Airport reviews

I don't remember the plane model for but it was a flight from YVR to LAX and was likely a 3,3 configuration although it could possibly have been a 3,2 seating configuration, I don't think it had a middle row. I had landed at LAX several times previous to this flight but as we lined up to come in from the ocean end of the runway I noticed the other plane of a similar size and was thinking how close it was. Both planes continued with their approach and the wheels touched down within seconds of each other. I never thought that planes would land simultaneously and that is why I still remember it clearly. It was 15 to 20 years ago and regulations may have changed.

Quote: kenarman

I don't remember the plane model for but it was a flight from YVR to LAX and was likely a 3,3 configuration although it could possibly have been a 3,2 seating configuration, I don't think it had a middle row. I had landed at LAX several times previous to this flight but as we lined up to come in from the ocean end of the runway I noticed the other plane of a similar size and was thinking how close it was. Both planes continued with their approach and the wheels touched down within seconds of each other. I never thought that planes would land simultaneously and that is why I still remember it clearly. It was 15 to 20 years ago and regulations may have changed.

I think if it is Class C airspace or better meaning you can see for 3 statute miles there is no clouds 500 feet below; 1,000 feet above; or 2,000 feet horizontal; and if the two jets are the same size, then you can land on parallel runways 700' apart. These are called visual meteorological conditions or VMC.

Obviously an A380 with 262' wingspan vs and A320 with 118' wing span must make a difference.

I am not a pilot, so I am not really capable of answering any subtleties with this question. I am surprised that Aeromar is still operating at Mexico City airport (with turboprops). Aeromexico Connect plans to phase out its smaller 50-seat Embraer ERJ-145 jets in Mexico City by year end 2014 to improve its competitive position and increase its seat count at the slot-controlled airport.

It's an issue in Latin America. São Paulo–Guarulhos International Airport (the busiest Latin American airport) has it's runways only 1200' apart. Only Cancun has it's runways 4700' apart.
Most airports in Latin America have a single runway or a second shorter cross winds runway (like Guadalajara, Monterrey and Tijuana).

I've seen planes land simultaneously several times at Atlanta (once), DFW and Orlando.

In Mex City typically one runway is used for takeoffs and one for landings, but these do not happen at the same time. What freaks me out is the planes from T2 have to cross the landing runway to get to the takeoff runway.

BTW a 3-2 seating configuration suggests an old B-727-100. As I recall the -200 was 3-3.

Quote: Pacomartin

But as the peso was now worth half as much as the dollar, and all the debts were dollar denominated, the tolls are huge.

Tolls eventually came down, but now they're inching up again. Before the low-costs started operating, though, a roundtrip ticket Mex-Acapulco on Aeromexico or Mexicana was cheaper than driving roundtrip.

Quote: Nareed

Tolls eventually came down, but now they're inching up again. Before the low-costs started operating, though, a roundtrip ticket Mex-Acapulco on Aeromexico or Mexicana was cheaper than driving roundtrip.

The distance from Tijuana to Mexico City is 2,758 km (27:26 transit time) and $2,786MXN in 35 tolls
Volaris charges $1,645MXN to $1,947MXN for the same trip (one way).

Quote: Pacomartin

The distance from Tijuana to Mexico City is 2,758 km (27:26 transit time) and $2,786MXN in 35 tolls
Volaris charges $1,645MXN to $1,947MXN for the same trip (one way).

I'd no idea.

But few people drive from Mex City to Tijuana (at least directly). While plenty of people drive from Mex City to Acapulco (about under 5 hours).

Quote: Nareed

I'd no idea. But few people drive from Mex City to Tijuana (at least directly).

Volaris sites this route in their presentations in USA about their growth potential. Their numbers (based on average prices in MAY 2014 using 13.1 MXN/USD) are
bus US$145 (40.5 hours) and
Volaris US$121 (4 hours).
It's kind of "preaching to the choir" since no middle class person in America will spend 40 hours on a bus.

Volaris flies to 36 destinations in Mexico (29 from TJ). I think they are stretching it a little to say that they can eventually fly to 50 destinations with the A320, as they are talking about some very small airports.

Quote: Nareed

While plenty of people drive from Mex City to Acapulco (about under 5 hours).

SCT numbers are 390.2 km, 04:18, and MXN$343 in 6 tolls.
Interjet prices start at 799 pesos but they go considerably higher (MXN$2,549). But at MXN$799 it is probably comparable to driving a single person.

Magna MXN$13 per liter and 15 km per liter (economy automobile) is about MXN$338 in fuel for one way.

I have never flown Volaris but I was happy to get an email today announcing $209 roundtrip direct flights between Las Vegas and Cancun. This will be the only airline offering direct nonstop service.

Quote: DRich

I have never flown Volaris but I was happy to get an email today announcing $209 roundtrip direct flights between Las Vegas and Cancun. This will be the only airline offering direct nonstop service.

Volaris has been concentrating on "visiting friends and relatives" routes in the USA. Which simply means they have been targeting Mexican-Americans who want to go home. But in their expansion plans they have highlighted 99 leisure routes from USA to Mexico. They are hoping to undercut existing airlines on price, and to fill in routes that are currently non-existent.

Quote: terapined

I work in corporate business travel.
Its all about earning miles 1st, then times and connections 2nd, then 3rd consideration is price,

Strange. I'm shocked miles is a factor... they are illusory. A carrot dangled before the buyer who later finds out... restrictions, changes, and that "mileage points" really means nothing. I once heard a comp-hungry gambler in Biloxi ask the Evil Empire to give him six hundred thousand miles ... as if a casino company actually owned the airline company.