The CFI didn’t believe the learner for one minute, as we had known each other for years, and he knew I made lots of notes during these evaluations. The debrief is extensive and considerably longer than “passed with flying colors.”

The CFI sent the learner to me, he said, because he was the poster boy for the Dunning-Kruger effect. 

The Dunning-Kruger effect is a term for a cognitive bias in which people with limited knowledge or competence in a given intellectual or social domain overestimate their knowledge or competence in that domain—and here is the important part —relative to objective criteria. In this case, the Airman Certification Standards and their score on the FAA Private Pilot Knowledge Test. 

This applicant scored an 82 on the knowledge test and scoffed that anything over 70 was overkill. 

It became apparent rather quickly that he may have known the information once, but he couldn’t give it back to me when I asked questions about aircraft systems, weather, and airspace—all the areas he had been shown “deficient” on the knowledge test.

This applicant was lucky in that his instructor knew he had soft spots that needed to be eliminated before the check ride. Some instructors don’t see them, and I maintain a subset of the Dunning-Kruger effect is when the recommending instructor overestimates the learner’s abilities. 

This happened to an acquaintance of mine who had a private pilot applicant fail during the oral part of the check ride due to inadequate knowledge of aircraft systems. The CFI had been teaching a 10-week private pilot ground school at a local community college and the learner was in the class. The learner passed the class with an “A,” so the CFI thought he knew the material. 

Neither the CFI nor the applicant were prepared for the failure. There were other similar failures from the class. A little bit of sleuthing revealed the structure of the program was to teach to the tests. The message was to memorize the answers and pass. This looked good on their transcripts, as it was a two-year program and many of the students went on to four-year institutions, but this lack of knowledge left them woefully unprepared for the cockpit.

How You Study Is Important

Studying for the check ride can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to organizing the materials.

The fine folks at Aviation Supplies & Academics (ASA) have been doing this for decades with their oral exam guides. If the test involves an oral exam, ASA has a study guide for it, be it for flight ratings, aircraft dispatching, aircraft mechanic, or studying for your flight review.

For 30 years many of the ASA oral exam guides were written by recently retired Michael Hayes (respectful pause), who, through his concise and informative prose, helped thousands of pilots earn their certificates. The latest edition of the Commercial Pilot Oral Exam Guide appeared with a new author—none other than Jason Blair, an active flight instructor,  FAA designated pilot examiner, and a regular contributor to FLYING.

I have been using these books for years, both for my own study and to prepare my applicants for their tests. Full disclosure: When the newest editions are released, I go through them, cover to cover, just to make sure I am up to speed on what I am teaching. The ASA Commercial Pilot Oral Exam Guide is in its 11th edition, and I’ve been reading it to refresh and recharge my knowledge.

If you have never used one of these study guides, here is the skinny. The books are organized by subject matter: FARs, aircraft systems, weather, etc., making it easier to focus on knowledge areas that the learner is having trouble with. The material is presented in a  Q&A format. For example: “What is the difference between a de-ice system and an anti-ice system?” Answer: De-ice is used to eliminate ice that has already formed, while anti-ice is used to prevent the formation of ice. 

Scenarios are used for the most in-depth questions.

• READ MORE: Making the Most of a Ground Lesson

Although many learners don’t pick up a copy of the oral exam guide until just before check ride, you may find it useful earlier in your training as it helps to determine the depth of the knowledge required. This is especially good if you have a tendency to study minutia or have not enjoyed the benefit of working with a CFI with strong ground instruction skills.

The FAA reference for where to find the information is also listed.  I like this part the best, because when the examiner asks the learner where they found the information, you want them to be able to refer to a published FAA-vetted resource. Never ever, and I mean ever, reply, “My instructor told me.” That’s like comparing a spouse to that person you had a fling with in college. Just don’t do it.

The post Use Study Guides for a Better Check Ride Experience appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Since Citation Excel deliveries began in 1998, Textron Aviation (née Cessna Aircraft) has delivered more than 1,100 units, making it the firm’s most successful jet in its 96-year history. Based on the XLS series, the newest iteration of the model, the Ascend, offers a number of features designed to extend the winning streak, including the more fuel efficient Pratt & Whitney Canada PW545D turbofans, an upgrade from the Collins Pro Line 21 to Garmin G5000 avionics with standard auto-throttles, increased payload, and more range. Scheduled maintenance interval shave been stretched to 800 flight hours or 18 months, whichever comes first.

The Ascend has new and larger flight deck and cabin windows, upgraded passenger seats, and improved acoustical insulation to soak up sound. The 8-inch dropped aisle has been filled in to create a flat floor. However, the dropped aisle remains an option for customers needing more center cabin headroom.

The Honeywell RE100 now is approved for unattended operation, freeing both flight crewmembers to focus on essential preflight chores. A host of other upgrades endows the Ascend with levels of comfort, quiet, convenience, and connectivity on par with Textron Aviation’s larger super-midsize aircraft. First deliveries are set to begin in 2025.

