Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers about playing Tailwinds — the game itself, saving, devices, and the gameplay questions new players ask most.

About the game

Is Tailwinds free to play?

Yes — completely free, in your browser. There's nothing to download, no account to create, and no purchase required to access any part of the game.

Does Tailwinds work on mobile?

Yes. The game runs in any modern browser on desktop, tablet, or phone. On mobile you can install it to your home screen as a progressive web app (your browser will offer "Add to Home Screen"), which gives you a full-screen, app-like experience.

Do I need an account?

No. You pick an airline name, choose a home airport, and start playing. No sign-up, no email, no password.

How does saving work?

Progress saves automatically in your browser's storage on the device you play on. Because saves are local, clearing your browser data will erase them — the game's save menu lets you export a save file as a backup, and import it on any other device to continue the same airline there.

How do you win?

Tailwinds is open-ended, like the classic tycoon games. The real challenge is building a profitable, respected airline without going bankrupt — and the in-game board objectives give you concrete goals as your airline grows. Most players set their own ambitions: a global network, a cargo empire, a fleet of flagships, or simply surviving a fuel crisis with margins intact.

Gameplay

How many aircraft and airports are in the game?

Over 160 real-world aircraft types — from 19-seat turboprops to the A380 and Concorde — each with its own economics, and hundreds of real airports worldwide. The aircraft guides cover every type with full in-game stats.

Why is my route losing money?

Usually one of four things: the aircraft is too big for the market (check load factor first), the fare is below your cost per seat, the route is new and hasn't matured, or a competitor has moved in. The route economics guide has a full diagnostic checklist.

Should I lease or buy aircraft?

Lease while you're growing — it preserves cash and flexibility. Buy once you're rich and the aircraft serves a route you'll fly for years. The fleet planning guide works through the arithmetic.

What's the best starter aircraft?

There's no single answer — it depends on your hub's geography — but the reliable pattern is a modern turboprop or small regional jet for short routes plus, soon after, one narrow-body workhorse. See the turboprop and regional jet guides for candidates.

What is fuel hedging and should I use it?

Hedging locks in the current fuel price for part of your consumption over 8, 13, or 26 weeks, for a small premium. It's insurance against fuel spikes — most valuable when fuel is cheap and your network is long-haul heavy. Details in the route economics guide.

A competitor moved onto my route. What do I do?

Don't reflexively cut fares. Check what they're beating you on — price, frequency, or quality — and respond on that axis. Frequency, cabin quality, and loyalty are usually cheaper and more durable weapons than a fare war. The competition guide covers the playbook.

Support

I found a bug — where do I report it?

The Tailwinds community on Discord is the best place: bug reports, feature ideas, and strategy talk all live there. See the contact page for the invite link.

Can I play offline?

Partially — as an installed progressive web app, the game can start without a connection once it has been loaded and cached. A connection is recommended for updates.