US-Westcoast 2020
In summer 2019 I found an offer from Delta Air Line for a return trip to LAS for 330,- Euro incl. luggage. A very good deal so I started to think about a trip to Nevada, Arizona and California. My girlfriend found that idea great so I booked this trip. We took a slightly more expensive flight option because the timings were better. Now we would arrive in LAS in the afternoon and will depart in late afternoon for 380,- Euro icl. Luggage per person.
After several weeks of discussing what we want to see on this trip it came up to my mind that 2 weeks for this trip aren’t enough so I had to tighten it up. We were switching our roadtrip back and forth but finally we had a good game plan.
In Autumn I found on youtube a tripreport about JetSuitX and their interesting network. They operate mainly RJ-135s so I started to check if we could fly them. They fly to several destinations from LAS so we choose OAK. Their price was the same as Southwest would offer us for the same route so we gave them a try. Days prior departure Corona COVID-19 came up to the news, where airlines canceled their flights to and from Asia and you were advised to wash your hands often. To be honest I never thought we would be affected….
03MAR2020
HAJ - AMS
PH-EXG ERJ-175 KLM Cityhopper Flighttime: 0:39
Early in the morning we went to the airport for our flight to AMS. It was fully booked. Service consist of a small cup of water and a cokie. I would prefer a coffee service in the morning. During our approach into AMS the sun came up, what a beautifull sight.
In AMS we had aprox 4 hour prior our departure to SLC. We went to McDonnalds for breakfast and after that we went through the terminals and watched the planes on the appron. 1 Hour prior departure we went to the gate. Our B767 came in from JFK and were cleaned up.
AMS - SLC
N1605 B767-300(ER) Delta Air Lines Flighttime: 10:03
Off block was on time and after a short taxi we departed on runway 24.
The service started aprox 20 minutes after departure with a hot towel and a complimentary water bottle. After that they handed out a menu, a service which no other airline offers in economy class as far as I know. Aprox 1 hour after departer lunch service started. For apetizer I choose Prosciutto and Melon, for main I choose Thai chicken curry. As dessert they offer a salted caramel Icecream. All in all it was delicious!
N1605 B767-300(ER) Delta Air Lines Flighttime: 10:03
Off block was on time and after a short taxi we departed on runway 24.
The service started aprox 20 minutes after departure with a hot towel and a complimentary water bottle. After that they handed out a menu, a service which no other airline offers in economy class as far as I know. Aprox 1 hour after departer lunch service started. For apetizer I choose Prosciutto and Melon, for main I choose Thai chicken curry. As dessert they offer a salted caramel Icecream. All in all it was delicious!
As we flew over Iceland, Greenland and norther parts of Canada we had clear view and saw the beautifull landscape.
Aprox 1,5 hours prior landing they offered a barbecue Chicken Pizza twist and Passion fruit mouse dessert, which was very tasty as well.
As we descent into SLC weather wasn’t good but we had a spectecular view oft he Rocky Mountains.
After a bit more that 10 hours we landet in SLC. Immigration and transfer to our LAS bound flight was done within 10 minutes! Never had such a fast immigration. I guess we were the only international flight at this time.
I took the chance to take some pictures in SLC but not to many. We headed direct to our boarding gate.
I took the chance to take some pictures in SLC but not to many. We headed direct to our boarding gate.
SLC - LAS
N893DN B737-900(ER) Delta Air Lines Flighttime: 0:53
N893DN B737-900(ER) Delta Air Lines Flighttime: 0:53
Our final leg to LAS was fully book. The view out oft he window was awesome. We landed on time in LAS and went to our Hotel (Travel Lodge). I choosed this one, because on next morning we flew on JSX to Oakland and this Hotel is in front of the Executive terminal.
The Hotel was good, nothing special but cheap and clean.
04MAR2020
LAS - OAK
N251JX ERJ-135ER JSX Flighttime: 1:10h
As mentioned earlier we gave JSX a try, first we like to check their service but I tried to get a flight on a RJ-135, which is not so common in Europe or especially in Germany.
