According to this article, United's increase in coverage from OKC-ORD is directly tied to college football. So, yay

https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/flights/todayinthesky/2018/08/28/united-airlines-college-football-destinations/1122066002/

That’s awesome and hilarious

I am surprised it took this long for their to be a true article about this. OKC should see a rise in incoming passengers for weeks games are in Norman. But maybe not as much of an increase in outgoing passengers for road games.

I noticed on FlightAware today that F9 has been flying 321-200s the past couple of runs between here and MCO. Most likely not a long-term thing but hopefully a sign that the service is gaining momentum. Then again it's F9, so you never know... But I don't think we've had scheduled 321s before at OKC so it's kind of cool. We have had 757s before briefly for the summer season by United for a month or two in the past.

Agreed.
I saw that too and I was wondering if OKC have seen such a big passenger planes before. There are 220 seats so it is a bit step up for an airport used to 70 to 160 seaters.

I was wondering why I was seeing larger planes flying in... definitely nicer to watch larger airliners on approach than smaller jets.

I am surprised it took this long for their to be a true article about this. OKC should see a rise in incoming passengers for weeks games are in Norman. But maybe not as much of an increase in outgoing passengers for road games.

While 100% true with regard to OU the article also lists OSU which is probably split between OKC and TUL. I would be interested to see SWO's numbers during the fall compared to the rest of the year, I bet a number of fans traveling to OSU games now use the DFW-SWO nonstop on AA, especially Tech, Baylor, TCU and UT fans.

I am surprised it took this long for their to be a true article about this. OKC should see a rise in incoming passengers for weeks games are in Norman. But maybe not as much of an increase in outgoing passengers for road games.

OUN (Max Westheimer Airport here in Norman) gets its fair share of business jets and props pretty much every Saturday when we have a home game. The wildest day though was in 2016, when the OU-OSU (Ohio State) game coincided with President Trump's visit to OU (he was here to give a speech). That day, more than four dozen business jets and turboprops/piston props landed at OUN, and some departed for OKC after landing, probably since there are FBOs there (Atlantic Aviation e.g.). For one day, OUN felt more like Teterboro Airport in New Jersey, jets and props were coming in all day long, but the action really picked up around 3:00 in the evening, lasting till about 6:30 or so. That same day, I discovered much to my enjoyment that you can actually go outside of the terminal at OUN and watch planes - there's an outdoor patio with benches. How cool is that?!! I've been there several times since. But yeah, that game day I was standing within feet of over a billion dollars' worth of metal. The entire ramp in front of the terminal chock-a-block full of jets and props, and the other ramp, (where OU's flight school normally parks its own Piper Warriors) was full of larger business jets and props as well. It was quite a day and I was left grinning wide :D. Later on that night, I watched the departures being stacked on FlightAware as all those jets headed back out after the game. Looked more like flight information for a busy hub than a GA reliever airport. Incredible!


Agreed.
I saw that too and I was wondering if OKC have seen such a big passenger planes before. There are 220 seats so it is a bit step up for an airport used to 70 to 160 seaters.

Yep, like I said we've had 757s flown in for summer only service, which have similar seat counts. But that was only for a couple of summer seasons.

When I was a kid before deregulation, I recall someone using a DC10 for a while.

As far as football ridership, it is a real thing. I will be flying in probably 5 times this fall. Its pretty obvious many on the planes are doing the same thing.

When I was a kid before deregulation, I recall someone using a DC10 for a while.

Not sure about way back then but for many years after deregulation, Sun Country Airlines used to fly a DC 10-10 (the one without the main center gear) between OKC and LAS. I remember seeing it on a couple occasions out there.

Frontier ran their fleet too hard and too tight this summer. They didn’t build enough slack in the schedule to get maintenance caught up on. I think they have been subbing 321’s in where they need to because they have a lot of 320’s out for maintenance.

Not sure about way back then but for many years after deregulation, Sun Country Airlines used to fly a DC 10-10 (the one without the main center gear) between OKC and LAS. I remember seeing it on a couple occasions out there.

Then there's this lovely image of the old concourse B, presumably taken from the old observation deck...circa 1973.14875

yes, and that's definitely a widebody DC-10.

Also, a United 747 came to OKC a year or so ago. So while rare, OKC can handle widebodies.

Then there's this lovely image of the old concourse B, presumably taken from the old observation deck...circa 1973.14875

Nice! Would be great to see more photos from that era. I think that's the same gate at which the Sun Country DC 10 would park.

The United 747 did not park at the terminal but I think it was parked just south of the cargo ramp. And OKC's runways can most definitely handle widebodies, this is one of the go-to airports for heavy DFW diversions when the weather down there is causing problems. It's been documented before when the airport has had several AA widebody diversions and an Emirates 777 as well.

