PlaneHunter From Germany, joined Mar 2006, 6211 posts, RR: 79 Posted (1 year 12 months 4 days 9 hours ago) and read 10594 times:
Background
In the middle of the cold and snowy December 2010 my brother and I decided to escape to the US West Coast for a few days in early February. My brother hadn't been to that part of the country yet and he was very interested in visiting Las Vegas, Los Angeles and San Francisco. I always enjoy going to California and saw the chance to meet some very good friends again. We came to the conclusion that it would be a good opportunity to exchange accumulated miles for Business Class tickets. After checking all possible flight options on the Miles & More website, it was clear that we would try SWISS' new intercontinental Business Class with lie-flat seats. That innovative product was available on all A330-300s and a few A340-300s. Destinations served by the retrofitted A343s in early February were San Francisco, Boston, Hong Kong, Los Angeles and New York (once weekly).
I was first considering to take an A330 flight to Chicago and an A340 flight from Los Angeles or San Francisco so that we would be able to get both types. But I quickly scrapped that idea because I didn't want to risk being stuck at Chicago in a possible snow storm. So we finally booked Munich-Zurich-San Francisco and Los Angeles-Zurich-Munich, operated by Swiss A340s, a Swiss European Avro RJ100 and a Lufthansa A319.
After booking the long-haul flight combo, we added a few domestic hops. Of course I wanted to get some new airlines, so we decided to book a San Francisco-Denver-Las Vegas connection on Orbitz. There would have been cheaper options (including numerous nonstop flights), but Republic Airlines (Embraer 170) and Frontier Airlines (A319) were new carriers for me - and I had never been to Denver. Then we booked a cheap US Airways A319 flight from Las Vegas to Los Angeles. I would have preferred one of the few hops operated by Mesa Airlines CRJ900s in order to get another new airline, but departure times weren’t favorable.
Since my brother had never been to the Grand Canyon, he suggested to add a scenic flight from/to Las Vegas to our itinerary. After checking all available options, we booked a one-hour flight offered by Vision Holidays and operated by Vision Airlines. It wasn't cheap, but we were sure it would be a special experience - and I would get another new airline and even another new type, the rare Dornier 228.
Las Vegas Sightseeing
After our heavily delayed arrival from Denver, we took a taxi to our first Las Vegas hotel, The Venetian. Very pompous lobby and corridors:
Picture taken by my brother
Picture taken by my brother
After checking in, we had trouble to find our suite - one of a total of 4049 in that huge complex! We soon found out that it was normal to walk through endless corridors and to use two different elevators in order to reach our suite. I had never had to walk so far in a hotel - definitely not to my taste! The suite was nice, but not overwhelming:
What would The Venetian be without St Mark's Campanile...
Picture taken by my brother
...and the Rialto Bridge?
Picture taken by my brother
The Mirage:
Picture taken by my brother
On the next morning we were supposed to be picked up by a Vision Airlines shuttle at the Treasure Island at 10:30. The pick-up place was just a short walk away. Gondola ride, anyone?
Picture taken by my brother
Siegfried & Roy:
Picture taken by my brother
At 10:15, after arriving at the pick-up place, my mobile phone started ringing. The display didn't show a number - and after I had ignored two anonymous calls on the evening before, I decided to answer the phone this time. And now guess what - it was a friendly Vision Airlines agent who informed us that our pick-up time had been postponed from 10:30 to 12:00 due to a schedule change! I wasn't amused to hear this, but I was glad that the flight hadn't been cancelled.
Now we had about 1.5 hours left and decided to take the bus to the southern end of the Strip so that my brother could see the Luxor, the MGM Grand and other nearby hotels:
Picture taken by my brother
New York-New York:
Picture taken by my brother
Rollercoaster, anyone?
Picture taken by my brother
After returning from the scenic flight (see below), we picked up our luggage at the Venetian and took a taxi to our second hotel, the Bellagio. I liked that hotel much better than the Venetian - the room could be reached quickly and the welcome by the receptionist was much more personal.
The rooms were nice, but not overly impressive either:
No Strip view for us:
Is this Paris or Las Vegas?
