Abrelosojos From Venezuela, joined May 2005, 4551 posts, RR: 56 Posted (4 years 3 weeks 22 hours ago) and read 13797 times:
Feedback always appreciated.
Trip Report: 047
Flight Category: Y-DSR (See Report End)
Date: 06Jan-08
SDT/SAT/Delay: 1054/1227/1:31 hrs (Delayed by 0:20)
Flight: Skybus SX 102, 472 miles
Routing: SWF-CMH --> INAUGURAL FLIGHT --> NEW CITY
Aircraft: 319
Seat: Economy, FS
I > Background:
It is interesting to write a trip report about an airline that does not exist anymore. I did have mixed feelings about going forward. However, I felt it would be good to share this given the very strong views many have about SX on this site, and to remember an airline that made an attempt to create an alternative view of air travel in the U.S. Ironically, this report is of a first-flight to a new city.
This will probably be the last report on SX on A.Net. It is also unique as it is a post-mortem report, covers the launch of a new city pair and first flight (SWF-CMH), and also cover a city pair not likely to be covered in the future. In January, I was stationed in NYC for work and thought why not spend a day of flying back and forth to CMH to try a first flight experience on SX. Besides, I had not done a first flight since SQ’s inaugural SIN-LAX and SIN-EWR flights.
II > Pre-Flight:
a) Before Airport:
If you have been living inside a cave, SKYBUS (SX) was the ULCC based in CMH connecting to a bunch of random points. SWF service was announced last year, and commenced with my flight on January 6, 2008. I even managed to score USD 10 tickets on both ways!
Ticketing was done through the only channel possible … Skybus website at www.skybus.com. The website was actually very efficient and you could even add the priority boarding for an additional USD 10.
b) At Airport:
Newburgh is a small provincial airport and I do think SX could have succeeded if it based itself at an airport like SWF. Anyways, the SX boarding area was decorated with balloons, and I utilized the self-check in to re-print my boarding pass. By the time I arrived, the entire operation had shifted to the gate area, and I was hoping I would make it to the flight.
After a quick security, I came to the festive gate area where local media had gathered. The SX station manager gave a brief history of SX and then asked people who had paid the USD 10 fare to raise their hand. There was excitement … but nothing special and no souvenirs were given out. Question to our European cohorts … when FR starts a new city, is there much fanfare? Ok, so the first flight came in and there was some problem with the jet bridge. Apparently, the agents did not know how to connect the jet bridge to the aircraft. So we ended up having a rather interesting boarding process which involved entering the boarding jet way, then going down the stairs (ones connected to the jet bridge), through a cone maze, and then boarding by the rear stairways. Through the walk, there were many of the top SX officials welcoming and thanking us for flying SX. Upon boarding, I was greeted by 3 cheerful FA’s wearing their black restaurant waiter type uniform. Y load was an extremely poor 55%.
Airport - External:
(Newburgh Airport)
Check-in:
Airport - Internal:
(FID – on arrival back)
(Post security)
Scenes of the tarmac:
NONE
Lounge
NONE
Boarding:
(Boarding area)
(Unique boarding)
III> In-Flight:
a) Service Schedule + Impressions:
After take off, sales of food, beverages, and shopping items began.
b) Aircraft + Seats:
The 319 was actually very comfortable. The Leather Recaro seats were great and the seatbacks were of the newer all plastic variety. I had the exit row which is nice … but even the other rows seemed to have survivable leg room. None of the seats reclined. The aircraft was immaculately maintained.
Aircraft:
Views from Aircraft:
Seat Leg-Room:
(Exit row)
(Regular row)
Seat Recline + Angle View:
Cabin:
c) Meal + Beverage:
As the menu indicates, there were tons of options for purchase. It seemed that the crew did brisk business with sales. Contrary to what I heard on A.Net, they were not pushy and there was no sales pitch. My order for a Bloody Mary was taken using a hand held computer … and I was amused at the sales pitch of the FA with, “some people buy a second Bloody Mary as they don’t find one adequate.” It was interesting to have my Bloody Mary in a Caribou coffee cup (very back when I was in high school). Another interesting thing was the Captain announcing that any tip for the cabin crew would be greatly appreciated.
(Menu Options)
(Interesting presentation)
d) Inflight Entertainment:
None. No in-flight magazine. What were you expecting for USD 5,00?
