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Flying cars are coming! Here’s how they could change the way you travel.

Home » Industry News » Flying cars are coming! Here’s how they could change the way you travel.

High prices and continued doubts about the viability of zipping around town like George Jetson haven’t stopped people from thinking about the future. Experts seem to agree that safe VTOLs with FAA approval could change travel forever.

“It would reduce congestion by removing some traffic on the road and create a new aviation sector, with new jobs,” said Raj Rajkumar, professor of computer engineering at Carnegie Mellon University.

Flying cars could dramatically cut the drive time between destinations typically served by short-haul commercial flights. So instead of catching a shuttle flight from Washington to New York, you’d just fly there in your own car in a fraction of the time it used to take to drive.

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The Hover Cars in Your Favorite Sci-Fi Movie Might Actually Be Possible

It all comes down to magnets.

In 1989, we were told the transportation of the future would float — as long as you weren’t over a body of water.

That’s the year Back to the Future Part II was released, which, as anyone who was a child in the late ’80s or early ’90s will tell you, was the cool one. Not because of plot, necessarily, but because that’s when Marty McFly (impersonating his future son) first took off on a hoverboard. But in the streets around him, you also had floating and flying cars.

The year is 2024 now, and we could be facing down a second Biff Tannen presidency, so where are our floating cars and hoverboards? Could we even make those? The answer right now is a solid… kind of, but it would be difficult and come with unintended consequences. And that’s because of how we’ve accomplished it thus far.

Levitation, How Does It Work?

The fundamentals of levitation are relatively easy. A paper published in Physical Review Applied last fall demonstrated the ability to make a magnet hover in place with, of all things, a Dremel tool. It built off a discovery first made by Hamdi Ucar in a paper published in Symmetry in 2021. Ucar’s discovery initially made Rasmus Bjørk , who led last year’s paper, very skeptical of the research.

“I browsed through it, and then decided that looks really long and it was published in some obscure journal that I hadn’t heard of before, so I didn’t give it a lot of credibility, it didn’t look sort of entirely plausible,” Bjørk,a professor at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), tells Inverse. Two weeks later, a colleague contacted him about the paper, and Bjørk told him he didn’t buy it. “Then he wrote back, ‘But have you seen his YouTube channel?’”

“You need a high-speed motor and some magnets.”

That channel has, to date, 219 videos of various objects levitating. Eggshells, test tubes, walnuts, and lots and lots of bearings, many looking like they’ve been taken on a cellphone. It also, according to Bjørk, relies only on classical physics, nothing elaborate needed. It could really have been discovered anytime since 1865, when James Clerk Maxwell first described his theories on electromagnetism that proved foundational in our understanding of magnetic fields. “It doesn’t even require a very elaborate experimental setup,” he says. “You need a high-speed motor and some magnets.”

This new levitation method was real, but how did it work?

If you’ve played with magnets before, you know that there are positive and negative poles; opposites attract, and two magnets oriented to the same pole repel. Joachim Hermansen , a Ph.D. student in medical technology at DTU who has worked with Bjørk on the project, tells Inverse that the dremel needs enough space from the magnet and to reach a steady state in its energy output.

“What happens is basically that the magnet on the dremel acts as both a repelling force to the magnet when it gets too close, and ... an attractive force when it gets (farther) away,” he says. And as the magnet tumbles over and over, it creates a sort of stable levitation. But the magnet has to continue to spin for this to really work. “It’s gyroscopically stabilized the same way a spinning top is stabilized, so it doesn’t fall over because of gravity,” Frederik Laust Durhuus , a DTU physics Ph.D. student also involved in the research, adds. According to Rasmus, the poles of the magnet and the dremel need to align in order to reach this hovering state.

Hovering At Scale

“Maybe sometime in the future we will be able to make something that could do that kind of thing.”

Now, an egg and a dremel is one thing. But how do you get a hoverboard or floating car out of the deal? In principle, a large object doesn’t need as fast a rotation from a proportionally equal dremel, according to the group. (“The magnetic fields don’t care about sizes as long as everything is relatively the same size,” Bjørk says.) But gravity does care, making stabilizing larger objects more difficult. Basically, the heavier the object, the more likely it is to fall out of levitation due to the effects of gravity.

Because of this, the most immediate application is using the technology to hover things around, what Durhuus calls “contactless object handling.” “As long as the object is magnetic, you can do that with quite a lot of dexterity, having it fixed in the air and then moving around the rotating device,” he says.

“The technology I have right now requires magnets on both ends, so you need magnetically paved roads.”

Bjørk says that a basic problem is trying to get an object to levitate above one of the magnets. “You can’t levitate anything above anything like the hoverboard, which would be super nice if you could,” he says. If you try, it throws off the delicate balance of this magnetism. And even if you magnetized the roads, which you’d have to do to hover objects above them in this, it could have unintended consequences on other electronics or just magnetized metals in general. This is especially true with the kind of very strong magnets you’d need to make this work on a human scale in the first place. “So that is not necessarily the way to go — instead more research to improve and understand the phenomenon is needed,” Rasmus says.

But by understanding the particulars of this technology, new understandings of magnetism could usher in breakthroughs that bring us closer and closer to the hoverboard.

“Maybe if we understand this, maybe sometime in the future we will be able to make something that could do that kind of thing,” Bjørk says. “If we study these things in depth, what else can we discover? So, I’m not ruling it out, but the technology I have right now requires magnets on both ends, so you need magnetically paved roads.”

In other words, the movie got one thing right — if you get caught trying to hover over water, the bullies are going to get you.

• Science Fiction

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The Future is Here

Exploring the world of flying cars 2024.

As we inch closer towards 2024, a future that was once confined to science fiction is becoming reality, flying cars! This has the potential to transform urban mobility as well as alter our experience of travelling. No longer are these vehicles consigned merely to dreams and fantasies. Soon they will become an integral part of people’s lives!

Key Takeaways

• Experience the thrill of flying cars in 2024 with exciting industry collaborations and regulatory progress!
• Pioneering companies are revolutionizing urban mobility with incredible new designs and technologies.
• Get ready for a future full of possibilities, from infrastructure development to immense market potential!

The Rise of Flying Cars in 2023

The flying car sector is reaching new peaks by 2023 as technology enhancements, partnerships in the industry and progress when it comes to regulations draw this idea closer to a reality. Flight testing of prototype versions plus advancing battery technology and electric power are absolutely exhilarating.

Are you ready for taking an amazing journey into what transportation could be like down the line? The sky has literally become limitless with all that can now be done with cars capable of going airborne!

Technological Innovations

As we aim to introduce the concept of flying cars, technology helps us progress. The latest improvements in electric propulsion systems for this purpose comprise advancements in battery performance, distributed power sources, hybrid solutions that include gas turbine and electrical components as well as fixed wings which enhance flight efficacy. Imagine batteries with lithium-ion capacity powering aerial vehicles along with ultra-dense rapidly recharging cells unified by an autonomous system revolutionizing urban commuting processes.

Computer Aided Design (CAD) plays a major role while progressing towards developing flying automobiles, it enables engineers to fashion precise designs focusing on aerodynamics and strength using simulations prior to assembling physical prototypes enabling them craft not only advanced products but also ensure they are secure plus efficient at the same time.

Industry Collaborations

Flying cars, which are set to transform urban mobility in the future, have a great potential for industry collaborations. A few examples of such partnerships include SkyDrive and Suzuki Motor Corporation, Porsche with Boeing, and Eve partnering up with Blade Air Mobility. ANA Holdings linking up with Joby Aviation etc., all focused on expediting development of eVTOL aircrafts. These strategic alliances do more than just speed up progress, but they also provide an essential platform necessary for Growth within this innovative market sector. The combined resources these companies put into their projects enable them to break boundaries as well as explore possibilities that may not have been considered before when it comes to flying car transportation solutions.

Regulatory Progress

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Union’s Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) are developing laws to ensure that flying cars can be safely incorporated into existing transportation systems. This includes introducing airworthiness standards for certification, ensuring pilots possess necessary licenses, regulating takeoff/landing spots in relation to usage of airspace, as well as conducting flight tests specifically pertaining to these vehicles. To this end, they are actively reviewing regulations accordingly so that airborne taxis and other kinds of flying cars may become a more commonplace form of travel.

Pioneering Companies Revolutionizing Urban Mobility

The future of transportation is changing with the pioneering designs and technology brought by these innovative companies revolutionizing urban mobility. SkyDrive, for example, are creating compact zero-emission vehicles that can fly while Joby Aviation has teamed up with NASA and Toyota to take this concept further.

It truly astounding what they have accomplished when it comes to flying cars, no doubt you will be amazed too! Together, these firms represent a remarkable shift in our society’s transportation options as well as an exciting development into previously unexplored realms.

SkyDrive, a Japanese startup that is supported by Toyota, has made it their mission to develop small and emission-free flying cars which could revolutionize the way we travel. Their SD-03 prototype vehicle can take off vertically with just one seat for local daily commutes in cities. SkyDrive’s aim is to extend its flight time up to 30 minutes while increasing speeds of 35-40 mph, this goal being making an urban utility aircraft which would be easily accessible regardless of distance or range due to more advanced DEP systems they are collaborating on for greater safety as well as better performance. In short, SkyDrives ambition towards pioneering new heights within the ever changing industry of flying vehicles shows no signs of stopping anytime soon!

Joby Aviation

Joby Aviation is playing an increasingly important role in the flying car industry, having made partnerships with NASA and Toyota as well as buying Uber Elevate. Their S4 five-seater electric VTOL aircraft has been exhaustively flight tested at a phenomenal speed of 200 mph (322 km/hr).

Air safety remains Joby’s highest priority. This firm is utilizing cutting-edge technology to revolutionize air travel mobility solutions. In other words, they aim to alter how we move through the sky, quite literally!

Lilium is aiming to revolutionize regional transportation with the Lilium Jet, an eco-friendly 7-seater electric aircraft. Outfitted with modern aerodynamics and driven by vectored thrust technology powered by electricity, this cutting-edge mode of transport offers a more efficient alternative than conventional means. As they are pursuing certifications from both EASA and the FAA for their product safety assurance standards. It’s obvious that securing its place in urban mobility is among Lilium’s top priorities. With ambitious goals coupled with innovative solutions, there’s no doubt that Lilium will shape our future travel plans greatly!

Transforming Daily Commutes: Flying Car Models to Watch

Revolutionary flying car models are ready to revolutionize commutes in cities, offering an alternative form of transport compared with conventional aircraft. Let us take a look at the most advanced flying cars that will alter urban travel including one particular prototype.

The range of proposed vehicles includes everything from road-legal gyroplanes and other novel designs hailing from Slovakia - which can all be classified as ‘flying cars.’’ These new creations may well redefine our idea of traveling around metropolitan areas via air or on roads filled with automobiles.

PAL-V Liberty

The PAL-V Liberty is a roadworthy car manufactured in the Netherlands with Italian design that can soar up to 100 mph and has a range of 250-310 miles. With two seats, it reaches an impressive take off weight of 910 kg during flight mode when its automated mast unfurls – providing passengers with an intense flying experience.

At the same time advanced safety features ensure secure operation for users who benefit from ease and convenience similar to driving your car as certification under strict regulations makes sure they enjoy their flights safely while taking advantage of the qualities this vehicle offers such as speed, power and overall performance whilst soaring through air at full throttle.

Klein Vision AirCar

The amazing Klein Vision AirCar, a flying car from Slovakia, is truly remarkable in its construction. This sophisticated vehicle can transform from road to air mode within three minutes with the help of retractable wings and folding tail surfaces which have already been certified by Slovakian aviation authorities. It has an impressive BMW engine capable of giving up to 160 horsepower for optimum speed performance - reaching 190 km/h when airborne at 2,500 meters altitude. This advanced piece of machinery provides excellent safety due to its ballistic parachute system equipped as standard feature that will no doubt make it one of the most desired flying cars around the world. Thanks to these features plus others such as comfortable seating design and elegant aesthetics. Travelers are guaranteed total convenience while enjoying dynamic aerial experiences on board their own personal Komar Vision Air Car!

Samson Switchblade

The Samson Switchblade, a flying car with street-legal status, is predicted to be available for delivery in 2025. It has been designed and engineered to fulfill both travel needs on the ground as well as through flight, with an impressive altitude of 13000 feet that can reach speeds up to 160 mph while carrying two passengers from their garage all the way across the sky! With its distinguished features including long range flights, this revolutionary vehicle will surely revolutionize air transportation as we know it today.

Environmental Impact and Sustainability

As flying cars continue to come closer and closer to fruition, it is important that we investigate their environmental impact. Electric or hybrid powered vehicles can offer different advantages in terms of sustainability than traditional ground transportation. Overall, they may have the potential to be more environmentally friendly when accounting for noise-reduction technologies as well. To explore this, let us delve into how such advancements would affect these aspects concerning flying cars.