Picture taken by my brother
The Paris Las Vegas is located just opposite of the Bellagio:
Our next destination was the Stratosphere Tower, the tallest freestanding observation tower in the United States:
Picture taken by my brother
Even though huge crowds were moving through Las Vegas on that Saturday evening, we didn't have to wait in line on the way to the observation deck:
Picture taken by my brother
Picture taken by my brother
After enjoying a great dinner buffet at the Stratosphere, we took a taxi to the Fremont Street Experience in Downtown Las Vegas. No matter what kind of music, the light and sound shows are always awesome. Amazing rocket launch:
Picture taken by my brother
Picture taken by my brother
Paris Las Vegas at night:
Picture taken by my brother
The Fountains of Bellagio:
Picture taken by my brother
Because I had visited Las Vegas not even two years ago, I let my brother take the city pictures this time. If you want to see more Las Vegas pictures, have a look at this report: Sin City Gloss & Virgin America's Chic First Class
Saturday, February 2011
North Las Vegas (VGT) - North Las Vegas (VGT)
Vision Airlines V2 192 (scenic flight)
Scheduled times: 13:30-14:35
Actual times: 13:39-14:46
Flight duration: 00:58 (hrs)
Distance: 275 miles
Seat 6A
Dornier 228-202
N405VA (cn 8144)
Built in 1987 and first delivered to Fischer Brothers Aviation in 02/1988
1st flight on N405VA
1st Dornier 228 flight
112th airline
The Vision Airlines shuttle showed up on time at the pick-up place at the Treasure Island:
After picking up an Asian family at another hotel (which took about 15 minutes) and a further 25 minute drive, we stepped off the bus in front of Vision's small terminal at North Las Vegas Airport:
Small and deserted check-in area. Fuel surcharge notification on the left:
During the check-in process, we had to step on a scale - and when the friendly agent handed out our boarding passes she told us that we should not switch seats due to weight and balance. Then we took a seat in the deserted waiting area:
It was soon clear that the two of us and the Asian family of three would be the only passengers on that flight - and we started joking that the 19-seater Dornier 228 would probably be replaced by one of these little machines:
Finally our plane arrived - the most welcome Dornier 228:
There hadn't been passengers on the plane, just the two pilots who walked to the gate exit in order to check our boarding passes. The two guys were in the late 20s or early 30s and wore uniform pants and shirts as well as sunglasses - and believe it or not, the captain wore a black woolen hat. Pretty cool appearance!
Before we stepped outside, I asked the captain how many miles we would fly. "About 260, but I can tell you exactly after landing", he kindly said. Then the pilots willingly took pictures of us and the Asian family in front of the plane - definitely a good start!
Nice livery:
Vision Airlines - formerly known as Vision Air - calls the plane Visionliner:
Picture taken by my brother
N405VA, built in 1987, is one of four active Dornier 228s in the fleet:
Cabin view:
Here's the captain with his woolen hat - and yes, it was a pretty warm day in Las Vegas:
Picture taken by my brother
My seat 6A:
Legroom was very tight, but we wouldn't fly more than an hour anyway:
Headphones:
Vision's Dornier 228s are even equipped with a tour narration system:
Alternatively, you can listen to classic and otherwise relaxing music.
Safety card:
There were numerous scratches on the window...
...but I was still able to take decent pictures. However, Vision should have an eye on that issue considering that the windows are essential for the sightseeing experience.
We left the stand shortly after engine-start up - I was really looking forward to the flight on that noisy little plane! We taxied straight to the runway...
...and the Dornier lifted off quickly after a powerful takeoff run:
My brother's perspective:
Picture taken by my brother
Back again on my side:
I hadn't been sure whether I should use the headphones, but now I decided to do so - it was pretty loud on that small plane! Engine view:
Shadow Creek Golf Course:
Las Vegas Motor Speedway:
Las Vegas Lake:
Picture taken by my brother
Out into the desert...
Lake Mead, the largest reservoir in the United States:
Hoover Dam, located in the middle of the Black Canyon of the Colorado River:
Nevada on the left, Arizona on the right:
Another part of Lake Mead:
Grand Canyon (west rim) right ahead - I'll let the pictures talk:
My brother's perspective:
Picture taken by my brother
My perspective again: Grand Canyon West Airport...
...and Grand Canyon Skywalk:
My brother's perspective:
Picture taken by my brother
Back on the left side…
…and right side once again:
Picture taken by my brother
Back over Lake Mead:
More examples of the diverse landscape in the area:
Picture taken by my brother
Las Vegas in the distance:
McCarran International Airport (LAS) and the hotels along the Strip:
Viva Las Vegas!
