Here's how pilots, airlines train for air traffic control disruptions as summer travel ramps up
The Fourth of July could set a new travel record. The TSA expects to screen more than 18.5 million flyers over a 7-day stretch.
With the next summer travel rush upon us for the Fourth of July, CBS News got a first-hand look at a pilot's training, inside a 737 Max simulator taking off from a simulated Newark Liberty Airport.
"We operate on a system of multiple layers of redundant systems," said Capt. Miles Morgan, who oversees United Airline's flight training center in Denver, adding even before joining an airline pilot learns how to handle ATC outages. "One of the first things you learn as a pilot, when you're getting your instrument rating in a small airplane, is what to do if you lose communication with the air traffic control facility."
While flying Morgan dialed into air traffic control on an assigned radio frequency.
Morgan explained what would happen if ATC went out midflight, saying, "So the first thing is I'm on this primary frequency. I would immediately go to the frequency that I was last on, which is now in my standby."
Another radio is set to an emergency channel that all air traffic control centers and other aircraft can hear.
If that doesn't work, Morgan said there is a text messaging system pilots can use to communicate with crews on the ground. While flying, the plane's transponder sends a signal identifying the plane to controllers and other aircraft. Pilots can change that number to 7,600, the code for comms trouble.
"Hey, this aircraft has lost communication. So they'll start separating aircraft, you know, around from us," Morgan said.
All airliners also have an onboard collision avoidance system — known as TCAS — that scans the skies for other planes.
"I'm gonna stop everything that I'm doing. I'm gonna look at my navigation display and I see that I've got traffic encroaching on me, 600 feet above," Morgan said.
But if his plane is not a safe distance away, "my aircraft would give me a command," he explained. "If my aircraft was told to descend, that aircraft would be told to climb, and that would increase the separation."
In May, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy spoke CBS News about ATC outages, saying, "the pilots, when that happens, they know that they have to look ... to another center or, TRACON or tower to communicate with and they all start to pay close attention and stay away from each other."
Morgan said passengers are not less safe because of air traffic control outages, but they may be inconvenienced.
"Because we're going to immediately have delays," he said.
Delays will happen because when there's an issue, air traffic control will limit traffic in the impacted area. Controllers also have backup radio channels and if one center does go dark, other facilities can still track the planes.
Air traffic control outages
The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating after multiple air traffic control outages since April were reported at the Philadelphia air traffic control center, which is responsible for handling flights in and out of Newark Liberty International Airport.
In April, air traffic controllers directing flights into the New Jersey airport lost communications for 90 seconds.
The air traffic control center in Denver had a temporary, partial outage in May that impacted communications. The center covers 285,000 square miles of airspace.
The Trump administration announced plans in May to overhaul the country's system.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Forbes
an hour ago
- Forbes
Overtourism: Why Does Spain Face More Tourism Backlash Than France?
Provence—Why is it that France is the most visited country in the world, but has minimal backlash against overtourism? getty Tourism is booming in Europe. The George Washington University revealed that in 2024, 747 million travelers visited Europe, more than the population of Europe itself, and this inevitably puts a "strain on local infrastructure, environment, and communities." France and Spain receive the most. Yet, despite welcoming a similar number of visitors, Spain has seen far more local opposition to tourism than France. From protests in Barcelona to banners in Ibiza, Spanish locals are voicing their frustrations. Meanwhile, France, known for its frequent demonstrations against many things, has remained relatively quiet. Why? France topped the list again in 2024 as the most-visited country in the world, with a record 100 million travelers passing through its borders, resulting in a 12% year-on-year increase in tourist earnings. Furthermore, the latest data from the World Travel and Tourism Council suggests that France is on track to surpass its records in 2025. Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: "France continues to set the pace for Travel & Tourism worldwide. After a historic 2024, the sector is expected to maintain its growth into 2025 and beyond." Much of this increase can be attributed to the success of the Olympic and Paralympic Games in summer 2024, which showcased France as a backdrop to every race. The WTTC predicts that the tourism sector will employ one in ten people in France in 2025. Spain was only six million people short of this figure, and still reached 94 million travelers and a 10% year-on-year increase in takings. So, Why Are Spanish Locals Protesting, And Not the French? So, why are Spanish locals more vociferous in their opposition to increased tourism? At the same time, France, notwithstanding a recent strike at the Louvre against unmanageable crowds, has seen relatively little protests. And this is in a country that is known for its frequent demonstrations. Throughout 2024, Spanish locals ran coordinated protests against tourists in cities such as Barcelona and Madrid, as well as the bustling Canary Islands. In mid-June 2025, thousands of people took to the streets across Madrid and Barcelona to protest, shouting "Your holidays, my misery" and holding up banners that read "Mass tourism kills the city" and "Their greed brings us ruin." Protesters also took part across the country, in locations such as Ibiza, Málaga, Palma de Mallorca, San Sebastián, and Granada. France Has A Very Different Tourist Set-Up From Spain There are several reasons, however, that might explain why France has seen comparatively little local resistance to tourism. Notably, a significant portion of France's tourism is domestic. French residents contribute between 50% and 70% of the country's tourism revenue, commonly spending their holidays traveling across their own country. Helped by the fact that France has access to the Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea and mountain ranges in the Alps and the Pyrenees. The rest of France's visitors arrive predominantly from Belgium, Britain, Germany, Switzerland, and the U.S. The number of Asian visitors remains significantly below pre-pandemic levels, with Chinese visitors still 60% down from their pre-pandemic figures. Statistics sometimes inflate international tourist numbers because France serves as a significant transit hub between northern and southern Europe. The statistics also show that tourists are spending more when they visit Spain, prompting French Tourism Minister Nathalie Delattre to state in early 2025 that one of France's tourism objectives is to encourage visitors to spend more and stay longer. French visitors spent around $74 billion in 2024 (€71 billion), whereas tourists to Spain spent $148 billion (€126 billion). More extended stays might make locals more hostile? France and Spain have both been strict about clamping down on Airbnb and other short-term rentals, but geography also plays a part. They are around the same size in terms of land; France is only 9% larger. In terms of population, France had approximately 69 million residents and Spain had just over 46 million in 2021. However, there are large swathes of Spain that lie uninhabited because they are simply less hospitable to residents than other parts of Spain, and this puts an undeniable pressure on resources in cities and along the coast. While France has many of its residents in the Ile-de-France region (around Paris), it also has more cities distributed across the center of the country, such as Lyon, Toulouse, and Strasbourg. Due to its geography and history, might it also have a more diverse tourist base? They visit Paris, yes, but also different regions for the Champagne, the castles in the Loire, the skiing in the Alps, and they head to Provence and the Mediterranean. So, while the bulk of tourists visit the same sites, such as Paris, Étretat, and Mont Saint-Michel, perhaps it's less of an issue overall? MORE FROM FORBES Forbes The Five Safest Countries In The World, Per 2025 Global Peace Index By Alex Ledsom Forbes What It Means To Be Wealthy In Brazil By Alex Ledsom Forbes Portugal Golden Visa: Government Plans To Enhance Incentives By Alex Ledsom
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Airport Lounges Are Sexy Again—If You Can Get In