Electric vs. Hybrid Models

The idea of electric flying cars has been presented as a zero-emission transportation option, providing an eco-conscious alternative to standard ground vehicles. A study revealed that this type of car emits up to 35% fewer greenhouse gases than conventional automobiles. The electricity used for charging these flying cars must be taken into consideration. Its source can impact the environmental outcome overall.

Hybrid aircars are also available and offer more range than all electric models along with versatility combining both internal combustion engines and electrical motors - even though they may not carry out sustainability initiatives at quite the same level as fully electric ones, they do provide another choice compared to gasoline driven rides.

Noise Abatement Technologies

The development of quiet flying cars has become increasingly important due to their growing popularity, as the addition of such vehicles could contribute heavily to noise pollution. To reduce these negative impacts, distributed electric propulsion systems are being employed for sound abatement in flying cars. This new technology is still under investigation and research. Yet with all this effort put into it, there’s strong hope that when they hit the roads—or rather skies - they will be a much more sustainable means of transportation than before while also producing far less noise compared to other modes of transportation.

The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities

The upcoming path for the flying car sector comes with both predicaments and opportunities connected to infrastructure construction, general opinion of people, and market potential. As engineering develops rapidly along with modifications in regulations, these types of cars will keep on progressing, presenting new options for city transport.

Let’s consider what awaits in front when it relates to flying cars’ development from hovering into moving forward, while also taking into account such trials as test flights that need overcoming.

Infrastructure Development

The cost of creating an adequate infrastructure for flying cars is expected to be between $15 million and $20 million. These figures may evolve as technology advances. In order to assure their smooth and safe utilization, policies governing such vehicles must also be established alongside standards in regards to airspace management systems. These measures will have a major role if aerial transportation by car is going to become integrated into our roads successfully.

Public Perception and Adoption

The public’s opinion and agreement to embrace flying cars is largely dependent on aspects such as safety, price-effectiveness, and practicality. Although people are usually open to the thought of traveling in vehicles which fly, worries related to security risks or ecological impact could deter them from using this modern transportation solution.

Companies producing flying cars have presented their aptitude for managing airspace operations while tackling any pending danger that arises along with it, all in an effort Improve perceptions of these skyward options as safe alternatives. With confidence increasing regarding trustworthiness and stability regarding air travel technology, hopefully consumer acceptance will increase also over time.

Future Market Potential

The future of the flying car industry is looking bright, with analysts predicting a market value in excess of $1.5 trillion by 2040 due to growing road traffic, the need for new transportation solutions within cities and faster long-distance commutes. Particularly strong demand can be expected from countries like Europe and America where regulations will become more accommodating as technology develops further. As such, there are no limits when it comes to what this expanding sector can achieve over the years ahead.

The world of flying cars is inching closer to becoming a reality as technology, partnerships and regulations are improving rapidly. With influential businesses at the helm along with several innovative car models set to revolutionise urban mobility, there’s an immense sense of possibility for what lies ahead in transportation. The future looks exceptionally bright and the potential skywards seems limitless when it comes to these new vehicles taking flight!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there flying cars 2023.

It looks like flying cars might be a reality in 2023! Alef Aeronautics just unveiled their concept for an electric, ultra-light carbon fiber flying car that can reach a maximum flying range of 200 miles.

Get ready to soar above traffic jams this year!

How soon will flying cars be available?

The sky is about to be filled with flying cars soon! Alef and Doroni’s eVTOLs will become available for purchase in 2025 - don’t miss your chance to reserve one ahead of time on their respective websites now.

Which flying cars have vertical takeoff capabilities?

Among the flying cars that utilize vertical takeoff, we have the Alef Aeronautics model and the Doroni's eVTOL. Both of these models are designed to take off and land vertically, similar to a helicopter, which makes them suitable for urban environments where space is often limited. Other notable mentions include the Joby Aviation's S4 five-seater electric VTOL aircraft and the SkyDrive's SD-03 prototype vehicle. These vehicles are designed to revolutionize urban mobility by taking off from practically anywhere without the need for a runway.

Is there going to be a flying car in 2024?

You heard it right – in 2024 you can buy your very own flying car for $190,000! This electric Vertical Take-off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft is the latest addition to the growing market of aerial vehicles and doesn’t require a pilot’s license.

So mark your calendars - flying cars are on their way in 2024!

What flying car was at the 2023 Detroit Auto Show?

Alef Aeronautics has created the world’s first flying car concept, revealed at the 2023 Detroit Auto Show. The vehicle is powered by electricity and boasts an impressive 200 mile range while also being environmentally friendly due to its ultra-light carbon fiber build, making it possible for you to take flight!

Do flying cars utilize artificial intelligence?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) plays a crucial role in the operation of flying cars. AI systems are used to control flight paths, manage traffic in the skies, and ensure safety during takeoff and landing. These systems use complex algorithms to process data from various sensors and make real-time decisions. For instance, AI can help detect and avoid obstacles, adjust flight plans based on weather conditions, and even take over controls in case of emergency situations. Furthermore, AI is also instrumental in optimizing energy consumption and ensuring efficient use of battery power during flights. Thus, the integration of AI technology is fundamental to the successful operation and safety of flying cars.

What are the main technological differences between electric and hybrid flying cars?

Flying cars that are electric run only on motors which rely on their batteries for energy storage. In contrast, hybrid flying cars make use of a combination between an internal combustion engine and an electric motor with two distinct battery systems, notifying us of the discrepancy in technology!

• Nov-04-2023
• Flying Cars

TJ Sullivan

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Yes, Flying Cars Are Coming. Here Are 7 That Are Hitting the Skies Soon.

The flying car has been a fantasy since the 1960s cartoon, "the jetsons." these companies are now planning to turn the concept into reality in the next few years., jaclyn trop, jaclyn trop's most recent stories.

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It may not be long before you can look up to the skies and see cars flying overhead. Companies around the world are trying to solve the problem of urban congestion by lifting travelers above the traffic. Plus, it’s just a cool way to travel.

One firm in Florida already has a flying car on the market and three others are close to ushering their concepts into production. Most will require a standard driver’s license and some type of drone or pilot’s license.

Unlike eVTOLs, flying cars actually fit into existing regulatory structures. According to Dr. Kyriakos Kourousis, program director at the University of Limerick program in airworthiness and fellow at the Royal Aeronautical Society: “The market could be bigger than that corresponding to ultralight/light and general aviation aircraft.” That translates to thousands of flying cars.

Several of the vehicles will be sold as kits, which makes for easier approval under FAA regulatory structures. Though years away, the eventual plan for many is to go fully autonomous when in flight mode.

Until then, however, owners will be responsible for driving and flying. Which is the whole point, really. Otherwise, where’s the fun?

Pal V Liberty

The $300,000 Liberty Sport from Netherlands-based PAL-V International is currently in its final test program and slated to begin deliveries next year. The company says the three-wheeled car converts into a two-passenger gyroplane in less than five minutes.

In road-going mode, the Liberty Sport will hit 0 to 60 mph in less than nine seconds on its way to a top speed just below 100 mph. Its flight range will be roughly 250 miles when with two passengers, or 310 miles, with just the pilot.

Unlike a helicopter, the Liberty Sport requires a short airstrip for takeoff. It cannot rise vertically because it is not powered by a rotor. Instead, the vehicle’s blades generate lift, and its forward thrust is provided by a separate motor and propeller, like a fixed-wing airplane but with a shorter takeoff distance.

Samson Switchblade

The $170,000 Switchblade flying car from Oregon-based Samson Sky is a two-passenger, three-wheeled, street-legal vehicle. The company says that the two-mode conveyance can be driven from the garage to the local airport, where it launches into flight. Samson also plans to offer one-of-one Limited Edition models starting at $770,000.

Once activated for flight mode, the wings swing out and the tail extends in less than three minutes. When it lands, its wings fold into the sides of the car. The Switchblade can reach a maximum altitude of 13,000 feet with a cruise speed of 160 mph. The car is classified as an Experimental Category aircraft, requiring owners to build 51 percent of the vehicle at Samson’s Builder Assist Center, where they will spend one week guided by staff.

The company said it is in the test-flight phase and plans to announce the first official flight soon. It expects to begin deliveries of the flying car in 2025.

California-based Aska bills its A5 as the world’s first drive and fly eVTOL. Roughly the size of an SUV, the hybrid-electric A5 uses six propellers to take off vertically from a vertipad and fly as an aircraft.

In flight, the A5 can travel 250 miles at a maximum speed of 150 mph. The company aims to certify the car for travel up to 70 mph on the highway while in drive mode. The first version will be piloted, both on the road and in the air, but Aska has bigger plans for the future.  “Eventually we expect it will be fully autonomous, both on the road and in the air,” Aska Co-Founder and Chair/COO Maki Kaplinsky says.  

The company intends to bring the A5 to market by 2026.

Klein Vision AirCar

The AirCar from Slovakia-based Klein Vision resembles a cross between a futuristic Italian hypercar and a military tank. At the press of a button, the tail extends and wings unfold from a hidden compartment, transforming the AirCar from a slick roadster into a two-passenger aircraft.

When it reaches the market, the AirCar’s price is expected to range from $500,000 to $1 million. The flying car has been certified by Slovakian air-transport authorities. Klein Vision, which is seeking certification across Europe, also plans to make four-passenger and amphibious versions.

Alef Model A

California-based Alef recently unveiled a concept of its Model A , which it says is the only flying automobile with street-legal driving and vertical-takeoff abilities. The battery-powered device launches vertically, using eight propellers housed inside a body roughly the size of a big automobile.

With a payload for two people and their luggage, the Alef Model A seats two passengers inside a bubble-like compartment. The fully-electric machine can travel 200 miles on the road and 110 miles in flight, according to the company. A full-size demonstration car is currently in road and flight tests.

An animated video from Alef shows the Model A in the air, its body rotating 90 degrees after takeoff to move from upward to forward flight. On presale for $300,000, the Model A is slated to enter production during the first quarter of 2025.

This electric aircraft by Doroni isn’t designed to drive long distances, but it will function as a personal vehicle, as opposed to the wheel-less, air-taxi design of most eVTOLs. The Miami-based company is designing the H1 as a “semi-autonomous” aircraft so that anyone with a standard driver’s license and 20-hour training course can fly it. The company plans to certify it as a Light Sport Aircraft under FAA regulations.

The two-seat flying car has two sets of wings with large ducted fans providing thrust and lift. It will have a 500-lb. payload. The H1 has a projected range of 50 miles and top speed of 140 mph. The company says deliveries will start in 2024.

Maverick Flying Car

This buggy-like, paragliding vehicle certainly doesn’t fit in with the sleek, curved airframes of the others on this list, but the Maverick from Florida’s I-TEC Education Center is actually certified and available for sale. It’s mainly being sold for recreational use, but I-TEC designed it as a flying car for missionaries trying to reach the world’s most remote areas by flying over jungles. As a car, the 140-hp, fuel-injected 16-valve engine will push the Maverick from 0 to 60 in 3.9 seconds. It has a top speed of 90 mph. In flight mode, the central telescopic mast raises and acts as a wing spar for its chute, or ram-air wing, and the rear-mounted five-blade propeller pushes it to a takeoff speed of 40 mph. It can take off in just 300 feet. The aircraft is street-legal, and is classified by the FAA as an experimental aircraft.

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Flying cars aren’t yet cleared for takeoff, but change is on the horizon

Travel troubleshooter.

This is the second of a two-part series on the future of air travel. Read part one here .

If you’d told me a few weeks ago that flying cars will change the way we travel, I probably would have laughed at you. 

But when Elon Musk hinted there might be a flying Tesla soon, the internet started buzzing with flying car news. And now people are talking.

“There’s absolutely a sense that the time has come,” says aviation industry investment banker Joey Smith at Cassel Salpeter & Co . “Numerous well-funded companies are racing to build a viable production vehicle, and they could take to the skies as early as next year.”

What’s more, attitudes toward advanced air mobility — that’s a fancy term for flying cars and other personal flying vehicles — have shifted. A new study suggests Americans, and particularly younger urban consumers, are warming to the idea of flying to their next destination. Even so, the definition of a flying car is a little hard to pin down. I’ll explain in a minute.

Don’t expect to open your apartment window and see a scene out of a sci-fi movie like “Minority Report” anytime soon. (You know, lanes of flying vehicles lining the sky.) It’ll be a slow rollout, but it has the potential to change the way we travel like we haven’t seen since the introduction of the jet engine.

What kind of flying vehicles are out there?