Very sharp right turn onto final approach - these guys up front knew how to entertain us!
Nellis Air Force Base from my brother’s perspective:
Picture taken by my brother
Picture taken by my brother
My perspective again:
The distinctive silhouette of a Dornier 228:
We touched down exactly 58 minutes after takeoff, a great flight had come to an end. Only small birds were parked on the apron:
When the first officer opened the door, he asked us how we liked the flight. He was glad to hear our enthusiastic reactions and asked which country we were from. When he heard our answer, he smiled and said with emphasis: "This is a German airplane!"
After disembarking, he willingly answered some questions. So I found out that we had flown a distance of 275 miles and had been cruising at an altitude of 7500 to 8500 feet.
Goodbye, N405VA, it was a great ride!
Picture taken by my brother
When we left the terminal, the Vision Airlines shuttle was already waiting for us. 25 minutes later, we were back at the Strip (see above). Story to be continued...
If you want to see more of the Grand Canyon (from another perspective) and other fascinating places in Arizona, California, Nevada and Utah, have a look at this report about a trip in 2009: Seat Dilemma & Canyon Glamour: FRA To LAX, AC 763
Conclusion
My first ever sightseeing flight had been on a full Airbus A380 (report here), so it was a completely different experience this time. Even though I'm not a fan of small planes, the noisy Dornier 228 left a good impression and I wouldn't hesitate to board such a plane again. However, what was much more important than the aircraft type were the fabulous views on this Vision Airlines scenic flight. Seeing Lake Mead, Hoover Dam, the Grand Canyon and other sights from the air was a great experience to remember. I enjoyed the flight so much that I may buy a ticket again when I go to Las Vegas next time. I can only recommend to take such a flight!
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 25118 posts, RR: 60 Reply 1, posted (1 year 12 months 4 days 9 hours ago) and read 10560 times:
Hey very nice report. My Father did that trip and his photos made me want to do it . Still on my to do list. Amazing views. Love the United Airlines seats
Lovely photos by your Brother also . Is he a professional? Really sharp clarity.
Ive always wanted to see the Venetian but I want to stay at the Bellagio
Thanks for the report.
Regards
Philip
OLYMPIC AIR - ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΗ "Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ ΨΗΛΑ" "GREECE FLYING HIGH"
aflyingkiwi From New Zealand, joined Nov 2010, 490 posts, RR: 3 Reply 4, posted (1 year 12 months 4 days 8 hours ago) and read 10451 times:
Hi PH,
Fantastic report as always. Those pictures of the Grand Canyon are simply amazing and I think you've convinced me to add that to the to do list once I get around to visiting Vegas. Also congrats on logging the D228, it makes me wonder how many more types are there for you to log?
Thanks for writing and looking forward to the next installment.
PlaneHunter From Germany, joined Mar 2006, 6211 posts, RR: 79 Reply 5, posted (1 year 12 months 4 days 8 hours ago) and read 10433 times:
Quoting aflyingkiwi (Reply 4): Fantastic report as always. Those pictures of the Grand Canyon are simply amazing
Thanks a lot for your kind words, aflyingkiwi! I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Quoting aflyingkiwi (Reply 4): I think you've convinced me to add that to the to do list once I get around to visiting Vegas.
Very good - I'm sure you'd like it as much as I did.
Quoting aflyingkiwi (Reply 4): Also congrats on logging the D228, it makes me wonder how many more types are there for you to log?
Well, I have concentrated on larger planes, so there are numerous smaller types left. And I still haven't flown on a Russian type yet, but I'm not attracted by those. You find all the logged types in my profile.
luxair747SP From Germany, joined May 2010, 449 posts, RR: 18 Reply 8, posted (1 year 12 months 4 days 5 hours ago) and read 10298 times:
AIRLINERS.NET CREW FORUM MODERATOR
Hi PH
another nice TR with many high quality pictures of Las Vegas and Grand Canyon.
The flight was for sure something special and the D228 is a very rare bird nowadays.
Interesting to see such flights, which are normally not covered at all in this sections.
Thanks a lot for sharing
Cheers
Johannes
CaptainRed From Germany, joined Oct 2010, 588 posts, RR: 19 Reply 10, posted (1 year 12 months 4 days ago) and read 9958 times:
Hi PH,
thanks for this very nice report with some great pictures. My last visit to Las Vegas is more than 10 years ago, interesting to see how much it has changed, most of the hotels you wrote about didn't even exist back then.
