A North Carolina teenager who was flying for the first time skip-lagged on his flight — meaning his ticket was booked for connecting flights but he never boarded the second — and was detained at the initial airport, taken to a security room, and then interrogated.
Logan Parsons, 17, of Charlotte, North Carolina, was flying on an American Airlines ticket from Gainesville, Florida to New York’s JFK airport with a stop in Charlotte.  The ticket was purchased with the intent that Logan would get off in Charlotte, as it was a cheaper fare than a direct flight to Charlotte, a practice nicknamed “skip-lagging.” But his North Carolina ID caused an agent at the airport to be suspicious of his true intended destination, prompting him to be detained.
Logan’s father Hunter said his family has skiplagged before, acknowledging, “We&#8217;ve used Skip Lagged almost exclusively for the last five to eight years.”
“They kind of got out of him that he was planning to disboard (sic) in Charlotte and not going to make the connecting flight,” Hunter Parsons said of this son being detained. “Our concerns are he is a minor and was kind of left to fend for himself several states away. &#8230; I think a stern warning, ‘Hey, this is frowned upon. If you do it again there would be consequences, financial penalties,’” Hunter Parsons told <a href="https://www.qcnews.com/news/local-news/father-says-son-was-detained-at-airport-before-having-to-purchase-a-new-ticket/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Queen City News</a>.
“It’s the first time he’s flown, and he really doesn’t know what he is doing,” aviation attorney Bruce Brandon told Queen City News. “It seems to be a bit harsh to me. I just don’t understand why they would do this.”
“Was it a security issue or was it a contract issue?” Brandon wondered. “Was he held against his will in that back room?”
“Purchasing a ticket without intending to fly all flights to gain lower fares (hidden city ticketing) is a violation of American Airlines terms and conditions and is outlined in our Conditions of Carriage online,” American Airlines noted in a statement.
In 2014, United Airlines and Orbitz sued Skiplagged; a Chicago judge <a href="https://money.cnn.com/2015/05/01/investing/united-airlines-lawsuit-skiplagged/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">dismissed</a> the lawsuit in 2015. In 2019 it was <a href="https://simpleflying.com/united-airlines-skiplagging/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reported</a> that United Airlines sent an internal memo to airport staff to look out for skiplagging and report it to higher-ups at the company.
Last year a report <a href="https://lifehacker.com/youre-going-to-get-caught-skiplagging-and-it-s-not-goi-1849041104" target="_blank" rel="noopener">stated</a> that United Airlines would fine people who repeatedly skiplagged and that airlines could ban passengers from their airline if they skiplagged.

Airport security # 18

North Carolina Teenager Skiplags On His First Flight. He’s Caught and Interrogated.

American Airlines

Flying

North Carolina

Teenagers

Actress Kimberly Williams-Paisley is one of many who have a touching story to share about the late country music legend Naomi Judd.
The 50-year-old “Father of the Bride” actress related her personal anecdote about Judd with Fox News Digital, the outlet <a href="https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/kimberly-williams-paisley-naomi-judd-inspiring-death">reported</a>. 
&#8220;Naomi Judd was always very sweet to me. I met her a few times and I remember shortly after I met my husband [country music singer Brad Paisley], I was still really freaked out about flying,&#8221; she said while relaying travel tips. 
&#8220;It was after 9/11 and I used to get so nervous flying as so many people were. And I remember one day, I was on a flight with Naomi, and she was sitting behind me, and I was so nervous, and she just seemed so at peace and calm.&#8221;
She continued, &#8220;Impulsively, I turned around to her and I said, ‘I really am scared to fly.’ She just looked at me with this sparkle in her eye and she said, &#8216;Oh, I&#8217;m not afraid of anything.'&#8221;
Paisley-Williams recalled feeling the words were “simple” and “inspiring.”
&#8220;And probably, you know, obviously not the case all the time. But in that moment, she felt it,&#8221; the actress said. &#8220;Ever since then, when I was afraid of flying, I would think, &#8216;Just pretend you&#8217;re Naomi. Just pretend you&#8217;re not afraid. Just say, I&#8217;m not afraid to fly&#8217;. And it worked. I&#8217;ve always been so grateful to her for just that one moment that she probably had no idea what gift she was giving me.&#8221;
Judd’s musical tribute over the weekend inspired many others to share stories. The 76-year-old, five-time Grammy Award winner committed suicide on April 30. Judd was scheduled to be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame on the following day.
Naomi and her daughter, Wynonna, reunited at the CMA Awards for a performance just weeks prior. The mother and daughter pair announced plans to go back on tour for the first time in 10 years.
Naomi’s other daughter, actress Ashley Judd, revealed that she found her mother and shared some details of what happened in an effort to “spread awareness” about mental illness and available treatments for it.
“When we’re talking about mental illness, it’s very important and — to be clear, and to make the distinction between our loved one and the disease,” she continued. “It’s very real — and it’s enough to — it lies. It’s savage,” she said.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a free hotline for individuals in crisis or distress or for those looking to help someone else. It is available 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255.

