As a frequent traveler, I've come to appreciate something that United Airlines, alone in the airline industry, offers its passengers. It is a small, but valuable bit of transparency.
I'm referring to Channel 9 on the carrier's multi-channel audio systems. Passengers can listen in on the voice communications among pilots and air-traffic controllers.
What we hear isn't just jargon-laden chatter. It is a testament to proficiency, as men and women in planes, airport towers, and control centers work with one another ...