WINTER FLIGHTS CONTINUE IN FULL SWING through MARCH
There are many great options and reasons to FLY SUN!
March is shaping up to be another busy month for our destination, with lots of great spring skiing, great events, and continued great daily nonstop air service.
United DEN, SFO, LAX, ORD and Alaska SEA flights stop at end of March, and will resume for the summer in mid-late June
SUN AIRPORT STUDY LOOKS AT HOW TO IMPROVE FLIGHT RELIABILITY
While the snowy weather has certainly impacted flights to SUN this winter season, particularly in February, the Friedman Memorial Airport is actively working to determine if there are ways to reduce weather-related flight diversions at SUN. We appreciate their efforts to find a solution to this issue that is important to the airport, airlines and our passengers.
Wow, it has been quite the winter for snow, which is great for skiers but not so great for air travelers. Fortunately, all of our SUN passengers are still able get to their destinations in the same day, thanks to our unique diversion busing program, which is provided by the airlines serving SUN as a benefit to customers whose flights are affected by winter weather. They are committed to get you where you to need to go!
Many thanks to the terrific effort of the airlines and bus company, Caldwell Transportation, whose employees work very hard to assist and transport our SUN air passengers during challenging winter weather conditions. AND thanks also to the hard working airport crew who are keeping SUN operational for the flights that are able to land and depart.
Reminder: The SUN winter diversion busing program runs through April 15, 2019.
Delta and United (SLC,SFO,DEN,ORD) flight diversions are to/from Twin Falls airport.
Horizon/Alaska (SEA) flight diversions are to/from Boise airport.
Those who had the experience of being on a diverted flight to Twin Falls over the past few years, likely were greeted warmly and instructed effectively by the energetic Ruth Bennet, one of the Caldwell Transportation Company's dedicated airport hosts. Sadly, Ruth passed on recently but we wanted to express our appreciation for the fabulous job she did making sure our SUN passengers had a good experience, even in the midst of the confusion that can happen with diverted flights. She loved helping people and did it well.
Thank you Ruth.
FSVA BOARD WELCOMES NEW LEADER, NEW MEMBER
NEW FSVA BOARD PRESIDENT JOHN CURNOW
John Curnow, General Manager of the Limelight Hotel in Ketchum, was recently elected as the new Board President of FSVA. John has served on the board for the last 3 years, and most recently as a member of the FSVA Executive Committee as Secretary. He supports the important work of FSVA to improve air service to Sun Valley because he understands the important connection between air service, marketing and a robust economy for resort destinations like ours. We welcome John in this new role and look forward to his active leadership.
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUTGOING FSVA BOARD PRESIDENT ERIC SEDER
Few people have been as influential in economic development for our community in the past decade as Eric Seder. From his years of nonprofit board service with Wood River Valley Economic Partnership (WREP) and Sun Valley Economic Development (SVED) to his leadership with Fly Sun Valley Alliance (FSVA), his involvement has greatly benefited our community in many ways. He actively championed the need for better air service here and was instrumental in the creation of the dedicated 1% Local Option Tax for Air in 2014 which allowed FSVA to improve air service to SUN dramatically over the past five years. His strategic vision and expertise has been a big factor in our success.
A HUGE thanks and our deepest appreciation to Eric for his years of strong and effective leadership in our organization. We are grateful that he will continue to serve on the FSVA Board.
NEW FSVA BOARD MEMBER JACK HAND
Jack Hand, Chairman of the Board and retired CEO of Power Engineers, a global engineering company headquartered in Hailey and one of the largest area employers, has joined the FSVA board of directors. Air travel access at SUN is critically important to Power Engineers' employees and clients and we know his input and involvement will be extremely valuable as we chart our strategic course for the future.
The Friedman Memorial Airport Authority (FMAA) welcomes new leaders for the new year.
Dick Fosbury
As newly elected Blaine County Commissioner, Dick has joined the Friedman Memorial Airport Authority (FMAA) Board as a representative of Blaine County, one of the owners of the airport.
Ron Fairfax
Ron, a local pilot and dentist who has served on the FMA board for the past 17 years, was recently selected by the members of the FMAA to serve as the Independent Representative on the board for another three year term.
Single lane checkpoints like the one we have here at SUN, a dedicated TSA Pre-check lane is not possible. Instead, what we have at SUN is a "hybrid" Pre-check set-up where Pre-check passengers get "expedited" screening. Recently, the TSA has implemented a pilot program for preliminary level of true PreCheck operations at SUN. Here's how it works: In coordination with the airlines - and based on flight schedules - TSA will switch the checkpoint over to designated PreCheck passengers for 15-minute increments. The number of PreCheck passengers that move through the checkpoint vs. non-PreCheck passengers is quite amazing, and this new process should significantly help with crunch-time demand.
Like with any new program, kinks are being ironed out along the way. However, the process is already helping make the screening process better for everyone and we appreciate the traveling public's input and support as we continue to refine this program.
TSA TRAVEL TIPS FOR SUN AIR TRAVELERS
While TSA concentrates on aviation security, passengers can assist by coming to the airport prepared. Here are some helpful travel tips to make the security checkpoint experience at SUN go smoothly...
Arrive at SUN 2 hours prior to your flight departure time to ensure adequate time to be screened through the security checkpoint. At peak travel times, the number of departing passengers can exceed capacity. By arriving early, you will be at your gate with time to spare.
Organize your carry-on bag so electronics larger than a cell phone can be quickly and easily accessed when at the security checkpoint. All electronic devises larger than a cell phone should be placed in the bins for x-ray screening with nothing on top or below, similar to how laptops have been screened for years.
Remove travel size liquids, gels and aerosols (3.4 oz or less) from carry-on luggage. Ensure they can be quickly and easily accessed. Any quantities larger than 3.4 ounces should be placed in checked baggage.
Dress for security screening. Simplify your experience by avoiding bulky jewelry, scarves, hair accessories and large belts since these types of items are likely to require additional screening. Remember to remove all items from your pockets and secure them in your carry-on bag.
FMAA MEETING NOTICE
The next meeting of the Friedman Memorial Airport Authority:
Tuesday, April 9, 5:30pm Old Blaine County Courthouse, Hailey
FMAA board meeting agendas and packets available HERE
While the snowy weather has certainly impacted flights to SUN this winter season, particularly in February, the Friedman Memorial Airport is actively working to determine if there are ways to reduce weather-related flight diversions at SUN. We appreciate their efforts to find a solution to this issue that is important to the airport, airlines and our passengers.
Those who had the experience of being on a diverted flight to Twin Falls over the past few years, likely were greeted warmly and instructed effectively by the energetic Ruth Bennet, one of the Caldwell Transportation Company's dedicated airport hosts. Sadly, Ruth passed on recently but we wanted to express our appreciation for the fabulous job she did making sure our SUN passengers had a good experience, even in the midst of the confusion that can happen with diverted flights. She loved helping people and did it well.
NEW FSVA BOARD PRESIDENT JOHN CURNOW 
Few people have been as influential in economic development for our community in the past decade as Eric Seder. From his years of nonprofit board service with Wood River Valley Economic Partnership (WREP) and Sun Valley Economic Development (SVED) to his leadership with Fly Sun Valley Alliance (FSVA), his involvement has greatly benefited our community in many ways. He actively championed the need for better air service here and was instrumental in the creation of the dedicated 1% Local Option Tax for Air in 2014
FLY SUN VALLEY ALLIANCE