Williams and Judd

Kimberly Williams-Paisley Recalls Impact Of Naomi Judd’s ‘Gift’ To Her: ‘She Probably Had No Idea’

Kimberly Williams-Paisley Recalls Naomi Judd Giving Her A 'Gift'

Country Music

Naomi Judd

Nashville

Suicide

On Thursday, Alaska Airlines announced it will be cutting down its flight schedule by around 10% for the remainder of the month of January as it addresses ongoing staffing and weather issues.
ABC News <a href="https://abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory/alaska-air-trims-january-flights-cope-virus-outbreak-82117508?cid=social_twitter_abcn">reported</a>:
<blockquote>
Alaska&#8217;s announcement came on a day in which more than 2,100 U.S. flights were canceled by early evening on the East Coast, according to FlightAware. The tracking service said that equaled about 8% of the day&#8217;s scheduled flights, and it was the 12th straight day of 1,000-plus cancellations, which airlines blamed on the virus surge and winter weather.
Worldwide, airlines had canceled about 4,700 flights.
</blockquote>
By early in the evening, Southwest had canceled around 650 flights, which is 21% of its Thursday schedule. A spokesperson for the airline reportedly said it was addressing issues caused by very cold weather at multiple airports and a large number of employees calling out sick because they either have COVID-19 or are quarantining because they were a close contact of somebody who had COVID-19.
“Alaska had scrubbed about 125, or 17% of its flights,” ABC noted.
In a statement, the airline reportedly said, “the continued impacts of omicron have been disruptive in all our lives and unprecedented employee sick calls have impacted our ability to operate our airline reliably.” Alaska said cutting back on flights through the end of the month “will give us the flexibility and capacity needed to reset.”
The Washington Post further <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/transportation/2022/01/06/omicron-weather-flight-cancellations/">reported</a> on Thursday:
<div class="">
<div data-qa="drop-cap-letter">
<blockquote>
Southwest had canceled 646 flights, about 21 percent of scheduled departures. United, which had shown improvement in recent days, canceled 236 flights, about 11 percent of the carrier’s scheduled departures. SkyWest canceled 264 flights, about 11 percent of flights scheduled for the day. The Utah-based carrier, which partners with United, Delta Air Lines and American Airlines to carry passengers on smaller routes, has struggled for days.
</blockquote>
</div>
</div>
Flight cancellations in the United States started going up around the Christmas holiday, hitting massive numbers.
The Daily Wire <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/airlines-triple-pay-for-pilots-double-for-flight-attendants-amid-widespread-cancellations">reported</a> that some airlines are more than tripling compensation for some workers in the midst of the ongoing cancellations.
“As The Daily Wire previously reported, firms are canceling flights as they experience staff shortages due to the Omicron variant. JetBlue, for instance, <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/jetblue-cuts-1280-flights-in-first-weeks-of-january">nixed</a> 1,280 flights between December 30 and January 13,” it noted.
<a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2021/12/31/united-airlines-offers-pilots-triple-pay-to-ease-omicron-flight-disruptions.html">CNBC</a> reported that United Airlines is going to increase pay for pilots who work extra flights:
<blockquote>
United and the pilots union, the Air Line Pilots Association, reached an agreement for higher pay to cover open trips, Bryan Quigley, United’s senior vice president of flight operations said Friday in a staff note, which was seen by CNBC.
Pilots will be offered three-and-a-half times their pay for flying open trips between Dec. 30 and Jan. 3 and triple pay for picking up trips between Jan. 4 and Jan. 29, the note said.
</blockquote>
USA Today <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/airline-news/2022/01/06/southwest-airlines-flight-cancellations-covid/9116618002/">reported</a>, “[t]he staffing shortage has prompted Southwest to extend holiday bonus pay for flight attendants through Jan. 25, a policy announced to employees on Wednesday.”
&#8220;Our hope is to hope is to stabilize the operation again as we work through winter storms, navigate the national COVID-19 spike, and maintain sufficient staffing,&#8221; Sonya Lacore, vice president of inflight operations, said in a memo, per the outlet.
&#8220;There is no better way for me to express my thoughts other than to say that we need you – each one of you – in order to successfully make it through this,&#8221; Lacore said. &#8220;We know that we are asking you to keep fighting the fight with us, and that it likely feels as though we continue to ask for more from you. While we ask you to hang in there, we want to do all we can to reward you for going the distance.&#8221;

