Quiet Traveler

I’m an introvert. There, I’ve said it. (If you know me, this will come as no surprise.) Introversion affects the way I travel, I’ve noticed lately. Turns out I’ve adapted to suit my social inclinations. On the other hand, I suspect many extroverts do too (in an...

Where I Make the Case to Unplug under 10,000 Feet

I’m feeling a little contrary. The FAA recently relaxed most of its restrictions on the use of personal electronic devices in flight. (Voice calls remain verboten). This was good news by all accounts, with the greatest criticism being of the “it’s about time” variety....

Wi-Fi in the Friendly Skies

If you’re a frequent traveler and I tell you I’m writing this on a United Airlines flight with Wi-Fi, then you won’t be surprised when I tell you I did a little happy dance this morning. (This is a figurative happy dance, of course: Even Economy Plus...

Pilots with Heart

There’s a space somewhere between business and leisure travel called medical travel. It’s a space you wish circumstances hadn’t conspired to teach you about. This summer my brother had a very serious heart attack, and he was treated at Brigham &...

Southwest Airlines puts civility back into boarding

In the last month, I have had occasion to fly Southwest eight times, unusual because I have always disliked WN and do everything in my power to avoid it. My distaste, I recently realized, has been based primarily on open seating. Everyone has their airline hot button,...