airport / route choices (Phoenix, Tucson, Flagstaff: rent, travel, service)

[Ill-Illusion]

My family and I are moving to Arizona on the 12th of Sept. I have a question that I was hoping someone might have an answer to.

We have a pet dog about 60 punds. PHX airport wont let us travel with our dog in Sept due to the extreme heat. What we have decided to do is go to an airport other than PHX then rent a vehicle to get to the Pheonix area. So my question. What would be a good airport to go to that would allow us to drive to Pheonix with around 6hrs? Also, we would need a route from this airport to Pheonix that doesnt involve driving up mountains and along cliff edges. A fear of heights is a big concern for me while driving to/through Arizona. We are looking into LA airport as our best option so far. Is this true? If so could anyone recomend a route that would avoid really large bridges, cliffs, or anything else that would scare someone afraid of heights?

Thanks!

[sablebaby]

It seems like LAX would be a good choice. For us, it's about 8 hours drive as we like to take a few breaks along the way (and traffic). Any other cities would be too hot to fly into, except Flagstaff, if you could get a flight into there. I never flew into there before so I have no idea, but it would be a lot cooler, and 2 hour drive.

If you drive from LA then the route that everyone takes to get there would be fine. I-10 just goes through desert, so nothing scary.

[Bummer]

Originally Posted by Ill-Illusion

My family and I are moving to Arizona on the 12th of Sept. I have a question that I was hoping someone might have an answer to.

We have a pet dog about 60 punds. PHX airport wont let us travel with our dog in Sept due to the extreme heat. What we have decided to do is go to an airport other than PHX then rent a vehicle to get to the Pheonix area. So my question. What would be a good airport to go to that would allow us to drive to Pheonix with around 6hrs? Also, we would need a route from this airport to Pheonix that doesnt involve driving up mountains and along cliff edges. A fear of heights is a big concern for me while driving to/through Arizona. We are looking into LA airport as our best option so far. Is this true? If so could anyone recomend a route that would avoid really large bridges, cliffs, or anything else that would scare someone afraid of heights?

Thanks!

That's a tough request, Ill-Illusion

Have you requested "pet space" availability to Tucson? Although we are about 100 miles South of Phoenix, the weather is less severe and should be ok for pets by mid-September. Also, a straight shot on I-10 with nothing but lots of flat desert.

Definitely something to consider.

Good Luck

[Ill-Illusion]

I am wondering about the route from Flagstaff to Phoenix "Interstate 17" I am wondering if that has some real steep parts "Scary"?

What do you mean by pet space "just wondering"? I checked with Frontier airlines and they won't transport any animal in Tucson or Phoenix until October. I have to check with Northwest and American Airlines still.

Thanks!

[Bummer]

Originally Posted by Ill-Illusion

I am wondering about the route from Flagstaff to Phoenix "Interstate 17" I am wondering if that has some real steep parts "Scary"?

What do you mean by pet space "just wondering"? I checked with Frontier airlines and they won't transport any animal in Tucson or Phoenix until October. I have to check with Northwest and American Airlines still.

Thanks!

Flagstaff would be an option but service is fairly limited. Although service into Tucson is more frequent than Flagstaff, it is definitely not nearly that of Phoenix.

Generally speaking, "Pet Space" is limited on all flights depending on the airline policy and the equipment involved. As with two legged passengers, the larger the airplane, the more pet space available. Also, if at all possible, non-stop flights with early in the morning departure time.

Personally, I still believe Tucson is your best bet.

Good Luck

[BiggsHomes]

You could also try Albuquerque. That is about 6.5 hours from Phoenix. The roads are generally flat the whole way. The only time you get anything semi-steep is on I-17 about 1.5 hours south of Flagstaff. However, you are on a major interstate, so it's not too bad. The speed limit in that section is 65 mph. The worst turns are marked at 45 or 50 mph, so they are not very scary. Besides, it's beautiful, because you are going through the transition from the high desert to the low desert. You start to see your first saguaro cacti. It's very exciting the first time through. I still get excited to see the sagauros even though I've driven that road many times.

[motormaker]

How about Ontario International Airport located east of LA right on the I10 corridor.

The problem with Flagstaff is you will probably have to connect thru PHX or TUC.

My thoughts.

[Gretchen B]

Tucson sounds the easiest/closest. How about Las Vegas? That should be within your drive distance/time. There's also Prescott (about 90 miles away), but it's the same air service as Flagstaff, so you'd still connect through Phx.

[Bummer]

Originally Posted by motormaker

How about Ontario International Airport located east of LA right on the I10 corridor.

The problem with Flagstaff is you will probably have to connect thru PHX or TUC.

My thoughts.

I was thinking about Ontario as well, Motormaker.

However, the weather isn't much different than here in Tucson and the drive is much longer.

[MotleyCrew]

It is hot just about everywhere right now. I would not risk my pet by flying it. San Diego, an early morning or late evening flight, may be cooler. Ontario is usually pretty hot this time of year.