3EB1A2ED-7E51-404F-ADB9-9BB054C45BBE_1_201_a

Alaska Airlines Cuts Down On Flights For Rest Of January As Airlines Continue To Scramble

COVID

Various airlines are more than tripling pay for employees amid widespread flight cancellations.
As The Daily Wire previously reported, firms are canceling flights as they experience staff shortages due to the Omicron variant. JetBlue, for instance, <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/jetblue-cuts-1280-flights-in-first-weeks-of-january">nixed</a> 1,280 flights between December 30 and January 13.
<a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2021/12/31/united-airlines-offers-pilots-triple-pay-to-ease-omicron-flight-disruptions.html">CNBC</a> reported that United Airlines will significantly hike compensation for pilots who take extra trips:
<blockquote>United and the pilots union, the Air Line Pilots Association, reached an agreement for higher pay to cover open trips, Bryan Quigley, United’s senior vice president of flight operations said Friday in a staff note, which was seen by CNBC.
Pilots will be offered three-and-a-half times their pay for flying open trips between Dec. 30 and Jan. 3 and triple pay for picking up trips between Jan. 4 and Jan. 29, the note said.</blockquote>
Spirit Airlines is doubling pay for flight attendants, according to <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/12/31/business/spirit-airlines-flight-attendant-pay-covid/index.html">CNN Business</a>:
<blockquote>Spirit Airlines flight attendants are receiving double pay on any work through January 4, their union said, as the budget carrier scrambles to keep its schedules intact after U.S. airlines were hammered by a week of mass cancellations…
&#8220;All flight attendants, regardless of how you have obtained your pairing, will be receiving 200% pay for any pairing that touches Dec. 28 through Jan. 4,&#8221; the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA said in a statement. The union represented about 4,000 flights attendants at Spirit Airlines, according to the carrier&#8217;s latest annual filing.</blockquote>
Beyond flight cancellations, airline executives are seeking to comply with federal regulations surrounding COVID-19 vaccines and mask wearing. In a recent testimony to Congress, American Airlines CEO Doug Parker and Southwest Airlines CEO Gary Kelly <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/major-airline-ceos-push-back-on-plane-mask-mandates-case-is-very-strong-that-masks-dont-add-much">told</a> lawmakers that the Biden administration’s mask mandate appears to have a negligible impact on infection.
“I think the case is very strong that masks don’t add much, if anything, in the air cabin environment,” Kelly said. “It is very safe and very high quality compared to any other indoor setting.”
Parker agreed: “I concur, an aircraft is the safest place you can be.”
“It’s true of all of our aircraft — they all have the same HEPA filters and air flow,” Parker added.
Some airlines have walked back their vaccine mandates. Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian, for example, <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/delta-air-lines-ceo-ditches-divisive-vaccine-mandate">said</a> that announcing a plan to get all employees vaccinated — without enforcing a mandate — has worked, allowing the company to attain a 90% vaccination rate.
“The reason the mandate was put in by [the] president, I believe, was because they wanted to make sure companies had a plan to get their employees vaccinated,” Bastian said. “A month before the president came out with the mandate, we had already announced our plan to get all of our people vaccinated. And the good news is the plan is working.”
The Daily Wire is fighting Joe Biden’s vaccine mandate in federal court. Join us in this fight by signing our <a href="https://lp.dailywire.com/osha-petition/">petition</a> to OSHA, telling them that you will not comply with this mandate.

