M. Wynn: "Wild Card" Aviation Photography & Images: Flight Critique: Southwest Airlines Flight 442 (RNO-PDX)

About This Blog:

The primary purpose of this blog is to showcase the best of my aviation photography. As such, you will find links to my main aviation gallery on Facebook containing photos from aircraft spotting, some kind of aviation event such as air shows and fly-in events, as well as aviation museums. I also critique my flights on commercial airlines and the services they provide. Occassionally, you'll find personally written, independent articles based on news and current events involving aviation. And of course, I'll put up links to official and unofficial aviation-related websites when I find them. And when time permits, I'll talk and discuss about anything involving aviation. But most importantly, this is my way to document my journey into the aviation industry!

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Flight Critique: Southwest Airlines Flight 442 (RNO-PDX)

1.) Aircraft: Boeing 737-300; probably one of the last times I'll ever fly in an older commercial airliner...

2.) Flight Time: Approximately 1 hour, 25 minutes

3.) Bumpy departure. Flight was delayed; originally slated for 9:20 AM departure, ended up departing RNO at 11:00 AM. Delay caused by mechanical problems with aircraft (originally to be a 700 series) and time taken to substitute equipment and switch aircraft from Las Vegas.

4.) Always appreciate the complimentary drinks and snacks served on board, not to mention the colorful corporate culture and sense of humor of the flight crew.

5.) Aircraft wasn't even full; probably about one-third full so we were able to spread out and enjoy some extra space this time. Thanks again Southwest for great ticket prices and decent "American" service! Pretty neat views for an aviation enthusiast too!

~~Winglet Wednesday~~ Photo highlights from this flight:

Our aircraft, a Boeing 737-3G7 (N691WN) taxiing into the terminal after arriving from Las Vegas (LAS) for a quick turn-around to continue onto PDX.
Built in 1988, it turns out that this aircraft has "been around " serving as TC-JTB (Turkish charter carrier, Sultan Air) and as N159AW (America West Airlines).