You’ve checked in early, got through security, found your gate, queued up to get on the plane and settled into your seat. But then nothing happens and you hear the captain say: “We’re waiting on a slot.” What is a slot, why are we waiting for it, and what does it mean for your flight?

In football, a slot receiver is a player who lines up inside the boundary cornerback and receives passes from the quarterback. They need to have a variety of skills, including route running, precision timing, and good chemistry with the quarterback. They also need to be able to block effectively, especially on outside run plays where they can pick up blitzes from linebackers or secondary players.

They are also called playmakers because they often make the biggest impact on offenses. They allow quarterbacks to stretch the defense by running deep routes and can help create big plays in the passing game. Slot receivers are typically fast and agile, able to outrun coverage and beat defenders with quick cuts. They can also be a big asset in the running game, helping to block for running backs and tight ends.

A slot is a narrow notch, groove, or opening, as in a keyway in machinery or the slit for a coin in a vending machine. It may also refer to a position in a group, series, or sequence, as in the job of chief copy editor at The Gazette or the unmarked area in front of an opponent’s goal on an ice hockey rink.

The use of slots to limit the number of aircraft that can take off and land at busy airports has been a major success in Europe, cutting delays significantly and saving huge amounts of fuel. As the use of this tool spreads around the world, it is expected to lead to even more significant savings in both time and money.

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