I really hope this works out. Since I'm still stuck working for the man, having this option is awesome. In fact, I might just give them a call and book for RCPM CM weekend.
I hope it works out as well. For me it doesn't make sense, but that's just me. If you think about it, 30 minutes to get to Scottsdale Airpark, 30 minutes to check bags and get on board, 80 minute flight, 30 minutes to unload and retrieve baggage, then you have to rent a car or get a taxi and drive to town so add 30 minutes. Basically at least 3 1/2 hours, $350 for the flight, and the cost of a rental car or taxi. If money isn't an issue it might be ok but there's still a lot of moving parts. Makes the drive sound easy.
I hope it works out as well. For me it doesn't make sense, but that's just me. If you think about it, 30 minutes to get to Scottsdale Airpark, 30 minutes to check bags and get on board, 80 minute flight, 30 minutes to unload and retrieve baggage, then you have to rent a car or get a taxi and drive to town so add 30 minutes. Basically at least 3 1/2 hours, $350 for the flight, and the cost of a rental car or taxi. If money isn't an issue it might be ok but there's still a lot of moving parts. Makes the drive sound easy.
Oh no ! Now you've done it. You'll be accused of being a nattering nabob of negativsm !!!:eek::eek::eek:
I still think down the road that the airport and the big boat dock will benefit the Mexican population more that the Gringos from the US.
There are a lot of things that need done before either of them take off!
A Taxi from the airport to Rocky Point on that road ? #forgetaboutit #ineedtirestodrivethisroad #waitimissedtheturnoff
I hope it works out as well. For me it doesn't make sense, but that's just me. If you think about it, 30 minutes to get to Scottsdale Airpark, 30 minutes to check bags and get on board, 80 minute flight, 30 minutes to unload and retrieve baggage, then you have to rent a car or get a taxi and drive to town so add 30 minutes. Basically at least 3 1/2 hours, $350 for the flight, and the cost of a rental car or taxi. If money isn't an issue it might be ok but there's still a lot of moving parts. Makes the drive sound easy.
Obviously not for everyone, I even think the $350 is a tad too high. $299 might be a little more attractive. That being said...
- I don't live 30 minutes from Scottsdale Airpark, more like 10.
- I don't see how it would take 30 minutes to get off a 9 seat plane and grab your bags? I've done it before, more like 3-5 minutes.
- Considering I'm usually at least a few dos xx deep when down there, I usually enjoy taking taxis and leaving the car parked. Also nice meeting the different drivers, getting to know their story, etc.
- Part of the cost is offset by not paying ~$65 for insurance + gas
- More money saved by not paying bribes for not speeding through Sonoyta
- Not having to wait in really long lines heading in and out of MX on busy weekends
Again, not for everyone, especially families and people that don't have M-F 9-5 jobs. But for a little 9 seat plane, there could be a market.
Obviously not for everyone, I even think the $350 is a tad too high. $299 might be a little more attractive. That being said...
- I don't live 30 minutes from Scottsdale Airpark, more like 10.
- I don't see how it would take 30 minutes to get off a 9 seat plane and grab your bags? I've done it before, more like 3-5 minutes.
- Considering I'm usually at least a few dos xx deep when down there, I usually enjoy taking taxis and leaving the car parked. Also nice meeting the different drivers, getting to know their story, etc.
- Part of the cost is offset by not paying ~$65 for insurance + gas
- More money saved by not paying bribes for not speeding through Sonoyta
- Not having to wait in really long lines heading in and out of MX on busy weekends
Again, not for everyone, especially families and people that don't have M-F 9-5 jobs. But for a little 9 seat plane, there could be a market.
I hope it works out as well. For me it doesn't make sense, but that's just me. If you think about it, 30 minutes to get to Scottsdale Airpark, 30 minutes to check bags and get on board, 80 minute flight, 30 minutes to unload and retrieve baggage, then you have to rent a car or get a taxi and drive to town so add 30 minutes. Basically at least 3 1/2 hours, $350 for the flight, and the cost of a rental car or taxi. If money isn't an issue it might be ok but there's still a lot of moving parts. Makes the drive sound easy.
It would be an interesting race...two people leave from same destination in Gilbert at the same time. One heads to Scottsdale Airpark the other on the road to PP. Who would arrive at home on North Beach first...
It would be an interesting race...two people leave from same destination in Gilbert at the same time. One heads to Scottsdale Airpark the other on the road to PP. Who would arrive at home on North Beach first...