Well, this is Las Vegas, you shouldn't spend too much time in your room anyway, they want you go out into the casinos to spend your hard earned cash
This flight in the Do228 sure was something special, a rather rare bird nowadays. And flying over the Grand Canyon is certainly amazing. Done that a few years ago in a helicopter, was a very expensive ride, but worth every penny.
PlaneHunter From Germany, joined Mar 2006, 6211 posts, RR: 79 Reply 12, posted (1 year 12 months 3 days 23 hours ago) and read 9909 times:
Quoting CaptainRed (Reply 10): thanks for this very nice report with some great pictures.
Hi CaptainRed, thanks for your feedback!
Quoting CaptainRed (Reply 10): My last visit to Las Vegas is more than 10 years ago, interesting to see how much it has changed, most of the hotels you wrote about didn't even exist back then.
Yes, it's amazing how fast the city has been changing. I still remember well how deserted the area was around the Luxor when I first went there in 1997.
Quoting CaptainRed (Reply 10): Well, this is Las Vegas, you shouldn't spend too much time in your room anyway, they want you go out into the casinos to spend your hard earned cash
That's certainly true. However, I had expected a bit more from these five star hotels. Interestingly, I was positively surprised by the three star Hampton Inn in 2009.
Quoting CaptainRed (Reply 10): And flying over the Grand Canyon is certainly amazing. Done that a few years ago in a helicopter, was a very expensive ride, but worth every penny.
No doubt about that. Helicopters fly much lower and therefore you are closer to the canyon. I saw many of them during the flight, unfortunately, I wasn't able to take a clear picture.
Quoting jmy007 (Reply 11): Sorry to hear about the hotel exprinces in Vegas. If you do go back, and if you haven't stayed at the Luxor, I do recommend it.
Very easy to access the rooms, and if you request a high floor, east facing room, you'll get a fantastic view of LAS, and the desert to the east.
Good to hear you had a nice experience there. We stayed there in 2009 and, unfortunately, we were deeply disappointed. I had never seen such a dirty and rundown room. We had a pyamid suite - did you stay in a tower room? Those are supposed to be much better.
AlwaysOnAPlane From United Kingdom, joined Sep 2010, 299 posts, RR: 2 Reply 13, posted (1 year 12 months 3 days 23 hours ago) and read 9888 times:
Hi PH.
Awesome report mate. Good to see the photography team working well together again here. Some really well captured images really adding to the storyline.
Congratulations on bagging this rare type/airline combination. Looks very small inside. Makes an E-145 feel like a 747
Good to see the crew making you feel at home and keeping you up to date on the facts at the end of the trip.
Interesting to note how the water level has dropped on Lake Mead. I saw a programe on this a while back and it is apparently causing some concern. Good to get the birds eye view here.
jmy007 From United States of America, joined Feb 2004, 591 posts, RR: 2 Reply 14, posted (1 year 12 months 3 days 22 hours ago) and read 9861 times:
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 12): Good to hear you had a nice experience there. We stayed there in 2009 and, unfortunately, we were deeply disappointed. I had never seen such a dirty and rundown room. We had a pyamid suite - did you stay in a tower room? Those are supposed to be much better.
That's too bad! I did stay in the pyramid, because what would be the point of staying at the Luxor if not to stay in the pyramid?
I agree that there where certain aspects of the hotel that could use some extra care. But, the room itself, while a bit warn was clean, and I guess I was so excited for the view, that I overlooked some of the lower points of the hotel.
Cookies are the Gateway pastry. They lead to Éclairs and Bear Claws.
767747 From United States of America, joined Jan 2005, 1760 posts, RR: 25 Reply 15, posted (1 year 12 months 3 days 16 hours ago) and read 9615 times:
Great report, Plane Hunter!
Loved your photos from your sightseeing trip. What fun! I've been to Las Vegas, the Hoover Dam, and the Grand Canyon, so your trip brought back memories!
KingFriday013 From United States of America, joined May 2007, 1278 posts, RR: 10 Reply 16, posted (1 year 12 months 3 days 16 hours ago) and read 9615 times:
Looks like you had a good time. Back in 2001 I took a similar flight on Scenic Airlines out of VGT but we actually landed at Grand Canyon West and took a helicopter down into the canyon. Was a lot of fun. We were on a DHC-6 VistaLiner.
