The return PSM-PIT was PN46, dep. 7:50 PM, arr. 9:20 PM. Check-in was nominally at a gate shared with SkyWest and UA, but the agent was only posted at the jetway-side counter, not the main counter area. The entire operation was run off of a laptop computer, which I had never seen before.

The flight arrived into PIT from Gary 10 min late (7:20). There were only about 15 pax deplaning, and 9 to board, so even with a/c serevicing boarding was still completed well in advance of the scheduled 7:50 PM departure--we even had to wait at the gate for the crew to complete necessary "paperwork."

The flight departed almost exactly on time. It was again almost emplty--9 boarding at PIT, plus 2 more continuing from Gary. The 4 flight attendants seemed somewhat tired, but were trying to have a good time--I think they were bored. Other than the *slow* safety announcement, service was again very good, with wet towels, beverage, cookie, and concluding with Andes mints just before landing.

Arrival into PSM was 5 min early. Luggage was already coming off the carousel by the time I had lugged my carry-on from row 8 into the terminal (meaning that it might actually have been faster to check bags rather than carry on). Less than 10 min after reaching the gate later I was starting my car. No traffic, and I was back in Boston again in 70 min.

After 2 flights, it seems that Pan Am has a good product--they succeeded in running on-time, with professional service, and extra legroom. I would definitely fly them again. PSM is also a welcome relief to the usual hassle of Logan--despite the extra drive, this was probably one of the (if not the single) most hassle-free and comfortable trip to PIT from Boston in 7 years. However, 2 flights with a TOTAL of 35 pax raises serious questions about long-term viability. I have not seen any marketing in either PIT or BOS, a contrast to ATA which is scheduled to start BOS-MDW on 5/7 and is already running radio ads. I fear that with load-factors like this, PN may not be long for the market.

Other notes:
- WN a/c in PIT was a charter. Arrival from LAS was marked as such on the monitors on 3/31.
- UPS a/c was in PIT indeed passenger charter; this time it was also marked as such on the monitor.

[This message has been edited by chalf (edited 04-02-2000).]