—With reporting by Fred George

Dassault Falcon 10X

The growth of the Dassault Aviation infrastructure at the Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport (LFBD) in western France can be attributed to the success of the Rafale fighter series, and the Falcon 7X and 8X, as well as the recent introduction of the 6X—and its upcoming big brother, the 10X. Dassault began parts assembly in 2022 to pre-pare for the final assembly of the first test articles underway this year. The all-composite wing is being built at a dedicated facility in Biarritz.

The 10X, announced in 2021, has had a long slow buildup, fitting for a jet that will be the largest built by Dassault and introduce the largest cabin of any jet purpose-built for the business aviation sector. That cabin features a new design path for the company, breaking out of the traditional mold with bold colorways and seating that looks more like that of a penthouse living room than an aluminum tube. It has already received several nods in international design competitions, including the Red Dot award from the Design Society of the U.K.

With a range of 7,500 nm at Mach 0.85—and a top speed of Mach 0.925—the 10X is powered by a pair of bespoke Rolls-Royce Pearl 10X powerplants rated at 18,000 pounds of thrust apiece and able to run on 100 percent sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). On the flight deck, the 10X gives pilots the FalconEye combined vision system, as well as carrying over the digital flight control system (DFCS) made popular on the 7X. As the Dassault pilots finish up flight tests on the 6X and move to the first 10X test platform later this year, perhaps, we’re certainly eyeing them with envy.

Dassault Falcon 6X

Long before pilots will get their hands on the DFCS sticks of the 10X, however, Dassault’s Falcon 6X will entice them to the flight deck. Now type certified under the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the FAA, the 6X leads the next generation of Falcons with its dual Pratt& Whitney PW812D engines. Rated at up to 14,000 pounds thrust, the powerplants propel the wide-body, long-range 6X to a range of up to 5,500 nm at Mach 0.80 and a max cruise speed of Mach 0.925.

The 6X preserves the relative short-field performance of its predecessors, with the capability to operate out of 3,000-foot runways with a partial fuel load.

The balanced field length for takeoff is 5,480 feet under ISA conditions at sea level and at the maximum takeoff weight of 77,460 pounds.

• READ MORE: We Fly: Dassault Falcon 6X

The 6X showed off its graceful, powerful ability to maneuver at the Paris Air Show in late June at the hands of pilots Philippe Duchateau and Fabrice Valette. Visitors to the display could sit on the flight deck and witness the four large-format displays, two tablets mounted on either pilot side, and roundly shaped pedestals from which to stabilize while entering data into the flight management system. It’s a well-thought-out cockpit design, with pilot-friendly touches in and around the instrument panel, such as EFB mounts. We watched passersby stroll in front of the nose through the head-up display with the FalconEye cutting through the gray and bringing everything ahead of the airplane into sharp focus.

Gulfstream G700

The race to certify the next long-range mount looked neck-in-neck between the Falcon 6X and the Gulfstream G700. With its paperwork filed and everything over but the shouting, the bird from Savannah, Georgia, first announced in 2019 is expected to begin deliveries in the first quarter of 2024.

The G700, which takes its strength from the Rolls-Royce Pearl 700 powerplants, can carry up to 19 passengers—and sleep up to 13—in as many as five flexible living spaces. The 7,500 nm range (at Mach 0.85) puts it squarely in the ultralong category, routinely cruising at 45,000 to 49,000 feet. In the conclusion of the flight test program, the G700 continued to set city-pair speed records. It flew into the European Business Aviation Conference and Expo (EBACE) and Paris on up to 30 percent SAF and marked a memorable flight from Savannah to Tokyo on SAF at an average speed of Mach 0.89.

And what’s in it for the pilot? A familiar Symmetry Flight Deck up front, paired with Gulfstream’s Enhanced Flight System, that you’d find on theG500 and G600, making the G700 a straightforward transition for aviators stepping up.

Gulfstream G800

The higher model number ascribed to the Gulfstream G800—sister ship to the G700—refers to the increase in range customers can expect when the platform debuts in a couple of years. Yes, topping the charts at 8,000 nm, the G800 achieves this on the same wing as the G700 by shortening the length of the fuselage and reducing the number of living areas to four.

The G800, currently in the heart of its flight test program, achieves the target distance powered by the same Rolls-Royce Pearl 700 powerplants, at 18,250 pounds of thrust each, at Mach 0.85. If you want to go faster—and sacrifice 1,000 nm of range—push it up to Mach 0.90. Or just get there fast by taking a shorter segment at Mach 0.925.

Gulfstream’s flight test crew flew the first test article with a finished interior—used for proving those components in worldwide environments and operating conditions—to the Paris Air Show.

A second test aircraft first flew on July 15 on a blend of 30 percent SAF and reached a top speed of Mach 0.935 during the mission.

Sitting up front, the familiar Symmetry Flight Deck offers pilots a total of 10 display screens up front—four large-format ones across the front left to right, and six smaller touchscreen displays that can be configured in nearly endless ways depending on the phase of flight, pilot preference, or during abnormal and emergency operations.

The predictive landing performance system works in the background to help prevent runway overruns—though the G800 is projected to mark a6,000 takeoff distance at its max gross weight of 105,600 pounds.

