What do flight attendants think of you?

 I've been flying a lot lately, and since I'm an inquisitive sort, I've been chatting with flight attendants. Here are excerpts from their candid responses about doing the job in these trying times for the airline industry.

Question: What annoys you most about your job?
Answer: When passengers don't pay attention to us during the safety demo, it's both annoying and insulting. We know people fly a lot, but planes vary. When you have a newspaper in front of your face, it signals that you do not think this is important. Also, when passengers wear headphones while we're asking you what you want to drink and we have to repeat the question. Plus, if you keep them on, you end up screaming at us without realizing it. And you'd be shocked at how many people barely even look at me when I'm serving them. Did their parents not teach them to say please and thank you? And it never ceases to amaze me the number of passengers that prop their feet up on the bulkhead as if it were their ottoman at home. Your scuffed shoe marks and dirt from your shoes remain after you deplane. Oh, and why would people ever think it's OK to cut their fingernails or toenails on board an airplane?

Q: What can passengers do to make the boarding process faster?
A: One of the biggest irritations for us is watching people reorganize their bag when they get to their row. We're constantly reminding people to step into the row so that other people can board but it falls on deaf ears. Then there are the people that place their small backpack or jacket in the overhead bin, taking up valuable space. People rarely think about their fellow passengers, which often results in gate-checked bags. And please place your wheeled carryon bag with the handle first, not sideways.

Q: More and more, it seems that passengers traveling with children, special-needs fliers, or with elderly parents, or just with friends, end up sitting in different rows because of airline seating policies. Do you attempt to ask passengers to trade seats so these people can sit together?
A: I do, but it doesn't always work. If a passenger has a coveted window or aisle seat, or has paid for a premium economy seat with extra legroom, they're reluctant to move to a less desirable seat. I'll sometimes give them a free drink or two if they switch, or an extra meal or bottle of wine from first class, but even that doesn't work every time. If there's an empty seat in business or first class and I'm desperate, I might even reward the passenger with an in-flight upgrade.
Q: What complaints do you hear from passengers about annoying things other passengers do?
A: Oh we hear it all, from smelly people to talkative passengers who think everyone wants to hear every word they say. Passengers sometimes ask to move seats because their seatmate is overly talkative. Almost every flight has someone who thinks everyone on board is there to be a part of his or her personal talk show.

Q: Do you treat customers differently if they are dressed nicely?
A: I don't make a concerted effort to treat them differently, but instinctively I find myself serving them in a more respectful manner. You just know that the well-dressed passenger probably paid more for his ticket than the flip-flop-and-shorts-wearing flyer. Courtesy is important to all passengers, but our airline would not be flying were it not for the premium travelers who subsidize the leisure travelers' low fares. And if I have to upgrade someone, either just before takeoff or once we're airborne, everything else being equal (frequent flier status, etc.) of course I'm going to choose the well-dressed passenger over the one who's dressed in a tank top.

Q: How do you deal with drunk passengers?
A: If they're in economy, we stop serving them. Up front, we try to be more discreet. If they order a mixed drink, we fill most of the glass with mixer to weaken it. Most of the time, they don't notice. If they order wine or beer, we'll fill it only halfway and don't provide the can of beer. It's true that altitude can heighten the effects of alcohol, and we notice it more than you think we do.

Q: Hey, is that you in this advertisement in the travel magazine I'm reading?
A: Yes, it's really me. I'm a part-time print model. I don't make enough money as a flight attendant, so this is my side job. Many flight attendants have to work two jobs in order to survive.