United Airlines

Airlines Triple Pay For Pilots, Double For Flight Attendants Amid Widespread Cancellations

Omicron Variant

Democratic have lawmakers introduced a bill to end “ridiculous” airline fees.
The Forbidding Airlines from Imposing Ridiculous (FAIR) Fees Act — sponsored by Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA), Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Rep. Steve Cohen (D-TN), and Rep. Jesús &#8220;Chuy&#8221; García (D-IL) — argues that fees for baggage, seating, and cancellation are “not reasonable and proportional to the costs of the services actually provided.”
A <a href="https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/with-holiday-travel-season-in-full-swing-senators-markey-and-blumenthal-reps-cohen-and-garca-reintroduce-legislation-to-stop-sky-high-airline-fees">press release</a> from Markey’s office explained:
<blockquote>Too often, airlines blindside travelers with exorbitant charges at checkout caused by unexpected fees for basic aviation services. This price gouging has grown exponentially as a business practice over the last decade. In 2019 — the last full year before the coronavirus pandemic disrupted air travel — airlines worldwide collected $109.5 billion in ancillary fee revenue, up nearly fivefold from $22.6 billion in 2010. That same year, U.S. domestic airlines collected $5.8 billion in baggage and $2.8 billion in ticket reservation fees alone.</blockquote>
&#8220;As we build back better from the pandemic, it’s time to ground rising airline fees that costs [sic] air travelers a pretty penny in the skies,” said Markey. “Airlines should not be able to bilk passengers just because they need to check a couple of bags, or charge an extra fee so parents can sit with their kids. It should not cost more to cancel or change an airline reservation than the original cost of the ticket, period.&#8221;
&#8220;During this holiday season — when so many are seeing their loved ones for the first time since the public health crisis began — we must finally end this price gouging and return fairness to the skies. That’s why I’m so proud to lead this important consumer protection legislation, and I thank my colleagues for their partnership.&#8221;
The lawmakers are not alone. In July, President Biden <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/airline-news/2021/07/09/joe-biden-executive-order-directs-possible-rules-airline-fees/7913315002/">signed</a> an executive order that directed the Department of Transportation to create new rules surrounding refunds when baggage is delayed or other airline services remain unfulfilled.
Despite the Democratic officials’ moves, ancillary fees are an increasingly important dimension of competition between airlines. A 2017 report from <a href="https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/travel-logistics-and-infrastructure/our-insights/how-airlines-can-gain-a-competitive-edge-through-pricing">McKinsey &amp; Company</a> explained that optimized airfare revenue hinges upon “a bundled model that considers not only ticket price but also the probability that passengers will purchase other goods and services from the airline before, during, and after their journey.”
Other progressive lawmakers are seeking to <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/democratic-rep-proposes-space-tourism-tax-days-after-first-private-flights">tax</a> the emerging space tourism industry. Days after Richard Branson and Jeff Bezos launched successful civilian flights to space, Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) proposed the Securing Protections Against Carbon Emissions (SPACE) Tax Act, which would establish a new excise tax on commercial space flights carrying human passengers for purposes other than scientific research.
According to Blumenauer’s office:
<blockquote>As this budding space tourism industry takes shape, Blumenauer is particularly concerned about the environmental impact of sending humans into space, particularly when there is no scientific value associated with the launch. The number of trips to space are expected to increase, with Virgin Galactic planning to eventually launch a shuttle of passengers into space, on average, every 32 hours.
While proponents of suborbital space flights point to transatlantic flights as having similar carbon footprints, these flights carry significantly more passengers and travel much farther. The result is space launches accounting for an estimated 60-times greater emissions than transatlantic flights on a per-passenger basis, enough to drive a car around the earth and more than twice the carbon budget recommended in the Paris Climate Agreement.</blockquote>
“Just as normal Americans pay taxes when they buy airline tickets, billionaires who fly into space to produce nothing of scientific value should do the same, and then some,” Blumenauer said. “I’m not opposed to this type of space innovation. However, things that are done purely for tourism or entertainment, and that don’t have a scientific purpose, should in turn support the public good.”

