iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Zach Wichter @zlwichter.bsky.social · 09/08/2026

On one of the new Acelas this morning and my seat is broken. The bottom keeps sliding out. It may be new but it’s still Amtrak!

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Zach Wichter @zlwichter.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

It’s really incredible how unreliable the OMNY readers are. The driver of a bus I just got on told every passenger basically to not even bother with the taps because his reader was missing most of them anyway

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Zach Wichter @zlwichter.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

I published my last Cruising Altitude this morning. Here's where experts think the aviation industry is headed as I move to Expedia's comms shop for the next chapter of my career

A doodles showing an airplane flying over the United States. The sun sets off the West Coast, and the plane's shadow is visible in the East.

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Zach Wichter @zlwichter.bsky.social · 27/05/2026

I'm pretty skeptical of AI in general, but when the FAA told me how it's using new tech to help with its data processing and proactively make flying even safer, it finally sounded like good AI to me. www.usatoday.com/story/travel...

A doodle of a desktop computer monitor with a mouse and keyboard attached. On the monitor is a blue icon of an airplane, a plus sign, and a red icon of an airplane. Below that is an equal sign, and below that is a purple airplane icon and a green check mark.

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Zach Wichter @zlwichter.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

After years of reporting on the Boeing 737 Max, I finally had a chance to fly one earlier this month. Here's why I know it's a safe plane, why I wasn't worried to take it across the Atlantic, and why you shouldn't be, either. www.usatoday.com/story/travel...

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Zach Wichter @zlwichter.bsky.social · 13/05/2026

Higher airfares may be the biggest pain point for summer travelers, driven by oil prices and the fall of Spirit Airlines. I joined USA TODAY's The Excerpt to talk summer travel. Listen here: art19.com/shows/5-thin... (or on YouTube youtu.be/TOVqt9xAm9A)

art19.com

Does Spirit’s collapse signal the end of cheap flights?

Summer travel season is getting underway. But this year, travelers are facing a perfect storm of new pressures in the airline industry. The budget airline Spirit Airlines has collapsed after years of ...

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Zach Wichter @zlwichter.bsky.social · 06/05/2026

Have a long flight coming up? Rest, hydration and entertainment (and stretching) are the keys to making it less painful and more relaxing. www.usatoday.com/story/travel...

Three people on a flight. The person in the window sleeps with a pink eyemask and red neck pillow. The person in the middle drinks from a water bottle. The person on the aisle watches a video on their phone, while wearing headphones.

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Reposted by Zach Wichter

Matthew Gertz @mattgertz.bsky.social · 02/05/2026

This is gonna sound weird — and I don’t want to do spoilers on an opening weekend — but if you’ve worked at the Washington Post over the last few years and have any unresolved feelings about it, then you may want to pump the brakes about seeing The Devil Wears Prada 2.

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Zach Wichter @zlwichter.bsky.social · 22/04/2026

British Airways now lets passengers make voice and video calls on flights. I really hope other airlines don't follow suit. www.usatoday.com/story/travel...

Three stick figures in adjacent airplane seats. The people on the left and right are making phone calls. The person in the middle seat has angry eyebrows and an orange squiggly agove their head.

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Zach Wichter @zlwichter.bsky.social · 15/04/2026

Airlines have raised the cost of checked bags again. They largely cited "higher operational costs" but don't expect these fees to come back down once fuel prices drop. www.usatoday.com/story/travel...

Four stick figures tow wheeled suitcases, but the suitcases are just large green dollar signs.

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Reposted by Zach Wichter

Matt Brown @mattbrown.bsky.social · 11/04/2026

Okay CTA. This is a good sign.

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Zach Wichter @zlwichter.bsky.social · 08/04/2026

Depending on where and when you fly, you could be at increased risk for radiation exposure. Cruising Altitude this week looks at the dangers and what you need to know to minimize the risks. www.usatoday.com/story/travel...

Three stick figures sit in adjacent airline seats. The sun shines off the left side of the image and a sunbeam strikes the window seat stick figure's arm.

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Reposted by Zach Wichter

Rex Huppke @rexhuppke.bsky.social · 28/03/2026

Proud to see my news organization (@usatoday.com) running No Kings coverage front-and-center on its homepage while the NY Times, Washington Post and Wall Street Journal all have it far lower. Ideology aside, it's smart news judgment. Today could be the largest single-day protest in U.S. history.

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Zach Wichter @zlwichter.bsky.social · 25/03/2026

Flying is safe but experts say that the crash at LaGuardia is just the latest sign that the safety net that undergirds US aviation is showing definite signs of strain. www.usatoday.com/story/travel...

A doodle of an airplane. Its tail shows an icon of a flashing red light and it is surrounded by orange safety cones.