Alex Green This story is part of The New Era of Work Travel, a collaboration between the editors of Condé Nast Traveler and WIRED to help you navigate the perks and pitfalls of the modern business trip. Let's be honest: A crowded airport lounge without a seat in sight is usually less appealing than an empty gate area. Over the past decade, an influx of travelers with club access has led to overcrowding, long waitlists, and a diminished (read: not luxurious) experience. However, a version of commercial air travel—often hidden from public view and inaccessible to even premium credit cardholders—has emerged. This more private, pre-flight experience is essential for the affluent business traveler, says Rob Karp, founder and CEO of travel consultancy firm MilesAhead. 'What we're seeing now is a correction: tiered access, differentiated spaces, and new incentives to spend or commit more to a particular airline,' Karp notes. Business travelers are looking to optimize time and minimize stress—and they're willing to pay for it. That means sitting down for a proper meal, taking a call in a quiet, uninterrupted setting, or even squeezing in a quick spa treatment before boarding. In the US, newer lounges that require an international business-class ticket for access, like the network of Delta One Lounges or United Polaris Lounges, are delivering on that promise. Delta, for instance, offers an á la carte, bistro-like dining experience, soundproof phone booths, and even external monitors for focused work at each of its flagship business lounges. 'Each space is designed to balance comfort and luxury with practical efficiency,' says Claude Roussel, vice president of Delta Sky Club and lounge experience. For Aaron Kokoruz, a public relations executive who clocks nearly 100 flights per year, lounges like these are about crafting a moment of calm and comfort before boarding, regardless of whether you are hopping over to Omaha or flying halfway across the world. Kokoruz lists both the Qantas First Lounge at LAX (with a Neil Perry menu) and the Cathay Pacific First Lounge at London-Heathrow as personal favorites. 'My top priorities in a lounge are healthy and hearty food options, and a solid selection of cocktails and mocktails,' Kokoruz says. 'It's 2025—every great lounge should nail both.' 'The best spaces feel more like high-end hospitality than a pre-flight pit stop,' he adds. In order to cater to different tiers of travelers, both airlines and credit card companies have debuted new 'lounge-within-a-lounge' concepts—reservable, private spaces ideal for a power lunch or power nap. Last year, Air France introduced private suites within its already-exclusive La Première lounge at Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG). These 500-square-foot sanctuaries are connected to the main first-class lounge and feature a spacious living area, a bedroom with a double bed, an outdoor patio, and a dedicated butler. Meanwhile, Chase's 'Reserve Suites,' private rooms with a personal attendant, include a welcome caviar service, á la carte dining, and an ensuite bathroom with Augustinus Bader amenities. The smallest suite, with a four-person capacity, costs $2,200. Beyond in-lounge amenities, easing airport stress for business travelers is about eliminating points of friction. Karp says that includes 'skipping the line to enter, accessing a private security checkpoint, or avoiding crowds altogether.' In 2023, Delta Air Lines opened an exclusive check-in area at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) for Delta One customers. Tucked away on the arrivals level, the 4,200-square-foot space not only offers white-glove assistance (hot towel, anyone?) but also a special TSA lane and direct access to the lounge upstairs. Several US airlines, including American Airlines and United Airlines, allow customers to book a VIP concierge (on a pay-per-use basis) who can meet you curbside, check your bags, secure lounge access, and even escort you to the gate. However, it's limited to certain hubs and is targeted to specific corporate customers. Then, there are the airport terminals that function more like private FBOs. Here, travelers can pay to bypass the entire commercial terminal, with perks like dedicated security, customs clearance, and being driven directly to or from the plane. PS (formerly called Private Suites) offers these amenities at both LAX and Atlanta (ATL). Instead of the congested entryway for pickups and dropoffs, travelers arrive at a separate facility across the airfield. 'We sit in a space that, until now, didn't really exist—the white space between commercial and private air travel,' says Amina Belouizdad Porter, CEO of PS. New openings for PS are set for Miami (MIA) and Dallas (DFW) in 2026. Karp believes this model will continue to grow, especially on this side of the Atlantic. 'Europe is ahead of the US in many ways when it comes to offering bespoke airport experiences,' he notes. 'I think we'll see more here, especially for travelers who are used to the control and calm of flying private.' Originally Appeared on Condé Nast Traveler The Latest Travel News and Advice Want to be the first to know? Sign up to our newsletters for travel inspiration and tips Stop Counting the Countries You Visit How Safe Is Flying Today? 5 Things Experts Want Travelers to Know The Best Places to See the Northern Lights Worldwide