The777Man From United States of America, joined Jul 1999, 6115 posts, RR: 56 Reply 17, posted (1 year 12 months 3 days 14 hours ago) and read 9523 times:
Hi PlaneHunter !
Another amazing report with amazing pictures! Nice for you to get another carrier and type and especially with such scenery! I was in Las Vegas about a month after you and it your pictures bring back memories. We stayed at a hotel near Fremont St but it wasn't very good. I do remember the rocket in the ceiling which was neat.
Funny with the old seat covers from United Airlines.......Vision Airlines seem very nice and friendly. I had my only helicopter ride with Pappilion Helicopters about 12 years ago from the Grand Canyon West airport and it was amazing as well.
Very much looking forward to the next part!
The777Man
Need a Boeing 777 Firing Order....Further to fly....GA, T5, CI and LX 777s
PlaneHunter From Germany, joined Mar 2006, 6211 posts, RR: 79 Reply 19, posted (1 year 12 months 3 days 11 hours ago) and read 9429 times:
Quoting AlwaysOnAPlane (Reply 13): Awesome report mate. Good to see the photography team working well together again here. Some really well captured images really adding to the storyline.
Hi Lee, many thanks for your feedback! I'm glad to hear you liked it.
Quoting AlwaysOnAPlane (Reply 13): Looks very small inside. Makes an E-145 feel like a 747
Quoting AlwaysOnAPlane (Reply 13): Good to see the crew making you feel at home and keeping you up to date on the facts at the end of the trip.
Yes, they added a special touch to the experience.
Quoting AlwaysOnAPlane (Reply 13): Interesting to note how the water level has dropped on Lake Mead. I saw a programe on this a while back and it is apparently causing some concern. Good to get the birds eye view here.
Interesting, hadn't heard about that yet.
Quoting jmy007 (Reply 14): That's too bad! I did stay in the pyramid, because what would be the point of staying at the Luxor if not to stay in the pyramid?
Yes, the pyramid makes this hotel special. When we were planning to stay at the Luxor for the first time, we were only interested in the pyramid. However, according to numerous reviews, the tower rooms are better than the (older) ones in the pyramid.
Quoting jmy007 (Reply 14): I agree that there where certain aspects of the hotel that could use some extra care. But, the room itself, while a bit warn was clean, and I guess I was so excited for the view, that I overlooked some of the lower points of the hotel.
Our windows were so dirty that we didn't see much...but it's amazing how different the ratings are for the Luxor.
Quoting 767747 (Reply 15): Loved your photos from your sightseeing trip. What fun! I've been to Las Vegas, the Hoover Dam, and the Grand Canyon, so your trip brought back memories!
Good to hear that!
Quoting KingFriday013 (Reply 16): Back in 2001 I took a similar flight on Scenic Airlines out of VGT but we actually landed at Grand Canyon West and took a helicopter down into the canyon. Was a lot of fun. We were on a DHC-6 VistaLiner.
That must have been fun indeed! Vision Holidays offers several interesting tours. I may have a look at another one in the future.
Quoting The777Man (Reply 17): Another amazing report with amazing pictures!
Hi Lars, thanks a lot for your comments!
Quoting The777Man (Reply 17): Nice for you to get another carrier and type and especially with such scenery!
Yes, that combination is hard to beat.
Quoting The777Man (Reply 17): Funny with the old seat covers from United Airlines...
I wasn't sure whether it's really the old UA design or just a similar one. But you are the UA expert!
Quoting The777Man (Reply 17): ..Vision Airlines seem very nice and friendly.
Quoting The777Man (Reply 17): I had my only helicopter ride with Pappilion Helicopters about 12 years ago from the Grand Canyon West airport and it was amazing as well.
No doubt about that!
Quoting The777Man (Reply 17): Very much looking forward to the next part!
Already in the making!
Quoting KLASM83 (Reply 18): With that being said, thank you for this unique TR from my old home airport-it kind of helps out with the homesickness haha.
Thanks for your comments!
Quoting KLASM83 (Reply 18): Hey, I've had some of my best flight hours in those "little machines"
Interesting - maybe a flight on such a plane would change my mind?