Here's a great spotting video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sd-Cx2PNnIU) at OKC that shows the United 744.

Speaking of the runways, I saw a video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQbeTi0kBsA) on the airport's Youtube channel of one of the meetings. Apparently the crosswind runway at OKC will be switched to concrete. Several other items of interest in that video, including the cost appropriations for the terminal expansion. Mark Kranenburg also states an extension of the main runway at WPA by 1,000 feet to the north for larger business jets.

I also just saw a new video that the airport has uploaded on its YT channel, show an animation of the terminal expansion (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JHAg4dDO41c). Pretty cool. I like how the observation deck will have glass overlooking both sides of the concourse.

Real quick, where would on go to see a bunch of photos of the old terminal building and what not. I have tried googling it and can't seem to find many of them.

Real quick, where would on go to see a bunch of photos of the old terminal building and what not. I have tried googling it and can't seem to find many of them.

A few places I know of that *might* have them ("might" because I haven't ever looked for those kinds of pics, but they seem like a reasonable source) is Doug Dawgz Blog, OK Historical Society, Retro Metro OKC. There are some others in the sidebar of Doug's blog that could be helpful too.

A few places I know of that *might* have them ("might" because I haven't ever looked for those kinds of pics, but they seem like a reasonable source) is Doug Dawgz Blog, OK Historical Society, Retro Metro OKC. There are some others in the sidebar of Doug's blog that could be helpful too.

Thanks!

I've taken several photos from the observation tower and from inside the old terminal's Concourse C if you'd like to see them. Circa late '90s early 2000s.

I've taken several photos from the observation tower and from inside the old terminal's Concourse C if you'd like to see them. Circa late '90s early 2000s.

Yes, I am trying to find interior shots of before the remodel. I vaguely remember what it looks like, so I am trying to refresh my memory. And Google is not very helpful. All that comes up is 2 different exterior shots and then a bunch of images from the shooting that happened not too long ago

Ahh, well I don't have any interior shots, sorry. Only shots of the terminla are ones that just happened to come into view when I took shots of aircraft. But I have enough to give the viewer a rough idea of how the concourses were arranged.

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Awesome pics... thanks for sharing...

I found some great pics on gateway.okhistory.org. But like someone said in another thread, it is highly addictive.

Flying OKC-SAT tomorrow on F9. 180 seat A320-neo and as of 5pm 38 seats were booked. Fare was $15 each way.

Yikes but that’s an awesome fare

Frontier seat maps can be especially misleading because most of their passengers will not pay extra to have an assigned seat. Once they check in the seat map will fill up. The fares are rediculous, though. I buy tickets to denver for work and they are typically $2-3 + tax. I didn’t miss any zeroes. Even though I buy the tickets I’ve only used them once, I prefer to fly on my airline but the peace of mind is worth it knowing I have a confirmed seat if I can’t get on UA.

Frontier seat maps can be especially misleading because most of their passengers will not pay extra to have an assigned seat. Once they check in the seat map will fill up. The fares are rediculous, though. I buy tickets to denver for work and they are typically $2-3 + tax. I didn’t miss any zeroes. Even though I buy the tickets I’ve only used them once, I prefer to fly on my airline but the peace of mind is worth it knowing I have a confirmed seat if I can’t get on UA.

I sympathize with the “fly as cheap as possible” mindset but I like shelling out more for guarantees.

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That logo! Wish that could come back.

Flying OKC-SAT tomorrow on F9. 180 seat A320-neo and as of 5pm 38 seats were booked. Fare was $15 each way.

I flew Frontier two times the last month. First time since they are back in OKC as an UltraLowCost:

One round trip to Orlando in A 320, one was a brand new NEO which made me happy. The OKC to MCO, we were about 170 passengers out of 180 seats and the way back was full. That is good !

I flew to San Antonio Saturday, back yesterday, on A 319 and I think both flights were a third full... I dont give the OKC SAT route a long expectancy...

Frontier experience was fine and it was cheap. Nothing beats non stops.

I flew Frontier two times the last month. First time since they are back in OKC as an UltraLowCost:

One round trip to Orlando in A 320, one was a brand new NEO which made me happy. The OKC to MCO, we were about 170 passengers out of 180 seats and the way back was full. That is good !

I flew to San Antonio Saturday, back yesterday, on A 319 and I think both flights were a third full... I dont give the OKC SAT route a long expectancy...

Frontier experience was fine and it was cheap. Nothing beats non stops.

I think your prediction is right. They ended the route before it even started! (Removed it from the schedule further out)

I think your prediction is right. They ended the route before it even started! (Removed it from the schedule further out)

Like AUS, SAT would probably work with an RJ but not an A319 or 737. If Southwest increased its route network for SAT it might eventually work. It's a key business and tourism market in the region.