%3Amax_bytes(150000)%3Astrip_icc()%2FTAL-lead-image-NJRIVERTWNS0625-bd01e95ab13c474185957eed6b40e0dd.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
Travel + Leisure
2 hours ago
- Travel + Leisure
These New Jersey River Towns Are Full of Americana Charm—and They're Just 1.5 Hours From NYC
The Delaware River towns—including Lambertville, Frenchtown, and Stockton—are easily accessible from both New York City and Philadelphia (about 1.5 hours by car), making them a convenient weekend or day trip destination. Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities like walking, biking, and kayaking along the D&R Canal towpath. The region hosts unique events, including Milford's bed races Lambertville's Shad Festival. From historic inns to countryside retreats, the area offers a range of cozy places to stay, including The National Hotel in Frenchtown and Woolverton Inn in Stockton. The river towns offer a wide variety of dining options with a focus on local ingredients and seasonal menus; don't miss the inventive farm-driven dishes at FinnBar in Frenchtown. The drive north along the Delaware River from Lambertville to Riegelsville is just over an hour. This idyllic stretch of western New Jersey is dotted with postcard-pretty towns that blend Americana charm with elevated local eats, funky cultural gems, and a refreshing lack of pretension. Set against a backdrop of rolling hills, bucolic farms, and a winding river that seems to slow time, the region invites you to breathe a little deeper. Each town along the way—Lambertville, Stockton, Frenchtown, and Milford—has its own personality, from Lambertville's art-forward sophistication to Milford's low-key magic. But they all share a certain alchemy: a deep sense of history, an easy relationship with nature, and a thriving creative spirit that feels both timeless and very now. I've been lucky enough to call Frenchtown home for the last five years, and I'm still discovering new gems tucked into these river towns. Whether it's a new farm stand, a hidden hiking trail, or a pop-up jazz show, the region is endlessly surprising—and impossible not to fall in love with. And while it's just a short drive from both New York City and Philadelphia, it feels like a world away. A fiction bookshelf in Frenchtown Bookshop. 'The towns that have formed along the Delaware carry with them a quaint sense of history, with Victorian architecture and bountiful nature blended with modern shops, restaurants, and bars,' says Carolyn Gadbois, owner of Union Coffee in Lambertville, which is known for its quality brew, excellent vegan brownies, and buzzy community events. 'There's plenty to do and much to see, but in a way that feels like you're escaping reality to a simpler, more beautiful time.' Start your trip in Lambertville, where antique shops—The People's Store houses more than 50 European, American, and Asian antiques dealers—and art galleries line the blocks and the canal-side towpath is made for strolling or biking. The town comes alive in the spring and fall—Gadbois recommends April for the Shad Fest or October for Halloween when "the houses and businesses go all out with decorations." In Stockton, explore Stockton Market, filled with wood-fired pizza, local cheeses, and a very good chicken salad curry sandwich. Don't miss Odd Bird Brewing, tucked inside a former gas station—it's a quirky local favorite. The D&R Canal towpath, which stretches more than 70 miles from Frenchtown to New Brunswick along the Delaware River, is ideal for a scenic walk or ride. Take a guided kayak or bike tour—you might even spot a bald eagle overhead. Or, strike out on your own, like Scott Sheldon, co-owner of the Frenchtown Bookshop. 'We load up our bikes, park in Frenchtown, and ride to Lambertville for lunch on the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park trail,' he says. The bookstore, which Sheldon and his wife opened after relocating to the area, is now a cultural cornerstone. Curl up with a new read in the charming backyard or catch one of the many author events. 'Like many residents of northern New Jersey and New York City, we discovered the river towns as a recreation destination,' he explains. When it came time to retire, the couple considered a long list of places, from the Berkshires to Martha's Vineyard. 'The river towns came out on top because of their natural beauty, easy access to culture, and friendly and literate residents.' Frenchtown continues to evolve while keeping its creative, offbeat spirit. ArtYard, a contemporary arts center with an ever-surprising lineup of exhibits and events, anchors the town's cultural scene. Shops like Modern Love, a beautifully curated boutique, add to its charm. Don't miss Gather, a flower studio and gift shop with dreamy arrangements and locally made treasures. According to Sheldon, most visitors are here to unplug and explore. 