The weirdest reasons for airplane turnarounds
Flying is stressful, no doubt about it. There's the competitive prices, the complications of packing, and that all-important airport sprint. When you're on the plane, you can only pray you're not stuck in front of some bratty kicking kid, or behind a rude reclining pensioner. However, none of that could equal the amount of stress in these ridiculous stories. On a recent flight from Tokyo to Seattle, one passenger must have been having a pretty bad day, because he ended up biting a flight attendant. The plane took off at 9:47 pm local time on January 16 but was forced to return to Tokyo’s Haneda airport approximately one hour later. A representative for the Japanese airline revealed that a male American passenger had bitten a female flight attendant and was arrested as soon as the plane landed in Tokyo. She is reported to have sustained minor injuries. This isn't the first time biting has caused major disruptions during a flight. In 2022, two separate incidents occurred in which a passenger bit cabin crew or other passengers on flights with US carriers American Airlines and Delta Air Lines. Both aggressors were fined around US$80,000 by the Federal Aviation Administration—the highest penalties ever issued by the agency. From bees in the cargo to drunken celebrities and forgotten babies, there are countless stories of planes turning around for the strangest reasons. Click through the gallery to hear all about them.
2023-12-29T15:09:43Z
What are the world's safest airlines right now?
Airline Ratings, the world’s only airline safety and product rating website, has published its World's Safest Airline list for 2024. In making its evaluation, Airline Ratings takes into account "a comprehensive range of factors that include serious incidents, recent fatal accidents, audits from aviation’s governing and industry bodies, profitability, industry-leading safety initiatives, expert pilot training assessment and fleet age." The results are timely, revealed shortly after the shocking Japan Airlines accident that occurred on January 2. The Airbus A350 burst into flames following a collision with a Coast Guard aircraft while landing at Tokyo's Haneda airport. Five of the six crew members on the smaller aircraft were killed, but miraculously, all 379 people aboard the Japan Airlines plane managed to escape. So, if you're planning to fly anytime soon, you might first want to browse this list of 25 airlines deemed the safest in the air. Click through and find out which airline has claimed the top spot.
2024-01-08T07:09:19Z
Santa Muerte and the rise of "narco saints"
Mexico, like most Latin American countries, has deep roots in Catholicism. But the country also has a strong pagan tradition that dates back thousands of years. In a country plagued by considerable social issues, poverty, crime, and religion can be a dangerous mix, especially when drug cartels believe their saints make it okay to commit atrocious acts, and even protect them! But these "narco saints," as they are known, are also worshiped by regular, law-abiding citizens—and the cult is growing. So, what's going on, after all? Click through this gallery and delve into the world of Santa Muerte and other narco saints.
2023-11-28T13:08:11Z
The best barge canal holiday destinations in Europe
Barges, for those who don't know, are flat-bottomed, slow-travel vessels that come in all shapes and sizes, typically hosting between six to 12 passengers. And barge cruising just got a lot cooler, as the newest barges on Europe's canals mimic cozy boutique hotel suites, featuring contemporary designs, sunlit rooms, hot tubs, and more. In this gallery, we take you on a journey to some of Europe's finest cruise destinations. Click on to discover the best barge canal holiday destinations on the continent!
2024-05-13T15:04:07Z
These Insanely Helpful Garden Plants Keep the Mosquitoes Away
Say goodbye to the outdoor pests. Bugs come with the territory when you’re outdoors, but some are more tolerable than others. If it feels like mosquitoes are invading your yard, it’s understandable to want to do what you can to get rid of them. Enter mosquito repellent plants. Here’s the thing: Experts say that the best way to keep mosquitoes at bay is to use personal repellents recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). But if you want to go a more natural route, you may be interested in selecting certain plants—they’re just not necessarily guaranteed to work as well as a spray. “The idea that planting certain plants around your home will successfully repel mosquitoes is only supported by anecdotal evidence and not empirical evidence,” says Eva Buckner, Ph.D., assistant professor and state extension specialist at the University of Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory. It’s important to note, though, that there is some evidence that certain plants may help discourage certain mosquitoes from setting up camp in your yard—they just don’t work as well as a chemical or spray. If it feels like your outdoor space is a haven to mosquitoes, it’s a good idea to “eliminate mosquito breeding grounds on and around your property by draining standing water from flowerpots, birdbaths, grill covers, baby pools, and other sources,” says Jim Fredericks, Ph.D., board-certified entomologist and senior vice president of public affairs at the National Pest Management Association (NPMA). Using a small fan outside may also help keep mosquitoes away since “they are not strong flyers,” Fredericks says. But if you like the look and smell of certain plants and want to see if they keep the mosquitoes away, too, there’s no reason not to try them. These are the plants fans swear are most likely to help get rid of mosquitoes. Snap up one or a few to enhance your outdoor space.
2023-06-26T20:04:01Z