Credit : USA Today

Emirates Airlines Allows Passengers To Use Cell Phones In Flight

On Monday, Dubai-based Emirates Airlines said it will now allow passengers on its A380 aircraft to use cell phones during flights.
However, the Middle Eastern airline's service, run through its Wifi provider OnAir, will be shut off 250 miles from the edge of the United States per the Federal Aviation Administration's continuing ban, according to All Things D.
The move is the latest technological advance from the luxury airline, which has allowed limited cell usage since 2008, according to USA Today. Emirates planes are already outfitted with WiFi and in-seat telephone, text message and email services.
In a statement obtained by All Things D, representative Patrick Brannelly said the company's development of the most up-to-date technology for its passengers has been a decades-long commitment.
“Beginning in 1993 with first passenger satellite phone service to last year with our A380 Wi-Fi system, Emirates has always taken the approach that providing the latest in inflight service and connectivity is a key part of our passengers’ journey,” Brannelly said.
While Emirate's announcement is noteworthy because of the airline's size and the number of its flights now outfitted with the service, the move is also indicative of a greater movement toward in-flight cell capability. USA Today reports that Virgin Atlantic passengers on select London to New York flights have been able to use their phones since May with the caveat that phones are turned off once American soil is sighted.
The FAA has relaxed some of its rules regarding the use of electronics and has taken steps toward allowing the use of personal electronic devices such as tablets, ereaders and music players during takeoffs and landings, according to the Associated Press.
And in August, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said, "With so many different types of devices available, we recognize that this is an issue of consumer interest," according to CNET.
But cell phones remain a "different animal" for the regulatory body, according to the FAA. And, according to USA Today, dozens of scientific reports have warned that radio signals from phones and other electronics can interfere with cockpit instruments in unpredictable ways.
Additionally, since 1991, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has banned the inflight use of 800 MHz cell phones because of potential interference with ground networks. Any airline that wished to allow cell phones on flights across the U.S. would first have to prove to the FAA that the devices would not interfere with the airplane's systems, and then have to to apply for an exemption to the FCC rule.
Then, of course, there's the annoyance factor.
Past polls have shown that American passengers don't want their seatmates to be able to talk through the flight, Fox News reports, but this attitude may be changing as smartphones, and the 24-hour accessibility they provide, become more and more ubiquitous.
In a survey conducted this summer by Fly.com, a fare-comparison site, two-thirds of travelers said they wanted to be able to talk on their phones.

Credit : Huffington Post

Travel : Top 10: Summer Nightlife Destinations - Miami Edition

No. 1: Cecconi’s Miami Beach

 

There is no sexier patio in Miami than the canopied courtyard at Cecconi’s, where trees are strung with white lights and populated by artfully selected varieties of miniscule birds. The ground-floor restaurant is the only one of Soho Beach House’s multiple dining spots that is open to people who are neither club members nor hotel guests, and the “public” misses no opportunity to crowd into the breezy outdoor space and enjoy chef Sergio Sigala’s steak, seafood and Italian dishes.

 

No. 2: Pax Miami

 

 

As a relatively young city, Miami doesn’t have much in the way of old factories to convert into lofts or warehouses and then to turn into nightclubs, but the owners of PAX (Performing Arts Exchange) have taken over a former distribution center of the Miami Herald and set up a new bar-meets-art-house. Former Transit Lounge music scout Roxanne Scalia has curated a spring/summer lineup of events that includes a Words and Wine series and local talents like Big Brooklyn Red, Suenalo and troubadour Brendan O’Hara. 

No. 3: The Fontainebleau Miami Beach

 

 

 

Hit this massive resort during peak hours, and you’d think it’s still late 2008 -- the year when this former Rat Pack hangout reopened with a bash that culminated in a Victoria’s Secret fashion show. The property has since faced public financial woes, but that hasn’t gotten in the way of the festivities. When its star-studded pool parties wind down, a slew of top restaurants offer thriving bar scenes. Megaclub LIV has no trouble filling its over-18,000-square-foot space with revelers, and Arkadia -- the newest of the Fontainebleau’s on-site nightclubs -- provides an Ibiza-style experience to a slightly younger set. 

No. 4: Club 50 at Viceroy Hotel & Resort

 

 

 

 

Located 50 stories above ground at the Viceroy Miami, Club 50 offers what is perhaps the best of both worlds in Miami: a sexy, South Beach-style club scene with the sweeping views that come with a spot in one of Brickell’s tallest high-rises. The mainland’s see-and-be-seen lounge makes full use of its location, with wraparound windows and a slick rooftop space that, in the summer, is worth visiting for the breeze alone. 