Personal flying vehicles defy simple classification, which may be part of their allure. There are STOLs and VTOLs, quadcopters, octocopters and hexacopters. Some are electric, some are gas-powered. 

Don’t be confused by all the acronyms. I think it’s OK to just call them flying cars.

Right now, the ones generating the most noise are electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles. These aircraft take off and land like a helicopter. For example, Joby’s air taxi service in Manhattan plans to use its eVTOL , which looks like an oversized drone, to shuttle passengers from New York to John F. Kennedy International Airport next year.

My categorization is a little unconventional, but here’s how I see it: There are really just two types of flying cars. The first are cars that can drive on the road and fly, just like the ones in “Back to the Future.” 

One of the most high-profile of these is the Model A being developed by Alef Aeronautics . It’s an eVTOL that looks like a sports car. But once it takes off, the passenger cabin pivots and the vehicle flies sideways, which looks a little jarring but very cool.

The second type of flying vehicle doesn’t even bother with the road. For example, the Lilium Jet is both a fixed-wing aircraft and an eVTOL. But you won’t see it on the highway unless it’s making an emergency landing — so technically, it’s not a flying car.

Like I said, these flying vehicles aren’t easy to categorize. And it hasn’t really mattered until now, because you could only find them in aviation magazines and science fiction movies. But now there are serious discussions about flying cars, and developers have started taking orders. The future is almost here.

Flying cars aren’t cleared for takeoff — yet

Don’t get too excited. A few things still have to be worked out, say experts. For example, eVTOL manufacturers have struggled with several challenges. It’s not just how to design lightweight aircraft made from the right composite materials and with adequate battery life. It’s also piloting the flying car. Issues such as autonomous flight capability and pilot training have proved to be big barriers. 

There are also regulatory roadblocks. The Federal Aviation Administration, which has oversight of these new vehicles, has adopted a “crawl-walk-run” approach. And it’s still in “crawl” mode. Last year, it laid down some rules for flying cars. Among them: They have to use existing heliports and they must have a human pilot. But there are no special traffic lanes in the sky for these vehicles yet.

The U.K. is also preparing for flying cars. In March, the government said it envisioned eVTOLs taking to the skies within four years . 

Observers are skeptical of the proposed timeline. Charles Leocha, president of the consumer group Travelers United , has worked on regulations for low-level unmanned aerial vehicles for the past decade. He says the wheels are turning slowly.

“The FAA is at least a decade away from allowing or approving any kind of flying car,” he adds.

All of that has made people reluctant to order a flying car — if they can afford one. Most vehicles range from $150,000 to as much as $10 million.

“Prospective buyers are likely to hold off until regulatory barriers are dismantled,” says Francesco Cerroni, a mobility expert at the design firm Buro Happold .

Where to find personal flying vehicles now

If you want to see a flying vehicle for yourself, here’s where to find them (outside of the movie theater):

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• Lift Aircraft , which manufactures a single-seat eVTOL called Hexa, is offering test flights this spring. It’s scheduled to be in Lakeland Linder International Airport in Florida in April and Austin, Texas, in May.
• Early next year, you’ll be able to hail an air taxi from Abu Dhabi and Dubai on a four-passenger Midnight aircraft. The eVTOL, operated by United Arab Emirates-based Falcon Aviation , will cover the 81-mile trip in just 30 minutes. By road, the drive can take a few hours in traffic.
• There’s even a flying car driving school. Netherlands auto manufacturer PAL-V will show you the ins and outs of flying a car. It even has a flying car showroom in Munich where you can buy your own gyroplane/car combination. (It’ll cost you about $550,000.)

Bottom line: Flying cars remain rare. But change is on the horizon.

How flying cars could change the way we travel

High prices and continued doubts about the viability of zipping around town like George Jetson haven’t stopped people from thinking about the future. Experts seem to agree that safe VTOLs with FAA approval could change travel forever.

“It would reduce congestion by removing some traffic on the road and create a new aviation sector, with new jobs,” says Raj Rajkumar, professor of computer engineering at Carnegie Mellon University.

Flying cars could dramatically cut the drive time between destinations typically served by short-haul commercial flights. So instead of catching a shuttle flight from Washington, D.C., to New York, you’d just fly there in your own car in a fraction of the time it used to take to drive.

But that’s just the beginning. As these vehicles become faster and more affordable, they hold the promise of competing with commercial aviation. Imagine flying your family car from the suburbs of an East Coast city to Florida for your next vacation in less time than it would take you to go to the airport, get through security, wait for your departure, fly, land, collect your luggage and rent an earthbound car?

The thought of ditching airlines, with their awful customer service and addictive loyalty programs, may be the greatest promise of the autonomous aerial vehicle revolution.

If you’d asked me a few weeks ago if such a future was possible, I would have been very skeptical. Now, I’m just a little skeptical.

The opinions expressed in reader comments are those of the author only and do not reflect the opinions of The Seattle Times.

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Flying Cars Capture the Public Imagination, But Will Regulators Approve Them?

• Hanneke Weitering
• November 9, 2022

While most vehicle manufacturers working in the advanced air mobility (AAM) sector are focused on building eVTOL air taxis and other electric or hybrid aircraft, a few companies are pressing ahead with plans for literal flying cars—vehicles that can both fly in the air and be driven on roads. 

Like other eVTOLs, some of these flying cars can take off and land vertically without the need for long runways to transition from driving to flying. However, whereas the FAA and other international regulators have a pretty good idea of how eVTOLs will be certified to fly, there is currently no clear pathway to certification for these elaborate cars equipped with rotors and wings. 

Xpeng Reveals Its X3 Flying Car

Just last month, the Chinese electric vehicle company Xpeng introduced what it claims could be the world’s first flying car. Xpeng, which is considered a rival to the U.S. EV manufacturer Tesla, revealed the design for its fully electric eVTOL flying car, the two-seat Xpeng X3, at its fourth annual Tech Day in Guangzhou, China, on October 24. 

Xpeng also showed off at its Tech Day a working prototype of its flying car, called the X2, which has no wheels and looks more like a typical eVTOL. The company has already conducted several piloted test flights of this eVTOL aircraft, which made its first public flight in October in Dubai. Xpeng says its newer X3 model, which looks more like an actual car with eight retractable propellers, recently completed its first test flights as well.

“Subject to laws and regulations for the low-altitude airspace, [the X3] can take off and land vertically, and fly over traffic congestion, obstacles, and rivers to meet a new host of short-distance mobility needs,” Xpeng officials wrote in a company statement . However, the manufacturer did not say exactly how it plans to abide by those laws and regulations to produce a certifiable flying car, and it has not yet provided a timeline for the vehicle’s entry into service. 

But that hasn’t stopped Xpeng from raising capital to fund the development of its flying car; the company announced this week that it has secured $6 billion in bank credits from four Chinese banks, and it recently closed a $500 million Series A funding round. 

PAL-V Liberty Flying Car

A similar project with several more years of history is the PAL-V Liberty flying car, which is being developed by the Dutch company PAL-V International. PAL-V (short for “personal air and land vehicle”) has been working on its flying car design since 2008.

Much like the Xpeng X3, the PAL-V Liberty is a two-seat model with a foldable system of propellers that are stowed inside the vehicle when it’s being driven on the road. To transition from driving to flying mode, a large, helicopter-style rotor unfolds overhead, and a second, smaller rotor unfolds in the rear to provide forward propulsion. The full transition from ground to airborne mode takes about six minutes, according to PAL-V.  

The PAL-V Liberty is more of a cross between a three-wheeled car and a gyroplane, rather than an eVTOL or a flying car. While the Xpeng X3 can take off and land vertically, the PAL-V Liberty does require a bit of horizontal space to take flight or come down. PAL-V says the Liberty needs between 70 and 200 meters (up to 656 feet) to take off, depending on headwinds, but it needs just 50 meters (164 feet) of tarmac to land. However, unlike the X3, the Liberty is already approved for road use in Europe. 

PAL-V is working with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to gain airworthiness approval, and the company is seeking type certification under special conditions for the existing CS-27 rules that EASA published in 2021, which cover gyroplanes with a maximum takeoff weight of up to 1,000 kilograms (2,200 pounds). 

The company aims to achieve type certification in the third quarter of 2023, with the first deliveries to customers expected by the end of that year. Operators of the PAL-V Liberty will be required to have both a regular driver’s license and a gyroplane pilot’s license

Bellwether Industries’ Oryx Flying Car

Meanwhile, in the UK, another AAM company has recently revealed a new prototype of its electric flying car. Based in London, Bellwether Industries is developing a three-seat eVTOL flying car called Oryx. Slightly bigger than an SUV but as sleek as a sports car, the Oryx is Bellwether’s third-generation personal eVTOL, a category of aircraft that the company refers to as “Volar.” 

With a hidden propulsion system built into the vehicle’s frame, Bellwether’s Oryx looks a bit like a flying Batmobile—although it doesn’t have wheels, making it more of an eVTOL aircraft than a literal flying car. 

Bellwether says the vehicle is mainly intended for urban air mobility (UAM), offering a new way for people to get around cities and suburbs while avoiding heavy traffic. The company claims the Oryx will be able to complete the approximately 22-mile journey from London’s Heathrow Airport to Canary Wharf in under eight minutes, whereas the same trip by car usually takes more than an hour. 

Because the Oryx is not designed to drive on roads and can only fly, Bellwether’s path to certification is perhaps less complicated than that of its competitors, which are making flying cars that will share roads with other ground vehicles. Bellwether has said that it aims to bring its flying car to market in 2028 and that it is working closely with EASA and the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority to help make that happen. 

Other Personal eVTOLs

Bellwether is far from the only company working on this type of personal eVTOL aircraft, or “flying cars” without wheels for road use. But Bellwether’s version of this kind of aircraft may be the only one that’s designed to actually resemble a car. 

Other companies developing personal eVTOLs include the Israeli start-up Air , Japan’s SkyDrive , Sweden's  Jetson , and Ohio-based Ryse Aero Technologies. But most of these aircraft will not be certified to fly over densely populated urban areas. 

While some are recreational aircraft intended purely for sport, others are intended for specific uses, such as surveillance of agricultural land (the Ryse Recon eVTOL aircraft). A London-based company called Airspeeder  is developing flying cars intended purely for piloted air racing in rural areas. Meanwhile, SkyDrive is planning to certify its "flying car" to operate in urban areas, but the company has also said it expects the aircraft to be employed for commercial purposes, such as emergency medical transportation and tourism, rather than as private vehicles that owners can use to avoid traffic on the ground. 

Whether any type of personal eVTOL will ever be certified for private use in urban areas remains to be seen. However, several companies offering personal eVTOLs for sport have already begun collecting orders and down payments from prospective customers. 

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What it would take for cars to actually fly

Since the 1800s, inventors have struggled to design a hybrid craft that could traverse both earth and sky—but flying cars might soon get a new lift.

By Bill Gourgey | Published May 24, 2022 2:00 PM EDT

From cities in the sky to robot butlers, futuristic visions fill the history of  PopSci . In the  Are we there yet?  column we check in on progress towards our most ambitious promises. Read more from the series  here ..

Decades before Orville and Wilbur Wright propellered into the air, the dream of flying cars (or carriages) got an unexpected lift. In 1856, French sea captain Jean-Marie Le Bris sailed through the skies in a horse-drawn glider fashioned after an albatross. The aptly named L’Albatros artificiel , or the Artificial Albatross, carried Le Bris 300 feet off the ground—an impressive height for the mid-19th century when the first steam-powered automobiles were only just beginning to dot roadways. With this seminal, albeit short-lived, flight, a flying-car archetype was born. Subsequent iterations of soaring carriages followed with varying levels of success, such as aviation-industry titan Glenn Curtiss’s 1917 self-propelling Autoplane. While a much improved model, his car-craft’s hang-time was only marginally better than Le Bris’.

Then in the 1920s, Sherman Fairchild, founder of Fairchild Industries whose father George W. Fairchild was the  cofounder and first president of IBM , came up with a more practical concept. This concept actually worked! As Popular Science reported in September 1926, Sherman Fairchild designed and built one of the first flying cars, with wings that “fold like a beetle’s.” At the time, Popular Science predicted that Fairchild’s airplane-auto, which he used to tote his golfing pals around the Long Island’s Gold Coast, would become “a serious competitor for space in the family garage.” Despite a century of noteworthy attempts to mainstream flying cars, however, the obstacles have proved too great. But promising developments in aviation technology and engineering suggests that this may soon change.

