March 10, 2002: US Airways Express (Operated by Allegheny) 3729, ITH - PIT, Dash-8 Lots of firsts on this trip: first trip to Pittsburgh, first fight on a Dash-8, first trip out of Ithaca/Tompkins Regional. Flight delayed about 45 minutes due to late-arriving aircraft from Pittsburgh. Weather was pretty unsettled between Pittsburgh and Ithaca and the Dash only cruises at 16,000, so it was pretty rough for much of the flight. Earlier flights were so bad that several people were sick on the aircraft. That is always great to hear as you are sitting in the terminal waiting to go. My flight was actually pretty smooth--only sustained turbulence was during descent into Pittsburgh. Flight was approximately 1 hour, 20 minutes (as promised). Impressed with the Pittsburgh airport: much bigger than I expected and the "Airmall" in the center of the four concourses is an interesting concept. The separation of ticketing/baggage/security and passenger gates by an underground tram was also something new for me, but I have to admit that I liked it. I'm sure the FAA likes it now, as well, since it helps keep people out of the terminal. Pretzels and drink service. Aircraft 80% full. March 11, 2002: US Airways Express (Operated by Transtates) 5260, PIT - ITH, ERJ Another first, this time on an Embraer Regional Jet. Aircraft was pretty dirty and in need of some attention (seats were torn, armrests damaged, etc.). Overall, I think I like the CRJ better--the 1x2 seating makes for a noticeably narrower cabin (at least it seems that way). Reminded me a lot of the EMB-120, for obvious reasons. Windows are bigger on the ERJ, which is a plus Not sure how long some of the stores in the Airmall can hold out. I was there in the heart of the afternoon and the terminal was pretty empty. Plus, the store selection seems odd: how many people are going to buy a Mont Blanc pen at the Pittsburgh Airport? No idea why this flight was about 20 minutes late. I'm guessing late-arriving aircraft, but the US Airways staff never kept us informed of anything. Aircraft was maybe 25% full--lots of empty rows. Same pretzel and drink service as on the way down. Overall, nothing great to report about US Airways Express. But then, I've got nothing bad to report, either. --- ITH: Ithaca, NY PIT: Pittsburgh, PA