Submitted by TOWIDB t3_y8fxm1 in pittsburgh
First timer flying with SAE, just anxious about check in protocol and generally the whole experience. Can someone give me the rundown (do I need to print my flight info etc)
Comments
TOWIDB OP t1_it06rko wrote
Did you have to print your ticket out? I have them on my phone
emotionalbeings t1_it0ojc2 wrote
I did, and I think it’s fine if you have it on your phone. They’ll check it before you get let out onto the tarmac, and then once you get to the plane they ask for your last name and will tell you which seat you’re assigned to.
If I recall correctly, they seat you by weight on the smaller planes. So don’t be alarmed if the agent at the tarmac door asks for your approximate weight lol
TOWIDB OP t1_it0p9xz wrote
I’m a smaller ~175lbs guy so I won’t take offense lol. Just kinda sketched out by reviews of this airline. Thanks for the input!
Anonymous-Public t1_iszvsns wrote
I flew with their predecessor (before acquisition, Sun Air IIRC). They hand wrote my boarding pass at the airport (I couldn’t do anything online) and they flew a Piper PA-31. I was the only one on the flight aside from the two pilots and it was a real experience. I am not a good flyer and I felt every bump. But cool to be able to see everything (no separate pilot compartment). Probably would do again, but it likely took years off my life.
Not sure if they still operate the same way.
TOWIDB OP t1_iszw4bd wrote
I imagine you didn’t use a regular terminal to get on a tiny plane? Just curious how that works
Anonymous-Public t1_iszwilf wrote
That’s correct. They boarded from concourse E (where they do/did international) before you go up second set of escalators from the tram/train. Then walked out onto tarmac to board plane.
TOWIDB OP t1_iszwsgp wrote
Cool thank you for the speedy responses and info I appreciate it
Anonymous-Public t1_iszwvgn wrote
Happy to help. Safe travels!
Neither_Squirrel t1_it00ku9 wrote
I did quite a few years ago but I was on an 8 seat plane to Bradford. Felt like a drive down a dirt road at times but all was well!
jtkola t1_it08dl7 wrote
Just check in at the counter and they’ll print you out a boarding pass. I’ve flown them several times this year.
TOWIDB OP t1_it08hf3 wrote
Okay thanks. I appreciate all info from everyone, it was good to hear about current and recent info.
synchro_deda t1_it0r255 wrote
If there's any bad weather, expect to be severely delayed or cancelled entirely. I had a flight from DC to PGH with a layover in morgantown, flight from morgantown to pgh was cancelled so I had to get a ride back. Other than that, it was super cool to see more closely how a plane operates and to have a great view!
TOWIDB OP t1_it0rpn3 wrote
I’m headed to DC tomorrow then Monday DC to PIT. My layover is in DuBois though
SomeoneSaysHi t1_it0g6vp wrote
A VERY small aircraft that seats like 6 passengers and 2 pilots.( well large in terms of the single propeller planes)
Beautiful view, and a bit of a bumpy ride. Kinda noisy too. Bring noise canceling headphones. And you should be good.
jtkola t1_it08qbl wrote
Yes. I’ve had good experiences. They check your bag if you’d like and ask for your weight so they can balance the plane. Other than that, its pretty much like boarding any other airline.
emotionalbeings t1_it06nb3 wrote
I’ve flown SAE a handful of times from PGH to Lancaster. I went through the airport as normal. Nothing was different from major airlines except you get onto the tarmac and climb stairs into the plane.
If you’re on an 8-seater plane, expect an awesome view, both of the pilots & cockpit, and out the window. During one of my flights, I was 4 months pregnant and it was an incredibly windy night. I gripped the seat like it was my lifeline. You will feel all the bumps, like someone else mentioned.