“When the airplane was invented, people came up with all kinds of amazing ideas about what airplanes were going to do,” says aviation historian Janet Bednarek, a history professor at the University of Dayton in Ohio. Society had lofty hopes for the flying crafts: “They were going to create world peace. They were going to improve human beings, and bring about greater racial and gender equality,” she says. Of course, the idea of fusing already popular automobiles with novel airplanes was even more appealing. “It’s the most persistent part of [the aviation ideal] that doesn’t die,” Bednarek notes. If fiction is any gauge (Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, The Jetsons, Back to the Future), flying cars have captured our collective imagination; they often represent individual freedom—the ability to go wherever, whenever, even through time.

The concept of flying cars, or at least an airplane in every garage, had been so firmly fixed in the national consciousness that in 1934, Eugene Vidal, newly-minted director of the US Bureau of Air Commerce, launched a contest for an affordable family airplane, dubbed flivver aircraft (flivver being slang for cheap cars, made popular by Ford’s Model T). The contest prompted entries ranging from auto companies to independent inventors like Waldo Waterman, who used the frame of a Studebaker to build his contest-winning Aerobile, or Arrowplane. But even with Uncle Sam’s backing, flying car sales never took off.

A decade later as World War II came to a close, many trained pilots returned home and the notion of an airplane in every garage got another lift. Inventor Robert Fulton (an alleged descendant of the famed steam-engine pioneer with the same name) introduced the Airphibian—an airplane that could be modified to an auto simply by detaching the wings and propeller. That same decade, the first backpack helicopter, or hoppicopter , was built by Horace Pentecost, which Popular Science covered in July 1945. However these designs didn’t gain traction, resulting in another disappointing decade for flying car enthusiasts.

Since the advent of aviation, flying cars have never progressed from prototype to reality. “Having a car attached to an airplane is hard to make efficient,” says Ella Atkins, an aerospace engineering professor and director of the University of Michigan’s Autonomous Aerospace Systems Lab. “The car is not going to notice much difference from having the parts of an airplane, but the plane is going to really be impacted by the presence of a car.”

It’s more than just impractical engineering that has grounded the flying car dream. After all, as far back as 1926, Fairchild’s foldable design seemed to have struck a crude auto-airplane compromise. But he couldn’t solve the complex matter of operating the flying craft itself. “Pilots need a lot more training and practice to become proficient than 16-year-olds who get their drivers’ licenses,” Atkins says.

Plus, flying a rusty jalopy is much riskier than driving one, even for a trained pilot. Had Vidal succeeded in coaxing manufacturers to build and sell affordable family aircraft in 1934, his grand vision of an airplane in every garage likely would have failed when the cost of upkeep began breaking family budgets. “Airplanes are very maintenance intensive,” Bednarek says. “There are a lot more costs associated with owning an airplane than with owning a car.”

In the case of aircraft, maintenance is not just about keeping the airborne passengers safe; the world below is also vulnerable, too. “I’ve been in a car that actually had its [backseat] battery drop through the floor,” Atkins says. If this happened in a flying car, pulling over on the side of the road is not an option for a pilot, she adds. Batteries dropping from the sky would send shockwaves through any community, and yet pelting neighborhoods with projectiled parts might not even be flying cars’ worst fallout. “It’s about the noise. It’s about the annoyance,” says Atkins, who adds that these crafts could also potentially create a significant amount of congestion. “We can’t just stop in bumper to bumper air traffic,” she adds. “Even if we have hover-capable aircraft, we are burning a tremendous amount of fuel or electricity just to stay in the air.”

[Related: From the archives: A grand tribute and eulogy for Zeppelins ]

What’s more, any congestion would only ratchet up existing emissions from aircrafts. Aviation already pumps out 2.5 percent of the planet’s greenhouse gases without the added snarl and stink of flying-car traffic jams. Not surprisingly the 21st century offers its own special twist: climate change. If aviation were a country, it would rank sixth in the world for CO2 emissions. “Aviation is in the crosshairs as a huge emitter,” says Bednarek, who considers climate change an existential threat to aviation in general, let alone flying cars.

Despite so many obstacles, the transportation landscape might finally be ready for flying cars—and it’s mostly thanks to deep-pocketed investors. A collection of companies like Terrafugia, Klein Vision, Pal-V, and Aeromobil have announced plans to soon offer true hybrid flying cars , equally capable of cruising down the freeway and soaring through the skies. Bell Nexus and Joby Aviation (which in 2020 acquired Uber Elevate, the ridesharing company’s aerial initiative), have their sights set on all-electric, vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) air taxis, set to debut in 2023. “There are a couple of planned communities being designed in Northern California,” says Atkins, “with a model of actually having solar panels to charge eVTOLs for a commuter service to go in and out of the Bay area each day.”

But even as flying cars seem on the cusp of a breakthrough, a whole new class of vehicles are quickly cluttering the skies: autonomous drones that are increasingly being used for package delivery, surveillance, mapping, news, and entertainment. “The biggest obstacle to all this,” Atkins explains, “is transitioning away from voice-based air traffic control to data link.” By data link, she means enabling aircraft to communicate directly with one another, with little or no human intervention.

Before flying cars, air taxis, or drones can take to the skies in numbers, air traffic control will need a serious upgrade. Atkins envisions a mainly autonomous solution—an Urban Air Mobility, or UAM, air traffic control system. An UAM would enable aircraft to communicate directly with one other (no humans in the loop), as well as with a central command center and community-based centers, which, when combined, would be capable of handling thousands of simultaneous flights over a metropolitan area.

Bednarek is not so sanguine about the coming whirlwind of air traffic, including flying cars. “I think people would actually be rather repulsed by the environmental impact,” she says, citing the visual, noise, and carbon pollution. “I’m not entirely convinced that we should get there, even if we could.” She concedes, though, that flying cars remain “probably the most persistent dream of those who are enthusiastic about flight.”

Correction: It was Sherman Fairchild’s father George W. Fairchild who cofounded IBM, not Sherman Fairchild as originally stated.

Bill Gourgey is a Popular Science contributor and unofficial digital archeologist who enjoys excavating PopSci’s vast archives to update noteworthy stories (yes, merry-go-rounds are noteworthy).

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First flying car approved by the FAA. Here’s how the 100% electric vehicle works

Flying cars might fill our skies by 2025.

By Margaret Darby

By 2025, flying cars may no longer be exclusive to the magical world of “Harry Potter” or time-traveling DeLoreans operated by nutty scientists — the first flying car has been granted permission to take flight in the U.S.

Last week, California-based startup Alef announced that its fully electric flying car, “Model A,” was granted legal permission by the Federal Aviation Administration to begin test driving the vehicle on roads and in the sky, per CNN .

Alef is the first company to receive a Special Airworthiness Certification from the FAA, but the certificate “limits the locations and purpose for which Alef is permitted to fly,” per Newsweek . It will need to meet safety standards from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration before given full driving access.

“The historical significance of this cannot be overstated,” Jim Dukhovny, Alef’s CEO, told USA Today . “While there have been pioneers like Terrafugia, Paul Moller, and Henry Ford, this is the first time a vehicle, in the traditional sense (parks and drives like a car, functions like a car, looks like a car), has received permission to fly. It’s also important that Alef is the first electric car which received permission to fly. And, last but not least, the ability for vertical takeoff is central to most people’s conception of a ‘flying car.’”

How will Alef’s flying car work?

For $300,000, you’ll receive a fully-electric vehicle capable of flying and driving on roads with vertical takeoff and landing capabilities. It will apparently carry one or two passengers and have a road-range of 200 miles and a flying range of 110 miles, per CNN . For comparison, the Tesla “Model S” boasts a 405-mile driving range.

Despite Model A’s impressive list of innovative qualities, it will be lacking in speed. Model A is considered a low speed vehicle and won’t go faster than 25 mph on paved surfaces. To reach a destination faster, drivers should use the vehicle’s flying capabilities, according to Alef, per USA Today .

“There is a reason we don’t have flying cars today; it is because it is impossible,” Dukhovny teased audiences during an October presentation from Alef, per Newsweek .

“Why? The laws of physics. In order to fly, you need an air pressure under the wing to be more than (the) air pressure over the wing. ... Hence, you need a large wing area.”

Dukhovny claims that Alef has done the “impossible,” adding, “but we did not break the laws of physics — we fooled them.”

To take flight, the vehicle rises vertically via eight rotating blades located beneath its permeable bodywork. After rising a few meters in the air, the vehicle rotates sideways while the passenger seat simultaneously rotates so the seat remains upright, reports Newsweek .

Creators were influenced by Marty McFly

In “Back to the Future,” in a fictional 2015, Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) travels through time from 1985 to a futuristic world with hoverboards and flying cars. In reality, time travel and flying cars were not available in 2015.

But during a Science Fiction lecture from Dukhovny, he talked about how flying cars were possible in 2015. The creators of Alef compared the two events on their official site .

To bring the vision presented in “Back to the Future” to reality, the creators had to overcome several obstacles: “it has to be a real car (driving in driving lanes, parking in parking spaces), it has to have a vertical takeoff (otherwise it is not a real flying car), it has to be affordable for most people (not just the rich),” the Alef website says.

Pre-order your flying car now

The flying car is now available for preorder, according to the company’s website . It is estimated to cost $300,000.

To get in line for the opportunity to pre-order the vehicle, you are required to make a $150 down payment. If you want to get on the priority list, you will need to make a $1,500 payment.

The 100% electric vehicle is expected to land on the market in 2025.

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The Groundbreaking Rise of Flying Cars in 2023: A New Era of Business Travel?

Flying cars have been a staple of science fiction for decades, but they are now becoming a reality. A number of companies, including Joby Aviation, Uber Elevate, Lilium, Archer Aviation, AeroMobil, PAL-V, Kitty Hawk, Volocopter, Vertical Aerospace, and Urban-Air Port, are developing them, and they could be on the roads (or in the skies) within the next few years.

So, what do flying cars mean for business travel?

They could have a major impact on the business travel industry. They could help businesses to save time, money, and carbon emissions, and they could also improve the safety and accessibility of business travel.

Here are some of the ways that flying cars could impact the business travel industry:

• Reduced travel time: Flying cars could significantly reduce the travel time between cities. This could save businesses a lot of money on travel expenses, and it would also allow business travelers to be more productive.
• Increased productivity: Business travellers could use the time they would have spent in traffic or on aeroplanes to be more productive, such as working on presentations or answering emails. This could lead to increased profits for businesses.
• Improved safety: Flying cars are equipped with the latest safety features, which can help to reduce the risk of accidents. This could give businesses peace of mind knowing that their employees are safe while travelling for work.
• Reduced carbon footprint: Flying cars are much more fuel-efficient than aeroplanes, which can help businesses to reduce their carbon footprint. This is important for businesses that are committed to sustainability.
• Increased accessibility: Flying cars can be used to travel to remote areas that are not accessible by car or aeroplane. This could open up new markets for businesses and make it easier for them to reach new customers.

Overall, they have the potential to revolutionise the business travel industry. They could help businesses to save time, money, and carbon emissions. They could also improve the safety and accessibility of business travel.

What could hinder the adoption of flying cars?

Of course, there are also some challenges that need to be addressed before they can become mainstream. These include:

• Safety: Flying cars will need to be designed and operated safely in order to avoid accidents.
• Regulation: Flying cars will need to be regulated by governments in order to ensure safety and security.
• Infrastructure: Flying cars will need to be supported by a network of landing pads and air traffic control systems.

Despite these challenges, there is a lot of potential for them to improve business travel. If they can be developed and implemented safely and effectively, they could have a major impact on the way we travel for work.

Recent News on Flying Cars and Vertiports

• In January 2023, Joby Aviation announced that it had received FAA certification for its eVTOL aircraft. This is a major milestone for the company, as it brings flying cars one step closer to commercialisation.
• In February 2023, Uber Elevate announced that it had selected seven cities for its flying car pilot program. The cities are Dallas, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Rio de Janeiro, Singapore, and Washington, D.C.
• In March 2023, Urban-Air Port announced that it had opened its first vertiport in Coventry, England. A vertiport is a landing and takeoff pad for flying cars.

These are just a few of the recent developments in the flying car industry. It is clear that this is an area of rapid innovation, and it will be exciting to see how it develops in the years to come.

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The Future of Flying Cars: Fact or Fiction?

Home » The Future of Flying Cars: Fact or Fiction?

Are we on the brink of a futuristic era where flying cars dominate the skies? Or are these airborne vehicles nothing more than a figment of our imaginations? In this article, we will delve into the realm of flying cars to investigate their future prospects and determine whether they are fact or fiction. Buckle up and prepare for an exciting journey as we explore the realities of these innovative modes of transportation.

The Promise of Flying Cars

For decades, the idea of flying cars has tantalized us with visions of a sci-fi future. Popularized by movies like “Back to the Future” and “The Jetsons,” these sleek and futuristic vehicles have captured our imaginations and ignited our desire for a new era of mobility. The promise of flying cars lies in their potential to revolutionize transportation, easing congestion on roads, and reducing travel time.