That logo! Wish that could come back.

I couldn't agree more. The current cowboy Will Rogers just doesn't fit the theme of the airport today IMO.

Plus the current logo, being a cowboy, plays too much into the stereotype of what folks expect here.

https://flyokc.com/sites/default/files/News/August2018Enplanement.pdf

Solid end to the summer travel season.

https://flyokc.com/sites/default/files/News/August2018Enplanement.pdf

Solid end to the summer travel season.

I wonder how well the Alaska Airlines flight to Seattle does. PDX is high on my list of non-stop flights I would love for OKC to get, but I doubt they would fly here if that Seattle flight isn't doing well.

I wonder how well the Alaska Airlines flight to Seattle does. PDX is high on my list of non-stop flights I would love for OKC to get, but I doubt they would fly here if that Seattle flight isn't doing well.

It’s averaging a 80-90% load factor for the past 3 years. Okc is stuck in a weird place with it. Alaska doesn’t think they can fill a 737, and they don’t have the fleet slack or gate space in seattle to attempt a 2nd frequency. Portland is a small market from OKC and likely couldn’t support nonstop service.

If I had to bet, I’d say Alaska’s “negative” growth is a result of a canceled flight or two. When you only operate 30 flights a month, 1 or 2 canceled flights will show up as a much larger percent; and they also don’t have any other flights to move the passengers to.

I don’t think via air is going to be around much longer, hope I’m wrong but it’s averaging like 7 passengers each way

It’s averaging a 80-90% load factor for the past 3 years. Okc is stuck in a weird place with it. Alaska doesn’t think they can fill a 737, and they don’t have the fleet slack or gate space in seattle to attempt a 2nd frequency. Portland is a small market from OKC and likely couldn’t support nonstop service.

If I had to bet, I’d say Alaska’s “negative” growth is a result of a canceled flight or two. When you only operate 30 flights a month, 1 or 2 canceled flights will show up as a much larger percent; and they also don’t have any other flights to move the passengers to.

When the Sea-Tac north terminal expansion is done, will it free up gate space allowing Alaska to expand?

Solid numbers for OKC air travel. Unfortunately, Hurricane Harvey was messing with IAH and HOU last August so that would likely skew the numbers in the way they did vs this year.

But, since I'm a glass half-full guy...numbers are up... so...cheers all around :)

This seems like the most appropriate place to ask this question. Does anybody know if it is possible or legal for that matter to offer flights that restrict infants from those flights? I imagine there would be a market for a carrier to offer selective flights with that restriction.

Is it possible? Yes. Is it smart? No.

What kind of infants are you wanting to restrict? Ones that cry? Ones that are quiet? Ones that smile? I know, infants sometimes make noises. But there are plenty that don't. My daughter (who is now 3), has been on over 100 flights and has flown to Asia once, Europe 3 times and South America once and hardly made a peep. She may have fussed a few times but never more than a few mins.

Bottom line: It would be a horrible idea for an airline to conduct business that way. Let's not forget that we were all infants before

My inquiry was not to engage in combat with families who have infants. My asking was in the vein of if an airline has multiple flights to a destination offering one or two of them 3 days a week as designated infant less. Tell me how offering consumers a choice is a horrible way to conduct business.

I have an infant and I get it.

Is it possible? Yes. Is it smart? No.

What kind of infants are you wanting to restrict? Ones that cry? Ones that are quiet? Ones that smile? I know, infants sometimes make noises. But there are plenty that don't. My daughter (who is now 3), has been on over 100 flights and has flown to Asia once, Europe 3 times and South America once and hardly made a peep. She may have fussed a few times but never more than a few mins.

Bottom line: It would be a horrible idea for an airline to conduct business that way. Let's not forget that we were all infants before

Bottom bottom line: businesses should be free to conduct business as they see fit. The market will determine if it’s a good idea or not.

IE: I don’t think prebaording for the disabled should be a federal law. It’s amazing to me how many people are magically cured during a SW flight. They can barely walk before but once the flight is over, like magic they are as healthy as a 22 year old. Should be up to the airline.

I'd say it's basically the dictionary definition of discrimination, and I don't think any airline would want to be related to even the slightest bit of discrimination, even if it is toward a baby. Seems it could be bad marketing.

On the opposite side of the spectrum, imagine an airline saying "no one over the age of 75 on the 2:00 PM flight".

I have an infant and I get it.

I have 2 kids myself who while not infants now once were. My perspective is not one of a childless individual.