JSX offers a service like an executive airline with a scheduled traffic. You don’t go to a large airport building hours in advance, you go to the executive terminal for check in 20 minutes prior departure. For boarding you wait in some kind of a lounge with free beverages and your luggage is free of charge as well.
The JSX Terminal in LAS is not huge but for up to 30 Passengers in a RJ-135/RJ-145 it is big enough.
Checki-in was very fast and smooth. We got some Starbucks Coffe and waited until all Passengers arrive. Boarding was on time and we were greated by a Flightattended who took our order of drinks prior departure. Departure was on time and the weather was great so I took lots of pictures during the short flight.
LAS - OAK
N251JX ERJ-135ER JSX Flighttime: 1:10h
As mentioned earlier we gave JSX a try, first we like to check their service but I tried to get a flight on a RJ-135, which is not so common in Europe or especially in Germany.
JSX offers a service like an executive airline with a scheduled traffic. You don’t go to a large airport building hours in advance, you go to the executive terminal for check in 20 minutes prior departure. For boarding you wait in some kind of a lounge with free beverages and your luggage is free of charge as well.
The JSX Terminal in LAS is not huge but for up to 30 Passengers in a RJ-135/RJ-145 it is big enough.
Checki-in was very fast and smooth. We got some Starbucks Coffe and waited until all Passengers arrive. Boarding was on time and we were greated by a Flightattended who took our order of drinks prior departure. Departure was on time and the weather was great so I took lots of pictures during the short flight.
We arrived in OAK at the JSX Building in the norther part oft he airport. I ordered a Lyft (like uber) service for our hotel at SFO Airport. I choosed the El Rancho Inn Airport Hotel at SFO due to their really good price and service.
The BART Train was just a 15 minutes walk away so it was easy to go to the city.
The BART Train was just a 15 minutes walk away so it was easy to go to the city.
06MAR2020
A few weeks earlier i red that the San Francisco Airport had open a viewing terrace at a terminal, were you can spot and photographe airplanes through windows. Ok not the best option but I gave them a try. The weather was bad, low clouds but I used the chance to go on the visitor terrace for 2 hours. The terrace is free of charge. Traffic wasn’t special but it was nice to catch some smaller UA aircrafts as well as the „More to love“ A321 of Alaska Airlines.
A few weeks earlier i red that the San Francisco Airport had open a viewing terrace at a terminal, were you can spot and photographe airplanes through windows. Ok not the best option but I gave them a try. The weather was bad, low clouds but I used the chance to go on the visitor terrace for 2 hours. The terrace is free of charge. Traffic wasn’t special but it was nice to catch some smaller UA aircrafts as well as the „More to love“ A321 of Alaska Airlines.
08MAR2020
The day before we drove on Pacific Coastal Highway Number 1 down to Camarillo. After spending the night in a not so perfect Hotel in Camarillo we went further to Los Angeles but we had to stop at Camarillo Airport (KCMA). I got a nice DC-3 and a colorfull Sherif helicopter.
The day before we drove on Pacific Coastal Highway Number 1 down to Camarillo. After spending the night in a not so perfect Hotel in Camarillo we went further to Los Angeles but we had to stop at Camarillo Airport (KCMA). I got a nice DC-3 and a colorfull Sherif helicopter.
After Camarillo we went to NAS Point Mugu were a F-14 and a F-4 is located outside the airbase. On the Norther part oft hat base is a small appron of Channel island national Guard for their C-130. I got 3 of them but heatwaves made it difficult.
Around noon we arrived in Santa Monica, and went later on to our hotel in Studio City.
Around noon we arrived in Santa Monica, and went later on to our hotel in Studio City.
09MAR2020
In the morning we drove to Van Nuys just to get some Business jets. After one hour we drove to Los Angeles for sightseeing.
In the morning we drove to Van Nuys just to get some Business jets. After one hour we drove to Los Angeles for sightseeing.