Senate Foreign Relations Committee Examines US-Russia Policy

Progressive Senators Introduce Bill To End ‘Ridiculous’ Airline Fees

A United Airlines flight bound for Honolulu was forced to make an emergency landing in Denver, Colorado, after its engine failed and appeared to have caught fire with passengers on board.
United Airlines flight 328 had just taken off when it was forced to return to Denver, Colorado, due to a “reported engine issue,” Denver International Airport officials said Saturday afternoon. “The aircraft has landed safely and no injuries have been reported. Big thanks to the pilot and crew for safely landing the aircraft,” tweeted the airport.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
United flight 328 departed from DEN this afternoon and returned shortly after with a reported engine issue. The aircraft has landed safely and no injuries have been reported. Big thanks to the pilot and crew for safely landing the aircraft.
— Denver Int&#8217;l Airport (@DENAirport) <a href="https://twitter.com/DENAirport/status/1363248834256596992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2021</a></blockquote>
United Airlines posted the following statement to social media on Saturday evening: &#8220;Flight UA328 from Denver to Honolulu experienced an engine failure shortly after departure, returned safely to Denver and was met by emergency crews as a precaution. There are no reported injuries onboard. We are in contact with the FAA, NTSB and local law enforcement.&#8221;
Video posted to social media, purportedly taken by a Flight 328 passenger, shows that one of the plane’s engines appears to have caught fire prior to landing. In another video, also focused on the engine, passengers can be heard cheering once the plane finally touches the tarmac.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
This video was taken by a passenger on the flight. I take no credit for this video.
— michaela🦋 (@michaelagiulia) <a href="https://twitter.com/michaelagiulia/status/1363250739250929666?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2021</a></blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
BREAKING
This is the moment United flight 328 landed in DIA
Passengers cheer.
You can see damage to right engine.
Video: Troy Lewis <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/9news?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#9news</a> <a href="https://t.co/wyYqlEEJgZ">pic.twitter.com/wyYqlEEJgZ</a>
— Chris Vanderveen (@chrisvanderveen) <a href="https://twitter.com/chrisvanderveen/status/1363232875232063493?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2021</a></blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
MORE VIDEO from United Flight 328
Flight took off around 12:49pm.
Landed 40 minutes later
Courtesy: Troy Lewis <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/9news?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#9news</a> <a href="https://t.co/bh4g2hEhJ3">pic.twitter.com/bh4g2hEhJ3</a>
— Chris Vanderveen (@chrisvanderveen) <a href="https://twitter.com/chrisvanderveen/status/1363241834118586371?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2021</a></blockquote>
According to the Broomfield Police Department, the plane also dropped debris in several neighborhoods, including in front of homes and in a park. No injuries on the ground have been reported, according to the department.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
If you were injured by falling debris please call 911 to let us know asap.
— Broomfield Police (@BroomfieldPD) <a href="https://twitter.com/BroomfieldPD/status/1363231562456723457?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2021</a></blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
If you find debris PLEASE don’t touch it or move it. The <a href="https://twitter.com/NTSB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NTSB</a> wants all debris to remain in place for investigation. Thank you.
— Broomfield Police (@BroomfieldPD) <a href="https://twitter.com/BroomfieldPD/status/1363240569405726722?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2021</a></blockquote>
The aircraft, a Boeing 777-200, was carrying 231 passengers and 10 crew members, <a href="https://twitter.com/davidshepardson/status/1363243561387458561">according</a> to Reuters reporter David Shepardson. The police department has warned people on the ground to report any found debris, and to not touch anything they find.
The Federal Aviation Administration announced Saturday afternoon that it will investigate the incident in conjunction with the National Transportation Safety Board, which will lead the investigation and provide updates.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
FAA Statement: <a href="https://twitter.com/united?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@United</a> Airlines flight from <a href="https://twitter.com/DENAirport?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DENAirport</a>. <a href="https://t.co/f7HNkrnIZN">pic.twitter.com/f7HNkrnIZN</a>
— The FAA ✈️ (@FAANews) <a href="https://twitter.com/FAANews/status/1363246988846895105?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2021</a></blockquote>