Gulfstream G400

Close kin to the G500 and G600, Gulfstream’s next answer to the large-cabin midsize question, the G400, takes its lineage from its bigger siblings. The OEM stretched the fuselage to 36 feet, 4 inches and leveraged Symmetry Flight Deck technology from the larger models to create an advanced jet boasting a best-in-class cabin cross section with up to 2.5 living areas, with 100 percent fresh air that is refreshed every two minutes.

Those fortunate passengers (up to 12, sleeping as many as five) will enjoy the G400’s projected 4,200 nm range at Mach 0.85 settings—that’s Geneva to Minneapolis—and a top speed of Mach 0.90 and a maximum cruise altitude of 51,000 feet. And that’s done more efficiently than on previous Gulfstream models. The combination of the advanced Pratt &Whitney PW812GA powerplants, wing with improved aerodynamics, and avionics management should realize up to 30 percent in greater fuel efficiency as compared to a G450 on a hypothetical 3,000 nm journey with eight passengers at Mach 0.85.

The G400 is in development alongside the G800, with its first test aircraft delivered internally and poised for a first flight later this year. Gulfstream predicts the airplane’s entry into service will be in 2025.

Bombardier Global 8000

The gauntlet thrown down in the ultralong-range market appears to be a spitting match between the Gulfstream G800 and Bombardier’s latest entrant in the Global series, the 8000. Yes, that 8000 translates directly into the expected range of the new luxury plat-form—but the Montreal-based OEM wants to not just equal but win on speed. Try Mach 0.94, according to the manufacturer’s latest claims.

And it wants to achieve that speed without sacrificing passenger comfort. Bombardier has developed what it calls the Smooth Flex Wing to blend control and agility with the ability to ride the bumps well. Like its competitors from Savannah, the 8000’s max altitude is 51,000 feet, and it will maintain a cabin altitude of 2,900 feet at FL410. Up front, the Bombardier Vision flight deck on the Global 7500 will assist pilots in managing both short and long segments. Four large-format displays sit between two EFB mounts, supplemented by the head-up display available for both the left and right seat. A fully loaded Global 8000—at 114,850 pounds—is anticipated to need just 5,760 feet for takeoff, with a landing distance of 2,237 feet.

HondaJet 2600/Echelon

In a follow-up to the introduction of the HondaJet 2600 concept—recently rebranded as the HondaJet Echelon— at the National Business Aviation Association’s (NBAA) convention & exhibition in October 2021, Honda Aircraft has made its next move in bringing the new model into its lineup. In June, the OEM revealed that development continues on the project, with its official “commercialization” or plan to pursue type certification on the clean-sheet light jet.

Intended to be a midsize jet in alight jet’s body, the HondaJet Echelon is aimed at a 2,625 nm range (four passengers and one pilot, NBA AIFR) and 450 ktas maximum cruise speed—but at 20 percent better fuel efficiency than other light jets and a 40 percent improvement over midsize models.

FAA type certification should come in 2028, with entry into service as a single-pilot-operated platform. Up to 11 people can be seated on board, with the option for nine or 10 passengers depending on crew requirements. Supply partners include Garmin for the G3000 flightdeck, Williams International and itsFJ44-4C engines, Spirit AeroSystems providing the fuselage, and Aernnova for aerostructures. Fabrication of the first airframe is underway as HondaAircraft completes initial engineering on the program.

Beechcraft Denali

Textron Aviation marked an important rite of passage in any airplane’s development program—its first appearance at EAA AirVenture in late July. The Wichita, Kansas-based OEM flew its third test article to the show in Oshkosh, Wisconsin—called “P2” in company parlance to designate the conforming airplane with a full interior for that phase of the flight test campaign.

There’s a lot you can understand much more immediately than you can with a mock-up. First, the air-plane feels like it stands roughly the same height as its Beechcraft brethren, the King Air 200 series. Once onboard, the ergonomics of the Garmin G3000 integrated flight deck harken to the Cessna CJ series but with the familiarity of the Brand G avionics. The powerplant installation includes FADEC and an auto-throttle—necessary for Garmin Autoland certification.

On the business end, the clean-sheet GE Catalyst engine is proving worthy of the investment in it, according to test pilots. As of May, the program included 26 engines built, with more than 5,400 hours of testing—figures that increase every day. The McCauley prop on the front is helping the combination to achieve even greater fuel efficiency than originally projected. The Denali will be certified with flight into known icing (FIKI) capability, completing what Textron Aviation calls “a jet-like experience.” Still, certification isn’t expected until 2025, recognizing the significant work remaining to bring anew turboprop engine to market.

Extra 330SX

The first production Extra 330SX may not be taking to the skies until next year, but the new single-canopy, aerobatic airplane is already spoken for. At a presentation at EAA AirVenture, company president Marcus Extra introduced Bob Freeman as the first customer.