 

No. 5: The Standard Spa, Miami

 

 

 

Fittingly for a hotel that has built a brand out of its holistic approach to well-being, The Standard Spa, Miami puts a positive spin on the sweltering summer days. Its stunning bayfront grounds represent an ideal destination for both day and night, whether for tropical cocktails served poolside or for its inventive Standard Industry Night party series. Whatever your fancy, it's hard to beat the dress code (swim trunks and bikinis). 

No. 6: Area 31 at EPIC Hotel

 

 

From Memorial Day to Labor Day, sustainable seafood restaurant Area 31 celebrates summer with legendary parties held on the last Friday of every month. The Epic Hotel restaurant serves legendary cocktails on its 16th-floor terrace, where cigar smokers can also score free Camacho Cigars and thus help create the steamy, smoky ambiance of Cuba’s heyday. 

 

No. 7: db Bistro Moderne at the JW Marriott Marquis

 

 

We’re not alone in our contention that the Miami outpost of chef Daniel Boulud’s db Bistro Moderne serves the best dirty martini in the city. Response to Boulud’s Americanized French bistro food, on the other hand, has been mixed: There are ardent fans, patrons outraged at the prices and diners who were favorably impressed but feel that it doesn’t quite live up to expectations. No matter what your take, db is still the place to be right now, as just about everyone trickles in to render their own verdict on a restaurant whose opening was one of the biggest in recent years. 

No. 8: The Stage

 

 

 

Every great summer needs a great soundtrack -- that’s where The Stage comes in. Located in the Miami Design District, and infused with styles from New Orleans and New York, The Stage’s summer event calendar is packed with every conceivable sound to complement a hot Miami night -- from dance to jazz to soul. 

 

No. 9: The Royal at The Raleigh Hotel

 

 

Restaurateur and chef John DeLucie (of New York City’s famed Waverly Inn and The Lion) set The Raleigh apart from neighboring beachfront properties when he opened The Royal at this historic hotel. In addition to DeLucie’s power-dining scene and well-received “modern American” fare, the velvet-roped Raleigh is the site of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in July, with the models who are stationed in Miami reigning over the festivities. 

 

No. 10: Makoto

 

 

Even within the glittery confines of Bal Harbour Shops, brand-new Japanese-style bar Makoto has made a splash. New York City’s Morimoto and Buddakan’s sister restaurant, it is what you would expect from powerhouse restaurateur Stephen Starr’s debut venture in Miami: a sexy, high-walled, dimly lit space where the 12-seat sushi bar that wraps around an open kitchen and the dark-wood booths are currently the hottest tables in town. Namesake chef Makoto Okuwa’s cuisine, exemplified by the tea-crusted tuna tataki and paper-thin slices of Kobe beef, lives up to the hype.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Travel Tech : IATA's Checkpoint of the Future uses biometric IDs to separate do-gooders from terrorists

This, ladies and gentlemen, could be your Checkpoint of the Future -- a new airport security prototype that promises to move away "from a system that looks for bad objects, to one that can find bad people." Unveiled at the IATA's annual conference in Singapore yesterday, the setup is comprised of three, 20-foot long detectors -- one for "known travelers," one for high-risk flyers, and one for everyone else. Instead of funneling passengers through the same checkpoint, then, the prototype would use eye scanners and biometric chips to verify their identities and analyze their personal history, before dividing them into groups. People who complete and pass government background checks would waltz through the fast pass lane with their carry-on luggage in tow, whereas those deemed particularly risky would have to undergo a more intensive, full-body scan within the "Enhanced" security lane. The rest of us, meanwhile, would be directed to the "Normal" detector, which would automatically scan us for liquids, metals and everything that is evil. The IATA says this risk-based approach would reduce security lines and lower airport costs, but it would still require governments to share data on their own citizens, which could pose a major hurdle to widespread adoption. For now, the IATA and governmental agencies are still hammering away at the details and have yet to announce a pilot program, but you can check out an audio-less demo video of the prototype, after the break.

 

IATA Reveals Checkpoint of the Future

Singapore – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) unveiled the first mock-up of a Checkpoint of the Future, designed to enhance security while reducing queues and intrusive searches at airports, using intelligence-driven risk-based measures.

IATA's Checkpoint of the Future is being shown to delegates attending the Association's 67th Annual General Meeting (AGM) and World Air Transport Summit, in Singapore.