With flying cars, the dream of commuting through the air becomes a reality. Imagine soaring above rush hour traffic, effortlessly gliding to your destination while enjoying breathtaking views. The convenience and freedom offered by these vehicles are unparalleled. They could potentially make long-distance travel more efficient, opening up possibilities for quick and convenient travel between cities and even countries.

The Current Landscape

While flying cars may seem like a distant dream, recent advancements in technology have brought us closer to their realization. Today, we have drones that can carry passengers, autonomous aircraft, and electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles. Companies such as Uber, Airbus, and Terrafugia are investing heavily in developing these vehicles, indicating that the future of flying cars is not as far-fetched as it may seem.

However, there are significant challenges that must be overcome before flying cars become a ubiquitous mode of transportation. Safety concerns, regulatory hurdles, and infrastructure requirements are just a few of the obstacles that need to be addressed. To ensure the safe integration of flying cars into our airspace, air traffic management systems and regulations must be updated to accommodate these new vehicles.

The Road Ahead

While there are obstacles on the road to widespread adoption, the potential benefits of flying cars cannot be ignored. With growing congestion on roads and the need for sustainable transportation options, flying cars offer a promising solution. Imagine a future where autonomous eVTOL vehicles seamlessly integrate into our transport systems, offering a greener and more efficient way to travel.

However, it’s important to approach the future of flying cars with a healthy dose of skepticism. The timeline for widespread adoption may be longer than anticipated, and we must consider the practical implications of integrating these vehicles into our daily lives. Issues such as noise pollution, traffic management, and public acceptance need to be carefully addressed.

So, are flying cars fact or fiction? The answer lies somewhere in between. While the concept of flying cars is no longer science fiction, there are still obstacles to overcome. The future of airborne vehicles depends on continued technological advancements, regulatory frameworks, and public acceptance. As we navigate the complexities of this futuristic mode of transportation, perhaps one day we will witness the skies filled with flying cars, bringing us closer to a future once only imagined.

Priya Patel

Previous post the pros and cons of electric car charging, next post the resurgence of manual transmission.

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I fly twice a month for work. Here are 5 mistakes all travelers should avoid making.

• I'm an adventure-travel writer and typically find myself at the airport at least twice a month.
• Over the years, I've made many mistakes, both in the airport and on the plane .
• Now, before heading to the airport , I always screenshot my boarding pass and pack lots of snacks.

As an adventure-travel writer, I typically find myself at the airport at least twice a month for work.

I've certainly made some mistakes along the way, but have developed some go-to travel hacks to ensure a smooth air-travel experience.

Here are five mistakes you should avoid making during your next trip.

Forgetting to screenshot your boarding pass

It's frustratingly common to step into the airport only to realize cell phone connectivity has disappeared, airport WiFi is nonexistent, and the airline app you've become dependent upon is unresponsive.

Once that crucial connectivity is lost, accessing a boarding pass becomes nearly impossible. That's why I now screenshot my boarding pass before heading to the airport. I've found this works well for me when all other options have disappeared.

Counting on in-flight food and beverage service

Catching a flight can be chaotic, and slowing down to grab a quick bite to eat in the airport can sometimes get deprioritized. However, in-flight snack and beverage service can't always be depended upon.

Related stories

I've often found myself counting down the minutes until the flight attendants come by with the service cart, just to find out there won't be any food or drink served on my flight. This can be due to anything from a short flight time to turbulence.

To avoid encountering this travel nightmare , I always bring a reusable water bottle and a stash of snacks with me to hold me over until my flight lands.

Not using the bathroom before boarding the plane

It's easy to get caught up in the boarding process and skip the last opportunity to stop at the bathroom before getting on the plane. However, the boarding process can be long and passengers often have to wait a while to safely use the restroom after the flight takes off.

As tempting as it is to get on board and claim a spot for my carry-on, I always take a few extra minutes to hit the terminal bathroom first.

Not hydrating while in flight

Many times, I've found myself not drinking water on a flight to avoid having to disturb those around me to use the bathroom. However, this often means I arrive at my destination dehydrated.

No one wants to be a nuisance, but most people understand that, no matter how long the flight, someone nearby will likely have to access the bathroom. At the end of the day, getting up to let someone out of the row is a minor inconvenience and an accepted part of air travel.

Leaving hand sanitizer or sanitizing wipes at home

Ideally, airplane bathrooms should be thoroughly stocked with hand soap and sanitizer. However, this isn't always the case.

Rather than depending on the airline to help me stay germ-free, I always come prepared with my own hand sanitizer or wipes.

Watch: 5 dangerous flight moments passengers and crew won't forget soon

• Main content

Travel could be a good deal this summer. Here's when plane ticket prices will peak.

Spring is springing and according to Hopper, it’s time to start thinking about your summer vacation plans.

New data from the online booking site shows some favorable trends for travelers in the next few months, including slightly lower airfares compared to 2023, and hotel and car rental prices that are more or less flat year-over-year.

Here’s what you need to know as you prepare to book, whether you’re looking to take a domestic getaway or go on an overseas adventure. It’s also not too late to take advantage of deals on some last-minute trips.

How much are spring and summer plane tickets?

According to Hopper, the best deals right now are on domestic airline tickets. Round-trip flights within the U.S. are averaging $290 in April, but prices are expected to rise in the months ahead.

Hopper’s data shows prices for domestic flights will peak between May and June at $315 on average, and then will gradually fall through the summer, reaching a low of $264 on average in September.

On a call with investors discussing first-quarter earnings Wednesday, Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian said summer travel demand has been pushed forward in recent years due in part to schools, especially in the South, finishing their summer breaks earlier in the year.

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This summer will also be a good time to travel internationally, with Hopper data showing fares to most destinations abroad down compared to last year. 

“Airfare to international destinations continues to improve following two years of bloated prices due to quickly recovering demand, high fuel prices and supply constraints. Airfare to most major regions of the world has dropped compared to last year with the exception of trips to Canada,” Hayley Berg, Hopper’s chief economist, said in the report. “International fares remain higher than pre-pandemic levels to most regions, as higher fuel prices persist and airlines continue to rebuild capacity to many regions.”

How much will a hotel room for the spring and summer cost?

Hotel prices remain more or less flat compared to the same time last year. Rooms in the U.S. are averaging $206 per night currently, with even better deals available in some trending international destinations like Osaka, Japan and Istanbul, Turkey.

According to Hopper, Las Vegas, New York and Chicago remain popular destinations in the U.S.

Will car rental prices go up this summer?

Car rental prices also haven’t gone up much since last year, averaging $42 per day currently, according to Hopper.

The report shows that most travelers rent a car for about four days and warm weather destinations like Orlando and Los Angeles remain popular pickup points.

Zach Wichter is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in New York. You can reach him at [email protected].

Traveling through the Austin airport for the solar eclipse? Here's how to plan.

Travelers will flood the state of Texas to catch the total solar eclipse on Monday afternoon.

This means that Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is preparing for a "high volume" of travelers during the solar event.

Whether you are flying in or picking someone up from the airport, here is everything you need to know about traveling in Texas during the eclipse.

What will traffic be like in Austin, Texas, for the solar eclipse?

Prepare for heavy traffic on roads around the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. Presidential Boulevard is the main entrance to the Barbara Jordan Terminal. If it is busy, drivers can use Spirit of Texas to access the terminal instead, according to a news release from the Austin airport. Travelers should plan to spend more time than usual in traffic due to congested major highways and roadways across Central Texas.

Busy times will be 8 a.m. April 9 on Highway 71, north of the airport. So leave the house with plenty of time to spare.

"Airport roadways will be busy and congested and could contribute to delays for passengers and staff getting to the airport," according to the news release.

More: Cloud coverage will 'most likely' impede eclipse viewing in Texas, NWS reports

Will there be flight delays for the solar eclipse?

Possibly, the Austin airport warned of flight disruptions in air travel due to recently issued air traffic procedures by the Federal Aviation Administration for the eclipse. This could cause delays or changes to flights.

Expect lines for rental cars, airline ticket counters and security screening checkpoints. Build this additional time into your travel plan.

"AUS is prepared to utilize every square foot of the terminal to ensure a safe and smooth operation," according to the news release. "Extra Department of Aviation staff will be in the terminal to provide assistance to passengers and to help keep ticket counter and security screening lines organized."

More: Where to buy solar eclipse glasses, according to the experts

Can I still get a rental car at the airport for the solar eclipse?

Rental cars will be in high demand due to the nature of the event. Visitors will drive into Austin and fly out after the eclipse is over. The airport expects a high volume of rental car returns at the Rental Car Facility, making lines and wait times longer. Rental agencies are "100% booked" for available rentals on the day of the eclipse. They are also expected to be booked on April 9.

"The Department of Aviation is working with our rental car operators to support their operations contingency plan," according to the press release.

More: Austin airport's rental car agencies are '100% booked' for eclipse

Where to drop off passengers at the Austin airport?

Drop-off can happen at the upper departures or the lower arrival levels of the airport. The airport recommends dropping passengers off at whichever location is least congested.

Tips for traveling during the solar eclipse

• Get to the airport early: Plan to arrive at least two and a half hours before departure for domestic flights. International flights should arrive at least three hours in advance. If you have to return a rental car, check luggage or have a large group, plan to arrive even earlier than the two-and-a-half-hour early recommended arrival time.
• Keep traffic conditions in mind: Roadways outside of the airport will also be congested. Austin-Bergstrom airport recommends allowing for extra time while traveling to the airport.
• Returning a rental car: Rental cars must be returned by the renter in person at the Rental Car Facility. Plan to wait in line and allow for extra time on April 9 at the car drop-off.
• Getting assistance: There will be additional aviation staff on the day of the eclipse and after to provide support to travelers. You can also call the airport at 512-530-2242 if you need any assistance. The airport also will provide real-time updates via its X account .

Protect Your Trip »

What to do if your flight is canceled.

Follow these steps in the event your flight is canceled.

Flight Canceled or Delayed? What to Do

Getty Images

Key Takeaways

• If your flight has been canceled, you are entitled to a full cash refund per federal law.
• Using the airline's app or calling an international airline number is often the quickest way to get help.
• The DOT Cancellation and Delay Dashboard shows what each major domestic airline will or will not provide in the event of a cancellation or delay.

If your flight has been canceled, read on for step-by-step instructions on how to rearrange your travel plans and/or claim compensation.

What to do if your flight is canceled

1. get on the airline's app – or make an international call.

First, pull up the airline's app on your phone. Most airline apps allow you to easily rebook your flight for free, provided you can supply your six-character reservation code. Getting in line to speak with an agent and calling the airline while you wait is also a good idea (albeit slower than using an app), and social media messaging, texting or WhatsApp may prove helpful. "During times of mass travel disruption, you should try all different avenues for getting help," says Nick Ewen, director of content at The Points Guy.

Ewen also recommends a lesser-known tactic: calling the airline's international numbers. Airlines have offices in Canada, Mexico, the U.K. and more. "While it can be costly, you can often get through to an agent more quickly," Ewen says.

Note that, depending on why your flight was canceled, finding seats on a new flight may alter your travel plans considerably.

2. Book a hotel

Next, determine if you need overnight accommodations. "If you were originally booked on the last flight of the night and there are no other options, grab a hotel room near the airport before they're all taken," Ewen advises.

3. Ask for a refund

If the airline cancels your flight or it's "significantly delayed" (a term currently defined on a case-by-case basis) and you're forced to change your travel plans, the Department of Transportation requires airlines to provide a full refund. Unfortunately, getting a refund can be a lengthy and frustrating process. Most airlines will instead offer a credit for future travel, but be wary of these, since they often come with limitations such as blackout and expiration dates.

When you're able to get a refund, note that it covers the total cost of airfare only and does not include other expenses associated with your trip.

If you believe you're entitled to a refund and the airline denies it to you, you can and should file a complaint with the DOT .

4. Reference the DOT Cancellation and Delay Dashboard

While you're entitled to a full refund, other flight cancellation policies may vary by airline. Go to the DOT's Cancellation and Delay Dashboard to see what each major airline will and will not offer in the event of a controllable cancellation.

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What to do if your flight is delayed

In the event your flight is delayed, airlines are not legally obligated to give you a refund unless the DOT determines the delay to be "significant." But here's what you can do:

Research other flights

Investigate what other flights on that airline are headed to your destination and ask an agent if they can get you on one of them (without charging change fees). Also be sure to look into what's available on other airlines: If your original airline doesn't have any flights available on your departure date, an agent may be able to book you on a flight with a different carrier at no additional cost to you. Note, however, that airlines are not legally required to do this.