The Extra 330SX improves upon the 330SC with better cooling up front on the 315 hp Lycoming and a Garmin G3X Touch flight display. The sporty airplane features high-performance ailerons, with 60 percent larger horns and modified wing tips, along with a reduced fuselage length. The combination leads to its stunning roll rate, which the company measures by mounting a Go-Pro in the airplane, taking it out for a series of rolls, then returning that video to the engineering team to calculate the rate.

Other improvements in the cockpit are proposed to deliver greater pilot comfort, including a taller stick with reduced side-to-side travel to better accommodate larger pilots—like Extra, who flew the airplane earlier this summer in a com-petition in Germany for the first time. The first deliveries will take place in2024, with the company ramping up its production space in DeLand, Florida, to meet the challenge.

Van’s RV-15

Van’s Aircraft debuted its first high-wing model at AirVenture 2022. Once more it flew the prototype to Oshkosh for the air show this summer with a few updates made to the still mostly mysterious kit in progress. Most take a bit of sleuthing to determine, but they include changes to the stabilator and anti-servo tab to improve stability and stick forces.

The ailerons have also been reshaped slightly, with hinge points moved, and changes made to the internal control system gearing influence stick throw. Van’s test pilots already report improved stick forces and control harmony.

The prototype stills runs from a fuel tank located in the cabin. Van’s plans to build new wings that will mount the fuel tanks, reported at 60 gallons total, internally, following legacy high-wing designs with this increase in pilot/passenger protection in the event of an accident.

With the wing moving back about 4 inches, Van’s will see benefits to load carrying and CG—and allow for the use of lighter powerplants than the current Lycoming IO-390, though it’s expected to be the core engine.

The airframe features unique, damped landing gear intended to smooth out vagaries in both pilot and runway surface. Van’s is sticking to its previously announced plan* to begin taking deposits 12 to 18 months after the airplane’s debut. It is likely to need at least six more months to get the design pinned down and prepare to build kits.

—With reporting by Marc Cook

*Since this article went to press, Van’s Aircraft has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and the timeline for the RV-15 is unknown.

Tecnam P-Mentor

Tecnam Aircraft debuted its P-Mentor at EAA AirVenture 2023, though the airplane is already approved under EASA CS 23, the equivalent to FAA Part 23 certification. The P-Mentor, featured and test flown in FLYING’s Issue 939, should see the agency’s nod in early2024, according to the company.

• READ MORE: We Fly: Tecnam P-Mentor

The P-Mentor is a two-seat aircraft designed to be a primary training platform, equipped with Garmin G3XTouch and GTN 650Xi avionics and boasting almost un-heard-of fuel economy at 3.7 gallons per hour.

This low consumption translates to low operating costs for owners and renters—and means lower carbon dioxide emissions. The P-Mentor’s fuel consumption results in up to nine operating hours between refuelings.

Powered by a FADEC-equipped Rotax 912iSC3 powerplant, the heavier-than-an-LSA P-Mentor shows graceful handling characteristics and docile slow flight and stall behavior. Takeoff ground roll at less than max gross was around 1,000 feet, with a landing roll less than that on a grass strip at the company’s headquarters in Capua, Italy. The comfortable cockpit can also accept a Garmin GFC 500 autopilot for serious cross-country and IFR operations. Several flight schools in the U.S. signed orders for the trainer at AirVenture.

—With reporting by Amy Wilder

Elixir Aircraft

Elixir Aircraft, based in La Rochelle, France, has also posted a sales streak for the training version of its aircraft, with a deal closed in June on more than 100 units—50 on option—with Sierra Charlie Aviation in Scottsdale, Arizona. The agreement caps a growing order book for the OEM as it brings three versions of its single-engine airplane to market.

Most of the models—intended for flight training—feature the 100 hp Rotax 912iS powerplant with a full glass cockpit. Sierra Charlie Aviation plans to integrate the airplanes into its Aviation Career Program, an ab initio course focused on identifying varying learning styles and steering those pilot applicants toward success. The composite airframe is built through the One-Shot manufacturing process to reduce parts count.

Elixir delivered five of its 912iS versions in 2022 for a total of more than 10 made so far by press time. The company was founded in 2015 by a trio of engineers who sought to reduce costs in flight training by lowering parts count and increasing efficiency in training aircraft. The first model achieved initial EASA CS 23 type certification in 2020, with FAA validation pending.

This article first appeared in the September 2023/Issue 941 of FLYING’s print edition.

The post What’s Next in New Aircraft appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

An Illustrated Guide to Flying by expert aviation author and instructor Barry Schiff introduces key concepts and provides a solid orientation for those new to aviation using the effective combination of succinct words and copious illustrations and photos. The full-color, 216-page book, published by Aviation Supplies & Academics (ASA), came out this week, just in time to tuck it into a budding pilot’s stocking—or get it on your wish list for the new year. It’s a great first read for folks who have been considering learning to fly—or who are really anywhere in the process of initial flight training.

The guide launches with a brief primer on aviation history, presumably to help orient the reader, and a timeline of key events over the course of that history. Then, the book dives into well-chunked information on basic flight maneuvers, engines, instrumentation, navigation, weather, types of aircraft, ATC, regulations, and performance.

