Roundup: Spanair flight had trouble before Madrid crash; Black Mailbox on the Extraterrestrial Highway, near Area 51?

Good morning, travelers. I was saddened by Wednesday’s Spanair crash in Madrid that killed all but 19 passengers, but it really hit home when I heard that the plane had trouble before takeoff.

First it was delayed for more than an hour and the first attempt at takeoff was aborted. I’ve been on more than one flight that was delayed after boarding because a mechanic was working on something – an occurrence we all thought was no big deal because the pilot told us about it in such a calm manner. I can only wonder if I’ll be able to remain easygoing if I’m on a plane that has pre-takeoff trouble like Spanair Flight JK5022 did. Read the Los Angeles Times report: Problems reported before deadly plane crash in Spain.

Video | United Airlines is accused of losing an unaccompanied minor at Dulles Airport

Strange travel | Have you seen Nevada’s Black Mailbox? Los Angeles Times staff writer Ashley Powers gives those who have never been on the Extraterrestrial Highway a reason to go. Read: In the Nevada desert, there’s something out there — the Black Mailbox.

– Jen Leo, Los Angeles Times Travel & Deal blogger

[Photo: Associated Press]

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This entry was posted on Thursday, August 21, 2008 at 8:28 am by Jen Leo and is filed under Good Morning, News, Tips & Advice. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a comment, or trackback from your own site.