"We spend $7.4 billion a year to keep aviation secure. But our passengers only see hassle. Passengers should be able to get from curb to boarding gate with dignity. That means without stopping, stripping or unpacking, and certainly not groping. That is the mission for the Checkpoint of the Future. We must make coordinated investments for civilized flying," said Giovanni Bisignani, IATA's Director General and CEO.

The main concepts of the Checkpoint are (1) strengthened security by focusing resources where risk is greatest, (2) supporting this risk-based approach by integrating passenger information into the checkpoint process, and (3) maximizing throughput for the vast majority of travelers who are deemed to be low risk with no compromise on security levels.

"Today's checkpoint was designed four decades ago to stop hijackers carrying metal weapons. Since then, we have grafted on more complex procedures to meet emerging threats. We are more secure, but it is time to rethink everything. We need a process that responds to today's threat. It must amalgamate intelligence based on passenger information and new technology. That means moving from a system that looks for bad objects, to one that can find bad people," said Bisignani.

How does it work?

The Checkpoint of the Future ends the one-size-fits-all concept for security. Passengers approaching the checkpoint will be directed to one of three lanes: 'known traveler', 'normal', and 'enhanced security'. The determination will be based on a biometric identifier in the passport or other travel document that triggers the results of a risk assessment conducted by government before the passenger arrives at the airport.

The three security lanes will have technology to check passengers according to risk. "Known travelers" who have registered and completed background checks with government authorities will have expedited access. "Normal screening" would be for the majority of travelers. And those passengers for whom less information is available, who are randomly selected or who are deemed to be an "Elevated risk" would have an additional level of screening.

Screening technology is being developed that will allow passengers to walk through the checkpoint without having to remove clothes or unpack their belongings. Moreover, it is envisioned that the security process could be combined with outbound customs and immigration procedures, further streamlining the passenger experience.
Next Steps

Through the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), 19 governments, including the United States, are working to define standards for a Checkpoint of the Future. IATA is also coordinating closely with the US Department of Homeland Security's Checkpoint of Tomorrow program which has similar goals.

"We have the ability to move to the biometric scanning and three-lane concept right now. And while some of the technology still needs to be developed, even by just re-purposing what we have today, we could see major changes in two or three years time," said Bisignani.

Travel : Five Unrealistic Moments from Every Flight Safety Video

Flying is a damn hassle, especially in those painful moments between getting to your seat and finally reaching your cruising altitude. It’s during this chaotic time that most airlines expect you to pay full attention to a video that is intended to provide you with all the life saving advice you need should the craft you’re traveling in begin a death hurtle toward the unforgiving ground below.
People rarely watch the whole thing, but if they did, they would notice something peculiar. The flight safety video is quite possibly the least accurate portrayal of airline travel ever created.
Here are five unrealistic moments from a flight safety video we watched this weekend…
1. The Hassle-Free Seatbelt Fastening Scene

Turbulence has an unfortunate habit of catapulting people who aren’t strapped to their chairs right into the airplane ceiling above them. Unless of course those people are traveling on one of those fancy Southwest Flights that come with detachable roofs, in which case you would just be sucked out into the clear blue sky and killed in the most adrenaline filled manner imaginable. So, it’s no surprise that the seatbelt gets mentioned early and often during the flight safety video.
How The Airline Portrays It: In the world of flight safety production, fastening an airplane seatbelt is about as difficult as breathing. While this is kind of fitting, seeing as how breathing and fastening a seatbelt are both extremely labor intensive activities for the obese, there’s a little more to it than the video implies.
How It Should Look: A few things get left out of the seatbelt fastening demonstration. For example, the part where you sit and fracture your tail bone on the gigantic metal buckle is noticeably absent. They also fail to include the awkward series of accidental thigh and hand touches between you and the stranger seated next to you that happen when you’re both fishing around in the dark crevasses of the seats trying to determine which seatbelt belongs to who. For most passengers, the act of locating both ends of the seatbelt also includes a backbreaking pelvic arch type of motion in which the entire weight of the body is supported fully by the delicate bones of the neck and the sprain-prone muscles of the ankle. This is conveniently omitted from most flight safety videos as well.
2. The Part Where Everyone Happily Complies With the No Electronic Devices Rule