What/Where is North Beach? Isn't that the proposed project that scammed a bunch of people? If I recall that was out by Mayan Palace. If it is, flying would definitely be faster by about an hour. Back in the day it was possible to get to RP in 3.5 hours. Personally, I haven't been able to hit that in a long time. There are constant speed traps around Ajo, the checkpoint on the US side going into MX, the whole Sonoyta scam that forces you to crawl through there, etc... Unless you're driving like 95 MPH, I just don't see how it's possible to make the trip under 4 hours anymore.
Time between flying and driving probably wouldn't be different enough to make much difference. Like Russ mentioned before, for guys coming down for a golf weekend at the Mayan who can afford it flying makes sense. Same can be said for those coming down to hang out at Sandy Beach, take taxis out for the evening, etc. For us, driving is the only way that will work as we bring a lot of stuff. Our usual routine is stopping at Sea Products for shrimp and fish, the carniceria for meat, Super Ley for groceries, and the fruiteria for produce. Then we head out to Encanto for our time at the beach. Usually we don't even go back to town unless we run out of something. It's all about being on the beach and grilling up some great dinners. Everybody has a different agenda, hope the flights are successful for those who will enjoy them.
Couple more scenarios off top of my head where they could pull in passengers...
- Full time residents, retirees that have friends which would love to visit them on the beach, but don't want to make an unknown drive
- Mom has the kids at their condo for 3-4 weeks during the summer, but Dad needs to come back and forth for work
- Time share/condo marketing. "We'll fly you down, put you up in a condo if you here our pitch"
I fear the timing might be bad given that the slow season is quickly approaching. More than anything, success will be determined by what time of marketing and effort they put into this. Hopefully it's more than a mention in the local newspaper.
This is not for the middle market. Think of an affluent family in north scottsdale that does not want to drive to Rocky Point. $350pp + transportation expenses in Mexico is not an issue to certain segments. To some it is about convenience or the thought of avoiding danger by not driving to Mexico.
Slow season? I think it's just getting started! We love May and June.
We do too... Was referring to July/August/Sept.
Hopefully they can get some traction and make it through that time.
Also just got to realizing that Westwind Air is very well respected tour operator operating flights over Sedona, Grand Canyon, etc... Run a Google search for Grand Canyon flights from Phoenix and they're everywhere. Very good reviews as well. So... If all the traffic they get to their website takes a look at their latest offering to Mexico, they could have a built in base of 2-4 seats per week just from Phoenix tourists. Tack on a few more locals and the thing could work.
Couple more scenarios off top of my head where they could pull in passengers...
- Full time residents, retirees that have friends which would love to visit them on the beach, but don't want to make an unknown drive
- Mom has the kids at their condo for 3-4 weeks during the summer, but Dad needs to come back and forth for work
- Time share/condo marketing. "We'll fly you down, put you up in a condo if you here our pitch"
I fear the timing might be bad given that the slow season is quickly approaching. More than anything, success will be determined by what time of marketing and effort they put into this. Hopefully it's more than a mention in the local newspaper.
I just wonder if Scottsdale Airpark is an international port and is there a custom office there, or will they have to stop in Tucson on thier way into country.
I just wonder if Scottsdale Airpark is an international port and is there a custom office there, or will they have to stop in Tucson on thier way into country.
Yes, they have a customs office. I wonder about customs at the airport in RP. No offense but I picture the customs guy sleeping out back under a mesquite tree cause he doesn't have anything else to do!
Personally, I like having my own transportation while I am there. I have only used the cab services a couple of times and they scare the hell out of me.
I drive there for $80 roundtrip in 3 hours 15 minutes when the traffic is light. I flew years ago when Great Lakes Airlines had service. It took an hour to get there, felt like cheating it was over so quick. Problem was coming back, you had to clear customs at sky harbor and get home from there. No time savings there. Keep in mind unless you are staying at the Mayan , you'll be out at the new airport now with a half hour travel time into town.
Unless you are a local or talk like you know your way around , taxiing is not a good idea. I think the ride down is half the fun anyway. But if you like to start the trip with a couple drinks, great deal!
Unless you are a local or talk like you know your way around , taxiing is not a good idea.
Other than normal international travel precautions, why is taking a taxi a bad idea? I've literally taken hundreds in RP and never had a problem. Granted I speak Spanish, but still know of plenty of others that have never had issues.
The Mayan has enough of a market to support visitors that need to fly in. They own a sizeable timeshare resort that recently expanded. Flying in at $350pp may not appeal to most, however it only needs to appeal to a few.
I really hope this works out. Since I'm still stuck working for the man, having this option is awesome. In fact, I might just give them a call and book for RCPM CM weekend.
I really hope this works out. Since I'm still stuck working for the man, having this option is awesome. In fact, I might just give them a call and book for RCPM CM weekend.
