Non-travelers can once again greet loved ones at the gate at an LA-area airport



Travelers, parents, and freedom lovers everywhere are rejoicing over a new policy at a Los Angeles-area airport that will permit non-ticketed guests to pass through security and venture throughout the airport, including the airport gates.

On October 17, Ontario International Airport, about an hour east of LAX, launched a new program called ONT+ that will permit anyone to proceed through the security checkpoint and move freely throughout the rest of the airport, so long as they register for a pass in advance.

Those who wish to greet arriving passengers, see loved ones off, or shop or dine in airport facilities are now free to do so. All they must do is fill out an online application within seven days of their intended visit. Same-day visits are possible, but time slots are limited and may be full, as non-travelers must still follow the same security protocols as their traveling counterparts. So prospective participants are encouraged to make arrangements in advance.

Those whose applications are accepted will receive an email with a required pass. Printed passes will not be accepted. There is no cost for an ONT+ pass.

Many, including ONT officials, are celebrating the policy change.

"We all remember the excitement of being able to meet arriving family and friends as they get off the plane," said ONT public safety administrator Dean Brown, dating himself. "ONT+ is a way to bring back some of that experience from decades ago, in a safe and secure manner."

Those who are old enough can, indeed, recall a time before the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, when non-ticketed persons could move freely to gates, restaurants, and other meeting areas. But heightened airport security and lengthy baggage screenings quickly established after that fateful day prompted airport administrators to bar visitors from almost all areas of the airport except ticketing counters and baggage claim.

Now, ONT offers a return to the pre-9/11 era, a time when parents can safely escort minor plane travelers to and from their gates and businessmen and women can conduct meetings with associates on a lengthy layover.

Pass holders are also allowed to leave the airport and return, so long as they go through security each time. Pass holders are allowed to remain until 10:00 p.m., at which time they will be encouraged to make their way to the exit.

Though some outlets have reported that ONT+ is the first of its kind, similar policies have already been implemented at other major airports, including Detroit Metro, Louis Armstrong in New Orleans, and Tampa International. ONT+ is considered "a permanent program," according to SimpleFlying, but ONT representatives said they have the right to rescind it at any time.

"ONT+ is another example of how Ontario International is always at the forefront of amenities and services that can enhance the customer experience," said Alan D. Wapner, president of the Ontario International Airport Authority Board of Commissioners and Mayor pro Tem of the City of Ontario, in a statement

Alaska Airlines flight delayed because two pilots just couldn't 'get along'



Passengers on Alaska Airlines flight 1080 from Dulles Airport in Washington, D.C., to San Francisco on July 18 had a bumpy ride long before the plane ever took off.

The flight itself had already been delayed an hour and a half due to inclement weather. However, once everyone was on board and the plane headed for the tarmac, it suddenly turned around and headed back to the gate. Not because of a pop-up storm or equipment failure, but because the pilot and co-pilot just couldn't "get along."

According to reports, allegedly from passengers, the pilot took to the intercom as he taxied the plane back to the gate and informed everyone on board that he and his co-pilot had "a failure to get along" and that "in the interest of safety," he was returning them back to the place from whence they came.

Once they had docked safely at the gate, the pilot allegedly hurried off the plane "fuming." One passenger took a video of him with the caption "@AlaskaAir there goes your pro pilot, off into the sunset."

Other passengers seemed just as frustrated by the sudden turn of events:

\u201c@AlaskaAir. First (and last) time flying with you.... After an hour and a half delay, we now return to the terminal due to "a failure of the captain and first officer to get along". \n\nAll I can say is wow....just wow. \n #AS1080. #FAIL #flightdelay \n@AmericanAir -#AA - AA7516\u201d
— Chris Schumm (@Chris Schumm) 1658180879


\u201c@tomcostellonbc this is a first for me. Alaska #1080 from IAD to SFO, already delayed due to weather, comes back to gate. Pilot says he and his first officer can\u2019t get along\u2026 so in the interest of safety..\u201d and then leaves the plane.\u201d
— Al Jackson (@Al Jackson) 1658182277


\u201c#alaska 1080 just returned to gate because the pilot and copilot couldn\u2019t get along. Seriously. Pilot just left plane fuming after returning to gate from the tarmac. This is absolute ridiculous.\u201d
— NicaCounselor (@NicaCounselor) 1658180991

Despite the complaints on social media, the passengers ultimately didn't fare too badly. The spat cost them an additional hour, which, when combined with the weather delay, meant that they arrived at their destination at 9:34 p.m. instead of 7:05 p.m. Alaska Airlines also offered each person on board $175 to help compensate for the inconvenience.

Meanwhile, passengers on a flight from Dulles to Los Angeles were similarly delayed two and a half hours because their pilot was selected to fill in for the absconded pilot on the San Francisco flight, but the L.A. passengers weren't given any kind of compensation, monetary or otherwise, for the inconvenience.

There were also many in the airline industry and on social media who defended the decision to abort takeoff rather than risk the safety of everyone on board because the two pilots weren't able to communicate.

"Hi guys! Although very annoying & inconvenient, as a pilot myself, I think the way things ended up was MUCH better for all you passengers! B/c I sure as hell wouldn’t have wanted to be on that flight knowing the guys up on the flight deck were quarrelling! A recipe for DISASTER!!" tweeted @RobertStuScott1, though it is unclear whether he was on the flight.

A representative from Alaska Airlines also defended the decision in a statement: "While this situation was unfortunate, in the interest of safety, the pilots did the right thing. Both the captain and the first officer was evaluated by management and it was determined they remained fit to fly… We apologized to our guests for the inconvenience this caused."

Eric Swalwell Duped by Chinese SEX Spy!? | Louder With Crowder

Eric Swalwell Duped by Chinese SEX Spy!? | Louder With Crowder