I was a bit disappointed to see that there are no longer direct flights from Boise to Reno. I suspect that the combination of rising jet fuel costs, and the declining amount of business done in Boise may be contributing factors.
You can still get to Reno from Boise, of course, but you are flying through Portland, San Francisco, or Salt Lake City. Since I was planning to visit some friends in Reno for the annular total eclipse on May 20, it makes driving look a lot more sensible. A direct flight to Reno means an hour to Boise International, at least an hour in line and going through TSA security theater, an hour in the air, and an hour deplaning, getting luggage, and then getting a rental car. That's four hours from my door to on the road in Reno--a lot shorter than the eight hours it takes to drive door to door.
Having to do the flight as two hops, however, adds another two to three hours to the trip, and now we are talking six to hours to fly, versus eight hours to drive--with the added advantage that I can pick exactly when to leave by car for Reno or to return home. With two of us traveling, the cost suddenly makes flying absurd.
Going in groups makes personal aviation much more tolerable, too. That's why so many people cling to their 6-seat airplanes, even those notionally 6-seat, like older Bonanzas.
ReplyDeleteAh, Beaten to the Private Pilot angle.
ReplyDeleteIf only Kurt Larson could still fly as I made a trip with him down to Stead to watch the Reno Air Race training camp years ago. Sadly his Maule MX-7 is still just sitting in a Boise hangar. Wish I had the change to buy it!
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