10MAR2020
The weather was bad, low clouds and rain. I decided to try to spot at LAX for 1-2 hours and despite the bad weather it was OK. Landing direction was from east. Traffic was nice but in better weather conditions it would be perfect. Neverless I got some nice pictures.
The weather was bad, low clouds and rain. I decided to try to spot at LAX for 1-2 hours and despite the bad weather it was OK. Landing direction was from east. Traffic was nice but in better weather conditions it would be perfect. Neverless I got some nice pictures.
On our way to Anaheim we stoped at Santa Ana Airport and I managed to photograph some planes from the parking lot of McDonnalds.
13MAR2020
From Anaheim we drove via San Bernadino, Victorville and Kingman to Williams in order to spend there the night.
First stop: San Bernadino SBD/KSBD
From Anaheim we drove via San Bernadino, Victorville and Kingman to Williams in order to spend there the night.
First stop: San Bernadino SBD/KSBD
next stop: Victorville VCV/KVCV Weather didn’t improve. The wind was really cold but I was happy with the results in VCV
Final stop: Kingman IGM/KIGM Weather improved very much, but wind was still heavy and cold. I was really happy about the DC8s and the B727!
After Kingman we drove on the historic route 66 towards Williams where we arrive after dark and during heavy snow! Temperature was -5 degrees!
Hotel in Williams was ok, but nothing else.
Hotel in Williams was ok, but nothing else.
14MAR2020
We woke up early and drove towards Grand Canyon Village Center. First stop was in Valle were 2 classy Propliner are stored.
We woke up early and drove towards Grand Canyon Village Center. First stop was in Valle were 2 classy Propliner are stored.
A few Kilometers prior Grand Canyon Visitor Center is a small Airport called Grand Canyon National Park Airport but there were only 2 C172s.
Just some shots of the famous Grand Canyon:
Just some shots of the famous Grand Canyon:
After the sightseeing part at Grand Canyon we drove aprox 2,5 hours to Page. We arrived in the afternoon and went straight tot he small Airport were 3 very nice aircrafts were parked.
Page Municipal PGA/KPGA:
Page Municipal PGA/KPGA:
15MAR2020
We woke up early in oder to get to our next sightseiing point: the famouse Horseshoebend.
We woke up early in oder to get to our next sightseiing point: the famouse Horseshoebend.
After this great view we went back to Las Vegas.
Due to Covid-19 our return flight LAS-AMS on KL was canceled but so far we didn't get any rebooking info after arrival in Las Vegas we went streight to the Airport in order to check with a gate agent about the actual status. We waited for aprox 30 minutes and I had a bit hope to just get a better routing or maybe the offer to spend 1-2 days more in Las Vegas, but it wnet in the other direction: The friendly check-in agent told us we have to leave the States TODAY to be save. In the first seconds I was a bit shocked, because our plan was to stay 2,5 days in Las Vegas for sightseing and shopping and didn't had our luggage propper packed. After 15 Minutes he founds the only available seats on next morning flight via ATL and AMS to HAJ. In the days before we ackknowledge Covid-19 in media but the only message was "keep calm and wash your hands...". The check-in agent told us, that the goverment was thinking about to close the entire airspace in the States, thats why we have to leave as soon as possible.
After getting the new tickets we headed to our Hotel. To be honest, I was really pissed at that time. There was so much on my bucketlist for Las Vegas! Red Flag was held in that time in Nellis! Valley of Fire.... the strip... etc etc...but we have to leave 2,5 days earlier, what a pitty...
After dropping of our luggage and cancel 2 nights in the hotel I had to go the spotting point "Sunset Rd" for arrival shot at Runway 26L/R just to get a few pictures. The sun wasn't good but I spent there 30 Minutes.