'Their ideal visit often includes spending time in nature, whether hammering the 'musical' rocks at Ringing Rocks Park, rafting on the Delaware, strolling the boutiquey downtowns, or dining at the area's easygoing farm-to-table restaurants,' he says. He also recommends becoming an 'agrotourist' for the day. The 579 Trail winds through dozens of small farms, stands, and wineries. Local favorites include Bobolink Dairy & Bakehouse for farmstead cheeses (my kids love visiting the cows and watching the cheesemakers at work), Pie Bird Farm for just-baked treats and colorful bouquets, and Phillips Farms in Milford for seasonal fruit and flower picking. Many of these spots also host farm dinners, cider tastings, and pick-your-own flower nights throughout the summer—check local calendars for events that might coincide with your trip. Bird's eye view of dishes from FiNNBAR. This vibrant BYOB spot serves Peruvian and Mexican cuisine in a cozy, colorful setting. The ceviche is a standout, and the lomo saltado is beloved by locals. With a lush outdoor patio and warm service, El Tule offers bold flavors and a taste of tradition. Set in a historic 1870s inn, Anton's offers an ever-changing seasonal menu with an emphasis on local ingredients and refined comfort food. The romantic ambience, wood-paneled bar, and white tablecloth service make it a go-to for special occasions and elegant dinners. Helmed by former Chez Panisse chef Cal Peternell, FinnBar brings creative, farm-driven cuisine to a sleekly restored inn. Expect unfussy but inspired dishes, a strong cocktail game, and occasional DJ nights. Bonus: A portion of profits supports Studio Route 29, a progressive local art studio. Overlooking the Delaware River and housed in an 1838 building, Riegelsville Inn serves hearty American fare in a cozy tavern setting. Top-notch live music, weekend brunch, and a deck with river views make it a perfect stop after walking the dramatic 1904 Riegelsville suspension bridge. This intimate, chef-run cafe from the cookbook authors behind the beloved "Canal House" series has refined yet rustic menus that change daily, but you can always expect impeccable ingredients, precise technique, and timeless flavor. Come for the beloved Sunday dinner and dig into foaming lemon butter asparagus and rhubarb and strawberry short cake. This stretch of the Delaware leans into its local flavor with delightfully quirky events. Milford hosts bed races down its main drag on Milford Day, Frenchtown welcomes Santa by canoe (bagpiper and Vikings included), and Lambertville's Shad Fest celebrates its namesake fish with music and street food. The New Hope/Lambertville Pride parade is the only one in the country to cross state lines. Exterior of Lambertville Station Inn. A restored 1850s landmark, The National Hotel blends history with hospitality. The upstairs rooms are cozy and quiet, while downstairs you'll find a lively bar with frequent live music, creative cocktails, and plenty of local flavor. It's the heart of Frenchtown's nightlife and a favorite for visitors who want to stay right in the action. Set in a converted 19th-century train station on the river, this boutique inn offers modern comforts with a dose of history. Many rooms feature river views, and the adjacent restaurant is perfect for a post-check-in meal. The location is ideal for exploring both Lambertville and neighboring New Hope on foot. Lambertville House is a historic hotel with updated, elegant rooms, some with fireplaces or spa tubs. Located in the center of town, it's steps away from shopping, dining, and the canal path. The cozy bar is a hidden gem, especially in the cooler months. A romantic countryside retreat on 10 acres of farmland, Woolverton Inn is perfect for those wanting to unwind. Guests rave about the serenity, beautifully appointed rooms (some with whirlpool tubs or fireplaces), and the indulgent three-course breakfasts served daily. It's a favorite for anniversaries and peaceful getaways. Aerial view of West Milford, New Jersey. This region is a convenient escape for city dwellers—less than two hours by car from Philadelphia and New York City. The nearest major airports are Newark Liberty International (EWR) and Philadelphia International. Amtrak stops in nearby Trenton, and from there it's a scenic drive through rolling countryside to the river towns. You can easily park and walk in towns like Lambertville, New Hope, and Frenchtown. For broader exploration—say, a trip up to Milford or down to Stockton—a car is helpful. Biking is a favorite local activity thanks to the D&R Canal towpath. 'Talk to strangers, watch the ducks, sit by the river, cross the bridge by foot,' says Gadbois. 'Breathe and enjoy a little bit of quiet in a creatively vibrant, socially inclusive and beautiful place to live.'