Inquire about other compensation

If you've been stranded at the airport for several hours, check in with an agent and reference the Commitments for Controllable Delays section on the DOT's Cancellation and Delay Dashboard – regardless of whether you're able to get on another flight. Some airlines may provide amenities such as vouchers for meals or overnight accommodations.

Frequently Asked Questions

"The main causes for flight disruptions are bad weather, understaffed air traffic control, and factors within the airline’s control,"  says Katy Nastro, a spokesperson at Going.com, formerly Scott's Cheap Flights. She explains the following:

• Weather:  This is outside of the airline's control and is the single biggest reason for why we see flight disruptions. We saw this play out over the winter holidays in 2022, and even to some extent during the 2023 holiday season. Even if the weather is accurately predicted, it cannot be controlled, which means at times flight disruptions are unavoidable.
• Understaffed air traffic control:  The U.S. air travel industry has made strides in pilot hiring year over year, but when it comes to air traffic control, we are still down roughly 1,000 fewer air traffic controllers from a decade ago. New York metro area airports specifically have felt the brunt of this deficit, so much so that airlines were permitted to reduce schedules without penalty from the summer until the end of Q4 in 2023. At its lowest, the decrease in flights in the New York metro area resulted in about 11% fewer flights per day. With less trained staff, current air traffic controllers are stretched to the limit, and schedule reductions only temporarily solve this problem. Even with aggressive hiring efforts, training takes time and will not be a quick fix.

It's almost impossible to avoid canceled or delayed flights these days. But there are a few things you can do when booking flights to lessen your chances for travel disruptions.

Keep tabs on your aircraft: On your departure date, check your flight information before heading to the airport. You can keep a watchful eye on the flight's status – including the aircraft scheduled to operate your flight – using the airline's app or a third-party app such as FlightAware Flight Tracker (which also offers a website ), FlightRadar24 or TripIt Pro.

"As an example, if you're flying from Orlando to New York, and your plane is flying in from Chicago, the initial flight from Chicago to Orlando might be delayed (or canceled) before yours is," Ewen explains. "Airlines will try to find replacement aircraft in that case, but if you can identify a potential cancellation before it officially happens, you may be able to get rebooked ahead of the other 100-plus passengers on your flight."

Consider an alternate airport: When booking your flight, you may consider flying out of a different airport than the one you typically depart from. For example, a small regional airport with limited routes may mean less travel delays and hassle overall – or it may be worth driving further to another international airport for a nonstop flight to your destination rather than opting for a connecting flight close to home.

Fly in the morning: While flight disruptions are unpredictable, historically fewer cancellations and delays occur in the morning.

Avoid weekend travel: Fly on off-peak days like Tuesday or Wednesday. You'll often find cheaper flights on these days, too.

Opt for longer layovers: If you need to take more than one flight to reach your destination, book a flight with a longer layover to provide enough time to make your connecting flight. Keep in mind that at some airports you may need to go through security or customs for your connection. For longer journeys, you can reduce the risk of missing connecting flights by planning a city stopover. For example, Icelandair offers Iceland stopovers for no additional airfare.

Consider a credit card with travel protections: You don't need to be a frequent traveler to take advantage of credit card travel protections and perks. Here are a couple options to consider:

• Chase Sapphire Preferred :  This travel credit card ($95 annually) provides coverage for delays and cancellations when used to book flights. It also provides other travel protections such as delayed baggage coverage. "Even someone who travels just once or twice a year can still get phenomenal value from this card," Ewen says.
• American Express Platinum Card :  This card ($695 annually) offers travel insurance that reimburses some nonrefundable expenses like hotel accommodations, meals and other essentials as long as the trip was purchased using the card.

When choosing a travel credit card, you should also pay attention to other benefits. Even the most basic airline credit cards can offer travel perks like discounts on in-flight purchases and waived baggage fees, while premium travel credit cards (which require a higher annual fee) can include access to an airport lounge with food, drinks and Wi-Fi. Some also provide a concierge service to rebook flights or built-in trip insurance to cover unforeseen expenses.

Purchase travel insurance: If your credit card doesn't include travel protections, consider purchasing insurance with flight coverages – even a cheap travel policy can help protect your investment. Covered reasons include a travel carrier delay and loss or theft of travel documents, among other scenarios. If you're interested in purchasing a policy, you can browse the best travel insurance companies here .

Talk to a travel advisor: "Booking directly with your travel advisor provides more leverage and support if something goes wrong," explains Jessica Parker, founder of Trip Whisperer . "We can advocate for a better outcome should there be cancellations or hiccups in the itinerary."

Charlotte French, owner of Cavatica Luxury Travel , agrees, sharing this recent example: "My clients were booked on a nonstop United Flight from Tokyo (HND) to EWR (Newark) in business class, when it was canceled (due to technical issues). The clients were waiting in line to find other options for their return flight home; however, these were very limited. In parallel, I was able to speak to the United Airlines corporate desk (as a travel advisor) and was able to secure them in business class on a flight out of Tokyo the same day."

Avoid checking luggage: Travelers who only travel with a carry-on bag and/or personal item (such as a backpack or purse) that meet carry-on size restrictions will have the most flexibility in rebooking – and will also avoid the chance of lost luggage, another common issue. Some carriers will try to move checked luggage to a later flight for you and will make every effort to keep you and your belongings together. However, when airlines don't have interline agreements with other carriers, you'll have to allow enough time to retrieve and recheck your own luggage.

The number of canceled flights recently fell to its lowest rate in at least a decade — a welcome change for air travelers, especially following COVID-19-era travel disruptions.

Still, flight cancellations will always be inevitable, especially during the busy summer travel season. Summer 2024 is shaping up to be especially busy. "It was the busiest March on record for air travel according to the TSA," explains Nastro. "It also had the tenth busiest day on record, which is pretty significant since it is not a 'peak period' and is generally considered off-season in the Northern Hemisphere. If this trend continues, we are likely in for the busiest summer on record when it comes to air travel."

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Luggage Trackers
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Tags: Travel , Travel Tips

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

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GOBankingRates

Best Hotel and Airline Loyalty Club Deals

Posted: May 26, 2023 | Last updated: July 28, 2023

Traveling might not be cheap, but you don't have to pay full price every time you take a vacation . Finding the best frequent traveler program can save you money on your next flight, hotel stay, car rental or cruise, especially if you're willing to use just one hotel or airline for most of your travel.

Find Out: 6 Vacation Splurges You'll Almost Always Regret Read More: 10 Small Towns Where You Should Buy Vacation Property

Here are the 19 best hotel and airline loyalty programs you can use to collect free flights and save on your next hotel stay .

Choice Privileges

Choice Privileges is the Choice Hotels loyalty program that allows you to access lower, members-only prices. You can also redeem your points for free stays at over 7,100 Choice Hotels around the world, or for digital gift cards, cruises and magazine subscriptions. The more you stay, the higher your level, which gets you additional rewards points each trip, the ability to book rewards hotel reservations further in advance, and even room upgrades.

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On any stay that includes a weekday night -- Sunday through Thursday -- Choice Privileges members get to choose between extra points, airline miles, gas discounts, and Uber, Amazon and coffee discounts. With Choice Privileges, your points never expire if you engage in at least one qualifying activity, such as earning or redeeming points, every 18 months.

Southwest Rapid Rewards

Feel the "LUV" when you sign up for Southwest Rapid Rewards for free. Earn points on most trips you take, or by participating in partner offers or using the Southwest Airlines credit card. As you earn more points or take enough flights, you can qualify for A-List and A-List Preferred status that allow you priority boarding, extra points on each trip, and free in-flight WiFi. You can redeem your points for cheap flight tickets on Southwest -- with no blackout dates -- and over 50 global carriers, or on cruises, hotel deals, car rentals and gift cards. Your points never expire.

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Accor Live Limitless

Accor Live Limitless (ALL) is the free rewards program for Fairmont Hotels, Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts and Raffles Hotels & Resorts, and more. All members receive free internet during their stay, a members-only rate, exclusive offers and partner benefits. As you move up in level, you'll receive complimentary upgrades, like late checkout, and suite upgrades. In addition to staying at qualifying hotels, you can earn points by flying specific airlines, and filling out surveys.

AAdvantage is American Airlines' free loyalty program for its frequent flyers. You can earn miles by flying with American Airlines, and also through purchases you make through partner offers. The most loyal members can advance to higher tiers of rewards that include flight upgrades, mileage bonuses, complimentary preferred seats, and free checked bags. You can redeem your miles for airline tickets, upgrades, hotels and car rentals. You must have a miles-earning or miles-redeeming activity every 24 months to keep your account active, and if you do, your miles never expire.

IHG One Rewards

IHG One Rewards members earn points for staying at IHG properties, including Holiday Inn hotels, Crowne Plaza and Candlewood Suites. Enrollment is free, and members receive free internet during every stay plus the guaranteed lowest rate. You can use your points for free nights, car rentals, air travel and gift cards. Members whose points fall short of their reward choice can buy a few extra points and receive the reward. You can also earn extra points using the IHG Rewards Premier Mastercard. It carries a $99 annual fee after the first year, but you get a free night each year.

SkyMiles Loyalty Program

Delta flyers would do well to sign up for the free SkyMiles loyalty program, which has no blackout dates and no expiration dates for miles. You can increase your point-earning opportunities with the Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express credit card, which offers 2 miles per dollar on Delta purchases and restaurants, one mile on everything else, and no annual fee. The Gold, Platinum, and Reserve Delta cards charge an annual fee but offer benefits such as free checked bags, priority boarding, access to Delta Sky Club, and bonus miles. As you move up the medallion levels to the Sky Club membership, you qualify for first-class upgrades, waived bag fees, and priority security line access.

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Wyndham Rewards

The Wyndham Rewards program allows you to earn points for staying in Wyndham hotels around the world, including Howard Johnson, Days Inn, La Quinta, Ramada and Super 8, and for taking advantage of partner offers to earn bonus points. You can redeem your points for free or discounted nights as well as gift cards and merchandise.

Wyndham Rewards is free to join, and the more you stay, the higher the level you can unlock. Gold members get late checkout, Platinum members get an early check-in, and Diamond members get suite upgrades.

MileagePlus

MileagePlus rewards frequent United Airlines flyers. There's no cost to join, and you can earn even more points by using the United MileagePlus Visa card. MileagePlus has four additional levels of Premier status that unlock more benefits, including ticket upgrades, priority check-in, access to sold-out flights, discounted United Club membership rates, and priority award waitlisting. You can use your points for cheap tickets on United or any other airline in the Star Alliance, or spend the points on hotel, car and cruise awards.

Hawaiian Miles

Fly Hawaiian and join the HawaiianMiles rewards program and you can earn points on every flight you take. The points never expire, and there are no blackout dates. When you sign up for the Hawaiian Airlines MasterCard, you get 70,000 bonus HawaiianMiles, plus two free checked bags and a one-time 50% off companion discount. The card does have a $99 annual fee.

Miles and More

Miles and More is Lufthansa's frequent flyer program, along with more than 40 other airlines. Miles expire after 36 months unless you qualify for a higher tier of benefits, in which case the miles never expire. You qualify for extra perks, such as faster mileage accumulation, vouchers to fly in a higher class, booking guarantees, lounge access, and free baggage, as you reach higher tiers. As a member of the Star Alliance, you can use your miles for flights on 28 airline partners, including United Airlines. You can also redeem points for hotels, rental cars and cruises with Lufthansa's partners, or get gift cards or donate to charity.

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Hilton Honors

Hilton Honors enables you to earn rewards for staying at Hilton hotels around the world. Joining is free, and just being a member gets you discounted stays, digital check-in, internet access at a range of properties, and late checkout. Frequenting Hilton hotels let you move up in membership levels to Silver, Gold, and eventually Diamond, where you might qualify for room upgrades, bonus points and continental breakfast at certain resorts. You can redeem your points for free stays, personalized experiences, and shopping and dining experiences.

Free Spirit

Sign up for Free Spirit for -- you guessed it -- free. Spirit Airlines is known as one of the airlines with the cheapest flights. In addition to racking up miles, you'll be the first to hear about hot fares and members-only deals. You can redeem your miles for cheap airline tickets with as few as 2,500 miles when you use your Spirit World Mastercard. You can also redeem your miles for magazines or play online games through Spirit's partners.

World of Hyatt

World of Hyatt is Hyatt Corporation's loyalty program that covers a range of hotels, dining and spas owned by the company, and rewards you with 5 points for every dollar spent. Members can use their points for free nights, with no blackout dates, at Hyatt properties, or redeem the points for airline miles and car rentals. There's no cost to join, and the more you stay, the higher your membership status. Qualifying for higher levels gets you premium internet, late checkout, suite upgrades and free parking.