Does anyone really know why you have to turn off all electronic devices when a plane is taking off? Sure, cellphones and pagers make sense. But is there any available information on why a person’s portable DVD player needs to be taken offline? Yes, of course there is. Any one of us could Google it right now and find the answer. But how many of us are that willing to give up a good excuse to feel aggrieved at the hands of a major corporation? Certainly not us.
How The Airline Portrays It: This goes awfully smooth in the flight safety video. The flight attendant asks everyone to turn their devices off and the passengers flash the smile of compliance and do exactly as they’re told. Easy as can be.
How It Should Look: This scene would be more realistic as a montage of people doing one of three things:

1. Casually covering their electronic devices with a magazine when the flight attendant walks by
2. Continuing to send text messages in defiant ignorance of flight safety standards
3. Mouthing the words “how in the fuck is my cassette walkman going to bring this flight down?”

But seriously, turn that shit off. You’re going to kill us all.
3. The Storage Compartment Scene

This one makes perfect sense. A plane crash would be enough chaos without everyone’s goddamn luggage flying to and fro around the cabin. So the flight safety video makes it a point to remind everyone to store their belongings in the overhead bins.
How The Airline Portrays It: A passenger looks down and notices that, whoa, they totally forgot there was a 400 pound bag on their lap! Better hop up right up and slip that into a safe place. And that’s just what they do. It’s a stress free experience for all.
How It Should Look: Is the storage bin completely empty? If so, your bag will be way too large to fit comfortably. In fact, you should just smash anything of value to dust before you get on the plane, because it’s going to happen when you try to jam your overstuffed backpack in there anyway.
What’s that? Your carry-on bag is really small? Great, that means the one available overhead compartment near you will have an acoustic guitar, three Culligan water jugs and a partially inflated air mattress in it. Better put it under the seat in front of you. Because there’s no way you’ll forget about it when it slides twenty rows forward, coming to rest underneath the crust-addled feet of an angry octogenarian.
In light of what we’ve come to know about head injuries in sports, it might be a good idea if they would make at least a passing reference to concussion warning signs. Because you’re totally going to have one after you smash your head trying to stand up and get to that overhead storage bin.
4. The Seamless Interaction Between Two People Trying to Exit and Enter the Restroom at the Same Time

It seems ridiculous, but the basics of walking down an aisle that other people may also be walking in are covered in most flight safety videos. To demonstrate the risky nature of an endeavor such as this, the example of one person exiting the restroom while another person is trying to enter is used.
How The Airline Portrays It: It’s really simple, you guys. With all of that free space to move around in, two people arriving at the exact same spot at the exact same time is no problem at all! Just step aside and let the cooperation begin!
How It Should Look: It goes without saying that at least one of the involved parties will be absolutely terrified by this encounter. It’s usually a delicate soccer mom who had no way of knowing that another person might be on the other side of a door in an airplane filled to capacity. A blood curdling scream is absolutely the appropriate reaction in that situation.
After the fright has subsided, both parties enter into a complicated bit of choreography that involves one person proceeding down the aisle at the most space consuming angle possible while the other does a Matrix-like backwards hover over the lap of whatever unfortunate soul happens to be seated right near the restroom door.
5. The Calm That Accompanies Putting On the Life Vest

The life vests stowed around the plane. They’re a grim reminder that you may be in the air right now, but shit could get really real really quick if you go down. If you watch any portion of the safety video, make sure it’s the part where they tell you how to inflate the life vest. Not only because it’s something you may very well want to know later, but also because it’s the absolute peak of flight safety ridiculousness.
How The Airline Portrays It: What’s that the captain just said? Water landing? Sounds refreshing! It’s going to be a scorcher where we’re going. A nice dip in an icy lake would be a welcome respite from the oppressive heat! But first, let’s calmly put these life vests on and then sit quietly while anticipating our imminent demise.
How It Should Look: Wait, what? Water landing? Did the captain just say “water landing?” Holy mother of God we’re all about to die! Where did you get that life vest? ANSWER ME!
Shit, my life vest is missing. Maybe the flight attendant can locate one before I meet a watery grave. Oh, I see, the flight attendant has passed out from the abject horror of the situation. Good call, I’ll probably do that too. Someone put that life vest on me if one shows up. I’m just going to sit here and sob uncontrollably.

