To be fair, there are other reasons your travel might be delayed than long, slow freight trains -- they just may be more mysterious. After Alaska Airlines' troubles with depressurizations in the spring, they ordered a big inspection and -- headscratching all around -- found nothing much to report. Now the gremlin is back, and spewing smoke. (Shrug. These things happen.) At least an engine didn't go out, as with an American Airlines jet this morning. At 30,000 feet, you want all the engine you paid for. more ›