I’ve known Barry Schiff since I first worked with him as a young associate editor at the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). Captain Schiff had retired from TWA after 34 years of flying the line, and he had contributed to AOPA Pilot since longer than I had been holding a pen, it seemed. I’ll never forget the fearsome first time I picked up the phone to query him about a potential error I’d found in his column. Turned out, I was right—and he was eminently gracious about it. He brings this same familiar yet expert style to An Illustrated Guide to Flying.

Guidance from an Expert

I asked Barry about the genesis of the book, and what gap in the market he sought to fill with the guide. “I wanted to create something that would get people excited about the prospect of learning to fly,” he said. “The book obviously is not intended to prepare someone for an FAA written exam or improve their flying skills. Rather, it is intended to expose the reader to what is involved in flying. I would like to think that the book will inspire some readers to head for their local airports, visit their local flight schools, and take that first step toward experiencing that heady adventure of becoming a pilot.

“Simply stated, I am hoping that my book will inspire some readers to begin the exciting process of learning to fly.

“As far as selecting which topics to include in the book is concerned, I wanted to include those subjects that broadly expose the reader to what is involved in learning to fly.”

While there have been other entry-level manuals to explore the flying experience, An Illustrated Guide to Flying hits the mark with the level of the prose involved—neither too full of jargon nor too basic in a way that would condescend to a broad audience. The final chapter, on learning to fly, gives the reader just enough to tease them into doing just as Barry suggests: picking up the phone, heading to the nearest FBO’s website or social page, or dropping by a flight school on their next drive. And that’s the intention throughout—to give just enough information to spur someone on to want to learn more.

You can order the book directly from ASA for $19.95 in either a print, PDF, or eBook format, or from Amazon.

The post Good FLYING Reads: Barry Schiff’s ‘An Illustrated Guide to Flying’ appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

What Is Travel Insurance?

Travel insurance is a third-party product offered by an insurance company, such as Allianz. Travel insurance is most commonly used as financial reimbursement if you have to cancel or interrupt your trip due to a covered illness, injury, jury duty, and more. Travel insurance can be purchased on a per flight basis or, if you travel frequently, you can opt to be covered on a yearly basis, similar to other types of insurance. 

What Does Travel Insurance Cover?

Travel insurance for flights covers a variety of unexpected changes in your travel plans. 

Trip Delays

On average, more than 20 percent of domestic flights are canceled or delayed. If the type of flight insurance you purchase covers travel delays, it may reimburse you for eligible meals, accommodations, and transportation expenses during a covered delay.

Last Minute Cancellations 

If you have to cancel your flight for a covered reason, such as a covered illness, injury or jury duty, travel insurance may reimburse you for your prepaid, non-refundable trip costs.

Baggage Loss, Theft, and Delay

If your baggage is lost, stolen, damaged, or delayed, your flight insurance may reimburse you for the value of your lost possessions. Which can be a lifesaver if you check luxury luggage.

In the United States, the Department of Transportation (DOT) requires airlines to compensate flyers up to $3,300 for lost baggage and in foreign countries that amount is a maximum of $1,750. But to receive those maximum amounts, passengers must provide receipts proving the value of the lost bags and their contents. 

Healthcare

Most travel insurance covers healthcare expenses in the event something happens on your trip that your regular health insurance does not cover. The medical benefits covered by travel insurance is to protect you in case of an illness or injury outside your insurance carrier’s plan. It provides benefits for losses due to covered medical and dental emergencies that occur during your trip. Depending on your plan, there may also be dental coverage. 

What Does Travel Insurance Cost?

The cost of travel insurance varies depending on a few factors such as the age of the traveler, country traveling to and from, and how much the overall trip costs. 

A domestic adult traveler within the continental United States can expect to pay between $40-$70 for travel insurance. This is based on a total trip cost of roughly $800. The same traveler traveling to India would likely spend twice as much on an airplane ticket. This means that their travel insurance would be roughly twice the cost as well, $80-$140.

The price of travel insurance will increase as the traveler ages, this is mostly due to the medical coverage attached to the plan.

Get Covered When Traveling

Now that you’re informed, consider purchasing travel insurance for your next trip. If you found this guide valuable, subscribe to FLYING Magazine to stay informed on all the latest aviation news. 

FAQ

The post Travel Insurance for Flights Explained appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Quicklook: Best U.S. to Mexico Airlines

• Best for Destinations for U.S.-Based Airline: United Airlines
• Best for Traveling Within Mexico: Volaris
• Best for Beach Destinations: Southwest Airlines
• Best for Least Expensive Option: VivaAerobus
• Best for Mexican Vacation Promotions: Delta Air Lines

Looking to fly first class? Check out the best first class airlines!

Best Airlines from US to Mexico 

Millions of Americans fly to Mexico every year for vacation or to see family. Over 6.4  million Americans arrived in Mexico by air between January and August 2021, with numbers continuing to rise since travel restrictions were lifted. Check out these top airlines for traveling to Mexico.

United Airlines 

United Airlines is one the largest and most flown airlines around the world. It is not surprising that it flies from the United States to Mexico on a daily basis with over 15 destinations available. 

