What are some of the items you've shared for improvement?

Looking back at my last e-mails:
• Asking for more flight options on the “book-end” flights: Monday and Thursdays
• Allow published routes to be booked with 1 pass. – Each flight segment (takeoff-landing) counts as one pass – It would be nice if you can get the connecting flights booked as one.
• Request for SurfAir to expand their lift capacity between CLD (San Diego) and Oakland. – Interesting today in the member portal there was a survey to the members about their preferred destination from SoCal to NorCal – so I think they are evaluating this.
• Space some key connection flights so that members can make more connection route – Maybe its just me but they seem to have a number of connecting routes where the second leg leaves just slightly (0-15 minutes) before the arriving flight does. If they altered their schedule just so it’s another flight option for a member to take. For instance a SQL-SBA-CLD route would be possible or an OAK-HHR-CLD it the timing works out.
• Develop a member’s only online forum – It would be great to continue the conversations members have in the terminal and on board later on-line. You do meet some fascinating folks on the plane.
• Have more monthly e-mails to the Members – SurfAir growing at such a pace even though they do a good job communicating they could do more especially among the member population.

What is the airport experience like? Are there inconsistencies between airports?

I don’t really view it as an airport experience if you know what I mean. For one – budgeting only 20 minutes before departure is fine. I think you’ll spend longer in Starbucks getting a latte than you will the terminal. Some of the terminals have valets and you just drive up and hand them your key (HHR, SBA and SQL that I’ve used). Other airports have parking spots that are right in front of the terminal (100-200 ft).

Once parked you simply walk in to the terminal. Most are within FBOs like Atlantic a few terminals are just SurfAir only (like SQL and SBA). The flagship terminal is SBA – not very impressive on the outside but really neat in the inside – I wish they all could be like that.

The classiest in my opinion is OAK – a historic art deco terminal that Amelia Earhart departed from. The most decadent, either SJC or BUR – really fancy FBOs. I’ve also enjoyed Napa’s terminal. It’s the classic small town airport like you see in Wings. Each one really has their own charm and feel. The food is great at HHR and after a successful SpaceX launch the bar at Eureka is always lively. (Others will have to comment on Truckee, Monterey, Palm Spring and Sacramento as I haven't flown to those yet)

Once you arrive you’ll be greeted by a concierge working the desk – They’ll know you by name (they also have a picture of you on their computer terminal to remind them if needed). You’ll give them your luggage for them to weigh (30 lbs. average).

In the terminal the routine usually is a combination of restrooms then snack bar (drinks, snacks, coffee, fruit, chocolate etc.). I wish they would bring back the cheese and nuts ;(. Most terminals have two rooms to hangout in – although it varies by location. Either a sofa / chair room for more socializing or a desk/table chair room for laptop working, all have WiFi. It’s a mix of folks – some wrapping up work, some arriving, some leaving. I’d say most just transit through arriving just the 15 min before the flight and don’t really make the terminal part of their experience like some frequent flyers do with airport lounges. Occasionally I’ve gotten there early if my work was done and I didn’t want to deal with traffic. It’s not a bad place to hang do some email catchup.

Boarding is very fast – A concierge or pilot escorts you to the plane and see’s you off. The unwritten rule is that those that want to sleep watch movies sit toward the back of the plane and those that want to chat / laptop work sit towards the front. The Vegas flight is a party flight the whole way, at least on Friday nights. The in-flight experience is great, especially the new 5-bladed plane. It’s a noticeably peaceful cabin. Although they need to have someone update the Pilatus’ on-board entertainment system with new movie selections. Maybe they haven’t figured out how to yet?

What is the biggest value for you? The cost, the convenience, or the community? (or something else).

I’d say it’s time saving. It is as easy as taking an uber or riding the van pool to work. There’s no way that I could live in San Diego, keep the family happy and work in the East Bay. I have the ability to pick and choose the days that I’m in work and the days that I can telecommute. If a work issue arises I can at the last minute grab a flight to where I need to go. I’m willing to bet that there are folks working in the greater bay area that have a longer time commuting by car than I do across the state by air.

Convenience is next – No TSA, no boarding pass, no crazy terminals, no angry passengers, no credit cards, no 10 clicks or more to book a flight, change your flights whenever (there is a close-in rule only if the flight is full), no parking hassle, did I mention no TSA?

Thanks for doing this btw...very helpful.

Sure glad to share what I know.