US Airways - September 2012 - (Page 11)

embark Did You Know? What’s a ground delay? no one likes delayed flights. but understanding why some delays occur can offer solace (or at least a little bit of reading material while you wait). ground delays, also known as atC (air traffic Control) delays, are issued by the Faa to control air-traffic volume. every flight is given a controlled departure time (CDt) and cannot take off before then. CDts are calculated to ensure that the rate of traffic arriving at an airport doesn’t exceed that airport’s acceptance rate. sometimes weather, runway issues, poor visibility, or other factors can lower an airport’s acceptance rate. When this happens, ground delays are issued for flights scheduled to arrive at that airport but which have not yet departed. each delay is set for a specific amount of time, which is determined by two factors: how far over the acceptance rate the affected airport is, and how long the airport is expected to exceed that rate. no matter how long the delay, us airways’ operations Control Center works with the Faa to manage the ground delay impact and to get you on your way as soon as possible. ? News, Notes, and Inflight Insights How can you tell an Airbus from a boeing? US Airways’ fleet consists of a large number of Airbus and Boeing aircraft. For all you airplane buffs out there (you know who you are!), here are some easy ways to tell them apart. Check out the plane’s wingtips. US Airways’ midsize Airbus aircraft feature a wing fence that extends above and below the wingtip. Boeings have either a large winglet only extending upward or no wingtip device at all. Next, look at the plane’s nose job. An Airbus nose is curved and shorter while a Boeing nose is pointed and sticks out farther. Then look at the cockpit windows. Typically, the side cockpit windows of an Airbus run in a straight line, while Boeing’s are cut diagonally upward along the bottom. For a visual aid, see page 121 for images of the planes in US Airways’ fleet. What is TSA Pre ★ ? You may notice security lines moving a little faster, and that’s thanks in part to a new program called TSA Pre  A partnership . between the Transportation Security Administration, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and several airlines, the program prescreens and preapproves certain passengers before their flight. Eligible passengers include U.S. citizens who are selected frequent flyers or members of existing CBP Trusted Traveler programs such as Global Entry. After passengers are approved, they can go through expedited screening, which may not require removing shoes, jackets, or belts, or taking out any liquids and laptops from a carry-on bag. Random screenings are incorporated into the TSA Pre  program, and no individual is guaranteed expedited screening. Currently nearly 20 airports nationwide are equipped with the TSA Pre  system, and there are plans for continued expansion. For more information, visit tsa.gov. illustrations by nigel holmes usairwaysmag.com SePTember 2012 11 http://www.tsa.gov http://www.usairwaysmag.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of US Airways - September 2012

Table of Contents
CEO Letter
From the Editor
Did You Know?
Making It Happen: Flying Past
Hot Spots: Best Group Getaways
Wine & Dine: Best Feet Forward
Adventure: The Joy of Tranquillity
Adventure: The Zac Brown Band
Great Escapes: Nova Scotia
Gear Up: On the Go
An Island Apart: Puerto Rico
Trained for Takeoff
Kentucky: A Great Place to Live and Work
Charlotte, N.C.: Crowning the Queen City
University Spotlight: Liberty University
Puzzles
Readers Resource Index
Your US Airways Guide
Video Entertainment
Audio Entertainment
U.S. and Caribbean Service Map
International Service Map
Airport Terminal Maps
US Airways Fleet/Customs & Immigration
Passenger Info/Contact US Airways
US Airways MarketPlace®
Window or Aisle?

US Airways - September 2012