Top Tweets for #FlySAFE

As a retired USAF and Delta pilot with decades in the cockpit, I get asked all the time: “Why is my flight delayed… again?” Listen, I know it’s a pain in the ass. It is for us too. But shit happens. Here’s the straight scoop from the flight deck on the most common reasons commercial airliners are delayed. Safety first — always. 1. Weather/Thunderstorms, fog, high winds, or low visibility at your departure, arrival, or even enroute. We don’t fly into trouble. ATC and dispatch reroute or hold us. You should be thankful. 2. Mechanical/Maintenance–Any minor glitch gets fixed before we push back. Better on the ground than in the air. FAA rules are strict for a reason. Maintenance issues can snowball around the system quickly. We don’t want to add to it…and they won’t let us. 3. Air Traffic Control & Congestion: It’s crowded up there. And getting worse. Too many planes, ground stops, or flow restrictions. Especially at busy hubs like ATL, LAX, or ORD. 4. Crew & Scheduling: This is one of the most misunderstood aspects of air travel by the flying public. Late inbound aircraft means late crew. FAA duty limits and rest requirements kick in. We can’t just swap people instantly. Aircrews and airlines are regulated by the government. Period. Otherwise, we get fined. 5. Ground Operations: Baggage loading, fueling, de-icing, catering, or cleaning. A tight turnaround can snowball fast. Especially in crappy weather. Delays are frustrating — I’ve sat through plenty as both a pilot and passenger. But 99% of the time, they’re there to keep you safe. Next time you’re waiting at the gate, remember: the crew wants to get airborne just as badly as you do. Maybe more.😎