(“In-flight magazines”, Boarding Passes, etc.)
e) Crew:
Definitely the high point of my SX experience. What a great bunch of FA’s. Throughout the entire trip, they were cheerful and helpful. Full of smiles, they were not pushy and I certainly will miss them from the skies. Perhaps other airlines really need to take a hard look at an incentive based FA bidding process rather than seniority. Increasingly, I do think … and this is especially true for U.S. and E.U. airlines, meritocracy would be the ideal way forward to reward FA’s and not some seniority list. The lead attendant was very knowledgeable and we talked briefly about SX, the VX birds, load factors on OAK flights, which flights generate sales, and the future of SX … yes, ironic indeed. But, I left with a very positive first (and last) impression.
IV> Post-Flight:
CMH’s Skybus gates served the purpose. I was out of the terminal in 15 minutes flat.
(CMH – Skybus gates)
V> Impressions + Scores:
I was impressed by Skybus. I am cognizant it is a mute point, but I do think the model could have worked if they had chosen destinations that people wanted to fly to. If FR can have cheap flights, I don’t see why SX could not do the same on same stage lengths, ceteris paribus. Anyways, good planes and a great crew made my SX experience a positive one. No point in recommending an airline that does not fly anymore. However, let me take this opportunity to pass on my best wishes to SX staffers. Many A.Netters and self appointed industry stewards here wrote you off … but always remember, the greatest risk is not taking one at all. Cheers!
Foppishbum From Taiwan, joined Mar 2006, 651 posts, RR: 0 Reply 1, posted (4 years 3 weeks 22 hours ago) and read 13788 times:
It's always sad to see an airline cease operation. With the rising fuel cost, I might also have to cease driving one day, lol! Great pictures by the way!
AlitaliaMD11 From Spain, joined Dec 2003, 4068 posts, RR: 17 Reply 2, posted (4 years 3 weeks 22 hours ago) and read 13729 times:
I was out at SWF on January 6th to photograph the inaugural departure of Skybus to CMH. The flight was indeed delayed some on push back because the inbound flight had parked too close to the terminal which created some complications for push back.
Here is a picture of you and your aircraft taxiing towards the runway:
Abrelosojos From Venezuela, joined May 2005, 4551 posts, RR: 56 Reply 3, posted (4 years 3 weeks 22 hours ago) and read 13708 times:
Quoting AlitaliaMD11 (Reply 2): I was out at SWF on January 6th to photograph the inaugural departure of Skybus to CMH. The flight was indeed delayed some on push back because the inbound flight had parked too close to the terminal which created some complications for push back.
= Isn't life so weird? We were at the same place at the same time ... twice . I wish I knew, we could have had a drink. Next time for sure?
Quoting AlitaliaMD11 (Reply 2): Here is a picture of you and your aircraft taxiing towards the runway:
Quoting AlitaliaMD11 (Reply 2): And for kicks here is the aircraft that brought you to SWF returning to CMH:
= Ok, now I realize how much I suck at photography. Your pictures are great. And, the flight was covered by all angles it seems.
Cheers,
A.
PS: I have never had a picture with me inside the plane ... so this is cool.
PS2: Where you the guy with the big camera? Taking pictures from behind the announcer? I am trying to place you !
AUSisAwesome From United States of America, joined Jan 2009, 74 posts, RR: 0 Reply 7, posted (3 years 4 months 1 week 1 day 22 hours ago) and read 10672 times:
SX is not a common carrier to see here! But welcomed greatly when it is! Your TR was great (like most of them) and very detailed! Keep them coming!
GSPSPOT From United States of America, joined Sep 2003, 2585 posts, RR: 2 Reply 9, posted (3 years 3 months 2 weeks 1 day 3 hours ago) and read 9343 times:
Seems this is just the kind of carrier we need in these lean times. I mean, you still can get the "full" experience, if you want to pay for it. I like that idea. Cheap base fares, and a la carte for everything else. Such a shame this company couldn't make it work.
I flew Allegiant Air for the first time last month, and was shocked at how much I enjoyed it. I couldn't believe the legroom on their planes. Their onboard service is much the same. They're a great airline, but only fly to destinations 3-4 times a week.
Looking for more & better service at my home airport.
Ps76 From United Kingdom, joined Jun 2004, 808 posts, RR: 0 Reply 11, posted (3 years 3 months 1 week 5 days 9 hours ago) and read 8621 times:
Hi,
Just to say many thanks. Would have definitely not minded trying Skybus (I like Ryanair here in Europe). Was sad to see them go but made a cool report for a new and unfortunately finished airline.
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From Venezuela, joined May 2005, 4551 posts, 
From Taiwan, joined Mar 2006, 651 posts, 
From Spain, joined Dec 2003, 4068 posts, 
. I wish I knew, we could have had a drink. Next time for sure?
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From United Kingdom, joined Jan 2001, 7884 posts, 
From United States of America, joined Jan 2009, 74 posts, 
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