A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to sample the on-board product with Surf Air. I was scheduled to be in California for the first days of Pesach,and I therefore scheduled my flight - to fly from Los Angeles, CA (HHR Airport) to Napa, CA (APC Airport) - on Friday April 22nd; Erev Pesach.
There is no TSA or security check at the airport terminals which Surf Air uses. All passengers - members and guests - are required to go through a background check, to be cleared by security.
With the flight scheduled for 10am, I planned to be at the airport at 9:00-9:15, which would be more than ample time before the flight. Hawthorne Airport offers free valet parking and a spacious luxurious lounge to relax in, before the flight. The Surf Air representative, was very friendly and made sure that everyone was comfortable. There was a selection of beverages, including Coffee, Juice, Soda & Water. Snacks included Pop Chips, Sun Chips, Pita Chips, Pretzels and Nuts.
Before I knew it, boarding was ready at about 9:40 and we were airborne with all the passengers on-board by 9:47. There are 8 seats - 2 rear facing in the front and 6 front facing just behind - on the Pilatus PC-12 aircraft which Surf Air operates exclusively. If the flight is full and you board last, you are going to end up with seat 4A, which is the only seat that does not have a window. There was a reading light and bottled water at every seat, along with refreshments available in the galley. There is also a micro lavatory on board in the front, for emergency use.
Flight time up to Napa was roughly 1 hour and 35 minutes. It is slower than the jets that zip up and down the coast, although you make up for it easily, with the time saved everywhere else. From no security and arriving just a few minutes before your flight, to usually flying to an from more central locations. The first hour of the flight was really smooth, while the last third of the flight had moderate turbulence, which you can feel more pressing on the smaller aircraft.
We did get under the clouds and had a really nice approach into APC. Once we were on the ground, it was a quick taxi back to the airport terminal. Once we landed, I was handed my bag, and off I was to celebrate Pesach, that was shortly approaching.
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Surf Air is an excellent and unique offering which is hard to come by. For $1,950 a month, it includes unlimited flights within the state of California and to Las Vegas. Whether you are travelling on business to San Francisco or taking a vacation in S. Barbara or Lake Tahoe, Surf Air makes flying there enjoyable.
Please let me know if you have any questions on the service, in the comments.
Pictures to follow.
