Author: John Cox, Special to USA TODAY

This week, retired pilot John Cox explains how the cabin pressurization system works on modern commercial airliners.

The days of flying with bulky oxygen tanks are largely gone. These days, passengers bring their own battery-operated portable oxygen concentrators.

This week, retired US Airways Captain John Cox sheds light on how ice impacts a plane’s ability to fly and recalls some of his hairiest landings.

This week, retired US Airways Captain John Cox discusses what is done in the event a cabin loses pressure and recalls his scariest flying experience.

This week, retired US Airways pilot John Cox sets a reader’s mind at ease about flying near wildfires.

How is air filtered in plane lavatories? How much information is given to the passengers if an aircraft is having serious mechanical issues?

Pilots can – and do – fly over hurricanes but but it’s thunderstorm activity and wind speed that can ground flights and close airports.

Capt. John Cox shares the most challenging airports to fly into and explains why you shouldn’t assume foreign airlines are less safe than U.S. ones.

John Cox addresses the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on Global Entry enrollment and explains why a domestic U.S. flight would enter Mexican airspace.

Retired airline captain John Cox answers your questions, from flying altitudes to the easiest airport to operatie in and out of in Washington, D.C.