United Airlines plane at Denver International Airport

Passenger Plane Emergency Lands After Engine Failure; Debris Falls From Sky

No, it doesn&#8217;t hit 200 mph when it&#8217;s plunging toward the ground.
And it doesn&#8217;t exist, either. Far from it.
But Aston Martin, a British sports car maker, has revealed a concept version of a flying car, the Volante Vision Concept, at the Farnborough Airshow this week, Fox Business reports.
<blockquote>
Aston Martin has billed the futuristic vehicle as a luxury car for the skies. The autonomous hybrid-electric vehicle, which has room for three passengers, is designed for urban and inter-city travel, the company said. It&#8217;s also capable of vertical take-offs and landings. The vehicle could fly at top speeds of around 200 miles per hour, according to Reuters.
&#8220;With the population in urban areas continuing to grow, congestion in towns and cities will become increasingly demanding,&#8221; Aston Martin President and CEO Dr. Andy Palmer said in a news release. &#8220;We need to look at alternative solutions to reduce congestion, cut pollution and improve mobility. Air travel will be a crucial part in the future of transportation; the Volante Vision Concept is the ultimate luxury mobility solution.&#8221;
</blockquote>
Check out this awesome video.
<div class="embed video fluid-video"><iframe loading="lazy" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen frameborder="0" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xOaMDhxSnMw" width="854"></iframe></div>
&#8220;With the population in urban areas continuing to grow, congestion in towns and cities will become increasingly demanding,&#8221; said Aston Martin president and chief executive Dr Andy Palmer, Forbes reported. &#8220;We need to look at alternative solutions to reduce congestion, cut pollution and improve mobility. Air travel will be a crucial part in the future of transportation,&#8221; he said.
Other companies are also moving into the flying car business. Google co-founder Larry Page founded Kitty Hawk, which in now taking pre-orders for a single-seat recreational flying car.

Aston Martin Reveals Flying Car That Can Hit 200 MPH

Ever hear of a king having the common touch?
Here’s a <a href="http://news.sky.com/story/dutch-king-reveals-double-life-as-an-airline-pilot-for-klm-10881947">great example</a>. For the last 21 years, King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands, 50, has been secretly co-piloting planes for the Dutch airline KLM. The king has been co-piloting the short-haul services twice a month, <a href="http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-39946532">often</a> with KLM Captain Maarten Putman. He ascended to the throne in 2013.
Perceptive travelers might have guessed who their co-pilot was, as he updated them on weather conditions and their time of arrival, but news of the king’s long-time presence was not publicly revealed until now.
Now that the airline is phasing out its fleet of Fokker 70 planes in favor of Boeing 737s, the king will have to be retrained. Last month the Dutch government revealed the king had flown for both the government and KLM Cityhopper service; Cityhopper flights generally transport business travelers, largely in the UK, Germany and Norway.
King Willem-Alexander described flying as his “hobby,” admitting that for him flying the planes was “relaxing.” He said he doesn’t plan to learn how to pilot larger planes for longer flights that would require him to stay away from the Netherlands overnight, because that would mean he &#8220;cannot get back in time to the Netherlands in case of an emergency&#8221;.
He joked to De Telegraaf newspaper about his anonymity, &#8220;The advantage is that I can always say I am speaking on behalf of the captain and crew to welcome them on board, so I don&#8217;t have to say my name. But then, most people don&#8217;t listen anyway.&#8221; He<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/17/world/europe/king-willem-alexander-pilot.html?_r=0"> added</a>, “For me the most important thing is that I have a hobby for which I need to concentrate completely. You have an airplane, passengers and a crew. You carry responsibility for that. You cannot take your problems from the ground with you in the sky. You can for a brief moment disconnect and concentrate on something else. That is the biggest relaxation of flying to me.”

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