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Mileage Plan

Alaska Air's loyalty program is called Mileage Plan and is free to join. You earn points when you fly with Alaska Air or its partners, or you engage in qualifying activities with non-airline partners. You can use your points for flights on Alaska Air, or even book international flights on any of its partners to over 900 destinations around the world. Plus, if you qualify for one of the higher tiers of rewards -- MVP, MVP Gold MVP Gold 75k, or MVP Gold 100k -- you can receive first-class upgrades, upgrades for companions, complimentary beverages, and free in-flight entertainment. Your account will be deactivated if you go more than 24 months without earning or spending miles. 

Marriott Rewards

Marriott rewards loyal members for staying in Marriott-owned hotels, booking events at Marriott properties, and taking advantage of offers through rewards partners. Marriott properties include the Ritz Carlton, Courtyard, Westin and Sheraton. The program is free to join, and you can sign up online. You have a choice between earning points and earning frequent flyer miles for the airline of your choice. Points can be redeemed for booking hotels or applied to frequent flyer miles, travel packages and gift cards. All members get free internet at participating hotels and can earn free stays with no blackout dates.

The sooner you sign up and start saving, the sooner you can start racking up points to move up loyalty levels. You can move up levels for staying at least 10 nights per year. To reach the top level, Ambassador Elite, you need to stay 100+ nights a year and spend $23,000 a year. For that, you'll receive a 75% points bonus on eligible purchases. 

FrontierMiles

FrontierMiles is the free frequent flyer program for Frontier Airlines. Aside from being rewarded for flying with Frontier, you can earn extra miles through Frontier's partners or by using one of the Frontier Mastercards. If you accrue more than 20,000 miles, you qualify for Elite Status with FrontierMiles, which qualifies you for a free carry-on, stretch seating, and certain fee waivers. You can book cheap airline tickets with as few as 10,000 miles .

Flying Blue

Air France rewards its loyal customers through Flying Blue, its free frequent flyer program. Flying Blue offers different levels of membership, depending on how often you fly: Explorer, Silver, Gold and Platinum. As you move up the levels by taking more Air France flights, you receive larger discounts on flights, advance seat selection and lounge access. You can spend your Flying Blue miles on flight offers and flight options such as extra baggage and legroom, lounge access and preferred seating, or use the miles for cheap hotels and rental cars, and even charitable donations.

Best Western Rewards

Signing up for the Best Western Rewards program lets you earn points toward free night stays at Best Western hotels, airline miles, gift cards and charitable donations. Signing up is free, and your Best Western Rewards points never expire and have no blackout dates. Staying at Best Western locations frequently ups your membership level, which lets you earn points faster and receive free room upgrades and additional gifts when you stay. Plus, if you're an elite member of another hotel rewards program, Best Western Rewards will match your status.

JetBlue TrueBlue

JetBlue gives back to loyal customers with TrueBlue, its free loyalty program. TrueBlue members have no blackout dates for JetBlue flights, their points don't expire, and they can earn and share points with family pooling. Members can also rack up extra points with the JetBlue Mastercard, so you earn six times the points on JetBlue purchases and double points on restaurants and grocery stores, with a $99 annual fee. In addition to using your points for cheap flights, you can redeem them for JetBlue vacation packages and Hawaiian Airlines flights, or for bidding on items at the JetBlue auction site.

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Live updates, i lost my airtag on an alaska airlines flight — it’s traveled to 37 cities.

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Catch it if you can. 

Éric Béteille, a content designer at Meta who lives in San Diego, California said he lost his AirTag on an Alaska Airlines flight in July and since then he’s watched the tracking device travel to 37 different cities.

Béteille said he realized his AirTag was traveling without him by accident.

“It took me a couple of weeks to even realize it was missing because I never lost my actual luggage. I was just checking the Find My app a few weeks after my flight and was surprised to see that AirTag still hundreds of miles away from me,” he told The Post.

Béteille wrote about his AirTags’ many travels in a Facebook post.

“Last July, an AirTag tracker fell out of my luggage tag in the cargo space on an Alaska Airlines flight from San Francisco to San Diego,” he said in a Facebook post in a group called Dull Men’s Club. 

“I’ve been tracking it around the western US and Canada ever since,” he added. 

Béteille said he made a map of all the routes his AirTag takes and found that the tiny jet-setting device makes an average of 5 trips per day on a plane called the Ebraer E175LR.

“The Find My app didn’t give me the flight history. It only tells me where the AirTag is at any given moment. I figured out the aircraft number and then got detailed tracking from the Flightradar24 app,” he told The Post.

Using Flightradar24, he could track all the places his AirTag has flown including Austin, Texas and Vancouver, Canada.

Béteille said that he’s been to 34 of the 37 cities the AirTag traveled to, although unlike the AirTag he’s ventured outside of North America.

“I’ve been all over the US, parts of Europe and Asia. Keep trying, little AirTag!” he said.

He said he never contacted the airline to get the AirTag back. “Who wants to spoil the fun?” he said.

Commenters on his Facebook post lauded him for tracking the device and asked him several questions.

“Did you message Alaska Airlines on X or Facebook and ask for it back,” one person asked.

 “I’d rather see it continue on this journey!,” Béteille replied. 

“Surly the battery would have run out? How has it lasted so long,” another pondered. 

According to Apple’s website , the battery can last about a year.

“Great idea! Thinking about drop one of my AirTag to somewhere. Maybe on a big container ship or on RR cart,” said a third.

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Earthquake snarls air and train travel in the New York City area

By Megan Cerullo

Edited By Aimee Picchi

Updated on: April 5, 2024 / 4:36 PM EDT / CBS News

An  earthquake  centered in New Jersey and felt across the New York City region on Friday disrupted air and rail travel, with ground stoppages at airports in the New York City area and delays in train service. 

Travel operations were momentarily halted Friday morning with ground stoppages at John F. Kennedy International Airport in Queens and at Newark Liberty International Airport in Newark, New Jersey, with crews working to resume normal air traffic operations. By early afternoon, the ground stoppage at JFK had been lifted. 

Arriving and departing flights in Newark also resumed in the afternoon, but delays averaged roughly two hours,  according  to the Federal Aviation Administration. 

The earthquake, which occurred roughly 10:20 a.m. Eastern time, had either a 4.7 or 4.8 magnitude and was centered near Whitehouse Station, New Jersey, 40 miles west of New York City,  according to the United States Geological Survey.

Newark airport is experiencing average departure delays of 43 minutes, according to flight tracking website FlightAware. Inbound aircraft that are already airborne are delayed by about an hour. Inbound flights that have not yet taken off are being held until 12:30 p.m., according to the site.  

Flights in and out of LaGuardia airport in Queens were also delayed, likely in order for airport staff to check for damage to the airport and runways and clear away any debris. 

The ground stoppages and delays are not expected to last long. 

Additionally, New Jersey Transit said it's experiencing up to 20-minute delays across its entire rail service system, in both directions. NJ Transit said it's inspecting a bridge for damage to ensure train travel is safe. 

—CBS News' Kris Van Cleave contributed reporting.

Megan Cerullo is a New York-based reporter for CBS MoneyWatch covering small business, workplace, health care, consumer spending and personal finance topics. She regularly appears on CBS News Streaming to discuss her reporting.

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March Madness 2024 at Sky Harbor: What to know if you're flying during the Final Four

With the NCAA Men's Final Four 2024 basketball tournament coming to Phoenix this week, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is preparing for a travel rush.

While the Phoenix airport is well equipped to handle big crowds for major sporting events − Super Bowl 2023 was here last year − travelers should keep in mind that crowds at the airport mean it will take longer to navigate it.

Higher than normal passenger traffic is expected as people arrive for the Final Four tournament that will be played April 6 and 8 in at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, and prepare to leave on April 9.

Here's what to know if you'll be flying through the Phoenix airport during March Madness 2024.

How long are airport TSA wait times? Here's how to find out in real time

Where is the Final Four in Phoenix?

The 2024 NCAA Final Four tournament will be played April 6 and 8 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale.

The tournament was last held in metro Phoenix in 2017 when the venue was known as the University of Phoenix Stadium.

Other Final Four events include the March Madness Music Festival at Hance Park in downtown Phoenix and the Final Four Fan Fest at the Phoenix Convention Center downtown.

What is the busiest day at Phoenix airport for Final Four?

The highest Final Four passenger traffic days are expected on Thursday, April 4; Friday, April 5; and Tuesday, April 9, airport spokesman Eric Everts said. They did not give an estimate of how many people are expected to fly in and out during the Final Four.

Final Four 2024 car rentals

Make your Final Four car rental reservation before you arrive. Everts said the airport expects an increase in car rentals during the Final Four and walk-up customers may have limited options.

Does Phoenix light rail go to the airport?

Yes. People can ride the Valley Metro light rail between Sky Harbor Airport and downtown Phoenix.

To ride the light rail from the airport, take the free PHX Sky Train from Terminal 3 or Terminal 4 to the 44th Street Station, then purchase a pass from the Valley Metro fare vending machine and take the light rail westbound to downtown Phoenix. Cost is $2 per ride or $4 per day.

Use the Third Street/Washington station for events at the convention center, Footprint Center and Chase Field. Use the Roosevelt/Central Avenue or McDowell/Central Avenue stops for Hance Park.

Where do you pick up passengers at PHX?

Everts suggests picking up and dropping off passengers at the 24th Street or 44th Street Sky Train station.

The PHX Sky Train connects Terminals 3 and 4 to these stations, and Everts said pickups and dropoffs near the stations are a "convenient alternative" to using the curbsides at the terminals, which tend to get congested during peak travel times. It's free to ride the Sky Train.

How early should I get to Phoenix airport?

Because Sky Harbor is expecting more passengers than usual on Sunday, April 7, and Tuesday, April 9, Everts advised travelers to follow the "5-4-3-2-1 rule" to make the process of catching their flights as smooth as possible. That means allowing:

• Five hours before departure to check out of your hotel.
• Four hours before departure to return a rental car.
• Three hours before departure to check in at the ticket counter.
• Two hours before departure to get in line at the security checkpoint.
• One hour before departure to arrive at your gate.

Phoenix airport travel tips

Everts offers these tips for navigating Sky Harbor Airport:

• Check your flight status before heading to the airport. Check with your airline or go to skyharbor.com , which also has information about what dining, shopping and services are near your gate .
• Stash your Final Four program in your carry-on bag. Glossy magazines are made with materials that can trigger security scanners and slow down the process of checking luggage.
• Get through security more quickly with the free  PHX Reserve  program, where you can reserve a place in the TSA line up to six days in advance. You can also  check security wait times online .
• Anyone with questions about the airport can ask one of Sky Harbor's Navigator volunteers, identifiable by their purple uniforms. NCAA volunteers will also in the terminals to answer questions.
• Travelers with a hidden disability like dementia or autism can reserve a Compassion Cacti lanyard , which signals to airport staff that its wearer needs more time, assistance or patience in the traveling process. Sky Harbor also has a sensory room for people who need a calm space, plus other services for travelers who need a little extra care .

Sky Harbor Airport parking: Complete guide to terminal, economy and off-site lots

Michael Salerno is an award-winning journalist who’s covered travel and tourism since 2014. His work as The Arizona Republic’s consumer travel reporter aims to help readers navigate the stresses of traveling and get the best value for their money on their vacations. He can be reached at  [email protected] . Follow him on X, formerly Twitter:  @salerno_phx .

Support local journalism.   Subscribe to  azcentral.com  today.

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F.B.I. Examining Free Airfare Upgrades Received by Adams

Federal prosecutors and F.B.I. agents are scrutinizing international flights taken by Mayor Eric Adams of New York aboard Turkey’s national air carrier, Turkish Airlines.

By William K. Rashbaum ,  Michael Rothfeld and Dana Rubinstein

Federal authorities investigating Mayor Eric Adams’s campaign fund-raising have been examining valuable flight upgrades they believe he received from Turkish Airlines that elevated him to its highest class of seats available on international trips, according to people with knowledge of the matter.

The scrutiny is part of a broad corruption inquiry that has already led the F.B.I. to search the homes of the former top New York-based executive of Turkish Airlines and aides to Mr. Adams, who has frequently traveled abroad and has made no secret of his affinity for flying on the Turkish carrier.

The investigation burst into public view in November after F.B.I. agents searched the homes of the former airline executive, Cenk Öcal, the mayor’s liaison to the Turkish community, Rana Abbasova, and his chief fund-raiser, Brianna Suggs — and seized Mr. Adams’s electronic devices.

The inquiry has shaken an administration that has become increasingly mired in investigations and beset by legal and ethical problems .

