Nap Traps JetBlue Worker in Cargo Hold

He reportedly screamed about bombs and al-Qaeda

(NEWSER) - A pilot tore through the cabin of a JetBlue plane yelling about terror threats, warning passengers about al-Qaeda and bombs on board, passengers tell the Amarillo Globe-News . The captain started "shouting, ‘Iraq, al-Qaeda, terrorism, we’re all going down,'" witnesses said. Passengers tackled him and held him down, and the flight was forced to make an emergency landing in Amarillo, Texas. The pilot was hospitalized. "It seemed like he went crazy," a passenger said. The airline's official statement says the captain had a "medical situation" that forced the flight to be diverted, notes AP . More»

Nigerian claims ties to al-Qaeda; plane lands safely in Detroit

(NEWSER) - Authorities have taken a Nigerian man into custody after he reportedly tried to ignite a powdery substance—initially reported as firecrackers—aboard a Northwest jet that landed in Detroit from Amsterdam today. The man told federal officials he had links to al-Qaeda and wanted to blow up a plane over the US, reports ABC News , though his credibility is in question. He and two others on the plane were injured in the incident, and the 23-year-old suspect is being treated for minor burns. More»

Swede converts jumbo jet into hostel

(NEWSER) - Once, jumbo jets were simply a way from point A to point B—but a new Swedish hostel makes a grounded plane a destination in itself, Wired reports. The 25-room, 85-bed Jumbo Hostel, situated by the Stockholm airport, opens next week. For $45, you can stay in a dorm; if you’re looking for a swankier experience ($175 or more), try the cockpit, with its own bathroom. More»

(NEWSER) - A Continental jet at Denver's airport veered off a runway and into a ravine tonight, sending 38 people to local hospitals, the Denver Post reports. None of the injuries appeared to be life-threatening. The 737 jet, which had been trying to take off for Houston, caught fire on one side after the accident, forcing the 112 people aboard to exit via emergency slides. The cause is under investigation; the weather was cold but clear. More»

There are some things passengers can do to take control of their airport fates

(NEWSER) - With customer complaints up 60% and operational performance at an all-time low, it's not a good time for the airline industry—or its passengers. CNN offers these tips to fractious fliers:

1. Research, research, research: Check out airline performance at FlightStats.com or FlightAware.com before buying your ticket, book a flight during an airport’s least congested times (midday or late night).