Zach Wichter
@zlwichter.bsky.social
📤 655
📥 318
📝 210
Travel reporter and Cruising Altitude columnist for USA TODAY
[email protected]
✡️🏳️🌈✈️🗒
reposted by
Zach Wichter
Matthew Gertz
1 day ago
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.
12
189
22
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...
11 days ago
0
0
0
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...
18 days ago
0
1
0
Air New Zealand's Sky Nest is going to be in service for the end of the year. Economy class passengers, rejoice. Your bedtime has come.
www.usatoday.com/story/travel...
loading . . .
Economy passengers on Air New Zealand will soon have flat bed access
Air New Zealand economy passengers will be able to sleep in full beds starting in November. Here are the details of the Sky Nest bunks.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/airline-news/2026/04/14/economy-passengers-on-this-airline-will-soon-have-beds-onboard-look/89606271007/
19 days ago
0
0
0
reposted by
Zach Wichter
Matt Brown
22 days ago
Okay CTA. This is a good sign.
90
24427
4677
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...
25 days ago
0
0
0
reposted by
Zach Wichter
Rex Huppke
about 1 month ago
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.
3
314
51
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...
about 1 month ago
0
0
0
reposted by
Zach Wichter
Kate Sosin
about 1 month ago
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!
1
79
50
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...
about 1 month ago
0
0
0
TSA agents are sleeping in their cars at airports to save money on gas as the shutdown continues
www.usatoday.com/story/travel...
loading . . .
'No funds for food.' TSA agents sleeping in cars as shutdown continues.
Some airports are starting charity collections at TSA workers struggle amid the current government shutdown.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/airline-news/2026/03/12/tsa-government-shutdown-charity-pay/89122231007/
about 2 months ago
0
0
0
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...
about 2 months ago
0
2
1
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
[email protected]
www.usatoday.com/story/travel...
loading . . .
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.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/airline-news/2026/01/14/airline-accessibility-tracking/88143976007/
about 2 months ago
0
1
4
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...
3 months ago
0
0
0
reposted by
Zach Wichter
Sara Alfageeh
3 months ago
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!
16
1514
1205
reposted by
Zach Wichter
Joshua Raclaw
3 months ago
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
134
5741
1806
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...
3 months ago
0
0
0
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...
3 months ago
0
0
1
LOUDER FOR THOSE IN THE BACK
add a skeleton here at some point
3 months ago
0
2
0
reposted by
Zach Wichter
Nolan Hicks
3 months ago
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...
.
loading . . .
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…
https://www.startribunecompany.com/donate-payment/?_gl=1*mfub9o*_gcl_au*NTA4Njc0NTMzLjE3NjU1MTA2MTU.*_ga*MjAyOTQ0MTcxMy4xNzY1NTEwNjE2*_ga_SG3Y2YJFRQ*czE3NjkzMTM1NzYkbzkkZzEkdDE3NjkzMTM2MDEkajM1JGwwJGg4MzQ2NjAwMTA
21
571
361
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...
loading . . .
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.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/airline-news/2026/01/20/american-airlines-flight-disruption-app-updates/88252380007/
3 months ago
0
0
0
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...
4 months ago
1
3
0
reposted by
Zach Wichter
WeRateDogs
4 months ago
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)
loading . . .
121
8253
1252
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...
5 months ago
0
1
0
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...
5 months ago
0
1
0
reposted by
Zach Wichter
Jason Rabinowitz
5 months ago
Ok, this is legitimately awesome
youtu.be/yvHT_VYVEvI?...
loading . . .
Bored Brookline teen accidentally changes name of MBTA bus stop
YouTube video by CBS Boston
https://youtu.be/yvHT_VYVEvI?si=DRfsLyNYZhjJN3ke
0
21
2
lol @ an in-uniform NYPD traffic cop boarding the same bus as me and not paying the fare…
5 months ago
0
0
0
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...
5 months ago
0
1
0
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...
loading . . .
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.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/news/2025/11/28/fix-airbus-a320-glitch-solar-radiation/87510648007/
5 months ago
0
0
0
reposted by
Zach Wichter
Specter177✈️
5 months ago
6
286
128
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/
5 months ago
1
0
0
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...
5 months ago
0
0
0
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...
5 months ago
1
2
0
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...
6 months ago
0
2
1
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...
6 months ago
0
2
0
reposted by
Zach Wichter
Colleen Mondor
6 months ago
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.
add a skeleton here at some point
2
40
11
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...
6 months ago
0
1
0
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.
add a skeleton here at some point
6 months ago
0
1
0
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...
6 months ago
0
1
1
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...
7 months ago
0
1
0
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...
loading . . .
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.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/airline-news/2025/10/11/airline-premium-economy-business-first-class-cabins-explained/85821985007/
7 months ago
0
0
0
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...
add a skeleton here at some point
7 months ago
0
1
1
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...
7 months ago
0
3
1
If you don’t have a seat assignment before your flight, is there anything you can do to boost your odds of a better spot? Cruising Altitude this week looks at your options, any why basically none of them are sure shots.
www.usatoday.com/story/travel...
7 months ago
0
1
0
Most airlines are doubling down on investments to attract premium passengers. Cruising Altitude this week asks the question: as the economy softens, will travelers still pay the extra price? Here’s what experts say.
www.usatoday.com/story/travel...
7 months ago
0
2
0
Airlines don’t have clear guidance on what to do if you need to evacuate your flight with a service animal or pet, but Cruising Altitude this week explores how you can advocate for yourself and some of the best practices in an emergency.
www.usatoday.com/story/travel...
8 months ago
0
1
0
reposted by
Zach Wichter
Emily L'Orange 🦆🍊
8 months ago
Theres.... a new artist meme going around where you describe your style in detail with 3 samples and babes if that doesn't sound like training data i dont know what is
7
1194
386
reposted by
Zach Wichter
Will Carless, USA TODAY
8 months ago
Are you the person who shot and killed Charlie Kirk? Do you know them? Have an idea who they are? My DMs are open. Talk to me.
0
15
2
Wow a guest on MSNBC talking about this Charlie Kirk thing just said off-handedly that the first terrorists in history were a movement of Jewish zealots killing Romans, so that’s cool.
8 months ago
2
3
1
Yesterday I got to join JetBlue's final Embraer E190 flight and had a chance to write about why the plane means so much to me in Cruising Altitude this week
www.usatoday.com/story/travel...
8 months ago
0
0
0
Load more
feeds!
log in