Ben's Air Blog

Eclipse Day!   This was the biggest day on the Easter Island trip! Two people in my group decided to stay at the pool deck at the hotel, because if equipment set up there the day before went perfectly, then why mess with success? Me and others wanted to be in the shadow of the moai , so we went to Tahai - a well-known sight right on the edge of town. We had set up shop by 9:30 am, long before everyone else showed up (partial eclipse began at 12:23 pm).   There was an event space overlooking Tahai and they were hosting an astronomy tour group for the eclipse.  The event included a buffet lunch with three different kinds of protein, three drinks, and most importantly, access to a bathroom.  For CLP 48,000 (about USD $50), it was a no-brainer “sold”.  View from Vai Uri event space After we got set up, two different park rangers came up to us.  First told us not to cross the line towards the moai (OK, easy enough) and the second thought we were all commercial...

Flying on the Delta's Last 777-200LR Flights Over Labor Day weekend Saturday, I flew on Delta’s final scheduled Boeing 777 domestic flights (as of September).  In early 2020, Delta had just completed its 777 fleet cabin refurbishment .  As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, in May, Delta made a dramatic decision to retire its entire 777 fleet by the end of October 2020 in order to preserve capital and have fleet commonality. 

Super80Sendoff – My Final Flights on the American MD-80 September 4th, 2019 saw the final flights of American Airlines once ubiquitous MD-80.  Launched in 1981 by McDonnell Douglas in Long Beach as the DC-9-80 series, the company marketed it as the “Super 80 – the plane for the 1980s”.  When American Airlines picked up its initial 25 aircraft, they proudly utilized that “Super 80” moniker. 

WestJet Inaugural 787 Dreamliner Flight In March 2019, I flew on WestJet’s inaugural Boeing 787 Dreamliner flight.   WestJet is the third airline in the U.S. and Canada to fly the Dreamliner.   I can proudly say that I have flown on the inaugural 787 flight on all three carriers!

Delta Bombardier CS100 / Airbus A220 Inaugural In February 2019, I flew on Delta Air Line’s inaugural Airbus A220 flight.   Delta was the first airline in North America to fly the A220, formerly known as the Bombardier C Series.  

A Trip Through Micronesia Saving the best for last - this was my biggest aviation adventure of 2018: the United Island Hopper .    

The Story of Copper River Salmon If you are a foodie, Memorial Day weekend this month marks the official start of the summer grilling season. For seafood lovers, the month of May also marks the opening of Alaska's famous Copper River Salmon fishing season.  Last year, I was given an unique opportunity to trace the salmon's journey from Cordova, Alaska to dining tables worldwide.  It was a journey made possible by Alaska Airlines Cargo.

Flying on Virgin America’s Farewell Flight April 25, 2018 marked an important milestone for Virgin America (VX) and Alaska Airlines.  On that day, the airlines conducted Passenger Service System (PSS) Cutover , an important milestone of the airlines' merger.  Ticket counters, reservations, VX flight numbers, website, apps, call centers – all elements that a passenger would face – became one under Alaska Airlines.  The hip, playful, and edgy brand with the red motif was officially no more.

VIA Rail’s Jasper – Prince Rupert Train used to be a named train – The Skeena – after the river it runs alongside with for about 170 miles on its journey.  Now simply known by a boring name, it is nevertheless a specular ride: through the Rockies, along three different rivers, across dense forests, lumber mills, towns small and large, right down to individual outposts.  The westward journey ends at the Pacific Ocean at Prince Rupert, an important port in northwestern British Columbia.  More than a scenic ride, the Jasper – Prince Rupert Train is also a flag stop train that provides a crucial lifeline to those that live in the remote areas along the way. The 1160 km (721 mile) trip takes two days, making an overnight stop at Prince George, British Columbia, making it a day-time only train.  The train offers simple coach seating (“Economy Class”) and snack/bar service in the winter.  In the summer, on certain days, the train picks up a Pa...