Cities Serviced in Mexico:

• Monterrey
• San Jose
• Mazatlan
• Tampico
• St. Luis Potosi
• Aguascalientes 
• Puerto Vallarta
• Guadalajara
• Queretaro
• Morelia
• Manzanillo
• Mexico City
• Puebla Hermanos
• Veracruz
• Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo
• Acapulco
• Oaxaca
• Merida
• Cancun
• Cozumel

Cost From NYC to Mexico City: $550

Special Promotions: Stay and earn bonus miles with IHG Hotels & Resorts in Mexico

Volaris

Volaris is a low-cost Mexican airline, based in Sante Fe, Mexico. The airline prides itself on safety at an affordable cost. The airline also acts as a travel agency and can help you plan your flights, stays, and activities while in Mexico. 

Cities Serviced in Mexico: 

• Guadalajara
• Oaxaca
• Zacatecas
• Morelia
• Mexico City
• Aguascalientes

Cost From NYC to Mexico City: Not offered

Special Promotions: Book hotels through Volaris and save up to 50 percent. Volaris offers vacation packages throughout the country that include, flight, hotel, and excursion. 

Southwest Airlines 

Southwest offers few flights to Mexico from the U.S., but the ones it does offer are in the main vacationing cities within the country. It doesn’t matter if you’re planning to soak up the sun and surf, or dive into urban nightlife, visiting Mexico with Southwest is easy. 

Cities Serviced in Mexico: 

• Cancun
• Cozumel
• Los Cabos
• Puerto Vallarta

Cost From NYC to Mexico City: Not offered

Special Promotions: Double to triple the rewards points when booking travel to Mexico.

VivaAerobus  

VivaAerobus is Mexico’s green airline, focusing on sustainable travel at a low cost. Based at Monterrey International Airport, Mexico, it operates flights throughout Mexico and the United States. VivaAerobus operates Airbus A320s and A321s for all of its routes. 

Cities Serviced in Mexico: 

• Acapulco
• Aguascalientes
• Ciudad Obregon
• Ciudad del Carmen
• Campeche
• Ciudad Juárez
• Culiacan
• Cancun
• Chihuahua
• Chetumal
• Ciudad de México
• Puebla
• Puerto Vallarta
• Puerto Escondido
• Hermosillo
• Huatulco
• Merida
• Morelia
• Monterrey
• Mexicali
• Mazatlan
• Nuevo Laredo
• Queretaro
• Zacatecas
• Cozumel
• Durango
• La Paz
• Leon
• Los Mochis
• Oaxaca
• Tampico
• Tuxtla Gutierrez
• Tijuana
• Toluca
• Torreon
• San Jose del Cabo
• Ixtapa, Zihuatanejo
• Guadalajara

Cost From NYC to Mexico City: $350

Special Promotions: Viva hosts seasonal sales to many destinations in Mexico, such as Dallas to Mexico City for $51.

Delta Air Lines 

Delta Air Lines is one of the major airlines of the United States and a legacy carrier. The airline operates throughout the U.S. and Mexico to provide travelers with many Mexico destinations. Delta is one of the only U.S. based airlines that offer a non-stop flight from New York City to Mexico City. 

Cities Serviced in Mexico: 

• Acapulco
• Cancun
• Cozumel
• Guadalajara
• La Paz
• Los Cabos
• Manzanillo
• Mazatlan
• Merida
• Mexico City
• Puerto Vallarta
• Ixtapa/ Zihuatanejo

Cost From NYC to Mexico City: $700

Special Promotions: Delta offers many Mexico destination specials and promotions including all inclusive stays, discounts on hotels, and excursions. 

Do You Need a Passport to Go to Mexico?

Yes, Mexico is an international destination and you must have a valid passport in order to enter the country. You also must have a valid passport to return back to the United States.

Best Cities To Visit in Mexico

Depending on why you are planning to visit Mexico, there are many top destinations to choose from. Below are some of the most popular amongst Americans. 

Cancun (Yucatan Peninsula)

Cancun is considered to be the heart of the Mexican Caribbean and year on year thousands of visitors who come to the Yucatan Peninsula end up right here! Cancun boasts some of the best Caribbean beaches, amazing cenotes and diving sites, ancient Mayan temples, Island tours, whale sharks, nightlife and more.

Airlines That Fly Here:  

• American Airlines
• United
• Qatar Airways
• Delta
• Aeromexico
• jetBlue
• Southwest Airlines
• Spirit Airlines

Mexico City

If you are looking to explore Mexico without going to the beach, Mexico City may be the right destination for you. Some of the top reasons to visit Mexico city are:

• It has a thriving art scene.
• The cuisine is among the best in the world.
• There’s a nightlife scene to suit everyone.
• It’s easily the cheapest capital city in North America.
• There are plenty of nearby ruins.

Airlines That Fly Here: 

• United
• American Airlines
• Delta Air Lines
• Aeromexico

Cabo 

Cabo San Lucas is an old fishing town that is known for its amazing beaches. It’s one of the best tourist destinations both in Mexico and the world. Travelers planning a vacation in a hot and sunny place will always have Cabo at the top of their list. You can plan your trip any time of the year and it will still be sunny since it’s warm all year round.