The broader investigation has focused at least in part on whether the Turkish government conspired with Mr. Adams’s mayoral campaign to funnel foreign money into its coffers, and whether Mr. Adams pressured the New York City Fire Department to sign off on Turkey’s new high-rise consulate in Manhattan despite safety concerns.

Mr. Adams’s relationship with Turkish Airlines has extended beyond that of simply being a passenger. He has attended meetings and events with representatives of the air carrier, which is half-owned by the Turkish government’s sovereign wealth fund. Some of those interactions took place in the presence of Turkish business leaders and diplomats with their own close ties to Turkey’s government and its president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

Federal prosecutors in Manhattan and F.B.I. agents conducting the inquiry have developed evidence that Mr. Öcal helped arrange at least some of the upgrades in coordination with Ms. Abbasova, two of the people familiar with the federal investigation said. They and others interviewed for this article spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the ongoing federal investigation.

Mr. Adams, who extolled Turkish Airlines in 2017 when he told a pro-government publication that the carrier “is my way of flying,” received the upgrades both while serving as Brooklyn borough president and as mayor, on both official and personal trips, some of the people said.

Brendan R. McGuire, a lawyer for the mayor and his 2021 campaign, said there was nothing wrong with Mr. Adams’s receipt of the upgrades.

“As borough president, the mayor consistently disclosed his official travel to Turkey, did not receive any improper upgrades and did nothing inappropriate in exchange for an upgrade,” Mr. McGuire said. “Speculation is not evidence. We look forward to a just and timely conclusion to this investigation.”

The F.B.I. searches on Nov. 2 prompted the mayor’s abrupt return from a trip to Washington, D.C., where he was seeking federal aid for the city’s migrant crisis. They were followed by weeks of news coverage focused on the corruption inquiry, but agents and prosecutors have made few public moves since then.

Mr. Adams has not been accused of wrongdoing, and it remains unclear whether the investigation will lead to criminal charges against him, Mr. Öcal, Ms. Abbasova or anyone else.

A lawyer for Ms. Abbasova, Rachel Maimin, declined to comment. After repeated attempts to reach Mr. Öcal, including visits to his New Jersey home and messages left with his wife, he declined to answer questions or provide the name of his lawyer.

A representative of Turkish Airlines declined to comment, as did spokesmen for the F.B.I. and the federal prosecutors from the U.S. attorney’s office for the Southern District of New York, who are jointly conducting the inquiry.

Mr. Adams has long boasted of being an avid traveler, and he has taken trips in recent years to Turkey, the Dominican Republic , Trinidad and Tobago, Ecuador, Colombia, Mexico, Monaco , Ghana , Azerbaijan, Greece, Israel , Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar , Senegal and China . He has talked about retiring to Azerbaijan, Israel and Lebanon.

It was unclear how many free upgrades Mr. Adams accepted while flying Turkish Airlines or what their total value was. In 2023, round-trip business class seats on Turkish Airlines between the United States and Turkey generally cost at least $3,400 apiece — or about four times as much as an economy class seat, travel industry experts said.

It was also unclear what, if anything, Mr. Öcal, the airline or the Turkish government might have gained from awarding the upgrades.

But Mr. Adams received the upgrades during a period in which he and the airline were developing a close relationship, a New York Times review of city emails suggests.

Mr. Adams has flown on Turkish Airlines since at least August 2015, when as Brooklyn borough president he took an official trip to Turkey and the carrier funded travel that his aides valued at about $1,500.

Mr. Adams took a second official trip four months later, justifying it by saying he needed to speak about “city marketing” at a conference, meet with local officials and visit a refugee camp, city records show. Mr. Adams flew Turkish Airlines on that trip as well, according to the records.

On another trip to Turkey in 2017, this time in a private capacity, he gave an interview praising Turkish Airlines to The Daily Sabah, saying that it accommodated his dietary needs and lauding its security protocols.

Sent from 2015 to 2021, while Mr. Adams was borough president, the emails reviewed by The Times make reference to a series of private meetings between Mr. Adams, Turkish Airlines executives and Turkish government officials and businesspeople, as well as appearances with them at public events.

Often the meetings and appearances were arranged through Ms. Abbasova, Mr. Adams’s liaison to the Turkish community.

More than a few involved Mr. Öcal, who appeared to be on a first-name basis with Mr. Adams. “Cenk from turkish airlines opening,” Mr. Adams wrote to his staff in response to one invitation to an event, possibly referring to Mr. Öcal’s speaking slot. Mr. Öcal would later serve as one of several hundred people on Mr. Adams’s mayoral transition team.

The first meeting described in the emails was scheduled for May 2016, when Ms. Abbasova inquired if he could attend a “dinner w Turkish Airlines.” The emails did not specify with whom he would be meeting, but his assistant responded that he would be available.

He agreed to another meeting, a dinner with Mr. Öcal at Liman, a Turkish restaurant in Brooklyn, in April 2017, the emails show. Also scheduled to attend were the chairman and treasurer of the Türken Foundation, an American charity with close ties to the Turkish government. It was incorporated in 2014 by a son of Mr. Erdoğan and another man, who at the time was a board member of Turkish Airlines. Mr. Erdoğan’s daughter currently sits on its board .

The Türken Foundation’s chairman, Behram Turan, its treasurer, Memiş Yetim, and another board member would go on to give a total of $6,000 to Mr. Adams’s mayoral campaign from 2018 to 2021, contributions that were first reported by The City . Mr. Adams’s campaign refunded $1,000 to Mr. Turan to comply with the rules of the city’s public matching funds program.

Reached late last year, Mr. Turan, an engineer who lives in New Jersey, said he was an American citizen who has lived in the country for 30 years. He added that there was nothing inappropriate about his donation. On Thursday, Mr. Yetim said he could not remember the dinner with Mr. Adams. Mr. Turan declined to comment.

In September 2017, Mr. Adams attended a Türken Foundation dinner and event with Mr. Erdoğan at the Mandarin Oriental hotel in Manhattan. Mr. Adams would later present Mr. Yetim with a proclamation honoring the Türken Foundation for “outstanding achievements and contributions to society.”

In December 2017, Mr. Adams was scheduled to attend another dinner, this time with Turkish consular officials, at a Brooklyn seafood restaurant run by two of his close friends . Mr. Öcal and another top Turkish Airlines official were on the guest list, the emails show.

In 2019, the emails show, Ms. Abbasova passed along an invitation from Turkish Airlines for Mr. Adams to attend a gala at the Metropolitan Club in Manhattan. Mr. Adams had another event that night but an internal staff memo noted that he would do his best to attend, the emails show. Ms. Abbasova would be on site and provide frequent updates, the memo said.

Mr. Adams did make it to the event, which featured Turkish dishes, a raw bar and high-end cocktails. He even took the microphone to speak, according to an article in Elite Traveler, a luxury lifestyle publication, which published photos of the event, including several of Mr. Öcal in a shiny blue tuxedo. Mr. Adams was the only city official listed in the account of the night, along with Turkish consular officials and diplomats, business leaders and Martha Stewart.

Mr. Adams won the Democratic mayoral primary in June 2021. Soon after, he contacted the commissioner of the New York Fire Department at the time and urged him to allow the opening of the Turkish consulate building, which had been held up over fire safety concerns. The building received a temporary certificate of occupancy that September — shortly before Mr. Erdoğan presided over the consulate’s grand opening in Manhattan .

Mr. Adams previously said it was part of his role as borough president “to notify government agencies of issues on behalf of constituents and constituencies.”

In May 2022, the Turkish Philanthropy Funds , a New-York based nonprofit devoted to supporting social investments in the Turkish and Turkish American communities, held its 15th anniversary gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Mr. Adams, who made remarks at the event, was there in a dark suit, posing with the foundation’s chairman and the night’s honoree, the billionaire founder of the strained yogurt company Chobani.

Mr. Öcal was there too, and was photographed in a tuxedo with the Turkish ambassador to the United States and their wives. It is unclear if he interacted with Mr. Adams that night. Their fortunes had gone in opposite directions.

Mr. Öcal had been fired by Turkish Airlines by then, according to a Turkish news report, and Mr. Adams was newly ensconced as the mayor.

Susan C. Beachy contributed reporting.

William K. Rashbaum is a senior writer on the Metro desk, where he covers political and municipal corruption, courts, terrorism and law enforcement. He was a part of the team awarded the 2009 Pulitzer Prize for Breaking News. More about William K. Rashbaum

Michael Rothfeld is an investigative reporter in New York, writing in-depth stories focused on the city’s government, business and personalities. More about Michael Rothfeld

Dana Rubinstein covers New York City politics and government for The Times. More about Dana Rubinstein

Explore Our Coverage of the Adams Administration

Campaign Inquiry : Federal authorities investigating Mayor Eric Adams’s campaign fund-raising have been examining valuable flight upgrades  they believe he received from Turkish Airlines that elevated him to its highest class of seats available on international trips.

Burger King and Baptisms: Adams keeps finding eye-catching ways to seize the spotlight on the issue of public safety , even when the narrative turns against him.

Gun-Detecting Technology: Adams announced that New York City planned to test technology  to detect guns in its subway system as officials seek to make transit riders feel safe after a deadly shoving attack.

Grappling With Acts of Violence: Adams was recently confronted with two tragic events that crystallized some people’s persistent fears  about the city: the shooting death of Police Officer Jonathan Diller  and a man being fatally pushed into the path of a subway train  in an unprovoked attack.

Sexual Misconduct Accusations: A woman has accused Adams  in a lawsuit of asking her for oral sex in exchange for career help in 1993 and sexually assaulting her when she refused. Adams said the accusation was completely false .

2018 Primetime Emmy & James Beard Award Winner

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A History of Moscow in 13 Dishes

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Distance between Chicago and Moscow

Flying non-stop from chicago to moscow.

How far is Moscow from Chicago? Here's the quick answer if you have a private jet and you can fly in the fastest possible straight line.

Flight distance: 4,985 miles or 8022 km

Flight time: 10 hours, 28 minutes

Because of the curvature of the Earth, the shortest distance is actually the "great circle" distance, or "as the crow flies" which is calculated using an iterative Vincenty formula. For a long distance, this appears as a curve on the map, and this is often the route that commercial airlines will take so it's a good estimate of the frequent flyer miles you'll accumulate as well.

This is a fairly long flight, so unless you have a Gulfstream G650 or your own Boeing or Airbus, you might be booking a commercial flight. In that case, your travel time would really need to include how many minutes to get to your local airport, wait for security, board and taxi on the runway, land at the other airport, and get to your destination. Scroll down to see a more realistic calculation that takes into account all these factors to get a more accurate estimate of your actual flight time .

Chicago to Moscow airports and flights

In the quick calculation above, we assumed you had a private plane and just wanted to know the time in the air from city to city. But for most of us, we're going to be flying on a commercial airline (whether it's first class or coach). So that means we really need to account for all the extra travel time getting to the airport, waiting for our flight, and making it to the destination.

To give you a better estimate of real-life travel, we've put together a flight itinerary with actual airports. Eventually you'll be able to customize this plan, choosing your own airports and flights. But for now, here's an example we've selected to give you an idea of how traveling might work between airports.

Departure airport: Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)

Arrival airport: Vnukovo International Airport (VKO)

With the airports selected, we can estimate the travel time to and from the airport, based on how far the airport is from downtown.

Getting to the airport: 47 minutes

Getting to your destination: 52 minutes

Now finally, let's look at an actual flight from ORD connecting through LHR and arriving at VKO flying on Virgin Atlantic Airways. We can figure out how long it would take to fly including take-off and landing, time to taxi on the runways, and an average layover time of about 2 hours.

Initial flight time: 8 hours, 24 minutes

Connecting airport: London Heathrow Airport (LHR)

Connection flight time: 3 hours, 37 minutes

So now we can finally get an idea of the total travel time from Chicago to Moscow including time spent getting to and from the airports, roughly 2 hours at the departure airport for TSA security lines and waiting at the gate, plus the connecting flight with a 2-hour layover.

Total travel time: 18 hours

Plan a trip to Moscow

Trippy has a ton of information that can help you plan your trip to Moscow, Russia. Start by reading the Trippy page on where to stay in Moscow . A great place to eat might be Pushkin Cafe . Trippy members can suggest things to do in Moscow like The Moscow Kremlin . Check out some of the questions people have asked about Moscow like Best Russian cuisine restaurants in Moscow . Click the button below to explore Moscow in detail.

How far is it the other way?

The distance is the same either way if you're flying a straight line. But for a real trip, there can be plenty of differences so go ahead and check the reverse directions to get the distance from Moscow to Chicago , or go to the main page to calculate the distance between cities .

If you happen to know Chicago, don't forget to help other travelers and answer some questions about Chicago!