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Reposted by Zach Wichter

Kate Sosin @shoeleatherkate.bsky.social · 23/03/2026

I am looking to interview a trans athlete who self identifies as not that good at their sport but enjoys it anyway. Is that you? HMU!

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Zach Wichter @zlwichter.bsky.social · 19/03/2026

My editor took the phrase "I am not a skincare girlie" out of my copy, so it's on my socials instead. Cruising Altitude this week looks at why you don't have to go overboard with face products when you fly. It's better to focus on hydration and moisturizing basics. www.usatoday.com/story/travel...

A stick figure airplane passenger wears under-eye patches. In a thought bubble they consider face wipes in a green box, facial mist in a black spray bottle, and moisturizer in a pink pump bottle. Another stick figure passenger in an adjacent seat looks at them with a confounded expression.

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Zach Wichter @zlwichter.bsky.social · 11/03/2026

Why do we board airplanes the way we do? Because it's the best way for airlines to make some extra money, not because it's efficient in terms of time. Read more in this week's Cruising Altitude. www.usatoday.com/story/travel...

A doodle of stick figure people boarding an airplane. The gate has a sign over it that says "Gate 26" and a stick figure wheeling a suitcase walks under the sign, That stick figure has no facial features, suggesting they are walking away. Another stick figure holding a rectangle representing a boarding pass and wheeling a suitcase presents the rectangle to a stick figure standing behind a lectern. They are under a sign that says "Boarding Group 12." Three more stick figures stand in a rope line in the foreground.

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Zach Wichter @zlwichter.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

My 2026 accessibility in flying project continues! I want to hear your stories. Has an airline damaged or destroyed your mobility device? Have you not gotten the accommodations you need? Fill out the form or reach out at zwichter@usatoday.com www.usatoday.com/story/travel...

usatoday.com

USA TODAY is tracking airline accessibility in 2026

USA TODAY wants to tell stories that will help make airlines more accessible. We hope you'll share yours with us.

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Zach Wichter @zlwichter.bsky.social · 11/02/2026

Deeply personal Cruising Altitude this week, talking about how I went from a terrified traveler to a travel writer, with help from lots of therapy and my professional hero, Samantha Brown. I hope you'll give it a read www.usatoday.com/story/travel...

Doodle of an airplane. The grimacing face emoji is on the tail and a line mimicking an EKG readout runs the length of the middle of the fuselage.

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Reposted by Zach Wichter

Sara Alfageeh @saraalfageeh.bsky.social · 07/02/2026

Job offer!! I’m helping a PBS series look for a social media manager/content creator for an upcoming promotional campaign. The start date is ASAP, and a project timeline that currently goes to July. This is for a series on American Muslim history, so candidates with cultural familiarity preferred!

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Reposted by Zach Wichter

Joshua Raclaw @joshuaraclaw.com · 06/02/2026

We put on an all-Yiddish community production of fiddler on the roof in Philadelphia and cast member and local artist Sofie Rose Seymour created the most amazing show poster that ever was

Incredible art of gritty playing fiddle on the roof of a west Philadelphia row home. In Yiddish it says Fidler Oyfn Fakh פֿידלער אױפֿן דאַך)

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Zach Wichter @zlwichter.bsky.social · 05/02/2026

Data suggest people are more ready to check bags these days. A combination of being used to paying bag fees, and credit cards or airline perks that help cover them, may be part of the reason. Cruising Altitude this week digs in. www.usatoday.com/story/travel...

Two stick figure people at airport bag drop counters. On the left, a person has two blue wheeling suitcases, one standing upright and one on the ground. On the right, the person has two red suitcases. One upright one with wheels, and one small hatbox on the ground. Check in agents stand behind podums to help them, and a sign above says "BAG DROP"

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Zach Wichter @zlwichter.bsky.social · 28/01/2026

It’s the end of an era at Southwest Airlines as the carrier started assigning seats on Jan. 27. The move drew little fuss in airports and onboard, but it says a lot about the current state of aviation in the U.S. www.usatoday.com/story/travel...

Two adjacent tombstones, both with Southwest Airlines yellow, red and blue hearts at the top. The left marker says OPEN SEATING 1967-2026 "A-1" and the right marker says FREE CHECKED BAGS 1967-2025

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Reposted by Zach Wichter

Nolan Hicks @ndhapple.bsky.social · 25/01/2026

The Star-Tribune is taking donations to help fund the purchase vital newsroom supplies and equipment, including protective and tactical gear for street reporters and photogs. If you live in MSP, pls subscribe. If you don't and want to help, here's a way -- www.startribunecompany.com/donate-payme....

startribunecompany.com

Donate Payment - Star Tribune Company

DonateDonate Now Donate Thank You for Supporting the Minnesota Star Tribune Thank You for Supporting the Minnesota Star Tribune See Other Ways to Give We Value Your Privacy The Minneapolis…

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Zach Wichter @zlwichter.bsky.social · 20/01/2026

You heard it here first: a new version of American Airlines’ app will make it easier to navigate flight disruptions. Here’s what to know. www.usatoday.com/story/travel...

usatoday.com

American Airlines' app update helps problem solving during disruptions

American Airlines is rolling out updates to its app and website that aim to make it easier for travelers to cope with disruptions.

