Bets on how many of the enroute alternate/emergency fields are actually put to use during the first 6-months of flying IAH-AKL? I'm betting PLENTY. The 787 airframe/avionics is going to be a beep-and-squeek nightmare for the first few airlines who take deliveries and accept "test pilot" status!

I wonder how the passengers will feel when their ergonomically wonderful seat is suddenly on the tarmac at Johnson Island for 5 days? Good waterskiing, from what I hear, but the mandatory gas mask on your bedside table will probably get some people thinking about something other than the "adventure" of the moment.