American Airlines testing in-flight media streaming, staying curiously mum about content selection

American Airlines would like you to pay for movies and shows you're used to getting for free to give you a new way to keep yourselves entertained at 30,000 feet. The airline is testing Aircell's forthcoming service that will let you stream flicks and TV programs to your own WiFi-enabled device. Aircell, the company behind Gogo in-flight WiFi, is curating the library of content, and for now, it's unclear just how extensive the selection will be (last time we checked, the company was staying mum about content partners). And we definitely wonder how smooth the streaming will be on a crowded flight full of web surfers... you know, considering that Gogo already compresses JPEGs on everyday websites. And really, it had better be -- otherwise, you're better off with the complimentary shows and movies bundled into that built-in entertainment center right in front of you. All questions that will get answered when the service launches this fall. 

 

American Airlines Becomes the First North American Airline to Test Streaming Inflight Entertainment
American to Enhance Customer Connectivity with Inflight Streaming Video and Expansion of Wi-Fi to Virtually Entire Domestic Fleet

FORT WORTH, Texas, May 3, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- American Airlines, a founding member of the oneworld® Alliance, today secures another industry first. American is the first North American airline to begin testing the new inflight streaming video product from Aircell which will offer the airline's customers a brand-new, innovative inflight entertainment option. The new product will allow customers to wirelessly stream content such as movies and TV shows from an inflight library to their personal Wi-Fi-enabled devices during flight.

American, partnering with Aircell, is currently testing the new inflght video system on two Boeing 767-200 aircraft in transcontinental service, and plans to begin customer testing early this summer. The airline's goal is to roll out this product on Wi-Fi-enabled aircraft starting this fall pending FAA certifications.

"Once again, American leads the industry in providing innovative options to keep customers connected, productive and entertained. American was the first North American airline to launch inflight Wi-Fi, and today we again set a new industry standard as the first domestic airline to test inflight streaming video content," said Rob Friedman, American's Vice President – Marketing. "We know our customers want to be connected on the ground and in the sky, so we are working hard to stay on the leading edge of connectivity through technology enhancements like this."

In addition, American will work with Aircell to further enhance onboard connectivity by expanding inflight Wi-Fi to its narrow body fleet, including additional MD80 and domestic Boeing 757-200 aircraft – successfully completing its Wi-Fi offering on all of its domestic aircraft dedicated to flying within the continental United States.

The Wi-Fi expansion will include 93 of American's domestic 757s used for routes within the continental United States, and up to 50 additional MD80 aircraft. Installation will begin this summer and continue through 2012. In addition, American continues to install Wi-Fi service on its entire fleet of 737-800 aircraft.

"By expanding Wi-Fi to the remainder of American's domestic fleet and adding movies and TV to the already powerful Internet, American and Aircell continue to transform the inflight experience," said Ash ElDifrawi, Executive Vice President and CMO of Aircell. "In this new era of inflight entertainment and inflight connectivity convergence, we are proud to be American's partner in innovation and applaud their leadership."

American's inflight Wi-Fi and the new streaming video product are powered by the Aircell air-to-ground system, which uses three small antennas installed outside the aircraft and connects to Aircell's exclusive nationwide mobile broadband network. Pricing for the new streaming video offering will be determined closer to launch and at the completion of customer testing.

The streaming video offering is American's latest enhancement in a series of investments in mobile technology. Leading the industry with the development of mobile applications for iPhone, iPad, Android, NOOK and Blackberry (currently beginning Beta testing), as well as creating new mobile technologies for its operations, American understands the importance of connectivity and is strategically setting aside funding for enhancements with the goal of keeping customers connected.

"Mobility is where we are all headed and our focus on new technologies in this space is unmatched by our competitors," added Friedman.

For more information check out http://bit.ly/AAISV.

 

Flights at J.F.K. Sit on Tarmac for Hours

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At least 28 flights, carrying thousands of passengers, became stranded on the tarmac at John F. Kennedy International Airport, one for close to 11 grueling hours, in the aftermath of this week’s paralyzing blizzard, officials said. The flights had one thing in common: they all began outside the United States.

