SkyHarbor Summer Travel Thread............

[dualforecast]

OK, then how come no international flights out of PHX? We all know businesses flee CA to come to AZ, shouldn't the airlines?

[observer53]

Originally Posted by dualforecast

OK, then how come no international flights out of PHX? We all know businesses flee CA to come to AZ, shouldn't the airlines?

Why should the airlines "flee" California? They aren't really the same as other businesses.

As far as why no international flights except to Canada, Mexico and London, I don't know the reason for that, nor do I know the process by which expansion of international routes to and from other airports are put in place. I suspect the proximity of the California international airports and the large number of flights to and from those cities and Phoenix has a lot to do with it. There must not be a lot of demand for more international service in and out of Phoenix, for whatever reason.

[thisismyspameamil]

Originally Posted by dualforecast

OK, then how come no international flights out of PHX? We all know businesses flee CA to come to AZ, shouldn't the airlines?

What does that have to do with the quality and service of Sky Harbor? Thats on the airlines.

[Finger Laker]

yeah .... completely misses the mark .... there are international direct flights out of phoenix .... however, many international flights do HUB .... it's easy to hop from sky harbor to the CA airports or a place like houston

even with somewhat limited international options sky harbor is still the 9th busiest airport in the nation

the order changes a bit year to year but typically the top international airports are JFK, Miami, O'Hare, Houston, LAX, Newark, Atlanta, San Francisco, Washington & Dallas

however, none of that has anything to do with getting around the airport ...... from most of the country you are either flying a connection or driving on an international flight

[Rogarven]

What I am worried about it the downsizing of flights out of PHX because of the USAir and American. PHX took it once with American West being merged with USAir. The airport is fine. You should try to get around DeGaulle!! What a mad house!!

[buckeyenative01]

Yeah, I'm seriously concerned about PHX turning into PIT (after the US Air-America West merger) or CVG (post-Delta/Northwestern merger). That US Airways has decided to move the majority of its operations from Tempe to Dallas/Fort Worth is another cause for concern (and I can't fault them, at least from a business standpoint, it makes perfect economic sense since American has a better reputation and brand recognition)

Phoenix is unfortunately situated between two of American's largest hubs (LAX and DFW) with other airlines having large hubs in other western cities (Delta in SLC and United in DEN). Southwest has a large presence at PHX, but they aren't any better than the legacy carriers nowadays as far as prices are concerned. In fact, the last couple of times I've flown from PHX to the California area I've found it cheaper to use Expedia/Travelocity/Priceline than going through Southwest. I guess I was spoiled with the cheap fares Southwest had back in the early-to-mid 2000s ($29-$59 one ways from PHX to the LA and Bay Area airports)