2.5 hours to fly. 4 hours to drive. I don't think so.
I really hope this works out. Since I'm still stuck working for the man, having this option is awesome. In fact, I might just give them a call and book for RCPM CM weekend.
Retire36, it may not be for you. It's all perspective. If you make 400k a year, then $2000 is not as big of a deal as someone who makes $80,000 a year and spends $2000 on tickets. Sometimes it is about the experience. Friends and I have chartered a private plane to vegas on a few occasions. Sure the cost came out to $600 per person for 6 of us, yet it was a fun experience. Of course we could have drove and spent $25 per person for gas.
Having the ability to fly into PP is great for folks from out of state. Are there currently any direct flights into PP besides Phoenix?
If you you have already flown for 4+ hrs and have to switch planes to get to PP, then probably worth it.
But from Phx to PP, I just don't see it. For me, driving is part of the adventure.
As far as Vegas, of course you want to fly if its a short stay. Gotta get to the tables ASAP. ;)
Shoot....back in the day, we used to drive the road of death (some of you probably know what I'm talking about) to Laughlin on a Friday after work and come back broke on Sunday.
As dry heat mentioned, it's all about either convenience for the wealthy, and cool experience for the rest.
I'm really into aviation and the thought of flying down just seems cool. Could I afford it several times a year, probably not. It's just a 9 seater for an existing tour operator. Not a ton of risk involved.
Side note: Why is it generally accepted on the forum to trash this idea, but it's sacrilegious when a few of us share similar concerns about the cruise port? At lease if this fails, there's no harm done, no eyesore for everyone to see...
As dry heat mentioned, it's all about either convenience for the wealthy, and cool experience for the rest.
I'm really into aviation and the thought of flying down just seems cool. Could I afford it several times a year, probably not. It's just a 9 seater for an existing tour operator. Not a ton of risk involved.
Side note: Why is it generally accepted on the forum to trash this idea, but it's sacrilegious when a few of us share similar concerns about the cruise port? At lease if this fails, there's no harm done, no eyesore for everyone to see...
Because the local forum members except Roberto are sort of Brown Noser's.....Gus that is
I think it's great they have flights, but even if we lived in Phoenix, we would drive. My hubby used to fly, and we learned unless the trip is over 8 hours to drive, it doesn't save time flying. But I hope it's a success!
As dry heat mentioned, it's all about either convenience for the wealthy, and cool experience for the rest.
I'm really into aviation and the thought of flying down just seems cool. Could I afford it several times a year, probably not. It's just a 9 seater for an existing tour operator. Not a ton of risk involved.
Side note: Why is it generally accepted on the forum to trash this idea, but it's sacrilegious when a few of us share similar concerns about the cruise port? At lease if this fails, there's no harm done, no eyesore for everyone to see...
These fights would do much better out of Tucson, but who can afford them, phoenix area to big and far for most people to get around.
I see it being used more by people coming in from out of state (long distance) possibly staying at the Mayan. Beneficial them to get there quicker.
Possibly there will be some kind of vacation package deal.
I see it being used more by people coming in from out of state (long distance) possibly staying at the Mayan. Beneficial them to get there quicker. Possibly there will be some kind of vacation package deal.
Probably true in some cases, but if I could afford to fly my family to Phoenix, then catch a completely different flight to a Mexican beach resort destination I really doubt it would be RP. Lots of competition with similar airfare and vacation package deals...
5+ hours to get back yesterday afternoon (little over an hour in Sonoyta). Those flights were sounding really good while sitting in light fighting off window washers.
5+ hours to get back yesterday afternoon (little over an hour in Sonoyta). Those flights were sounding really good while sitting in light fighting off window washers.
5+ hours to get back yesterday afternoon (little over an hour in Sonoyta). Those flights were sounding really good while sitting in light fighting off window washers.
they have window washers at the small plane are at the rp airport too.....not kidding
There's no problem with using taxis to get around, we use them all the time for night time events downtown when we don't want to drive.
Taking a taxi is a good idea Russ, if you know what to pay. My wife and I pay 30-40 pesos from Playa Bonita to the distance of the malecon, friends have been charged 20-25 dollars for the same trip, taxis are the same the world over, they charge whatever the passenger will pay! That's the only problem I was talking about.
Taking a taxi is a good idea Russ, if you know what to pay. My wife and I pay 30-40 pesos from Playa Bonita to the distance of the malecon, friends have been charged 20-25 dollars for the same trip, taxis are the same the world over, they charge whatever the passenger will pay! That's the only problem I was talking about.
AND... you'll potentially come close to dying a couple of times on the way there...