Experience 045. Hot and High Takeoff in San Jose. Our Review and Analysis. The Seat 1A Podcast.

The Seat 1A Podcast

In this experience we are happy to share an interview with one of our avid listeners, Danny, about his flight from San Jose, Costa Rica to Charlotte, North Carolina to Cleveland, Ohio.

Danny's flight rolled out to the runway and the engines spooled up. Then the wind died, and they cut the power. They took a second attempt, and again – the wind died, and they cut the power. Perhaps the plane was overweight. Some passengers were about to be given the option to stay an extra day in Costa Rica.

We look at the hot and high reality that exists in San Jose, Costa Rica. In addition to the height, there are also mountains near the airport. Vinod shares an experience flying into Huatulco (HUX) in Mexico with limitations due to mountains.

We move to the second part of the interview. The airline tried it one more time and they were airborne. However just for fun, we get thunderstorms, a runway incursion and a go-around added to the mix.

Go-arounds are a common thing. Runway incursions happen for a variety of reasons. Maybe the plane in front is too slow clearing off, maybe it's not even aircraft – it could be other vehicles or wildlife or instructions from Air Traffic Control. Pilots will utilize autolanding – particularly in bad weather. Find out why landings are smoothest in wet weather.

Danny has arrived at Charlotte Airport – now the race through customs happens. Will he make the connection to his Cleveland flight?

Customs and Border Patrol appears to have worked with the airline and airport to help speed things along. Remember though, that at many US airports you will have to clear back through security after you clear customs.

Spoiler alert - Danny reaches the flight for Cleveland...and find out why, in his words, "Clevelanders are the worst."

Remember that not every airline is going to hold every flight due to delay – the conditions have to be right. Is holding the flight cost effective? Will is affect second leg connections?

We look at what was a key component of Danny's story – weight and balance averages and calculations. And remember, a plane doesn’t have to be pointing at the end destination.

Thank you again Danny for the wonderful story that you shared!

News Items:

• simpleflying.com article "Finnair Calls Time On In Flight Magazines To Cut Emissions"
• simpleflying.com article "Back In Business: Frankfurt Airport Reopens All Terminals & Runways"
• cnbc.com article " American, Southwest put off plans to serve alcohol after passenger disruptions, assault on board"

If you have a story about takeoff problems, customs clearance, connecting flights or other experience that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/