This year, federal officials enacted a rule that penalizes airlines with hefty fines if planes are kept on the tarmac for more than three hours. But the new rule applies only to flights that begin and end in the United States.

The Transportation Department has been considering expanding the rule to include international flights and the strandings could force the agency to act.

“It was horrible,” said Shoham Elazar, 24, a dental student from Miami who arrived at Kennedy on Tuesday on Turkish Airlines Flight 1 from Istanbul. After a flight of about 10 hours, the plane sat on the tarmac for more than six hours before it could unload.

“After they announced it would be another hour and a half after the original hour and a half, it became pandemonium,” she said. “People were walking around, moaning, yelling. Children were screaming. People were complaining about children screaming.”

Kate Hanni, executive director of Flyers Rights, a passenger advocacy group that she formed after she was stuck for many hours on a tarmac in 2006, said, “This J.F.K. event, I’m almost certain, will be the tipping point.” After Ms. Hanni’s experience, a succession of similar, highly publicized ordeals led to the federal rule for domestic flights.

Ms. Hanni said that new federal rules should include an extension of the tarmac waiting penalties to international flights.

The effect of the domestic flight policy was starkly on display in the storm’s aftermath this week.

Steve Coleman, a spokesman for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which operates the region’s three major airports, said four domestic flights of American Eagle airlines experienced delays of more than two hours waiting for a gate after arriving at La Guardia Airport on Tuesday. But in each case, he said, the passengers were unloaded from the planes by bus and taken to the terminal before the three-hour cutoff.

Mr. Coleman said that was not possible with the international flights at Kennedy because the passengers would need to be held in a secure area before going through immigration and customs. He said there was no suitable area at the airport for that.

The storm, which lasted throughout the day Sunday, dumped about 20 inches of snow at Kennedy and was accompanied by high winds. The airport shut down at 7 p.m. Sunday and did not reopen until 6 p.m. Monday. When it reopened, there was a long backlog of departing and arriving flights.

The international flights that became stranded on Tuesday had taken off without checking in advance to see if a gate would be available when they arrived, Mr. Coleman said. When they got on the ground in New York, there were no empty gates and the waiting began.

The Port Authority said that at least 28 international flights were stuck on the tarmac with long delays. That included Cathay Pacific Flight 840 from Hong Kong, which arrived at 2:15 a.m. Tuesday and was not able to get to a gate until about 1 p.m., nearly 11 hours later, Mr. Coleman said.

China Airlines Flight 12 from Taipei, which stopped over in Anchorage, arrived at Kennedy at 8:37 p.m. Tuesday and was not able to unload at a gate until 5:47 a.m. Wednesday, more than nine hours later. For passengers who started out in Taipei, the total duration of the trip, including the wait on the tarmac, was more than 25 hours.

Of the more than two dozen flights for which the Port Authority supplied information about the duration of the delays, all had waits of more than three hours, and 11 waited on the tarmac for more than six hours before reaching a gate. Mr. Coleman said that the authority was still compiling information and that the total number of stranded flights might increase. He said no flights that arrived on Wednesday had delays of longer than three hours, however.

The new tarmac waiting rule for domestic flights went into effect in late April. Olivia Alair, a Transportation Department spokeswoman, said there were 12 reported cases from May 1 to Sept. 30 of domestic flights that spent more than three hours on the tarmac. In that period a year ago, there were 535 flights with waits that exceeded three hours. Ms. Alair said the agency was investigating the 12 cases from this year and had not yet levied any fines. Airlines can be fined $27,500 a passenger for delays that violate the rule.

Travelers brave snowy streets, icy rails and crowded airports for a second straight day

New Yorkers braved the snow for a second straight day as commuters this morning attempted to go to work following the weekend's big blizzard.

While the city was still digging out of the paralyzing snow, delays continued to plague buses and subways. Buses have been stranded since Sunday as the city tries to plow streets after 20 inches fell between Sunday night and Monday morning.