Due to Covid-19 our return flight LAS-AMS on KL was canceled but so far we didn't get any rebooking info after arrival in Las Vegas we went streight to the Airport in order to check with a gate agent about the actual status. We waited for aprox 30 minutes and I had a bit hope to just get a better routing or maybe the offer to spend 1-2 days more in Las Vegas, but it wnet in the other direction: The friendly check-in agent told us we have to leave the States TODAY to be save. In the first seconds I was a bit shocked, because our plan was to stay 2,5 days in Las Vegas for sightseing and shopping and didn't had our luggage propper packed. After 15 Minutes he founds the only available seats on next morning flight via ATL and AMS to HAJ. In the days before we ackknowledge Covid-19 in media but the only message was "keep calm and wash your hands...". The check-in agent told us, that the goverment was thinking about to close the entire airspace in the States, thats why we have to leave as soon as possible.
After getting the new tickets we headed to our Hotel. To be honest, I was really pissed at that time. There was so much on my bucketlist for Las Vegas! Red Flag was held in that time in Nellis! Valley of Fire.... the strip... etc etc...but we have to leave 2,5 days earlier, what a pitty...
After dropping of our luggage and cancel 2 nights in the hotel I had to go the spotting point "Sunset Rd" for arrival shot at Runway 26L/R just to get a few pictures. The sun wasn't good but I spent there 30 Minutes.
We headed back to the Hotel and after that we went for dinner on the strip. After diner we went to the Belaggio just to see their fountain show and just to see the strip by night one last time....
16MAR2020
After a short night we went to the Airport at 05.00lt. The check-in agent told us the day before ".. be there as early as possible, at least 3,5 hours..." and so we did. Check-in, baggage drop of etc was done in 25 minutes and so we had to spent a lot of time early in the morning at Las Vegas Airport.
As I was waiting I checked flightradar24 which Delta flights would be operated to Europe on this day.
That was the time I realized why the check-in agent tried to put us on the next available flight to europe. Nearly all DL flights from DTW,MSP,SLC etc were canceled, only from JFK and ATL were a handfull of flights.
I used the time just to take some pictures until we boarded our flight to ATL.
After a short night we went to the Airport at 05.00lt. The check-in agent told us the day before ".. be there as early as possible, at least 3,5 hours..." and so we did. Check-in, baggage drop of etc was done in 25 minutes and so we had to spent a lot of time early in the morning at Las Vegas Airport.
As I was waiting I checked flightradar24 which Delta flights would be operated to Europe on this day.
That was the time I realized why the check-in agent tried to put us on the next available flight to europe. Nearly all DL flights from DTW,MSP,SLC etc were canceled, only from JFK and ATL were a handfull of flights.
I used the time just to take some pictures until we boarded our flight to ATL.
LAS - ATL
N378DN A321-200 Delta Air Lines Flighttime: 3:22h
N378DN A321-200 Delta Air Lines Flighttime: 3:22h
After arrival in ATL we headed to Terminal F for our flight to AMS. We had no breakfast so we thought to eat at the foodcourt but learned that the foodcourt was closed due to Covid-19.
I used the waiting time to take some pictures of the taxiing aircrafts.
I used the waiting time to take some pictures of the taxiing aircrafts.
ATL - AMS
N825NW A330-300(HGW) Flighttime: 7:45h
Boarding was on time, we got 2 seats in the middle of the plane, which was fully booked. Some Passengers wear facemasks. Service was great, and I didn't sleep a minute due to theri great IFE system.
N825NW A330-300(HGW) Flighttime: 7:45h
Boarding was on time, we got 2 seats in the middle of the plane, which was fully booked. Some Passengers wear facemasks. Service was great, and I didn't sleep a minute due to theri great IFE system.
We landed early in the morning at a calm AMS Airport. At this time I was really tired.
17MAR2020
AMS - HAJ
PH-EZV RJ-190STD KLM Cityhopper Flighttime: 0:40h
I was really tired on this flight. It wasn't fully book so I used the chance to take a nap.
17MAR2020
AMS - HAJ
PH-EZV RJ-190STD KLM Cityhopper Flighttime: 0:40h
I was really tired on this flight. It wasn't fully book so I used the chance to take a nap.