In addition to the beautiful beaches, Cabo is known for its mouthwatering cuisine that will keep you wanting more. 

Airlines That Fly Here: 

• American Airline
• Alaska Airlines
• Aeromexico 
• Delta 
• Southwest

Oaxaca

Another city destination in Mexico that you may want to consider is Oaxaca. It is one of the lesser visited destinations in Mexico, so you will not be elbow to elbow with tourists. There are many reason to visit this quaint town:

• stunning colonial architecture
• fantastic street food
• absence of mass tourism
• many indigenous cultures
• bustling markets

Airlines That Fly Here: 

• United 
• Volaris
• Vivaaerobus

Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta, a popular resort town on the Pacific coast of Mexico, is known for having some of the best beaches in the country, with white sand and luxurious beach resorts. Tourists rave about the wonderful cuisine and love visiting the Mexican markets for handmade goods.   

Airlines That Fly Here: 

• Volaris
• Spirit Airlines
• jetBlue Airlines
• Frontier 
• United
• Southwest
• VivaAerobus 

Bienvenido a Mexico

Hop on a flight to your next vacation, whether on the beach or in a beautiful Mexican city, choose an airline that gets you where you want to go. If you like this content and want to learn about all things aviation and how to be a pilot, subscribe to FLYING Magazine.

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Quicklook: Best First Class Airline

• Emirates: Best for privacy 
• Lufthansa Airlines: Best for quality service  
• Etihad Airways: Best for wine lovers 
• British Airways: Best for traveling to Europe.
• American Airlines: Still offers international first class
• Singapore Airlines: Best overall service
• Cathay Pacific: Best seating experience

7 First Class Airline Options

If you can pick which airline to fly first class—you will choose, obviously, an airline based on schedule, destinations, amenities, and comfort. 

Emirates  

Emirates introduced its new first class on select Boeing 777-300ERs a few years ago and it seems everyone wants to try out the luxury “apartment style” seating. Emirates is the first airline to introduce truly fully enclosed suites in first class.

Best For:  Fliers looking for privacy

Locations flown to: 85 countries 

Lounge access: Yes

Special features:

•  Floor-to-ceiling privacy suites 
•  Some aircraft models have onboard showers and an onboard bar
•  Full, lay-down bed

Benefits:

• Unlimited Dom Perignon 
• Dine on-demand   
• Temperature-controlled suite 

Disadvantages:

• Few Emirates aircraft have suites
• One of the highest cost first-class tickets ($7,000+ one-way)

Lufthansa Airlines 

Lufthansa prides itself on its services and amenities onboard, and its first class is a significant step up from what you experience in economy. While the first class seats are not as private as Emirates, the cabins are spacious. The in-seat amenities like the Bose headset and the array of ‘goodies’ given to first class passengers is rarely seen in other airlines.

Best for: Great service

Number of locations: 74 countries 

Lounge access: Yes

Special features: 

• Preflight champagne and roses 
• Luxury bedding 
• Dedicated storage locker

Benefits: 

• Free, fast wi-fi
• Bose headset 
• Privacy partition  

Disadvantages: 

• No individual air nozzles 

Etihad Airways 

Etihad Airways gives those flying first class privacy by being the initial airline to offer a single-aisle configuration in first class. This not only gives the passengers privacy but also tons of space. Etihad Airlines is well-suited for travelers on both short-haul or long-haul flights, while other airlines seem to put most of the effort in long-haul first class. 

Best for: Wine lovers

Number of locations: 47 countries

Lounge access: Yes, but not at most airports

Special features: 

• Customizable menu
• Onboard showers

Benefits: 

• Extra seating in the “apartment” style suite   
• Carefully curated wine menu

Disadvantages: 

•  Seat does not recline completely 
•  Small bed comparatively 

American Airlines

For U.S.-based airlines, American Airlines stands alone as the last major US airline to offer a true international first class product, as Delta and United have dropped first class from international destinations. Note that other features of its domestic first-class service have been scaled back, so your experience on U.S. short-haul routes will vary widely.

Best for: Pre-board amenities 

Number of locations: 70+ countries

Lounge access: Yes

Special features: 

• Guaranteed aisle seat 
• Score more frequent flyer points by flying first 
• Flagship First, upscale version of AA’s traditional first class 

Benefits: 

• Fully reclinable seat 
• Lower-priced first class seats than competitors
• Sit-down dining experience pre-board for Flagship First passengers

Disadvantages: 

• Domestic first class seats are only a marginal step up from economy
• Some pre-board amenities are only offered to Flagship First fliers 

British Airways 

British Airways has made a name for itself in Europe and in the US for being a customer service driven airline. British Airways has its top tier first class on the 787-9 Dreamliner where it has one eight first class seats compared to the usual 14, meaning more space and privacy for its passengers. 