"Crews are working first to clear stuck buses and the number of buses that are stuck is being reduced," said MTA spokesman Aaron Donovan. "Second, we are evaluating roadway conditions on a route-by-route basis to determine whether conditions permit us to run service."

Donovan also said all subway lines were experiencing delays or service changes:

-- The entire 7 train is running local in both directions.

-- No L train service between Myrtle-Wyckoff Station and Canarsie-Rockaway Parkway Station.

-- No Q service between 57th Street-7th Avenue Station in Manhattan and Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue in Brooklyn in both directions.

-- No N service between Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue Station and 59th Street Station in Brooklyn in both directions.

-- No D service between Bay Parkway Station and Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue Station in Brooklyn in both directions.

-- B service was suspended between Bedford Park Boulevard Station in the Bronx and Brighton Beach Station in Brooklyn.

-- No Franklin shuttle between Franklin Avenue Street and Prospect Avenue Stations.

Both the Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North were running limited service today as commuters east and north of the city attempted to get into Manhattan. The LIRR was closed Monday, while Metro-North resumed service Monday afternoon.

New Jersey Transit trains to Penn Station was fully restored today, while NJ Transit's bus service resumed this morning. Bus service had been suspended Monday after the Port Authority Bus Terminal was closed.

After spending two days tossing and turning on airport floors, thousands of bleary-eyed travelers spent this morning boarding flights as the airlines try and schedule flights that had been delayed out of Kennedy, LaGuardia and Newark airports.

LaGuardia and Kennedy began to receive inbound flights on Monday night, while Newark began receiving inbound flights early this morning.

The words “on time” lit up at least half the departure boards at LaGuardia to the delight of passengers stretched out sleeping under blankets inside warm terminals.

The storm was New York City’s sixth-worst since record-keeping began in 1869, said Adrienne Leptich, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service.

A February 2006 storm dropped 26.9 inches of snow on Central Park, breaking the previous record, set in 1947, by half an inch.

The storm dumped various amounts across the region -- 29 inches on Staten Island; 24 on Brooklyn; 32 on Rahway, NJ; and 12 on Philadelphia.

Storm Cripples New York Subways, Trains

Associated Press

Travelers waited in New York’s Penn Station as train service is impacted due to a severe winter storm Monday.

New York City’s transportation system was crippled by snow Monday morning, with service suspended on two railroads and multiple subway lines, especially in above-ground sections in the Bronx and southern Brooklyn.

The Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad were shut down, while New Jersey Transit was running 40% fewer trains than normal. The three railroads are four of the nation’s busiest. (Check the current status of all Metropolitan Transportation Authority service here.)

The Staten Island Railway is completely shut down. NJ Transit’s bus service was also suspended.

Roads across the region were closed in places, and officials were warning people to stay home. The three major airports also remained closed due to snow.

Metro-North was trying to start running limited service with diesel engines, Metropolitan Transportation Authority spokeswoman Marjorie Anders said. Four of its trains were briefly stranded in the Mott Haven section of the Bronx. (See update below)

An A train with 400 passengers on board lost power because of ice on the third rail and was stranded at the Aqueduct station for seven hours without heat overnight.

A Q train was stuck at Cortelyou Road for less time, an MTA spokesman said. Both trains were eventually freed when they linked up with other trains that pushed them to safety.

“There’s no excuse but there are reasons,” Anders said. “There were rescues taking place all around the territory last night.”

Five NJ Transit buses were also stranded overnight and had to be rescued by tow trucks. The agency stopped its bus service at 8:30 p.m. Sunday, but some buses were already on the road or left shortly thereafter to try to get people home. Passengers on one bus that runs between Jersey City and Hackensack didn’t get to their destinations until sometime after 4 a.m., a spokesman said.

NJ Transit’s railroad was in better shape than those in New York in part because it relies solely on overhead wires and diesel locomotives to power its trains, not electricity from a third rail.

Much of the trouble that has afflicted the two New York commuter railroads and the subway has been due to ice and snow covering the the third rail, causing trains to lose power. To get them moving again, the railroads try to link up two trains, raising the odds that one of them will get some power from the rail. Trains are also equipped with scrapers that remove ice from the third rail as they move.

Meanwhile, de-icing and snowblowing trains are also plying the rails, trying to clear ice.

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