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Zach Wichter @zlwichter.bsky.social · 14/01/2026

USA TODAY is doubling down this year on highlighting accessibility in travel. If have your mobility device damaged or destroyed by an airline, or trouble getting some other accommodation you need when you fly this year, please reach out -- I want to tell your story. www.usatoday.com/story/travel...

Stick figure people line up to board a doodled plane by stairs. One of the travelers appears as the handicap wheelchair symbol and is drawn in blue.

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Reposted by Zach Wichter

WeRateDogs @weratedogs.com · 05/01/2026

This is Ollie. He found a perfectly placed carrot snack on his walk. Simply can't believe his luck. 13/10 best day ever (TT: maxime_aries)

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Zach Wichter @zlwichter.bsky.social · 17/12/2025

Whether you’re flying with your own kids this winter or just dealing with other kids on your flight, there’s plenty you can do to make the it less stressful. Cruising Altitude this week brings advice from the best source: a flight attendant who is also a mom. www.usatoday.com/story/travel...

A stick figure family walks hand in hand through the airport. From right to left, there is a stick figure baby in a stroller wearing a purple pointed hat with a pom-pom. Pushing the stroller is a stick figure adult wearing a green pointed hat with a pom-pom. The first stick figure adult is holding hands with a stick figure child behind them, and the stick figure child is wearing a blue pointed hat with a pom-pom. Behind the child is another stick figure adult, who is also holding the child's hand. That final stick figure adult is wearing an orange pointed hat with a pom-pom, and is towing a roller suitcase with a red ribbon and bow across it.

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Zach Wichter @zlwichter.bsky.social · 12/12/2025

I forgot to post the doodle this week! I spoke to Brittney Griner about her experience getting arrested for possession of medical marijuana in Russia, and what she hopes others can learn from her experience about the right ways to travel with prescription meds. www.usatoday.com/story/travel...

A stick figure person approaches a passport control station. The officer is a blue stick figure. The person is holding out a blue passport and towing a rolling suitcase with a red medical cross in the center.

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Zach Wichter @zlwichter.bsky.social · 06/12/2025

lol @ an in-uniform NYPD traffic cop boarding the same bus as me and not paying the fare…

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Zach Wichter @zlwichter.bsky.social · 03/12/2025

Airport lounges have evolved from focusing on business travelers to appealing to a much broader array of flyers. Cruising Altitude this week looks at why, and what comes next for these more premium spaces. www.usatoday.com/story/travel...

A line of people wait to enter an airport lounge. Across the top of the image are the words AIR LINE LOUNGE. "AIR" is written in red cursive text. "LINE" is written in blue serif text. "LOUNGE" is written in green sans-serif text, meant to look like the modular lines of a digital display.

Under the words from left to right are: a stick figure man in a top hat holding a briefcase; a stick figure man holding a briefcase and wearing a red tie; a stick figure woman wearing a skirt and holding a circular hatbox; a stick figure child; a stick figure person wheeling a suitcase while wearing sunglasses and blue jeans; a stick figure person standing behind a reception desk facing the line of travelers.

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Zach Wichter @zlwichter.bsky.social · 28/11/2025

If you're flying in the next few days, keep an eye out for updates from your airline as Airbus A320s face a required technical fix before their next flights www.usatoday.com/story/travel...

usatoday.com

Flyers could see delays as Airbus orders fixes for A320 flight controls

A solar radiation–linked software flaw in Airbus A320 jets triggered urgent global fixes, causing possible delays but no safety risk for travelers.

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Zach Wichter @zlwichter.bsky.social · 27/11/2025

I tried to use (approved) AI for such a simple task at work today and it failed me so many times! My company has Microsoft Copilot, and I needed a transcript of an audio file. So I asked Copilot if it could transcribe the file for me and it said yes, just upload the file 1/

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Zach Wichter @zlwichter.bsky.social · 26/11/2025

Wondering what to do if your Thanksgiving flight plans don’t go off without a hitch? Check out Cruising Altitude for what to do if you face delays or cancellations this holiday weekend. Remember to be nice to the people who are working to get you to your destination. www.usatoday.com/story/travel...

A hand turkey condensed to fit on an index card. Above the turkey's wing and below the upper plumage, there are six airplane-style windows with stick figure heads in them.

