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.
Parts I and II can be found here:
Fully Flat Bed to SFO: SWISS' New Business Class
San Francisco Sunshine...and A Frontier Fiasco
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:
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:
The Venetian's impressive Grand Canal Shoppes:
Interestingly, a replica of the mall was built at The Venetian Macao. You also find a similar mall in Doha which I visited in 2009:
Delights Of Doha, 773 & 77W: DOH-DXB-LHR On EK
What would The Venetian be without St Mark's Campanile...
...and the Rialto Bridge?
The Mirage:
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?
Siegfried & Roy:
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:
New York-New York:
Rollercoaster, anyone?
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?
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:
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:
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:
Paris Las Vegas at night:
The Fountains of Bellagio:
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
Photo © Radek Oneksiak | Photo © Jason Whitebird |
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
My perspective again: Grand Canyon West Airport...
...and Grand Canyon Skywalk:
My brother's perspective:
Back on the left side…
…and right side once again:
Back over Lake Mead:
More examples of the diverse landscape in the area:
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:
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!
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!
Best Regards,
PlaneHunter
P.S.: Just in case you missed them - my previous trip reports:
San Francisco Sunshine...and A Frontier Fiasco
Fully Flat Bed to SFO: SWISS' New Business Class
Mountains, Meals & More: SunExpress Vs. Pegasus
Crossing Two Oceans: AKL-SFO-MUC, NZ 777 & LH A346
Bad Weather & Other Bad Luck: Touring New Zealand
Trans-Tasman Treat: Aerolineas Argentinas A340-200
Detours To Sydney: Wildlife, Tiger, REX & QFLink
Thai Fails To Impress: MUC-BKK-BNE On 744 & 777
Painful Delay & My 100th Airline: AF A380, VO F100
Fifth Freedom Tidbit: Kuwait Airways A300-600
Ship Vs. Plane: Porto Santo Line & Sata Air Açores
Awesome Approach, Splendid Scenery: LIS, FNC & TAP
Guernsey, Ash Cloud Alarm & Mostly Empty SQ 77Ws
Totally Thrilling: Scenic Flight On Lufthansa A380
Cirrus D38, Adria CRJ & Captain Niki Lauda On Duty
Monarch Hot Meal, E195 & More: PMI-ALC-MAN-MUC
Premium Meal & Palma Spotting: MUC-PMI, DE 757-300
The Dead Slow Transfer: PEK-MUC On Air China A332
Cancellation Brings Joy: HKG-PEK on Dragonair A330
A380 Cacophony, 777 Star Livery: DXB-SIN-HKG on SQ
The Next 5* Carrier? MUC-MCT-DXB, Oman Air A330
Turkey For 1.5 Hrs: Daytrip To AYT On Sky Airlines
CO Scores Again: ATL-IAH-EWR-FRA On ERJ, 752 & 764
Riding The Ultra Long-Haul Twin: Delta 777-200LR
Pacific Coast Jaunt: 3 Carriers, E120, E140 & Fog
The Ultimate 737: LHR-IAH-PDX On CO 777 & 739ER
Bye Bye, Hell! TRD-OSL-TXL-NUE - DY/AB/HE DH4
My Trip To Hell: NUE-CPH-OSL-TRD On Cimber & SAS
SFO-YUL-FRA: Map- & Sleepless On Air Canada's 77W
Sin City Gloss & Virgin America's Chic First Class
Seat Dilemma & Canyon Glamour: FRA To LAX, AC 763
On Par With Air France? DTW-AMS-MUC, KLM A330
Goodbye, Red Tails! DC-9-40/50 & Chicago Tour
Champagne & World Of Coke: Air France A340 To ATL
"Mission A380": Disappointing Legs On BA/BD/EI
Delights Of Doha, 773 & 77W: DOH-DXB-LHR On EK
A380 Really a Step Forward? LHR-DXB-DOH On EK
Quality & Style: HKG-LHR On Air New Zealand 744
Taiwan Trio: TransAsia, UNI Air And The Taipei 101
"The Wings Of Taiwan": EVA Air A332, 744 Combi
SHA-SZX, Shanghai 757: Delayed By The Military
PEK-SHA, China Eastern A330 & Shanghai At Night
Striking Newcomer: Berlin-Beijing On Hainan A330
Short & Splendid: MXP-MUC On Air Dolomiti's 146
3 Hours On Blue1: HEL-MXP On The MD-90
BCN-MAD-ZRH-MUC: UX Shuttle Meets Swiss Quality
MUC-MAD-BCN: Star MD-87 & The Pain Of Vueling
Low Fares, Lovely Island: AK & Best Of Langkawi
4 Stars Or 5 Stars? FRA-KUL-FRA, Malaysia 777s
First And Last Time? JFK-FCO-MUC, Alitalia 777
JFK For 1 Day: Transatlantic Hop On CSA's A310
Sardinian Sun, Shiny New 73Gs & Cramped Mad Dog
Top And Flop: KIX-HEL-MUC, Finnair A320 & MD-11
The 524-Seat Twin-jet: HND-ITM On ANA 777-300
Kobe For 1 Hour: 767-Quickie On ANA & Skymark
Rocketing To Tokyo: FUK-HND On JAL (ex-JAS) 777
Oddities & Okinawa: JTA 734 & JAL 744D(Domestic)
MUC To Nagoya: Finnair E170 & (Old) "New" A340
Mad Dog, A320 Tech Delay & Best Of Lanzarote
Canaries Prop-Hopping: Islas Airways & Naysa
Canaries And Confusion: LH CRJ900 & Spanair A321
Hubbing For 162 Miles: HOQ-FRA-STR Ret On IQ/EW/LH
BOS-JFK-AMS-MUC: SSSS-Check And KLM 777
ATL-PIT-JFK-BOS: FL B717, JetBlue E190 And Delays
MUC-AMS-MEM-ATL On NWA A332 And 40-year-old DC-9
FRA-BKK-FRA Via CMB: SriLankan A332 & A343
BNE-SIN-DXB-MUC On Emirates B772ER & B773
2 Hours In Paradise: Hamilton Island (JQ/DJ)
BNE-SYD-BNE: Domestic Run On QF’s Oldest B747-400
Testing Qantas: SYD-MEL-SYD-BNE (B738, B763, A332)
Going Down Under: MUC-DXB-SYD On EK A332 & A345
9/11 Review: Failed Trip To LAX - Fuel Dump Pics
Surprised By NIKI's Newest A320 & Screw-up By AB
Leisure Vs. Full Service: Condor & SN Brussels
"betterFly" On LH: Business Class For 99 Euro
Weekend Transatlantic Trip (2): US A321 & B762
Transatlantic For A Weekend (1): MUC-DCA On US
[Edited 2011-06-21 01:33:10]