M. Wynn: "Wild Card" Aviation Photography & Images: Double Flight Critique: Southwest Airlines Flight 5021 (SLC-SMF) & Southwest Airlines Flight 279 (SMF-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!

Wednesday, October 25, 2017

Double Flight Critique: Southwest Airlines Flight 5021 (SLC-SMF) & Southwest Airlines Flight 279 (SMF-PDX)

Flight 5021 (SLC-SMF)

1.) Aircraft: Boeing 737-700

2.) Flight Time: Approximately 1 hour, 30 minutes

3.) Flight was delayed coming from its crew base out of Las Vegas by about 20 minutes. Boarding time was 30 minutes later than scheduled and therefore, 30 minutes late departing Salt Lake City. Flight arrived 15 minutes later than scheduled.

4.) Southwest more than made up for the delay with complimentary snack and beverage service and a overall smooth flight. The views, as always was great as well.

5.) Flight was just under 70% full going into Sacramento so that allowed for a slightly roomier, and more comfortable flight. I can tolerate justifiable delays and Southwest never ceases to please, by being a low-cost carrier people like!

Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-76N (N7727A), the plane I flew on from Salt Lake City (SLC) to Sacramento (SMF) for SWA5021. This is a former AirTran Airways airframe acquired by Southwest when they bought out the former and integrated. This was also my first time flying in Southwest 737 sporting the 'Heart' livery.

Flying over the southern part of the Great Salt Lake after turning west following departure.

Over the Bonneville Salt Flats just prior to overflying Wendover.

View of the historic Wendover Airport, as we began to leave Utah behind and fly into Nevada.

Cloud surfing! Who needs in-flight entertainment when you've got views like this?

View of Reno-Tahoe International Airport as we began our descent towards Sacramento.

A view of the Reno metro area as we descended towards Sacramento.

View of Truckee Tahoe Airport during the descent to Sacramento.

Lake Tahoe in the distance as we descended towards Sacramento.

A view of Sacramento International Airport as we entered in on the downwind for Runway 34L.

Left base for Runway 34L.

Short final for 34L, flaps extended.

Touchdown and spoilers deployed.

Pulling up to the gate.

Flight 279 (SMF-PDX)

1.) Aircraft: Boeing 737-700

2.) Flight Time: Approximately 1 hour, 30 minutes

3.) Flight was early all around coming in from Long Beach; boarding started early and the flight got off the ground 5 minutes early as well. Arrival into Portland was also about 10 minutes early.

4.) Complimentary drink and snack services were as always, appreciated. Got some good views as the flight made a straight-out departure northbound while the sun set until it got dark coming into Portland.

5.) Flight was a little fuller (seriously, who flies to Portland?!) so it was a bit more cramped, but still tolerable.

Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-7H4 (N203WN), the plane I flew on from Sacramento (SMF) to Portland (PDX) for SWA279. "Free Bags Fly Here!" Thanks Southwest for that awesome convenience!