I actually have an idea where airlines place families either at the front or back section of the plane. Since children usually need to make a trip to the bathroom at least once why not put them closer to the lavatories. These sections could be divided like first class is. No difference in service, just grouping groups with younger passengers in a specific section which would allow families to sit together or closer together than when faced with the current setup. Now the family sections would need to be able to be fluid, i.e. the number of rows needs to be determined on a per flight basis depending on the number of families with young children.

There are adults on flights that annoy me more than infants. Probably the best solution is to charter a jet and pick one's own passengers. In the mean time I will continue to put in the headphones, crank up the tunes, and keep my eyes closed most of the flight whether or not I'm sleeping.

I actually have an idea where airlines place families either at the front or back section of the plane. Since children usually need to make a trip to the bathroom at least once why not put them closer to the lavatories. These sections could be divided like first class is. No difference in service, just grouping groups with younger passengers in a specific section which would allow families to sit together or closer together than when faced with the current setup. Now the family sections would need to be able to be fluid, i.e. the number of rows needs to be determined on a per flight basis depending on the number of families with young children.When I was growing up (80s) my parents always used to tell me they put families at the back of planes and that's why we were always at the back (I always wanted to sit up front). No idea if there was any truth to that but doubt it.

Some airlines are doing some things about making parts of the plane kid-free zones, however.
http://www.foxnews.com/travel/2018/01/29/airlines-experimenting-with-kid-free-zones-on-planes.html

Flying SWA to MSY last week, while they we're doing their pre-takeoff routine, they added that all music, video, and games had to be used with headphones. One parent let their child play a game at high blast and the attendant got onto them and they reluctantly put headphones on their child. There is hope for humanity.

Also, I agree with statement above, I see way more adults who act like children than actual children.

United moving mainline from DEN to IAH for Dec Jan Feb. will be a midday Airbus to IAH.

^UA's been doing that for some years now right, having a midday mainline to/from IAH? Or am I remembering incorrectly? I know for sure back in '07 UA had a daily to IAH in the summer, I flew back in a 737-500 in the mid-afternoon.

On another note, here's DL's new Airbus 220-100 (CS-100) (https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DnDXWrAW0AAA5TG.jpg:large). Looks nice, might see this at some point in the future between here and ATL. The reviews for this aircraft by those who have flown in it are very positive.

No, UA has been RJ only for the past 3-4 years to IAH. Some schedules they have introduced it for a week or two, or as a one-way flight (IAH-OKC-DEN)

Ahh ok, I guess I got "lucky" then, probably saw it on FlightAware during one of those one-off periods.

Not sure when exactly but DL switches SLC to E175 service; I was looking in the June schedule. Initial batch of A220’s will be based there, I think we may see it on OKC-SLC at some point.

^UA's been doing that for some years now right, having a midday mainline to/from IAH? Or am I remembering incorrectly? I know for sure back in '07 UA had a daily to IAH in the summer, I flew back in a 737-500 in the mid-afternoon.

On another note, here's DL's new Airbus 220-100 (CS-100) (https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DnDXWrAW0AAA5TG.jpg:large). Looks nice, might see this at some point in the future between here and ATL. The reviews for this aircraft by those who have flown in it are very positive.

It looks nice. Anything will do to replace the old McD 80 family. I can not deal with them anymore. So loud inside and outside.
Cant to see DL and AA send them to retirement.

Not sure when exactly but DL switches SLC to E175 service; I was looking in the June schedule. Initial batch of A220’s will be based there, I think we may see it on OKC-SLC at some point.
That's great. The E175s are a lot more comfortable.


It looks nice. Anything will do to replace the old McD 80 family. I can not deal with them anymore. So loud inside and outside.
Cant to see DL and AA send them to retirement.
I love the old mad dogs! I'll be sad to see them go.

It looks nice. Anything will do to replace the old McD 80 family. I can not deal with them anymore. So loud inside and outside.
Cant to see DL and AA send them to retirement.

What seat did you sit in? If you sit in the last 5 rows towards the rear, it is fairly loud. The closer you are to the engines, the louder it gets. Of all my rides in the MD-80s, the only time it was really loud was when I had a seat right next to the engine, and it definitely was quite noisy. Then one time I was in row 6 (window seat 6A if memory serves) and it was so silent! Barely heard the engines start, barely heard the engines spool up on taxi and takeoff, takeoff run was nothing but tire noise increasing as we sped down the runway, and the rest of the flight was very quiet. Only sound I heard was the sound of air rushing past. Definitely one of the quietest flights I've had.

If you are looking forward to seeing them go, AA will be retiring them next year. DL will be retiring all MD-88s in its fleet in 2020.

Frequency of tests running has really picked up the last week or two.

https://i.imgur.com/Yrjt2BX.jpg

Ok?

Ok?

I think it was posted in the wrong thread...?