There is a great regional airline in the United States that is greatly unheard of. Contour Airlines plays a pivotal role connecting underserved communities to large airline hubs. This past year Contour Airlines has picked up a handful of routes that were dropped from SkyWest under the Essential Air Service (EAS) Program. Through this program, Contour is serving underserved small communities in Arizona, Georgia, Utah and West Virginia. Contour Airlines passengers can transfer onwards from these communities to American Airlines destinations on a single booking. Contour Airlines will be reviewed aboard their inaugural service from Vernal, Utah to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX).
Preflight Experience
Contour Airlines flights can be booked in two different ways. If connecting to or from an American Airlines destinations, flights can be booked at AA.com. Flights can also be booked on Contour Airlines website with the ability to connect onwards to an American Airlines flight. As this trip was terminating in Phoenix booking was accomplished through Contour Airlines website. The website’s interface is basic but provides for a smooth booking process. Contour participates in TSA Pre and allows for known traveler number entry at booking. Bags and seat selection are complimentary when booking online with Contour. With Vernal being such a small airport, check-in and was quick with friendly service from the enthusiastic employees. It was observed that a handful of passengers on this flight were continuing onwards from Phoenix on American Airlines operated flights.
Inflight Experience
Boarding is commenced from rear to front of the aircraft after active duty military and those requiring assistance. For this inaugural flight 29 out of the 30 seats were occupied. Being a smaller aircraft, overhead bin space is quite limited so many passengers opted to gate check their larger carryon items during boarding. As the aircraft spent the night in vernal, a deicing was needed before rocketing out of the airport. After reaching 10,000 feet the sole flight attendant began the snack and beverage service. Being an inaugural flight, complimentary champaign or mimosas were offered in addition to the standard coffee, water and soda options available. Snacks consisted of either Biscoff or a snack mix. Unlike larger aircraft, the flight attendant handed snacks and beverages out one by one instead of using a cumbersome trolly.
The seat offers more than generous pitch at over 36″ along with a full sized tray table able to accommodate a standard size laptop. There is no wi-fi or power outlets on the aircraft, so it is best to charge ahead of time. Given the short duration of the flight this was not an issue. Plus, the mountainous scenery below provided breathtaking views with the snowy landscape transitioning to an almost Martian desert looking brown. In no time the Embraer 135 Regional Jet reached top of descent a few miles out from sunny Phoenix.
Final Boarding Call
Contour Airlines is filling a niche in the airline market that can be easily overlooked. While their aircraft may not be outfitted with fancy inflight entertainment systems or seats that turn into a bed, their onboard product gets the job done for the primary missions these aircraft fly. Perks like 36″ of legroom and free bags when booking through Contour’s website were an unexpected but welcome surprise. The Contour gate staff and flight crew were enthusiastic for the new service and provided stellar service. Reviewing an Essential Air Service route provided a greater understanding of the important role airlines like Contour Airlines play in connecting small communities like Vernal to major airline hubs.