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Zach Wichter @zlwichter.bsky.social · 19/11/2025

Ever wondered how mixed-airline itineraries on partner carriers work? Cruising Altitude this week takes a deep dive on airline codeshares, how they benefit travelers and what some of the drawbacks can be when you fly more than one airline on the same trip. www.usatoday.com/story/travel...

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Zach Wichter @zlwichter.bsky.social · 12/11/2025

I know it’s frustrating, but there’s just not enough overhead bin space for everyone on a plane. Just because you have a ticket doesn’t mean you automatically get to stow your stuff in the cabin. Cruising Altitude this week looks at how we got here. www.usatoday.com/story/travel...

A doodle of a plane with passengers seated and bags in the overhead bins. More passengers with rollaboard bags are boarding and look sad.

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Zach Wichter @zlwichter.bsky.social · 05/11/2025

Cruising Altitude this week is all about one of my favorite little quirks of (some) international travel: customs preclearance. So much better than going through on the U.S. side. Read the column and learn how it works. www.usatoday.com/story/travel...

Doodle of a U.S. customs preclearance area in Canada. On the left side of the image, the floor is a partial American flag, and a CBP officer stands behind a lectern taking a blue passport from a stick figure. On the right side, the floor is a half Canadian flag, and a line of stick figures holding blue passports wait their turn.

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Colleen Mondor @chasingray.bsky.social · 29/10/2025

Everyone needs to stop worrying about “disruptions” in air service and start caring about flight safety and how wrong it is to demand that people work unpaid & exhausted at one of the most stressful jobs in the world. Politics continues to endanger ATC and it needs to stop. Now.

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Zach Wichter @zlwichter.bsky.social · 29/10/2025

Sometimes people fly because they have to, but some trips happen just because an airline offers an attractive new route. This week’s Cruising Altitude looks at how airlines can induce demand for new passenger traffic. www.usatoday.com/story/travel...

A doodle showing two flight options between city pairs in the United States. The origin is represented by a circle in the Northeast, and the destination is represented by a triangle on the West Coast. One flight option, represented by a green line, goes directly from Circle to Triangle. A small plane hovers near the triangle above the green line, and it is trailed by an unbroken string of blue stick figure people. Another flight option transits through Square in the Southeast, and is represented by two red lines, one from Circle to Square, and one from Square to Triangle A small plane hovers below the red line from Square to Triangle. There are two blue stick figure people on the red line between Circle and Square, and two blue stick figure people behind the plane on the red line between Square and Triangle.

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Zach Wichter @zlwichter.bsky.social · 28/10/2025

Me every time Microsoft updates and I have to toggle through six menus to turn off text predictions in Word. Let me do my job, computer! You deal with the beep boops and assorted 0s and 1s.

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Zach Wichter @zlwichter.bsky.social · 22/10/2025

Listen, we all have to share space for our carry-on bags when we fly. Cruising Altitude this week looks at why the carry-on bag limit exists and why it matters that ALL passengers pay attention to them. www.usatoday.com/story/travel...

A doodle person wearing a backpack, holding a handbag, and rolling a wheelie suitcase with a second bag strapped to the handle. The person is in the center of the no sign: a red circle with a diagonal slash.

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Zach Wichter @zlwichter.bsky.social · 15/10/2025

British Airways recently announced a new flight from London to St. Louis. Cruising Altitude this week takes a look at how airlines decide which routes to operate, and how that specific flight came to be. www.usatoday.com/story/travel...

A doodle map of the U.S. There's a yellow star approximately where St. Louis would be, and a plane flying toward the East Coast from the east. The plane is trailed by a solid red line, and a dashed red line extends from its nose to the star.

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Zach Wichter @zlwichter.bsky.social · 14/10/2025

Do you know the difference between first class and business class on a plane? Check out this guide I wrote for @usatoday.com to put your #avgeek knowledge to the test www.usatoday.com/story/travel...

usatoday.com

What you get when you buy an upgrade: Premium economy, business and first class explained

Airline premium cabins, from premium economy to first class, can be confusing. Here's what to know.

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Zach Wichter @zlwichter.bsky.social · 08/10/2025

Desperately wish this had happened like two days ago so I could have included this wild story in my column about seat switching today www.usatoday.com/story/travel...

usatoday.com

Why you can't just move to an empty airplane seat for free

Even if there are empty seats on your flight, switching your assignment isn't always straightforward.

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Zach Wichter @zlwichter.bsky.social · 08/10/2025

I'm really proud of this doodle! Also, this week's Cruising Altitude is about why you can't just switch your airplane seat without asking. Yes, there's a revenue issue for airlines, but there's a safety one for passengers as well. Check it out. www.usatoday.com/story/travel...

Doodle of the right side of an economy section of an airplane. Most of the seats are full, but two in the front row are empty. They have orange headrests, denoting a more premium section, and the middle and window seats, which are unoccupied, are covered with red X marks.

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