Quoting KLASM83 (Reply 18): It's good to see Vision still chugging along with their VGT-Somewhere Scenic-VGT runs.
Let's hope they will continue to do so for a long time!
Palmjet From United Kingdom, joined Nov 2001, 1053 posts, RR: 16 Reply 20, posted (1 year 12 months 3 days 7 hours ago) and read 9354 times:
Hello PH - what a great excursion to take and on a type that's not overly common, even in Europe.
Fantastic pictures as well. I really enjoyed reading your report and fantastic that you've managed to rope your brother into being your assistant for the purposes of publishing your latest set of trip reports. You had some great weather too.
I particularly enjoyed the pics of the Hoover Dam, having visited there myself in 2005 but from the ground only (sadly).
I agree that if the aircraft is solely used for sightseeing trips - making sure the windows are spotlessly clean before each flight should be a priority!
lh4116 From Sweden, joined Aug 2007, 1673 posts, RR: 15 Reply 21, posted (1 year 12 months 3 days 4 hours ago) and read 9275 times:
Hello PH, great report! Really nice pics too
Seems like you and your brother had a pretty good time in Vegas, hotels looked nice.
The Do-228 is an interesting type, not too often we get to see it. Also those pilots, I'm guessing they were rookies?
Thanks for sharing!
//Jonas
I won't stop complaining until SAS reintroduces free service in Economy Class!
PlaneHunter From Germany, joined Mar 2006, 6211 posts, RR: 79 Reply 22, posted (1 year 12 months 3 days 2 hours ago) and read 9211 times:
Quoting Palmjet (Reply 20): Hello PH - what a great excursion to take and on a type that's not overly common, even in Europe.
Hi Palmjet, many thanks for leaving nice comments!
Quoting Palmjet (Reply 20):
Fantastic pictures as well. I really enjoyed reading your report and fantastic that you've managed to rope your brother into being your assistant for the purposes of publishing your latest set of trip reports.
I'm glad to hear that. Yes, my brother and I turned out to be a good team.
Quoting Palmjet (Reply 20): I particularly enjoyed the pics of the Hoover Dam, having visited there myself in 2005 but from the ground only (sadly).
I'd like to see it from the ground one day, it must be impressive.
Quoting lh4116 (Reply 21): Hello PH, great report! Really nice pics too
Hi Jonas, thanks for your feedback!
Quoting lh4116 (Reply 21): Seems like you and your brother had a pretty good time in Vegas, hotels looked nice.
It's always a pleasure to be in Vegas - but it can be very crowded on weekends.
Quoting lh4116 (Reply 21): Also those pilots, I'm guessing they were rookies?
They were still quite young, but they had four and three stripes.
SloAir From Slovenia, joined Jul 2010, 336 posts, RR: 6 Reply 23, posted (1 year 12 months 2 days 23 hours ago) and read 9135 times:
Hi PlaneHunter,
thank you for posting this report, it brought back a lot of nice memories from my trip to Las Vegas. I had also taken a scenic flight, but with a helicopter. We landed in the middle of the canyon and had a snack, it was great.
I have stayed at the old Russia hotel in Moscow back in 2001. There was some construction going on so we had to walk for almost 30 minutes to get from our room to the restaurant to have breakfast.
PlaneHunter From Germany, joined Mar 2006, 6211 posts, RR: 79 Reply 24, posted (1 year 12 months 2 days 22 hours ago) and read 9094 times:
Quoting SloAir (Reply 23): thank you for posting this report, it brought back a lot of nice memories from my trip to Las Vegas. I had also taken a scenic flight, but with a helicopter.
Quoting SloAir (Reply 23): I'm glad you decided to post this report, even if it is not about a bigger aircraft or a longer flight.
Hi Blaž, thanks for your comments! Good to hear you liked it.
Quoting SloAir (Reply 23): We landed in the middle of the canyon and had a snack, it was great.
Very impressive!
Quoting SloAir (Reply 23): I have stayed at the old Russia hotel in Moscow back in 2001. There was some construction going on so we had to walk for almost 30 minutes to get from our room to the restaurant to have breakfast.
Terrible - didn't they have some kind of golf carts as shuttles?
Quoting SloAir (Reply 23): I loved the Venetian, the blue skies are great.
Quoting SloAir (Reply 23): I had taken the ride, it was fun
Not to my taste...I prefer heavy turbulence over rollercoasters.
