For flight nerds only:

My United ORD-LGA flight yesterday had the option to listen into the ATC chatter which seemed to be a feed tap from the cockpit (so that the frequency always changed to whatever the pilots we using). I’ve listened to ATC chatter before, but this was the first time I’ve ever listened into the ATC feed during a commercial flight I was on. What was most interesting was how the different center controller’s attitude reflected their location: Cleveland Center was typically Midwestern nice with a slow cadence while New York Center was hurried with a fast cadence which, while cultural, has more to do with the huge amount of flight volume New York Center is tasked to handle.

What I found most enjoyable was the approach to LGA listening to all of the different flights departing and arriving in the tri-state area. Our aircraft was ordered by ATC to proceed to the Verrezzano Bridge then turn north up the Hudson – the Verro-Hudson Visual Approach. After crossing the Verro the co-pilot radioed to ATC asking if our heading was correct because they weren’t from around here. After proceeding up the Hudson the co-pilot radioed ATC again, this time asking what that bridge was in front of them; ATC replied, GW Bridge – confirming my suspicion that just as I crane my neck against the window to get a good look at the New York skyline, pilots do the same thing (but with better views).

Predictably, I think all airlines should have this feature on all flights – bravo to United for keeping me occupied throughout the 2 hour flight.