead of getting pretzeled into a cramped spot in the back of the plane, you’ll be living the sky-high life in the front, sipping Champagne and stretching out in your...

Airplane trivia Airplanes are much more than just buses in the sky, shuttling passengers from point A to point B—they’re marvels of modern engineering and technology. “Airliners are a true wonder of human ingenuity, which passengers as well as pilots can appreciate every time we fly,” says Mark Vanhoenacker, a 22-year veteran of British Airways who currently pilots Boeing 787 Dreamliners. “People often assume that as pilots, we must grow accustomed to the wonders of the job. In fact, I like...

Airport spending sprees can soar sky-high fast. Here's why—and how to land savings before takeoff. Now Trending Who hasn’t found themselves at the airport clutching a boarding pass to an exciting destination in one hand and a not-so-thrilling $8 bottle of water or $7 snack in the other? For me, the airport shop shenanigans don’t stop there. I usually also snag a life-giving but wallet-draining Coke Zero and an antacid to counter my poor choices. And of course, I need the latest bestseller—you...

Knowing in advance some important TSA carry-on rules will help you speed through airport security Now Trending To check or not to check? That is the eternal question, even for the most seasoned traveler. Is it better to stow a suitcase in the plane’s belly and risk the airline losing your luggage or cram everything into a carry-on and hope to avoid airport security issues? And what are those carry-on luggage rules, exactly? From the TSA liquid limits to sharp everyday objects like tweezers to...