PH
[Edited 2011-06-22 12:17:49]
Nothing's worse than flying the same reg twice!
25 KLASM83: Indeed, should our paths cross, challenge: accepted. Hope to see you in the skies one day.
26 RvXKaz: Hi PH! What breath-taking pictures! I must say I enjoyed your (brother's) pictures of Las Vegas as much as I enjoyed your Dornier 228 insight! Las Veg
27 PlaneHunter: Sounds good! Hi RvXKaz, thanks so much for your nice comments! I'm glad to hear you enjoyed it. Amazing, isn't it? These birds have become rare. Howe
28 FlyingFinn76: Hi PH, An amazing report - aviationwise a bit boring (but then again the Do-228 is still a nice aircraft and missing from my log), but it more than ma
29 russiangirl: Hi PlaneHunter ! Wooow Outstanding TR!!!! It was great pleasure for me to read it! And...pics are breathtaking! Thank you!
30 Contact Air: Hi PH, Great report and fantastic pictures. The landscape is really breathtaking. I think the Do228 is a good sightseeing plane as it has got only win
31 PlaneHunter: Hi FlyingFinn, thanks for commenting! Well, I'm not a fan of these small planes, as I have said before, but the Do-228 has left a positive impression
32 FLIEGER67: Hi, PH, great pictures, superb. What an idea to catch that little Dornier in the States on such an experience. Also you´re Vegas pix, really good. Lo
33 Luftfahrer: What a picturesque trip report, PlaneHunter! I just sat back and enjoyed the view. I would like to listen to ATC communications, alternatively... I ha
34 abrelosojos: Wow PH. I come back to A.Net and get treated to the second Dornier report. Pretty cool. I did not know Vision ran a Las Vegas scenic tour flight on bo
35 gabrielchew: Pictures of Vegas are great. I hear people either love it or hate it - I'm going to have to go and see for myself! Nice to have a sightseeing flight o
36 airbuseric: Hi PH! that's what I call a nice sightseeing tour! So much views packed in just 1 hour. And on board a very welcome a/c type also, the Do228, somethin
37 EL-AL: Hey PH! Great photos, never had one of those sightseen flights, looks fantastic. The Dornier 228 is pretty rare bird in those areas of the world, grea
38 DeltaMike: Wow! Very cool way to get on the Do-228. I might have to make my way to Vegas!
39 akhmad: Hi PH, I have never been gone through photos several times and caught myself saying nothing more than, “WOW! WOW! WOW!” What an array of breathtak
40 LXM83: Hi PlaneHunter Nice to see this Airline covered by a report! Something different for sure! Thanks for reporting, LXM83
41 CARST: Great TR!!! Very scenic views. I plan to visit LV, too and thought about making an helicopter trip to the Grand Canyon, but Vision Air with the Dornie
42 PlaneHunter: Hi Markus, thanks for your comments! Many thanks, Marius! I'm glad you enjoyed it. Would be a great option! However, I'm not sure whether there would
43 Sultanils: Hi PH, That was 1 incredible picturesque report! Must've been really amazing to see it all from up above. Las Vegas is not my thing, I find it fake bu
44 NZ107: Hi PH, Another great report! Excellent photos from Las Vegas and also from the air! Thanks for sharing yet another scenic flight of yours! The Grand C
45 MH017: Hi Udo, Sweet memories of reading your Grand Canyon scenic flight: did exactly the same thing in the 80's with Scenic Air going down to Grand Canyon A
46 MSS658: Wonderfull trip report! I really enjoy the breathtaking scenery.
47 PlaneHunter: Many thanks, Nils! It's fake, but I like it, nonetheless. Well, it didn't show kilos... Hi Nicholas, many thanks for your feedback! I'm glad you enjo
48 ronerone: PH, What a stunning report with amazing pictures! A very unique one indeed. I have heard of Vision before, but i did not know they did these kind of f
49 PlaneHunter: Hi Roni, thanks so much for your kind words! I'm glad you liked it. Good to hear, I'm sure you will enjoy it! Seats with direct aisle access - what e
50 aerocabin: Hi PlaneHunter, Thanks for the really interesting report and all the great photos! It seems funny how they've latched single seats to each other to ma
51 PlaneHunter: Hi Aerocabin, many thanks for your feedback! I'm glad you liked the report. Yes, I would book that flight again. I personally prefer the Do's design,
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