Cuts the travel time from PDX to Cancun to 5 3/4 hours non-stop versus almost 8 hours to over 20 hours on scheduled airline. Service is on B757-200's. Service begins on Dec. 18th, 2005.
Flights are red-eyes departing PDX at 11:50 pm and arriving at 7:25 am the next day. Return flights depart at 6 pm and arive PDX at 10:10 that night. Flights are scheduled on Mondays and Fridays.
Full hotel-flight packages for 6, 9, or 10 nights start at $764 double occupancy depending on the "luxe" of the hotel. Air, by itself starts at $520, which compared to one-stop flights is a wash. Air only seats are not restricted.
SunTrips does not overbook. On-time at the airport means three hours before flight time. You get a free hot meal (imgagine that!!!, ), movie with headsets at $5. Blankets, pillows and seat that has a pitch of 32 inches, about average for commercial airlines.
Public charters are allowed to cancel flights up to 10 days before departure but SunTrips spokesperson says the flights are not cancelled, just rescheduled and if that doesn't work refunds are processed immediately.
Even though SunTrips has an excellent reputation travel agents caution that you should read all the fine print before plunking down your dinero.
Source: Portland "Oregonian" Oct. 16, 2005