Best for: Traveling to Europe

Number of locations: 70 countries

Lounge access: Yes

Special features:

• His and Hers amenities bags with luxury skincare
• Less seats = quieter cabin 
• Turndown service

Benefits: 

• Dine anytime 
• Fully laydown seating

Disadvantages: 

• Wine list is lacking 
• Food scores low in taste 

Singapore Airlines

Singapore Airlines has long set the bar for overall service, winning its place on travel industry “best of” lists for the past two decades. Its long-haul flights direct from the U.S. to Asia are of particular note, using the Airbus A350-900 ultralong-range model, the Boeing 787-10, or the Boeing 777-300ER. Suites are available on the Airbus A380, if you really want to splash out.

Best for: Traveling to Asia

Number of locations: 32 countries

Lounge access: Yes

Special features:

• Suites available on some aircraft
• Wide cabins in first class
• Mood lighting

Benefits: 

• Book your dining up to 24 hours in advance
• Private space

Disadvantages: 

• Best cabins only on certain aircraft
• Route structure not as large

Cathay Pacific Airways

Pilots at one time set Cathay Pacific as the ideal airline to fly for—and the service in the back continues to meet that high standard. For travel around the world—especially to the Asia-Pacific region—Cathay remains one of the best first-class experiences, should you be so lucky.

Best for: Traveling to the Asia-Pacific region

Number of locations: 35 countries

Lounge access: Yes

Special features:

• Softest bed in the sky, with 600-thread-count bedding
• Foodie delight: Hong Kong menus available
• Award-winning onboard cellar

Benefits: 

• One of the widest seats in the class
• Bose noise-cancelling headsets just like you’d have up front
• Natural skin products from Bramford

Disadvantages: 

• Route structure limited beyond Asia-Pacific and Africa/Middle East
• Partner lounges outside of main hubs

What Is a First Class Airline? 

First class is a category of airline seats that are typically more luxurious than economy or business class and are priced at a premium. First class offers pre-board lounges, upscale dining and drinks, and in some cases, “apartment style” suites and on-board showers. 

What’s Special About First Class Travel?

The first class experience for passengers should start at check-in on the ground. Priority check-in, and access to first class lounges with complimentary food and drinks followed by priority boarding is just the start. Not only are the amenities such as upscale dining and drink available to first class passengers, private seating, and increased attention from flight attendants are also perks of flying first class. Full lay-down seats are crucial for long-haul, international, flights, and a primary reason why business travelers incur the additional expense for this type of travel. If you have the opportunity to take advantage of your company’s first-class offerings, it can give you insight into what it deems most desirable in its customer base—and it’s a great perk if you pursue a career as an airline pilot. Of course, flying yourself is the ultimate in first class!

Selecting First Class Airlines 

When it comes to choosing an airline to fly first class with, keep in mind that not all the amenities are available on all aircraft or locations the airlines fly from. Research before booking to ensure you are getting all the airline has to offer for first class passengers.

Available Locations

When choosing a first class airline, get the best experience by choosing an airline that has lounges at all your legs of journey. Some airlines put lounges in its most flown locations. It is also important to note where the airline flies with the top-tier version of its first class before booking to ensure you get the full experience of what it has to offer.  Following the pandemic, some airlines have scaled back or changed their offerings, so be sure to check before you book or make a nonrev reservation to ensure that you know what to expect.

Lounge Access

Lounge access on the ground is a perk almost all airlines offer to first class passengers. Lounges are not offered at every location, so be sure to check your itinerary in advance to see the locations of your airline lounges.

Seats

Some airlines offer lay-flat seating while others only offer reclinable seats. Depending on the length of your flight and what time of day you will be traveling, choose an airline that has the most comfortable seating for your travels. In-seat entertainment may also be a top priority for you. Keep in mind what the airline offers for entertainment.

Amenities

Amenities of a first class experience start on the ground with lounges, but in-flight amenities are available as soon as you step foot on the aircraft. In most cases, first class passengers are met with champagne and a snack upon arrival and continue to receive service, on-demand, throughout the flight. On some airlines, such as Emirates, long-haul flights come equipped with a first class bathroom with an in-flight shower. 

Depending on the length of the flight and what matters most to you, choose an airline with amenities that speak to you. 

Space

In most cases, first class passengers on long haul flights are given vast amounts of space to spread out, lay flat on a bed, and provide privacy. On short-haul flights though, less space and less privacy is bound to happen due to the smaller airframes being used.  

Privacy

First class privacy varies depending on the airline and the length of the flight. Some airlines provide full ‘apartment style’ seats with floor-to-ceiling walls to maximize comfort and privacy. Others offer expanded style economy seating. Keep that in mind when booking a first class ticket if privacy is top of mind. 

First Class Flying

Whether you fly first class regularly, you are looking to experience first class for the first time, or you get the chance as a perk of your airline employment, you’ll want to choose—if you can—the best airline based on priorities, and amenities. You can look to stay informed about all things aviation for pilots, and subscribe to FLYING Magazine. Flying first class is not enough? It shouldn’t be if you love aviation. Learn about how as a pilot you can fully experience the perks of luxury aviation living at The Fields. 

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