best winter stopover for Grand Junction, CO
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 7,875
best winter stopover for Grand Junction, CO
I don't know if this is the right forum, but I'm going to have to be flying in to Grand Junction in the winter. As far as I know, there are 5 airports I can transfer into it: PHX (US Air), DEN (UA), DFW (AA), IAH (UA), SLC (DL) (technically there is LAS via Allegiant as well).
I was wondering if anybody who is from the region can tell me which is the best (most reliable) transfer airport.
Thanks
I was wondering if anybody who is from the region can tell me which is the best (most reliable) transfer airport.
Thanks
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Denver, CO, USA
Programs: Sometimes known as [ARG:6 UNDEFINED]
Posts: 26,704
DEN is an extremely reliable airport, even in winter (my sig notwithstanding!); it's also by far the closest to GJT and has the most frequency to/from GJT. United runs a mix of ER-145s, CRJs and even Q400s on this route. I vote for the ER-145; you can also get that on AA ex-DFW.
I think one more interesting consideration is: Do you have a current preferred airline upon which you've built status?
I think one more interesting consideration is: Do you have a current preferred airline upon which you've built status?
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 7,875
Thanks for the reply. I know there are the most flights (US has 3 from Phoenix, DFW 2 for AA, DL has 2 from SLC) for United from Denver. Though SLC is about the same distance.
I did some research and DEN isn't ranked highly in terms of timeliness or functionality. And from my experience there just for a few times there are many delays.
I have status on quite a few airlines, so that's not an issue.
I did some research and DEN isn't ranked highly in terms of timeliness or functionality. And from my experience there just for a few times there are many delays.
I have status on quite a few airlines, so that's not an issue.
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Denver, CO, USA
Programs: Sometimes known as [ARG:6 UNDEFINED]
Posts: 26,704
Thanks for the reply. I know there are the most flights (US has 3 from Phoenix, DFW 2 for AA, DL has 2 from SLC) for United from Denver. Though SLC is about the same distance.
I did some research and DEN isn't ranked highly in terms of timeliness or functionality. And from my experience there just for a few times there are many delays.
I have status on quite a few airlines, so that's not an issue.
I did some research and DEN isn't ranked highly in terms of timeliness or functionality. And from my experience there just for a few times there are many delays.
I have status on quite a few airlines, so that's not an issue.
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Portland
Posts: 11,572
DEN is reliable but all it takes is one deicing delay to make you miss your connection, and I've missed many connections at DEN due to weather. I'd go with PHX, as it's the least likely to be impacted by bad weather.
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 7,875
I am doing more through Phoenix. I think it works well (well, today they are looking for volunteers, $375, you'd have to wait til tomorrow morning and they'd put you up) except they don't have many flights.
But my experience with United has been that they are always delayed, though sometimes you can make your connection (my first week with them 3/4 flights were delayed, I barely made one, 2 other ones I was delayed more than 3 hours)
But my experience with United has been that they are always delayed, though sometimes you can make your connection (my first week with them 3/4 flights were delayed, I barely made one, 2 other ones I was delayed more than 3 hours)
#7
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: ASE
Programs: UA 1MM, AA1MM PLTPRO, Hertz PC, National EXC, Hyatt Explorist, Hilton/Marriott Gold, IHG Platinum
Posts: 3,357
Yeah, until United stops relying on the Unreliable Q400's operated by Republic, there GJT operation will remain unreliable. IMHO, AA is the best option on a E145 to DFW (excepting of course, Allegiant flights to LAX and LAS 2X weekly). The CR2 operated by DL, UA, and US is just...well, as it is known here on FT...a Canadian Torture Tube.
#8
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 7,875
Yea, I flew the ER-175 for the first time last week. Definitely more enjoyable than the other little jets.
Actually, at GJT they don't operate Q400 (I know, cause I flew them all summer on AS). United operates little jetplanes.
Through PHX my trips have been uneventful, so I guess US is a good option (except I don't like them).
Actually, at GJT they don't operate Q400 (I know, cause I flew them all summer on AS). United operates little jetplanes.
Through PHX my trips have been uneventful, so I guess US is a good option (except I don't like them).